How does Amanda Dykes continue to write such beautiful and poignant stories? Ones that take readers on a journey of discovery that both leave you completely satisfied with the ending yet wanting more because you’re just not ready to say goodbye to the characters you’ve traveled with along the say.

In All the Lost Places, two broken men living a century and continents apart are searching for their identity. Through the author’s lyrical prose woven so delicately, we embark on this soul-searching endeavor, and in the end, it changes us. I loved how well these two stories fit together like puzzle pieces in the bigger picture.

And when a book surprises me, it’s one I won’t soon forget, and this one did it multiple times. If you have not yet read an Amanda Dykes novel, run to your nearest bookstore and grab this one. You will not regret immersing yourself into this captivating story that will stir your soul.


Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.

“Empty places . . . are not always lost places.”

I always have to give myself extra time when I read a book by this author, because I don’t want to miss a single beautiful word, thought, or phrase. I find myself rereading many of the lyrical and thought-provoking sentences and paragraphs and marking them for future reference. Her stories are some of my all-time favorites, and I recommend them often to other readers.

Set primarily in Venice during two time periods—the early 1800s and the early 1900s-- this stirring novel stars a baby foundling, Sebastien Trovato, who is raised by a group of artisans, and Daniel Goodman, who is trying to atone for past crimes. As Daniel travels to Venice on a quest to obtain and translate a lost book, he finds himself immersed in Sebastien’s story.

“This sense of anticipation flexed its reach until Sebastien was certain the air must be pushing right out of the windows, slipping onto the balcony and tumbling over the waters below.”

The characters are colorful, unique, masterfully crafted, and set amidst historically intriguing locales. It was very interesting to learn much about the history of Venice while reading this absorbing tale. This book is filled with broken, bruised, and hurting souls searching for answers, lost places and lost people searching to find who they are. It’s a story of redemption, hope, family, and identity. It’s the kind of book I finish and immediately want to start reading again to find more hidden meaning and beauty.

“Courage keep and hope beget, the story is not finished yet . . . “

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers. All opinions are my own.

𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐋𝐄: 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬⁣
𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑: 𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚 𝐃𝐲𝐤𝐞𝐬 @amanda_spins_stories⁣
𝐏𝐔𝐁 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: 𝟏𝟐.𝟏𝟑.𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 @bethanyhousefiction⁣
⁣
A story of faith, forgiveness and redemption⁣
⁣
I spent the last two weeks devouring this gorgeous historical fiction novel by Amanda Dykes. Having just visited Italy this summer, and spending a week in Venice for the first in my life, All The Lost Places certainly transported me back. This dual timeline story set in 1800 with Sebastien and a century after with Daniel, is beautifully weaved in a tale that captured my love for the characters, the city of Venice, and the poignant story telling that captured the essence of peace and atonement.⁣
⁣
Fantastic story!

All the Lost Places is simply magnificent! It's the first book I've read by Amanda Dykes, and I only decided to read it based on a rave review in another author's newsletter. I will be forever grateful that I opened that email and didn't just skim through it because, seriously, this book is breathtakingly beautiful. The way the author weaves together two stories, one in 1807 and the other in 1904, is brilliant. A review can in no way do this book the justice it deserves, but I hope it's enough to entice you to buy this outstanding novel.

When I hear Venice, I think gondolas, canals, and carnivals. I don't think of its history...probably because it's not something we're taught about here in the Midwest. Most of us probably don't know how many islands make up Venice...confession...I didn't even realize Venice WAS made up of islands. I just thought it was a city with lots of canals...like a small river running in a curvy course throughout the city. Venice is not just a setting in All the Lost Places; it's a character come to life in ink through the author's amazing writing.

All the Lost Places is beautiful and emotional and gripping. The characters are ones that will stay with you long after you finish the book. The message of redemption flows through the story. I can't even begin to tell you how deeply this book touched me. I can't recommend it enough!

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

This is not a page turning novel. It is one a reader must be willing to take time to be deeply immersed in two fictional worlds. Dykes is a wonderful wordsmith but verbose. Concise she is not. She takes a long time to describe a scene, to build action. This is a book to read slowly.

It may also take concentration as the plot is complex. A story from 1807 is being translated by Daniel in 1904. The relevant nature of that old story is rather obscure for a long time. Well over a third of the way into the novel, Daniel says of it, he “couldn't figure out yet how it all connected.” (158) I felt the same as Daniel.

The first part of the book did not grab me as the relationship between the two time periods eluded me. It may take time for readers to figure out the correlation between the two and the theme connecting them. The old story is one about a foundling and is without an ending. Daniel's life has not yet unfolded to its intended end. Perhaps the character in the old story and translator Daniel are both searching for their true identity and meaning in life. The author's note at the end ultimately lends insight into the plot structure and meaning. Reading that first may help in putting the two stories into proper perspective.

