4.5 stars

“You’re the chance I want to take…”

As I read Between the Sound and Sea, I was once again struck by author Amanda Cox’s exquisite talent in character development. Her insight into human nature, relationships, and regrets, as well as the intersection of the temporal and the eternal, brings her characters into vivid definition, and this book is no exception. Joey (aka Josephina), Walt, Finn, Cay, Peter… they are each masterfully sketched, ensuring both my allegiance and my affection. Even after closing the final page, I wanted to pull up a chair and just ‘be’ with these characters for a little while longer. Their flaws are relatable, their growth is touching, their stories are compelling, and the fact that each character is – in some form or fashion – caught between peace and turmoil (a sound and a sea) made it all the more personally meaningful to me in this season where I too find myself fluctuating between peace and panic.

The mysteries surrounding the lighthouse at the heart of this novel run the gamut from ghost stories to legends to carefully guarded secrets and even little-known World War 2 history. Part of the fun of reading Between the Sound and Sea is joining Joey and the others in sorting through which is which… and if we stumble on a couple of love stories in the process, all the better! I loved that the author keeps readers in suspense right along with the characters, and I was eager to see the picture that would emerge once all the puzzle pieces were in place. Who hid the log pages in the first place? Who doesn’t seem to want them found now? What really did happen to the lighthouse keeper and his daughter? The more I fell in love with the lighthouse and with the characters, the more I needed to know the answers just as badly as they did.

Bottom Line: Between the Sound and Sea by Amanda Cox has something for nearly every reader – a compelling plot, a quaint coastal-Southern town, intriguing mysteries, delightfully-complex characters, sweet-but-subtle romance, fascinating history, and even a ghost story or two. The faith notes aren’t heavy-handed but even in their gentle nudging they gave me powerful truth to apply to my own life. I could relate to each character in one way or another, and it was easy to stay invested in the outcome of their research and restoration work (and the lighthouse isn’t the only thing being restored here)… not to mention cheering for the heartwarming happily-ever-afters, including the ones that had little to do with romance. I love the way this author immerses me into her stories, and I’m already looking forward to her next one. Amanda Cox is not an author to be missed, and Between the Sound and Sea is a must-read!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

I have not read a book by Amanda Cox before but I found myself being drawing into the story and wondering about the characters and the mystery surrounding them. I liked the little hints that we got about the mystery as we read the book and I liked having a glimpse into the past. I also liked how the restoration of the lighthouse was healing for all parties involved. I loved feeling transported to another time and place and I loved taking the journey to solving the mystery with the characters. After reading this book, I will look into reading other books by this author.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

A really moving heartfelt mystery, romance, with a touch of history all wrapped into a story I couldn’t put down. I fell in love with the characters and setting. I wish to visit this over and over.

Between the Sound and Sea
Amanda Cox
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Josephina Harris has always loved her home town, until a lawsuit tarnishes her family name and her event planning business. Needing some time away, she accepts a position to bring life back to a decommissioned lighthouse in the Outer Banks.

While there, "Joey" discovers notes tucked into crevices of the lighthouse's stone walls. The pages detailing numerous rescues at sea are signed by someone named Mae, but there's no historical record of a female lighthouse keeper. Joey is determined to discover the history of the light and the identity of the mysterious Mae.

Do you have that one regret you can’t seem to release no matter how many blessings you’ve received or times you’ve asked God’s forgiveness? An aging grandfather named Walt is such a man and his grandson, Finn, can’t fathom his grandfather’s obsession with the past. In fact, it has him worried and this sets the stage for a tension-filled relationship with each misunderstanding the other. However, all it takes is the outsider, Joey, who knows all about family misunderstandings to form a bridge of healing.

This story had a bit of contemporary romance in it, but we found it was more about healing relationships of the past and present. Cox has created a wonderfully written generational story about relationships and how we should demonstrate our love to those around us while we still have the time.

We received an advanced copy from the publisher. This is our honest review.

“Between the Sound and Sea” is a beautifully written dual-time story! I love the elements of faith, romance, history, and lighthouse mystery, and the characters have quickly become my friends.

I just love it when I sink so effortlessly into a story and feel as if it’s my own. And Joey (Josephina) captured my attention just as easily, and putting together the pieces of the past was captivating.

The pacing is perfect, the tender components pierced me deeply, and I won’t soon forget this beautiful restoration story. I am always excited to open an Amanda Cox book and never disappointed!

First Line (Prologue): The old woman observed the young boy kicked back in the adjacent recliner, his face practically glued to that tiny screen, as it had been since his visit began.
Genre: Christian Contemporary Fiction
Author: Amanda Cox
Page Count: 336

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.

I'm a huge lover of lighthouses and have been since the old Gaither song The Lighthouse. So, when I discovered this book centered around one I knew I had to read it. The book is also located in a place which I am somewhat familiar with. It hit all the must-read buttons for me.

Amanda Cox writes a story that has romance, and mystery that feels scavenger hunt all at the same time.

