Cottage and Pen Publishing House introduces Andrew Ntzouras's gripping debut novel, Hope. In the thrilling novel, 'Hope', 14-year-old Taylor Hope Davenport finds herself in yet another new school, marking her twelfth move in her short life. Settling into California, Taylor quickly befriends Cameron and earns the hatred and jealousy of the school bully, Ashley. As if navigating the treacherous waters of middle school weren't enough, Taylor also discovers her growing feelings for Zack, which only intensifies Ashley's hatred. Taylor and Zack cautiously tiptoe around their blossoming romance, both reluctant to reveal their emotions too soon. Amidst the daily drama that engulfs their adolescent lives, a sudden and shocking attack unfolds when Taylor's father is honored with a prestigious medal of valor at Camp Pendleton. In a twist of fate, Taylor and Ashley find themselves taken hostage alongside Kyra, the daughter of the Chief of Staff to the President of the United States.
Forced into a harrowing situation, Taylor and Ashley must set aside their deep-seated hatred and work together to escape their captions alive. Meanwhile, Zack's father, Sergeant Fisher, is called upon by President Hagan for a top-secret mission named Operation Sunshine, aimed at rescuing the hostages. Zack fervently believes he can contribute to his father's efforts in bringing Taylor back safely, but uncertainty looms over whether his ideas will be taken seriously.
As Taylor, Kyra, and another teenage hostage named AJ delve deeper into their captors' world, they discover that these criminals are far less sophisticated and organized than anticipated. Among them is Navid, a young boy who reluctantly follows his father's orders. Now thrust into a battle of wits, the teenagers must outsmart their abductors while the White House initiates Operation Sunshine.
