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Book Review

Between the Sound and Sea
Amanda Cox

Genre: Christian Fiction
Secondary Genre: Romance, Mystery
Date Released: 2024-08-01
Date Completed: 2024-08-30

Between the Sound and Sea book cover

About the World & Story

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

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

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.”

Disclaimer

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.