HOPE BURNS is the third book in the Hope series, which can be
read as a standalone. This is a story that deals with trust
issues, unresolved issues, and facing painful memories. Jaci
Burton does an excellent job in showing the effects of a
painful teenage experience and how they influence decisions in adulthood.
Molly Burnett comes home to participate in her sister Emma's wedding
even though she finds it difficult because this is where she
has painful memories. And it's even more difficult because
she knows she will come face to face with Carter Richards, her
teenage love. The means which Molly has uses to deal with
this pain is by constantly moving from place to place.
Unfortunately, because of unforeseen circumstances, she ends
up staying longer than she originally planned. Carter is
happy to have her home again. He's hoping he gets the chance to
rectify choices made during their teenage years. Carter and
Molly start a relationship again, but will the past get in the
way of having something lasting?
When you learn what happened while they were teenagers and its
effect, you can feel the pain that was suffered and understand
the different reactions. It's very painful, personal, and life
changing. It's an experience that will definitely affect your
choices and decisions, and even more so when you're a teenager.
I enjoyed reading. Carter and Molly may have dealt with some
tough decisions as teenagers, but HOPE BURNS within them as
adults to find a way to find happiness again.
Molly Burnett dreads returning to her hometown of Hope for
her sister’s wedding, especially knowing she’ll have to
endure a weekend with the one man she never wants to see
again. It’s only a couple of days, so Molly will try to
forget her painful past with high school sweetheart Carter
Richards. Because despite the bitter memories, she still
can’t forget what they once meant to each other.
But when Molly is forced to extend her stay, Carter sees
this as his second chance to do things right, to start over
again with the only woman he’s ever loved. This time, he
isn’t going to let Molly run. Together they’re going to
confront the past and put it behind them, and hope for a
future as bright as the flame that still burns hot between
them.