Letting in light may mean facing darkness you tried to hide.

Hurt others before they hurt you: Nicole's rule for surviving a world that expects her to be perfect. With striking beauty and a sharp sense of style, Nicole could grace the covers of teen magazines. Instead, she leaves a trail of broken hearts in her wake-every boy who falls for her quickly learns not to.

With a father who sees femininity as a flaw and a mother who sacrificed her own dreams, Nicole hides behind emotional detachment. But when a spark for science ignites within her, her father shames it into silence. Torn between the life expected of her and dreams she secretly longs for, Nicole pushes people away, even girls determined to break through her defenses and become her friends.

As she struggles to balance ambition, friendship, and growing feelings for someone who refuses to let her stay closed off, Nicole must decide: will she let fear rule her, or will she allow in light-and love-to guide her toward the life she was meant to live?

Book four in the Desert of Dreams Series-friends in a small desert town (1980s-'90s) who discover resilience, courage, and hope.

"a heroine who can be hard to like and easy to understand. Well written and honest...coming-of-age fiction with heart. Very highly recommended."

- Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite (5-Star Review)

"plot is engaging, characters realistic and compelling ... will encourage many... to overcome the desire to love and be loved in unhealthy ways."

- D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

Note: While the previous books in the Desert of Dreams series can be read as standalones, Allow in Light is best enjoyed after finishing the previous books in the series.

Content Warning: This novel addresses sensitive topics including bullying; alcoholism; family conflict and marital infidelity; physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; references to sex and alcohol; sexism and gender-based expectations; mental health struggles; and strong language.