I sat down at my keyboard telling myself not to gush, but I just can’t help it. This book is so beautiful. I love how it captures the heart of Venice and the heart of the author of life. The writing is exquisite, each turn of phrase practically poetry. The writing would be enough to make me recommend it, but it’s not just the skillfully captured phrase that makes this book sing, it’s the depth and intricacy of the story. The way Daniel’s story weaves and overlaps with the tale of Sebastien, and of Venice itself, is a masterful work of art.

Daniel has a book. It’s one of only seven copies in the world. And the book is unfinished. Commissioned to translate the Book of Waters, the story of Sebastien, and sent to Venice to procure the original and discover the ending, Daniel’s journey becomes a vessel through which the theme of living our own unfinished story weaves in and out of this stunning tale.

Hope, restoration and being found are all themes intricately woven throughout this powerful story. I think your life would be richer for allowing this novel to find it’s way into your heart. I’m rating it as my favorite book of 2022.

This book touched the deepest parts of my heart and soul. I imagine that anyone fortunate enough to pick up a copy of All the Lost Places and to slip into its story will find a part of themselves in one or more of the characters. I also imagine that the truths imparted will resonate with their own personal story.

Any brief synopsis I included here about the story of All the Lost Places would pale against the beauty of the language, setting, and characters. So, I'm not even going to attempt to write one. Let it suffice to say that this novel is one that will live on in its readers' hearts and minds for time upon time. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

What can I say about a masterpiece, that the name doesn’t already imply?

-- 'The fact remained that in the face of such absolute devastation and loss, when the living story resounded only in defeat, he dug instead for the tiniest slip of hope. And in doing so, hope became . . . purpose.'

I have yet to meet an author who can layer so many beautiful truths into a work of art as Amanda does in her stories. All the Lost Places is a stunning masterpiece, a journey of discovering one’s purpose and place in life.

I struggle to find the words to properly relate how I felt reading this book. Booklist’s starred review describes best my reading experience with the words, “hushed awe”. This is a story of introspection, one so spellbinding you feel as though the words are whispered to you and any movement or sound will ruin the moment.

At some point, the story stopped being about merely Daniel and his atonements, or Sebastian and his wrestling of identity. I can’t explain it, but I felt the author in this story, between the pages of mosaics and monks – also something I can’t explain unless you’ve read the story yourself.

Amanda Dykes evokes deep emotions with her symbolic lyricism and ordinary yet magical characters. I didn’t want the story to end, yet I couldn’t help but read on. This is romantic literary prose at its best. Everything about this novel – the characters that warm your heart, the intriguing Venice, the introspecting journey, all of it – resonated with me, and I can never recommend this book or this author enough.

"Once upon the dawn of time, there was water. Before there were stars, before the maker set life into earth, breath into lungs, beast or man to roam...there was water. Dark and reaching, stirred not by wind but by the spirit of the Almighty himself."

If you haven't read one of Amanda's novels yet, you're missing out! Every word that flows from her pen is beautifully poetic, drawing readers in with epic dual timelines and bringing the characters to life. I'm at a loss for words each time I read one of her novels, aside from feeling the need to encourage everyone to read one (or all!) of her books ASAP.

All The Lost Places brings us a story within a story. In 1904, Daniel Goodman is attempting to redeem his past by repaying what he's stolen, when he is given the opportunity to travel to far-away Venice in search of the mysterious Book of Waters. Only a few copies were ever printed...and only one contains the ending of the story. A chance collision with a bookshop keeper begins a journey to the answers he seeks. Nearly a century before, a guild of artisans discovers an infant floating down the canal towards the orphanage with nothing except a note bearing his name: Sebastien. The artisans feel compelled to raise young Sebastien together, taking turns teaching him their trades as he grows. Despite their best efforts, Sebastien struggles with his identity, constantly asking himself "who am I?" and never quite feeling like he fits in. When a storm brings a mysterious young woman to his island home, Sebastien's life changes forever--and answers are finally on the horizon.

