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No Light but the Stars: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 1 Aug 26Two women in Cornwall are separated by centuries and united by secrets in this haunting historical novel about hope and a love so powerful it transcends time, persecution, and war.
In 1941, Violet Rookwood and her mother flee war-torn London for a Cornwall farm owned by their family. There, under the floorboards of her bedroom, Violet finds a journal written by a Catholic woman more than three hundred years ago, confessing to a forbidden love. In 1606, on this very farm, Maria Wolveden sheltered Jago Carlyon, a fugitive priest sought for treason. In a time when all Catholics were suspect, Maria’s protective love for Jago grew stronger, as did the mortal dangers of harboring a wanted man.
Violet knows all about secret passion, having lost her own forbidden love, Taslim, in the London Blitz. Haunted by visions of Taslim and of Maria, Violet soon finds herself at a crossroads that eerily parallels that of Maria’s when she gives refuge to Francesco Marelli, an Italian POW whose life is threatened for collaborating with the enemy.
With her family’s lives at stake, Violet not only comes to understand Maria’s desperation more deeply but feels uncannily connected to her spirit—as if guided on a journey that Maria travelled centuries ago. It’s also giving Violet the hope she needs to see her own secrets through to their courageous end—and, perhaps, to find new love.
In 1941, Violet Rookwood and her mother flee war-torn London for a Cornwall farm owned by their family. There, under the floorboards of her bedroom, Violet finds a journal written by a Catholic woman more than three hundred years ago, confessing to a forbidden love. In 1606, on this very farm, Maria Wolveden sheltered Jago Carlyon, a fugitive priest sought for treason. In a time when all Catholics were suspect, Maria’s protective love for Jago grew stronger, as did the mortal dangers of harboring a wanted man.
Violet knows all about secret passion, having lost her own forbidden love, Taslim, in the London Blitz. Haunted by visions of Taslim and of Maria, Violet soon finds herself at a crossroads that eerily parallels that of Maria’s when she gives refuge to Francesco Marelli, an Italian POW whose life is threatened for collaborating with the enemy.
With her family’s lives at stake, Violet not only comes to understand Maria’s desperation more deeply but feels uncannily connected to her spirit—as if guided on a journey that Maria travelled centuries ago. It’s also giving Violet the hope she needs to see her own secrets through to their courageous end—and, perhaps, to find new love.
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication August 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
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March 7, 20264⭐
This new-to-me author, Lindsay Jayne Ashford, explores identity and the complexities of love that defy societal norms and family expectations.
Her narrative is set in 1941 Cornwall, England, with Violet Rookwood sheltering in place with family after a traumatic experience during the London Blitz. While she’s exploring her new room, Violet discovers Maria Wolveden’s diary from 300 years ago, and it encourages her to risk it all for love and to do what she feels is the right thing to do. Both Maria and Violet learn that the cost is high when they choose forbidden love.
I’m always fascinated by people who risk it all for love because I’ve been there. I understand the tension created between what one should do and what one wants to do. Both Maria and Victoria live in a time of upheaval and understand the nature of risk, so it isn’t a stretch to understand the high emotional stakes each is gambling against. Both women value connection despite impossible odds.
The author appeals to her readers’ empathy and asks us to try to understand why her characters make the choices they do. I had no qualms about rooting for them to survive the fallout and choose the risk despite the cost. I needed them to prove that love was worth the risk.
While wartime slightly skews the risk factor and people often reach for moments of happiness, I did appreciate the reminder that this is also the time to repair our boundaries and check for red flags. Choosing to listen to our heart over our head will always be risky. Violet chooses to listen to her heart twice and I was there for the emotional journey.
The author’s rich historical narrative proved that history does repeat itself.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
This new-to-me author, Lindsay Jayne Ashford, explores identity and the complexities of love that defy societal norms and family expectations.
Her narrative is set in 1941 Cornwall, England, with Violet Rookwood sheltering in place with family after a traumatic experience during the London Blitz. While she’s exploring her new room, Violet discovers Maria Wolveden’s diary from 300 years ago, and it encourages her to risk it all for love and to do what she feels is the right thing to do. Both Maria and Violet learn that the cost is high when they choose forbidden love.
