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: Christian Fiction, Christian

336 pages, Paperback

Expected publication August 18, 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

[Lori Parrish · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Candy 2FRIENDSTALKBOOKS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things We Cannot Keep
Amanda Cox
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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.

[Emma Filbrun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I opened this book one day when I had a few minutes of downtime while we were traveling—and quickly found myself caught up in the story. At first, though, I found myself thinking hard, trying to remember where I had read the scenario described, with Tess and her employees working to restore and repair people’s heirlooms while listening to the people’s stories of how the items had affected their lives and the lives of their families. Then I remembered--it was a television show I saw part of while waiting in a hospital a few months ago! What a delightful setting for this story.
I both loved watching Tess learning more about herself as the story unfolded and wished I could give her a hug and help her to let go of old hurts and grow as a person. The story that Amanda Cox has woven in these pages is amazing. I did not want to put this book down until I had finished it! If you enjoy books that include deep personal conflicts and growth, this is one for you!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster as I followed the highs and lows of the lives that were touched by the watch. I felt like it was similar to finding your family tree.

The two main characters--Elliot and Tess had their lives intertwined since they were in their teens. Some of those memories were less than pleasant.

I think my favorite characters were Elliot and Amos. I loved how they walked alongside of their friends and quietly ministered to them. Their love for those around them was so special.

I enjoyed too how Tess and her coworkers worked so hard to restore the heirlooms that were brought into their shop. Their dedication was inspiring as they sought to restore what had been broken.

There are some hard stories within the book but the story was told so well and with such grace. It gave me hope to continue to spread courage to those around me.

I was given a copy of the book. The opinions are my own.

[Jennifer K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found myself engrossed in Tess and Elliot’s poignant journey. As they trace the mysterious history of a special timepiece, the inspiring stories discovered reveal courage which these old friends will have to borrow. This page turner talked about forgiveness, authenticity, working through past hurts and more. I really appreciated that Cox didn’t have her characters simply “get over it” when deep hurts were involved. Instead, she presented a realistic portrayal of a process involving the ups and downs of making lasting changes involved with true healing. The genuine faith lessons offer hope for facing the past in order to live freely in the present. If you are looking for a touching story that you will definitely remember, look no further, read this book now. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amanda has done it again. She has written a story that feels like coming home. Her words unveil a heartwarming tale of courage, hope, and forgiveness. It's a road of healing that offers a warm reminder that God is weaving our stories and turning our hurts into something beautiful.
This is a book you will want to settle in with a while and truly take in what each sentence is offering. A part of me never wanted to put the book down, it draws you in from the start, but my heart needed to rest in each chapter and linger in the profound and heartfelt journey that will stir your own heart.



I received and early copy but my thoughts and review are my own