This book is very character-driven and I fell in love with both Joey and Finn. Walt added what I would call old-guy snark.

Will to Finn : Sexism and ageism all in one breath. Son, you better check yourself before you wreck yourself." The boy looked at him like he'd been sucker punched. "Excuse me?"

I enjoyed the characters that Ms. Cox created and hated to see them go. I also enjoyed seeing redemption woven into the story.

Amanda Cox is an author who knows how to create a story that takes a reader on both an external and internal journey.


Discliamer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher. I was not required to write a review all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have always enjoyed the books by Amanda Cox. When this came up in the Revell Reads Program I was excited to sign up and more so to be chosen to read and review this book. It did not disappoint.

The story was different for me as I was used to the stories set in the 1800s and not in modern times. It is a little bit of mystery and a whole lot of relationships and romance. The main characters are nicely filled out and the minor characters well enough to keep the story flowing. The story flows well and builds to an unexpected ending. The editing was well done.

This is Christian genre book but it i not at all pushy. It is more of just a clean, wholesome novel but not disappointing.

This review is freely given and all thoughts are totally my own.

After her family name was tarnished in her home town, Copper Creek, Joey Harris takes the opportunity to escape and take charge of repairing a decommissioned light house on Bleakpoint Island. There she meets 81 year old Walt, the new owner of Bleakpoint, and his grandson Finn. Together they uncover secrets long past and find closure for those they care about.

This book was so sweet. I loved the characters, and seeing each of their stories. The legends of Saint Mae were so interesting and I loved getting to read as the characters uncovered her past. The romance was sweet and I loved seeing the characters grow. I feel like the book was slow in some parts but over all I enjoyed it. This is a great read for fall, and I hope you’ll read this beautiful story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

3.5 ✨

Between the Sound and Sea by Amanda Cox

Josephina runs her own event planning business in a small town that has snubbed her because of an issue with her father’s construction company which has sullied her family’s reputation. She has been dumped by her boyfriend and needs a change, so she takes a job as a project manager for an elderly gentleman who has bought an island to refurbish the lighthouse.
The setting immerses the reader in the outer banks of North Carolina. Small towns and marshes and the sea provide the backdrop for the mystery that sweeps up Joey, Finn, the grandson, and Walt, the grandfather.

The characters are interesting and revealed slowly by the author. I especially enjoyed Joey. Although all of them have their flaws, they grow and learn and give each other second chances.

There is a bit of romance laced throughout the story, both in the past and the present, but not too much for a reader like me who prefers just a little of it.

This was a captivating story and I am grateful to the publisher for the opportunity to read it in exchange for this, my honest review.

Joy and pain, life and death are found between the sound and sea in the latest release from Amanda Cox. Fed up with her current situation and looking for a break from scandal, Joey Harris goes out on a whim and applies for a position as project manager for the restoration of a decommissioned lighthouse on a barrier island off the North Carolina coast. She is propelled to the top of the list by merit of being the only option left, a fact that does not sit well with the grumpy grandson of her new employer. Walt is determined to right the wrongs of his youth by restoring the former home of his childhood best friend; protecting Cay’s secrets from wagging tongues is his top priority, and he hopes to find out what really happened on that night when lives were lost and others irreparably damaged. The discovery of hidden journal entries begin to fill in blanks left by history and secrecy, but they come with the mysterious antics of the island’s ghost. With history, mystery, and a great deal of gratification, Cox gives us a beautifully rounded story about heartache, heartbreak, and restoration. You will be as invested as Joey in the success of their venture on the island and in the lives of those to whom it matters. And that grumpy grandson? Well, he might tug your heartstrings as well.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me a copy to read and review. All opinions expressed here are my own and are completely genuine.

To me this book was just ok. I did enjoy the WWII history and hadn’t realized how close to our shores the enemy had come.

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review. Three stars.

Joey feels the need to think about her life and her future. She has a firm, she organize events and weddings.
One day she sends the answer for an add for a lighthouse recostruction job. What a strange job, here it starts a new adventure for her.
But the very main character is Bleackpoint Island, with nice landscapes, the old lighthouse, Cay house, mysteries and ghosts.
For my opinion, the lighthouses are so interesting, fashinating, full of history.
You can easily see that, what people do, tell, imagine and don't do, it not stays in the past, but it can change the future of the people, the place, the history.
Nice descriptions about feelings, sentiments, memories, and also about characters and places.
I love reading author's books and I recommend them.
Unfortunately, the cover of this doesn't catch my eyes.
Thank you to let me read this book to: Author, Editor, Interview&Review, Netgalley.

More than ready to escape the small town she grew up in, Josephina Harris jumps at the chance to manage the restoration of a lighthouse off the North Carolina Coast. But does the lighthouse hold the key to the legends of St. Mae, and stories of a ghosts wandering the island?

