The Bright Light Series - Paperback Set (signed)

The Bright Light Series, Amber Luna My Bright Light and Mari's Light Burning Bright

Paperbacks signed by the author. Includes free gifts:

Fridge magnets: KEEP SHINING YOUR LIGHT MATTERS and THE ONLY WAY OUT IS THROUGH

"Mari’s Light Burning Bright is the perfect follow-up to Amber Luna My Bright Light...Marquart brings the story full circle beautifully...More than anything, Mari is a reminder that we're not alone. It's a powerful story for teens and an important reminder for parents to pay attention, listen closely, and stay connected.

While Mari can absolutely be read as a standalone novel-the messages are impactful on their own-I highly recommend reading Amber Luna first. Together, these books create an unforgettable journey. Honestly, I'd love to see these novels as required reading in middle school."

--Christina King, author of Lavender, a Book Life Reviews Editor's Pick

Publishers Weekly BookLife Prize Critic Report for Amber Luna My Bright Light:

"Marquart offers a pitch-perfect narrative of self-discovery, friendship, and belonging in this tale of two adolescent girls who become fast friends during summer camp. First, there's Amber—a middle schooler struggling with a petty, mean ex-best friend and social embarrassment at school—followed by Mari, who is exploring the boundaries of her religion and coping with childhood trauma. As the two test out friendship, they learn the value of compassion, honesty, and trust.

Alternating first-person perspectives give readers an intimate glimpse into the thoughts and emotions of both girls, and Marquart utilizes speech patterns and cadence that feel authentic for 13-year-old girls.

This is a story of the secret hurts and traumas that shape identity—and how those can, over time, seep into our relationships with others. Amber and Mari remind readers of the power kindness, empathy, and friendship have to incite healing.

The characters grow and change throughout the narrative, and the troubles they're each experiencing feel relatable and grounded in reality. Amber's awareness that what Mari may need most is someone to sit with her in her pain, without judging, opens the door for the two to process Mari's self-harming, just as that connection paves the way for both girls to admit that they can't face every problem alone. Crucial lessons like that are prolific in this heartfelt, touching story."

Publishers Weekly BookLife Prize Critic Report for Mari's Light Burning Bright:

"Marquart's sequel to Amber Luna My Bright Light follows Mari's life after she leaves summer camp, returning to a home that has been sold and the lurking shadow of her past trauma. Her memories are intrusive, and she's adopted coping skills that are more harmful than helpful, eventually necessitating her placement in a treatment facility. Her road to healing is long, messy, and all-too-real, rendered with an authenticity that YA readers will be able to connect with on a deep level.

Prose: Mari's point of view relays the story's events, and Marquart gives her a strong, unique voice. Whether simmering in her hurt and pain or fighting feelings of helplessness, Mari's emotions allow readers to experience her pathway to healing right alongside her.

The vulnerability Marquart imbues the narrative with makes Mari's Light Burning Bright as inspirational as it is necessary, illustrating why trauma is so damaging—and how working through it is really the only way healing can start.

The characters continue to evolve beyond the first book in this series, with Mari facing challenges that force a powerful coming-of-age. The relationships she develops during treatment are sketched with care, depicting the impacts that trauma has on trust and belonging, and Mari's trajectory is an important reminder of how healing is a complex, start-and-stop process."