This was a solid debut, and I look forward to reading more by this author in the future. I liked the main character and thought she had good chemistry with her love interest. I would have liked to see more drama between her and her ex, and I also would have liked to have learned more about her relationship with her parents. Still, she was someone to root for. The faith elements were strong throughout the story. Themes of redemption and grief were prevalent, but so was faith in God. There are a lot of heavy topics dealt with in this story such as suicide, domestic violence, depression, and homelessness, but they are all handled well. I would recommend this book to readers who like women's fiction and romance.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher for the purpose of review.

The debut novel from Amanda Cox,The Edge of Belonging, was a 5⭐️ read for me!!!

Here’s the scoop:
Harvey James, a homeless man who has experienced so much tragedy, finds a newborn wailing in the woods near his camp. He decides to care for her but soon realizes he needs help. He gets a job as a groundskeeper at a local church. He hides the baby (he named Ivy) while he works, but when she gets sick he has to decide if he can accept kindness and love from the church community.
Fast forward 24 years, Ivy is grown and is still seeking answers about her origins. When her grandmother dies, Ivy must settle the estate with her childhood friend’s help. Ivy begins to learn more about her past, which both break her heart and give her the answers she is looking for.

I loved this book so much! I love split time novels and Cox did a great job cultivating lovable characters in each! I also love that Cox casts light on tough topics like abuse and homelessness. Definitely check it out! It’s available now! 🧡🧡🧡

Thank you to Revell Books for the gifted copy!

This was such a powerful book, I did not want to put it down. The author does such a great job of weaving the story between the present day and the past. The story left you guessing as to who the characters were and how they related to one another!

The characters of Ivy, Pearl, Harvey, pastor Thomas and Reece were particularly memorable!

Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the copy of this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A powerful novel of family love.

Wow, I wanted to read this book since I first saw the cover and description, I was nervous though since this book was from a debuting author, it is a dual-timeline, and the blurb was somewhat vague on what happened in the book.

The instant I picked up The Edge of Belonging I was sucked into a story of redemption, of love, and of hope, Cox used a level of skill that it impressive in a debut author to show a touch of how God loves us though the lives of Harvey, Pearl, Ivy, and the others.

Dealing with hard topics such as suicide, abandonment, homelessness, foster care, and more The Edge of Belonging will truly have you on the edge of your seat.

This will likely remain in my top ten books of the year. Amanda Cox's background as a counselor has obviously influenced her ability to write with grace and empathy about such difficult topics as abandonment, PTSD, infertility, homelessness, depression, anxiety, domestic abuse, and suicide. While that list is daunting, to say the least, Cox has woven each of them into this story of healing and beauty. Don't pick up this book when you are in need of a quick read, because it deserves to be savored, but by all means pick it up. I am very grateful to have received a copy from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

#The Edge of Belonging# by Amanda Cox is a Women's Christian fiction book. Amanda is a blogger and curriculum developer for a national nonprofit youth leadership organization. She has a bachelor's in Bible and Theology and a Master's in counseling. She has had a decade of counseling. This book is the author's debut novel. It is outstanding and well written. The characters are well developed and the reader will be drawn to their weaknesses and struggles in their lives. The struggles and weaknesses make the characters more real . The themes are abandonment, loss, self sacrifice, unconditional love. Pearl is a character I admired. She cared for many people in the story. She extended herself beyond what many people do. She reached out to a homeless man, took care of a baby , supported the local minister and his wife, volunteered for a local nonprofit organization that helped hurting people. Pearl made a huge impact on her world. Thank you to the author, netgalley, the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book. This book is excellent, well written and hard to put down. I hope it is very successful.

This book was not on my radar until I saw that someone else was reading it and it caught my eye. Wow! What a beautiful, emotional tapestry of love - sacrificial love, that of family in blood and that of family of choice, of God's healing love, and love that fills holes of loneliness.
When a homeless man living in the woods finds an abandoned baby, he decides to keep her. Harvey was an orphan who grew up in foster care and children homes, passed on when he wore his welcome out, never feeling love since the death of his parents. With this baby, he can show her that she is loved and wanted. But he has to get some help with her needs. He finds a church where he can get formula and diapers and it leads to work as a gardener at the church. His circle is slowly increased with a relationship with Pastor Thomas and Pearl, an older lady living in the parsonage, the former minister's wife.
This story is told in a dual timeline, with the story of Harvey finding the baby he named Ivy Rose and their first few months along with present day when Ivy is called home when her grandmother Pearl is dying. Ivy is very determined to find answers to how her parents came to adopt her. Her story is an emotional tale that shows how God has a plan for everyone and puts people in place where He directs. Keep the tissues handy but don't miss this story. This is an author that I hope to read in the future.
I received a complimentary ARC from Revell through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.

