THINGS WE CANNOT KEEP by Amanda Cox, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

 

Contemporary Southern Literary Fiction for Book Clubs with Family Secrets and Redemption

 
PAULA'S REVIEW:
“A story does not need to be pain-free to be beautiful.”

I really enjoyed this compelling story of Tess coming to grips with her past after receiving an old watch that holds quite a history. She has to confront her old life when Elliot comes back into her sphere. He is not the person she remembers. The one who hurt her. “In this moment at least, Elliot Sullivan knew how to be exactly the person she needed.” Elliot has overcome things in his past also. 

A theme of forgiveness permeates the story and through scripture, it is examined and pondered on until the meaning becomes clear.

The story is beautifully written and the emotions are raw at times. The growth that Tess goes through is sometimes painful but always encouraging to see. An important secondary character is Amos, a mentor, who lives a godly life in front of Tess, always ready to impart wisdom.

Relevant and relatable, the story caused reflection in my own life. A prominent theme was to see ourselves as God sees us, that we are worthy of His love and sacrifice, and to treat others likewise.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5+stars and a solid faith thread 

BackCover Blurb:

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.

Award-winning author Amanda Cox crafts an intercontinental journey of connection, healing, love, community, and belonging perfect for book clubs, fans of Southern fiction, and readers of T. I. Lowe, Charles Martin, Sara Brunsvold, and Valerie Fraser Luesse.

Revell Publishing, August, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, or audiobook

Buy THINGS WE CANNOT KEEP at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House