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A Light on the Horizon

Philip DeLizio

June 2024 979-8893333312

DESCRIPTION: Available in store at Barnes & Noble Annapolis

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.

EXCERPT:

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.

REVIEWS:

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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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Review by: Sarie Robertson - Reedsy
Must read: 🏆  Five Stars

New beginnings are scary. God, however, remains a reliable source. DeLizio presents a story of keeping the faith while adjusting to change.
If you are looking for a book that provides a full-circle moment for the main character, then you may be in search of A Light on the Horizon. Philip DeLizio creates believable characters with whom readers can relate.
Jenny is the main character of the story. She is forced to move across the country, which leads to her having to find new friends. Life is already difficult for teenagers. Adding the task of adjusting to a small town just seems like cruel and unusual punishment. All of this comes on top of Jenny being separated from her two best friends with whom she did life before her father uprooted the family for his new job. Where is God in all of these changes? Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? These are the questions Jenny grapples with while settling in and establishing community again.
The theme of new beginnings is strong in DeLizio’s book. The author wastes no time in introducing the scene of Jenny leaving everything she knows for a new community. It is a breath of fresh air to come across a book where the author does not see the need to build up to the big move.
Another aspect that comes from the main character is a sort of identity crisis. As a teenager who is evolving into the person she will be, Jenny comes to question a few things. The reader is present to witness the low moments that ultimately lead to the main character’s triumph.
Speaking of full-circle moments, Jenny completes her journey of despair and exploration in the end. Her faith remains intact, which goes to show the reader that, regardless of the circumstances, God stands the test of time.
A Light on the Horizon is an excellent choice for teens and young adults. The language of the book is clean so parents do not have to be concerned about what their child is absorbing.

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Reviewed by: Epic Page Reviews

A Tale of Friendship and Resilience -
🍁 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.
• Overcoming Adversity with Faith -
🍁 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 Power of Setting in Storytelling -
🍁 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.

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Congratulations on your 5-star review!


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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