This was a nice story, with a good heart.

I hadn’t realised when I requested it that it was a Christian book, but that became quite obvious as I was reading it. I feel, therefore, that there were aspects to the book that probably did not resonate with me as they would with a person of faith. There’s almost certainly an extra star in there for someone who could see a little further into this than I could.

I enjoy books set seaside and involving old lighthouses. There is a mystique about that era of life. Every family has its secrets. Josephina Harris wouldn't mind if her family still had a few of their own after a lawsuit tarnishes their name. When an opportunity opens to become a temporary keeper of a decommissioned lighthouse on a North Carolina island, she jumps at the chance to escape her small town to oversee its restoration.
As the work begins, "Joey" discovers strange notes tucked deep in the crevices of the old stone walls--pages torn from a lighthouse keeper's log signed by someone named Mae who recounts harrowing rescues at sea. Fascinated by a woman lighthouse keeper, Joey digs into the past only to discover there's never been a record of a lighthouse keeper by that name.
When things start to go amiss on the island, locals are convinced that it is the ghost of the lighthouse keeper and his daughter who were lost at sea during World War II. As Joey sifts through decades of rumors and legends and puts together the pieces of the past, what emerges is a love story--one that's not over yet.
Enough mystery and romance to keep you involved with the story.

My favourite quote : “The good news is that restoration work is kind of His specialty.”
Why is it always easier to sort out the problems in someone else’s life, than our own? ‘Between the Sound and Sea’ is about a whole circle of people, each of whom can see what is happening with the next person, rather than with themself. (We can all learn a lesson from that...)
I did find this book rather hard to get into, ‘connecting the dots’, but it slowly grew on me - & by the end it was worth it.
3 1/2 stars

Between the Sound and Sea was the first book that I had the pleasure of reading by author, Amanda Cox. It had all the elements of a good book that I tend to look for. The characters came to feel like old friends by the end of this book. They each had their share of problems, troubles and challenges but they faced them with a resolve that I admired. Amanda Cox proved to be a masterful storyteller. There was a dual timeline that was portrayed in alternating chapters. The setting, though, was perhaps the most compelling feature. Between the Sound and Sea took place on a remote and secluded island on North Carolina’s Outer Banks where it was easy to breathe in the sea air, feel the coming of a storm and see the natural beauty that was all about the island. I found myself immersed in both storylines and enjoyed the development of the friendships that were forged as well as the budding romance that began to develop. Between the Sound and Sea was a very well written Christian fiction mystery that captured my attention from the beginning and didn’t let go until the very end.

Josephina Harris was called Joey by all those that knew her. She grew up in a small town in Tennessee called Cooper Creek. Her family owned and operated a respected construction company called Harris Construction Company. Joey’s father and brother worked together on the various projects that they were asked to do. They always stood behind their work and guaranteed it. Then Joey’s father and brother had a falling out. Her brother left Cooper Creek and he stopped talking to his father. Joey felt really bad about that. Looking to distance herself from the family construction company, Joey became an event planner. She developed a really good reputation rather quickly. Her organizational skills proved to be very useful in this industry. She was on her way to establishing a new career and company. All was going well for Joey until her father decided to sell the construction company. The new owner proved to be a swindler. He agreed to take on several projects for people in Cooper Creek, took their money and vanished without completing any of the work. Joey’s father let the new owner keep the company’s name. The people of Cooper Creek blamed Joey’s father for their problems and they began to make life very difficult for him even though he had nothing to do with it. Things got so bad for her father and mother that they sold the family home and moved away from Cooper Creek. Joey didn’t think that the problems that surrounding the family construction company would affect her business but was she wrong. Joey’s clients started canceling their events one after the other. What was Joey going to do? Her best friend suggested that maybe Joey should seek employment elsewhere until things calmed down in Cooper Creek. Joey’s friend found an ad that was advertising for a project manager to restore an old abandoned lighthouse on Bleakpoint Island on North Carolina’s outer Banks. She decided to apply for the position even though she wasn’t confident that she could pull it off.

Between the Sound and Sea was about restoring an old lighthouse that had been left vacant since the 1940’s. Joey was hired by Walt O’Hare, an eighty-one year old widower and grandfather. Walt held special memories that revolved around that lighthouse. Walt’s grandson, Finn, was not convinced that Joey was qualified to be in charge of this project nor was he convinced that buying the island and funding the restoration was the smartest thing his grandfather should do at this stage in his life. To say that Finn was skeptical about the entire project was putting it mildly. Would Joey be able to accomplish everything that Walt desired of this project? Why was this restoration so important to him? What would Joey discover as she began to restore the lighthouse? What secrets had been buried within the walls of this old lighthouse only waiting to be discovered and revealed?

