Miracle at the Sideshow: An Astounding Novel of the First Infant Incubators

by Amy K. Sorrells

A deadly fire. A sensational sideshow. And a baby fighting for its life.

Eighteen-year-old Sophie Rosenfeld dreams of a resplendent life in America after escaping the pogroms in Eastern Europe, only to lose her family in the horrific Triangle Shirtwaist Fire. Besides Sophie, the lone survivor is her niece, Mercy, a premature baby the city hospital calls a “weakling” and refuses to save. When it is rumored Mercy’s only hope lies in the dark and dangerous Coney Island freak shows, free-spirited but despairing Sophie takes the chance. Will life in the spotlights lead her to the life and love she’s always imagined, or will another devastating fire force her to return to the ashes of tenement life forever?

Overview

New York City at the turn of the twentieth century is as captivating as it is macabre and as magnificent as it is barbaric, as young Sophie Rosenfeld is about to learn. She yearns for life beyond the dreary tenements, but losing all her family except for her fragile niece, Mercy, in the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist fire has left her with little opportunity. Sophie has to save Mercy’s life, but to do so she must follow a mysterious man to the only place in the world that saves premature babies: Dr. Martin Couney and his Coney Island side show.

Even as society threatens to shut down Dr. Couney’s life-saving work for premature babies, Sophie joins him in fighting for their lives. Amidst the glittering menagerie of lights, astonishing sights, and her new friends, including the handsome acrobat Nicholas, Sophie begins to find hope.

From the lavish, dangerous shores of Coney Island, to the harsh but at times tender tenement life, Sophie’s heart is split wide open by a roller coaster of unrelenting tragedies, and she finds herself doubting the faith that has always buoyed her. Will Nicholas and her new friends be just the salve Sophie needs to help assuage her grief? Or will she be forced to return to a life that stifled her?

Against a backdrop of romance and unexpected escapades, Miracle at the Sideshow brings to life two back-to-back true stories of fire and injustice that shocked the nation into improving worker safety, and which led to techniques still used in neonatal intensive care units today to save the lives of premature babies.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance

321 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 3, 2022

About the author

A long time believer in the power of story to change lives, Amy's stories feature strong female heroines who find hope in the midst of the unexpected. Recipient of a starred review from Publisher's Weekly, and reviewed by Library Journal, USA Today, and more, her work has been featured in a wide array of publications including newspapers and medical journals. Her novels have been shortlisted for the 2014 Inspy awards, semi-finalists for the ACFW Genesis awards, and a winner of the 2011 Women of Faith writing contest.

An Indianapolis native and graduate of DePauw University, Amy lives with her husband and beloved dogs in central Indiana. Together they have raised three sons. When she's not writing or working her day job as an RN, she enjoys DIY projects, gardening, birding, and long walks in the woods with her labrador retriever.

Reviews

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learned a lot about incubators, eugenics, people who cared and fought the negatives. Loved the strength in the characters. Being on vacation gave me the opportunity to gobble this book in one day!

[Heidi Chiavaroli · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Endorsement:

Fans of The Greatest Showman, rejoice! Amy K. Sorrells has penned a gritty, authentic, hopeful story that brought forth tears, laughter, and the beautiful reminder that beauty can indeed come from ashes. Amidst the tragic aftermath of the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire, Miracle at the Sideshow is a story that reminds readers that miracles can still abound today—by everyday people acting in courage, risking their reputations, standing up for the marginalized, and pushing the boundaries of what might be safe and expected. A story that broke my heart and then stitched it back together. A gorgeous, satisfying read!

[Katie Powner · Rating 5 out of 5]

From my endorsement:

I've been waiting a long time for a new book from Amy K. Sorrells, and it's finally here! Inspiring and intriguing, Miracle at the Sideshow delivers a timely message of hope against all odds that your heart will not soon forget. I love stories about triumph rising from the ashes of tragedy, and I love stories based on real-life heroes of American history who fought for those who couldn't fight for themselves This book has it all.

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tragedy and Triumph

This is a beautifully written story about a young girl who faces unimaginable tragedy. However, Sophie holds on to hope to do whatever it takes to save the life of her infant niece. She finds help in the most unlikely place at a circus sideshow.

The author does an amazing job of bringing the characters to life. I love that the story was inspired by actual events, and find the history fascinating. This story is a beautiful reminder that all human life matters, and beauty comes from ashes.

*I received an advanced copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Cynthia Herron · Rating 5 out of 5]

From endorsement:

Oh, my goodness. Miracle at the Sideshow by Amy K. Sorrells is an absolute showstopper of a story! Rich in historical detail and beautifully rendered, this enthralling tale will tap into every emotion, impacting readers long after they’ve savored the final pages. I cheered for the “least of these” and wept with joy for the triumphant. This rousing fictional masterpiece, based on fact, is for the dreamers and the doers, the visionaries and the changemakers. Be prepared to dig in – once you begin reading, you won’t want to stop!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written that sends the reader to the Lower East Side and to Coney Island during such a sad era. A heart-wrenching story full of strength and hope for a better world and to the lives of "undesired weaklings". The love told in this story is so robust that I will hold it with me forever.

Thank you to the author and Goodreads giveaway!! Brilliant

[Lindsey M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very well written. It had historical facts mixed in with an interesting fictional story. As a mom of a preemie/NICU baby, it’s horrifying to think that not that long ago he would have been tossed in to the trash while the doctor/nurses rushed to save me from my hemorrhage. Instead, I live in a time where both lives were equally fought for and I will forever be grateful for Dr. Couney’s tireless work.

