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 both 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 her 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 decide if a marriage born of obligation can grow into a love strong enough to endure.
Sweet historical romance filled with hope, faith, and an arranged marriage dynamicPerfect for fans of Julie Klassen, Sarah Ladd, or Abigail Wilson. Includes discussion questions for book clubs
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 her 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 decide if a marriage born of obligation can grow into a love strong enough to endure.
Sweet historical romance filled with hope, faith, and an arranged marriage dynamicPerfect for fans of Julie Klassen, Sarah Ladd, or Abigail Wilson. Includes discussion questions for book clubs
MY THOUGHTS.....
Jenelle Hovde includes subterfuge, drama, and historical details in an epic story set in England and India in the early 1800s. I loved learning about the East India Company, Kitty's fascination with astronomy, and historical figures William Wilberforce and William Carey. Who knew that history lessons could be so enjoyable?
I was totally smitten with the two main characters! Kitty Grenville's spirited strength and Sebastian Sinclair's gallantry endured, even when they were coerced into an arranged marriage by Kitty's grandfather. Slowly, this marriage of convenience evolved into a captivating union marked by sweet romance and swoon-worthy chemistry
If you enjoy historical fiction woven with breathtaking romance and a strong message of faith, you will want to read The Light of Stars. It is one of my favorite books of 2026!
I received a copy of this book from the author, publisher, and NetGalley. There was no obligation for a positive review.
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.
Jenelle Hovde includes subterfuge, drama, and historical details in an epic story set in England and India in the early 1800s. I loved learning about the East India Company, Kitty's fascination with astronomy, and historical figures William Wilberforce and William Carey. Who knew that history lessons could be so enjoyable?
I was totally smitten with the two main characters! Kitty Grenville's spirited strength and Sebastian Sinclair's gallantry endured, even when they were coerced into an arranged marriage by Kitty's grandfather. Slowly, this marriage of convenience evolved into a captivating union marked by sweet romance and swoon-worthy chemistry
If you enjoy historical fiction woven with breathtaking romance and a strong message of faith, you will want to read The Light of Stars. It is one of my favorite books of 2026!
I received a copy of this book from the author, publisher, and NetGalley. There was no obligation for a positive review.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Connect with Jenelle by visiting jenellehovdeauthor.com.
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