Between the Sound and Sea by Amanda Cox was a gripping and yet touching story that was wrapped up in a mystery that stemmed back to the 1940’s. Amanda Cox created characters that were complex and yet so likable. As the storyline of Between the Sound and Sea developed, it portrayed the challenges a young girl faced by having to keep her father’s deteriorating health from dementia a secret and over time the extra burdens she was forced to bear as a result of this were revealed. Back in the 1940’s, lighthouses played a crucial role in detecting German boats that lurked off the shores of the United States’ eastern seaboard. Since the girl’s father was no longer capable of performing these duties, it was up to the young girl to assume responsibility. Between the Sound and Sea was about second chances, well kept secrets, family, passed down southern legends, faith, forgiveness, trust, new beginnings, curiosity and romance. The chapters switched between 2007 and the 1940’s. There was an element of mystery that ran throughout the book. Even though this was my first book by Amanda Cox, it will not be my last. I hope to read many more books by her in the future. Between the Sound and Sea was a book that I really enjoyed and recommend highly.

Thank you to Revell for allowing me to read Between the Sound and Sea by Amanda Cox through Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

I've always enjoyed novels about lighthouses. Don't know, it's just something about old lighthouses and the sea and the stories they tell that would just draw me in. This novel was an exceptional story. Of restoration, hope and new life. Not only to an old deserted lighthouse that had been neglected for years and years but also the house that the lightkeeper and his daughter lived in. Not only to the old lighthouse but also to many lives that were entwined in the rebuilding and restoration of this old lighthouse. It brought life and hope to individuals, the aged and the young. A beautiful story told in an exceptional way. This telling of the restoration of the lighthouse on an isolated, deserted island has a mystery surrounding it. A haunted mystery. Amanda Cox definitely has a way with words and bringing them to life where in your mind's view you can see as the story unfolds . Loved, loved, loved it and you will too. I received a copy from the publisher and the author and I am so happy to leave this positive review.

Between the Sound and Sea
A Novel
by Amanda Cox
Pub DateAug 06 2024
Revell
General Fiction \(Adult\)| Women's Fiction


Revell and Netgalley have provided me with a copy of Between the Sound and Sea for review:



Each family has its own secrets. Josephina Harris wouldn't mind if her family still had a few after a lawsuit tarnished their reputation.  She jumps at the chance to oversee the restoration of a decommissioned lighthouse on a North Carolina island when she hears about a position opening up.  



 During the work, Joey finds odd notes tucked deep within the old stone walls, pages torn from a lighthouse keeper's log signed by Mae, a woman who recounts harrowing rescues at sea. Fascinated. Interested in a woman lighthouse keeper, Joey digs into the past, only to discover there has never been a keeper by that name.



 When things go awry on the island, locals believe it's the ghost of the lighthouse keeper and his daughter, who drowned at sea during World War II. As Joey sifts through decades of rumors and legends and puts together the pieces of the past, what emerges is a love story--one that's not over yet.



I Give Between the Sound and Sea five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Thank you NetGalley and Revell for this eCopy to review

Between the Sound and Sea is a beautifully woven tale that captures the essence of love, loss, and the healing power of the sea. Amanda Cox’s writing is both lyrical and evocative, drawing me into the story from the very first page.

The characters are richly developed and relatable, each with their own unique struggles and triumphs. I found myself deeply invested in their journeys and rooting for them every step of the way. The setting is described so vividly that I could almost hear the waves and feel the salty breeze on my skin.

I particularly enjoyed the duel timeline aspects especially as Joey investigates Mae, it was a great mystery with lots of secrets to unearth

What I appreciated most about this book is its emotional depth. It tackles complex themes with grace and sensitivity, leaving me with a sense of hope and renewal. Between the Sound and Sea is a truly moving read that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a heartfelt and immersive story.

This book took me longer to start than I wanted it too after enjoying her other books but I eventually got there.

This one was just not my favorite but I will be honest my focus is elsewhere right now and I probably didn’t give this book my all.

I enjoyed Joeys story, light houses are the new big thing so this should be a hit.

I loved this book!! Amanda Cox is a favorite author. Her stories are so comforting and filled with hope!

Josephina (Joey) needs a fresh start after some small town drama surrounding her family. On a whim, she applies for a position coordinating the restoration of an old decommissioned lighthouse. When she arrives at the North Carolina Island town, she hears of rumors and legends of the ghost of the lighthouse keeper and his daughter who were lost at see during WWII. She starts to discover notes and secrets tucked into the walls of the lighthouse.

The setting is mostly contemporary with some flashbacks and interesting history from the WWII time period.

This is a mystery. A beautiful sweet love story. A story of loss and regret. With faith and hope sprinkled in!

