Between the Sound and the Sea

Between the Sound and Sea: A Novel By Amanda Cox / Revell

I can confidently offer high praise for Amanda Cox’s newest release titled “Between the Sound and the Sea.” The story from start to finish is a brilliant example of Christian fiction. I think I will always remember when her main character, Joey tells Peter, “God meets us right where we’re at. And maybe things in our lives get broken down and beaten up along the way. The good news is restoration work is kind of His specialty.” This passage shines a light on an important truth. It’s a message of hope to cling to when the outlook is grim. I always enjoy the multi-layered and multi-generational stories crafted by Amanda Cox. This novel is a standout.

Readers not familiar with the Outer Banks of North Carolina might unfairly prejudge the book and decide it’s just another beach read with romance, summer fun, and outlandish leisure adventures. This book is certainly not that! The historical themes running throughout the story are highly captivating. Unlocking the mysteries associated with the fictional Bleakpoint Island and its lighthouse allows the author to weave into her story many details that were documented in communications and other artifacts associated with this region during WWII. Plus who doesn’t love a plot line dedicated to restoring a lighthouse.

Our protagonists, Josephina “Joey” Harris, Finnegan Walter O’Hare, III and his father, Walt O’Hare are the perfect trio to keep this story moving at a great pace. Each character forges ahead despite carrying the burden of heart-breaking set-backs and crippling doubts. Naturally they experience times when they second-guess nearly every previous decision. But they’re mature enough to avoid staying mired in regret. Each one of the main characters finds a way to step out in faith and connect with a positive network of people. Upon reviewing the book in its entirety, I feel every storyline was resolved with great satisfaction. Even our troubled teen, Peter, lands on a promising path. Okay so maybe I would like to be a fly on the wall at Murph’s Convenience Store to see how Ida takes the news about the real story of Cathleen and Callum McCorvey. But I can wait for that to be revealed in the movie or sequel. Thank you Amanda Cox for writing such a great novel. I received a complimentary copy of this book to review from the publisher, Revell.