Into the Fire

Brenda S. Anderson's Long Way Home is Book 4 in The Potter's House Collection. 

Lauren Bauman has outgrown most of her timidity after having experienced some intense bullying in her middle school years to the point where her now deceased father enrolled her in a different school. After his death, she became an adopted fixture in the Brooks' family and learned how to grow into the young woman and college graduate she's become. That is until the guy responsible for that bullying is invited to accompany her and her "sort-of brother" Nate in his customized school bus named "Draken" as they head out on their road trip to New York for Lauren's new home and job. 

Jet (Jethro Wurm) is one of the "strays" Nate rescued and brought to "Our Home", a place where young people without homes were allowed to live as they figured out and straightened out their lives. Most of their circumstances weren't quite like Jet's, but Nate knew Jet needed some stability and care so he'd encouraged him to stay. When Nate invites him to go on their trip, he's immediately excited to go. 

Nate is stunned when Lauren reacts with a noticeable change of color and quick exit after being introduced.

Every fear she experienced, every insecurity she felt during that time of being bullied returns in a torrent when she hears his name and realizes who he is. Overcoming the emotions of both hurt and anger will require more than she's prepared to give. 

Brenda's novella in this collection of stories covers the depth of lasting pain inflicted by others, the work it takes to correct ingrained behaviors often brought on by those deep hurts, the freedom forgiveness affords, and the desperate need for redemption and real lasting love.  

With the focus on these young 20-somethings, Long Way Home with its great cover, multi-faceted meaning in the title, and evangelical message would make a good gift for teens and up. 

Father, you know Brenda's heart after you. I pray you would continue to fill her up with more stories that minister to young and old and in between. Bless her in your abundance. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.