With respect to the novel's structure, I felt there were two stories going on competing for my attention. I would get involved in one and the would have to shift to the other. Because of that, I found it hard to be fully engaged in either one. I think a better structure would have been to have the older story be not as long and not as demanding on the reader. That way it could have been a catalyst for thought, not a competition for attention.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Amanda Dykes never writes simple quickly read stories! I found this to be a deep, slow read perhaps because I am not familiar with Venice and that part of the world. Ms Dykes weaves this tale of Venice in 1807 when a baby is found floating in a basket in the canals with more modern times in 1904. Daniel Goodman tries to repay his regretful past and ends up learning the mystery of unfinished books. You will realize we all have lost and empty places which can be filled with the love of our heavenly Father. I received a complimentary copy of All the Lost Places from the author and Bethany House. This is my honest opinion.

Amanda Dykes has a unique ability to transport readers to any time or place, and she does it again in this dual-timeline novel. Venice of the early 1800s and early 1900s comes alive through her writing. The characters are compelling and the reader is drawn into the book right away. What a mesmerizing tale of a son who is trying to redeem himself and another man, found floating in the river as a baby, trying to find out who he really is.

In 1807, Sebastien is trying to find the family that abandoned or lost him, thus revealing his true story. In 1904, Daniel is an artist who, after an injury, lost the ability to visualize, or see anything in his mind’s eye, a condition we now know as aphantasia. He feels he has also lost the respect of his mother and is filled with regret. The powerful inner feelings of both men are so well conveyed by the author. The gorgeous writing draws the reader in, and the descriptions of the setting are just breathtaking. This is a wonderfully crafted look at the beauty and culture of Venice, told through two complex characters. It is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Amanda Dykes continues to create characters and settings that we won’t soon forget.

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

Blurb:
When all of Venice is unmasked, one man's identity remains a mystery . . .

1807
When a baby is discovered floating in a basket along the quiet canals of Venice, a guild of artisans takes him in and raises him as a son, skilled in each of their trades. Although the boy, Sebastien Trovato, has wrestled with questions of his origins, it isn't until a woman washes ashore on his lagoon island that answers begin to emerge. In hunting down his story, Sebastien must make a choice that could alter not just his own future, but also that of the beloved floating city.

1904
Daniel Goodman is given a fresh start in life as the century turns. Hoping to redeem a past laden with regrets, he is sent on an assignment from California to Venice to procure and translate a rare book. There, he discovers a city of colliding hope and decay, much like his own life, and a mystery wrapped in the pages of that filigree-covered volume. With the help of Vittoria, a bookshop keeper, Daniel finds himself in a web of shadows, secrets, and discoveries carefully kept within the stones and canals of the ancient city . . . and in the mystery of the man whose story the book does not finish: Sebastien Trovato.

Amanda Dykes has never done me wrong. I absolutely love her writing: it is lyrical, expressive, and emotes the beauty of life. Her books give hope. I love the themes here and would HIGHLY recommend.

I savored this entire story and truly wish that I could give it more than 5 stars because it was so much more. This treasure reads almost like a fairy tale in that every little thing seemed to be perfectly chosen and had special meaning. I have no idea how AmandaDykes writes with such depth and feeling but I appreciated every moment of it. Her writing transported me to Venice as both these powerful poignant stories unfolded and intertwined. By the end, all the pieces came together with lessons that I hope I never forget. My words don’t even come close to capturing all that this incredibly beautiful journey encompassed. AmandaDykes is one of the best storytellers that I have ever read and while I anxiously await her next book, I will probably read this tale again. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions were my own.

Go on an atmospheric voyage through Venice.

Amand weaves picturesque, poetic style into this tale of two people's journey in search of belonging.

This book is speckled with words of truth and nuggets of wisdom.
This author has a way of spinning wonder into her tales
For some reason this book was much harder to get into then her previous books for me. That is probably on me. I have had a short attention span recently and the way the narration varied as it changed perspective kind of pulled me out of the story.
All that said, it is a beautiful story. It is lyrical and great for someone who wants that charming tour of Venice and a gentle romance to go with it.
It is a story of new beginnings in an old city, great for those looking for a literary tale at a slower pace. I found myself wanting to use more creative words to describe the world around me because of how this author uses flowery language to spin stories.
You should definitely give this author a try because she is a fantastic wordsmith!
I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgally. All thoughts and opinions are honest and completely my own.

DNF - I'm so sad because I truly wanted to love this book. I adore a few of Dykes' books, but unfortunately I just could not get into this one. It felt a bit tedious to me and I'm sooo sorry to say it! I know many have loved it, this is just my experience.

