Things We Cannot Keep

by Amanda Cox

Tess 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 herself. 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 it becomes apparent that 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 reuniting this lost heirloom to its rightful recipient requires her to come out of hiding. Each clue leads to a different place around the world, 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 a crosscontinental journey of connection, healing, and belonging.

Genres: Fiction, Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Christian, Romance, Audiobook, Mystery

336 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2026

About the author

Amanda Cox is the author of The Edge of Belonging and The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery, both of which were the Christy Award Book of the Year in 2021 and 2022, respectively. She holds a bachelor's degree in Bible and theology and a master's degree in professional counseling, but her first love is communicating through story. Her studies and her interactions with hurting families over a decade have allowed her to create multidimensional characters that connect emotionally with readers. She lives in the foothills of Tennesee with her husband and their three children.

Reviews

[BookLoverAmanda]

Thank you to Revell for a gifted copy of this book to read for review.
https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...

I really enjoyed this one! I loved the mention of one of our local Tennessee towns too! This is a Christian Fiction contemporary book with a smidge of romance weaved in, mostly contemporary though.

It's a story about healing, belonging, forgiveness and the things we carry with us from our past. Tess gets a mysterious package one day with the name she left behind a long time ago....she is forced to step outside the safe, quiet life she had made for herself after running for so long. I loved the mystery and clues of who the heirloom belonged to and the stories connected by it. There is something so special about the idea of treasured objects that carry pieces of people's histories and their families. These are stories that span generations.

Tess and Elliot's complicated history added another emotional layer. I appreciated that their relationship wasn't rushed and that forgiveness and trust had to be worked through rather than simply handed over.

Tess's faith journey was especially beautiful.

My favorite quote: "This is your chance, Tess. Instead of running and hiding, run toward healing. Run toward the full life you deserve. Find the courage to share the beauty with people who possess the capacity to share the love you were always meant to have."

Amanda Cox does such a wonderful job creating characters who feel wounded but hopeful. 5 big star for me! Highly recommend.

Content: mentions of domestic violence, abandonment

[Anna |This Curly Girl Reads|]

The premise to this book intrigued me, and Amanda Cox did not disappoint!

I have so many thoughts. I know I can’t do it justice. I loved the characters: Tess, Elliot, Amos, and all the staff at timeless… this is a story of broken things, hurts, forgiveness, and hope. It also includes:

✨A Mysterious package
✨Secret Identity
✨Friendships
✨Unexpected Road Trip
✨Adventure
✨Tribute to the Holocaust
✨Redemption

Thank you Amanda Cox for trusting me with an ARC copy❤️ I’ll be thinking on this story for a while. I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

Content: domestic abuse, neglect, prostitution mentioned (no details)

[Christine Reeves]

One million stars for Amanda Cox! Thank you for opening up your courageous heart in this unbound story of a relentless awakening, and bravely lifting those of us who feel like we are always on the outside looking in when it comes to family.


“A part of her wanted to believe she could help her mother escape the box she’d trapped herself in, to show her another way, but Tess knew better. Twelve- year-old Teresa had tried, and twenty-four years later the broken woman still blamed her daughter for ruining her life.”

[Monica H (TeaandBooks)]

For me, Amanda Cox is an auto-read author. I have read all of her books up until now so I always look forward to her latest release. Things We Cannot Keep held my attention from beginning to end and was worth the wait.

Tess Holcomb escaped a difficult upbringing and started a new life in a new town with a new name in Alabama. She works with a team to repair family heirlooms. She specifically is the clock repair person. She thinks her past is behind her when she receives a box sent to her former name.

About the same time the box appears, Elliot Sullivan shows up at her workplace. He is someone she knew in her past who has a history with her. She isn't sure why he showed up and struggles to trust is true motives as their history wasn't all good.

