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Reach for Hope:
"A realistic portrayal of a troubled upbringing.” —
Kirkus Reviews
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
• 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
“The Mojave Desert setting represents the void in Carolyn’s life; its hardy flora—tumbleweeds, Joshua trees—also mirror her survival… Recognizable ’80s and ’90s references…abound, adding to the sense of place... 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 it.— Grant Leishman for Readers’ Favorite (5-Star Review)
“…a standalone story that will attract new audiences as well as prior fans… compelling, realistic, and thought-provoking. Librarians seeking series titles… will find Reach for Hope an exceptional draw…evocative, compelling ... thoroughly absorbing.”— D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
About the
All books in the Desert of Dreams Series are standalone novels with interconnected characters. Each book features a different character's coming-of-age story told during a similar timeline.
About the
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.
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
• 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
“The Mojave Desert setting represents the void in Carolyn’s life; its hardy flora—tumbleweeds, Joshua trees—also mirror her survival… Recognizable ’80s and ’90s references…abound, adding to the sense of place... 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 it.— Grant Leishman for Readers’ Favorite (5-Star Review)
“…a standalone story that will attract new audiences as well as prior fans… compelling, realistic, and thought-provoking. Librarians seeking series titles… will find Reach for Hope an exceptional draw…evocative, compelling ... thoroughly absorbing.”— D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
About the
All books in the Desert of Dreams Series are standalone novels with interconnected characters. Each book features a different character's coming-of-age story told during a similar timeline.
About the
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.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 31, 2025
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
January 20, 2026
Reach for hope is the second in LaPera’s Desert of Dreams series. While set, once again, against the gritty backdrop of Lake Los Angeles in the Mojave Desert, this volume focuses on the life of Carolyn, a young girl learning to fend for herself while trying to protect her younger brothers from the hazards of life, including an abusive father.
Carolyn is a protagonist the reader will be rooting for. She is genuine and real, making mistakes, but finding the courage to overcome all of the obstacles her family and harsh desert surroundings place in her way. It’s a compelling story, beautifully told, offering a poignant look into a way of life that few have experienced but to which everyone will relate.
Carolyn is a protagonist the reader will be rooting for. She is genuine and real, making mistakes, but finding the courage to overcome all of the obstacles her family and harsh desert surroundings place in her way. It’s a compelling story, beautifully told, offering a poignant look into a way of life that few have experienced but to which everyone will relate.
Displaying 1 of 1 review