When Ivy Rose returns to her hometown to oversee an estate sale, she soon discovers that her grandmother left behind more than trinkets and photo frames–she provided a path to the truth behind Ivy’s adoption. Shocked, Ivy seeks clues to her past, but a key piece to the mystery is missing.Twenty-four years earlier, Harvey James finds an abandoned newborn who gives him a sense of human connection … connection for the first time in his life. His desire to care for the baby runs up against the stark fact that he is homeless. When he becomes entwined with two people seeking to help him find his way, Harvey knows he must keep the baby a secret or risk losing the only person he’s ever loved.In this dual-time story from debut novelist Amanda Cox, the truth–both the search for it and the desire to keep it from others–takes center stage as Ivy and Harvey grapple with love, loss, and letting go.
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From Endorsement:
The Edge of Belonging is a beautiful story about broken people coming together to find healing. With a masterful pen, Amanda Cox draws us into a story of dynamic characters, organic faith elements, gentle romance, and an authentic celebration of life and humanity. A touching and brilliant debut novel that is sure to linger sweetly in the minds and hearts of readers.
This is a sweet book that connects a hurting little group of people into a family, not by blood but by love.
This debut novel by author Amanda Cox left me in awe. Not often does a new writer tell a story with such depth and so many feelings. I honestly couldn’t put it down.
I fell in love with Ivy and Harvey. Both hurting but both wanting to be accepted and loved, even if they wouldn’t admit it. We follow their lives through the story told as a dual timeline but in no way was it confusing. Instead we see the twists and turns that bring a unique family together.
Midway through I figured out what was happening but that only added to the richness of the story as I read the heartfelt struggles happening to not only Ivy and Harvey, but to the secondary characters as well. They were so real! Broken but beautiful, I highly recommend it.
One of my all time favorite books! Written in a spilt/dual time format, the author pulls the reader into a narrative and a world so alive and vibrant, one would think we were part of the cast of characters. “Traveling” between different timelines, clues sprinkled throughout, and revelations revealed in orchestrated waves, surprise connections, and clever twists, Amanda Cox reveals that joy rises from tragedies. I adore this kind of storytelling. Themes of adoption, inability to have children, loss of children, and lives united in love. What a marvelous and memorable composition.
Amanda Cox
The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox has become one of my all-time favorite reads. A homeless man finds an abandoned baby and hopes to raise her as his own. Meanwhile (in split time), 24 years later, Ivy searches for answers to her family mysteries.
One of my favorite lines (and there were many) was “It takes courage—stepping forward and healing when it’s so tempting, so safe, to stay and worship the altars we’ve built to our pain.
Beautifully written and heart capturing!
The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox is a marvelous work of Christian fiction written in a time slip format. This novel is beautifully written with deep emotion and wonderful characters. My favorite part of reading this book is the author’s voice. Ms Cox writes with such a distinct, engaging voice that makes the story flow in what feels like an effortless way. It is nothing short of brilliant. You will be hooked from the very first page. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
“The Edge of Belonging” by Amanda Cox is a wonderful, heartfelt story about the true meaning of love and family. It’s told in two timelines: present day, in which main character Ivy returns home to clear out her deceased grandmother’s house, and twenty+ years earlier, when Ivy was an infant. Both timelines were amazingly well-written, and I very much enjoyed reading both of them and trying to anticipate how they would eventually come together.
All of the major characters (Ivy, Harvey, Pearl, and Reese) are beautifully drawn and very detailed. Each seems very real and knowable, which unique strengths and weaknesses. I enjoyed seeing how each learned knew things and grew throughout the course of the story.
In addition to great storylines, this book packs quite an emotional punch. I freely admit to crying several times due to the situations and the beauty of the storytelling. The final effect was almost cathartic, as I felt like I had emerged on the other end of the situations right along with the characters.
There is a strong Christian message throughout the book. Most of the major characters are Christians at the start of the story, and it was nice to see how each lived their faith out in their lives. Pearl, in particular, was truly inspirational.
If you’re looking for a strong, interesting story, great characters who experience personal growth, and a strong Christian worldview, you absolutely cannot go wrong with this book.
Five out of five chunks of smooth medium Cheddar!
The Edge of Belonging is a strong debut with powerful themes and endearing characters. Though it touches on heavier topics, such as infertility, homelessness, and grief, this story is never without hope. Cox infuses her narrative with characters that remind the reader to look for the helpers and the peacemakers, and that even they can be found in the unlikeliest of people.
My favorite aspect of the novel is the relationship between Pearl and Harvey, both hurting people in their own way, but Pearl has figured out the secret to life’s pains:
“It’s not about your pain versus my pain. It’s about sharing in the human experience and knowing what it is to hurt. It takes courage – stepping forward and healing when it’s so tempting, so safe, to stay and worship the alters we’ve built to our pain.”
