Fantastic story as always! I was taken back to the Great War and given a front seat. I love the different first person perspectives. They really added an depth view of the world around them. I highly recommend for any lover of historical fiction.

Preface of book, “And to the four million men who served in the American Expeditionary Forces of the Great War. Your journey was harder than we can know, your lives more meaningful than we can say. “The day is Yours, the night also is Yours…” Psalm 74: 16

Here’s a glimpse into the heart of the author in her notes to readers, “I couldn’t help thinking of the trenches. What the soldier of the Great War endured. Could he ever have imagined, in his darkest moment, such a resting place as this? Untouched by gunfire, mud, or gruesome things…a place marked by quiet, white-marbled peace? Sentinels who’ve sworn a creed to “walk my tour in humble reverence,”

This story grabbed my heart from the start and never let it go. I liked how the author took her time in introducing the men that make up the Seventeenth Band, Matthew, Jasper, Henry, George and then Mira. They meet in the WWI trenches as each seeks shelter in this mysterious forest that holds a haunting angelic song, It’s mesmerizing, and magical to the troops. The author introduces Mira, the Angel the soldiers had heard but could never catch, until she makes herself known, which changes everything.

How do I describe this author captivating writing style and inspirational thread? Here’s a peek. “Sometimes there’s a dark so thick you just know that the God who made light with His own two hands – with just His words – is going to plunge right into that dark to find you. You remember that Mr. Matthew.”

This novelist does an outstanding job of blending fact and fiction, giving readers an up-close and personal look at what happened in the trenches. There are lots of little details about what these men faced and what they did to help them make it through. I was spell bound by the way the author paints the descriptions of battle that don’t bog you down but are riveting.

I highly recommend this remarkable historical novel filled with love, faith, and courage as these men face their fears on and off the battlefield in WWI France. If you love Historical Fiction this is a must read. This is a gripping novel from start to finish and one that will work great for your next book club pick.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

Amanda Dykes has written such a beautiful, poetic, profound, and emotional novel in Yours is the Night. This story not only touched my heart, it touched my soul. She has such a way with words. truly. You'd think she's been writing for like 30 years or something. (and no, not because I think she's old lol, just in her writing style) She writes with grace, precision, emotion, historic accuracies, and authenticity. I cannot get enough of her stories.

I can't really say which character I liked more because they were all amazing. I thought the multiple POV's were going to be difficult to follow, but they really weren't. Two is typically my limit unless they are done well. Dykes does it well. More than well if I'm honest. How she managed to keep their parts straight while bringing them together totally amazes me. The ultimate message in this book - faith, was intricately woven throughout the pages. And beautifully done I might add.

Dykes gives readers a different glimpse of WWI. And her tribute to the Unknown Soldier was simply moving. If there was ever a historical fiction book to read this year, this is the one. I mean, there are several others of course, but make sure this one is at the top. Have your tissues nearby, it can get emotional, but it's worth it. I cannot recommend this book, or this author enough!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

It is always the most daunting of tasks to try to find the words to tell of an Amanda Dykes novel because there are none that truly do justice to the breathlessly beautiful stories she gives us. But this will be my attempt to at least give you the barest glimpse into this newest gift so that you will be persuaded to pick it up yourself.
Normally I fall in the less is more category when it comes to points of view but even though there were five I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Each character embedded themselves into your heart and together wove this intricate tapestry of a story that would have been incomplete without each of them. They each had there own story arc and character growth but they also formed unbreakable bonds with each other that were beautiful to see.
Mira and Matthew were the main focus of this story and they both had had quite the unique journey to the point at which they met and their meeting was like all of the puzzle pieces of their lives falling into place. I loved watching them build a trusting relationship that slipped seamlessly into love.
I loved the way the author drew attention to The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as we approach the 100th anniversary of when he was finally laid to rest. And while she didn’t fictionalize him or try to put a name on him she did give us a glimpse of what it was like for those who wonder if the unnamed soldier could be their soldier.
This story captured me wholly and I lost myself in it every time I picked it up.
Like I warned at the start these words don’t even begin to encompass all that is inside this amazing book and I cannot recommend that you read it (and all of Amanda Dykes’ other books) as soon as you possibly can!

