In her debut novel The Edge of Belonging, Amanda Cox shows us that no matter the circumstance we can all find a place we belong when we follow God.

I really enjoy multi-generational stories and Amanda weaves this “then and now” story masterfully. She expertly links the past actions of four storylines that intersect to affect the life of a young woman searching for her origins.

Plot Review – An engaging tale

Ivy Rose is a 24-year-old woman leaving a bad situation. She returns home to take care of her grandmother’s estate. Through Ivy Rose, we discover the engaging story of how the lives of five people intersected in surprising ways that only God could orchestrate.

A lost but caring soul takes a chance on an abandoned infant. A young pastor finding his place in a new church takes a chance and hires a vagrant. A knowing, but hurting, older women, follows her heart and gains a new son. A forlorn woman finds motherhood in untraditional ways and a young woman finds herself.

Characters

Each character is realistically portrayed and Amanda makes you feel like they are your neighbor. We follow along with Ivey Rose, Miriam, Tom, Harvey, and Pearl as they battle their own inner demons and rejoice with them when they find their purpose. I would love to have a Ms. Pearl in my life!

Theme

This is a multi-dimensional story with a lot of heart that tackles strong subjects of belonging, foster care, adoption, abuse, and homelessness with dignity. It is a story about finding home and family incorporating a beautiful expression of relying on faith through difficult times, learning how to trust, and loving others sacrificially.

Check out my review of Lynette Eason’s Acceptable Risk.

* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*