Hope's Nocturne

Protagonists work better together, despite their frequent disdain for each other, in this darkly humorous tale where partnership is the cornerstone of survival.

In the idyllic country of Ribera, rules are not made to be broken, and only the right people win. Twelve-year-old Amanda is entitled to the best marriage her parents arrange. Meanwhile, sixteen-year-old Manaus, born to the wrong mother, can only be as successful as certain society members decide.

After their first meeting doesn't go well, they expect never to see each other again. But after a series of run-ins, Amanda and Manaus eventually learn to be there for each other. While they struggle to be who people want, it turns out that they may be exactly who each other needs. And when Manaus confronts one of Amanda's darkest pains to protect her, it changes their lives forever.

This story beckons readers to see past what you think about...everything.