There is something healing about the way the friendship between Pearl and Harvey grows and deepens throughout the course of the narrative. The dual timeline flows together in such a way that keeps the reader engaged in both the present with Ivy as an adult, primarily getting to know who she has become, and in 1994 when she is an infant, primarily getting to know those who shaped her. All of the layers and pieces of the story are revealed to the reader along with Ivy, and it was a wonderful way to experience the story. Cox has a distinct voice and has offered up an impressive debut. I will look for upcoming release from her with eagerness.
I received an advanced copy of this novel from the publisher; I was not required to post a positive review, and the opinions expressed here are my own.
This debut novel by Amanda Cox is a well written novel about creating a family out of the people that you love. The characters are well written and though I had a favorite, they are all very real. This novel is dual time line and I enjoyed both time lines equally and was eager to see them brought together at the end.
1994 – Harvey James is homeless and lives in a lean to in the woods. He has never felt loved or cared for and when he finds an abandoned new born baby in the woods, he decides to raise her so that she will feel love right from the beginning of her life.
Present Day – Ivy has just broken up with her very controlling fiancé and has returned home to help settle her grandmother Pearl’s estate. Even though she has been raised by wonderful parents, she still wants to know about her birth family and how her parents adopted her. The basic facts of her adoption have been kept secret from her for her entire life.
I really liked all of the characters – except for the controlling fiancé – but my favorite was Harvey. He is such an amazing and caring person despite the problems that he had growing up. Seeing his love and care for baby Ivy was very touching and watching him grow and learn to accept love and help from others was wonderful to read about.
This was a wonderful novel about love and family, secrets and redemption and I highly recommend it.
If I didn’t know this was a debut novel, I’d never have suspected. Amanda Cox has woven a compelling story of love, family, heartache, and loss with authenticity and realism. I was impressed with how effortlessly the dual timelines flowed, each fighting equally for my attention. Her characters are realistic, heartwarming, and downright charming and you just can’t help rooting for them all. I was totally engrossed in The Edge of Belonging from the first page to the last and I can’t wait to see what this fresh new voice in Christian fiction will deliver next.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Amanda Cox crafted a spectacular, emotional page-turner in her debut novel The Edge of Belonging. I read all 384 pages of this novel in only two nights, as the lyrical writing, deep characterization, expertly interwoven dual-time storyline format, and a little mystery, all propelled me to get to the next chapter, and then the next chapter, as fast as I could!
The author’s background in counseling gives authenticity and depth to several weighty topics covered in this touching novel, such as: homelessness, dialogue. I especially loved the realistic and moving scenes Cox penned about the interaction between the homeless character Harvey and baby Ivy. I also grinned to myself during several cute and sweet scenes between adult Ivy and long-time male friend Reese.
The story is set in both 1994/95 and present day. Cox skillfully switched back and forth between these time periods without jarring the reader. The story is also told from different points of view, a presentation I usually don’t care for, but because of the talent Cox brings to table, this style of writing added layers to the novel.
I was adopted at two months old, but was informed of this from as early as I can remember. I’ve always been so grateful that my birth mother did have the emotional strength to give me up for adoption instead of aborting me or discarding me on some doorstep. Unfortunately, baby Ivy’s biological parents brought her into this world in an all-together different way than my biological parents did. The way the author handles this situation in the novel makes me all the more thankful for my adoption circumstances, and makes me feel all the more for characters in this book.
I also feel lucky my adoptive parents are so wonderful and loving, and I know from being adopted that being considered a “real” family doesn’t mean you have to be blood-related. Cox deftly shows how the characters in this novel struggle with these issues, always wondering who is really “family” and where and with whom does a person really belong.
The Edge of Belonging was a book that will stay in my memory, and I look forward to reading the next novel that Amanda Cox writes.
Wow! What a beautiful story! I was captivated by this book! I was so wrapped up in this story and didn’t want to stop reading! I loved how these five broken people were able to come together as a family. This is one that I know I will read again! It’s that good!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I took my time and savored this beautiful and compelling debut novel by Amanda Cox. Wow. I absolutely loved it. Amanda Cox is without a doubt an author to watch! I will definitely be reading anything she writes. Tender, strong, beautiful, sad, healing and hopeful are all words that I would use to describe this poignant story. I grew to love Harvey, and Pearl, Thomas, and Miriam, Ivy, and Reese, all hurting individuals who at certain times in life find themselves looking for healing, peace, and family. “Grandma always said that when the world was shaky you should stick close to the people you love.” Do yourself a favor and read this beautiful story. I highly recommend it. Five stars for The Edge of Belonging, the excellent debut novel by author Amanda Cox.
