Set the Stars Alight
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4.2 • 9 Ratings
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- $10.99
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
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.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Dykes (Whose Waves These Are) connects stories across generations in this tender inspirational. In early 2000s London, Lucy Claremont grows up with maritime adventures stories from her father and a close friendship with her neighbor Dashel. When Lucy is a teenager, her mother dies, changing her cheery father forever, and Dashel moves to the United States. In 1802 East Sussex, England, Frederick Hanford, weakened by fever, runs away from his drunken father and is found by a farming family. The family's father, Tom, dies from the same fever, making his daughter Juliette angry, but Frederick honors Tom by making sure bells are rung on anniversaries of his death. After Frederick joins the navy, kidnappers come for Juliette, and Frederick returns to save her only to be accused of being a traitor by the navy. Back in the present, Lucy and Dashel reconnect after 20 years when they are both part of a team tasked with finding the sunken HMS Jubilee. Researching maritime art, they uncover Frederick and Juliette's story, find the Jubilee, and discover links to the past, including a legacy left to them and the faith that built it. While the connection across centuries are sometimes heavy-handed, many surprising twists will keep readers guessing until the end. Fans of Tamera Alexander will love this.
Customer Reviews
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 Dykes’ 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.
Match light Girl
This book started mysterious and keep me glue to the past and to the present. How these two time frames came together was so much like a mystery that had you searching how the past was going to end. The way this mystery was finally answered in 2020. I enjoyed this so I couldn't put down.
Top Pick! Must Read!
5-stars is not enough for this phenomenal story! I sit here awash in blissful wonder and my words fail to do justice to this light-filled work of art, for a work of art this story truly is! Finely crafted with expert care, filled with the heart and soul of the author who penned it; this author who has clearly allowed God to fill her heart and guide her pen.
Crafted with light and love, this story is one that absolutely can not be missed! This story has woven itself around my heart, and I’m all the better for having experienced and lived this story! These dynamic characters feel like family now and are sure to live in my heart for a long time to come!
(While I received a complimentary digital copy from the publisher, I purchased a print copy of this book for my personal library. I am not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)