As the book goes on, Tess decides to work with Elliot to uncover the mystery in the box. I love that Things We Cannot Keep is a book with mystery, history, family drama and a bit of romance. This author has a way of drawing you in and teaching you about healthy relationships through her characters. I like that her characters feel like real people who have some flaws and some things to learn in life but are also likeable. I was pulling for Tess and Elliot. I also enjoyed following the characters along as they worked to solve the mystery of the watch in the package. Then, throughout the book, there is the slow-burn romance between Elliot and Tess. Things We Cannot Keep has it all. This ranks up there as one of my favorites from Amanda. I am not sure my review can do it justice but I highly recommend this one.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Great Reads Book Promotion. All opinions are my own.

[Sarah]

I'm a big fan of the BBC's The Repair Shop so when I saw a book with just such a shop based in AL I was ALL IN (plus, I love Cox's books).

This is a delightful, heartfelt story of redemption and learning to release the past. Tess and Elliot will win your heart one stutter-step at a time.

[Carol (Reading Ladies)]

#ThingsWeCannotKeep by @amandacoxwrites is the heartfelt story of repairing broken treasures, forgiveness, and choosing happiness.

Many reasons to enjoy this compelling story include:
🕰️ likable characters
🕰️ second chance romance
🕰️ complicated family drama/secrets
🕰️ faith references
🕰️ choosing happiness
🕰️ forgiveness
🕰️ restoration of old and/or valued treasures/heirlooms
🕰️ secret identity
🕰️ road trip
🕰️ courage
🕰️ hopeful and satisfying conclusion

Perfect for #bookclubs and your fall #TBR.

Thanks #NetGalley @RevellFiction @GreatReadsBookPromo for a complimentary eARC. All opinions are my own.

For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com.

[Kelly-Ann ~ Sassy Bookish Mama]

I am not sure how Amanda Cox does it but she did it once again. She has written a book that has that masterful storytelling that I have come to expect and love from her.

The setting of this story was so great. Restoring heirlooms for families and learning the connection behind the heirlooms and the connection to them tied in so perfectly with the rest of the storyline. Tess is the main character. She has had a rough childhood and has re-made herself and hidden herself away but things change when she receives a box with a gold watch. She believes that Elliot, her lost love, is the one who sent it and wants nothing to do with it or him. He convinces her to work together and thats when the story for me truly begins.

I loved listening to the stories of how this watch came about. But with the story came hurts and family secrets that needed to be brought to the surface so that God could move throughout the life of Tess and show her who He is in her life. I was not truly expecting the way it all came about but it was a pleasant surprise how it all unfolded.

Overall I thought this was a great story and one that you may need tissues nearby. If you want deep heartfelt contemporary womens fiction stories then Amanda Cox is your gal.

I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are my own.

[Kit Tosello]

Amanda’s one of my favorite writers for her deep character insights and poignant portrayals of inner healing. Here we get her most romantic novel to date and a compelling mystery as well!

[Parkland Mom]

3.75 stars, rounded up to 4 for this platform
Completed: Aug. 23/26
Format: audiobook (Audible)
Narrator: Jeanine Bartel - good

Challenge Prompt: EOW’s “Any book of your choice” — DURING option

Book #67 of 2026: This author is extremely talented at weaving a story. This certainly was a unique one.

There is a big growth arc for the main character, Tess. She has to push long-protected boundaries and hurts to grow. I think any reader can relate to that in some way. Elliot is a man of honor despite having a horrid father. His loyalty and dedication to Tess after so many years is remarkable.

I found the art of restoration quite fascinating, especially with the timepieces and dollhouses.

For me, I had some trouble staying engaged with this story in comparison to the others I’ve read by her. I have two more of her novels to read before I am done her backlist. Perhaps I will listen again one day and glean more. Her writing is fabulous. I just didn’t personally click with this story in the same way as The Edge of Belonging, for example.

[Daniellehullreads]

What a unique and ultimately heartwarming story!

I was fascinated with the setting of a shop that brings heirlooms back to life, especially learning what a horologist does. Then I enjoyed getting to know the characters and understanding their relationships.

