Lucy Clairmont’s family treasured the magic of the past, and her childhood fascination with stories of the high seas led her to become a marine archaeologist. But when tragedy strikes, it’s Dashel, an American forensic astronomer, and his knowledge of the stars that may help her unearth the truth behind the puzzle she’s discovered in her family home.Two hundred years earlier, the seeds of love … are sown between a boy and a girl who spend their days playing in a secret sea cave, while the privileged young son of the estate looks on, wishing to join. As the children grow and war leads to unthinkable heartbreak, a story of love, betrayal, sacrifice, and redemption unfolds, held secret by the passage of time.As Lucy and Dash journey to a mysterious old estate on the East Sussex coast, their search leads them to a community of souls and a long-hidden tale that may hold the answers–and the healing–they so desperately seek.
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I’m not sure I can find the words to adequately describe just how beautifully written this novel is. If you have had the pleasure of reading any of this authors work, you already know she is truly gifted. In this dual time line novel she has crafted an amazing story with incredible characters. This book should be read slowly because you do not want to miss one single word that she has written. That was difficult for me to do because I am a fast reader but I truly had to slow down or I found myself going back to read certain paragraphs again.
I loved the strong sense of family and friends throughout but what I loved most of were the finely crafted characters that will stay with me for a long time This was a perfect book to read to escape the heat and everything that is going on in the world right now. Amanda Dykes is an incredible storyteller and one of my must-read authors.
I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley. All onions are my own.
Oh my goodness! This story is beautifully told, the settings, history, and characters coming alive with each sentence. I love Amanda Dyke’s writing and her unique ability to pull readers into the novel with such ease. I don’t think I have ever highlighted so many great quotes in one book! I cried in the first chapter (and several chapters thereafter!) as the characters became so authentic to me almost immediately. I love their achingly realistic backgrounds, their human-like flaws, and their genuine growth in the story. I also really enjoyed the creativity of the storyline and the way the plot flowed together and eventually connected several unique pieces. There are so many layers in the novel and I was easily lost in the tale late into the night as I unpacked its storyline. The spiritual themes and truths are deep and applicable. I loved this book so much and it will definitely be in one of my top reads this year! I highly recommend this novel and cannot wait to see what this author pens next!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
After just finishing Set the Stars Alight, I am awestruck at this tale of hope, wonder, and light. The author has a way of wonder with words in this book and her previous novel. I loved her previous novel, Whose Waves These Are, and was anxiously awaiting this new story. I predict this time split novel by Mrs. Dykes is going to be another triumphant success. She is able to weave two different time frames (and stories) together so that the novel transitions smoothly throughout. Readers will be on a race to the finish to determine what is going to unfold. She interweaves inspiration and the Creator throughout the story. One of my favorite quotes was, “When things seem dark, Lucy, that’s when you fight for the light.” In this year of struggles for many people, this is a poignant reminder for us to choose to fight for the light when everything seems dark. She reminds us that God is always there, will never forget us, and is constantly pursuing us. Many times, we only see the darkness, not realizing that our Creator gave us the light in the skies at night to offset the darkness and give us a glimpse of the light for the One who has come and is coming again. The present-day tale focuses on Lucy and Dash, two childhood friends who have been told stories upon stories from her dad. The story in the past is about Frederick Hanford, a known betrayer of England who left behind a mystery that fascinates Lucy. Together they seek to discover how to set the stars alight. I highly recommend this novel! I promise you will not be disappointed!
***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.
“In a world as dark as this, people forget how to see the light, so we need to remind them by telling the truth, paying attention…setting the stars alight.”
Set the Stars Alight by Amanda Dykes takes readers on journey in time. Beginning briefly in 1987 London, moving forward to 2000 London, backward to 1802 Sussex and spending several years in each time frame, finishing up in 2020 Sussex. All in an effort to solve the mystery of a lost ship, you will not become lost in the transitions, but will enjoy your time spent in each era. Along the way, you will meet some unusual characters, and grow to love them as dear friends. A family connected by the past, friends connected in the present. Amanda tells the story in the style of the great authors from days gone by, so much so that sometimes you will wonder if you’re reading classic literature. She paints beautiful pictures with her words. You will be caught up in the story as if you are there by the shore, or there at the caretaker’s cottage at Candlewick Commons. You will begin to piece together clues to solve the mystery, but when you get to the end, you will never believe where you find the answers. So step into the pages, find out about He who hung the stars and His love for those living beneath them, no matter what century they’re in.
*Note, I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and a positive review was not required.
