Between the Sound and Sea

I only usually give 5 stars to books I can't put down...and, guys, this one had it! For starters, I LOVE the Outer Banks, having spent loads of summers there with family and friends, filling Mason jars with shells. Cox writes fiction that is approachable, relatable, and just...lovely. I haven't read a book of hers I didn't enjoy. (Also, her last book "He Should Have Told the Bees" remains one of my all-time favorite books!!) She's researched this one well per usual, as some of the places mentioned in the book are ones I have personally been to--and have the pictures to prove it! Anyway, Between the Sound and The Sea covers the subjects of regret, grief, lost love and found family. A lost journal, a lighthouse in need of repair, and two stories that connect the past to the present..this book is one to tuck into your beach bag or suitcase for travel reading. But don't stop there--you can escape to the beach any time you'd like, with the wonderful Amanda Cox as a guide. I was an early reader, thanks to the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Thanks to Amanda Cox and Revell Publisher for an advance reader's copy. All comments and opinions are my own. I was engaged from the first paragraphs of the prologue and was sorry when I turned the last page. A lighthouse on the Outer Banks of North Carolina holds secrets, and this dual timeline novel weaving past and present tells the story of family, romance, honor, and finding life’s purpose. Her family name tarnished, Joey escapes to a remote North Carolina island to oversee the restoration of a lighthouse – one complete with ghost stories, rumors, and notes tucked into the old stone walls. But this isn’t merely a mystery or a ghost story. It’s a tale of hope layered with themes of love and loss, communication and healing. Author Amanda Cox cleverly juxtaposes the complexities of two families – one from the past and one in the present – acknowledging the similarities of their relationships and struggles. In addition, this is a story of a young woman who finds her purpose. Joey realizes, “I had this weird habit of helping everyone else’s dream come true without considering my own. I convince myself I’m living, but I’ve actually been in this holding pattern.” A major theme of this novel is restoration – of relationships, families, as well as the actual lighthouse itself. I enjoyed the way Cox accounted for all the elements as the novel concluded, leaving me moved and satisfied as she truly told another story of “hope, healing, and home.”

Amanda Cox is undoubtedly a gifted story-teller and those who have read her other books will not be disappointed. The title alone reflects her ability to articulate so much more than what's on the surface. Between the sound and the sea is so much more than location, as readers will understand as you journey to the outer banks of NC. The story tells of a young woman who makes an unexpected trip to the coast for a seemingly temporary assignment only to find herself pulled into a sea of mystery, love, friendship and self-reflection. This novel runs the gamut of mystery, a smidge of romance, history, adventure and so much more and is captivating from the opening pages to the end. Redemption, healing, hope, repentance are all interwoven beautifully into this story in such a way that they are not forced, but emerge beautifully from the character and plot development. I only wish there had been a bit more spiritual development along the way with more concrete truths explored. Still, it is a book you do not want to finish and yet as you do, makes you want to grab your closest friends and head to the nearest lighthouse. Grateful for the opportunity to read such an inspiring story. Thank you to the author & Revell Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review of this book.