The historical timepiece was from WWII, which is my favorite time period to read. The mystery surrounding it was intriguing, and the story was heartbreaking yet beautiful.

The main character was abused and neglected as a child, which made the redemption story especially meaningful. She was very real and believable to me. It's not that she was lovable at first, but she was real and hurting and had an amazing team of encouragers.

I shed a few tears, and I laughed a little. This has a second chance friendship, and it definitely had some angst-inducing moments. It reminded me that some people need to learn to give grace, while some need to learn to accept it.

This is a beautiful story of friendship and forgiveness. Highly recommended!

I received an early copy of this novel from the publisher. Opinions are my own.

[Shannon O'Flynn]

I loved this book! It was such a cute read! The romance in it was perfect and cute!

It follows a girl named Tess who thinks she has her life figured out working in her business on watches. She enjoys her job and the people she works with. One day, however her ex, Elliot, stops in to get his watch fixed and she receives a mysterious, anonymous package. After hitting multiple dead ends, she teams up with Elliot to find the owner of the package and they go on a whole journey to discover the significance and origins of the watch.

While I originally found Tess to be a hard character to like (she was snapping at Elliot nonstop for seemingly nothing, other anger from 18 years ago), she eventually grew on me. She had a rough upbringing, which she had to accept and let go of. I really liked that message in this book. Also the message of actually living your life.

This book had me smiling when Tess and Elliot were going on their trips to find the owner of the watch. The pie stop, beach, everything in this book was so cute!

I also enjoyed the tied in WWII bits. I found those stories to be incredibly emotional and loved the tie-ins.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who wants a second chance romance.

[readcleancatmomtanya]

5 big stars!! Beautiful! We don't use that word enough to describe stories! Amanda Cox can take some heavy topics and write them so moving and heart touching.

This book is so well-written and just so good. I loved the character growth in Tess. Elliot was so patient with her during all of her growth. Don't get me wrong, he hasn't got it all together; he has stuff to work out, too.

This is a Christian women's fiction with a dab of romance. Elliot and Tess knew each other when they were younger, so this is their second chance. Tess receives a pocket watch from an anonymous person and is asked to find out its history and return it to its family. Elliot and Tess have to figure out this mystery. Amos, a secondary character, is a beautiful person, too. He shows such fatherly love for Tess.

There's an ocean scene near the end that made me cry so much. Happy, joyful tears! There are flashbacks and memories to Tess's past that we see in the story. I also really loved the pie place they visited!

Highly, highly recommend!


Some of my favorite quotes:
"Happiness is beautiful on you. You deserve every bit the world has to offer."

"Life and love are risks every person should take."

"Forgiveness sounds so nice and so simple. Tidy. But it is messy business for us mere mortals."

[Joanne Sher]

Such a compelling, engaging, heart-rending and -mending tale of hiding and seeking, betrayal and restoration, fear and hope, broken and mended relationships, and the power of waiting and love in the hands of a sovereign God. I was all in from page one all the way to the end. The characters (especially Tess, Elliot, and Amos) were multilayered with real faults and brokenness to deal with, and it was a tension and joy to travel the road with them, with Amanda Cox as the expert crafter and "tour guide." Highly recommended.

[Kailey]

Absolutely beautiful!

[Mahala]

An absolutely beautiful redemption story on every level. Well done, Amanda Cox!

[Courtnie ~ courtniemustreads]

This was a very thought provoking read! I loved learning the history of the watch. I love the journey Tess takes to find faith and herself. The setting and the plot were both well done and enjoyable. The character development was well done too. Overall this was such an enjoyable read.

This had no language and a closed door romantic subplot.

[Janet]

Another gem by Amanda Cox!

