She Took TheLong Way Home

Poems from Detours and Second Chances, for anyone learning to trust their own timing and take life one step at a time.

Life took me places I never expected and it gave me these poems

This collection grew out of ordinary life: love and loss, healing and starting again and the small moments we tend to overlook but never quite forget.

Some of the poems may make you smile. Some may stir a memory. And a few might feel like they were written just for you.

These aren't poems to rush through. They're the kind you keep nearby, to open on a heavy day, to read again on a quiet one and to return to whenever you need something calm and honest.

I hope these words keep you good company wherever life takes you.

Jennifer

Words to Keep Close

Poetry isn't only about beautiful language, it's about being understood.

Here's one more from the collection. Join Jennifer's Reader List below and three free poems will be waiting in your inbox.

Introducing the

D.E.T.O.U.R.S.

Collection

The D.E.T.O.U.R.S. collection follows seven threads through She Took the Long Way Home: the turns, detours and second chances that quietly shape a life.

Detours

Poems about life's unexpected turns and the lessons they leave behind.

Everyday

Finding beauty in the ordinary moments we usually overlook.

Tenderness

Love, friendship and family, written gently and always honestly.

Open Roads

Seaside towns, cafés and faraway places worth wandering toward.

Unhurried

Permission to slow down and take life one step at a time.

Resilience

Healing after heartbreak and finding the courage to start again.

Second Chances

New beginnings and learning to trust your own timing.

What readers say

This is such a hopeful little book, and the author brings so many lived experiences. I love the focus on family values and life experiences, for example the poem about the value of teaching manners. This resonates with me a lot and although I have only read a few poems so far they have really made me smile. A heartfelt collection written from a place of love and connection -thank you for putting this out there Jenifer!
Kersten S., verified Kindle purchase, Australia

One of the truest most endearing poetic journeys I have come across… very relatable as I have been travelling all my life… you need this book as the best companion on all your Travels.. buy it.
Marco R., verified Kindle purchase, United Kingdom

Gosh, some of these poems really touched my heart and brought out emotions and memories I weren't expecting. It's such a lovely book to pick up, open on any page and start reading. I absolutely love your poems, who would have thought, me liking poetry.
Sue R., Australia

Read It Now or Join the Paperback Waitlist

The ebook is out now. The paperback is coming soon.

What is included

The ebook of She Took the Long Way Home, available now on Amazon
Three free poems from the collection, sent straight to your inbox when you join Jennifer's Reader List
Be among the first to know when the paperback is released
New poems and the stories behind them, now and then

Read the Ebook Now

Meet the author

Jennifer Bates

Jennifer Bates is a writer and poet and lives in Western Australia. Her life has taken her from owning businesses in the hospitality industry in Australia to living in Europe for 16 years and travelling to many corners of the world.

She began writing from her own experiences and observations of everyday life, often finding inspiration in conversations, people, places and moments that stayed with her. Jennifer believes you’re never too old to change direction, try something new or see where life takes you next.

She Took the Long Way Home is her debut collection: a gentle, honest companion for anyone navigating change, rebuilding after heartbreak or simply learning to take life one step at a time.