Yours is the night by Amanda Dykes
While reading Yours is the night I was remembering all the stories I have read about war. This made me thing again of what it must have been like during the war for the soldiers and the people in the path of the war. Amanda Dykes sure knows how to bring the story alive. You fall in love with the characters. I would gladly recommend book.

This complimentary book from the author for a honest review. All thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone.

Yours Is The Night is a beautiful story of love, friendship, and war. I will admit, I had a little bit of difficulty getting the characters in this book straight, but once I figured out who was who and what was happening, the pages flew. I couldn't get enough and tried very hard to be patient and let the story blossom. Amanda Dykes is one of those authors who has a way of drawing you in with her words. Of making you want more. Of helping you see the story, feel the story, love the story! Cheering for a little family in the woods and a band of brothers who each have their lessons to learn, their futures to grow into.

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

Beautifully written! A book that honors fallen soldiers and their fellow brothers. Amanda knows how to make me laugh, cry, and keeps me guessing until the end as my fingers keep turning the pages that have my heart hooked. Perfect amount of romance with the perfect ending that leaves you haunted (in a good way) for days to come! You won't regret diving in!

What an immersive story. Amanda's books always have a lyrical quality that I haven't seen in any other author's work and this latest tale from her is no different. Set against the backdrop of World War 1 in the Argonne Forest, this story is sad but beautiful, and shows that hope even in the absolute darkest times is possible and that courage can be stronger than the fear. This is definitely a compelling read. Wonderful read. I purchased the audio version and it is very good as well.

I received the hard copy of this book as a member of the launch team but also purchased an audio copy as well. I was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

This is a really special book. It moved me on several different levels. There is comradeship born from adversity among the three men who go on a task together. It was amazing seeing them grow and learn to work together and rely on each other. There is personal transformation for many as they see that God had purposes for making them as they are and for putting them right where he's got them. There is love, not heady, passionate romance, but a love that really sees and understands and cares anyway, despite the mess. There is sacrifice...people laying down their lives for another. There is a gentle reminder that though the task may seem impossible, "one second at a time will get you there. One second at a time is not impossible" (location 1921).

One of my favorite parts was seeing how Mireilles was able to recognize God with her in the darkest of days and how she encouraged the men to see him too. "And it is because He brought me you that He has reminded me He can do anything in all this world. He can see me through what is next. And you, too..." (location 4718).

It was a beautiful book. It caught me off guard with its tenderness. I'd highly recommend it. Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I will be perfectly honest and say historical fiction isn’t typically my genre. Suspense novels draw my attention immediately because they have certain qualities that make them in a word, exhilarating. But every so often, I need a break from the excitement. It is similar to taking a vacation to a national park when needing an escape from a big city. Yours is the Night by Amanda Dykes was the perfect getaway. It took me a while to read the novel, but not because it bored me. Rather, I just had too much going on in my life to commit time to the book.

Looking back, I am glad I couldn’t consume it in one sitting. Yours is the Night is the type of novel a reader should savor. While I don’t usually like first-person accounts, Dykes’ novel wouldn’t have been half the story if it had been in third person. In the height of World War One, five different characters face five different challenges. Together, yet, apart, they face their individual challenges with strength, while simultaneously helping each other. Mireilles goes from distrustful to trusting. Henry Mueller from hiding behind a penname, presenting WWI in some glorious manner…to an honest man who didn’t mince words. George Piccadilly, Matthew Petticrew, and Jasper Truett—every character changed.

The characters’ growths, combined with a gratifying plot, made Yours is the Night a portrait of historical fiction. While exciting in its own way, it didn’t drown its readers in battles or other forms of violence. Yes, battles occurred in the novel, but they were not what propelled the story forward. The characters themselves did that, and that is what made me love Yours is the Night so much. Dykes is truly a gifted author, unlike any I have recently read. Her words are eloquent and thought-out, and to be honest, I cannot find the right words to do the novel justice.

Everything about Yours is the Night just…flows. Dykes is a master with words; she paints words like Van Gogh or Picasso with their famous works. A couple examples:
“Because there was plenty to be afraid of. Plenty of real, awful things. But maybe, after all, it wasn’t about the presence of danger, but the presence of a God who would plunge right into it beside you.”
“Sometimes there’s a dark so thick you just know that the God who made light with his own to hands—with just His words—is going to plunge right into that dark to find you.”