[Lori Parrish]

The Things We Cannot Keep by Amanda Cox It is a Contemporary Romance
When I saw this book I knew I had to have it. I love Cox's stories so very much! I love the messages that she weaves throughout her novels. Like this one even though I know its hard. Amos says this
"Forgiveness sounds so nice and simple. Tidy. But a messy business for us mere mortals." "People like to say forgiveness is for you, not the other person—that it sets you free from the hold they have spoke. “To see beyond mistakes and offenses to view them as a whole person. And to see yourself as more than the wounds you carry.” "To let go of the pain and leave space for God to work, knowing he wants redemption and healing for all involved.”
Wow! What a powerful reminder that if dont forgive then it will just eat us alive and make us possibly bitter. But, its so hard to do! I understand where Tess is coming from. I had a similar experience but I'm working on it.
Amos is the wise one here and I love him for it.
This novel will not let you put it down until you're finished. My heart was blown away with this one. I found myself crying, smiling and rooting for Tess and Elliot. after what Amos gently reminded us of. Just wow is really all I need to say.
I love this story too because it shows people can change. Especially if you really really love someone enough.
My heart went out to Tess and Elliot. Especially Tess but each had their own pain to overcome and some lessons to learn along the way about finding out who they really are. You can run but not hide because the truth will always find you.
I wanted to leave you with another quote and them I'll close this review.
"Will you keep it?" From Elliot to Tess “For now. But not for always.” “It was never meant to be kept. One day I’ll pass it on to someone who needs it. I’ll tell them of its long history of courageous people, and then I’ll let it go, still holding the stories close to my heart.” From Tess.
I won't say why it is that Tess is talking about. I'll let y'all read this beautiful heartfelt story to find out.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story as I knew I would. It had everything that I'd expect from this author.. Im ready for the next one!
Im giving this delightful story 5 stars! I was sad to see this novel end. I tried savoring it as much as I could but unfortunately you know what happened next lol
Thanks for the opportunity to read and review. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
I received this book from Interviews and Reviews through NetGalley via Revell.

[Jennifer]

“Teresa Baker was born into a world in which safety and security were unattainable commodities. But despite the odds stacked against her, she was a fighter with a spirit not easily snuffed out. The day she turned eighteen, she was forced to flee the only home she’d ever known, taking with her little more than the clothes on her back and a souvenir magnet depicting a place she’d only known through her grandmother’s memories. And with that borrowed hope, she set out to make a new life. A better life. Through the kindness of a couple strangers, Tess was able to find the family she’d always craved with good people who put her first. And she built a business from the ground up that inspires people to dust off their old family heirlooms and celebrate the legacies they represent.”

But when a mysterious watch arrives at her door addressed to her previous identity, the precarious lives of Teresa Baker and Tess Holcomb collide. “She was entering a fairy world. Apparently, this particular fairy world was a backward realm in which she banded together with her nemesis to solve the mystery of an antique pocket watch…The watch had traveled from the Netherlands, to Germany, back to the Netherlands, on to New York, and now Bowling Green…A mere two hours from the hometown from which she has been running. Tess never asked for any of this. Not the mystery watch. Not a renewed connection with a complicated ex. Not a trip around the world.

Things We Cannot Keep is “The story of reuniting a long-lost pocket watch that’s impacted countless lives during a harrowing time in history with the family it originally belonged to. Learning how it’s traveled thousands and thousands of miles. Lived multiple lives.” The story behind the clock and the path it traveled “might be simple and sweet. But despite appearances, life and its accompanying memories were more layered and nuanced than they often appeared. A story doesn’t need to be pain-free to be beautiful.” Tess loves hearing other people’s beautiful family histories, but sometimes she’s so focused on the past that she misses the one beautiful life she’s been given. Things We Cannot Keep is a reminder to chase your own story every now and then. Because you matter. And even in the darkest places, you aren’t ever truly alone. No matter how much time is lost, God can restore. Amanda Cox’s latest novel is timeless, a precious story meant to keep!

