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 3 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 enjoy
- Heartfelt, character-driven stories about resilience, identity, and family
- Quiet, bittersweet journeys of self-discovery and courage that linger long after the last page
- Coming-of-age tales that explore sexuality, faith, and finding your own voice
- Small-town life, and nostalgic 1980s-1990s settings
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; homophobia; historical events of the late 1980s and 1990s; death; neglect and abuse (physical, emotional, and sexual); trauma (generational and situational); drugs, alcohol, and sex; teen pregnancy; abortion; and mental illness including depression, suicidal ideation, PTSD, and anxiety.