I almost passed this book by. My influencing schedule was full and there were books I wanted to reread, but it kept calling to me. I am so very glad I listened to its voice. Let me tell you now: this book is worth way more than the allowed five stars. Way more.

One night a thirty year old homeless man named Harvey finds a just born baby girl abandoned on the side of the highway near the woods in which he lives. He takes her in, names her Ivy Rose and starts loving her. But how will Harvey manage to raise a baby when he lives in the woods? He doesn't even have a job, so how will he feed and clothe her? From this point on, we see clearly God's magnificent orchestration in the lives of these people. It is absolutely amazing. This book is so incredibly profound. It squeezed my heart and then cause it to burst with joy. If it had been a physical book instead of digital, I would have clasped it to my heart and hugged it. Then, I wept, literally wept, with tears dripping off my face, during the last part of this tremendous story. I don't ever recall a debut novel moving me this much. Never. I not only highly recommend this book, I urge you to read it. Seriously. Read this book. It's going on my list of top reads for 2020.

*My thanks to Revell Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

This book amazed me! There are not many authors that can write a book that takes place in 2 different time lines but Amanda Cox made it a masterpiece! I was totally captivated by both story lines and each time she'd go forward or back I'd say wait but what happened to the other story. I'd get so wrapped up in one and when it went back or forth I longed to finish reading the other story line. Not many authors can captivate an audience like that!
Theres nothing bad I have to say about this book. It was a little rough for me to read because theres a couple that cannot have children, I can't have children either but long for them. But I was able to relate to the woman who couldn't have children.
I love how Ivy's Grandmother kept telling her she was fearfully and wonderfully made. It's an amazing reminder of how God made each of us and how we should think of ourselves. To God we are each so very special, and I love how Grandma Pearl was able to remind Ivy and the readers of this.
Ivy's start in life was rough but she was able to pull so many people together and make these people who all desperately needed other people this beautifully blended family.
I also enjoyed how Ivy's childhood best friend was pulled in and meant to help Ivy but ended up becoming much more. He did so much for her, and after coming out of a rough relationship Reese was just what she needed to help her out.
Amanda Cox did such an amazing job at pulling the 2 story lines together that were from 2 different times, at keeping you guessing, and giving you the warm fuzzies, bringing tears to your eyes, amd making you laugh outloud throughout the book. I can't wait to read more books by Amanda Cox. The teaser at the back sounds amazing!

In Ms. Cox’s debut novel, readers will be immersed in this split-time novel between the past and present. The stories are intertwined beautifully to tell a story about belonging and love. The characters’ stories could be applicable to anyone today and what is going on in their lives. The title says it all in talking about belonging and the need to be connected with others. This book hooked me from the beginning and I wanted to keep reading to discover the rest of the story. The book focuses on Ivy Rose who does not know anything regarding her adoption. She has people who are important to her in her life, but she just wonders about where she came from. This book will take you on a journey of her story and those connected to her. I loved Ivy’s story, but Harvey’s is so touching. His story is a reminder that there are people in the world hurting and how important it is to take the time to connect with others. We never know when we can make the difference in someone else’s life. This story reminded me of that and of letting go to all that holds us back and just being ourselves not who others think we should be. I highly (highly) recommend this book and know you will not be disappointed! I will be looking forward to this author’s next books after finishing this one! Definitely MUST-READ!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, this is my own opinion.

This book deals with some difficult subjects: depression, homelessness, domestic abuse - and yet it felt comfortable and left me with a contented "I could read that one again" feeling. Definitely one of my favorite books this year.

The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox was like a breath of fresh air amid uncertain times that cause you to reflect inward to who you really are. It is listed as a dual timeline, but I think it reads just like a complete story of getting to know a person from beginning to end, with some very thought-provoking moments.

“What if this whole thing is really about finding your missing pieces?”

This book and the characters in it made me go on a roller-coaster of thoughts, emotions, and feelings. I was hooked from the very beginning and read the book in one sitting because it was so good. I loved how Amanda Cox used the dialogue to make me feel as if I were in the story observing everything unfolding. She also used everyday life situations to convey hope for every situation tastefully touching on topics like depression, abandonment, abuse, PTSD, and death. It was masterfully done and quite hard to believe that this was her debut novel! (I cannot imagine what she will write after getting “practice” under her belt). The Edge of Belonging has some of the most poignant moments in it that I have ever read before in a book. Ivy Rose, Harvey James, Reese, and Pearl brought to light one of life’s most resounding questions… Who are you?

“You are Braver than you know. And more Loved than you realize.”

The plot is a dual timeline, I do not always like them because they can be kind of wonky, but wow, this one was done to perfection. It was really like looking through a window and watching the characters interact on the other side, definitely one of the best (if not the best) dual timelines I have ever had the pleasure of reading before. Interwoven with great landscape descriptions and interesting background on all the characters plus, the 20 years kept secrets… well this book is one I will be recommending for a long time to come.

While diving deep into the different characters' lives Amanda Cox managed to give many happy endings and bring you on a journey of discovery that I think everyone can relate to and enjoy. I highly recommend this book and give it 5 stars. Great job on your first book Amanda Cox, I cannot wait to see what you write next!

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.

When Harvey, a homeless, lonely young man found a baby abandoned in the woods, he vowed to give her a life filled with love, something he hadn’t had for many many years. Little did he know that Ivy would lead him to the family he didn’t know he craved. Thomas and Miriam were broken, the one thing they desired most was unattainable to them, making life a daily struggle. Pearl had recently lost so much in her life, but was oh so willing to open her heart again to the love of a family, even if they weren’t related. Years later, Pearl has left a journal for Ivy, a journal telling her the story of her humble beginnings. When Ivy goes to retrieve the journal, she finds it missing. As Ivy searches out her story, her life comes clearly into focus as she finally discovers just who she really is. Told in alternating chapters of then and now, this was a beautiful story of how an abandoned baby knit four broken hearts together and created a family. A story filled with faith, love and a cast of characters you won’t soon forget, this book is one to savor.

This is apparently the year of the debut author! Wow! What an impressive story from a writer with amazing talent! I continue to think about it long after I turned the last page.

This story will grab you from the first chapter, and will not let go! As much as I couldn't stop reading, I made myself slow down because I did not want my time with these characters to come to an end. For a story filled with so many broken people, their individual paths to love and redemption is a true testament to second chances and faith.

Alternating between past and present timelines, readers follow Harvey's determination at caring for an abandoned baby, while Ivy struggles to learn the truth about her adoption. It's not hard to figure out early on what is going on, but the path to learning how it all came to be was incredibly heartfelt and surprisingly unexpected. The balance between moments is absolute perfection! You spend just enough time to build suspense, but then shift to the alternate time for more understanding. It's incredibly well done especially given the inclusion of so many difficult topics such as PTSD, suicide, domestic abuse, which could easily take the book into a much darker place. Though many tears were shed, the story always remained spellbinding, graceful, and above all hopeful. Love shines brightly even in the darkest of places, and my heart and faith are certainly fuller after finishing this tender story.

"This time I'm counting blessings instead of things that were never in my control in the first place."

Over and over, the author beautifully explores the idea of "entertaining angels unawares." We've all been dealt a bad hand, made hard decisions, suffered through the consequences of a mistake, but we just never know when a chance encounter turns into the unexpected blessing we needed or the surprise happily ever after we've been dreaming of. This is a story that celebrates life in all of its ups and downs. Joyfully ride the wave while it's high, but when you're headed for the crash, remember there's healing in the heartbreak and splendor just beyond the struggle.

Family dynamics and structure were another crucial message examined throughout the course of the story. Families are created in so many different ways and bound together by love that doesn't end just because you reach a certain age. We are all God's children, so it speaks to a higher purpose and calling when strangers can welcome and embrace each other in loving arms to "rest and be reassured."

Honor humanity and commemorate compassion with this stunning debut that should not be missed!

Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with a copy of this book. I was so excited to see a finished edition in my mailbox, I did a happy dance back to my door! This one is going to be treasured and placed on my special books shelf. I will happily return to this story again and again.

Lovely debut!

The Edge of Belonging unravels the story of Ivy Rose in dual timelines: Present Day and her birth year of 1994. As a young adult, Ivy knows she was adopted, but longs to know more about her history and birth parents. Readers get to know Ivy in present day as she struggles with a romantic relationship and the loss of a relative.

While both time frames were compelling, it was Pearl and Harvey in 1994 that stole my heart. Both demonstrate sacrificial love and a yearning for companionship.

This debut is well written and engaging. I look forward to what Amanda Cox will write next.