Okay, it took me forever to write this review...mostly because I was intimidated to write it...mostly because I knew no matter what I said, it wouldn't be enough to capture how much I loved this story. Probably the best thing I can say is that the second I finished reading Yours is the Night, I said out loud: "Oh my word, I think this might be the best book I've ever read." SERIOUSLY.

This story is both heart-wrenching and soul-stirring. In true Amanda Dykes fashion, the writing is gorgeous...the characters are the kind that climb right into your heart and refuse to leave (and really, why would you even want them to?) and the plot gently and perfectly paced. The closer I got to The End, the faster I was turning pages as events escalated...gah, it's just SO good.

Really, nothing I say is going to do this story justice, so I'm just going to say please, please read it. Amanda Dykes' debut novel, Whose Waves These Are, was the Christy Award Book of the Year in 2020. I was and am obsessed with that book and this one is every bit as engrossing and poignant. And if you're anything like me, you might want to have a tissue on hand...and a reader friend or two around who's willing to listen to you relentlessly gush. :)

This story. It spoke deeply to it heart.
Amanda Dykes has a way of bringing to life those dark, dark days of the Great War, showing us tiny beams of light that shone in the midst of all that darkness.
This is one of those stories that grips you so deeply, you know you won't soon forget it.
The story is just beautiful. It took me a bit to read, and then to process, before I could start writing a review that would even come close to doing it justice...
Matthew Petticrew has had an unusual childhood. This book is his story, and the large part of it is during WWI.
This is also a story about the Angel of the Argonne. Mira. A girl who grew up deep in the forest, living only with her Papa and her Grand-Pere. Until the war reached their forgotten corners of the world.
Then we see how their two worlds collided - Matthew and Mira. Matthew wants to do nothing more than rescue Mira, keep her safe. Is it even possible when there are soldiers everywhere in her beloved France?
Secondary characters include several of Matthew's fellow soldiers. (and others, too, of course) An honest look at humanity, and the terrible realities of a war like that one.
This story gives us an unusual look at this Great War. Beautiful characters. Lovely setting.
I found myself quickly falling in love with all of it.
This is a book that will linger with me for a long time.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Amanda has a way of writing that is unlike most authors I read. I would describe it as almost fantastical and yet elegant and deep. She weaves these qualities into her stories to create books that pull you in and make you pay attention.
The night is what drew Matthew Petticrew and Mira together. The night is when it felt safe to share stories, it was safer to talk than to sleep and risk the nightmares.
This story is written in 2021, 100 years after the ceremony and the placement of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In many ways, it's a fictional honor bestowed upon the unknown soldier and yet, Amanda doesn't want to downplay the true stories of soldiers who lived and died for our freedom.
She does a really good job, I think, of bestowing honor on the men who fought in the Great War, of showing the internal struggles, the home front issues that followed them to the war front and the victories that emerged on both fronts.
This story is told from five different viewpoints and we watched the characters emerge stronger, more courageous, and more honorable as the book progresses.
I fully enjoyed this story and will be on the look out for any more books Amanda writes.
I received this book from Bethany House via NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review.

This story was so many things; heart wrenching, interesting, captivating.
The story was so captivating that one page turned to another and so on.
The characters stole my heart. Their pains, joys, sorrows, triumph were so palpable. The way the author wrote was so amazing. It felt like I was there in the story.
It was act of genius the way the author wrote from multiple characters poimt of view clearly and not confusing or clumsy at all.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

