Early reviews for Amber Luna
My Bright Light
Early reviews for Amber Luna
My Bright Light
I was utterly beguiled by the world [the author] created and didn't want to leave it. It was so warm and empathetic, even while tackling some... heartbreaking moments. I enjoyed every second of it!"
~Kay G.
"A masterpiece. I really, really loved it."
~Heather P.
"The best thing about this book was that I kept wanting to read it! It's a page-turner. I was impressed- and I'm hard to impress!"
~Charley K.
"The imagery is beautiful... I got goosebumps! I LOVE the characters... even Amber's chaotic mom- A+."
~Missy W.
“Amazing, absolutely beautiful, and honestly, so moving and relatable.”
~Emily S.
One of the best things about this book is how accurately it hits the insecurity and desire to belong. This book nails it."
~David K.
"I loved Charlie and appreciated the inclusion of an autistic character. "
~Jamie D.
"Marquart takes you inside the mind of a teenage girl with insight and clarity like no other... taking snapshots of life by wrapping them with vivid imagery, she sets the reader in the moment, transitioning from inner thoughts to reality so smoothly that the reader is engaged.
~Bill K.
For readers who love the whimsical charm of Jerry Spinelli’s Stargirl and the emotional depth of Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Patterson, Amber Luna My Bright Light is a moving story of self-discovery, unexpected connections, and finding the courage to let your light shine.
Thirteen-year-old Mari feels trapped in a devout Mormon household, suffocating under expectations, guilt, and a faith she isn't sure she believes. She's dreading summer camp—until she meets Amber, a girl whose bold style and genuine kindness mask insecurities of her own. As Mari’s past trauma threatens to consume her, Amber’s light may be what helps her find her way back to herself.
Through an unlikely friendship, Amber and Mari discover that doubts and fears are universal—and that finding yourself isn’t about changing or conforming but remembering who you’ve always been. Sometimes, it takes borrowing someone else’s light to see your own. And the bravest thing you can do is let it shine.
Excerpts from the novel:
"The moon can’t shine on its own. It reflects the light of the sun. When things are at their darkest, it’s the moon’s borrowed light that helps us find our way. I’ve had some dark times in my life, and during those times, I was lucky to have people whose light helped me keep going. I borrowed their light, just like the moon borrows from the sun and found my way. Amber has taught me so much. She has helped me through so many hard times, without even knowing it."
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"It’s really exciting being here with Mari as she reaches the top... I know she was scared before she got up the courage to let go. Now that she’s finally opened her eyes, it’s as if she’s seeing the camp—the world— for the first time. Everything certainly does look different after you do something you didn’t think you could."