My Thoughts and More on The Light of Stars by Janelle Hovde

 

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Light of Stars by Jenelle Hovde, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Light of Stars 

Author: Jenelle Hovde 

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers 

Release Date: July 14, 2026 

Genre: Historical Romance 

An arranged marriage. A powerful company tainted with corruption. Two souls caught between obligation and a longing to find their true calling in this Regency romance set in glittering London ballrooms and Calcutta street markets. 

When Kitty Grenville’s grandfather announces her engagement to Sebastian Sinclair, she’s appalled. She barely remembers the boy she met once as a child—and now he’s a man tied to the East India Company, the very organization that tore Kitty and her brother from their mother and home in Hyderabad years ago. Unwilling to relinquish her dream of a love match or her passion for astronomy, Kitty is determined to refuse the marriage and find freedom in her own way. 

Sebastian Sinclair carries the weight of duty and regret. To atone for past sins, he complies with his grandfather’s orders to return to England, fulfill a long-standing betrothal, and defend the maligned East India Company before Parliament. Though Kitty makes her disinterest clear, Sebastian is drawn to her intellect and spirit. 

As Kitty navigates her first London season, her opinion of Sebastian begins to shift, especially when he shields her from scandal. When he’s abruptly called back to India, Kitty stuns everyone by marrying him and going with him, hoping to escape her grandfather’s control—and to find her mother. 

But the challenges that await in India are greater than imagined. Together, Kitty and Sebastian must confront the legacy of family and empire—and discover if a marriage born of obligation can grow into a love strong enough to endure. 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Tyndale | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop | BookBub

Also Available

   

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About the Author

Jenelle Hovde, an accomplished illustrator, author, pastor's wife, and homeschooling mother, ventured off the beaten path when she transitioned from her career as a doctor of audiology to pursue her passion for writing. While her nine novels span different eras—from the ancient worlds to World War II—her favorite genre is sweet Regency romance that enchants readers with tales of love and intrigue set against the backdrop of nineteenth-century England. Drawing inspiration from timeless treasures found in antique stores, Jenelle pens historical romance novels that captivate readers with vivid storytelling and gentle messages of faith. Her stories have garnered impressive showings in multiple writing contests. Often found writing at the Florida beach, she navigates life with her family and manages two saucy cats who insist on interrupting her creative endeavors.

Connect with Jenelle by visiting jenellehovdeauthor.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

My Thoughts:

What you should know is that I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. If you are looking for an arranged marriage between strangers, mystery, family secrets, and the atmospheric England and India during the early 1800's, then you will enjoy this story too.

There is just something about British India that has always captivated me. It might just be the two very different cultures meshing the best they could, or the fact that I would enjoy sightseeing both countries and having a look at their architecture. This story was also fun as it brought in the questionable aspects of the East India Company, that powerful company that almost rivaled the British empire. I also liked seeing two real historical men who helped change history for the world, William Wilberforce and William Carey. 

Then we have our couple. Kitty half British and Indian, trapped by her grandfather and kept from the information she wants most. That of her beloved mother. Her soon to be husband, Sebastion all British, but grew up in the Company in India, also trapped by his family. I was on pins and needles till these two got together. In my mind I was like you two can really make a real team, just get together already. And when they did, they did not disappoint. I am looking forward to the next in this series. 

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 gift card to their choice bookstore!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight July 21, 2026 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on July 28, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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