Rarely does a story come along which touches one in countless ways from every affecting scene, yet this writer does so with her first release. The name of Anne Krist will become recognized as an author who conveys genuine and heightened feelings between her memorable characters.

Upon learning about a long ago deception, the comfortable world of Sara Richards is turned upside down. The chain of events started when she received an envelope containing three letters which were originally written in 1970 and never delivered until now. Paul Steinert was in the Navy and was sent on a tour of duty to Vietnam. These two met right before he left, and they had a short but meaningful relationship. At least Sara thought their time together meant something, but begins to wonder when she receives no word from Paul after he left. When she finds herself pregnant and still no letters from the man who said he loved her, she and her immediate family change the details so her future will work out better, especially when she hears Paul was killed in the war.

After reading the just arrived letters, Sara realizes it was her parents who betrayed her, not the man she has never completely forgotten. Feeling as though she needs to make amends for the lies and secrets in her past, she believes her daughter needs to be told the truth. First, though, Sara travels to where the parents of Paul lived, as she wants to let them know about the granddaughter they never knew existed. As truths come out, the past continues to influence what decisions are made in the present.

The exceptional storytelling ability of Anne Krist shines throughout this compelling story from start to finish. Beautifully written and particularly heartwarming, this is romance at its finest. With a marvelous cast of characters and an original plot, BURNING BRIDGES will grab readers and pull them into the imaginative and noteworthy storyline. A connection is formed almost immediately as each dynamic character is introduced, and all aspects of their lives become more important as each new detail is revealed. There are joyous times intermingled with the more poignant moments, and every single situation is shown with heartfelt realism. Although the book is packed with circumstances where emotions are at the forefront, there is never a time when a set of events did not add immensely to the story. With the myriad of sentiments between the convincingly portrayed characters, I found these spirited individuals quickly working their way into my own heart as their happiness or anguish also affected me. With having grown up during the time of the Vietnam War, this story was especially moving to me as I remember this being a stressful time in U.S. history. Whether this gifted author is writing a tender romance as Anne Krist or a more sensuously steamy tale as Dee S. Knight, the story will be totally rewarding. I look forward to many more books from “both” of these authors. With surprising twists and believable interplay between characters, BURNING BRIDGES is an unforgettable love story filled with passionate desires and potent emotions.

Filed Under: Bookstrand July 2008 Reviews	About the Book: Genre: contemporary ISBN: 1-60601-019-0 Page Count: 226 Price: $ 5.99 Reviewer: Amelia Richard
	Sensuality Rating: Sensuous Star Rating: 5 Stars