  We apply the No-Core Shell Model with Continuum (NCSMC) that is capable of
describing both bound and unbound states in light nuclei in a unified way with
chiral two- and three-nucleon interactions as the only input. The NCSMC can
predict structure and dynamics of light nuclei and, by comparing to available
experimental data, test the quality of chiral nuclear forces. We discuss
applications of NCSMC to the $\alpha{-}\alpha$ scattering and the structure of
$^8$Be, the p+$^7$Be and p+$^7$Li radiative capture and the production of the
hypothetical X17 boson claimed in ATOMKI experiments. The
$^7$Be(p,$\gamma$)$^8$B reaction plays a role in Solar nucleosynthesis and
Solar neutrino physics and has been subject of numerous experimental
investigations. We also highlight our investigation of the neutron rich exotic
$^8$He that has been recently studied experimentally at TRIUMF with an
unexpected deformation reported.