This is such a powerful read. I loved every minute I spent in its pages, and you will, too.

"Words fail to adequately express my riotous emotions while reading Yours is the Night. However, I will attempt to do justice to this hauntingly beautiful tribute to the men who sacrificed so much in the Great War. It is one of the best stories I've read.

I could tell from the onset that I was in for a treat. I especially loved Matthew and Captain Truett. They were both broken, humble, and had hearts of gold. Each displayed the noble character that would lay down his life for a friend. Their initial meeting left me breathless and made my heart melt. Joining them were George, the unlikely chaplin, and Henry, the farm boy turned journalist, and Mira, the Angel of the Argonne.

It was hard not to fall for George, even as obnoxious he was. His transformation from attempting to sound holy and pious as he played at being a man of the cloth to a humble man who truly sought a relationship with the Lord was remarkable. And his shock when he discovered he had actually preached a sermon (when he hadn't even planned on it) was quite humorous! And what a sermon it was!

Mira's strength in the face of tragedy and loss touched me. Her choice to see good and not evil was quite inspiring. The gifts she gave the soldiers, living and dead, were so beautiful, especially in light of what she had endured!!

While I do get emotional over stories I read, I don't tend to be much of a weeper. I may get a lump in my throat but seldom experience tears. And while I may giggle or guffaw here or there, I am mostly a quiet reader. However, today I had tears streaming down my face and even had to stop reading at one point because the words became so blurred! And yet, the story is not all sadness. It is infused throughout with hope and light. And George's misunderstanding after they had all crossed the river had me laughing out loud, uncontrollably, for several minutes!!

My poor husband had to put up with me reading passage after passage to him! Some of the truths were just too good to keep to myself. Especially moving were the lessons about light and darkness - the picture of God piercing the darkness with His light - illustrated in many beautiful ways, including using the humble glowworms the soldiers used to safely light the trenches.

Arresting imagery brought the Argonne Forest to life for me. I could see the trees with their knotholes lined up - looking like a choir. The sights and smells of the trenches with the whistles of incoming missiles filled my senses. The fears and bravery of the soldiers were palpable. The writing held me spellbound!

Readers of historical fiction will want to grab a copy of Yours is the Night and a box (or three) of tissues and find a cozy few hours to savor this marvelous story!


I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own."

There is a reason Amanda Dykes consistently rates at the top of my “must buy” list. Very few authors have the ability to weave in multiple POVs and still manage to create a seamless tale. In this case, not only do the multiple characters tell their tale, but they live it out in such a way that you are transported right there with them, feeling what they feel, seeing what they see and hearing what they hear. It is real, intimate, and poignant. My heart has been impressed upon by the multiple nuggets of wisdom and Truth. I recommend keeping a notebook or highlighter handy when you read this one. My only do-over would be to not wait so long to read this treasure. It truly lives up to the hype and deserves to be slowly relished and savored. It is impossible to choose a favorite character, so instead, I will focus on the attention to detail and rich historical background. Amada Dykes does her research and teaches you so many things without feeling like you are in a history class. Instead, you are living history through her ability to capture moments in time through her own imagination. A truly gifted and talented author. I am blessed for having read this one.

I received a complimentary copy, with thanks, from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own and freely given.

"What do they know of life? What do I know of life? Perhaps we know more than our fair share, and in that, I wish I could give them something. Take away the sorrow. Send them to their homes, to their mothers and sisters and sweetheart. But what have I to give?

Mira grew up in a hidden part of a French forest. World War 1 fighting is happening in her literal backyard. She wants to make a difference.

"Sometimes there's a dark so thick you just know that the God 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."

Matthew did not have an easy childhood. He took on the role of protector early on. And that goal has continued now that he finds himself fighting on the side of America in World War 1 France. When he and two other men are asked to escort a woman to safety, he takes on that mission with all of his heart.

