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No Light but the Stars
Two 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
First published August 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
July 4, 2026
If you’re looking for the absolute core lessons and emotional pillars of No Light but the Stars, here are the five key takeaways from Lindsay Jayne Ashford’s novel:
1. Radical Empathy Supersedes Political and National Lines: Both timelines emphasize that basic human decency should matter more than wartime propaganda or state mandates. Whether it is Maria sheltering a "traitorous" Catholic priest in 1606 or Violet hiding an "enemy" Italian POW in 1941, the novel teaches that recognizing another person's shared humanity is a higher moral duty than blindly obeying the laws of a divided world.
2. Grief is a Bridge Across Time: Trauma can make a person feel utterly isolated, but the book beautifully shows that our pain connects us to a larger human story. Violet feels entirely alone in her mourning for Taslim because society wouldn't understand or validate their love. By reading Maria’s 300-year-old journal, she realizes that her heartbreak isn't unique—it is a timeless experience that binds her to the women who walked the earth before her.
3. Female Courage is Often Quiet and Domestic: History textbooks usually focus on the grand, loud battlefields dominated by men, but Ashford shines a spotlight on the quiet, high-stakes resistance managed by women within the home. Hiding a fugitive under floorboards, managing scarce rations, and keeping massive secrets from neighbors require an immense, steady bravery that alters the course of history without ever demanding public glory.
4. The Past Offers a Map for the Present: We often look at history as a set of static facts, but No Light but the Stars treats the past as a living, breathing guide. Violet is paralyzed by her circumstances until she uncovers Maria's story. Maria’s historical resilience provides Violet with a literal emotional blueprint, proving that the stories of our ancestors can give us the courage we need to face our modern crises.
5. Love is the Ultimate Form of Rebellion: In eras completely defined by systemic hate, religious persecution, and global war, choosing to love is an act of defiance. Both protagonists engage in relationships that society deems forbidden or dangerous. The ultimate takeaway is that love isn't just a passive emotion; it is a fierce, active rebellion against the darkness of the world around us.
1. Radical Empathy Supersedes Political and National Lines: Both timelines emphasize that basic human decency should matter more than wartime propaganda or state mandates. Whether it is Maria sheltering a "traitorous" Catholic priest in 1606 or Violet hiding an "enemy" Italian POW in 1941, the novel teaches that recognizing another person's shared humanity is a higher moral duty than blindly obeying the laws of a divided world.
2. Grief is a Bridge Across Time: Trauma can make a person feel utterly isolated, but the book beautifully shows that our pain connects us to a larger human story. Violet feels entirely alone in her mourning for Taslim because society wouldn't understand or validate their love. By reading Maria’s 300-year-old journal, she realizes that her heartbreak isn't unique—it is a timeless experience that binds her to the women who walked the earth before her.
3. Female Courage is Often Quiet and Domestic: History textbooks usually focus on the grand, loud battlefields dominated by men, but Ashford shines a spotlight on the quiet, high-stakes resistance managed by women within the home. Hiding a fugitive under floorboards, managing scarce rations, and keeping massive secrets from neighbors require an immense, steady bravery that alters the course of history without ever demanding public glory.
4. The Past Offers a Map for the Present: We often look at history as a set of static facts, but No Light but the Stars treats the past as a living, breathing guide. Violet is paralyzed by her circumstances until she uncovers Maria's story. Maria’s historical resilience provides Violet with a literal emotional blueprint, proving that the stories of our ancestors can give us the courage we need to face our modern crises.
5. Love is the Ultimate Form of Rebellion: In eras completely defined by systemic hate, religious persecution, and global war, choosing to love is an act of defiance. Both protagonists engage in relationships that society deems forbidden or dangerous. The ultimate takeaway is that love isn't just a passive emotion; it is a fierce, active rebellion against the darkness of the world around us.
July 25, 2026
I like dual timeline books, but this one is too predictable. The basic story is interesting, but it takes too long to get there. And I knew how it was going to end early on, so getting there needs to be really interesting and to me it just moved too slowly.
Personally, I hate dream sequences. I hate them in movies, & tv shows & novels. This book is filled with them. It’s kind of like the gods coming down from Mt. Olympus to solve the problems when all the answers come in dreams.
I also hate it when novels spend a ton of time in the main character’s head & the main character only thinks about one thing. And they think about it over & over & over & over. “If only I …”. I assume the novel has to be a certain length and all this repetition adds pages. For me it’s annoying & boring & cheating.
