For fans of epic storytelling, split time periods, and a magical setting

Set the Stars Alight transports readers into an unbelievable setting, with incredible characters and an enchanting story.  Lucy Clairmont searches for a long-lost ship which disappeared centuries ago.  But she stumbles on so much more as she follows a trail of breadcrumbs her father left her in the form of fairy-tale-like stories.

Set in two time periods, the story weaves the tale of the past with Lucy’s modern day search. She winds up being led by Dashel, her long lost childhood love, to Stone’s Throw Farm to search for proof of the infamous shipwreck. Amanda Dykes has a powerful writing style that creates deep and meaningful characters. I loved Lucy’s struggle to find herself as she connects with a town and people seeped in mystery. I fell in love with Dash, his quirkiness and genius bringing out the best in Lucy. The stories, both past and present, are seeped in imagery and themes of love and sacrifice.

The combination of Dash and Lucy makes the story rich. She is a maritime archaeologist, and he is a forensic astronomer. Together they take their childhood stories and piece them together to understand the legend behind the missing ship, the Jubilee. Their connection is deep as the waters and sky they search.

I will add that this story isn’t a quick read. I love to read as I fall asleep at night, but I had to stay awake and pay attention to absorb every word for the story to come together in my mind. I’ll probably be re-reading this one someday as there’s so much meaning and imagery in every word. I 100% recommend this to fiction lovers who want to be immersed in a beautiful and intriguing tale.

Overall: 5 stars (I loved it, couldn’t put it down)
Suspense: 4 stars (lots of action and suspense to keep me intrigued)

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

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For fans of drama, triumph over tragedy and lovably flawed characters

The Fifth Avenue Story Society gives readers everything you’d expect from a Rachel Hauck novel. While not adrenaline-pumping suspense, the story has plenty of intrigue. The author brings several characters to life as they each receive a mysterious invitation to join the Fifth Avenue Story Society.

Jett Wilder carries the burden of his brother’s death and his recent divorce into the Society. Lexa Wilder, Jett’s ex, doesn’t know how to cope with a demanding job and lingering feelings from the divorce. Chuck Mays is rough around the edges and just wants to see his kids. Coral Winthrop brings a broken engagement under mysterious circumstances to the table. Ed Marshall wants to write a love story to tell the world about his late wife.  The group decides to continue meeting even though they have no idea how they were brought together.

This story brings out all of the emotion and drama a reader can handle. I enjoyed these characters and their complex problems. I enjoy a large cast of characters told from multiple viewpoints, and not all authors could make this work.  But the way the members of the Society interact is heart-warming. Rachel Hauck peels back the layers of the characters as they come to grip with their own inner demons while relying on the help of a group of strangers.

If you are looking for a heart-warming and inspiring read with complex characters and a story line that will linger long after you put down the book, look no further than The Fifth Avenue Story Society.

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The post The Fifth Avenue Story Society appeared first on Best In Suspense.