Despite being a speed reader, this one took me almost a month to read because I felt like I needed to really slow down to fully digest and savour every detail. I mean, I had to read the first page at least three times--it was just such a perfect beginning! The storyline has multiple layers, but is still easy to follow and the storyline was absolutely perfect. The characters are raw and authentic, facing realistic relatable challenges. I think many of us can relate to Sebastian's identity struggles and Daniel's need to do enough to feel worthy of being loved. I loved both Mariana and Vittoria's characters and everything they each brought to the storyline. The concept of a book without an ending really intrigued me and I enjoyed getting to "go along" on the journey to find out how it ended. Vittoria's travelling gondola lending library was an unexpected element that I also really enjoyed. Amanda's writing style brought everything to life, and I could imagine being right there with them. And, of course, there were so many beautiful quotes that were just begging me to grab a highlighter or write them down somewhere to read again later, like this one:

"You are you. You are full of good purpose. You were made for this, your time, and this, your life. There is none like you, and I see the fingerprints of a mighty and good, kind, loving God in your good, kind, loving soul. You are full of honour and goodness. There is no one in this world with such a big heart as you. I see it in the way you tend to each of us, always watching, always helping. You, Sebastien, are a man who loves well."

If you haven't guessed yet, All The Lost Places gets an easy 5/5 stars from me. If you enjoy deep poetic stories that point you back to your Creator, you'll want to grab a copy of your own as soon as possible! No words can ever do this novel justice; you really do just need to read it for yourself!

*As a launch team member, I received a complimentary copy of All the Lost Places through the author and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.

I love Amanda's books and the stories she writes. She has this way to transport you back in time and immerse you in the characters worlds. She has done it again! You will not be disappointed.

"Found means someone was searching for you, running after you. You, the greatest treasure in all the world. That is what Trovato--Found--means. Sebastien Trovato, you are Found. Always and forever. Gathered up into Giuseppe's great big arms and carried into our hearts from that moment on."

When I receive an Amanda Dykes novel I know I will need to take the time to prepare myself for what I will experience between the pages of her book, and All the Lost Places was no different.

This is an exquisite novel of adventure; both in body and soul. The reader follows Daniel as he travels to Venice to both redeem his past and translate a rare book, The Book of Waters. Along the way the story of Sebastien, the baby floating in a basket emerges and becomes intertwined with Daniel's.

At some point, and I can't exactly pinpoint when it happened but this story stopped being about these two men and turned inward and became my story. Nearly fifty-seven years ago I was found. I was an infant who needed a family and my parents were the ones who found me and took me home. And forty-six years ago at a church service with Joni Eareckson Tada speaking God tapped on my shoulder telling me it was time to commit my life to Him and I was found by the God who created me.

This is what an Amanda Dykes novel does to a reader. She creates the characters and the story but with her masterful writing ability and lyrical prose, the story becomes about the reader.

All I can say is this is a must-read!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Such a beautiful book filled with images and imagination. I was truly touched by this wonderful book! Two stories told of the search for self by two different characters. Breathtaking!

I don’t think I can articulate my love for this book… this is the book you shove into hands of friends so they can experience for a first time, then you can gush over it together. This was my first book by Amanda and I already have a rec of what to pick up next by her.

She is a true storyteller, with a flawless way of sharing two time periods that connect in ways that will leave you speechless.

A few of my favorite things…
•authentic characters
•dual timeline
•setting San Francisco/Venice
•Lending library on a gondola 😍
•grappling with identity & where you belong
•Hope

You don’t want to miss this gem…

This was my first Amanda Dykes and I can see why she is a fan favorite.

All the Lost Places reads almost like a historical fairy tale with poetic prose. It is about the power of identity and knowing who we were back then is not who we are meant to be if thats what we decide. It is about second chances, found family and love.