I’m always fascinated by people who risk it all for love because I’ve been there. I understand the tension created between what one should do and what one wants to do. Both Maria and Victoria live in a time of upheaval and understand the nature of risk, so it isn’t a stretch to understand the high emotional stakes each is gambling against. Both women value connection despite impossible odds.
The author appeals to her readers’ empathy and asks us to try to understand why her characters make the choices they do. I had no qualms about rooting for them to survive the fallout and choose the risk despite the cost. I needed them to prove that love was worth the risk.
While wartime slightly skews the risk factor and people often reach for moments of happiness, I did appreciate the reminder that this is also the time to repair our boundaries and check for red flags. Choosing to listen to our heart over our head will always be risky. Violet chooses to listen to her heart twice and I was there for the emotional journey.
The author’s rich historical narrative proved that history does repeat itself.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
This is the first of her books I've read but I'll definitly be looking out for her others.
Whilst it's mainly set in 1941, we do get a sort of dual timeline because we read about the goings on in the 1600s. Both are interesting. Having finished it, I would have liked more of the 1600s scenes. They are few and far between but I think they deserved to be a bit meatier. But I enjoyed what was there.
I was hooked instantly. I can't quite put my finger on one specific aspect, it just grabbed my attention straight away and I ended up devouring it in one sitting.
It did get a little repetitive at times, just the same day-to-day scenes, so if they had been cut a little or other scenes padded out a bit more it might have felt....not slow, because it isn't slow. But it does stretch out in parts.
It was interesting to read a book set during the war that didn't really mention the war. A couple of comments here and there but it would be easy to forget as the rest of the story is so interesting. For me, it's about family, love, endurance, power, desire, dreams, and grief. It's such an emotive story with full focus on the characters at the heart of it.
The plot is a little thin but I didn't mind so much because I really liked the characters. There are some that are definitely less likeable than others, but they're still well written and important to the overall story.
I don't know Lindsay's background but the historical research is clear to see. She's managed to weave an intricate story with characters from the 1600s and the 1940s and it's very impressive.
What I particularly enjoyed is her writing of the "underdog" as it were, the character who wouldn't normally be the star. It asks us not to judge people and to be sympathetic for people's situations, and asks us what we would do for the people we love.
I know we are like and dislike books that other's don't - it would be boring if we felt exactly the same about everything. But I've seen a couple of low-starred reviews that really surprised me. There are a few things that I'd iron out to make it top class, but even as it is I felt it was a really well research, well written, emotive story with compelling characters.
This is the first of her books I've read but I'll definitly be looking out for her others.
Whilst it's mainly set in 1941, we do get a sort of dual timeline because we read about the goings on in the 1600s. Both are interesting. Having finished it, I would have liked more of the 1600s scenes. They are few and far between but I think they deserved to be a bit meatier. But I enjoyed what was there.
I was hooked instantly. I can't quite put my finger on one specific aspect, it just grabbed my attention straight away and I ended up devouring it in one sitting.
It did get a little repetitive at times, just the same day-to-day scenes, so if they had been cut a little or other scenes padded out a bit more it might have felt....not slow, because it isn't slow. But it does stretch out in parts.
It was interesting to read a book set during the war that didn't really mention the war. A couple of comments here and there but it would be easy to forget as the rest of the story is so interesting. For me, it's about family, love, endurance, power, desire, dreams, and grief. It's such an emotive story with full focus on the characters at the heart of it.
The plot is a little thin but I didn't mind so much because I really liked the characters. There are some that are definitely less likeable than others, but they're still well written and important to the overall story.
I don't know Lindsay's background but the historical research is clear to see. She's managed to weave an intricate story with characters from the 1600s and the 1940s and it's very impressive.
What I particularly enjoyed is her writing of the "underdog" as it were, the character who wouldn't normally be the star. It asks us not to judge people and to be sympathetic for people's situations, and asks us what we would do for the people we love.
I know we are like and dislike books that other's don't - it would be boring if we felt exactly the same about everything. But I've seen a couple of low-starred reviews that really surprised me. There are a few things that I'd iron out to make it top class, but even as it is I felt it was a really well research, well written, emotive story with compelling characters.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A moving work of historical fiction that blends romance, loss, and quiet resilience during the turmoil of World War II.