[Ashley]

A story that really touches on trauma and how differently people address those experiences. When we're introduced to Tess we know pretty quickly that she's had a difficult life and that she's kind of started over in a new place but she's happy, for the most part. Then we quickly learn that she's kind of curated a life for herself, she even refers to it in that way, where she can pretend that the things in her past happened to someone else or that she isn't the same person. Even changing her own name.

But then something life changing happens and takes her on a journey of self discovery, reflection, and an adventure that she has no idea where it will take her. Add in the fact that the young man who was with her through her traumatic experiences, the one she thought she loved, has also just popped back up into her life looking to make things right between them. The way they parted at the end of high school left them both in the dark, neither knowing what happened to the other.

Without giving too much away, that's really the major themes from this story. Tess works at a company she helped build and repairs timepieces for families. She loves seeing these heirlooms come in and hear the stories that go with them and how they have become an important part of someone's life. She ends up with a mysterious package from an unknown sender that has a pocket watch inside and is asked to find the original owner or whoever it belongs to.

This is what sets Tess on the adventure as her and her teenage crush, whose now a journalist, travel around to places to hear the stories of others that this pocket watch has touched. But the path of truth is treacherous and circumstances along the way force Tess to have to face her own past that she's been avoiding.

It was an emotional read that really pulled at my heart. From the stories of those that the pocket watch were with, to Tess and Elliot's own stories about their lives. Each one carries a traumatic burden with it. Reminding me that trauma has so many shades and everyone's experience with their trauma is slightly different.

A very reflective story that left me feeling grateful for my own experiences and the times I've had, as well as the reminders of how beautiful it is to look back and see the detailed and complicated paths we all walk in life.

[Melissa’s Bookshelf]

All the stars for this beautiful story! Things We Cannot Keep touched me profoundly. It’s been a while since I last cried over a book, but this one had me shedding all the tears. Amanda Cox weaves a heart-achingly lovely Southern story with mystery, courage, hope, second chances, & a touch of faith. I was immediately captivated by Tess’ story & the boy she can never forget, along with the journey of a special heirloom watch. Full of heartache, fear, love, & healing, this story completely captured my heart & didn’t let go.

After escaping her troubled past, Tess Holcomb has painstakingly built a new life in Alabama, repairing the heirloom treasures of others & living through their stories. When a strange package arrives bearing the old name she’s carefully tried to hide, she’s reluctantly drawn into solving the puzzle of a mysterious pocket watch. With instructions to fix it & return it to its rightful owner, Tess embarks on a journey to find the missing owner & finally come to terms with her own history.

I absolutely loved Tess. Though wounded, guarded, & skeptical, she longs to experience the joys of life & visit the beloved seashore her grandmother always told her about. Yet old fears have kept her safely tucked away, until Elliot returns. After 18 years, he’s finally found her, & his charming, whimsical personality threatens her carefully built peace, especially when he offers to help find the watch’s owner. But can she trust him after he broke her heart so many years ago?

I loved this book so much! Elliot’s such a lovable character who helps Tess expand her horizons & dare to dream again. But, repairing their relationship is two steps forward one step back. I loved the way the author teased out their story from childhood friends to more. The mystery of the watch kept me guessing as it took them across the world & back again, & I enjoyed the journey along the way. I also loved Tess’ friends & coworkers who encourage her to open her heart again.

Highly recommend to inspirational contemporary romance fans! I received an advanced copy with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own & provided voluntarily.

[Beckie Burnham]

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.)

[Robin]

Amanda Cox has once again written a heartfelt story about broken people, second chances, forgiveness, and finding the courage to face the past.

Tess Holcomb has worked hard to build a quiet, safe life for herself in Alabama, leaving behind the name and painful memories she never wants to revisit.
Her work restoring old timepieces is also a beautiful reflection of her own story—learning that broken things can sometimes be repaired, even if they don’t return to exactly what they were.

