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.

Book Summary

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.