Few authors have the gifting of words as Amanda Dykes. Set the Stars Alright is a beautiful story of giving our lives for others set into two storylines. In the historical story we learn about Frederick, Elias and Juliette as their lives interweave as they come of age and one gives his life for another. In the contemporary storyline, Lucy and her childhood friend reunite to solve the mystery of the disappearance of the ship Jubilee through astronomy and tide studies. Amanda Dykes brings the two stories together in a beautiful ending of forgiveness and love. This will be one of the best books of 2020 for me and I am planning on giving copies as gifts.
I did receive a complimentary copy of Set the Stars Alright through NetGalley thanks to Bethany House.

This is a gorgeously written dual timeline novel (1800s and 2000s) made to savor. If you want to escape into another world where wonder is alive and well, here's your chance.

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a dual timeline story that celebrates friendship and brotherhood…of faithful friends that sacrifice for one another and help each other in dark times. Lucy’s dad used stories to teach Lucy and Dash to dig for light and look for what God can do. He says it this way, “I think it’s our duty to keep the stories, to pass them on. It is our duty—and our honor. In a world as dark as ours, we-that is, people-forget how to see the light. So we remind them by telling the truth, fighting the dark, paying attention…setting the stars alight” (location 434). It’s a good message for us today.
Lucy and Dash have a unique, special bond. It’s wonderful to see them grow and reconnect and find a way to a different relationship. Frederick is overwhelmed by his need to make things right for Juliette. It affects the entire course of his life. His sacrifice is amazing.
I read a lot of suspense books so this novel started out a little slow for me. It takes a while to start figuring out the connections. Things picked up for me part way through and I enjoyed the story and the hunt for the missing ship and for the truth. The ending didn’t completely resolve everything. I don’t know if this is the beginning of a series. If it’s not, I would have liked to know a few more things.
Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Set the Stars Alight
By Amanda Dykes
4.5 stars

First thing you'll notice about this novel is the authors practically poetic way of writing. Her prose about light, literally and figuratively is mesmerizing.

This split time novel covering present day Lucy and Dash and 19th century Frederick, Juliette and Elias.

Lucy and Dash use thier combined knowledge of the seas and the stars to find a supposedly lost ship. While their on the search we follow Federick as he is put into service on the high seas.

I loved Lucy and Dash's love story. It's been awhile since I've rooted for a couple this much.

I gave it 4.5 stars out of five because it was a little slow at times. But still a great read and an author to expect many many more amazing stories to come!

I am amazed at how Amanda Dykes has crafted the stories in Set The Stars Alight, how she has woven together two stories or overcoming great grief and challenges, incorporated a thrilling mystery that seems hard to believe isn’t real and all this done with a lyrical prose that sweeps the reader away.

Lucy grew up knowing the love of her parents and the stories they told her and her childhood friend, Dash. Now she has lost both parents and Dash has moved away to study the stars, but her career path - marine archaeologist - was formed through the mysteries and stories her parents shared with her. When her application for a grant to uncover the story of a ship that disappeared over 200 years ago is threatened, Dash remarkably returns to Lucy’s life and offers to join with her in her search. 200 years earlier, three lives were interwoven - a shepherd’s daughter, the young man she loved and the young boy of the estate. Their journey is forged through grief, wars, betrayal, great sacrifice and song and now 200 years later, Lucy and Dash are determined to unravel the clues of their story.

I confess I didn’t read this book at the best of times. I started it during the last week of the school term and tried to read it even though my brain was running on fumes and all I wanted to do was sleep. I don’t feel as I gave this book the attention it deserved and I would recommend to other readers that you save this for when you have a few spare afternoons, time and brain power to devote to the very clever story and wonderfully detailed writing style. Nevertheless, I was swept away by this remarkable book. It really is a little magical, a story of great sacrifice, puzzles, adventure, seafaring and romance.

I was so impressed by how the two stories came together and were woven so seamlessly. While Lucy and Dash’s romance is very sweet and their discovery of the story that occurred 200 years ago important to the plot overall, it was the historic story of Frederick that I really enjoyed. I loved Frederick’s voice, his grief and desperate hope to care for the people he had claimed as his, even if he knew they did not feel the same way about him. It was utterly heartbreaking and I’m so happy he got the ending he did.

I won’t say too much about the plot, as I think the unfolding of it all is what makes it so magical, but suffice to say there is everything of a great epic in it - stars and storytelling, wars and love, betrayal and great sacrifice.

