Reach for Hope

A powerful coming-of-age story about survival, love, and courage.

Carolyn was taught to fear God, but the only being she ever feared was her dad. When he moves their family to the desolate desert town of Lake Los Angeles, the small safety she once knew vanishes.

All that matters is shielding her younger brothers from the harsh desert life and from her military father, brutal commander of wife and children. But keeping them safe comes at a steep cost.

With combat boots and a tough exterior, she builds walls to push everyone out, including the girls who befriend her and the boy who refuses to give up on her.

Silence keeps her safe... until love forces her to speak out.

Accustomed to living in fear, Carolyn must find the strength to stand up for herself and confront the father who has ruled her life for so long.

A brighter future waits. Can she reach for hope before her chance slips away?

Book two in the Desert of Dreams Series - standalone stories of friends in a small desert town (1980s-'90s) discovering resilience, strength, and hope.

"engaging... evocative, compelling... thoroughly absorbing."

- D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

"a wonderfully easy read... a beautiful story... I highly recommend."

- Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite (5-Star Review)

"A realistic portrayal of a troubled upbringing."

- Kirkus Reviews

Perfect for readers who love:

• Tender, character-driven coming-of-age stories
• Nostalgic 1980s-1990s settings and small-town life
• Journeys of self-discovery and courage that linger after the last page

Written by national award-winning author Amanda LaPera whose books have earned Readers' Favorite 5-star reviews and BookLife Prize, IBPA Benjamin Franklin, Readers' Favorite and IAN Book-of-the-Year Awards recognition.

Content Warning: Books in the Desert of Dreams Series address many sensitive but important topics which may include bullying and peer pressure; troubled sibling relationships; struggling friendships and romantic relationships; divorce; religion; racism and classism; historical events of the late 1980s and 1990s; death; neglect and abuse (physical, emotional, and/or sexual); trauma (generational and situational); drugs, alcohol, and sex; teen pregnancy; abortion; and mental illness including depression, suicidal ideation, PTSD, and anxiety.