Local Author Releases Coming-of-Age YA Novel Exploring Self-Discovery, Confidence, and Iden

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - May 25, 2025 - PRLog -- Author Kaitlyn Marquart, has released a Young Adult novel, Amber Luna My Bright Light, a heartwarming and imaginative story about unlikely friendships and finding the courage to shine.

Amber Luna My Bright Light follows thirteen-year-old Mari, who feels trapped in a devout Mormon household, suffocating under expectations, guilt, and a faith she doesn't share. Forced to attend summer camp, she expects misery—until she meets Amber, a girl whose bold style and genuine kindness mask her own insecurities. As Mari's past trauma threatens to consume her, Amber's light may be what helps her find her way back to herself.

"I wrote this story for anyone who's ever felt like they didn't quite fit in, who needed a reminder that their light matters—even when it feels dim," said Marquart. "In this story, Amber is a genuinely kind, thoughtful kid whose empathy and bright light help Mari believe in herself. Sometimes, it takes borrowing someone else's light to see your own. And the bravest thing you can do is let it shine."

Early readers have praised Amber Luna My Bright Light for its emotional resonance, relatable characters, and empathetic world-building that readers are reluctant to leave. The novel is currently available in hardcover, with a paperback edition forthcoming, and is ideal for readers ages 10 and up.

Marquart is also the author of IDK What to Say: A Guide for Navigating Social Situations, a conversational, confidence-building nonfiction guide for teens and adults alike.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please get in touch with the author at: keepshining@kaitlynmarquartwrites.com or visit https://www.kaitlynmarquartwrites.com