New York, 1926. Student nurse Althea Anderson’s heart is near breaking when she witnesses another premature baby die at Bellevue Hospital. When she reads an article detailing the amazing survival rates of babies treated in incubators in an exhibit at Luna Park on Coney Island, it feels like the miracle she has been searching for. But the doctors at Bellevue dismiss Althea and this unconventional medicine, forcing her to make a choice between a baby’s life and the doctors’ wishes that will change everything.
1951: Stella Wright is falling apart. Her mother has just passed away, she’s forced to quit the teaching job she loves, and her marriage is struggling. Until she discovers a letter that brings into question everything she knew about her mother, and everything she knows about herself.
The Light of Luna Park is a tale of courage and an ode to the sacrificial love of mothers.
Is there anything better than falling into a novel that asks an ethical question and then answers it with a big story that arrows straight into the question’s heart? No, I would say: Nothing better. What would you do to save a child? Addison Armstrong asks in this assured debut that ushers us deep into a fascinating moment in history where obstetrics and women’s choices and the shadow line between circus and science combine. The Light of Luna Park got me, took me, taught me, and in the end, shook me.
Sarah Blake, New York Times bestselling author of The Guest Book
A dual timeline, a fascinating historical setting, a baby, a nurse and above all, courage. This is my kind of story! Thank you, Addison Armstrong, for writing such an intriguing and heartfelt novel.
Diane Chamberlain, New York Times bestselling author of Big Lies in a Small Town
Armstrong’s dual-timeline debut novel packs a powerful emotional punch…The emotional investment in the two protagonists will keep readers eagerly turning pages. Recommended for all readers, but especially for those who love someone who doesn’t meet society’s definition of ‘worthy.’
Historical Novel Review
In The Light of Luna Park, author Addison Armstrong re-creates the surreal time when most pre-term babies were cast aside to die, while a few dedicated nurses and a doctor on Coney Island saved them, then offered them as an amusement park sideshow. It’s a story of a grieving daughter-a teacher of special needs children-who must first unravel her own story by uncovering family secrets, before she can understand and fully love herself, her husband, and her students. Taking place over twenty years apart, these two stories collide in an unforgettable, heart-wrenching account of the power of a mother’s love.
Tracey Enerson Wood, author of international best seller The Engineer’s Wife
Armstrong has a strong subject here and wonderful characters whom every reader will admire and care for…Bravo to Addison Armstrong for such a beautiful and heartfelt paean to those in the medical world who used their talents and abilities to change the lives of people for good.
Bookreporter
The Light of Luna Park is a gripping story of one woman’s determination to save a premature baby and a daughter’s quest to discover the truth about her mother intertwined with the fascinating history of the incubator. It’s an emotional, and at times suspenseful novel about the strength of love and the importance of perseverance that will capture the reader’s heart.
Georgie Blalock, author of The Other Windsor Girl
I really enjoyed The Light of Luna Park, which is at once a fascinating slice of history, compelling story and filled with relatable characters. Addison Armstrong has woven a beautiful tale around the sacrifices and hard choices made for love, and highlights the work of the extraordinary individuals who stood up against the widespread, harsh beliefs of the time. This is a wonderful debut. Congratulations to Ms. Armstrong!
Louise Fein, author of Daughter of the Reich
Armstrong’s impressive debut chronicles the parallel stories of two strong women who are unafraid to risk their careers to do what’s right…Readers will be touched by this story of courage and love.
Publishers Weekly
A romantic yet historically evocative depiction of two pioneering women’s intertwined lives.
Kirkus
Armstrong mines a fascinating bit of history to provide the premise for this debut novel…Armstrong’s sympathetic characters and engaging multi-time-period story line result in a novel guaranteed to tug at heartstrings while illuminating a daring medical innovation that has saved millions of lives.
Bethany Latham, Booklist
Moving…for fans of Kate Moore’s The Radium Girls and Emma Donoghue’s The Pull of the Stars…Armstrong highlights the novelty, frustration, and strength of rebellious action behind a medical marvel we take for granted today.
Library Journal
Compassionate and evocative, filled with fascinating historical detail, The Light of Luna Park is the story of a woman finding the strength to face impossible decisions as she struggles to protect the life of a child.
Fiona Valpy, author of The Dressmaker’s Gift
Addison Armstrong 