"...compelling, realistic, and thought-provoking...evocative... thoroughly absorbing."- D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
Carolyn was taught to fear God, but the only being she ever feared was her dad.
When her father moves the family out to the desolate town of Lake Los Angeles, she's torn from the protection of her uncle and must shield her two younger brothers, Charlie and Chris, from the harsh desert life-scorching heat, unforgiving terrain, and deadly creatures-and from her military dad, brutal commander of both wife and kids.
After a bloody incident at school reveals she has no one to count on for help, Carolyn learns that she must look out for herself, because no one else will. With her combat boots and tough exterior, she pushes everyone away, including the girls who befriend her and the boy who pursues her.
Used to being silenced, Carolyn must find the power to stand up for herself, so that she can stand up to her dad.
A brighter future is out there. Can Carolyn reach for hope long enough to find it?
Book two in the Desert of Dreams Series - standalone stories connected by friendship, place, and the courage to become.
This novel is perfect for readers who love:
- Heartfelt, character-driven stories
- Coming-of-age journeys that explore resilience and courage
- Small-town desert settings with nostalgic 1980s-1990s atmosphere
- Thoughtful stories for young adults and adults alike
- Quiet moments that linger long after the last page
EDITORIAL REVIEWS: "The Mojave Desert setting represents the void in Carolyn's life; its hardy flora-tumbleweeds, Joshua trees-also mirror her survival... A realistic portrayal of a troubled upbringing."
- Kirkus Reviews
"a wonderfully easy read that contains so many useful life lessons... environment and characters that ring true and believable... a beautiful story of a young girl finding her own voice.... I highly recommend."
- Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite (5-Star Review)
About the Author:
By award-winning author Amanda LaPera, whose books have earned Readers' Favorite 5-star reviews and BookLife Prize, IBPA Benjamin Franklin, 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.
Lapera, Amanda: - For thirteen years, Amanda LaPera grew up in the small rural community of Lake Los Angeles, where she, much like her characters, was disappointed to learn there wasn't a lake and everything she planted died. She and her friends survived, buoyed by resilience and determination. Now her hobbies include watching hummingbirds in her yard surrounded by trees, playing board games with her husband, taunting her sons, and appeasing her dogs. She has sworn off succulents, because she believes they belong in the desert.Amanda LaPera is a national award-winning author. Her first book, Losing Dad, Paranoid Schizophrenia: A Family's Search for Hope won a Silver IBPA Award, was a Quarter Finalist in the BookLife Prize and a Finalist in the Readers' Favorite Awards. She recently released the sequel, Finding Dad, Paranoid Schizophrenia: An End to the Search. She teaches English and is a member of the California Writers Club and the Southern California Writers Association. She is currently working on her Desert of Dreams Young Adult Series, set in the California High Desert during the 1980s and 90s. To be notified of new releases and special deals, sign up for her newsletter at www.amandalapera.com.
