This was my first book by Amanda Dykes. I just finished it and I don’t have a lot of words other than it was beautiful and that I ended it with tears I believe the story of Mira and Matthew and the other men from The Seventeenth band will live for a long time in my heart.. I have read more books on World War II than World War I but I feel like I learned so much about that time in our history. I will definitely be looking for more books by Amanda in the future!

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

A beautifully written novel about love, sacrifice, and 5 people tied together by the events of the first world war.

A bit slower of a book to get into as we are introduced to all of the characters and their origins. The story is told from 5 viewpoints throughout the story, and by the end it was hard to pick a favorite as the author did such a good job of bringing them to life in all their humanity and courage.

An intricately woven story that leans more character driven than plot driven, with a powerful message of hope, love, sacrifice, and God's hand in our lives.

Overall, a compelling novel with a powerful story told through various viewpoints, each with their own distinct voice and journey. A memorable read that does a great job through prose of telling a story in a touching and almost melodic way. Highly recommend, especially for for fans of more literary fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Amanda is such a talented author that I knew this book would be fantastic. I really had no idea what to expect with the story line and I was a little surprised on where she took the characters. I loved this book but it is heart wrenching the entire way through. I loved the added details of letting the light shine in the darkness and really it made this book so much more than a typical war story. This book takes you right into the trenches of WWI and then on a journey you aren’t really expecting with some added twists that aren’t revealed until later. The romance is sweet and a wonderful friendship more than anything. The history of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was very interesting having visited at Arlington. I also think stories such as this are a good reminder of what people have survived as I truly can’t imagine. It is so important to read about the past and I appreciate authors who can take us places we wouldn’t think about otherwise. I simply couldn’t put this book down and it is one of the best of the year.

Five stars!

"Thanks to Bethany House for providing me with a free copy. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Another lyrical story by Amanda Dykes! I love the variety of history and how the characters developed over the course of the story.

What a beautiful book! I found the WWI setting slightly daunting going in, but having read her other books, I couldn't wait to read it. And this story drew me right in. In fact, I woke up during the night thinking about it and read until 4 am to finish it. There are 5 characters it follows. I cared about each one and loved seeing their stories. Each of their journeys was moving and meaningful. As always with Amanda's books, there are beautiful themes of hope, light, and God's presence even in the darkest times. Highly recommend!

I have decided this author is just not for me. I have struggled with every book I have read by her. It's me. everyone else loves her. I won't request any more of her books.

This book was set during WWI which is not one of my favorite topics. To be honest, I felt that this book was too wordy. What could have been shared in 4 words were said in 24! It was a heavy and emotional read. There were five different points of view throughout the book. And they were hard to keep track of as I struggled through the pages. There were well developed characters and I did like Mira and Matthew Petticrew. While I did not connect with the book, there are a lot of very positive reviews. So I would encourage you to read this and decide for yourself.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

First off - lovely cover. The plot was interesting, but to be completely honest it didn’t always hold my attention that well. I think it was more just me and this not being the type of book I generally read. It’s well written

Whenever I read a book by the talented author Amanda Dykes, I prepare myself for an epic adventure and some very late nights staying up reading a phenomenal book. This novel is no exception! I love the way she tells a story so effortlessly; it makes it so easy for me to get lost in the history and the present circumstances and crave to know the connections and the surprises. I found myself highlighting so many quotes in this book because the way the author crafts sentences is truly an art that makes me pause and reflect. The spiritual truths are interwoven so wonderfully and applicably. I found myself crying at several points in the story as I became so invested in the novel. I loved the characters and their journeys so much! I most highly recommend this novel and seriously cannot wait for her next one!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I feel incredibly bad that I never got around to reading this one and honestly I just don't see myself picking it up anytime soon, plus the file is archived and not working on my kindle.

So sorry!! I love Amanda Dykes work and know that this one is going to be just as good.

I normally adore Amanda Dykes’ stories, so I’m so sad this one didn’t work for me. After picking it up multiple times, I realized I’m just not excited to go back. Her prose is beautiful as always, but I’m struggling with the number of narrators here. I would’ve rather had one or two to go deeper into. I know this is loved and I’m so glad it is. Can’t wait to read her next one.

It has taken me months to find the words to review this book and I’m still not sure I will do it the justice it deserved. Do you ever finish a book and simply need to hug it and proceed to carry it around with you the rest of the day, just to remember how much you loved it? No just me? Well I’m not even embarrassed because Yours Is the Night was THAT. GOOD. Truly, this was one of the most remarkable historical fiction books I’ve ever read (and I’ve read ALOT of HF).

One of the biggest things that stood out to me here was Amanda Dykes writing. It flowed on the pages so beautifully it read like poetry. Many times I found myself pausing to re-read not just sentences but entire paragraphs and pages. Every single word felt intentional and carefully, purposely placed. This story was immensely moving, rich, and powerful. The characters are forever etched into my mind, and their circumstances and experiences are ones I’ve often thought of and pondered since. I found myself with tears pouring down my face at points and my heart shattered into a million pieces. So much respect and reverence was poured out on these pages for the bravery and courage of the soldiers and heroes fighting the indignities and atrocities of war. What a stunning and atmospheric portrayal of the realities of the sacrifice and duty this role requires and its far reaching effects.

