Picture a storyteller who spins tales of hope and healing from the heart of Tennessee—meet Amanda Cox! This Christy Award-winning author of inspirational fiction has captured readers with her emotionally rich novels that explore the messy beauty of human relationships and the transformative power of faith. With a knack for crafting relatable characters, Cox invites us into stories that feel like a warm hug on a tough day.
From her debut novel, The Edge of Belonging, to her latest works, Cox has carved a unique space in Christian fiction. Her background in counseling and theology infuses her writing with depth, making her books a beacon for those seeking stories of redemption and connection. Let’s dive into the world of Amanda Cox and discover what makes her stories so unforgettable.
The Making of Amanda Cox
Born and raised in the United States, Amanda Cox’s journey to authorship was shaped by her passion for helping others. With a bachelor’s degree in Bible and theology and a master’s in professional counseling, she spent over a decade working with hurting families. These experiences taught her the power of empathy, which she now channels into her multidimensional characters. Living in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with her husband and three children, Cox found her true calling in storytelling, a craft she pursued after years of balancing nonprofit work and family life.
Cox’s writing career began to take shape in 2012 when a story stirred in her heart. It took four years to complete her first manuscript, a process that honed her storytelling skills. Her persistence paid off with the publication of The Edge of Belonging in 2020, a novel that launched her into the spotlight and set the stage for her rise as a beloved author.
Amanda Cox’s Unforgettable Stories
Cox’s novels are known for their dual-timeline narratives, weaving past and present to uncover family secrets and paths to healing. Her debut, The Edge of Belonging, follows Ivy Rose as she unravels the mystery of her adoption, while a homeless man named Harvey grapples with love and loss. This Christy Award-winning novel struck a chord with readers for its tender exploration of belonging and human connection.
Her sophomore novel, The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery, dives into the complexities of mother-daughter relationships. Sarah Ashby returns home to save her family’s grocery store, only to uncover long-held secrets that reshape her understanding of her past. Cox’s third novel, He Should Have Told the Bees, blends her love for beekeeping with a story of two women navigating grief and trust. Her latest, Between the Sound and Sea, released in 2024, explores redemptive family sagas, earning praise for its lyrical storytelling.
Cox’s style is heartfelt and layered, blending faith, hope, and relational restoration. Her counseling background shines through in characters who feel real, grappling with anxiety, loss, and the courage to heal. Whether it’s the cozy setting of a small-town grocery or the buzz of an apiary, her vivid settings pull readers into stories that linger long after the final page.
Why Amanda Cox Matters
Amanda Cox’s impact lies in her ability to craft stories that resonate deeply with readers seeking hope. Her novels offer a safe space to explore heavy topics like grief, addiction, and fractured families, always pointing toward redemption. Winning Christy Awards for The Edge of Belonging and The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery cements her as a leading voice in inspirational fiction, inspiring book clubs and readers to discuss themes of healing and faith.
Beyond awards, Cox’s work fosters empathy, encouraging readers to see the unseen and embrace the power of connection. Her stories remind us that healing is a journey, like peeling an onion, revealing new layers of hope. As she continues to write, Cox’s influence grows, making her a must-read for fans of Christian fiction.
About Amanda Cox
- Key Works: The Edge of Belonging (2020), The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery (2021), He Should Have Told the Bees (2023), Between the Sound and Sea (2024)
- Awards: Christy Award winner for Book of the Year (2021, 2022)
- Home: Chattanooga, Tennessee, with her husband and three children
- Fun Fact: Cox is a coffee enthusiast and loves the sound of her children’s laughter.
Ready to get lost in a story that warms the heart? Snag The Edge of Belonging or any of Amanda Cox’s novels and dive into her world of hope, healing, and unforgettable characters!