These are my 2 pet peeves in story telling and this book has both of them. That takes away 2 stars for me immediately.
As soon as we meet the uncle, I’m saying to myself, Oh brother, here we go again. I suppose it’s supposed to be shocking, but it’s not.
So clearly I’m in the minority of people who didn’t like this novel. My guess is that it’s because I’m older than most reviewers & have read more books & seen more movies. So nothing about this book was new or different to me. Obviously most reviewers liked it. Don’t let my review discourage you from reading it.
Personally, I hate dream sequences. I hate them in movies, & tv shows & novels. This book is filled with them. It’s kind of like the gods coming down from Mt. Olympus to solve the problems when all the answers come in dreams.
I also hate it when novels spend a ton of time in the main character’s head & the main character only thinks about one thing. And they think about it over & over & over & over. “If only I …”. I assume the novel has to be a certain length and all this repetition adds pages. For me it’s annoying & boring & cheating.
These are my 2 pet peeves in story telling and this book has both of them. That takes away 2 stars for me immediately.
As soon as we meet the uncle, I’m saying to myself, Oh brother, here we go again. I suppose it’s supposed to be shocking, but it’s not.
So clearly I’m in the minority of people who didn’t like this novel. My guess is that it’s because I’m older than most reviewers & have read more books & seen more movies. So nothing about this book was new or different to me. Obviously most reviewers liked it. Don’t let my review discourage you from reading it.
Review of advance copy
I read this book as part of Amazon's First Reads program. Things I liked: details about what it was like for civilians during World War II, the way the story within the story had parallels with the main storyline. Things I didn't like: The main character acted younger than her given age and everything wrapped up suddenly at the end, so as to feel a bit unrealistic.
July 11, 2026
this is a romance novel
But not very satisfactory, no character is believable, facts are wrong (the North Star Polaris is never the brightest in the sky), and the British authorities are not going to forgive a prisoner from escaping from a POW camp, and then allow him out, unsupervised, to help out at the farm where he had been hiding.
But not very satisfactory, no character is believable, facts are wrong (the North Star Polaris is never the brightest in the sky), and the British authorities are not going to forgive a prisoner from escaping from a POW camp, and then allow him out, unsupervised, to help out at the farm where he had been hiding.
October 24, 2026
I had only the vaguest outline of Scottish church history prior to this year. And now I've read three books which mention it. Isn't that interesting? I talk quite a bit about the ways books are in conversation with each other. It is one of the reasons I keep reading, because so often one book is improved by having read something else, giving it a richer context or an interesting contrast. No Light but the Stars has an interesting premise, the set-up is promising. Unfortunately Lindsay Jayne Ashford makes a habit of pointing out everything to the reader: "Do you see how that is a foreshadowing of this?" "Notice the similarities between these two things, that is important." The book would have been better if the author had trusted the reader a bit more. Instead of being propelled by an engaging story I felt both belittled by the overexplaining and preached to. Hopefully this book finds its audience. Perhaps those who enjoy historical fiction? Thank you to everyone involved in the audiobook production, including Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley, for the audioARC.
July 23, 2026
The premise of this book is really interesting — which made its poor execution a special kind of disappointment. I really tried to stick it out but when I started going several days at a time without reading, because it was such a slog, I knew I had to pack it in.
July 12, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ Love a good historical fiction book! Can’t wait for this to be released in August for the rest of the world to read!
July 24, 2026
This book was a quick read. The characters and plot are simple. For me there were no surprises, even the ending was predictable. The two central characters - Violet in WWII England and Maria im early seventeenth century, James I England, both living in the same farmhouse, were similar in spirit if not temperament. Both had suffered great loss in their troubled and dangerous times. Their lives were on parallel tracks, perhaps too much so, lockstep really. I did love the presence of the Goshawk in both stories. Still, the book was enjoyable to read, as the odd link between the two women helped Violet navigate her struggles, and in the process gain the strength to defeat her demons.
August 17, 2026
2.75⭐️
August 6, 2026
Why are these kindle first reads always so poorly written? DNF at 27%, can't believe I made it that far.
October 17, 2026
I got this as an Amazon First Reads selection and I read it on the plane to and from Italy. Interesting that it involved Italian POWs in England during WWII. I really enjoyed the book, which had some mild elements of magical realism. I believe the research was well done.
August 11, 2026
interesting story
A lovely tale, well written and interesting info about WW2 farming. Interesting insight into racism at that time as well.
A lovely tale, well written and interesting info about WW2 farming. Interesting insight into racism at that time as well.