This story is packed with truth and beauty amidst the chaos and hardship. It tells a devastatingly gorgeous story of resilience and gosh if it didn’t inspire me to take a long hard look at myself and encourage me to be more brave and discover that glimmer of hope that’s all around. It stirred my soul.

This book is truly unforgettable and an absolute gift to experience. I know I will be revisiting it sooner rather than later. I highly encourage you to choose this as your next read. Prepare to be utterly blown away as I was, from the very first page to the last.

Thank you so very much to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for the gifted e-copy. Thank you Amanda for writing this incredible treasure!

"There are days you live over and over again, for as long as you live."

What a beautiful story of loss, brokenness, and salvation. Amanda Dykes is a storyteller, the old fashioned kind, the kind that lights a spark to only grow to heights and widths unknown. She starts with a beautiful word and holds you captive till the end and after. I've loved every novel by Amanda, and I'm ready to dive into this novel again.

Absolute poetry by the best current writer in the Christian market ( heck in any market)

a billion thumbs up!


Will be hosting Amanda for a Q and A sometime later this spring

This book had me feeling so many emotions, it was a tear-jerker that’s for sure.
I loved that Amanda choose to write a book about the depth and emotions of World War 1. I haven’t read too many book where you actually feel the emotions of what a solider actually feels and thinks during war. It brought to light what soldiers go through during times of war especially on the front lines.
I liked how the book didn’t just focus on one character but five different characters, and each chapter we got to know one of the five different characters more.
During times of war it’s hard to think about love or romance but Amanda did such an amazing job of weaving romance into such a heart wrenching time.
If you love historical fiction about WWl with a touch of romance, then this book is a defiant must read!

#BookReview: YOURS IS THE NIGHT by Amanda Dykes

“I mean - my English fails - they speak to you, Matthew. That the night is not to be feared. For the God who fashioned it did so with care.”

This slow burn story of brave and courageous people was set in WWII France. The poetic writing style and symbolism grew on me. I liked the one about light and the hope it brings. The writing beautiful.

I enjoy reading books set in WWII. But it also tears my heart to read about the fear, suffering and death. It was interesting how Matthew, James, George, Henry and Mira's stories were interwoven during those uncertain times. The multiple points of view helped me understand each character as they walked to Paris.

The individual journey of faith and everything they went through were emotional. It made me ponder things about life in general. Plans change and things happen out of our control. It's what we make of it and our faith that can keep us together. The joy of helping never ceases despite hard times. I liked how everything wrapped up well.

I also recommend Whose Waves These Are.

Rating: 4 stars

Thank you to the publisher and #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

It took me a while to start this book. I suspected it would be affect me more emotionally than I wanted. I finally listened to the audiobook for it and wow. I was right about it affecting me, but I am so glad I finally let it. It is not a light fluffy story, yet there is so much light and joy even in the darkness throughout it. I loved the characters, and felt as if I were a part of their group journeying through World War I. I honestly can't figure out the right words to describe this book, but I do highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Amanda Dykes has the power to stab my heart and tear it into pieces, than make it whole and better than it ever was. I'm always baffled by her imagination and deft writing. Words will not suffice to do this book justice.

Fantastic story as always! I was taken back to the Great War and given a front seat. I love the different first person perspectives. They really added an depth view of the world around them. I highly recommend for any lover of historical fiction.

Preface of book, “And to the four million men who served in the American Expeditionary Forces of the Great War. Your journey was harder than we can know, your lives more meaningful than we can say. “The day is Yours, the night also is Yours…” Psalm 74: 16

Here’s a glimpse into the heart of the author in her notes to readers, “I couldn’t help thinking of the trenches. What the soldier of the Great War endured. Could he ever have imagined, in his darkest moment, such a resting place as this? Untouched by gunfire, mud, or gruesome things…a place marked by quiet, white-marbled peace? Sentinels who’ve sworn a creed to “walk my tour in humble reverence,”

This story grabbed my heart from the start and never let it go. I liked how the author took her time in introducing the men that make up the Seventeenth Band, Matthew, Jasper, Henry, George and then Mira. They meet in the WWI trenches as each seeks shelter in this mysterious forest that holds a haunting angelic song, It’s mesmerizing, and magical to the troops. The author introduces Mira, the Angel the soldiers had heard but could never catch, until she makes herself known, which changes everything.

How do I describe this author captivating writing style and inspirational thread? Here’s a peek. “Sometimes there’s a dark so thick you just know that the God who made light with His own two hands – with just His words – is going to plunge right into that dark to find you. You remember that Mr. Matthew.”

This novelist does an outstanding job of blending fact and fiction, giving readers an up-close and personal look at what happened in the trenches. There are lots of little details about what these men faced and what they did to help them make it through. I was spell bound by the way the author paints the descriptions of battle that don’t bog you down but are riveting.

I highly recommend this remarkable historical novel filled with love, faith, and courage as these men face their fears on and off the battlefield in WWI France. If you love Historical Fiction this is a must read. This is a gripping novel from start to finish and one that will work great for your next book club pick.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org