#Set the Stars Alight# by Amanda Dykes is an historical , romance and Christian fiction novel. The story is a time split story with the story going back and forth between 2020 and 200 years ago. Frederick lived in the early 1800s. and his story is told . The story in 2020 is with Lucy and Dachel. They grew up together hearing the watchmaker stories from Lucy’s father who was a watchmaker. The themes of love, sacrifice, mystery, forgiveness, action are seen throughout the book. The book is carefully researched. The poetry is carefully written adding a special touch to the book. The reader is drawn into the mystery when the reader goes back and forth with the time split story. There are Christian values and character traits are woven into the story. An example of the Christian values and traits is this quote. “God is the pursuer of your heart , Lucy,” Dad had said. “He is coming, and coming, and coming after you. In every sunset, in every snatach of birdsong. In everything that stirs deep into you and makes you hungry for bigger things, eternal things. That is Him, pursuing you with tenderest grace. In the places so hard they wring your soul. In the places so beautiful they steal your breath. He is there, filling your soul, giving you breath.” It is beautiful that Lucy’s Dad took the time to remind her to watch for God’s touch and care of her all around her. He cares for us and we often do not stop to see it. I appreciate the author weaving God’s love for the character into the story. Thank you to netgalley, the publisher, the author for allowing me to read and review this book. the opinions are my own. The book is well written and a rich story. I hope the book is a success. I look forward to sharing my review on Goodreads, facebook, my blog, Amazon, bookbub.
Whoa. That’s my honest opinion…this book was way more than I expected and hit me right in the feels. Lucy and Dashel’s story is one that will not soon leave my mind or heart. I haven’t read Amanda’s’ work before, but I aim to remedy that by reading “Whose Waves These Are” after this book!
Powerful imagery, lyrical writing, lovable, but imperfect characters, “Set The Stars Alight” begins with a romance between Lucy’s parents and develops into the love story between Lucy and Dashel and the stars.
Every chapter is full of places yet unseen and characters that are relatable and at once magical. The challenge of finding a lost ship is woven within the main characters’ childhood and leads to a reborn adventure when they become adults drifting in the mundane. Lucy takes those dreams from childhood and becomes a marine archaeologist, while Dashel becomes a forensic astronomer. Their love of the sea and stars will ultimately bring them back to one another as their personal galaxies collide. The research and investigation of the missing ship brings a new level to their relationship with each other and healing to their pasts.
There are many layers to the story and I was ecstatic to be able to read the book early, thanks to Bethany House. All 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!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Amanda Dykes has gifted us with another captivating novel in her latest release, “Set The Stars Alight.”Her lyrical writing style and her eclectic cast of characters really give this story life and breath. I am again amazed at the way this author crafts her words to truly place the reader into her stories and allow you to feel and experience what her characters are going through. The themes of wonder and light are used expertly throughout this story to bring both of the story lines together to ultimately point to God the creator of all things. The layered details in this story make it so deep and rich! I loved the hidden gems of Biblical parallels! This book was truly fantastic and is definitely going on my top reads of the year list!
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.
After reading Whose Waves These Are I was excited to read Set the Stars Alight. This was a totally different type of story that was hard for me to get into. It was slow reading and a little confusing to me. Written in a time slip style and set in England it covered present day and early 1800s.
I think the author is a brilliant writer and has a prose type of writing unlike any I’ve ever read. It just wasn’t what I normally read. Just call me simple minded because many other reviews gave it high praise. I may try re-reading it again in the future when my life isn’t so complicated. I’m five months into recovery from a severe auto accident and can only process light style, easy to understand fiction at the moment. I will continue to look for new novels written by Amanda Dykes.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author but was not required to write a review.
CAPTIVATING!
“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. There are things shining brightly all along, if we will notice.”
For such a time as this, author Amanda Dyke’s moving new novel SET THE STARS ALIGHT is being released. We are presently facing a lot of darkness everywhere we look. Dykes has penned the perfect book to grab our attention to set the stars alight.
There are books you read to be entertained, educated or to escape. Some you quickly forget. Some stay with you a long time. A few stay with you a lifetime because they touch a place somewhere deep in your soul. Dykes’ Set the Stars Alight is one such book.
Dykes’ novel is exquisitely written. She is a masterful storyteller and paints the most beautiful word pictures with the telling of this story. She uses layered symbolism and lessons on forgiveness, sacrifice love and God throughout. She uses the themes of hope, wonder and light to tell her story. There is something powerful about Dykes writing that just draws you in and totally captivates you from beginning to end! This is novel not to be missed!
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Bethany House and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.
“‘We keep the stories.’ He said we pass them on-it is our duty . . . and our honor. In a world as dark as this, people forget how to see the light, so we need to remind them by telling the truth, paying attention . . . setting the stars alight.”
What powerful words!