Cox has a degree in Bible and Theology and a Masters in Professional Counseling. I feel that is evident in the complex, deep and relatable characters and the relationships she writes. I love her writing and I highly recommend all of her books!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book to read and review.

CW: brief mention of child loss, dementia/memory loss, loss of parents

Things have been going south for Josephina Harris. Through no fault of her own, her Tennessee hometown has turned against her, and now her event planning business is floundering. In desperate need of any kind of job, Joey answers an ad looking for someone to remodel an old lighthouse in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

When Joey arrives on Bleakpoint Island, she quickly discovers there's been a mix-up about her gender, which sets an edge to her interaction with the men looking to hire her for the project. Then people begin warning her about the ghosts that haunt the island, hounded by the secrets of the past. Joey is convinced it's all stuff and nonsense, and sets right to work.

The remodeling job does indeed reveal a depth of secrets, and danger lurks on this otherwise deserted shore. Who is out to threaten her work? Is there any truth to the mythic Saint-Mae said to have rescued downed sailors in the 1940s, and does this girl have anything to do with the papers Joey finds hidden in the walls?

There is a lot to draw readers into this story. An idyllic setting. History. A series of mysteries to follow. I've really enjoyed this author's other books, but unfortunately this one fell a little flat for me. It was very slow and I never felt attached to any of the characters. I can see why other readers might love it, though. If you like contemporary fiction with a strong side of historical intrigue, I'd definitely recommend this. Also don't miss out on the author's other books, as those contain really great storytelling. I hope you'll check them out!

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Between the Sound and Sea by Amanda Cox was one of those books where you keep finding twists and turns. The story involves a decommissioned lighthouse on a North Carolina island.

Joey Harris is trying to escape an unwarranted lawsuit that brings shame to her and her family. Her business of planning parties, weddings and events in her hometown. Because the family’s name has been dragged through the mud, she is unable to procure business to keep her going.

She has an opportunity to become the lighthouse’s keeper for a time. There are years of rumors about a ghost who inhabits the lighthouse. The lighthouse was abandoned after World War II. The last keeper of the lighthouse before it was abandoned was lost at sea with his daughter. Rumors spread that the daughter is still saving seamen as she did when the Nazi submarines were harassing shipping off of the United States east coast.

Joey is trying to bring the lighthouse back to its original condition as a sight-seeing stop for tourists. As she begins her work, she finds notes tucked away in secret places. There is a love story connected with this place and she is determined to find out what that is.

I was not sure I would like this book when I began reading it, because I couldn’t figure out just what that story was. But, the more I read, the more involved I became. I enjoyed the author’s descriptions of the North Carolina shores and the lives of the fishermen who lived there.

This book was so cozy. And that prologue?😍 It hooked me and drew me into the story immediately. I was kept fully wrapped in the story until the last page and I loved every second of it.
It was full of strong characters, a fun setting, a bit of mystery, and sweet romance. It was gripping, emotional, and beautiful.
I’m currently living in Mexico and I miss the fall weather. This book felt like that. I could almost smell the crisp fall air the whole time I was reading😉
I definitely recommend you check out this book!
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I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts expressed are strictly my own.

About the World & Story //Setting & Story Description
Entering Bleakpoint Island
Following event planner Joey Harris—who is seeking change following closed doors at home—, we come to a long-forgotten Outer Banks island. The lighthouse Joey’s been hired to repair seems to have as many mysteries and secrets as her client, 80-year-old Walk.

Suddenly, Joey’s past problems are far behind as she becomes absorbed in the island’s intriguing history. She also learns that she’s not the only one struggling with moving from the past to what the present and future hold.

It Feels Like
A secluded, atmospheric island setting with just a hint of danger
Mysterious histories with surprising twists and unexpected connections to the present
Seeking a distraction or brief change of pace and finding home
The comfort of family reunions and the uncommon blessing of reconciliations

Who You’ll Meet //Character Descriptions & Plot
Josephina “Joey” - An event planner with renovation experience, looking for a way forward after opportunities close in her hometown. A long-abandoned lighthouse becomes more than she expected on what should have been a temporary diversion.

Walt - The lovable and stubbornly independent octogenarian and new owner of Bleakpoint Island. Despite his grandson’s concerns, Walt is determined that restoring the lighthouse to its 1940s appearance will help him resolve the past mistakes that haunt him.

Finn - Walk’s grandson, whose reserved and untrusting nature comes from a past tragedy. On the island to keep his “Pops” out of trouble, Finn eventually warms to the lighthouse project—and to solving the mysteries of the island’s past.

Cay - Walt’s childhood friend helped her ailing father run the lighthouse until both she and her father were presumed dead. Her life and heroic efforts come to new light as the renovation uncovers old secrets.