September 19, 2026
No Light But the Stars was an okay read, but probably one of the stranger wartime novels I’ve come across. There are some genuinely good ideas here, but it feels as though Lindsay Jayne Ashford has thrown several completely different genres into the same book and hoped they would all blend together.
The main story follows Violet Rookwood, who leaves bomb-damaged London with her mother and ends up living on a family farm in Cornwall during the Second World War. I actually liked this setting. The quieter, rural side of wartime Britain, the farm work and the presence of Italian prisoners of war give the book a slightly different feel from the usual WWII historical fiction.
Then things start getting considerably stranger.
Violet discovers a centuries-old journal connected to a woman who lived on the same farm in the 1600s, and the book begins introducing visions, spirits and an almost supernatural connection between the two women. Alongside that you've got forbidden love, religious persecution, wartime prejudice, family secrets and the deeply unpleasant behaviour of Violet's uncle. It is a lot for one relatively short book to carry.
Individually, many of these elements are interesting. I particularly liked the idea of two women separated by centuries having their lives mirrored through the same place. But when everything is combined, the book doesn't always seem to know exactly what it wants to be. Historical fiction? Wartime romance? Family drama? Ghost story? Magical realism? At various points it feels like all of them.
The supernatural side was probably where it lost me most. I would have preferred the historical journal and the parallels between the two women's lives to have carried the story without needing the spirits and visions. The darker storyline involving the uncle also adds yet another tone to a book that already has plenty going on.
That said, it's certainly not a bad book. Ashford writes well, there are some interesting historical details and Violet's story kept me reading. There are also worthwhile themes around prejudice, grief, love and how similar human experiences can be despite centuries separating us.
Overall, though, three stars feels about right. No Light But the Stars has some good ingredients, but they're put together in such an unusual mixture that I never completely settled into it. A wartime Cornish farm, Italian POWs, a 300-year-old diary, forbidden relationships, ghosts, spirits and a thoroughly disturbing uncle — it's certainly different, I'll give it that.
The main story follows Violet Rookwood, who leaves bomb-damaged London with her mother and ends up living on a family farm in Cornwall during the Second World War. I actually liked this setting. The quieter, rural side of wartime Britain, the farm work and the presence of Italian prisoners of war give the book a slightly different feel from the usual WWII historical fiction.
Then things start getting considerably stranger.
Violet discovers a centuries-old journal connected to a woman who lived on the same farm in the 1600s, and the book begins introducing visions, spirits and an almost supernatural connection between the two women. Alongside that you've got forbidden love, religious persecution, wartime prejudice, family secrets and the deeply unpleasant behaviour of Violet's uncle. It is a lot for one relatively short book to carry.
Individually, many of these elements are interesting. I particularly liked the idea of two women separated by centuries having their lives mirrored through the same place. But when everything is combined, the book doesn't always seem to know exactly what it wants to be. Historical fiction? Wartime romance? Family drama? Ghost story? Magical realism? At various points it feels like all of them.
The supernatural side was probably where it lost me most. I would have preferred the historical journal and the parallels between the two women's lives to have carried the story without needing the spirits and visions. The darker storyline involving the uncle also adds yet another tone to a book that already has plenty going on.
That said, it's certainly not a bad book. Ashford writes well, there are some interesting historical details and Violet's story kept me reading. There are also worthwhile themes around prejudice, grief, love and how similar human experiences can be despite centuries separating us.
Overall, though, three stars feels about right. No Light But the Stars has some good ingredients, but they're put together in such an unusual mixture that I never completely settled into it. A wartime Cornish farm, Italian POWs, a 300-year-old diary, forbidden relationships, ghosts, spirits and a thoroughly disturbing uncle — it's certainly different, I'll give it that.
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
I received this book as part of Amazon's First Reads.
This is a book with dual timeline, and both stories are interesting and compelling. One is set during WWII with a focus on the home front in England. The other is set in the 1600s at a time when Catholics were hunted down and killed. Violet and her mother move from war torn London to a Cornwall farm where her aunt lives with her husband, Felix and two year old son, Billy.
In the 1600s young Maria Wolveden was asked by her father to hide and protect a young priest whose life is in danger. Her diary is found by Violet, along with a hawk whistle on a cahin.
Both are good stories, but the parallel stories and coincidences were a bit too much to be realistic. Violet reads Maria's diary and feels that somehow she is talking to her in her dreams and helping her with her decisions. She also remembers her first love, Tamslin, who was killed in a bombing raid. Now, it seems she also gets messages from him through her dreams. Maria hides and shelters a runaway priest, Violet hides an shelters a runaway Italian POW who had been working on her aunt's farm. Maria has a hawk that attacks a man that had been harassing her. A cleric who wanted to marry her and corners her and puts her in an uncomfortable position. Her hawk protects her by diving at this man, who falls and dives. She is charged with his murder and imprisoned. Violet's "Uncle" Felix is a bit of a pervert and unsavory character. Violet has the hawk whistle that she found along with Maria's diary from the 1600s. She uses the whistle to alert Francesco and eventually a local hawk starts paying attention to her. When Felix corners Violet, a hawk attacks. He falls and dies. No tears shed about his sudden demise. A bit too contrived.
This is a book with dual timeline, and both stories are interesting and compelling. One is set during WWII with a focus on the home front in England. The other is set in the 1600s at a time when Catholics were hunted down and killed. Violet and her mother move from war torn London to a Cornwall farm where her aunt lives with her husband, Felix and two year old son, Billy.
In the 1600s young Maria Wolveden was asked by her father to hide and protect a young priest whose life is in danger. Her diary is found by Violet, along with a hawk whistle on a cahin.
Both are good stories, but the parallel stories and coincidences were a bit too much to be realistic. Violet reads Maria's diary and feels that somehow she is talking to her in her dreams and helping her with her decisions. She also remembers her first love, Tamslin, who was killed in a bombing raid. Now, it seems she also gets messages from him through her dreams. Maria hides and shelters a runaway priest, Violet hides an shelters a runaway Italian POW who had been working on her aunt's farm. Maria has a hawk that attacks a man that had been harassing her. A cleric who wanted to marry her and corners her and puts her in an uncomfortable position. Her hawk protects her by diving at this man, who falls and dives. She is charged with his murder and imprisoned. Violet's "Uncle" Felix is a bit of a pervert and unsavory character. Violet has the hawk whistle that she found along with Maria's diary from the 1600s. She uses the whistle to alert Francesco and eventually a local hawk starts paying attention to her. When Felix corners Violet, a hawk attacks. He falls and dies. No tears shed about his sudden demise. A bit too contrived.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2026
Good short read
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.
A well written historical fiction with well developed and interesting characters. A good story line, suspense with a touch of supernatural thrown in. A new author to me but I will definitely read more of her books.
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.
A well written historical fiction with well developed and interesting characters. A good story line, suspense with a touch of supernatural thrown in. A new author to me but I will definitely read more of her books.
August 22, 2026
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.
This book was so interesting and loved the dual timeline. Both stories were compelling and drew you in. Characters were great and both settings were so good. WWII and the 1600's...somehow it works!
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.
This book was so interesting and loved the dual timeline. Both stories were compelling and drew you in. Characters were great and both settings were so good. WWII and the 1600's...somehow it works!
August 26, 2026
DNF at 15%. What a colossal waste of time. The characters are unwittingly stupid, and even if you allow some fraction of disbelief for the time period, just as WW2 is kicking off for GB and other places in Europe, must we assume all the people in the setting are just immature, uneducated, poorly read and naive? I felt that every character was somewhat stuck in early adolescence, and it bored me intensely. Give at least one person some depth, some character, some personal strength or knowledge and make them fit the story.
In this hot mess, Violet is (literally) the shrinking type of female character. Everything makes her shake with bewilderment, fear, irrationality and a sinking sense of having missed out on everything life will ever offer. She is a hopeless mess, weak, undetermined and lacks a basic sense of understanding. Violet will never comprehend how the world works, but somehow, we are expected to forgive her this sense of ignorance and just muddle on through a boring and pointless flirtation. She is a baby, in terms of emotional and intellectual maturity.
And I just detest reading about this sort of hopeless, hapless character, even given the timeframe and what society was telling women they could or could not do.
I had to put this garbage away. It's another KU stinker-give it away for free, because who on earth would pay for this tripe?
Avoid this one. It's vile.
In this hot mess, Violet is (literally) the shrinking type of female character. Everything makes her shake with bewilderment, fear, irrationality and a sinking sense of having missed out on everything life will ever offer. She is a hopeless mess, weak, undetermined and lacks a basic sense of understanding. Violet will never comprehend how the world works, but somehow, we are expected to forgive her this sense of ignorance and just muddle on through a boring and pointless flirtation. She is a baby, in terms of emotional and intellectual maturity.