I just finished All The Lost Places and it took some quiet contemplation to come up with a fitting review. This book is beyond incredible and reached deep inside me in a way so few books have ever been able to. Amanda Dykes' words flow so brilliantly; like water through those Venetian canals ... sparkling like gems in the sunlight, winking like diamonds and gold in the moonlight, jumping off the page to be devoured like the water leaps at the edges of its embankments striving for freedom from their confinement. Her acknowledgements were as lovely and meaningful as the story and I'm sure I've never found that the case before this book. I finished the book and felt compelled to seek out Amanda Dykes on Facebook and her website. She is a new author to me and I cannot wait to find her others works. I feel incredibly blessed to have been given the opportunity to read the arc of this great work thanks to LibraryThing's early reviewers and NetGalley. I fully intend to purchase the book so that I can revisit its magical story whenever I need to nourish my soul.

Let me start by saying I LOVE this author's other books, especially Whose Waves These Are! She writes beautiful, heartfelt, and lyrical novels.

I struggled with this one though, to the point I've decided to set it aside for a bit in hopes that I'll enjoy it more at a different time. I've had a difficult time connecting to the characters, and the story from the Book of Waters feels like it's going over my head, if that makes sense.

I think this is a case of not every book by every author being for everyone. The writing is still amazing, but it's almost too symbolic to the point I can't keep up with the actual plot.

There is still a high chance you'll really enjoy this book though. I'm definitely in the minority. And my struggle with this book won't stop me from reading whatever the author writes next!

*I received a copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review which is why I decided to share this review at all.

Plan for sufficient time if you decide to pick up Amanda Dykes’ All the Lost Places, because the novel deserves it. A deeply immersive read set in Venice during two periods few authors have visited via fiction – 1807 and nearly a century later – the story is told through language rich in description and metaphor as it explores the journeys of two young men seeking answers to mysteries – and discovering meaning, love, and hope in the process.

In 1904 San Francisco, Daniel Goodman, having served time in jail, makes restitution to the parties he stole from during his years of thievery. Unable to face his mother, who he feels he has irreparably shamed, Daniel still suffers the aftereffects of an injury. He has lost his ability to visualize images in his mind and draw from memory, although he’s still able to create art.

To help his mother out financially, he takes an unexpected job offer: to travel to his mother’s home city of Venice, locate artifacts, sketch images of local sights, and procure and translate books for the library of a proposed “Venice of America” cultural center. One of the books on his list is a title Daniel has owned from childhood: The Book of Waters, an unfinished fairy tale. It’s a rare volume, and Daniel wonders if any other editions will tell the rest of the story. When he reaches Venice, he meets a curious bookseller named Vittoria who shows him the city and helps with his search.

As Daniel proceeds with his translation of The Book of Waters, that book’s story unfolds. In 1807, the former Republic of Venice is under French control following conflict with Napoleonic France and Austria, and the abdication of the last Doge. A small baby found floating alone in a basket – much like Moses – within a gondola is rescued and then raised, in shared fashion, by five individuals from different walks of life. A note with the child says his name is Sebastien, and he is given the last name of Trovato,“found.” Sebastien grows up surrounded by his foster parents’ professions – glassmaking, printing, lace-making, gardening, piloting a gondola – and is greatly loved yet always wonders about his true identity.

The majesty and history of the islands and waterways of Venice permeate the novel’s pages as it explores both protagonists’ quests for belonging.

And always, in the distance or all around him, the city rose from the sea in a hundred and more fragmented pieces, cobbled together with bridges and boats.
I am like you, Venice seemed to say. A patchwork life, whole and yet broken.

The novel’s pacing is unhurried, proceeding much like a gondola as it wends its way through Venice’s storied canals and lagoons. Amanda Dykes is an expert at shaping words into moods, and her writing expresses the oft-cited theme of chiaroscuro – the interplay of light and shadow, both in art and in life. While some of the symbolism will have additional meaning for Christian readers, All the Lost Places doesn’t require a religious background to be appreciated as a haunting and emotionally fulfilling read.

The words of the author themselves are comprised of beautiful prose that paint pictures of a crumbling city of Venice and illustrate the hope of its residents. Alongside that historical component is the story of Daniel, a man who seeks to repair his past. While beginning a new job he meets Vittoria, a vibrant woman who helps him uncover the mysteries surrounding a book he is translating. Inevitably, the two stories collide, weaving the distant past and past into a rich tapestry of events and emotions.
This story is leisurely paced with mild action and some of the Venetian history was difficult to follow and fully understand. The several secondary characters were interesting and easy to decipher. All the Lost Places has themes of forgiveness and grace woven throughout with very mild violence during the climatic scene. Both stories have sweet romances.





Disclaimer: The publisher offered a complimentary copy of this book. The review was given freely, without payment. All views expressed are only the honest opinion of a member of the Historical Bookworm Review Team.

“Courage keep, and hope beget . . . the story is not finished yet.”

