A LIGHT ON THE HORIZON is a heartwarming tale of faith, friendship, and resilience.
In the small coastal town of Oceanview, Jenny Scott struggles to find her place after moving with her family. But when she meets Katie Miller, a new friendship begins to blossom. As the new school year starts, Jenny finds comfort in her deepening bond with Katie. However, not everyone is as welcoming, and Jenny becomes the target of bullying by a group of antagonistic students.
With Katie by her side, Jenny summons the courage to confront her tormentors. Through their shared struggles, Jenny and Katie prove that true friendship can overcome any challenge of division.
Chapter 1: A New Beginning
Jenny hugged her two best friends tightly, fighting back tears. "I'll miss you guys so much," she said sadly. After living next door to the twins for years, it was hard to imagine life without their daily adventures.
From climbing trees to making up dances in the backyard, Nia and
Mia had been by her side through everything. But now it was time
for the move to Oceanview, a small coastal town on the East Coast,
far from her old house. As her father's job transferred them
cross-country, all Jenny felt was dread about starting over
somewhere new. Where would she find friends as close as the ones
she was leaving behind? How could anywhere feel like home without
Nia and Mia? Fighting the lump in her throat, Jenny took one last
look at the neighborhood they'd all grown up in. From Mrs.
Johnson's rose bushes to the tire swing in the big oak tree, so
many memories were tied to each familiar sight. Now it was finally
time to leave it all behind.
BOOK REVIEW - Books by Hannah
A Light on the Horizon by Philip DeLizio
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This one glowed from the inside out!
🏖️ Small town vibes? Check.
👭 Sweet, genuine friendship? Double check.
💔 Bullying, courage, & standing up? Oh yes—this hit me right in the heart.
Jenny’s move to Oceanview isn’t easy. New town, new school, and that gnawing feeling of not belonging. But then—she meets Katie. And it’s like someone switched the lights back on. Their friendship isn’t just sweet, it’s soulful.
As the school year kicks in, the shadows creep in too—mean whispers, cold stares, cruel games. Jenny becomes a target, and honestly, it hurts to read at times. But with Katie by her side, she starts finding strength in the quiet corners of kindness and self-worth.
Philip DeLizio beautifully captures the emotional landscape of growing up—how faith, friendship, and inner courage become lifelines. This is more than a story about bullying; it’s a story about choosing light, even when darkness surrounds you.
By the last page, I was misty-eyed and filled with warmth.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely—especially for anyone who’s ever felt out of place, and needed just one good friend to remind them they belong.
Visit www.faithbasedforteens.com for book description, purchase links, and author information.
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Trilogy Publishing:
You have created characters that young people will deeply identify with, and you have placed them in a beautiful and interesting setting. Addressing bullying in a healthy way is definitely something our young people need to know how to do. Using faith and friendship to help heal hurt and right a wrong is the perfect way to approach this rampant problem. You tackle a big issue in a fun and entertaining way.
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Five Stars
Reviewed by: Epic Page Reviews
Philip DeLizio’s *A Light on the Horizon* is a
touching story that beautifully explores the power of friendship in
the face of adversity. Jenny Scott, struggling to adjust to her new
life in Oceanview, finds an unexpected ally in Katie Miller. Their
friendship becomes a beacon of hope for Jenny, offering her comfort
and strength as she navigates the challenges of a new school and
the harshness of bullying. For new authors, this book is an
excellent example of how to portray the importance of supportive
relationships in character development. Jenny’s journey in *A Light on the Horizon* is
one of resilience and faith. Faced with bullying and the
difficulties of fitting in, she learns to draw strength from her
faith and her friendship with Katie. DeLizio captures the emotional
struggles of a young girl trying to find her place, making Jenny’s
story both relatable and inspiring. New authors can learn from how
DeLizio intertwines themes of faith and resilience to create a
narrative that is not only heartwarming but also deeply
meaningful. The
small coastal town of Oceanview plays a significant role in *A
Light on the Horizon*. DeLizio’s vivid descriptions of the town
create a strong sense of place, enhancing the reader’s connection
to the story. The serene yet sometimes isolating environment
mirrors Jenny’s feelings of uncertainty and her eventual journey
towards belonging. For aspiring writers, this book showcases the
importance of setting as a tool for enriching the narrative and
deepening character experiences.
*A
Light on the Horizon* is a heartwarming read that offers new
authors valuable insights into crafting stories of friendship,
faith, and resilience, with a strong sense of place that enhances
the emotional impact of the narrative.Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers’ Favorite
A Light on the Horizon is a young adult drama by Philip Delizio. Jenny Scott isn't too happy when she has to leave her home, friends, and the neighborhood where she grew up since childhood because her family is moving to the East Coast. Now fourteen, Jenny arrives in the small town of Oceanview and soon realizes that everything is different here.
At her
new school, Jenny meets the kind-hearted Katie Miller. Jenny and
Katie form a friendship, and Katie introduces Jenny to her friends
in the youth group at the church they attend on Fridays. Jenny
shares her love of writing stories with Katie. But not everyone is
as friendly and bullies in Jenny's new school continue to make
trouble. However, Jenny learns to practice empathy and compassion
even with her tormentors.
A tale of faith, friendship, and
community, A Light on the Horizon will delight readers of all ages.
Author Philip Delizio has written a captivating coming-of-age story
about a young teenager navigating a new school, bullies, and
friends. It's a character-driven narrative. Jenny is a compelling
protagonist young adult readers can relate to. She draws courage
from her faith and support from her friends to stand up against her
bullies.
Yet, she never allows hate to corrupt her, and even against her tormentors, she chooses empathy and understanding to show them the error of their ways. I loved her friendship with Katie and their united stand against bullying. Overall, it's a heartwarming coming-of-age story. Although primarily targeted toward Christian readers, I think even non-Christians will find much to love about this book.
Highly recommended!
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