🍂 I am a forever fan of @amanda_spins_stories and will read every piece of literature she writes. I was absolutely thrilled to receive this ARC from @netgalley and @bethanyhousefiction I just wish I had gotten to read it sooner!!
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🍂 This book is full of hope, heartache, history, war, nature, family, tragedy, love and TRUTH - all told in the beautiful prose that we've come to expect from Amanda's writing.
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🍂 This is WWI historical fiction told from five perspectives - all characters that I found myself attached to. They were all brave, graceful, and humble enough to serve and learn. The story is enough to bring tears to my eyes as I think of the valor of the men who gave their lives for our country, the families who sacrificed those men, and those of us who enjoy the freedoms we do because of such sacrifice.
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🍂 More then anything, my favorite thing about this book and all of Amanda Dykes' writing is how she weaves Truth throughout. This is not a good story with Jesus taglined at the end. This tells of how He brings Light to dark places, heals the broken, and carries His children Home. It's a masterpiece and I was privileged to read it.
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🍂 There is no content warning, but be aware this has war scenes that may disturb some, as well as rape that has zero description, it is not even a scene. It is 100% worth the read, I truly hope you pick this one up 💕
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🍂 I'm not a big quote person, but I couldn't help it in this case:

"There are none who can undo the past. But there is one who will carry the pain of it. He knows too well the sting of injustice. No, more than that. The blood of it. But with it, He bears the scars of his own injustice with the same hands that carry me now. And the same hands that have made this little one

A story set in the last days of WW1, in France near and in the Argonne Forest. Bringing together a few people, quite different from one another, yet whose lives become entwined. A girl has been living in the forest, raised by her Father and Grandfather, who were escapees from another previous conflict. Found by a few soldiers, all vastly different men, now coming together, each with their own strengths and weaknesses to help her get to Paris and her family's great home. What a journey and learning of people, growing in strength and love, much because of their bond with one another.
"We’d scorned one another and needed one another and had left that battle-gouged land with battle-gouged hearts."
Deep, heartfelt lessons of life and faith, building of personal strength from shared experience and support.
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#YoursIstheNight #NetGalley

I did not finish this book. I found it slow to start and hard to get into. There were a lot of varying POV and it was unclear 10% through what was going on. The imagery was beautiful, but I just was not able to get invested in the plot. I have loved other books by this author, but found this one just was not my cup of tea. I look forward to trying her books again in the future!

Anddd ... Amanda Dykes delivers yet again. Books like these are the reason why she's my favorite historical fiction author. ;)

YOURS IS THE NIGHT is filled to the brim with all her usual specialties—beautiful prose that lends an otherworldly feel to ordinary places, deep characters with relatable personal journeys, God-honoring romance, and the signature bit of humor thrown into the mix. = A masterpiece.

It took a bit for me to get into this book—I was slightly confused, which may have to do with the fact that I read it on the computer—but around the halfway mark, I was intrigued. So, in all, so glad I read all the way through.

The characters were definitely original—George was one of my absolute favorites. And Matthew. I really enjoyed how all the side characters weren't just cookie-cutter stereotypes—they were real, with areas to grow in throughout the story. I especially sympathized with Henry and how he had to learn to stop trying to be someone he wasn't and be honest no matter the costs.

So in all, another solid, beautiful read from Dykes.

"On the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier comes an emotive tale inspired by the courageous soldiers of World War I."
Yours is the Night is an incredible book that the author poured her heart and soul into.
I have read many,many WWI and WWII books there are those that fly from the mind soon after being read and those that stay with us in the heart. This is one that the heart keeps.
The story is unique in the sense that we receive it through the eyes,thoughts and actions of five individual characters. This puts a unique perspective on the story.
Emotional, this is one not to miss!

Pub Date 03 Aug 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

I have read previous books by Amanda Dykes and love her style of storytelling, and as such was really looking forward to checking out her newest one and had high expectations for it. I must admit though, I had a hard time getting into this one. Perhaps it was that those expectations were set a bit too high? Yes, the storytelling was, as I had seen before, absolutely fantastic. The author has a rather unique voice that I really enjoy reading, I just really didn't connect with this particular story. Perhaps it was my frame of mind at the time of reading, I'm not sure. That said, if you enjoy historical fiction and particularly WWI, I would still recommend giving this one a read and judging for yourself anyway. It wasn't a bad read, I just wish I could have connect with it better.

