Things We Cannot Keep

By Amanda Cox and Amanda Cox

A mysterious package. A name she thought she'd erased. And the one person she never expected to see again.

Tess Holcomb 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. 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 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 to reunite this lost heirloom with its rightful recipient she will have to come out of hiding. Each clue leads her further from the security of home, 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 an intercontinental journey of connection, healing, love, community, and belonging perfect for book clubs, fans of Southern fiction, and readers of T. I. Lowe, Charles Martin, Sara Brunsvold, and Valerie Fraser Luesse.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0800746627
• ISBN13: 9780800746629
• Release Date: August 2026
• Publisher: Revell
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

amazing women's fiction

"We have a choice between living in the present or drowning in the past." Amanda Cox really knows how to pen a poignant, moving, and tender women's fiction. Third person narrative employed in the story had a nostalgic omniscient flavor underneath Tess' actions, thoughts and memories. Her backstory was painful and emotional; her coming to terms with her past and learning to bask in the blessings of the present felt satisfying and redemptive. Though we only saw Elliot through Tess' eyes and memories, Elliot was a fully-formed main character. His tender heart and way with people were endearing and charming. I loved experiencing a horologist at work; Tess setting broken watches and clocks to rights to allow her customers the gift of love and memory wrapped around the heirlooms was quite special. I really enjoyed the mystery watch's stories that came to light through Tess and Elliot's investigation. One of my favorite books of 2026! It's perfect for those who love women's fiction with depth. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell via Interviews and Reviews and NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.