The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox
Prepare to stay up all night with The Edge of Belonging. Amanda’s beautiful, emotional prose coupled with her keen sense of pacing, heartwarming characters and very real situations place her firmly at the top of the must read list. I could not put this book down.

We have a dual time story with the past story of Harvey finding an abandoned baby and present time with Ivy trying to find out about her birth parents and adoption.
A side story was Ivy trying to determine who she was after allowing a man to control her and separate her from her family and friends.
Harvey was my favorite character. His love for Ivy was precious. My second favorite was the relationship between Pearl who had lost her son, and Harvey. Unknowingly Harvey helped her as much as she helped him.
Truly my review cannot do this book justice. It was wonderfully written and tugs at your heartstrings.

Sexual content – 1 kissing
Violence – 0
Language – 0
Drug/Alcohol use – 1 drug/alcohol abuse from secondary characters in the past,

I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

Wow, what a story! Do you ever finish reading a book and know that it is one that will stick with you for a long time? The Edge of Belonging is most definitely one of those books. It was so compelling and beautifully written that I was shocked to discover that it was Amanda Cox's debut novel.

This book is a dual timeline novel that tells the story of Ivy Rose. We meet her in present day as she is getting out of a bad relationship and finds herself back at her grandma's childhood home after her passing. There she discovers that there may be more to her birth and adoption than she ever realized. In 1994, we meet Harvey- a homeless man who finds an abandoned baby and does everything in his power to take care of her and save her from the type of childhood he had experienced in foster care, never quite feeling as he belong. It was pretty easy to get an idea of who all these characters were in both past and present I thought, but it didn't stop me from being on the edge of my seat wondering how it would all play out in the end. I truly could not get enough of this beautiful story. The characters were well developed and flawed in such a way that made them all the more real. The story tackled some rather weighty topics like infertility, foster care, abandonment, depression, etc. in a way that again seemed very genuine and really tugged at my heart. There were certainly moments that had me reaching for the tissues, but in the end I really walked away with a sense of hope. The story of family in this story was just beautiful, and a great reminder that sometimes family doesn't look quite the way we expect it too... but that God puts people in our lives for a reason.

If you're looking for a new author to watch in the Christian fiction genre, this is definitely one NOT to be missed. With a debut novel like this, I cannot wait to see what Amanda Cox does next.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.

The Edge of Belonging is the powerful and moving story of exceptional love. Harvey was an unusual man who suffered a horrible childhood. He bore years of hurt, guilt and loneliness. He lived in a lean to in the woods near a major highway. He walked everywhere as he couldn't bear to be in a car. He discovered an abandoned infant who he named Ivy. From that point on the lives of five people changed in ways no one could have foreseen.
The story is told both in the past and present. Ivy as an adult is very aware she has always been loved by her adopted and unconventional family. None of them are related by blood. She wants answers as to who her biological mother was. After the death of her grandmother her search begins in earnest. Will anyone tell her the truth?
This is one of the best books I have ever read. The characters are so well defined that readers can feel their emotions. They are people we don't want to let go of. This story is about memorable people who under unusual circumstances become a family of their own making and who were bonded by love. Engrossing and heartfelt, this book is well worth reading. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

"The Edge of Belonging" is a poignant tale of lives broken through loss, homelessness, abandonment, infertility, and abuse, yet redeemed through love, adoption, and Christ. That list of topics may seem impossible for one novel to weave together. Yet, the unrivaled artistry of the book makes this book a masterpiece of fiction.

The book tells the stories of Ivy Rose, a young woman searching after the death of her Grandmother for the true story of her past before her adoption. The story flashes back in to tell the story of Harvey James, a homeless man who finds an abandoned baby beside a highway and determines to save her to keep her from the horrors he experienced with life in the foster system. As Ivy Rose works to uncover the secrets of the past, she confronts painful present realities and her need from healing.

The end of this book should not be read without tissues on hand. It's a powerful, tear-jerking through and through.

I loved this read, full of heart tugs, and love, in all different forms.
Such wonderful characters, human, yes, these people live their faith, and we walk with them as they go about their days and giving.
Even the title of this read resonates with me, as we shift effortlessly from past to present, and all the while we are page turning as a new born baby draws broken lives together.
If you read one book this year, you might want to choose this one, it is so good!
I could just picture Harvey, a man broken by life, and yet always there in the time of need! Pearl who has lost her loved ones, and then Miriam and Thomas, pastor and wife, facing fertility issues. In the end it is Ivy Rose God uses to meld these lives!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.