A historical romance that that spans from England to India, The Light of Stars by Jenelle Hovde blends together sweet love and intense action.
Main Themes
Kittie, who is half English and half Indian, never wanted to be forced to leave India. She never wanted to be turned into a proper English lady, and she certainly never wanted to be forced into an arranged marriage. But her English grandfather has powerful connections with the East India Company, and while Kittie despises the unethical organizations, she isn’t strong enough to fight against them on her own. When her grandfather arranges for her to marry Sebastian, a politically advantageous match, Kittie tries everything she can to break off the engagement.
Sebastian completely understands the reservations Kittie has about the East India Company. His own family profits tremendously off of the opium business, although he doesn’t have any concrete evidence to prove their wrongdoing to the British parliament. He tells Kittie he’ll take her back to India if she marries him, where they can look for evidence together to take down the East India Company.
There are themes of justice, giving people second chances instead of hastily judging them, prioritizing family over money, and trusting God when hope seems out of reach.
Faith Elements
Kittie clings to her faith to keep her steady when her family seems to conspire against her. There’s a beautiful portrayal of the importance of family and giving second chances, as well as pursuing justice when the truth is unpopular.
Family Friendly Considerations
There is some minor violence with sword and gun fights, but nothing gory. The romance is clean, although there are some married bedroom scenes alluded to, although nothing is graphically described. The kisses and hugs are brief and very clean.
Interested in Similar Reads?
If you enjoy action-filled historical novels, you could enjoy these books as well!
- A Song in the Dark by Kimberley Woodhouse
- Into a Golden Era by Gabrielle Meyer
- The Spy Keeper of Marseille by Roseanna M. White
- The Manhattan Confessions by Jocelyn Green
