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Get a glimpse of Harvey and Reese before they become the men you meet in The Edge of Belonging in this split-timeline short story.

ebook

Published November 5, 2020

2 people are currently reading
664 people want to read

About the author

Amanda Cox

14 books1,078 followers
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.

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5 stars
53 (50%)
4 stars
37 (34%)
3 stars
12 (11%)
2 stars
4 (3%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Sarita.
1,538 reviews655 followers
November 13, 2023
This was a sweet short story but maybe too short for me to really connect with the characters.
Profile Image for Paula Shreckhise.
1,549 reviews145 followers
July 25, 2021
A sweet snippet of a Christmas morning novella that goes along with The Edge of Belonging. The author is one of my favorites after reading her debut.
She really shows a homey atmosphere and kindnesses to strangers and friends alike.
*I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author’s newsletter sign up. All opinions are my own.*
Profile Image for Nicole.
379 reviews
November 7, 2020
An amazing short story featuring a young Harvey and a young Reese, who readers first met in The Edge of Belonging. This brief look into the past is the perfect treat for readers who are not ready to say goodbye to these wonderful characters. I highly recommend this short story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was under no obligation to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine.
Profile Image for Heidi Morrell.
1,411 reviews20 followers
February 13, 2025
This was a fantastic Contemporary Christian fiction short story. It was not as suspenseful as I assumed based on the cover. The characters were heartwarming, and I am hoping to be able to read the next books in the series! I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, but it did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Erin Laramore.
844 reviews79 followers
April 6, 2021
What a sweet little short story (and I mean short - took about 15 minutes to read and I'm not a fast reader!) that is a prequel to The Edge of Belonging. It was nice to catch some additional history in Harvey's, Pearl's and Ivy's lives.
Profile Image for Kailey.
797 reviews95 followers
November 7, 2020
Such a beautiful short story! It’s perfect because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to these characters!
Profile Image for Susan Snodgrass.
2,002 reviews274 followers
March 14, 2022
Such a sweet little novella, not really even a novella length, but precious all the same.
1,184 reviews6 followers
November 7, 2020
I loved this!! What a perfect prelude to The Edge of Belonging!!! This brought tears to my eyes, and I'm glad I know how the story ends!! This will definitely have you wanting to find out what happens after!! Every social worker, child services worker, adoptive parents, and foster parents needs to read these books!!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
Profile Image for Jeanne Alfveby Crea.
988 reviews108 followers
November 11, 2020
I was not ready to be finished with the amazing debut novel The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox. So when the author recently released Where We Belong, I couldn't wait to read this short story! It was so fun to briefly visit the past of a young Harvey and a young Reese. Be sure to check out Where We Belong and The Edge of Belonging. I highly recommend them!


Thank you to Amanda Cox for the chance to read Where We Belong. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Pauline.
889 reviews7 followers
November 24, 2021
We will be reading The Edge of Belonging in January book club and I got this prequel in an email from Amanda Cox. I’m glad I read it after I read The Edge of Belonging. It all made more sense and made me smile like “haha I know something that is going to happen to you in the future.” Nice short story that gives some background to the main book. I’d encourage you to read it after you read the book.
70 reviews
October 9, 2025
An excellent taste of Amanda Cox’s writing style and what to expect from its companion book “The Edge of Belonging”. This was the first thing I’ve read of hers and I was hooked, wanting to continue getting to know her characters.

__________
My rating system:
• 5 stars—I loved it and/or it impacted me greatly
• 4 stars—I really liked it and will likely want to read it again
• 3 stars—I liked it
• 2 stars—It was okay
• 1 star—I didn’t like it
Profile Image for Teri.
625 reviews
April 10, 2022
This is a sweet little peek into the past, where we see the characters from The Edge of Belonging as youngsters. Harvey, Ivy, and Reese all share bits and pieces of what made them the adults that they became, and there’s even a glimpse of Pearl, complete with Christmas words of wisdom. A definite must for anyone reading The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox.
Profile Image for Mercia Syb.
89 reviews
February 10, 2025
I agree with the kid. Being outside calms me down, too!

I love how they're such good friends (please stay like that and don't break apart)

I may be wrong, but... I think Pearl was the one who gave the shirt to the kid in the first story...

Just the whole thing was a little confusing since I don't know much about their background.
1,084 reviews
September 11, 2021
I enjoyed this quick peek into the lives of Ivy, Reese, Pearl, and Harvey prior to the novel The Edge of Belonging. It was especially helpful to have the glimpse into the life of Harvey as a little boy.
1,161 reviews27 followers
November 6, 2020
Quick short read that introduces you to Harvey James, Reese and Ivy when they were young and leads you to the wonderful story The Edge of Belonging
Profile Image for Kenzie.
238 reviews21 followers
December 19, 2020
So sweet! I’m excited to read The Edge of Belonging!
907 reviews
June 7, 2021
Short novella o prepare the reader for Amanda’s story!
Profile Image for Jessica Grewe.
223 reviews
November 1, 2021
A sweet short story that will hopefully connect to a much anticipated read The Edge Of Belonging.
322 reviews3 followers
November 21, 2021
Unexpectedly short and since I wasn't familiar with the author or series - didn't really know what was going on. That said, was a nice little story that made me want to read and find out more!
627 reviews5 followers
December 21, 2021
This prequel to The Edge of Belonging is so sweet. You NEED to read this if you read that book! It is short, but so poignant!
Profile Image for Jola.
76 reviews8 followers
January 7, 2022
Awww, that was sweet! Thank you!
Profile Image for Deb.
262 reviews1 follower
September 4, 2022
Love this precursor to "Edge of Belonging!" It provides insight into key characters!
10 reviews
January 17, 2024
This provided important background for The Edge of Belonging!
1,287 reviews23 followers
August 4, 2022
This is a prequel to The Edge of Belonging, but it should definitely be read afterward. It is a very short retelling of a scene referred to in the first book. Kindness and love can do amazing things.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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