The novel follows Violet Rookwood, a young woman forced to grow up quickly as war reshapes her life in 1941. After her father is captured as a prisoner of war in Germany, Violet and her mother struggle to keep their London produce shop afloat while bombs fall across the city. Amid the chaos, Violet also mourns a deeply personal loss. Her first love, Taslim, an Indian boy she kept secret out of fear of her family’s judgment, is reported to have died in the war.
When their home is destroyed during the bombings, Violet and her mother flee London for Cornwall, seeking refuge with Violet’s aunt Ruby. Life on the rural farm is starkly different from the city. With no electricity or plumbing, Violet must adapt to demanding farm work and an entirely new rhythm of life. She learns to milk cows, help with the land, and encounters Italian prisoners of war who have been assigned to work nearby fields.
In the quiet of her room, Violet discovers a centuries-old journal belonging to Maria Wolveden, written in 1606. Maria’s story reveals a forbidden love with a Catholic priest she secretly shelters, creating a haunting parallel between past and present. As Violet reads Maria’s words, she begins to feel a sense of connection across time, almost as if the spirits of Maria and Taslim are guiding her forward.
That guidance becomes most meaningful when Violet risks everything to hide Francesco, an escaped Italian prisoner from the nearby White Cross camp. Through this act of courage, Violet confronts her grief, her compassion, and the possibility of loving again.
Ultimately, the novel is a story about endurance and transformation. Through war, memory, and unexpected connections, Violet learns that letting go of the past does not mean forgetting it. Instead, it allows space for healing, growth, and the fragile hope of new beginnings.
The novel follows Violet Rookwood, a young woman forced to grow up quickly as war reshapes her life in 1941. After her father is captured as a prisoner of war in Germany, Violet and her mother struggle to keep their London produce shop afloat while bombs fall across the city. Amid the chaos, Violet also mourns a deeply personal loss. Her first love, Taslim, an Indian boy she kept secret out of fear of her family’s judgment, is reported to have died in the war.
When their home is destroyed during the bombings, Violet and her mother flee London for Cornwall, seeking refuge with Violet’s aunt Ruby. Life on the rural farm is starkly different from the city. With no electricity or plumbing, Violet must adapt to demanding farm work and an entirely new rhythm of life. She learns to milk cows, help with the land, and encounters Italian prisoners of war who have been assigned to work nearby fields.
In the quiet of her room, Violet discovers a centuries-old journal belonging to Maria Wolveden, written in 1606. Maria’s story reveals a forbidden love with a Catholic priest she secretly shelters, creating a haunting parallel between past and present. As Violet reads Maria’s words, she begins to feel a sense of connection across time, almost as if the spirits of Maria and Taslim are guiding her forward.
That guidance becomes most meaningful when Violet risks everything to hide Francesco, an escaped Italian prisoner from the nearby White Cross camp. Through this act of courage, Violet confronts her grief, her compassion, and the possibility of loving again.
Ultimately, the novel is a story about endurance and transformation. Through war, memory, and unexpected connections, Violet learns that letting go of the past does not mean forgetting it. Instead, it allows space for healing, growth, and the fragile hope of new beginnings.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
As a fan of both historical and women's fiction, I didn't get what I'd hoped for in this novel. There were interesting themes that were touched on, but the blending of them between the 1600's and the 1940's, just didn't hang together well for me. The historical background could have led to a much more interesting novel. This was lightweight and read more like a romance novel with a whole lot of fantasy thrown in for what I suppose would appeal to some. I was looking for something of more substance. This could have been much better, and simply missed the boat I was sailing on.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts:
This book is incredibly slow-paced, so much so that I had to reread things because I had forgotten what it said due to my mind checking out while reading.
This book is incredibly slow-paced, so much so that I had to reread things because I had forgotten what it said due to my mind checking out while reading.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This World War Two historical fiction novel with a thread of the mystic follows the lives to two women embroiled in forbidden relationships three centuries apart.
My complete review will be posted here after it is published in the August 2026 Historical Novel Review.
My complete review will be posted here after it is published in the August 2026 Historical Novel Review.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews