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Embrace the Truth:
Not yet published
Expected 1 Jun 26
Some truths demand courage. Sometimes love hurts more than it heals.
Misty has always cared for the overlooked—lost animals, lonely neighbors, anyone who feels invisible—but at home, obedience comes first. Her father, loving when sober and calling her his “nature girl,” shares fleeting moments of peace under desert skies—but when he’s cruel and unpredictable, the world feels unsafe.
Her family and faith demand conformity, and questioning them could shatter everything.
When Misty begins to explore her sexual identity and the people she cares about, the unconditional love she depends on disappears. Religion becomes a weapon, siblings turn against her, and the people she hopes to protect may be the very ones determined to hurt her.
To seek comfort, Misty turns to the theater, her friends, and the quiet beauty of the desert, discovering that being true to herself is the only way to stand strong.
Will Misty have the courage to embrace the truth about herself, her passions, and her identity—before the cost of denial becomes too great?
Book three in the Desert of Dreams Series—standalone stories of friends in a small desert town (1980s–’90s) discovering resilience, courage, and hope.
This novel is perfect for readers who
Heartfelt, character-driven stories about resilience, identity, and familyQuiet, bittersweet journeys of self-discovery and courage that linger long after the last pageComing-of-age tales that explore sexuality, faith, and finding your own voiceSmall-town life, and nostalgic 1980s–1990s settings
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 Books in the Desert of Dreams Series address many sensitive but important topics which may include bullying and peer pressure; homophobia; 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.
Misty has always cared for the overlooked—lost animals, lonely neighbors, anyone who feels invisible—but at home, obedience comes first. Her father, loving when sober and calling her his “nature girl,” shares fleeting moments of peace under desert skies—but when he’s cruel and unpredictable, the world feels unsafe.
Her family and faith demand conformity, and questioning them could shatter everything.
When Misty begins to explore her sexual identity and the people she cares about, the unconditional love she depends on disappears. Religion becomes a weapon, siblings turn against her, and the people she hopes to protect may be the very ones determined to hurt her.
To seek comfort, Misty turns to the theater, her friends, and the quiet beauty of the desert, discovering that being true to herself is the only way to stand strong.
Will Misty have the courage to embrace the truth about herself, her passions, and her identity—before the cost of denial becomes too great?
Book three in the Desert of Dreams Series—standalone stories of friends in a small desert town (1980s–’90s) discovering resilience, courage, and hope.
This novel is perfect for readers who
Heartfelt, character-driven stories about resilience, identity, and familyQuiet, bittersweet journeys of self-discovery and courage that linger long after the last pageComing-of-age tales that explore sexuality, faith, and finding your own voiceSmall-town life, and nostalgic 1980s–1990s settings
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 Books in the Desert of Dreams Series address many sensitive but important topics which may include bullying and peer pressure; homophobia; 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.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 1, 2026
1 person want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Learning what is right for you
This story, told from Misty's view, is one that brought me into her world of growing up, and merged with some of my own knowledge. Misty goes through many things that people and families deal with all over and every day. Whether it be having to move, or parents' issues that fall to the children to learn how to cope with that. To find your own way in the beliefs of religion and what you want your own life to look like. This also touches on learning of sexuality and what that may or may not be for a person.
This story would be great for young readers and older readers alike. It might help you know how to react and find your own way. This also shows that there is hope for all, that learning the truth of things is for all ages.
Thank you, Amanda LaPera, for an amazing book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.
This story, told from Misty's view, is one that brought me into her world of growing up, and merged with some of my own knowledge. Misty goes through many things that people and families deal with all over and every day. Whether it be having to move, or parents' issues that fall to the children to learn how to cope with that. To find your own way in the beliefs of religion and what you want your own life to look like. This also touches on learning of sexuality and what that may or may not be for a person.
This story would be great for young readers and older readers alike. It might help you know how to react and find your own way. This also shows that there is hope for all, that learning the truth of things is for all ages.
Thank you, Amanda LaPera, for an amazing book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.
April 21, 2026
Another engaging installment in The Desert of Dreams series. Misty’s story was thematically darker than two previous books, but still thoroughly enjoyable. Misty struggles with finding her identity in a way that many people will find relatable. I am excited to for future books to find out how her story ends! :)
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews