One of my favorite books! This book wrecked me. I sobbed throughout it. I loved the characters, the time slip, the writing, the setting and the hope given. This book, alone, made Amanda Dykes a must follow for life! Amanda Dykes provides a gorgeous, heartfelt, emotional journey, through love, loss, and reconciliation. I cannot recommend this one enough.

Can a book be gorgeous? Stunning? Poignant? But also tend to pull on your heart strings, and maybe once in a while just tear your heart to shreds (in the best way possible). Whose Waves These Are is all of these things. I think Dykes is the best at showing readers all the feels, making you reach for the tissues and smiling just a few pages later. She writes deeply, which makes the readers feel deeply. Her novels are some of my favorite, and this is no different.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved Whose Waves These Are, Amanda Dykes did a fantastic job weaving this story together. The characters are amazing, as is the location where the story takes place. Wonderful read!

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I’ve been looking forward to reading Whose Waves These Are by Amanda Dykes since reading the prequel novella, Up From the Sea. With the same lyrical prose and depth of emotion, this is an amazing debut novel that definitely lives up to the hype and to every expectation. 

With a compelling plot and characters that pull you in, this is one of the rare dual timeline novels that has me just as invested in the modern day as in the historical storyline. With Annie Bliss slowly discovering the past that holds her great uncle and father apart, this is a story of family and of great faith, sacrifice, bravery, and dedication. 

Highly recommended.

This review refers to a purchased paperback copy and a temporary digital copy I voluntarily received via NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

"Whose Waves These Are" is my first novel by Amanda Dykes. I found it to be largely enjoyable but it started off quite slow and I almost DNFed it. I'm glad I stuck with it because it really picked up and got better.

I absolutely loved this book. Not where I usually start for a review, but this book deserves that.

Written by Amanda Dykes, Whose Waves These Are follows a few different people and their journey through family struggles and major life decisions. Annie has returned to her one-time summer retreat, and the great uncle whom she loves, to discover that another seems to know him better than she does. Someone a little broken, with whom she perhaps can find some connections. Meanwhile, in the past, Robert struggles with the impacts of the decisions that his twin brother makes.

This book was so well written, and one of those books that I feel comfortable giving to anyone, it is so good. That being said, this is no steamy romance (a nice break, I say), and this has no fantasy or true adventure. This has some mystery in it, and connections. It definitely isn't for everyone, but if you are looking for a good, sweet, contemporary novel to read, I highly recommend this one.

I did receive a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review years ago, but I was terrible and didn’t get to this in time. I ended up borrowing it from my local library.

This book was one of those ones that when I had to put it down, I couldn’t wait to get back to it. It was one that I couldn’t wait to see what happens, but never wanted it to end. One that when it ended, I read the last page and sighed. Then hugged my iPad. This book was the first I have read by Amanda Dykes, but it will not be the last. This book took touched all my emotions and left me wanting more. The writing was beautiful and descriptive, her characters were well developed, and the storyline compelling. I have been to Maine twice, and it took me back there again.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Why, why, WHY did I wait so long to read this book??? I have had it on my Kindle for 2 years - count them. 2 years! In that time I've read over 400 other books, but never got to this one. Then, it won Book of the Year at the Christy awards, and I thought, hmmm, there must be something to this. Whose Waves These Are by Amanda Dykes is, hands down, the best book I've read in a very long time - and that's saying something. I cannot gush enough about it!

This story completely engaged my emotions, bringing me to tears more than once. Not just tears - full out sobbing. I also laughed, as characters' down home wisdom was shared, whether the recipient wanted it or not. It also engaged my senses. I could practically smell the sea waves, and hear the water lapping at the shore. My heart was full to bursting by the time I finished the story, For a debut novelist, Amanda Dykes hit this one out of the park.

History buffs will enjoy the WWII era details. The first time slip happens as the main character's twin brother is drafted, leaving him at home. The time moves from 1945 to 1962 to 1981, and finishes in 2001 where most of the more present day activity takes place. Romance lovers will love both of the love stories - Robert and Eva, and Annie and Jeremiah. Each of them overcome some pretty serious adversity on their path toward togetherness, and each has an unbending faith that carries them through.

Again, I loved this book!!! If you, like me, have had it in your Kindle library nigh unto forever but haven't read it yet, do yourself a huge favor, drop every other book you're currently reading, and pick this one up. You will NOT be sorry you did!!

#WhoseWavesTheseAre; #NetGalley; #ButIBoughtIt,Too!;

"Whose Waves These Are" is a beautiful story of love, loss, relationships, faith, hope, sacrifice, and perseverance. Ann Bliss spent a magical summer in Ansel-by-the Sea, Maine with her Great Uncle Robert (Bob) when she was ten years old. However, due to a falling out between her father (William) and Bob that predated her birth, Ann had not been back to Ansel. Now thirty and living in Chicago, Ann has been keeping up communication with Bob through the wanted ads in the local newspaper in Ansel. One week instead of a message from Bob, she sees "Come home, Annie. Bess". No one had called her Annie in twenty years and she knows the only reason Bob would not write is because he could not. She rushes to Ansel and discovers that Bob had a stroke and is in a medically-induced coma. She reconnects with Arthur and Ed, old friends of Bob, who reveal to the rest of the crowd at the diner that "Bob's her uncle." I had to laugh when I read that phrase. Bob has left her an envelope with a key inside, but no one knows what lock the key goes with. That is one of the mysteries about Bob that Annie will have to unravel as she waits for him to come out of his coma.

The story goes back and forth between the past and present, introducing Robert and his twin brother Roy, the events of World War II and how it affects the family and the town, how the rift between Bob and William came about, and the current situation, including Annie unraveling the mysteries that Bob left her and rediscovering herself. The plot is well done and the transitions between past and present events flow smoothly. The characters are interesting and amusing. There are some very sad parts, but also some very funny parts (for example, when Bob meets Eva, the woman who will eventually become his wife). The author shows the resilience and interdependence of small communities. There are multiple occasions in the story where the residents of Ansel come together to help out one of their own who is in need. The author also shows how small gestures can have massive impacts and how even if the best intentions go awry, something good can eventually come of it. I will warn readers that they are likely to tear up near the end of the book; it is a section that is emotional and heartwarming. I would definitely recommend this book.

I received a copy of the e-book via NetGalley in exchange for a review.

I have never been more wrecked by a book than I was with this one. From beginning to end, Amanda Dykes pulled me in with her beautiful prose and exceptional storytelling.
Normally I can end one book and immediately pick up the next one. Not so here. I've had to take a few days just to absorb the beauty of the book before I could even write the review, much less start another novel. I caught myself wanting to hurry through the reading because I could not wait to find out how everything would come together. But the prose and characters deserved more, and I slowed down for them. To better hear their tale. And what a tale.
I can't wait to read it again. And again. Whose Waves These Are has found a place on the keeper shelf, and will be proudly displayed for all to see.
One of the best books I've read this year.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

I am in awe of this story and its winding way of layering truth and light in both the commonplace and extraordinary. Through points of view from the past and contemporary timelines, the lives of Annie, Jeremiah, Robert Bliss, and so many others are expertly intertwined in a story of sacrifice and provision, with enchanting threads of sea and light. A story that explores the both the strength and weakness of the human spirit, all tied up with the provision of God and His ultimate will. This is a resonating debut novel with its deeply poignant themes and memorable characters. I can't wait to experience whatever story Amanda Dykes pens next!

I HIGHLY enjoyed the audiobook version of this novel, and will be looking at other stories with the same narrator. She was a joy!

Amanda Dykes was a new Christian fiction author that I found last summer. The first thing that jumped out at me was the beautiful cover, but then when I read the summary I knew that I needed to read it. I loved this debut book...Dykes did a fabulous job of drawing the reader into the story of Annie and her great-uncle Robert. I loved how she tied these characters together and how Annie is able to help Robert in his hour of need. I'm drawn to stories that are set on the water and the setting in this book is magical. Dykes brings in some romance into this story which flowed seamlessly with the rest of the plot. Dykes' next novel, Set the Stars Alight, comes out on June 30th. I'm looking forward to reading it. I received a complimentary copy from Baker Publishing, but my opinions are my own.

Whose Waves These Are is a beautiful, lyrical novel. It's the story of Annie Bliss, a young professional who rushes to Ansel-by-the-Sea when "GrandBob," the great-uncle who served as her grandfather, falls ill. It's also the story of Robert, "GrandBob" as a young man, who longed to serve in World War II but found his brother Roy's number called instead of his. As the story weaves through the decades, it gives voice to the immense sacrifice required by war and shows the hope that can be found through a listening ear.

My bookstagram friends warned me that this was an emotional read, and they weren't joking! I cried at least three times while reading, the last time coming in the book's final pages, as I closed the book with a tear and a sigh.

This is one of those books that will change you if you'll let it. It's a beautiful tribute to the men and women who lost so much—sometimes their very lives—due to war.

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Derp. What. Are. Words?!
Seriously.
The poetic quality of this book makes my attempt at writing a review look awfully crude.
This book is a beautiful work of fiction! I dragged my feet on reading this book because it didn't sound like my type of book.
But it is sooooooooo goooooooood!
A powerful story of how God weaves the good and bad, the pain and the joy into the masterpiece of His plan.
It is moving, deep and one of those books that stays with you for a long time to come!

It’s too bad the star rank only goes to 5 because I would give Whose Waves These Are at least 6 stars! This debut novel by Amanda Dykes is like nothing I’ve read this year. It has touched me in so many ways-the contemporary story is first rate but the historical story line is transcendental. Ms Dykes weaves all these lines into a heartbreaking yet uplifting tale of a town in Maine and its inhabitants, native and adoptive, that will have you wishing to be a part of it. Thank you to #netgalley for letting me read #whosewavestheseare and thank you to the author for a wonderful tale.

This is such a moving story! I loved the history of it and how the past and present collide in this book about loss, war, grief, and moving forward.

This is an interesting read. It was a little slow to get started, but overall a good plot with interesting characters. Would recommend for those who enjoy historical wartime fiction

Omg, what a beautiful and heartwrenching book!
This is my first book from the author, I’m not even sure if it's her debut story, but it was so recommended I wanted to give it a try.
Wow, I never expected this kind of book! So deep, so poignant, so touching, with overwhelming emotions.
I don’t want to give the plot away. It’s a book going back and forth through three different timelines. It starts at WWII with two twin brothers who receive their drafting letter, one positive and one not. A story of loss and search for hope or understanding. A grieving poetic fisherman that sends a poet to the newspaper and never expect to move a whole nation with his words. How to build something life-giving from a loved person lost?
As I said, the story weaves around 1944, 1962 and 2001. Annie Bliss returns to Ansel-by-the-Sea to help her uncle Robert (GreatBob). The man who was her rock in the worst summer of her youth. While she’s there she’ll uncover many secrets and long lost memories.
Jeremiah, a taciturn and handsome harbor postman, will prove her support and help in unveiling family secrets that broke her family. Can the pieces be fixed and reunited? That will need, not only Annie’s abilities, but a help from Heaven, and lots of trust in God to make things right again.
A beautiful Tale of loss, forgiveness, unconditional love and redemption. It touched my heart deeply. I loved the characters. Annie, Jeremiah, and especially GreatBob.
I cried and smiled! Don’t forget your tissues. This story will touch your heart and wrench it for the best. So much to learn and take to your own life. Lots of non preachy lessons.
One of my favorite quotes:
“But oh, the One who hold those waves, who holds our hearts”
“Lift your head, brave one. This life is a storm, no doubt about it. But oh, the One who holds those waves, who holds our hearts. What it is, to think of facing this storm in His hands, wrapped in a love that is fathoms—infinite fathoms—deep!”
As I’ve read in other reviews, this is a masterpiece that will touch your heart and change it.
I definitely recommend it and I want to read more stories from Amanda Dykes! Hopefully soon!
I received a copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

3.5 stars

I think I started this book with TOO high of expectations. I heard from several people that this was an amazing read, so I expected to love it right from the beginning on. Unfortunately, I was bored during the first half or so of the story. I was afraid I wouldn't like it at all, but then things started to click at about the 50% mark and I began to really enjoy the story.

I found the rocks and the meaning behind them SO interesting (I was a little sad that it took so long to find out what they meant). The characters were great. I liked how the story was told in three different timelines, even though it wasn't super easy for me to follow.

All in all, Whose Waves These are ended up being a good read and I liked it quite a bit. I will probably read the next book when it releases.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*