Thank you to the author and Revell for an Advanced Reading Copy. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. I truly give this debut novel the highest rating possible. I loved it.
Great book! Wonderful, believable characters–each with flaws and strengths, but made better by each other. Themes of what a family really is, not just those you are genetically related to, but those who love you and make you feel you belong. The importance of belonging. I was really drawn into the story and loved how the characters grew and changed bit by bit, just like in real life.
It is hard to find words to express what a wonderful book this is. The characters are ones who will stay in my heart for a good long while, especially Harvey. His circumstances broke my heart. Miss Pearl, Rev. Thomas, Miriam, Ivy, Reese, and Rose. All deserving of love and family. A place to belong. I pray that I will long remember the lessons of this book, to look on all people as worthy of love. I highly recommend The Edge of Belonging.
In “The Edge of Belonging”, Amanda Cox takes a look at family dynamics. She shows the difference one person can make in the lives of others. A newborn changes everything. But so does a 30-year-old. Whether one is born into a family or placed there by a different set of circumstances, we are all important to one another. And we make a difference to all we meet if we take the time. This was a very inspirational and touching story about caring for one another, especially the broken and beaten down. You can be the person making a difference in another’s life. Or, if you open your heart, they may make a difference in your life.
Our book club LOVED this book! Amanda even met with us virtually. She is a talented writer and I’m waiting for her next book already! The book is an enjoyable read with characters of amazing depth. I learned about mental health issues surrounding adoption, homelessness, PTSD, infertility and sex trafficking. Sounds gruesome, but the stories woven through their lives are inspirational.
4.5 stars!
Characters: The characters were what made this book. They were real–with flaws and struggles and doubts.
Language: Clean.
Moral: The themes found in this book were family, home, and adoption.
Plot: Even though this book was contemporary fiction–meaning it didn’t have suspense–it had enough going on to hold my attention and make me want to keep reading. I was even wishing there were more scenes near the end.
Random comments: I did think some of the characters were too trusting at times. Then again, I have a suspicious mind …
Romance: Clean. A few kisses. It did include my not-so-favorite plot of two characters loving each other for years and keeping it hidden. The dreaded communication problems …
Writing: How can this be a debut novel? Amanda Cox writes like an experienced author.
Overall: I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to readers of Christian fiction and contemporary fiction.
There are not enough stars in the universe to rate Amanda Cox’s debut The Edge of Belonging.
Amanda Cox created six equally extraordinary strong characters, who each in their own way were broken, for her readers to fall in love with, which I did over and over again. In 1994 we are introduced to Pearl (Grandma), who tries to be the healer of this family of misfits, Harvey James (a 30 year old homeless orphan), who just wants to be loved, Ivy Rose (an abandoned newborn), the glue who is loved by all, Pastor Thomas Lashley (the new minister at Triune First) and his wife Miriam. In Present day (24 years later) Amanda Cox continues the ties that bind the original 5 characters plus adds a new character Reese Dylan Wright (Ivy’s childhood friend). These six individuals come together forming a family for a little girl named Ivy Rose. Amanda Cox’s prose is so engrossing capturing this reader’s attention from the first word to the last. She guides us through the lives of her characters as they deal with physical and emotional abuse, foster care, homelessness, suicide, and PTSD with dignity, compassion, and forgiveness.
Usually at this point in my review I let my fellow readers know which timeline I preferred and who my favorite character is, and why. However for the first time I find this impossible. Throughout the entire book I was equally drawn to both timelines and each individual character’s story, so much so that I still cannot stop thinking about them. Emotionally this is the best roller coaster ride I have been on in a very, very long time. Being a Christian fiction reader, I have read many, many time split books, and this is the best debut I have ever read by far. I highly recommend The Edge of Belonging to everyone who wants to read an awe-inspiring heartfelt story of a group of strangers who come together to become a family built on faith and love.
I received this book courtesy of Baker Publishing Group/Revell via NetGalley through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.
Ahhhh, so *this* is what all the commotion is about for Amanda Cox’s debut, The Edge of Belonging!
I totally get it now! *Sniff & sigh*
First I have to say that the title is incredibly perfect. It almost serves as a guide as readers meet Harvey, Ivy, Pearl, Thomas, and Miriam. They’re a unique bunch of characters, and I fell in love with each of them for different reasons. The story moves from one emotional, touching scene to the next, giving valuable grace to the themes of adoption, family, forgiveness, and love. The climax is tender, heartrending, and memorable. Yep, I shed some tears. Happy ones. Grateful ones.
The Edge of Belonging is a beautiful story with tangible, loveable characters who will long stay with you. I highly recommend, and I eagerly await Amanda’s next book.