I have found this whole book is full of words like this. Amanda Dykes is a truly gifted author. She writes dual-time books in such a way that they blend in a seamless fashion. Her stories are brimming with words that are so descriptive and etiquette they will capture you and keep you reading until the very end.
From the very first page to the end, this book had me captivated and wanting to read more. I didn’t want to put it down. It really was a book I kept thinking, “just one more page!” and hours later realizing I needed to go to bed. But also, not wanting to finish it because I felt a part of the story.
In this book, Amanda Dykes has written a beautiful story of many people’s lives all intertwined and deeply touched by loss, mystery, honor, and sweet love. It touched me to the core of my being.
I loved the whole idea of story-telling and how it can change a person’s life.
This story took me on an adventure digging deep into the life of a sailor and the life of one set in the stars.
It’s also a story where we find how one life can make a difference in many lives. One choice can change many things, like a ripple in time. We all have the ability to influence those around us and those to come.
This story will sit in my heart for days to come. I highly recommend you pick it up and reach for the stars.
I was given this book by the publisher and NetGalley which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Set the Stars alight
“Set the Stars Alight” by Amanda Dykes
When I was chosen to be on the launch team for “Set the Stars Alight” , I really didn’t know what to expect. This wasn’t a book I would normally read, but I was up to trying something new. I was so pleasantly surprised what a great storyline “Set the Stars Alight” had.
My thoughts: What a beautifully written story. I could really see what a amazing writer Amanda Dkyes is. She was able to intertwine two different time periods into one gorgeous story. You see the different personality of all the characters, which were all likeable. They had several beautiful quotes but below is my all time favorite . It is so thought provoking and I feel it summed up a lot of the book.
Synopsis: The magic of the past comes alive each night for the family of a watchmaker. Lucy Claremont fascination with the high seas begins, which leads to her looking for a lost ship as a adult. Here childhood friend Dashel and his knowledge of stars was needed to solve a puzzle. Two hundred years earlier there are three lives that are altered when a shepherd rescues the son of a admiral. As they grow they are forever changed.
My favorite quote: “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, pay attention … setting the stars alight. There are thinks shining brightly all along, if we will notice.”
Recommendation: I will great love to share this book on several social media sites and friends.
Rating: I give this book a rating of a 5 out of 5
Disclaimer: I received this complimentary copy from the publisher and netgalley in exchange for a honest review. All thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone.
Have you ever read a book so achingly beautiful that you weep. A story so poetic that it seeps into you and melts you into a puddle of mush. A book that you know you cannot do it justice so you wait to write a review as you savor and digest what you just read. Then look no farther as I’m sure this will be my #1 in my top 10 this year. It is dual time line so that amps it up into overdrive and Ms. Dykes tells each story with equal gusto and twines them together like a three stranded cord that cannot be broken. It is inspiring and shows that family isn’t always blood but those who loves us on our journey to where God meant us to be, as He Sets the Stars Alight within us as we find our way home. These characters…words fail me as they are just top notch. The words flow and etch a memory on your heart. I know I’m gushing but to me this was my perfect read. Deserves 10 stars and lots of awards. Recommended to all.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Childhood friends Lucy and Dashel grow up forming treasured memories together. Separated during a time of grief, they go their own ways. Years later, Lucy is now a marine archaeologist and Dashel is a forensic astronomer, they are brought together for the search for the long lost Jubilee, driven by stories from their childhood to find the missing ship.
Two hundred years earlier we also follow the story of childhood sweethearts, as they face war and betrayal.
Timelines entwine in this powerful story of love and redemption.
This book started out slow for me as we are introduced to multiple characters in various situations, but as the dots started to connect I didn’t want to put it down. This is my first read from this author, who came to me highly recommended, and this book certainly didn’t disappoint! I loved how the story was told through dual timelines, and I was equally invested in both of the stories.
Well developed characters, that are complex. This book is very character driven, as well as plot driven. And I loved Lucy’s father and his stories that he told. I also loved the strong faith portrayed in this beautiful and well layered book. A captivating story, poignant and powerful. You won’t regret picking this one up, I know I sure don’t!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely 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.
“All stories-the very best ones, anyhow-may be full of fairy tales and nonsense and lore, but if they are to be lasting….they must have truth at their very core.”
This enchanting story full of riddles, magic and wonder brings hope and love to two lost souls. Amanda Dykes prose is spellbinding, her pen that of a master storyteller. I felt as if I had slipped into one of the magical books of my childhood, filled with wonder and possibilities.
This is a split time story, one historical, one contemporary. Lucy and Dash’s story warmed my heart, one of a childhood filled with the spinning of fairy tales and riddles. Now the marine archeologist and forensic astronomer wonder if these childhood memories could be the key in their search for the answer to a very old riddle? I also loved the allegory hidden amidst Frederick’s story.
