Into the Fire

This is one of my favorite covers. Place Called Home by Brenda S. Anderson is the 11th novella in a collection of The Potter's House Books.  

Tessitura (Tessa) Chanson runs away from her traveling musical ministry parents with her handsome boyfriend because the sheltered and imposing lifestyle of her Christian parents seems overbearing to her. Little does she know this handsome guy wants to possess her and by leaving the protection of her "over-protective" parents she discovers exactly what losing that protection has meant to her.

Using her neighbor's genuine friendship, she escapes the emotional abuse, which hints of a possible physical threat, of her captor boyfriend after months of preparation. Her plan isn't foolproof and when she thinks she spots her ex's truck on the highway as she's on the final leg of her journey walking to her aunt's secluded cabin to hide, she dives into the roadside woods and hurts herself. Turns out the truck doesn't belong to her ex but to another guy who's there to rescue her – something neither he nor she realizes.

Nate Brooks knows the facility called Our Home for homeless youth is full and he's been warned: "No more rescues right now!" There aren't a lot of choices left for this young terrified woman with an ankle injury except for his "reformed" school bus at home. Facing his parents with this need won't be easy either.

Place Called Home addresses the manipulative, controlling process of an abusive boyfriend, the desire to be independent without knowing how to accomplish it, and the unique requests the God of the universe will often make to those who are willing to hear His voice. The pratfalls of having experienced abuse always figures into an individual's effort to trust someone again, to establishing any relationships, and to find some element of self worth in the process of healing. Brenda handles these challenges with realistic characters and their reactions and keen insights.

Place Called Home is a quick read with quality characters and situations and a satisfying conclusion – not to mention that fabulous cover!

Father, please continue to bless Brenda in all her work done for you. Fill her up with inspiration and the time and energy to do as you ask. Watch over her, Lord, in the Name of Jesus, Amen.