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.

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.