Twenty Weeks to Life: YA Christian Romance Novel

Sweet Potato Jones has been on the move her entire life—toting her siblings from one abandoned train car to the next, following her father’s broken dreams, and trying not to hope for more. But when they land a spot at The Home, a Christian shelter that offers families just twenty weeks before the clock runs out, Sweet Potato dares to believe this might be different.

Still, she’s not expecting Soul Food...

Not the kind you eat—though collards and hoecakes come with the deal—but the kind that changes everything. The kind served up in a purpled-up diner, run by a faith-filled woman named Mrs. Sunshine who believes in second chances and sees something in Sweet Potato that even she can’t see. It’s here that Sweet Potato meets her son Ray, a man with eyes full of truth and a heart that sings the gospel even in silence.

But twenty weeks isn’t a lot of time to learn how to stop running—from trauma, from anger, from God Himself. And as old wounds rise and her family’s future hangs in the balance, Sweet Potato has to will she risk believing in something as wild as grace?

A raw and redemptive coming-of-age novel about chosen family, faith that holds, and the kind of love that sets you free.⚠ Content Rating for Twenty Weeks to Life – Young Adult

Twenty Weeks to Life is a contemporary Christian fiction novel for young adult readers (13+), set in a modern Southern context. It explores themes of survival, family, and faith with honesty and hope.

It contains the following

Parental drug addiction and death – The main character’s mother dies of an overdose. The addiction is portrayed through the daughter’s perspective with emotional depth but no graphic detail.

Housing insecurity and homelessness – The Jones family experiences life on the road, in shelters, and in temporary housing. These circumstances are depicted realistically and with dignity.

Emotional trauma and depression – The main character experiences grief, anger, and doubt. Feelings of abandonment by God are central to her internal struggle.

Faith and redemption – Strong Christian themes are woven throughout, including prayer, Scripture, mentorship, and eventual spiritual awakening.

Clean romantic subplot – Includes a sweet and respectful romantic relationship with sweet kisses and no sexual content or suggestive behavior.

Violence and Gang subplot – Includes emotionally intense scenes implying a predatory threat. Gang violence threatens the life of Sweet Potato Jones and her brother, Maize. Faith and community are part of the healing arc.

Mature reflection on poverty and generational cycles – The narrative encourages conversations about economic hardship, healing, and hope through God’s provision.

This book is written with emotional honesty, spiritual depth, and sensitivity. It is designed to encourage critical thinking, faith exploration, and empathy for others living through hardship.

Recommended for ages 13 and up.