If you have read any of Amanda's books, you will know that she has a beautiful way with words. She is also an excellent storyteller. Unlike her previous full length novels, this book is entirely set around World War 1. But she does include the perspective of several characters. Rather than being told in first person, this book is told in a multi-narrator format.

One hundred years later, I think we have lost the willingness to sacrifice our good for the well-being of others. This shines through in her characters much as it would have for many of the real life contributors in World War 1. I am glad that some of their patriotism is being kept alive through well-written and well-researched books, including non-fiction ones. There are so many scenes that I could mention. But part of the beauty of this author's writing is uncovering the connections that are contained inside the chapters. I do highly recommend this book.

I was provided a copy of this book as a part of a literary tour. I requested to read the book because I wanted to review it. All opinions are my own.

This author is one of my absolute favorite authors. This is her third release, but all of her books have been heartwarming and encouraging. Like our lives, these characters endure through difficult times, but the author shows how light always is present in darkness. The writing style of the author is surreal in how the words seamlessly flow throughout the book. This book is set during World War I and the dialogue goes between several characters, but their stories all intertwine together. Two of the main characters are Matthew and Mireilles. Mireilles has endured such hardship, but she perseveres through it all. Matthew has also had a difficult life with different issues, but the task he is given helps him to overcome some of the darkness he has experienced. Hank, George, and Jasper all provide additional viewpoints and storylines to create an interesting story. I highly recommend all of the author’s books!!! You will not be disappointed! The story is phenomenal! If you are looking for something uplifting and inspirational, then this book is for you!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, this is my own opinion.

"Yours Is The Night": 5⭐

(Unpaid Review: thank you to @netgalley, @amandadykes and the publishers for allowing me to read this eArc copy in exchange for a review.)

There are books that can really touch your soul without you even noticing. This one is one you experience, you live through it, you actually like what you're living and you want more.

Amanda Dykes has this sense of whimsical writing no other author has; at least, not the ones I've read my whole 21 years of life. I will most definitely remember this book forever and treasure it close to my heart.

With this highly anticipated, late-summer release from author Amanda Dykes comes a story that will enrich your soul and delight your heart.

Heartfelt doesn’t even begin to describe this beautiful and poignant novel, set in the beautiful country of France and the Argonne Forest during the days of World War I.

Amanda Dykes has such a marvelous way of creating captivating mental imagery with her words and narrative. She’s truly gifted in bringing her characters to life and making them feel like kindred spirits, in a way that is reminiscent of authors such as L.M. Montgomery and Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Her books always become beloved favorites of mine and Yours is the Night is no exception.

This novel follows the story of a soldier, chaplain, Captain, journalist and a young woman in the heart of France and the dangerous perils of the Great War. I enjoyed the multiple points-of-view and narrative Dykes offered throughout the book, broken down into different chapters. This brought insight into the hearts and minds of each character. As I read, my heart moved for the characters and I felt deeply for them. This novel offered the stark realities of war - peril, death, fear, danger and assault, contrasted delicately with the hope of the Gospel. Redemption was so relevant in this pages, readers are sure to find light, life and hope.

Along with the enlightening glimpse into history and the Great War, this story offers a sweet romance, friendship and deep love. Each character changes, grows and faces their own personal struggles in a truly inspiration way. Upon finishing this novel, I was able to sit and relish the richness of the story and the satisfying ending after feeling like I walked alongside ordinary people facing great unknowns in extraordinary ways. That in itself was refreshing in today’s current world.

I highly recommend this story to readers who enjoy WWI and historical fiction as well as to readers who enjoy a inspiration, soulful novel. Yours is the Night is a clean book and appropriate for mature readers age 15+. This story does fall in the Christian fiction genre and offers profound faith elements presented in a way that offers much hope.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own.

Like always, Amanda Dykes has delivered a STELLAR story-- full of color, angst, tension, movement, romance, and heartbreak... and all of it wrapped in a gorgeous prose that will keep you warm long after the close of the book. She remains one of my favorite authors and an easy one-click decision. This book, just like her others, will be in circulation during my Christmas gift exchanges with friends. Simply stunning.

Each time I sit down to read a book by Amanda Dykes I know that I am going to experience a place and time like I never have before.

