I read Things We Cannot Keep by Amanda Cox during an especially difficult time in our family’s life. My MIL passed away over a week ago. At 98 years old she lived a very full and faith-filled life, but the last year has been a struggle. She went home to Jesus surrounded by those who loved her. The past weeks have reminded us of the stories we have shared — both the bitter and the sweet. This novel sets its foundation on the stories that surround precious heirlooms, in particular, a mysterious pocket watch delivered to main character Tess Holcomb. As Tess takes a journey to discover the stories behind the watch, she faces the demons she left behind in her home town 18 years before. Joining her is her longtime, ex-best friend Elliot. The boy who she loved and who betrayed her. Together they work towards a place that Tess has long since ceased to believe in. Things We Cannot Keep is about the courage to face the hard parts of life. It has themes of forgiveness — a hard thing to give and receive — and redemption. I loved everything about this book. The characters, both main and supporting, are well-developed. The plot is intriguing and really kept me turning the pages. And the spiritual themes are naturally developed. There’s no quick and easy resolution, but there is peace at the end. This is a special book that I can’t keep from thinking about. I know it will be with me for a long time. It is also a book that you really need to read. It’s a novel that also needs to be shared, so grab a buddy or your book club and schedule a lengthy meet-up. You will need to talk about it. It’s a 5-star for sure and very highly recommended.
Very Highly Recommended
Great for Book Clubs
Audience: Adults
(Thanks to the publisher for an ARC of this novel. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
A mysterious package. A name she thought she’d erased. And the one person she never expected to see again.
Tess Holcomb has built a new life in Alabama, repairing timepieces and avoiding her troubled past as she restores her customers’ family heirlooms–treasures she never had. When a mysterious package arrives addressed to Teresa Baker, the name she abandoned, Tess finds herself drawn into a puzzle that threatens her delicate peace.
Then Elliot Sullivan appears at her door after eighteen years, and Tess knows he’s after more than just forgiveness. She doesn’t trust his motives, but he could be the key to uncovering the origin of the mystery package and its cryptic contents.
Tess has found safety in her simple life, but to reunite this lost heirloom with its rightful recipient she will have to come out of hiding. Each clue leads her further from the security of home, and each story reveals hidden truths. The question is whether she’s brave enough to face what she might find–and whether the man beside her can be trusted with what matters most.
Before becoming a stay-at-home parent, Amanda Cox spent her time counseling children, families, and individuals through life’s challenging moments. Now she uses those same skills to develop layered characters and stories, bringing them on a journey of hope and healing. A journey she hopes her readers experience in their own lives as they read.
A few of her favorite things are the sanctuary of the great outdoors, the feeling of pen on paper, the sound of her children’s laughter, and exploring new places with her husband of 18 years. (Oh, let’s not forget good fiction and good coffee. She’s addicted to both.) You can stay connected with her latest writing updates at http://www.amandacoxwrites.com. You can find her on social media by searching Amanda Cox Writes.
To get a free short story featuring characters from The Edge of Belonging visit: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/fuj7mlfd83.
Tags: Amanda Cox, general fiction, Southern fiction
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