And I just detest reading about this sort of hopeless, hapless character, even given the timeframe and what society was telling women they could or could not do.
I had to put this garbage away. It's another KU stinker-give it away for free, because who on earth would pay for this tripe?
Avoid this one. It's vile.
July 26, 2026
This is a captivating story of a young woman caught in the uncertainties of life during World War II in England. After being forced to leave their home in London, Violet and her mother go to live with an aunt on the West Coast of the country on a farm. Her life is complicated by a number of forces. She questions every decision, always hoping to do the right thing. Because this is historical fiction, the reader gets a feeling for life during a war when it all comes too close. Rationing, shortages, blackouts and prisoners of war from a nearby camp all play a part in this story. In addition to all that, Violet finds a box under a loose floorboard in her bedroom that contains a diary written by a young woman in the 1600’s whose life eerily parallels hers. Some of that material adds a surreal touch to this story that some may find a bit over-the-top. The author took a while to really develop the plot but by the middle of the book it moved much faster. By then, it was hard to put down as you are hoping to find out what happens next.
July 18, 2026
In all honesty, the story is very good. The characters are well developed. The writing engages the reader. And the dual story line is perfectly executed as the main character reads the 300 year old diary. However, the story is a fairy tale, a fantasy and not at all realistic. It even has two happy endings; since there are two stories. The author obviously knows nothing about war! In war the enemy is not your friend, and your friend may turn out to be your enemy. Soldiers are trained to be "lean, mean, killing machines. POW’s have one goal: stay alive by any means necessary.
This story needs a different setting, where emotions, desires, and spirits override honor, duty, and law. So if you are looking for FANTASY, this book is great. But if you are wanting a historical fiction set in two different eras, this is not the book you are looking for!
This story needs a different setting, where emotions, desires, and spirits override honor, duty, and law. So if you are looking for FANTASY, this book is great. But if you are wanting a historical fiction set in two different eras, this is not the book you are looking for!
Review of advance copy
I got this book as an Amazon First Reads. It's a decent read, I liked it enough to keep going. It's short and easily readable with little to no extraneous characters and info - and I really appreciate that! It's a little light on the historical value for me, perhaps this is due to my reading so much historical fiction previously. The heroine (Violet) is likable and the creepy folks really are nasty and icky. The parallel situations of Violet and Maria (from 300 hundred years ago) was interesting and I like how there is just a bit of magical realism, as Violet feels Maria and Taslim are actually speaking to her, the bird communicates with her, and Maria inhabits her body briefly. Overall good enough story.
August 10, 2026
I really wanted to love No Light but the Stars because the premise immediately caught my attention. I enjoyed the historical elements and the parallels between two women living centuries apart, as well as the themes of love, loss, courage, and hope.
For some reason, though, I just never fully connected with the story. My attention wandered at times, and I kept waiting for that emotional pull that I usually look for in historical fiction. There were definitely parts I enjoyed, but overall this ended up being more of an okay read for me.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lindsay Jayne Ashford, and Brilliance Publishing for the ALC. I am leaving this review voluntarily, and all thoughts are my own.
2.5 ⭐️⭐️✨
For some reason, though, I just never fully connected with the story. My attention wandered at times, and I kept waiting for that emotional pull that I usually look for in historical fiction. There were definitely parts I enjoyed, but overall this ended up being more of an okay read for me.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lindsay Jayne Ashford, and Brilliance Publishing for the ALC. I am leaving this review voluntarily, and all thoughts are my own.
2.5 ⭐️⭐️✨
August 20, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review. Elizabeth Knowelden is a solid narrator for this story.
This is a dual timeline story: One is set during WWII with a focus on the home front in England. The other is set in the 1600s at a time when Catholics were hunted down and killed. Violet and her mother move from war torn London to a Cornwall farm where her aunt lives with her husband, Felix.
Each of the stories parallel the other, so much so that its hard to follow at times and not very believable, which is important to me as the reader. I found it hard to stay invested in the story. Just an ok read. 3.5 rounded up for the WWII content that I found interesting.
This is a dual timeline story: One is set during WWII with a focus on the home front in England. The other is set in the 1600s at a time when Catholics were hunted down and killed. Violet and her mother move from war torn London to a Cornwall farm where her aunt lives with her husband, Felix.
Each of the stories parallel the other, so much so that its hard to follow at times and not very believable, which is important to me as the reader. I found it hard to stay invested in the story. Just an ok read. 3.5 rounded up for the WWII content that I found interesting.
