Reach for Hope (Desert of Dreams Series Book 2)
A standalone coming-of-age story
by Amanda LaPera
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app
1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date Dec 31 2025 | Archive Date Nov 09 2025
Talking about this book? Use #ReachforHopeDesertofDreamsSeriesBook2 #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!
Description
“… compelling, realistic, and thought-provoking… Librarians seeking series titles… will find Reach for Hope an exceptional draw...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 feels isolated.
What matters most to her is shielding 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. Behind the walls she has built to protect herself from all of her pain, can she learn to trust again?
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 she reach for hope long enough to find it?
book 2 is a standalone novel
Content Warning: Different books in the Desert of Dreams Series address 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.
Advance Praise
“… compelling, realistic, and thought-provoking… Librarians seeking series titles… will find Reach for Hope an exceptional draw...evocative... thoroughly absorbing.”
— D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9781965660034 |
| PRICE | $5.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 360 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 4 members
Featured Reviews
Reviewer 1745827
Reach for Hope is a truly empowering read! I was captivated by the author's vivid descriptions of the Mojave desert and learning about Lake Los Angeles. Carolyn's journey resonated deeply, and I found myself cheering her on as she worked on summoning the courage to stand up against her abusive dad. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Kathryn M, Reviewer
This was a strong sequel in the Desert of Dreams series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed from the previous entry in this series, it uses the historical elements perfectly to tell the story and had characters that I cared about during the storyline. Amanda LaPera has a strong writing style and was glad I got to read this, and enjoyed the coming-of-age concept in this.. The characters worked so well in this universe and had that charm that I enjoyed from the previous book.
Jackie H, Reviewer
Another entertaining read about desert life! I'm one of those older folk Amanda talks about in her acknowledgement. Amanda has a wonderful way with words. Looking forward to hearing about Misti.
Reviewer 1491639
a coming of age story and then some. there was so many vulnerable and powerful parts to this story. i wanted to scoop these characters up and shield them for all that had been pushed down or upon them. they seemed so strong and capable but also not at all.
Carolyn was so vivid. i felt like i could almost picture her and her emotions throughout. she almost had to stand up to all that should actually be looking out for her. and thats one of the hardest things because there almost always the niggle that what your doing is wrong. and it should be wrong. but i was cheering her on every step of her way. shes someone anyone would want in their corner or as a friend.
Amanda builds this world around the characters that really help build the scenes and the feelings you have there. im really impressed how much she made me feel for this book lol. im got really connected and protective almost of the characters and what they had to go through.
i haven't managed to read the first in the series but had no trouble keeping up and i definitely want to go and read the first one now ive had the pleasure of this one.
there was somehow so much hope in this book. and i loved that.
Readers who liked this book also liked:
Patti Eddington
Biographies & Memoirs, Humor & Satire, Parenting, Families, Relationships
© 2026 NetGalley LLC
• All Rights Reserved
