Inspirational life coach and podcaster McAfee debuts with a warm, inspired, and polished Christian new-adult romance that overflows with grace as its heroine strives for perfection. Away from her small South Carolina hometown, UNC freshman Gabby falls hard for a bad-boy guitarist during her first week of nursing school. Her grades nosedive as the couple moves in together and marries, much against her loving sister’s wishes. Despite Adderall addiction, losing a coveted internship, and divorce, Gabby claws her way out of depression into the arms of firefighter Griffin Gerardi. But her toxic insecurities threaten to shatter their love as bumps in the road to becoming a nurse challenge her perfectionism. Thoroughly realistic in its representation of new-college student challenges, this cautionary tale depicts the temptations of parties and romance, which distract Gabby from her academic goals. Luckily, her modern, laid-back faith strengthens her. Voices of reason come in the forms of rock-song lyrics and a radio DJ, as well as her sister, who steady Gabby when she most needs direction. The Christian element does not slow the pace or dominate the narrative, and it’s unlikely to deter secular readers, as many of the novel’s resonant gems of wisdom belong to no one tradition. Gabby embodies the classic picture of a college girl, sporting crop tops and drinking with the opposite sex. Love scenes remain implicit.
An action-packed prologue hooks the reader and offers a sneak peek at how Gabby and Griffin meet. First-person point-of-view in present tense lends an active voice to quieter passages and showcases Gabby’s diamond-in-the-rough, courageous character. Likewise, the conversational writing style promotes a sense of intimacy between protagonist and reader. Poetic prose matches swoon-worthy characters, like the bad boy with “a laugh that makes his whiskey-colored eyes bloom to sunburst.” Burning Hope’s satisfying narrative and characters will uplift fans of contemporary, sweet love stories.
Takeaway: Warm, realistic, uplifting romance with nuanced messages of faith.
Comparable Titles: Jessica Park’s Flat-Out Love, Jill Penrod’s Girls Aglow series.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
A great read that grabs you into the real and rawness of life! You’ll be able to see the beauty in the story.