Then Elliot Sullivan walks back into her life after eighteen years. I especially enjoyed the complicated history between Tess and Elliot. Elliot has mistakes and regrets of his own to face. Watching him try to prove that he has changed while Tess struggles to decide whether she can trust him again added plenty of emotional tension.

The mystery surrounding the broken pocket watch takes Tess and Elliot on an unexpected journey, with clues leading them far beyond their small Alabama community. Along the way, the story explores how the things we hold onto—pain, guilt, resentment, and even the past itself—can keep us from moving forward.

I also loved the supporting characters, especially Amos, whose wisdom and steady presence brought so much warmth to the story. The themes of forgiveness and redemption are definitely at the heart of the book, and they are handled with compassion rather than making them seem easy or simple.

This is a story about healing, letting go, and discovering that sometimes what we cannot keep can still leave something beautiful behind.

A touching Christian fiction read with mystery, romance, family secrets, and plenty to think about.

Thank you NetGallley & Revell for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura]

Thank you to @amandacoxwrites, @revellfiction, and @greatreadsbookpromo for the gift copy of Things We Cannot Keep.

Do you have a special item from a friend or relative that helps you remember them?

Tess Holcomb has built a business with a partner, Amos, in Alabama to repair time pieces and other family treasures. She has kept her past in her past and has moved on with her life. That is until Elliot Sullivan appears at her shop. Is he looking for forgiveness after eighteen years or does he have an ulterior motive?

My thoughts on this novel:
• I was intrigued by Tess. I wanted to know more about her past and why she wanted to start a new life. I like how the story unfolded and gave me all the details.

• Timeless Restoration was such a unique shop. The stories of the items that were to be restored were so interesting in themselves.

• I enjoyed the mysterious package and how they worked together to solve the mystery.

• This novel had great characters, especially Tess, Elliot, and Amos.

• I enjoyed the themes of forgiveness, redemption and choosing happiness.

• I would categorize this book as second chance romance, contemporary romance, road trip, clean read, and inspirational.

• I loved thinking about the history of the mysterious watch and all the lives it impacted.

• There is trauma in this novel from childhood abuse.

• I think this would be a great book club pick as it would prompt a lot of discussion.

Overall, Things We Cannot Keep by Amanda Cox is a compelling, heartfelt story with great characters.

This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2026...

[Perrianne]

Tess is content working at the Timeless Restoration, a creative group that she heads up along with her specialty of refurbishing timepieces. When her carefully concealed past roars up to meet her when a mysterious package arrives, things begin to unravel quickly and her hermit like life suffers. Tess physically had a traumatic childhood, but Elliot had a rough childhood with a golden spoon in his mouth. This storyline is fantastic along with warm and relatable characters with plenty of strife due to a Tess’s childhood. There is a vintage timepiece that has a fantastic mystery behind it along with the incredible story of its journey across continents from present day to WWII. There is such a range of emotions packed in with forgiveness, regret, redemption, and reconnections. The title of the book will make a whole lot more sense once the watch mystery has been solved. Be forewarned that this book is difficult to put down. I read it in less than 2 days!
Amanda Cox is a multiple Christy award winner and an incredible author! I have read almost all of her published works and don’t hesitate to recommend anything that she writes. He should Have Told the Bees is probably my favorite, but you definitely don’t want to miss any of her novels.
I purchased a copy of this book from Baker Book House, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

[Darcy Schock]

I enjoyed this novel immensely! Even though the characters carried heartbreaking things from their past, the story radiated such a gentle wisdom and steady grace.

Awhile back some friends told me I was always championing others’ stories and it was time to live and tell my own. Tess faced this too. The challenges she encountered and lessons she learned brought tears to my eyes because I could relate with them so deeply.

I loved how the mysterious heirloom given to Tess to restore carried with it many stories while also bringing Tess into her own. It shows how beautiful all our stories are (even amidst the broken pieces) and how they can affect other’s lives. I appreciated the themes of courage, forgiveness, and how the power of our perspective was brought out.

