First Burning Bright Book Cover
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First Burning Bright

Book One in The First Burning Bright Series

He just stares at me, his eyes full of infinite sadness. “But you won’t be able to love me the way you did before, Erin. It’ll never be the same.”

Seventeen-year-old Erin Morgan has fallen head over heels for Drew Connor, the new guy in her small North Carolina town. It’s not long, however, before a relapse in Drew’s mental illness rocks their seemingly perfect relationship to its very core.

Reeling from the fallout, Erin turns to the comfort of her loving family and her two lifelong best friends. Yet even their support and sense of humor might not be enough to save her from the whirlwind of her junior year . . . especially when those relationships are also changing. 

Add drunken confessions, a misguided spying mission, and shocking revelations to the mix, and soon Erin’s own mental well-being is in jeopardy.

Though she comes to expect the unexpected, nothing prepares her for the fateful late-night encounter that sends her already teetering world into orbit.

Her memaw has always said life’s full of surprises, but can Erin survive the ups and downs, or will the ride pull her and Drew under?

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Meet The Author

Kelly Bondurant is a full-time writer and lives in North Carolina with her husband and son. Born and raised in a small town, she carries a torch for young adult fiction with a strong sense of place and deep, meaningful relationships. First Burning Bright is her debut novel.

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What Readers Are Saying​

“Anyone that’s ever had a first love will relate to this story. The characters are unforgettable, and the storyline is filled with emotional twists and turns.”
Emily W.First Burning Bright
“The reader bonds with the characters and really cares about their story. Even the little conversations matter, and that’s the beautiful thing about this writing.”
Margo B.First Burning Bright
“This book does an excellent job of tackling difficult topics while maintaining readability and humor. It was easy to get sucked in and just keep reading and reading. The pacing, suspense, and drama were perfect, and the ending was incredible!”
Ruth T.First Burning Bright
“I’m absolutely intrigued by this world and these characters and can’t wait for the next book in the series!”
Sarah W.​First Burning Bright