Once Burned

Jacie Griffey
Zumaya Publications (2005)
ISBN 1554101301
Reviewed by Geri Smith for Reader Views (6/06)

“Once Burned,” a compelling love story fills the reader with glimpses of humor, intrigue, and passion. It makes you think about the many perils that life offers. The main female character, Christine Louise Lovell, whom friends call, “Chris,” puts herself into some humorous  inconveniences just to delay what fate seems fit to dictate for her.  As the story moves along and pulls you into her escapades, you soon know that even with all of her cowardice, fate will not be denied.

Losing both parents at the same time, then losing her fiancé to another woman soon after, is hard to handle in the best of times. Then along comes an unexpected event that puts Christine into an uncomfortable position that is equally difficult for her to handle. When she runs into a “mystery man” who seems out to get her, she is prone to distrust him and her feelings on first sight.

“Duff,” a typical arrogant man, and always good-looking to match, sets out to help fate along. How do you know when you meet that special someone who could be your Mr. Right? Christine’s emotions are put on hold for fear of being “burned” again. See can’t see into his heart because her judgment is flawed. And she no longer even wishes to make the effort.
 
Deeper into the story, “Once Burned,” takes you on a pleasant, exciting, and deeply fulfilling journey. The author’s eloquent use of words and language that is interspersed with humor and style is heartwarming. The characters, the setting, and the romantic plot are woven together in such a way that the story is instantly believable from the beginning right to the very end. You can’t help but wonder whether they will make it safely through some of the perils they face. You hold your breath in anticipation. 

You are carried right along and actually made to feel as if you are in the midst of the danger, the heart-tugging emotions, and the intrigue along with each of the characters. You are compelled to hope the characters will make it out of their situations safely and happily. You hold your breath again, and read on. Then sigh with relief. A very moving work of fiction. 

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