Yours is the Night centers around WWI; using her poetic style Amanda Dykes creates a story with vibrant characters showing the devastation of WWI as well as what our soldiers endured on a day to day basis.

I was completely captivated by the story and when I wasn't reading I was thinking about the story and wondering about the characters.

This story is loosely based on The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. As Ms. Dykes described the changing of the guard and the preparation of the Marine before taking the watch. I was eight or nine when my dad, who was active duty in the Navy and stationed in D.C. took me to Arlington National Cemetery to watch the changing of the guard. It was a moving to watch and I will never forget it.

This is a book to be savored and not rushed. There is so much within the pages and you don't want to miss a thing!

I highly recommend it!

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

AmandaDyke's incredible faith-filled novels never fail to draw me in from the very first sentence and keep me on the edge of my seat. Her novels are the kind where you fall in love with the characters and find yourself rooting for them...and maybe even staying up way past your bedtime to read just one more chapter. Yours Is The Night is is no exception.

Set in wartorn France during World War 1, Yours Is The Night tells the story of Mireilles, known to the soldiers as the Angel of Argonne: the source of the beautiful voice they hear singing at night. Alone in the forest, her father stolen by the war, and having just laid her grandfather to rest on her own, Mira doesn't know where to turn. When Matthew stumbles upon her one night, he knows what he has to do. Together with his friends, George, Henry, and Jasper, aka The Seventeenth Band, Matthew and Mira embark on the difficult journey to bring Mira home to a place she's never been. They'll have to walk through the valley of the shadow of death, through the darkest nights they have ever known, to find peace, faith, and a Love that will never let them go. To find the One who walks beside them. The One who reaches through the darkness to find the ones He loves.

Yours Is the Night isn't a feel-good novel. This book will stick with you and draw you closer to your Creator. It's one you'll want to come back to over and over again. You'll probably even want to keep a highlighter handy, or a pen and notebook to jot down a few quotes, like these ones:

"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."

"The night is not to be feared. For the God who fashioned it did so with care. Knowing these days you would not sleep. Promising to draw near in the very midst of the night. When you do not slumber, neither does He."

Yours Is the Night is definitely one of my favourite books so far this year. Matthew and Mira's relationship was incredible, and I loved seeing them, as well as George, Henry, and Jasper grow spiritually throughout the book. I love that Amanda constantly points her readers towards Jesus, while writing epic novels that will stick with me forever.

*I received a complimentary copy of Yours is the Night through the author and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.

Matthew Petticrew grew up in the stables of Maplehurst, and his love for horses runs deep. His love for his sister runs even deeper. He’s raised Celia from birth, with the help of a few other employees of Maplehurst Stables. They lived together in the barn on sufferance from the owner since their mother passed away.

Matthew finds solace in his work, his sister, and reading the tales of Jasper Truett, hero of the Spanish-American War and Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders. But when the owner takes a wife, things start changing. Matthew and Celia are the first to go. He to work at the stables at Harvard University, and Celia to work at a hospital in New York City. What seems like the worst circumstance turned into the greatest gift for Matthew and Celia.

Mireilles grows up isolated from everyone in a small cottage in the forest of Argonne, France. Her father and grandfather keep her company and tell her tales of days gone by. Her unusual upbringing includes learning multiple languages and reading fairy tales of beautiful balls with lost princesses and handsome princes.

But when the Germans invade her country, her father leaves her to fight with his countrymen, leaving Mira and her elderly grandfather to fend for themselves.

Two people with backgrounds so different can only be brought together by war. When Matthew hears an angelic voice in the forest from his hideout in the trenches, he knows life will never be the same.

This haunting story of WWI has a compelling cast of characters readers won’t forget. From the trenches in the Argonne Forest to the mystery of a lost French noble, Dykes weaves a story readers won’t want to put down. Above all, readers come away with a deep sense of the power of decisions—especially how they haunt us when others’ decisions jeopardize our very lives and futures.

If you’re a fan of All the Light We Cannot See, you’ll love this book.

