Kirjahaku

Alayna was born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome to a runaway 16-year-old girl who dumped the baby on the steps of a foster agency. Although the doctors predicted she would suffer from academic and behavior disorders, Alayna proves to be a highly advanced student. Her behavior and lack of a loving family, however, contribute to a string of poor decisions and delinquency. At age 16, she first steals an iPod and then a valuable piece of jewelry. As a result, she is sentenced to community service in an Alzheimer's ward 20 hours per week. She is also moved to her 12th foster-care setting, meeting the two people who desperately want to help her change her life forever. Alayna moves from anger and frustration in life to developing a very special relationship with an elderly Alzheimer's patient, Miss Lottie. Along with the consistent support of her foster parents and her friendship with Miss Lottie, Alayna learns about life, God, and what it means to have faith in the face of adversity. She even finds time to nurture a budding romance with a unique boy who has made a vow of purity, and she tries to hold onto a friendship with a girl who is the definition of "extra grace required."

When he asked her to prom, her heart fluttered in disbelief. When he picked her up that night, the way he stared her gave her butterflies. She felt like a princess in the strapless, turquoise gown as it cascaded effortlessly down her slim figure. They danced as if they were one; she felt perfectly at peace in his arms and melted as he gently kissed her cheek. The most handsome guy in school asked her to prom. Life was amazing and perfect, she thought. When they stopped at his house on the way to the after-party, she believed it was just for a quick visit to meet his parents. But his parents weren't home; they were out of town. When he pushed her onto the couch and held her down, she realized it had all been a dream turned instantly into a nightmare. From that moment, her life became riddled with the same horror day and night. A month later, the horror collided with turmoil. It wasn't until seven months later, having left home in shame, she moved to Plant City, Florida and began working at The Whistle Stop. The thought of a peaceful life filled with loving family and friends slowly became a possibility again, but it would be several years - with the support of her new family - before she truly allowed herself to be fully embraced in Shekinah.