An engaging and intricately woven story, with complex characters, mystery, secrets, and faith. I loved well crafted characters, and their slowly unfolding backstories, as well as the growth along the way. Joey finds much more than an escape taking on the job at the lighthouse. Walt is an endearing older gentleman, living with regrets from his past. I liked how he befriends Joey, as they uncover the secrets of the lighthouse, along with Walt's grandson, Finn.

It takes a little bit for all the puzzle pieces to fall into place, but once they do, the reader payoff is so worth it. Emotionally deep, compelling, intriguing, and well written read where the excitement builds up to the satisfying ending! Highly recommend!



I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫/5. Between the Sound and Sea by Amanda Cox. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for this ARC. Honestly, I requested this book because of the lovely cover art. I had not heard of the author before, and I didn’t know she was billed as a Christian author. Josephina Harris runs an event planning business in North Carolina, but she’s in dire need of some clients. She stumbles upon a gig helping a cantankerous man and his airline pilot grandson renovate a historic lighthouse in the Outer Banks. Joey jumps at the chance to leave her small town to try something new. We learn about Wally (the cantankerous old man) and his childhood best friend who was the daughter of the lighthouse keeper. During World War II, there was much concern along the Eastern Seaboard about possible Nazi invasions. This book tells us about how close the Germans got to the US. Quick read and I loved the setting. There’s some romance that develops, but it really didn’t have much impact on the story. Now I want to go to the Outer Banks! #netgalley #whatiread #reading #bookstagram #amandacox #bookgram #bookworm #libbyapp #goodreads #outerbanks

Between the Sound and Sea was another beautifully penned story by Amanda Cox.

The story takes us along the journey of Walt, who after living a full life filled with love, still must deal with regrets, which includes a childhood friend. Through the restoration of the lighthouse, the characters also go through a journey of healing and reconciliation.

The mystery around what happened in the past kept me guessing and turning the pages to discover the answers.

The story left me with a feeling of hope from the beginning to the end.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Sussurration, secrets, and stories....all blended into a heartwarming tale filled with complicated relationships, life changing choices, and ending in reparations and healing. Love is prevalent throughout this story in many forms. Curiosity draws you in as long ago tales are spoken to a young boy, so the times are not forgotten. Switch to the present day where a young woman tries to salvage her once popular business in the town she grew up in. Her best friend suggests she take on a lighthouse restoration project to give her a fresh perspective of her life. What she learns from the past of the island and the people who inhabit the area give her and those around her resolution in their relationships both currently and long ago.
Fantastic story, woven with mystery, faith, and love!
Thank you, NetGalley and Baker Publishing Group, for the advanced reader's copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#NetGalley #BetweenTheSoundAndSea
#AmandaCox #GeneralFiction #WomensFiction

A very moving story that will resonate deep within you, especially if you live with regrets about the past. The memories portrayed blend seamlessly throughout the story creating understanding of the characters. A very easy book to love.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A beautiful and touching story of restoration, not only of the lighthouse, but the people involved with it as well. It is an amazing story of mystery, forgiveness, letting go of the past, looking forward to the future, found family, hidden treasures and so much more. Joey Harris, in an attempt to get away from her families damaged reputation, takes a job to refurbish an old decommissioned light house. Finn O’Hare, the grandson of the lighthouse owner Walt O’Hare, is not very thrilled to find out Joey is a woman and will be the one refurbishing his grandfather’s lighthouse. Along the way, Finn realizes what Walt knew all along, that Joey is the best person for the job.

I absolutely loved this book and had a hard time putting it down. The mystery elements really keep you engaged wondering what will happen next. The sweet love story does not overshadow the rest of the storylines in the book. The characters pull you in and make you want to crawl into the story and hug them. I would love to stumble upon that lighthouse and find the amazing treasures hidden inside. This book is a definite must read.

Amanda Cox just gets better and better.

Between the Sound and the Sea is a beautiful story of friendship and family that spans decades. It’s a story of second chances and finding home. So many beautiful threads are sewn together, it’s a story that readers can keep reading again and again.

Josephina - or Joey as her closest friends call her - is commissioned to restore a lighthouse, which provides the perfect opportunity to re-evaluate her life. Desperately wanting to hold on to the past, she’s forced to consider where her future really lies. And what she should be doing with her life.

I just loved everything about this story. The cast of characters are wonderfully flawed - adding a depth to the story that keeps readers connected to the various struggles of Joey, Finn, Wally, and Peter. The historical detail is rich and educational, the layers of emotion go deep, and the story twists at just the right spots. A subtle thread of hope and restoration runs through the entire read, pointing the characters and readers to the One who cares.

A dual time story, Between the Sound and the Sea, is a delightful summer read set in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, with plenty of folklore, mystery, and adventure to satisfy any reader.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

I love a good Amanda Cox novel. This one and The Edge of Belonging rank among my top 2> She writes a good character rich story. Which are my favourite. The story is clean and has soft and gentle elements of christian faith. i, personally would like the faith portion to be stronger. i did enjoy that the characters were naturally flawed, as it seemed more realistic.