September 19, 2026
2.5 / 3⭐️ Beautifully written, loved the plot. Loved the character development, core lessons & reflections about love, grief, war and racism. Really enjoyed the dual timeline 300 years apart at the same location with situation.
Interesting build up... but took TOO long to get to the actual plot. Felt like up till chapter 14‐ish was unnecessarily draggy, repetitive and stagnant. Was super close to DNF but glad i continued because it got interesting after.
The ending is definitely too rushed & was tad unrealistic, dont think the British will be too forgiving to the Italian POW after what hes done ... but hey everyone gets a fairytale ending. Overall a light & healing read i guess ☺️
Bonus: Singapore mentioned multiple times #represent
Interesting build up... but took TOO long to get to the actual plot. Felt like up till chapter 14‐ish was unnecessarily draggy, repetitive and stagnant. Was super close to DNF but glad i continued because it got interesting after.
The ending is definitely too rushed & was tad unrealistic, dont think the British will be too forgiving to the Italian POW after what hes done ... but hey everyone gets a fairytale ending. Overall a light & healing read i guess ☺️
Bonus: Singapore mentioned multiple times #represent
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2026
Love lost, courage found and new love found.
Set during WWII, in Europe. Young love lost and fear of fire follows a young woman to the country during war time. Her and her mother move to the country to live with her aunt, her aunt's husband and their toddler son after her father is sent to war. She finds a diary of another young woman in another war from a long ago time. History seems to be repeating itself, until the journal entries abruptly end. How far will the similarity continue?
I enjoyed the story, the "fantasy" of history repeating, and the wonder as to how far it parallels.
Set during WWII, in Europe. Young love lost and fear of fire follows a young woman to the country during war time. Her and her mother move to the country to live with her aunt, her aunt's husband and their toddler son after her father is sent to war. She finds a diary of another young woman in another war from a long ago time. History seems to be repeating itself, until the journal entries abruptly end. How far will the similarity continue?
I enjoyed the story, the "fantasy" of history repeating, and the wonder as to how far it parallels.
August 24, 2026
This dragged a lot for the majority of the book and wasn't a very believable read. I thought the story of the journal was so much more interesting, and I think this story would have been stronger as an actual dual timeline vs. the ghost inspiring the other character.
It was really cheesy, the character development of the mom was basically a 360 degree turn out of nowhere. Also a POW gets to come back after running away with almost no punishment???? And they take the time to get rid of another prisoner threatening him? Girl, this is supposed to be WWII??? I also didn't feel like I learned much, which is what I want from historical fiction.
It was really cheesy, the character development of the mom was basically a 360 degree turn out of nowhere. Also a POW gets to come back after running away with almost no punishment???? And they take the time to get rid of another prisoner threatening him? Girl, this is supposed to be WWII??? I also didn't feel like I learned much, which is what I want from historical fiction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2026
I liked the story but I didn't get a buzz from it. I couldn't get the vibe of a ghost from the past helping Violet with her troubled past and present. Violet and her mother had a shop in London. Violet's father was a prisoner of war. The shop was destroyed by a bomb so Violet and her mother were evacuated to Cornwall to live with her mother's sister Ruby and her family. They ran a farm and needed help. Ruby's husband, Felix, was an unpleasant man that gave Ruby the creeps. Violet discovers a book under the floor boards of her bedroom written in 1606. It's the spirit of the woman who wrote the journal that helps Violet.
September 6, 2026
Love list and Friendship found
Violet was at the dock with her boyfriend, Taslin, when the bomb dropped killing him. Violet was injured and hospitalized. Her father was a prisoner of war so she and her mother went to live with with her Aunt Ruby and her husband Felix..Violet was afraid of remix and tried to avoid him. Feliz put both of them to work non the farm.. He Aldi had a lit if Italian prisoners working there. One day Ruby robot injured and Francisco took her home. When Francisco went back to the prison camp someone beat him up. Shortly thereafter he managed to escape and Violet tried to help him. Thus is a goid story.
Violet was at the dock with her boyfriend, Taslin, when the bomb dropped killing him. Violet was injured and hospitalized. Her father was a prisoner of war so she and her mother went to live with with her Aunt Ruby and her husband Felix..Violet was afraid of remix and tried to avoid him. Feliz put both of them to work non the farm.. He Aldi had a lit if Italian prisoners working there. One day Ruby robot injured and Francisco took her home. When Francisco went back to the prison camp someone beat him up. Shortly thereafter he managed to escape and Violet tried to help him. Thus is a goid story.
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