The Light of Stars: An Arranged-Marriage Regency Romance

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 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.

Sweet historical romance filled with hope, faith, and an arranged marriage dynamicPerfect for fans of Julie Klassen, Sarah Ladd, or Abigail WilsonIncludes discussion questions for book clubs

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0FVTVX4N1
• ISBN13: 9798400502934
• Release Date: July 2026
• Publisher: Tyndale Fiction
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

thought-provoking Regency novel

"...but the true cost is when we actually confront the night, no matter the risk to our bodies or souls. That is when our mettle is demonstrated." This was my first book by Jenelle Hovde and I really enjoyed the setting of 1815-1816 Regency England and East India Company dominated India. The stark contrast between London and Calcutta, the privileged and the poor, the ton and the socially shunned, the corrupt and those fighting for justice added layers and depth to the plot. It was neat to see historical figures like William Wilberforce, Charles Grant, William Carey and Caroline Herschel in the story. Kitty's first person voice was not very likable at first. Her blunt, impulsive, contrary, defiant personality grated on my nerves but as her hopes, crushing disappointments, helplessness, and loneliness unfolded I saw her tender heart aching for acceptance and love. Sebastian's first person voice was patient, kind, repentant, self-sacrificing, protective, and compassionate. His desire to do right and to honor God and family was admirable. Though their romance started out slow, Sebastian's thoughtful gestures and words in his patient and quiet pursuit chipped away at Kitty's walls and melted my heart. Learning about astronomy in the early 1800s was fascinating. There was even a bit of intrigue where the past and present collided and threw some surprising curveballs into the plot. It's been a while since I've read a thought-provoking Regency romance. I highly recommend this book! I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Tyndale Publishers via JustRead Tours and NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

Beautiful!

Wow. This book is beautiful, absolutely stunning. If you're a fan of Elizabeth Camden, you'll love this author! So many elements of this story were beautiful and intriguing, inspiring really, but the most beautiful element was the love story that played out between Kitty and Sebastian. It's not love at first sight. It's a love that is built through distrust, disdain, miscommunication, and simple moments of showing up. It's a love that is earned and fought for, built and nurtured. Scheming grandfathers might have arranged the marriage, but love conquered and built a bond that couldn't be separated. I received this book from the author. No request was made to post a favorable review, and all thoughts are expressly my own.