If you love romance, mysteries and historical fiction, you are sure to delight in Set The Stars Alight.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

I'm sure lots of readers will enjoy this enchanting story but it just wasn't what I was expecting. The story is set two hundred years apart and interesting. The pace is very slow and confusing at times. I find it hard to her in to.

Amanda Dykes has written an interesting dual time story that will keep you trying to figure out the link between the two! Frederick Hanford lived 200 years ago and was a disappointment to his father, lord of the manor. You will follow Fred as he is pressed into service aboard the ship Jubilee as a young lad. Fred's life is sad but full of courage and showing kindness to others --even being willing to give his life for a friend. Lucy's life was full of love from both of her parents. Her father was a storyteller for her and a lonely neighbor boy, Dashel, who they shared their home with. Like Fred, Dash was always interested in the stars and grew up to become a forensic astronomer. Lucy loved her father's stories of the high seas and became a marine archaeologist. No one knows what happened to the ship Jubilee and Lucy is determined to locate it. Lucy and Dash lose contact with each other over the years until Dash comes back to London to help her. You won't want to miss this unusual and amazing story by Amanda Dykes! I received a complimentary e-book from Bethany House and NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

Deeply evocative. Dykes is a masterful story weaver and I was touched in deep places by the love, sacrifice and restoration conveyed in these intertwining stories. The language is powerful and beautiful and so many lines are still floating in my mind for further exploration. Lucey and Dash in the contemporary setting and Frederick, Elias and Juliette in the early 1800’s command your full attention as they have a magical story that rivals any legend sung by the bards. You will not be disappointed by this book. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own and freely given.

Amanda Dykes' writing has a depth to it that one doesn't often encounter in today's contemporary fiction. It is special; it touches a part of one's heart and soul that is reserved for literature by classic authors such as Austin and Lewis. Set the Stars Alight is made up of stories leading to new stories, one the Greatest Story every told. While the reader knows a bit about where the story is leading, there are unexpected events all along the way. Once the end of the story is reached, one is likely to want to reread it right away knowing what they now know, to peek into the stories with a different lens. I most highly recommend Set the Stars Alight; once you meet this lost boy and matchstick girl and walk their path, you will be recommending it to your friends as well. I am grateful to have received a copy from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

I know I won't be able to do this book the justice it deserves but I'm going to do my best. Amanda Dykes has magic in her fingertips. She weaves a story of wonder and enchantment that transports you through time and space.

At the time I was reading this book I was struggling to read because of a medication change yet, this was the only book I wanted to read. It took me longer because of that however, it touched my heart in a way I won't soon forget and I know I will be reading it again.

Ms. Dykes writes with lyrical, poetic prose that surrounds you like a warm blanket making you not want to leave.

I loved her debut, Whose Waves These Are but I believe Set the Stars Alight stole its favorite spot for me. I highly recommend this book! So, stop what you're reading and go grab a copy of this one. I promise, you won't be sorry!

~Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I’m sure that my words won’t do this book justice. It’s such a wonderful book! This book is so full of hope, wonder, and light. There’s just something magical about this one. It is just the story that I needed to read right now! I absolutely loved it! Her stories are so incredibly unique. I did enjoy the little nod to her other book. This is one book that I could read again and again!

Amanda Dykes has a signature style for sure. It’s poetic, lyrical, a bit whimsical, and wholly her own. It feels a bit like magic, but somehow all of the layers come together into something true and beautiful.

The modern day storyline involves watchmaker’s daughter, Lucy, with a heart for the sea, meeting and befriending Dash, a boy with a heart for the stars. Though time and circumstance pull them apart, later the stars and the sea bring them back together to solve a historical mystery. Lucy has set much of her academic life as a marine archaeologist on finding out what happened to a ship that disappeared two hundred years ago. Dash, an expert in his field, just might be able to help her find the answers that she needs.

Two hundred years ago, near the coast of Sussex, Frederick is the young son of a grand estate, learning everything there is to know about ships and sailing. At the same time, he craves freedom and a place to belong. As his story entwines with that of a shepherd’s daughter and another local boy, the layers build gently until the reader is left wondering where the thread began and what could Dykes possibly do to unravel this tale. Yet, she does so with finesse and ease. Though the historical story took me a bit longer to settle into, but its depth grew with each scene, and I was soon eager to know how things turned out for these characters.