This is a book that you kind of have to turn your thinker on at first. It weaves between two different POV's and timelines. You aren't quite sure how everything connects but eventually it starts piecing together and then the story starts to flow quite nicely. This book is full of the history of Venice and the heart of its people. It has wonderful themes of love of family, destiny, pride in ones country and where they come from. The two main characters have wonderful character arcs and come to learn that being lost means you can eventually be found.

"You don't look at a book and see only paper and ink. You seem to -- to somehow feel it. The heart who wrote it, the lives in the pictures taking on heartbeats so that you can look at the faces of the people in one book and recognize them in the souls of another."

I definitely would love to try more books from Amanda Dykes.

Dykes' lyrical prose and troubled character, Daniel, absolutely hit the ground running in this book. There are some pretty big themes, some pretty wonderful and thought-provoking ideas in this novel, and a few that I need to sit and ponder over for awhile because they hit close to home. Set in a dual timeline, we switch back and forth between Daniel's POV and a historical account of a long-lost book without an ending, and as to why the book had no ending...you'll have to read it yourself and see. Overall, it's a phenomenal book. The only thing keeping me from giving it a full five stars -- the mystique involved in this story felt like it kept me at arm's length for certain swathes of the book, which made it difficult at times for me to maintain interest -- but then I'd get drawn back in all the same. I didn't totally grasp a couple things until I read Dykes' note at the end, and now I feel like a re-read is in order. It's a book that deserves, and perhaps requires, savoring and re-reading in order to be fully enveloped by the reader. If you love a challenge, dual timelines, gorgeous prose, and a book that is a deep well to draw from, you'll love this one.

***I read an advanced copy to review this book; all opinions expressed above are my own.

A storybook with no ending has been in Daniel's family forever.  An heirloom his mother brought from Venice, it is one of Daniel's few possessions.  After years of crime, Daniel is trying to atone for all of his past wrongs.  One of his last tasks is to help his mother's shop.  A unique opportunity arises when Daniel finds a man wanting to recreate Venice in California.  The job includes a bevy of Daniel's talents, Italian translation, drawing, and finding the ending to a certain story.  Daniel arrives in Venice and immediately digs into the story, The Book of Water, which tells a fairytale-like account of Sebastian Trovato.  Daniel begins his adventure in Venice, digging deep into it's history looking for any information on the baby sent down the canal in a basket.  During his search, Daniel uncovers much more than Sebastian's story and is able to find more of himself as well. 

All The Lost Places is a masterfully written story within a story.  I love dual-time stories and this one is perfectly done.  I was held equally by both story lines and both Daniel's and Sebastian's characters and journeys.  I was immediately taken in by the story of Sebastian floating down the canal in a basket and then of Daniel's quest to right all of his past wrongs.  I was immersed in Venice in both time periods, the 1800's and early 1900's.  Venice's beauty, architecture, culture, people and mysteries were brought to life.  The mystery of Sebastian and the end of his story kept me in suspense the whole way through.  I was delighted in how Sebastian and Daniel were connected.  With themes of hope, redemption, love and finding yourself, All The Lost Places is an amazing story. 

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

SOUL-STIRRING!

One of my favorite things each year is reading the latest release from this fabulous, award-winning author. Each time I read one of her novels it is like opening a priceless treasure where I will be taken on an intense journey through a character’s life, only to discover that the real journey has taken place in my own life as her words have caused me to examine the depths of my soul.

All the Lost Places is a beautifully written story of a man who feels as though he is lost and who is searching to find the answer to one of life’s most important questions: “Who am I?” It makes me think of the assurance in Psalm 8:4, that “God is mindful of me.” It is in the telling of his search for self-discovery that the Author weaves a beautiful story of redemption, perseverance, family, friendship, and love—the story of one man being faithful against all the odds and expecting a miracle. Like my favorite quote from the book, “And isn’t that the way of miracles? Something extraordinary because of the faithful ordinary.”

This is a novel that is not to be missed! Add it to your Book List!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this novel by Baker Bookhouse. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.

