When all of Venice is unmasked, one man’s identity remains a mystery . . .
1807
When a baby is discovered floating in a basket along the quiet canals of Venice, a guild of artisans takes him in and raises him as a son, skilled in each of their trades. Although the boy, Sebastien Trovato, has wrestled with questions of his origins, it isn’t until a woman washes ashore on his lagoon island that answers begin to emerge. In hunting down his story, Sebastien must make a choice that could alter not just his own future, but also that of the beloved floating city.
1904
Daniel Goodman is given a fresh start in life as the century turns. Hoping to redeem a past laden with regrets, he is sent on an assignment from California to Venice to procure and translate a rare book. There, he discovers a city of colliding hope and decay, much like his own life, and a mystery wrapped in the pages of that filigree-covered volume. With the help of Vittoria, a bookshop keeper, Daniel finds himself in a web of shadows, secrets, and discoveries carefully kept within the stones and canals of the ancient city . . . and in the mystery of the man whose story the book does not finish: Sebastien Trovato. [back cover copy]
ALL THE LOST PLACES comes alive under Amanda’s hands, skilled at spinning history and imagination into magical gold like old fairy-tale Rumpelstiltskin.
The characters are captivating and took immediate residence in my heart and mind. (Well, one only in my mind, not heart! But he has so much to tell.) They are flawed and real and resonate as the shimmering story unfurls like a spool of satin ribbon wending its way through the implausible islands, the mirroring rivers, the unyielding social order.
The tale begins with a dilemma to be solved, but each step toward resolution leads to another conundrum. And like all good puzzles, pieces and clues gathered must be turned this way and that to discern where they fit. IF they fit. Or we must simply be patient and let the story emerge. And like sunshine beaming upon a foggy mist ~ this story will reveal hidden longings and questions. And the great love of The One Who Made You.
Umbrellas. Have to read the story. 🙂 Mosaic. Torcello Cathedral, Venice Murano Glass Chandelier
Amanda’s storytelling is poetic and powerful such that one cannot turn pages fast enough to satisfy the desire to know what happens next. Yet as the end drew nearer, I ached at leaving it behind. I highly recommend this book to all those who love stories laced with history, intrigue, romance, and hope.
The flags on the book pictured below indicate spots that touched me, shimmered in a special way. The 60 pages early and late unbedecked reflect the reading done before I found flags and after I ran out of the colorful heralds.
You can get a peek at the first chapter on your computer by clicking this link: http://cdn.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/book-resources/files/Excerpt_9780764239502.pdf?1663881818 Happy reading!
And if it touches you like it did me, you can purchase ALL THE LOST PLACES where ever books are sold, but often the best deal is from Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/431757
Amanda Dykes is a drinker of tea, dweller of redemption, and spinner of hope-filled tales who spends most days chasing wonder and words with her family. She’s the winner of the 2020 Christy Award Book of the Year, a Booklist 2019 Top Ten title, and the winner of an INSPY award for her debut novel, Whose Waves These Are. She’s also the author of Set the Stars Alight (a Christy Award finalist), Yours is the Night (recipient of the Kipp Award, Christy Award finalist), All the Lost Places (starred reviews from Booklist, Library Journal, and Foreword), and three novellas. Find her online at amandadykes.com.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions are my own.
In SET THE STARS ALIGHT Amanda Dykes has penned a story that captivates completely from page one. I couldn’t have been more absorbed if I watched the tale unfurl while flying over it with Peter Pan.
For who were they to one another now? A shadow. An outline. A question mark. 
“Looks as if he ate anger for breakfast.” 