Oh my goodness, was this a lovely and moving book. This book talks about the siren and her music, but this book was a siren call with the most beautiful music in the way Amanda Dykes writes. Such an original tale, and so wonderful that it came out on the anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Such an emotional and beautiful tale, I can't recommend this highly enough. My favorite read of the year so far!

Yours is the Night is one of those novels that words don’t quite do justice – at least not my small words. It’s tragic yet beautiful; it’s hard yet hopeful. Despite those opposing ideas, the author manages to find that sweet spot, tied in a poignant bow of a poetic writing style that I’ve come to expect from her. The way that she describes the battles in the trenches of World War I…it’s haunting yet not graphic. It’s very much an in-their-shoes feeling when experiencing it along with the character. It’s more than a simple description; it’s a depth of feeling that commemorates what they had to go through during the war, and the things that lingered in their hearts and minds long after.

The first-person narration is so impressive. There are multiple points of view, which usually is not something I enjoy as much as a single point of view. In this story, however, they are all important and all fully developed as individuals. I cared about all five of these people and was never disappointed when the point of view changed. I had my favorites, but the nuanced way that the story is told through each of their eyes is just so good. I won’t say much about the plot, other than it involves a journey, and it’s fraught with danger. Though this is a character-driven story, there are several scenes that are filled with tension and depictions of war. I adored the connection to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and found it to be a fitting, respectful tribute.

Every now and then I read a book that speaks to an emotions or thoughts that I'm working through, and then the story brings it into full light. I could say that it’s because I’m a new mom, because I’m not defined by working for the first time in many years. I could say it’s because since 2019 life has been a hard and weird but also good and beautiful. Some of the hard things were bad, but some of them have been the best of good things. To be alive is to hurt and to love and lose and to find myself in the dark sometimes, but I’ve never been alone. This novel reminded me of that. Sometimes I wish I was different, but when one of the characters asks “What if we believe our shortcomings, our oddities, are actually purposeful quirks that suit us for the moments we were made for?” that hit home. I don’t know all of the moments I was made for, or moments that have already passed that were my tiny version for “such a time as this,” but I can trust I was made for it, and that light will always overcome any darkness that comes in those moments.

If I had been reading a print copy, I would have hugged the book. Hugging my kindle didn’t have quite the same feel, but I did it anyway. I think it goes without saying, but I absolutely recommend this book. I loved it as much as I did her debut, though I do find this one weightier simply because of the setting and war-based plot.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher; a positive review was not required, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.

Yours is the Night by Amanda Dykes puts readers right on the front lines of WWI. The story is told with four main points of view. Matthew Petticrew faces the harsh realities of war when he’s assigned to the front lines for his unique ability to hear enemy fire before it hits. George Piccadilly tried to avoid the war by enrolling in school to become a chaplain, but somehow finds his way to the heart of the fighting. Journalist Henry Mueller sends updates back to America from the front lines, but finds himself teamed up with Matthew and George. They discover a mysterious woman in the forest of France and she needs their help. They trudge through the battle-scarred land to ensure her safety.

I love Amanda’s unique voice in story-telling. The story is rich and vibrant. She writes characters that come to life on the page. The plot is fast-paced, yet seeped with emotions. I loved every minute of the adventures this unlikely team faced and the camaraderie that was forged with the most unlikely people. The themes of hope and honor resonated with me, and I loved how each of the characters came into their own in the backdrop of an ugly and violent war.

Despite being more of a romance novel than suspense, there’s so much packed into this story about the war and survival that I found myself hooked! It’s not sappy or overdone with the romance, the story focuses more on individual growth and the unlikely relationships that form in this difficult time.

I highly suggest the audio book. I’m not usually one to like multiple narrators, but there were four or five in this version, and I thought they all did an outstanding job giving voice to each of the characters.

Definitely check out this novel. It might bring you to tears, but it’s an outstanding literary work that will have me thinking about it long after I put the book down.

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

This is the third book I’ve read by this author. Her writing style is slow-paced and beautiful.

This is one of the rare books I’ve read set at the time of the First World War in .France. The author’s descriptions of life in the trenches and “going over the top” of the trenches to engage in warfare with the enemy made me see it in my mind’s eye. The characters were well developed and the love story was slow to develop and very tender.

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review. 4-1/2 stars!