Desert of Dreams Series · Book 2 · Carolyn’s story
Reach for Hope
A powerful coming-of-age story about survival, love, and courage.
Book two in the Desert of Dreams Series—standalone stories of friends in a small desert town (1980s–’90s) discovering resilience, courage, and hope.
About the Book
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.
What matters most to her 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?
Praise for Reach for 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
Buy / Borrow / Request
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Buy / Find RetailersPrefer to borrow from your library?
Ask your local library to order Reach for Hope by Amanda LaPera. You can provide the ISBNs and publisher information below when making your request.
Book Details
Publisher: Adamo Press
BISAC Codes
- YAF011000 YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Coming of Age
- YAF022000 YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Girls & Women
- YAF058220 YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Physical & Emotional Abuse (see also Social Themes / Sexual Abuse)
Content Note
Books in the Desert of Dreams Series address sensitive but important topics, including bullying and peer pressure; homophobia; troubled family, friendship, and romantic relationships; divorce; religion; racism and classism; historical events of the late 1980s and 1990s; death; neglect and abuse; trauma; drugs, alcohol, and sex; teen pregnancy; abortion; and mental illness, including depression, suicidal ideation, PTSD, and anxiety.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or is in crisis, please reach out for help. In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Reader Resources
Discussion Questions
Discussion questions are available for book clubs, classrooms, and reading groups.
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