Along the Way //Themes & Lessons & Observations
This story of tragic histories, past regrets, island mysteries, and reunions immediately hooked me. Along the way, Joey’s story provided a strong reminder to trust God and embrace the chapter you’re in—even if it isn’t what you thought you wanted.

The dual timelines added further depth to the story, especially as they are based on the real history of similar islands. I loved getting to know each character, past and present, as they found their way and resolved some questions of the past. The story flowed so quickly that I was surprised when I had already reached the end. I was completely satisfied by the heart-warming resolution of the book.

It’s Been Said (Favorite Quotes)
“How many things in your life are placeholders holding space until whatever it is you’re waiting for arrives?”
“You were never forgotten. Not by me. Not by God. He kept a record of every tear. Every fear.”

I received this book as part of the Revell Reads program in order to write a review. The statements of the review are entirely my own, honest opinion of the book.

I loved how this book made me laugh and cry. I adored Joey and how she helps Walt and Finn get closer together while learning more about herself. I loved the romance in the story along with a touch of intrigue. I could not put the book down. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

The history and mystery surrounding a North Carolina lighthouse are the basis of this fascinating book but author Amanda Cox layers it with so much more! Between the Sound and Sea is a dual timeline story that shares the current-day restoration of a dilapidated lighthouse with the events that surrounded this landmark during World War II. This is a story of love lost, hope regained, and the healing that comes when we least expect it.

I love the multi-layered characters who find healing through their efforts to revive this beloved lighthouse. There is a sweet romance, but the primary focus is on friends, family, and memories. Between the Sound and Sea tugged at my heartstrings and inspired me with its message of restoration that came from faith, forgiveness, and second chances. I highly recommend it to all who enjoy contemporary Christian fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but there was no obligation for a positive review.

Amanda Cox has become a must-read author for me. Her stories reflect the reality of human emotion and the gracious tenderness of God. This is a story of restoration of a physical place, a lighthouse, while we witness the restoration of relationships and characters hearts.

Cox has a beautiful mastery of crafting a story that weaves the wonder of God's grace in transforming characters. Joey Harris is an event planner living in a small town in Tennessee. Her business is struggling, her family is a little broken and she's not really sure what the future holds. Her best friend, Sophie, encourages her to apply for an odd position restoring an old de-commissioned lighthouse. BTW, Sophie, in the sparing moments we see her reflects the characteristics of a special best friend.

Surprisingly, Joey gets the gig and relocates to the coast of North Carolina, the lighthouse situated on an island a 30 minute boat ride away. Walt O'Hare is an 81 year old and Joey's employer. He's seeking to put right a perceived wrong of his teen years. Finn O'Hare is his grandson. A thirty-something pilot who is grappling with his own brokenness while thinking he needs to take care of his grandpa.

It's marvellous how Cox weaves the multiple layers of restoration through the story. Meanwhile, the legacy of Cathleen McCorvey or Cay, as Walt knew her, is ever present in our story. Cay was Walt's best friend and he left her to join the war effort in 1942. Cay apparently died soon after along with her father who had been suffering from what we now know as dementia.

Not a word nor scene is wasted as the story progresses, the physical restoration of the lighthouse soon slipping into the background as we witness the beauty and wonder of broken, estranged and seemingly lost relationships lovingly being restored. It's beautiful to read.

As I read it, I kept thinking about 'What the Crawdads Sing' and think Amanda's story would make an equally beautiful movie.

Once again, I feel blessed to have had a chance to receive an early ebook copy from Revell via NetGalley and I know will treasure its memory. My review has not been influenced by this blessing and I suspect I'll buy my own copy so it can sit proudly on my bookshelf.

Between the Sound and Sea by Amanda Cox - 4 Stars

“Because God meets us right where we’re at. And maybe things in our lives get broken down and beat up along the way. The good news is restoration work is kind of His specialty.”

In this story, we follow Josephina or "Joey" Harris who takes the opportunity to help restore an old lighthouse. Little does she know the story behind it and the legends she would find. She meets 81 year old Walt and his grandson Finn. We see that together they go on a journey to uncover what happened long ago....

I really enjoyed the faith elements, immersive setting, the characters and the mystery behind the lighthouse. This really felt like a generational moving story. We are in the North Carolina Outer Banks in 2007 and the 1940s here and seeing how the story was brought together was beautiful in how Amanda told it.

Joey is trying to figure out what happened to the lightkeeper and his daughter while Walt is desperate to restore the lighthouse itself. We see a little romance develop between her and Finn that I really enjoyed. It was really nice to see their relationship develop.

While some parts were slow for me, it was a beautiful story. If you like contemporary fiction stories with elements of family, faith, restoration, secrets, past discoveries, lighthouses, etc....check this out.

Thank you to Revell for a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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.