The secrets of the stars as well as the hidden depths of the earth and its oceans will resonate with readers as they unite two lost souls in search of the answer to a riddle. But beyond the magic, is a story as old as time, filled with an allegory of Truth, that will fill the hidden recesses of one’s soul. Amanda Dyke’s unique voice will captivate readers. This definitely belongs on the keeper shelf!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine.
“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 story.”
–Simon Claremont, watchmaker & storykeeper
A magical story spun full of hope and wonder, love and loss, and so much more! Candlewick Commons in London is home to Simon Claremont, a watchmaker by day and a marvelous storyteller by night, and his small family consisting of Penny, his wife, and Lucy, his young daughter, and their honorary member, Dashel Greene, a young boy befriended by Lucy. The children grow up inspired by the rich stories told each evening and the imaginations that are nurtured with love and ideas without boundaries.
Lucy grows into her occupation as a maritime archaeologist and keeper of the watch shop. Dash, moved by his aunt to the States while in his teens, becomes a forensic astronomer with an amazing career. When the two young adults cross paths, their careers and lives intersect over an amazing story from their shared past about the mysterious disappearance of the ship, the HMS Jubilee.
The story spins and weaves its magic while detailing another extraordinary story set back in time beginning in 1802 in East Sussex, England. A young boy by the name of Frederick Hanford set in course the motion of a life that would brand him a traitor and bring about his disappearance along with that of the Jubilee.
A beautifully told complex story that moves through two time periods drawing the reader into the lives of Lucy and Dash, as well as that of Frederick and Juliette. The historical part of the story was spellbinding. I loved the elements of the story that kept me grounded in reality while also stretching my imagination with that hint of mystical realism. An absolutely sublime, summer read! Don’t miss this book to find out if Dash and Lucy can uncover what really happened to mysterious Frederick Hanford
This ARC copy was received from Bethany House Publishers. The above thoughts and opinions are wholly my own.
#SetTheStarsAlight #NetGalley
Some books crawl inside you and take root, staying with you long after you read the final page, and Set the Stars Alight is one of those. This is one of these books that left me speechless, but I’m going to do my best to share my thoughts.
The novel itself features two perspectives, Frederick Hanford, a Regency-era Admiral’s son, and Lucy Clairmont, a modern-day marine archaeologist. Between Lucy’s storyline and Frederick’s, Dykes leads the reader on a magical journey as Lucy, “The Matchstick Girl,” tries to solve the mystery of the HMS Jubilee, a ship that went missing two centuries ago.
This book has everything: magic, adventure, romance, and mystery. And the way Dykes weaves Frederick’s and Lucy’s stories together is phenomenal and masterful. She drops hints and clues throughout, bringing the reader into the mystery as Lucy strives to unravel it.
I’ll just warn you: this book is hard to put down! Not just because of the mystery but also the characters.
First you have Lucy, whose relationship with her parents is endearing. Dykes manages to immerse you into the family. So much so that when tragedy strikes, you really feel it with Lucy. Then there’s Frederick whose childhood is almost the opposite of Lucy’s. And you can feel the difference. Seeing the two grow up not only adds to their characterization but also draws you closer to them.
Then you have the supporting characters. Of all them, Dash is definitely my favorite. From the gangly boy to the grown man, Dash gripped my heart and wouldn’t let go. (I think he may be my new book boyfriend.)
And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the spiritual themes of truth and sacrifice. Dykes weaves in these threads naturally without sounding preachy, and there were so many times in the novel I found myself reminded of God’s majesty and His Son’s sacrifice without her even having to mention it (although there are a few points where she does, and since you’re already thinking about it, it doesn’t hit you over the head.)
Overall, Set the Stars Alight is an unforgettable book you’ll want to reread as soon as you turn the last page.
(Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.)
This book has so much going for it–there are wonderful characters (both the main and secondary characters), two storylines (the contemporary one with Lucy and Dash, and the one set two hundred years ago, with Frederick), each of which is compelling, a mystery, family dynamics of both the heartbreaking and heartwarming variety, sweet stories passed from Lucy’s father to her and Dash, love stories, and so much more–and it’s all wrapped up in this beautiful writing style. There are lots of great authors in the world, but only a few of them have this almost mystical storytelling ability, and Amanda Dykes has it. This is one of those books that you want to hurry through because you HAVE to know what’s going to happen but that you also want to read slowly so you can savor every single bit…and that you then want to go back and re-read as soon as you finish. Very, very well done. This will be very well-loved by many, many readers.
5 stars.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.