Book Review: Between the Sound and Sea by Amanda Cox

 

Another great summer read book review for the blog, "Between the Sound and Sea" by Amanda Cox. 

Seeking an escape from her everyday, Josephina "Joey" takes a job to renovate a decommissioned lighthouse as way to avoid a complicated situation in her home town and with her family. During the restoration process, she discovers hidden notes in the lighthouse and is confronted by issues that seem to be sabotage, though the locals explain it all away with a local legend/ghost story. Joey must untangle history, rumor and legend to find the truth. Along the way she makes important connections to the new owner, Walt, and his grandson Finn. All the characters' lives are changed nearly as much as the lighthouse they are trying to update.

The author weaves the details of the historical mystery into the present story of Joey, Finn and Walt and the lighthouse with mastery. She connects a theme of restoration throughout both architectural and personal. While a light read, I quickly fell in love with the rich characters and with the unexpected twists. I had a hard time putting the book down, looking forward to uncovering how the details would unfold. I loved how the characters connected with each other and challenged each other. It was encouraging to see how much their lives had changed by the end of the book. While I wanted to hurry to find out how the story to end, I didn't want to say good-bye to the characters. 

Book Review: Until Our Time Comes by Nicole Miller

 

I recently finished the book Until Our Time Comes by Nicole Miller, a historical fiction novel with spies, horses, and a love story all woven together. Set during World War 2, the story follows a dedicated American horse trainer Adia Kensington at the Janow Padlaski stables in Poland, home of some of the best Arabian horses at the time and her quest to protect these horses as war approaches her doorstep. It also features Bret Conway, a Brit on an intelligence gathering mission, who is doing what he can to keep Adia safe.

I enjoy the historical fiction genre but was worried this book would follow too predictable story line, something like: girl loves horses, boy meets girl, girl/horses in trouble, save the day, boy and girl fall in love. 

Instead I was pulled into the plot quickly, kept on the edge of my seat and thoroughly enjoyed the historical aspects of the plot, the plight of the horses, and the challenges faced by the characters, while the author wove a sweet yet realistic love story throughout. The story is well written with memorable characters, including a young pickpocket always into mischief, and beautiful and harsh descriptions of a country torn apart by war. I enjoyed so many parts of this book, I wish is had been longer so I wouldn't have had to say good-bye to it all so quickly.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for a review. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.