The way everything relates to the present day story is well-woven tale indeed. There is such a sense of whimsy to her stories and so much charm, including fairytale-like stories, hidden paintings, secret caves, mysterious church bells, and so much more. You really just have to read it to appreciate it in all its winsome goodness. There is a substantial amount of grief, but Dykes never leaves out hope. In fact, I would say that her stories are often about acknowledging the hope’s light, even when it’s unseen, holding onto grief and hope equally, realizing there is beauty in both:

“The One who is coming…and coming…and coming after you. Fighting for your heart. Every breath a gift. He sets the stars alight, my girl. And we open our eyes to this in benevolent defiance of the dark…by remembering. Take note. Live deeply.”

I hope I always take note, live deeply, and lean into the light. I hope we all do.

I received a complimentary advanced copy of this novel from the publisher; this review is my honest opinion.

". . . this world can be a dark place. . . . We see it every day. We feel the heaviness of it descend when we turn on the news. But there is something else in this world too. And it is light. Hope. Truth. Wonder. There is proof all around us, stories in every nook and cranny, promises yearning with joy to be fulfilled. That is what this story is about at its very core."

This edited quote is from the Author's note at the end of the book. I think it's very relevant to know this at the start! I was immediately captivated with the writing style of Amanda Dykes. As you delve into the beautiful and descriptive language of Set the Stars Alight, you are transported into two fascinating timelines. No matter which story you are in, you can feel the sea spray on your face, see the sea stacks beyond the cliffs, smell the fragrant grasses blowing in the breeze, or the pages of the many tomes lining the shelves of the Bodleian library or the earthiness of the spring cellar. There were times that I got so caught up in the cadences and beauty of the words, that I had to go back and read it again to stay on track with the story.

I found friendship with each of the characters in the book. I understood their sorrow, joy, pain, pride, fear, love and loyalty. I enjoyed the time I spent with them as their journey(s) unfolded. What an amazing book!

Lucy and Dashel grew up together. Dashel was raised by his aunt who was seldom there so he gravitated to Lucy’s family. Lucy’s father loved to tell stories of the past shrouded in mystery. Both children grew up with these stories. Years later Lucy is doing research and applying for a grant about one mystery – a seaman who allegedly turned traitor. Dashel has read about Lucy’s quest and comes to offer his services. He is now a famous astronomer. Together they go to a farm near an old fishing village that is tied into the tale of this seaman. They discover many interesting things here and local lore plays into the research. Dashel and Lucy discover that all their years apart they were both remembering their childhood and each other with fondness.

This is a wonderful mystery story and has many elements – all fun to explore. I highly recommend this book.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Net Galley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

“The world is dark, so dark we sometimes forget the stars. But they are always there—we need only fight to see these places of brilliant light, these echoes of the truest stories.”

Set the Stars Alight transports readers into an unbelievable setting, with incredible characters and an enchanting story. Lucy Clairmont searches for a long-lost ship which disappeared centuries ago. But she stumbles on so much more as she follows a trail of breadcrumbs her father left her in the form of fairy-tale-like stories.

Set in two time periods, the story weaves the tale of the past with Lucy’s modern day search. She winds up being led by Dashel, her long lost childhood love, to Stone’s Throw Farm to search for proof of the infamous shipwreck. Amanda Dykes has a powerful writing style that creates deep and meaningful characters. I loved Lucy’s struggle to find herself as she connects with a town and people seeped in mystery. I fell in love with Dash, his quirkiness and genius bringing out the best in Lucy. The stories, both past and present, are seeped in imagery and themes of love and sacrifice.

The combination of Dash and Lucy makes the story rich. She is a maritime archaeologist, and he is a forensic astronomer. Together they take their childhood stories and piece them together to understand the legend behind the missing ship, the Jubilee. Their connection is deep as the waters and sky they search.

I will add that this story isn’t a quick read. I love to read as I fall asleep at night, but I had to stay awake and pay attention to absorb every word for the story to come together in my mind. I’ll probably be re-reading this one someday as there’s so much meaning and imagery in every word. I 100% recommend this to fiction lovers who want to be immersed in a beautiful and intriguing tale.

Overall: 5 stars (I loved it, couldn’t put it down)
Suspense: 4 stars (lots of action and suspense to keep me intrigued)

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Have you ever had a story that kinda just hung in the air after you finish it? Like the last note of a powerful chorus echoing through an auditorium? This was that kind of story for me. There was something so deep and meaningful about the way this author wove God’s pursuit of our hearts with the fantastic stories of light in the darkness that were told to Lucy and Dash. Full review is at my website.

