Smoke

Ellen Hopkins is a master storyteller. Not only can she weave a tale like you wouldn't believe, she does it in poetry. Not just in form, but in the way she puts words together. In this sequel to Burned, she continues the story of Mormon girl Pattyn Von Stratten. Pattyn is recovering from the loss of her love Ethan and her unborn child. She is also on the run for killing her abusive father in defense of her sister. She finds a new life in California, but even that life is tinged with violence. The daughter of the family she winds up working for is dangerous and out to get Pattyn and her new friend Angel. Back at home Jackie, the sister Pattyn was defending, is recovering from being raped. Everyone has brushed that under the rug. Even worse, the rapist's father is now helping out her widowed mother so she is forced to be in Caleb's company often. Her mother tells her she is partly responsible and should let it go. Her tutor Gavin steps in to protect her and they fall in love. But no one is telling the whole truth. Not Pattyn, not Jackie and not their mother. They all move towards a place of truthfulness as events collide and force each of them to face their guilt and make amends. Can you find love more than once in a lifetime? And do you deserve it if you do? The scenery in these books is beautiful and created such a peaceful backdrop to the horrific things these girls must face. I love her books even though they are filled with tragedy and consequences because they also offer hope. Hope that even in the worst of times, things can get better. Happy reading my friends.