Last year, I reviewed Amanda's debut novel, Whose Waves These Are.
I found this to be a perfect summer read, so I jumped at the chance to read her latest offering.
Set The Stars Alight hooked me right from the start:
Historical fiction, fractured narrative, London setting, nautical themes, and some big-R Romantic scope. All the makings of a great curl-up-with-tea-and-a-snack kind of read!
In the current day, we meet Lucy and Dash,
childhood friends raised on stories and folklore. As Lucy's father wows them with mystical fables and riddles, dreams are planted in their hearts. Reunited as adults, Lucy and Dash go on a quest to discover the truth behind the tales.
In the early 1800's, we meet Frederick Hanford,
son of the Master of the land. His curiosity takes him beyond the manor walls where he discovers the power of family, and an adventure for the ages.
With beautiful writing and compelling storytelling, Amanda Dykes weaves these stories together to create a wonderfully captivating book. The theme of stars and light provide both narrative drive and the tiniest of descriptions. Lucy, Dash, Frederick and the whole cast of characters are charming and layered. This isn't magic realism, but it's realism highly seasoned with magic, wonder, and whimsey.
And, I love any writing that professes the power of storytelling! One of the major themes in this novel is the power of knowing stories, sharing stories, and discovering the profound truth they contain. As a writer of faith, Amanda finds the perfect moments to remind us of the greatest story this world has known - how all great stories lead us back to the manger, and to the true light that was born that night.
I not only highly recommend this book,
I also recommend you take the time to read the Author's Note at the end!
All on its own, it's worth the price of admission.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
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