I received this book complimentary as a member of the author’s launch team. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I have expressed here are honest and my own.

5-stars is not enough for this phenomenal story! I sit here awash in blissful wonder and my words fail to do justice to this light-filled work of art, for a work of art this story truly is! Finely crafted with expert care, filled with the heart and soul of the author who penned it; this author who has clearly allowed God to fill her heart and guide her pen.

Crafted with light and love, this story is one that absolutely can not be missed! This story has woven itself around my heart, and I’m all the better for having experienced and lived this story! These dynamic characters feel like family now and are sure to live in my heart for a long time to come!

(While I received a complimentary digital copy from the publisher, I purchased a print copy of this book for my personal library. I am not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

What a fascinating tale. By the time I finished, I absolutely loved how all the pieces fit together. I appreciated the value placed on the life story of each character and how their lives intertwined. There were layers of lessons about forgiveness, sacrifice, truth and God Himself woven within this well researched story of adventure. I especially enjoyed the touches of humor and romance. For each reminder that when you find yourself in the dark, one only needs to look for the light, I am very grateful. Amanda Dykes has truly written a tribute to the power of story and the importance of remembering. I will certainly be recommending this book to individuals, as well as, groups for discussion. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Words cannot aptly describe this fabulous novel that lifts the reader from ordinary days to the height of wonder, adventure, and what many call impossible. The author is a natural storyteller, drawing the reader in with engaging, delightful characters with unplumbed depths and a riveting tale that begins over 200 years ago with a lad, a telescope, a shepherd, and a fiery sprite in East Sussex, England. Ultimately, it is about God, who continues “pursuing you with tenderest grace.”

The watchmaker and story keeper, Simon, and his wife have one daughter, Lucy, raised far different than her peers in the early 21st century. She has more than any girl could want in terms of a loving, close-knit family. Simon spent evenings telling stories and riddles. When she was ten, her family welcomed Dash, an orphan from America who lives with his aunt in the flats Simon is caretaker for. Like Lucy, Dash is very well-read. He is as obsessed with the lights in the sky as Lucy is with maps and oceans. The stories Simon tells mesmerize Dash also, and he becomes like a member of the family. Simon teaches what he knows of the stars and helps them build a telescope.

After the death of her mother, Lucy and her father recover as best as they can. Dash and Lucy are good for each other, special companions. Until the day he did not come at the usual time. The door of the flat he and his aunt lived in was open, and a note for her on the table. His aunt moved them to America, and he would write to her. The hurt and loss cut deeply, and the solitary girl grew into a solitary young woman.

In 1802 East Essex, Frederick is a ten-year-old boy growing up at Edgecliffe Estate. His bitter, angry father, an admiral in a long line of Navy men, was injured and no longer able to serve in the Napoleonic battles. Frederick did not know what it was like to have a friend. He had a glimpse of what a real family was like when he escaped the estate one night and fell asleep. He was found by a shepherd, a tenant of his father, and breakfasted with his wife and daughter. When he collapsed of the fever that killed his mother, the shepherd carried him to the estate. The shepherd later died of the fever, and Frederick determined to find a help his daughter and later, the man of her heart.

This is a novel best enjoyed by slowly savoring, even re-reading, a beautiful Christian classic. One will ponder the beautiful images and ideas of prose that sings, for moments of the sheer wonder we lose in the weariness of daily living. See how lives are entwined from one generation, one century, to those far off in the future.

While I am not always a fan of dual-timeline novels, this author does an excellent job as she glides from one to the other. Each transition between the 19th and 21st century is easy for the reader. Spiritual lessons abound and may be different for each reader. One thing for certain is that most will put this on their “to keep” shelf. I highly recommend this novel to everyone who ponders whether the Lord is present in our lives, who seeks a childlike wonder and adventure, and enjoys historical and contemporary fiction. Reach for the stars and find His hand!

From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this from the author, publisher, and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

This book took me a little bit to really feel connected but “Oh” once I did I could hardly put it down. I was so wanting to find out what happened next. A split-timeline that was heart-felt. I really was invested with both story lines and by the time it switched I was all “into” which one I was reading. I was really surprised about a certain incident but I don’t want to give too much away. I was so proud of a certain person and I don’t know if I could have done “that”. A love and loyalty as this is hard to find and it really happened with both stories. I loved Dash and Lucy, they were like a breath of fresh air, not too much romance but seemingly just right. The author knew just how to tie these stories together to give us hope and light.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.