Set the Stars Alight

GIVEAWAY

DYKES, AMANDA

SET THE STARS ALIGHT

In an aged brick cottage in London, the magic of the past comes alive each night for the family of a humble watchmaker. In her father's fireside stories, Lucy Claremont's fascination with the high seas begins, leading her to devote her life's work to discovering the whereabouts of a legendary lost ship. But when tragedy strikes, it's childhood friend Dashel and his knowledge of the stars that may help her solve the puzzle.

Two hundred years earlier, three young lives are altered forever when a shepherd rescues the privileged son of a powerful admiral. As the children grow, war leads to unthinkable heartbreak, deep love, and a story of betrayal, sacrifice, and redemption that fades into obscurity as centuries pass.

As Lucy and Dash explore mysterious ruins 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.

My Review:

B-b-b-b-but it can't be over. I need more! More stories. More hope. More answers!!!!! Sob!!!! I might just whine my way through this review. :-(

I am absolutely enamoured with Amanda Dykes' storytelling style. She wields the power of her words with exact precision, striking blows to my heart at every page turn. And the way she weaves together two distinct storylines is sheer heaven. 

One of the highlights for me is the emphasis the author places on storytelling. There's this lovely comparison to stories being the scaffolding we build our lives upon. I can't give you the exact quote, because, even though I had the book on hand, I listened to the audible edition (still having eye problems.) 

That concept really stuck with me and I've been thinking about all the different types of stories that have shaped my life -- touching my heart and mind and contributing to who I am today. You know how they say your life flashes before your eyes when you die? Well, I'm pretty sure mine will be a kaleidoscope of plots and settings from every book I've read since I become so immersed in my stories. :-)

And this one put me in such a mood. Melancholy at first -- in fact, there's a dark thread that weaves its way through both timelines -- but Dykes shines a light into that darkness. Just flashes at first, and then, gradually, the whole mood brightens as hope winds itself around both tales.

Romance and adventure. Heartbreak and sorrow. And a wealth of memorable characters all clamouring to share their stories. Absolute bibliophile heaven!

Book provided by Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications.

 GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a paperback copy of Set the Stars Alight, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday October 17 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!