Yours Is the Night by Amanda Dykes | A Historical Fiction Novel That is Deeply Emotional and Mesmerizing
*I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts below are my own and I was not required to post a positive review. Also, this blog post includes affiliate links. You can view my affiliate disclaimer here.
A Story to Cherish
Deeply Emotional and Absolutely Mesmerizing - Yours is the Night speaks directly to a reader’s soul, it’s pages filled with richness, light and brimming with hope.
Author Amanda Dykes has beautifully woven a melodic novel that ebbs and flows, bringing the perils of the Great War alive with her rich narrative and captivating characters who embark on a journey that changes them forever, leaving no life untouched. Historical fiction fans will love this new release!
A mysterious song in the forest . . .
A discovery in war-torn France . . .
A journey toward hope.
The trenches of the Great War are a shadowed place. Though Platoon Sergeant Matthew Petticrew arrived there with a past long marked by shadow, the realities of battle bring new wounds--carving within him a longing for light, and a resolve to fight for it.
One night, Matthew and his comrades are enraptured by a sound so pure, a voice so ethereal, it offers reprieve--even if only for a moment. Soon, rumors sweep the trenches from others who have heard the lullaby too. "The Angel of Argonne," they call the voice: a mysterious presence who leaves behind wreaths on unmarked graves.
Raised in the wild depths of the Forest of Argonne, Mireilles finds her reclusive world rocked when war crashes into her idyllic home, taking much from her. When Matthew and his two unlikely companions discover Mireilles, they must embark on a journey that will change each of them forever . . . and perhaps, at long last, spark light into the dark.
On the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier comes an emotive tale inspired by the courageous soldiers of World War I.
"In this propulsive tale, Dykes brings together soldiers and an ethereal presence in the woods of France during WWI. . . .Dykes embeds timeless themes of trust, courage, and sacrifice, and Mireilles's ethereal role provides a subtle element of faith. Readers who enjoy the work of Tracie Peterson will love this."--Publishers Weekly
★★★★★ | With this highly anticipated, late-summer release from author Amanda Dykes comes a story that will enrich your soul and delight your heart.
Heartfelt doesn’t even begin to describe this beautiful and poignant novel, set in the beautiful country of France and the Argonne Forest during the days of World War I.
Amanda Dykes has such a marvelous way of creating captivating mental imagery with her words and narrative. She’s truly gifted in bringing her characters to life and making them feel like kindred spirits, in a way that is reminiscent of authors such as L.M. Montgomery and Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Her books always become beloved favorites of mine and Yours is the Night is no exception.
Related Post: Read my review of Set the Stars Alight by Amanda Dykes
This novel follows the story of a soldier, chaplain, Captain, journalist and a young woman in the heart of France and the dangerous perils of the Great War. I enjoyed the multiple points-of-view and narrative Dykes offered throughout the book, broken down into different chapters. This brought insight into the hearts and minds of each character. As I read, my heart moved for the characters and I felt deeply for them. This novel offered the stark realities of war - peril, death, fear, danger and assault, contrasted delicately with the hope of the Gospel. Redemption was so relevant in this pages, readers are sure to find light, life and hope.
Along with the enlightening glimpse into history and the Great War, this story offers a sweet romance, friendship and deep love. Each character changes, grows and faces their own personal struggles in a truly inspiration way. Upon finishing this novel, I was able to sit and relish the richness of the story and the satisfying ending after feeling like I walked alongside ordinary people facing great unknowns in extraordinary ways. That in itself was refreshing in today’s current world.
I highly recommend this story to readers who enjoy WWI and historical fiction as well as to readers who enjoy a inspiration, soulful novel. Yours is the Night is a clean book and appropriate for mature readers age 15+. This story does fall in the Christian fiction genre and offers profound faith elements presented in a way that offers much hope.
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Photo Credit: © Michael Pettrey | Image Courtesy of Baker Publishing Group
