Bad Ground by W. Dale Cramer

Seventeen-year-old, Jeremy Prine, grieving his mother's death, is fearful, lost in spirit and hitchhiking to his uncle Aiden's in Atlanta (who has no idea he is coming). Aiden (known as Snake) suffered grievous burns over much of his head and body in the accident that killed Jeremy's father and has become a recluse because of the scarring, working as a miner on the night shift. Jeremy, seeking Snake's help, is a catalyst for the redemption of his uncle, the men he works with and in the process meets a young lady who encourages him. This is a heart-warming story of faith, good to the very end. Sandy Penton