A secret kingdom is just the beginning of her discoveries.

Emily developed a guarded heart at a young age, it is the only way she's endured her

uncaring aunt and uncle for years. But when her plans of freedom come crashing down, she

makes a shocking discovery that completely defies her customary logic. Deep in the forest is

the land of Orphia, a kingdom that's been hidden away for centuries. What is more, among its

residents is her childhood best friend—who supposedly died years ago.

Luca is eager to rekindle their friendship, but Emily is a shadow of the girl he once knew.

Under her unaffected persona, her scars run deep, and his tender heart refuses to let her

suffer in silence. He's convinced his home can help her find the same peace that he has. But

even Orphia is shadowed by its past, and Emily and Luca are not without their own painful

history.

As their relationship deepens, it's clear they can only hide for so long. Faced with the choice

between what they know and what they desire, can they boldly lay pretense aside and find

their happy ending? Or will the battle of mind and heart end with casualties?

Suspended between the world of historical fiction and fantasy, you won't find magic spells,

dragons, or fairies. You will find a clean and wholesome story that will transport you to an

imaginative land of beauty, natural wonders, castles, secrets, adventure, and a sweet friends-

to-more romance that will tug at the hearts of both young adults and the young at heart. This

is the first stand-alone novel in the "Fallen Stars" series.