[autumn m roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be a beta reader for this book. It kept me interested from the first word and I couldn't wait to read the next sections. May be one Amy's best works! She brought the characters to life!

[Bethany Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story set at the turn of the twentieth century. I love books where I learn a piece of history, and this book is full of nuggets of truth. From the factory fire that claimed so many lives, to the circus sideshow where the lives of tiny infants where saved, it’s a great reminder of the importance of life. The story is a great reminder that everyone’s life is worth something and no one should be forgotten.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another story of a young woman who overcomes all odds, this time in Gilded Age New York City. I'm so excited to share this story based on the real life man who invented the neonatal incubator, Dr. Martin Couney, and his Infant Sideshow at Coney Island at the turn of the 20th Century. Perfect for young adults and old, this story--complete with a bit of romance--will capture the hearts of those who enjoyed Water for Elephants and The Greatest Showman, and leave you cheering for more.

[Heather Bridges · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect book for any season. Need a beach read? (check). Need a book to curl up in a blanket with? (check). I read this novel being familiar with the author and her style. She is known for a page turner that will make you connect with the characters in a way that makes you feel like you know them. This story is no different. I am a huge fan of all things circus, and 20s Era. This story of love and triumph, overcoming obstacles and family bonds is a must read for any reader.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tragic story with twists and turns. You will admire the characters and feel their loss and their hope all at the same time. If you're a fan of the circus, early 1900s New York City, or scientific revolutions, this book is for you. I have read several books from this author and all have been beautiful. This book is no exception. Ms. Sorrells' writing is engaging and page turning. Don't miss this one!

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I’m the first to rate it below 4, and I really thought about rating it a 3, but I just couldn’t. It remains a 2.

Honestly? It seems like a debut novel. I read a review that said this was the best of this author’s and I can only imagine what her others are if this one is as not good as it is.

I found several punctuation/spelling/timing errors. And the changes in voice? Sometimes it’s in 3rd and then it’ll randomly go to 1st for two sentences before back to 3rd. And the story honestly just fell flat. Oh, and we’re just going to leave Violet without a resolution to her story? What about Baby Zeb? And the other one from that day? The fire happens and it’s like AS remembers “Oh, yes, I have a page limit and must resolve Sophie’s story. But alas! So many characters! Oh well, no one will care if I just never mention this character again, but I do want to introduce more characters!”

I read it based on Heidi Chiavaroli’s recommendation, because I love all of her split time, but this just wasn’t it.

[Betti · Rating 5 out of 5]

For I know the plans I have for you, to give you a hope and a future.

1911 in the Lower East Side of New York City - an area where most of the newly arrived immigrants found a place to call home. Many working for very minimal wages meant that the whole family worked, just to keep a roof over their heads. Sophie Rosenfeld was just one of the several daughters in the family, all of which worked at the Triangle Shirtwaist factory. History tells us the horror of what happens when even the most minimal of safety precautions are not taken.

A tiny baby who really had little likelihood to survive was just the one that Dr. Martin Couney would take in, doing what no one else wanted to do. This was the beginning of the incubator, a lifesaving machine, one that we have had personal experience with and are so very grateful for.

This incredibly well researched story is one you don’t want to miss!

[Christine Barth · Rating 5 out of 5]

History is really stranger than fiction in this novel based on the story of the first infant incubators.
It's incredible that just 100 years ago the only way for babies born too early to survive was to become an act at a circus where an immigrant doctor (possibly without a medical degree) built the first incubators. These devices are very similar to what is used today. It was eye opening to see how widespread eugenics was and how many babies were literally thrown away.
This was a very moving story about how the smallest and weakest can make a difference-- especially with the power of faith and help from friends.
It was an emotional read for me since I had two preemies who may not have survived without modern medical technology, but the message about the value and potential of every life was truly beautiful.

[Claire Osgood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very readable historical novel, combining an infamous fire in a manufacturing plant, the WW1 American home front experience, the struggle to get premature babies to be accepted, and the challenge of convincing the medical profession to see the value of infant incubators in hospitals. The Coney Island of the early 1900s is vividly described, and made real for the reader. Not being a fan of romance novels, this was the only part with which I wasn't enthralled. However it was tastefully woven into the story line.

[Randy]

This was a very well written and interesting story. When I first got the book I was a little disappointed . I thought the subject matter was a little strange. But as I read the story I really did enjoy it. Later I was reading an article and heard about the babies at a side show. I got my daughter to read this book and she liked it also. Anytime a book makes you think and you tell others about it, I think its a winner. I give this book a 4 out of 5. Way to go.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Miracle at the Sideshow: An Astounding Novel of the First Infant Incubators" by Amy K. Sorrells, is indeed astounding.
I didn't realize until I finished it, that this is a Historical Fiction book, using many of the real people in the history of introducing the infant incubators; to save babies who otherwise were thrown out as weaklings
A fascinating and multifaceted history in the early 1900s.

I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captured my attention from the first page. Loved the characters and the story! I loved learning the history of that time period and how God's faithfulness was woven throughout the story. Could not put it down!

[Jan Gustafson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting historical novel about the invention of the first incubators. They were invented to care for premature babies who were being thrown away because the babies were considered "weaklings" - unfit to live.

[Deedee Dudley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have

Been fascinated by the story of premature babies on display at Coney Island, so I was excited to find a book about it. I thought this was more of a true account. I'm glad I found it though, the entire story is heartwarming and beautiful.

[Kris Ziegelhofer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really interesting topic that I knew nothing about.

[Robyn Klepfer · Rating 5 out of 5]

REALLY enjoyed this fictionalized account based on historical events. so much hope wound throughout. and makes you want to learn more of the actual history.