If you want to pick up a heartfelt contemporary novel that holds harder topics with grace, Things We Cannot Keep is your next read!

Some favorite quotes from the story-

“In the painful unwinding, there always comes this sudden clarity in which I no longer define myself or the other person by the pain I’ve experienced, and I feel so free.”

“I worry you’re so focused on the past that you’re missing the one beautiful life you’ve been given.”

“Find the courage to share the beauty of all you are with people who possess the capacity to share the love you were always meant to have.”

I was given a complimentary arc copy, all opinions are my own.

[Chelsie]

I loved the historical story that was unraveled through the mysterious box holding a precious heirloom, pushing Tessa to confront her past. Having built the perfect safe place, Tessa has enjoyed the last eighteen years repairing family timepieces and learning their history and value to her customers. When a mystery box shows up, addressed to someone from her past Tessa isn't sure if she should be curious or fearful. Not too long after this box shows up, Elliot Sullivan also makes an appearance and it brings back her past, his betrayal and what she has tried her best to forget. This also creates her coworkers and the one who saved her all those years ago to question who she really is and what she has been hiding for almost two decades. Do they really know who Tess is? With the offer of help from Elliot, a journalist who is used to hunting down a story she decides to do what she can to repair this mystery heirloom and get it back to it's original owner, per the instructions sent with it. This turns into more than just a simple repair and return, and the more her and Elliot connect the dots, the more she fears where this is leading and yet at this point she has to know the full story. This was such a good read and I could not put it down, I just had to know how it ended and the story of this timepiece. Thank you to the author and publisher for the complementary novel and to Great Read Book Promotions for the tour invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[Jeanne Alfveby Crea]

EXCELLENT! I was glued to this story from start to finish!

"A story doesn't need to be pain free to be beautiful." Tess left her painful childhood behind her and reinvented herself with a job she loved. Her business was restoring other people's heirlooms and hearing their stories behind these heirlooms. She cares about the people who took her in, she enjoys the people she works with, she's safe, and her past was shoved to the back of her thoughts, but never really dealt with. The stories of her clients, and the journey that a mysterious watch that is sent to her anonymously provides, changes her forever. Her old friend Elliot Sullivan has been looking for her for 18 years. She has never forgiven him. One day he shows up in her shop.

I absolutely love this journey and the stories that "the courage watch" take Tess and Elliot on.

I am on a family history journey and this line so resonated with me: "Lovers of stories. Of history. Of honoring the quiet, unassuming nuggets of people's lives the rest of the world had yet to discover."

"I knew one day your poor, weary souls would realize that what it'd been hunting was within your reach all along."

You DO NOT WANT TO MISS this fabulous story!! I highly recommend "Things We Cannot Keep" by Author Amanda Cox

"While she was up there, she offered up a prayer of gratitude for her journey. The past. The present. And for whatever the future might hold."

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

[Candy 2FRIENDSTALKBOOKS]

Things We Cannot Keep
Amanda Cox
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Tess and her co-workers restore heirlooms for families in their Alabama workshop. She loves to hear the stories behind the treasures and feel a connection to them. When a mysterious package arrives for Teresa Baker, an identity Tess left behind long ago, she’s drawn into the mystery of returning the contents to their rightful owner.

When her childhood friend Elliot Sullivan appears at her doorstep with an item of his own to be mended, Tess wonders if he is behind the mystery package. Their reunion becomes an opportunity to work together and heal the hurts of their past.

We’ve come to realize that readers feel every word Amanda Cox writes. She has such a powerful ability to create emotions that cannot be put aside before the book is picked back up for another chapter.

The main character in this latest novel was blinded by pain and unable to recognize God’s presence in her life even while she vehemently ignored Him. As a result, we were surprised by the seemingly quick spiritual turnaround instead of a slower progression. That was one take away as we concluded our reading, but we were delighted by yet another Cox story.

We received an advance copy from NetGalley. This is our honest review.

[Paula Shreckhise]

“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.*