Guest Review: THE LIGHT OF STARS by Jenelle Hovde

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 dynamic.

Perfect for fans of Julie Klassen, Sarah Ladd, or Abigail Wilson. Includes discussion questions for book clubs.

The Light of Stars by Jenelle Hovde, Published by Tyndale Fiction, July 14, 2026

OPENING LINES

1803, Hyderabad, India. The night smelled of jasmine and smoke. Torchlight flickered across the marble arches and carved lattice screens, sending shadows skittering along the palace courtyard. I clutched Ghulam’s hand so tightly my nails must have bitten into his skin, but my older brother did not flinch.

GUEST REVIEW by Sophia Rose

Her head is in the stars, and his is delighted by foreign words. Their entangled families will bring them together. I was rather taken with Jenelle Hovde’s careful attention to historical detail, thoughtful, inspirational themes, nuanced characters, layered plots with suspense and romance, and unique elements in her recent book, No Stone Unturned, so I couldn’t pass by her latest, The Light of Stars.

Grown up Katherine “Kitty” Grenville, having been allowed an unconventional education and allowed to pursue her interests in astronomy, is horrified to learn her grandfather, looking to solidify powerful connections, has arranged a match for her to a man from a powerful aristocratic family working for the East India Company, the very company that played such a huge role in ripping her family apart.

Kitty’s romantic notions and naivete take a bruising in the glittering, sophisticated London society. She’s impulsive, even in forming opinions before really getting to know Sebastian. It is only over the course of their time together in London and his rescue of her that she begins to reconsider her stance toward him and the arranged marriage.

Sebastian Sinclair went from being the ne’er-do-well second son to the reformed rake and heir. He has many regrets and guilt- especially for his older brother’s death. The chance to work under his grandfather in the East India Company as a clerk, going over the accounts, doesn’t match his interest in linguistics, but he is determined to make good in the eyes of his hard grandfather, who has always seen him as a weak failure, even if this means representing the company in parliament and accepting an arranged marriage.

William Carey, a missionary who has mentored and helped Sebastian in his personal reformation, as well as William Wilberforce, are adamant that corrupt practices within the company—even involving trade in opium—are occurring, but Sebastian knows the only dishonor coming from his family was done by him in the past, so if there is corruption, it's coming from another source. That said, Sebastian will not let it rest, even if it means a dangerous pursuit right when he has fallen for the lady he never expected to want in his life.

The Light of Stars has depth and challenged my emotions from the start. One just knew that dark deeds were being masked, awaiting Katherine or Sebastian to expose. Countering the darkness of hidden corruption, I appreciated Katherine’s love of astronomy, which connected her with her mother, and Sebastian’s linguistic gift and determination to change. This pair went from hostile antagonists to true partners in love and life.

The Light of Stars shines bright and aligns well for those who love stories blending inspirational themes, historical backdrop, suspense, and long-haul sweet romance.

Jenelle Hovde, author

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 eight novels span different eras—from ancient worlds to World War II—her favorite genre is sweet Regency romance, enchanting readers with tales of love and intrigue set against the backdrop of nineteenth-century England. Drawing inspiration from the timeless treasures of 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 beach in Florida, she navigates life with her family and manages two saucy cats who insist on interrupting her creative endeavors. To stay updated with her latest works or subscribe to her

newsletter, visit her online at jenellehovdeauthor.com

Guest reviewer, Sophia Rose

ABOUT GUEST REVIEWER, Sophia Rose

Sophia is a quiet, curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, piano-playing, and gardening. Road trips and campouts, museums and monuments, restaurants, and theaters are her jam. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and a loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, baseball, cats, Scooby Doo, and chocolate. As a lifelong reader, it was inevitable that Sophia would discover book blogs and the joy of blog reviewing. In 2012, she submitted her first book review and is currently an associate reviewer.

Sophia is a prolific reader and audiobook listener, which allows her to experience many wonderful books, authors, and narrators. Few genres are outside her reading tastes, but her true love is fiction, particularly history, mystery, sci-fi, and romance. Sorry, no horror...or she will run like Shaggy and Scooby. Connect with Sophia via FACEBOOK GOODREADS TWITTER