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.

Dykes connects stories across generations in this tender inspirational. . . . many surprising twists will keep readers guessing until the end. Fans of Tamera Alexander will love this."--Publishers Weekly

"Dykes weaves together two narratives separated by centuries, showing how tiny actions have repercussions that ring through time. . . . With its appeal for inspirational and secular readers, this is highly recommended."--Library Journal starred review

"Set the Stars Alight is a beautiful, intricately woven story of friendship. . . . This captivating and inspirational book is about the kind of friendship that time and distance, and even betrayal, can never destroy. The past and present are beautifully spun together in a story of love, secrets, and sacrifice. The magical writing of Amanda Dykes will keep you as spellbound as were Lucy and Dash, sitting at the watchmaker's knee."--Historical Novel Reviews, Editors' Choice

Praise for Set the Stars Alight

"Amanda's lush tale took me to another time where her subtly crafted scenes left memorable impressions of the mysterious expanse of faith, hope, and especially love."--Robin Jones Gunn, bestselling author of the Haven Makers series
"This epic, deeply heartfelt story of puzzles, lost ships, and lost people resonates at the soul level in a way few novels can."--Joanna Davidson Politano, author of Lady Jayne Disappears

"A split-time search for light, both in the past and present, brings the reader on a poetic journey to find belonging and hope."--Jaime Jo Wright, author of Echoes among the Stones and Christy Award-Winning novel The House on Foster Hill

Reviews (312)

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