This is my first book by Amanda and it will definitely not be the last. Her words are enfused with so much poetic description and rhythmic prose. It was such a joy to read. The story itself was so moving and weaved in and out of various times with ease. And the way words were strung together caused me to read lines over again in order to soak in the imagery. I felt like I stepped out of the most beautiful museum of art and I want to buy a ticket to Venice to see all that was described for myself. Not only did the ending make my eyes well up, but honestly, her author’s note at the end tipped me over. This is why, if I have a few moments of uninterrupted quiet, I will try to pick up book or pen. God never fails to speak to me through words and the ones written in this book were right on time for me. I was provided a copy by the publisher and all opinions are my own. Such a beautiful story.

It always seems to take me longer to read one of Amanda Dykes books, because I find myself stopping and reading a sentence or passage over again, savoring the beauty of her prose.

All of the Lost Places is an enchanting, original dual-time story mostly set in Venice. The timeline from the 1807 storyline is called the Book of Waters. The prose is elegant, the storyline magical as one reads of a man who searches for answers, uncovering secrets within the shadows of a falling city. A captivating blend of legend and history, the reader is not sure where one begins and the other ends. In 1904, Daniel travels to Venice hoping that his trip will allow him to atone for his past, yet his journey is one of self-discovery, as the secrets of Venice and the Book of Waters allow him to heal.

As I finished the story, I knew this was one of those rare books that I will keep within me, its message of hope and grace skillfully woven within a story that will reside within my heart forever.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Amanda's novels always read like magic and All the Lost Places is no exception. Somehow, Dykes manages to weave both poetry and light into each and every sentence. Deeply layered in metaphor and theme, the prose is rich and lyrical, and utterly transported me to the canals of Venice and the ancient waters which flow within.

This dual-timeline story is full of truth and hope for the heart that questions, "Who am I?" I absolutely adore the character of Daniel Goodman and his longing for atonement. Add in a collection of authentic characters, a bookshop complete with a pet owl, a book that whispers of babies found floating in baskets, and a bit of mystery -- and I found myself immersed in the type of story you can't help but slowly savor.

I will note that this was a very complex story -- particularly the first half involving the "Book of Waters." It fit together beautifully at the end but did require some patience while reading. It ended up being a longer read than expected because I had to read it so closely. However, with Dykes skill in creating gorgeous narratives, this wasn't something I minded at all.

This book is beautifully written and atmospheric. The characters are interesting and complex, but for some reason I really struggled to connect to the story. Like, to the point I struggled to keep up with what was going on. I know I'm in the minority because this book is getting great reviews, so don't take my word for it. Try it for yourself. Thank you Netgalley and Bethany House for the ARC.

I have been to Venice. After reading Dykes story, I feel like I have been again. She weaves a dual time story that blends well together. As I was reading one or the other storyline, I didn't want it to end. Whether in the the year 1807 or 1904, I wanted the story to continue on.
In 1807 Sebastian is finding his way after drifting ashore as a baby and being adopted by the neighborhood. He loves his life until a beautiful woman washes up on his island. A woman who asks more questions than he knows answers to.
In 1904 Daniel is trying to make restitution for the wrong he has done in his past. He has one person to send the money to, his own mother. But he must go to Venice Italy to find the end of the story that has captured his attention since he was a child.

