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.
My Thoughts:
Y’all, I don’t even know where to start with this book. I’ve tried to let the love settle so it would be easier to talk about, but no such luck. I just genuinely loved it with my whole soul.
Dykes has an incredible way of writing. Her style is beautiful like poetry. Every sentence feels like art, every scene pieced together with intention. Nothing is wasted and everything matters. It’s such a beautiful way of storytelling that makes each page feel like a moment you can’t afford to miss.
These characters have depth and complexities. They’re delightfully human and readers will wish they were every bit as real as they feel. They casually waltz into your heart and then refuse to leave, letting their lives and stories echo days ( . . . months . . . ) after the last page is read. The romances are tender and emotional, but so tastefully subtle that readers who prefer little-to-no romance will enjoy them.
I can’t articulate just how well done this book actually is. Set the Stars Alight is a moving story of redemption, of how the ultimate Redeemer can make beautiful things from our messes and sorrows. This is easily one of my favorites of 2020. It’s available now, so go read it, friends.
A huge thank you to Bethany House and Netgalley for a complimentary copy of this beauty. All expressed opinions belong to me.
Purchase: Amazon | Christianbook | Barnes & Noble | Baker Book House
Book Boyfriend(s):
Dashel (Dash) and Frederick. I love, love, love these two. Dash is awkward and steady and brilliant and lovely. He’s also funny at unexpected times, which makes him all the more endearing. “‘I’m quite a catch on the dance floor, if you didn’t notice. I only tripped eleven times.'” And Frederick? Oh, my heart. It is impossible for this emotional cheese puff not to love the loyal, sacrificing, genuinely good boy-turned-man. And he was loved, indeed. *cue the waterworks*
Soul of a Librarian 