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

Wir lernen zunächst die schwierige und sehr unterschiedliche Kindheit von Mira und Matthew kennen, aber schon bald führt der Krieg im Buch Platoon Sergeant Matthew Petticrew und Mireilles, The Angel of Argonne zufällig hinter den Fronten zusammen.
Sie hat gerade ihren Großvater begraben und bleibt allein zurück, so können die Soldaten sie nicht ihrem Schicksal überlassen, aber mit in die Kampfgräben kann sie auch nicht, so erhalten die drei ungleichen Kameraden den Befehl sie möglichst sicher nach Paris zu bringen. Sie traut den Männern, mit denen sie sich kaum verständigen kann, zunächst nicht und entwickelt eigene Pläne. Doch schon bald schweißen sie die einschneidenden Erlebnisse auf ihrem Weg zusammen.
Die Erzählung ist sehr bewegend und emotional. Die Autorin beschreibt ergreifend das Leid und die Mühsal der Menschen im Krieg und das Wenige Hoffnung, was es noch gab. Welch unfassbare Situation mussten die Menschen über Jahre ertragen, bevor es zum Ende des Krieges kam. Aber in der dunkelsten Nacht noch gibt es ein Licht. Der Roman hat ein gutes und wichtiges Nachwort, dass sich auf das Grabmal des Unbekannten Soldaten als Ideengeber bezieht.

Ein dem Thema würdiges Buch, dass mir persönlich nur manchmal fast schon zu viele Worte der Beschreibung findet.

Great book, just what I've come to expect from this author. I loved the characters and the way the plot flows and twists. I got drawn in right away and the book kept my interest the entire way through.

I highly recommend it.

Yours Is the Night
by Amanda Dykes
Pub Date 03 Aug 2021 | Archive Date 31 Aug 2021
Bethany House, Bethany House Publishers
Christian | Historical Fiction | Romance



I am reviewing a copy of Yours Is the Night through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:




I am reviewing a copy of Yours Is the Night through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:



There are shadows in the trenches of the Great War. Platoon Sergeant Matthew Petticrew arrived there with a shadowed past himself, but the reality of battles bring new wounds carving within him a longing for light, and a resolve to fight for it.




One night not only Matthew but his Comrades as well are enraptured by a sound so pure, a voice so ethereal, it offers reprieve even if only for a moment. As rumors sweep the trenches they learn that others had heard it too. The Angel of Argonne," they call the voice: a mysterious presence who leaves behind wreaths on unmarked graves.




Mireilles who was raised in the wild depths of the Forest of Argonne, finds her reclusive world rocked when war crashes into her idyllic home, taking much from her. When Matthew along with his two unlikely companions discover Mireilles, they must embark on a journey that will change each of them forever and perhaps, at long last, spark light into the dark.



I give Yours Is the Night five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

This is my first book I've read by Amanda Dykes, but it won't be the last. Well-written Christian historical books are few and far between, Dykes is a master. The characters are described in detail and they come alive on the pages, I appreciate the chance to read this e-title through NetGalley. This will be on order for our library shelves.

This beautifully crafted novel got all my emotions flowing in the best possible way. I’m sure my words will be inadequate in this review and that seems okay with me as there are no words to describe just how amazing this book is.

So, I will just say that Amanda Dykes is a masterful storyteller and what a story she has penned in the pages of, Yours is the Night. Her characters are memorable, their stories are both heartbreaking and heartwarming. I was completely immersed in this book from beginning to end and as much as I wanted to find out what was going to happen, I didn’t want to see the story end. I have already read this book twice and will definitely read it again. This will be on my keeper shelf and if you’re a fan of historical fiction or a well written novel, you’ll want to get a copy as soon as possible.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own

Amazing. Amanda Dykes has the ability to immerse the reader in the worlds she has created. I was mesmerized by this book. Highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.