Whenever I think of an author who creates beautiful stories that are full of magnificent images, I think of Amanda Dykes. Each book of hers, that I've had the privilege to read, has touched my soul in a deep way. This one is no different.
I was captured and taken to a place that I’ve had on my bucket list for many years. Venice, Italy, Wow, she really paints it in a most intriguing way. Now I really do want to go!
Amanda Dykes is a truly gifted author. She writes dual-time books in such a way that they blend in a seamless fashion. Her stories are brimming with words that are so descriptive and etiquette they will capture you and keep you reading until the very end.
From the very first page to the end, this book had me captivated and wanting to read more. I didn’t want to put it down. It really was a book I kept thinking, “just one more page!” and hours later realizing I needed to go to bed. But also, not wanting to finish it because I felt a part of the story.
In this story, the question is raised, “Who am I?” I think so often many of us ask that same question. We need to find our purpose, our identity. I loved how a quote from the book truly says it all,
“Who are you? You are loved. You are you. You are full of good purpose. You were made for this, your time, and this, your life.”
Amanda Dykes has woven so many deep truths into this story. You as a reader will want to read all the way to the end of the book. Even the author notes and acknowledgments because the author continues to pour out her heart and soul. It truly is a wonderful book and beautifully written!
This story will sit in my heart for days to come. I highly recommend you pick it up.
I was given this book by the publisher, which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

All the lost places by Amanda Dykes
Quote - "Life was a kaleidoscope, lite by the Mediterranean sun through colorful glass in shop window."

Synopsis - When a baby was discovered floating in a basket along the canals of Venice. In 1807, A guild of artisans took him in and thought him their trades. His name was Sebastian. Sebastian was questioning where he came from and was finally getting clarity when a woman washed up on his lagoon island. Decades later, Daniel Goodman is given A fresh start at life by translating A rare book in Venice.

My thoughts - The one thing I love about Amanda Dykes book's is there is always A secret message. She knows how to pull her reader's into the story. She also has a way of making the story come to life. The characters are well written and realistic. The book was very hard to put down, even for a cup of coffee.

Recommend - I will recommend "All the Lost Places" to family, friends, and others through social media and retail site's like Amazon, Bookbud, Wal-Mart, Barnes and Nobles, and Goodreads.

Rating - I rate this book a 5 out of 5

Disclaimer - I received this complimentary copy from publisher and author for a honest review. All thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone.

All the Lost Places by Amanda Dykes is a dual-timeline historical novel set in Venice during the early 1800s and the early 1900s. This beautifully written story involves a complex mystery, some romance, and love for the beautiful city of Venice.

Story Recap:
1806 A basket with a baby inside is found floating down a Venitian canal. Fisherman Guiseppe pulls the baby from the murky canal and starts to take him to the local orphanage. On the way, he changes his mind and decides to keep him and he takes him to his guild to help raise the baby. Guiseppe the fisherman, Pietro, the glassblower, Elena, the gardener, Dante, the printer, and Valentina, the lace maker, all decide to raise the baby together. They named him Sebastien Trovato, and each member of the guild train him in their perspective careers.

1907 Daniel Goodman needs to redeem himself for the trouble he’s been in. Fresh out of prison, and working in a cannery in San Francisco, he makes just enough money to repay his debts. When he finds out his mother is in financial trouble, he needs to make more money, so he takes on a job to travel to Venice to obtain a rare book and to sketch the city for a San Fransisco developer who wants to replicate the canals and beauty of Venice.

My Thoughts:
This is the story of two men, Sebastian who is searching for his parents and wants to know why he was left in a basket, and Daniel, who wants to make up for the sins of his past.

This book has everything I want in a story, I loved both mysteries, and they do intersect eventually. Daniel was such a great character. He needs to atone for the mistakes he made when he was young and needs to help his mother before she loses her house. His dedication to his mother is heartwarming as is his love of books.

Sebastian had an unusual and loving upbringing with the guild acting as his parents. But, he always wondered why he doesn’t have just one mother like his friends growing up. When he saves a young woman who washed up on his island, she helps him uncover the mysteries of his origin.

The star of this book is Venice. The author wrote lovingly about the history, and the people of Venice, but it never felt overdone, or too much. In each timeline, the characters are trying to solve a mystery and we get to follow them along the roads, bridges, and canals as they search for clues. We get little snippets of Venitian history woven into the beautiful descriptions as we follow Sebastian and Daniel on their individual quests.

Recommendation:
I highly recommend All the Lost Places to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.