“Whatever else our lot—whatever our legacy, our history, our burdens to bear—we have all been given time. And we must spend it well, spend it like it is gold, or better.”

I can’t believe this is my first Amanda Dykes novel! I was captured from the very beginning by her beautiful, lyrical prose. It took me a little bit to get used to the richness of the storytelling because this is one book you really have to pay attention to. Every word, every nuance, every character is important. It’s a dual time line masterpiece where the two main characters are lost and needing to be found. It’s the answer to one of those age old questions of who am I? It’s a story encapsulating faith, redemption, love, mystery, family, country, and identity.

Daniel is living in America in the early 1900’s. As a former thief who spent time in prison, he’s trying to atone for all the wrongs he committed. He’s given a second chance when he’s given the opportunity to travel to Venice, Italy to discover the mysterious ending of an old, rare book. When he arrives in Venice, he meets a beautiful bookshop owner, Vittoria who not only helps him on his quest, but also helps him rediscover his own story.

Sebastian Trovato’s dramatic life is contained in the Book of Waters. Like the baby Moses, Sebastian was found floating down the canals of Venice in a basket. Though destined for the orphanage, he was rescued and raised by five artisans who possess differing talents of everything from gardening to printing. His constant question is “who am I?” When a young woman washes up on his island after a storm, he begins to discover the long awaited answers to his identity.

This is a slow burn, rich historical fiction that will leave you truly appreciating the message and beautiful craftsmanship of the novel. Perhaps, one of the most touching aspects was the author’s note at the end. We all have our own struggles and feel lost at times. I appreciated tender experiences the author shares of her own struggle and how this book came about. It’s a must read for all historical and Christian fiction fans. Can’t wait to read her other books! I received an advanced complimentary copy from AustenProse PR. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review. 4.5/5 stars!

I always enjoy Amanda Dykes books and this one is no exception. Having had the privilege of going to Venice a few years back I can say with certainty that her descriptions of this beautiful waterway city are captured in this story. I was intrigued by the way she wove multiple story lines into one beautiful and fulfilling love story. Highly recommended.

All the Lost Places by Amanda Dykes exceeded my expectations and rates as one of the best novels I’ve read in 2022. My favorite books feature characters that I connect to in some way, and I immediately identified with Daniel. This fallen son’s emotions felt real and raw as he grappled with shame and a need to atone for his past. The story dove deep into the darkness of condemnation and searched for life-giving truth while avoiding platitudes. Daniel’s redemption journey takes time but has a wonderful ending.

All the Lost Places is a book for those who ask hard, but worthy questions: Who am I? How can I atone for past wrongs? Where can I find peace? The themes of the novel call out truth to any Christian believer, but especially for the broken and the searching. I marked more than thirty quotes as I read, and I appreciated that the story held themes less commonly explored in Christian fiction.

In addition to the above, Amanda Dykes’ poetic prose and clever writing style made All the Lost Places a delight to read. This character-driven novel had a smartly paced plot that held my attention from beginning to end. The author freshened the popular dual timeline format by using the translation of a book to create the earlier timeline.

I recommend All the Lost Places by Amanda Dykes to readers who enjoy historical fiction with great depth and poignant themes. This novel lingers with me, and I know I’ll return to it in the future.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

The More I Read the More I Became Caught Up In the Story!



I had a hard time jumping into this book. I’m sure it was just me settling in. I got to a point where I did not want to put it down and made me glad I didn’t set it aside for another day. 



Amanda Dykes has a way of weaving a story that is unique. It takes you on a journey and has depth and character. You really want to sit and reflect on what you read. This would be a great book to discuss amongst friends. I look forward to reading her future books!

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

#BookRevew: ALL THE LOST PLACES by Amanda Dykes

“Found means someone was searching for you, running after you. You, the greatest treasure in all the world.”

I have enjoyed the author’s other books so I was excited for the chance to read her latest release. All The Lost Places showcased the author’s unique and poetic style of storytelling with a bit of mystique. This was a dual timeline with Daniel in 1904 and Sebastien from The Book of Waters.

This character driven story had complex characters as well as vivid descriptions of the settings. The author took us to different cultures and architectures in San Francisco and Venice. The islands and geography of Venice sounded fascinating to me. So much history there including Napoleon’s invasion of The Republic of Venice.

I enjoyed the plot and how things tied up at the end. One thing though, I felt somewhat detached from the characters for most of the book. It was only in the last chapters that I started to resonate with their feelings. I felt the urgency, pain and relief. Faith was laced throughout the book but nothing preachy. There was a little romance but it was not the focus.

This story of finding oneself, forgiveness and redemption was a really interesting read. I know many of you will enjoy it too.

Rating: 4 stars
Pub date: 13 Dec 2022

Thank you Bethany House Publishers for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.