Set the Stars Alight by Amanda Dykes Review

Happy Monday Everyone :)

I hope you all had a lovely weekend, and I want to thank you all for joining me for another book review here on The Preppy Book Princess.

My husband and I ended up having an extremely stressful weekend, but I'm hopeful that this week will be off to a much better start.

Since there were so many stressful things happening, I found comfort in getting to curl up with some great books, and today I'm looking forward to reviewing one of these books with you that releases tomorrow!

Set the Stars Alight by Amanda Dykes:

Source: Publisher via NetGalley

Publisher: Bethany House

Publication Date: June 30th, 2020

Genre: Christian Fiction/Timeslip

Synopsis:

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.

(synopsis from goodreads)

My Review:

After finishing Set the Stars Alight, I know for a fact that whatever I say in my review will fail to do this breathtakingly beautiful story justice. I hadn't actually read Amanda Dykes' debut novel, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I picked this one up. I was intrigued by it since I'm a huge fan of timeslip novels, but I was definitely ill prepared for just how fantastic this story was going to be. I think readers everywhere are going to fall head over heels in love with this phenomenal story and its powerful message about the writer of the stars having an ultimate story for each of us if we're only brave enough to follow it.

For as long as I can remember, John 1:5 has been my favorite Bible verse, and this story was the best fictional illustration of it that's I've ever personally read. So often when books feature the moon, stars and the sky as a plot point it's done in a scientific method that never gives credit to our Heavenly Father and His ultimate design. I absolutely loved how Amanda Dykes on the contrary used these items to further the faith element in her story, and showcases the importance of the light's guidance even in the darkest of times.

I found myself interested in both time periods featured throughout the story, and I loved how romance really takes a back seat in both sections and how the focus is instead on the beautiful setting, the well plotted mystery and the development of beautiful friendships. I couldn't figure out how everything was going to come together to piece together the whole picture, but I was left feeling completely satisfied and blown away at just how many intricate details are interwoven throughout the complex plot.

I adored Lucy and her father, and the way they come to take Dash under their wing. Lucy shared such a strong relationship with her father, and the heartwarming fairy tales he so often dictates to Lucy and Dash were one of my favorite parts of the story. I think personally my favorite character ended up being Violette, as I thought she has such a complex but strong story arc, and I loved the part she plays on Lucy's journey of discovery.

Without a doubt I recommend picking this one up as I can guarantee you won't be disappointed. Amanda Dykes is truly a master at her craft, and her writing style is intricate, atmospheric and beautiful, and I can guarantee that this will not be the last book I choose to pick up by her. The only thing that kept me from giving this a five star rating is that I found the story was hard to get into for the first few chapters, but once I got past that part I could barely put it down.

Final Rating: 4.5/5

Thanks so much to Bethany House and NetGalley for allowing me to advance read this!

I voluntarily read and reviwed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Bethany House) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Thanks so much for reading guys! I hope your week is off to a great start :)