Into the Fire

My long-distance friend and author of several novels, two published, Brenda S. Anderson, is correct about me in saying I'm not a big fan of the "Women's Fiction" genre. However, Brenda's first published novel Chain of Mercy, reviewed here, introduces the Coming Home Series with both Chain of Mercy and Pieces of Granite dealing with serious issues that can make or break individuals and families. Each story takes their characters to the brink of self-inflicted pain and destruction.

Pieces of Granite gives the reader a rare two-fold focus. Integrating the stories of Debbie, her husband Jerry, their 3 year old daughter Kaitlynn, and their soon-to-be born daughter Lily who will be a Down Syndrome child, Debbie's older brother Richard, who is the protagonist in Chain of Mercy, plays a less visible but equally important role in Pieces of Granite which is the prequel to Chain of Mercy. 

Pieces of Granite provides background to the Richard Brooks (known affectionately to his family as Ricky) we first meet in Chain of Mercy. He's the power businessman climbing a ladder to a respected position in a high-stakes company at the top of its game. Hypnotized by the wealth and status of a Manhattan lifestyle, he has set aside his Christian faith and conduct to high roll with his co-workers.

We also get a deeper look at Debbie, the set-aside professional therapist and pregnant mom, the committed wife, the little sister to two feuding brothers, Richard and Marcus, who finally reaches that near-breakdown when her husband Jerry refuses to bond with Lily because of his past losses and fears.

Debbie's big brother "Ricky" becomes instrumental in her family's healing when he decides to make them a priority, something he's failed to do too many times.

Back and forth between the story of Debbie's and Richard's individual lives and their relationship with each other, Pieces of Granite reveals the differences between them and what ultimately sustains them.

A Christian novel from start to finish, the meaning of the title is deftly illustrated at the end in a touching scene between big brother and little sister.

Father, please continue to bless Brenda as she tells stories of hard things in the lives of your people. Inspire her, lead her, and give her a voice to the hurting hearts who need to read her stories. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.