Amanda Dykes’ debut novel, Whose Waves These Are, is an emotional tale of love, loss, and family. When her great uncle Bob experiences life-threatening injuries, Annie Bliss returns to Ansel-by-the-Sea for the first time since she was ten years old. She finds Bob has left her a puzzle to solve, one that links to a past full of heartache and rending.

With the help of Jeremiah Fletcher, Annie dives into the riddle. The first clue is a key. Once she finds the lock to which it belongs, she begins to unlock her family’s past, wading through stories of sacrifice, longing, love, and heartbreak. The residents of Ansel hold many of the past’s secrets, too, if only Annie can get them to share. But will her search bring healing or will the brokenness be too much to overcome?

Whose Waves These Are is one of the best novels I have read. From the first page, Amanda Dykes’ writing style draws in the reader like a sea gently carrying a swimmer to deeper water. Be prepared to find yourself emotionally invested in the characters, in their stories. I don’t often tear up when reading, but this book is one of those exceptions.

Though a Christian novel with deep spritutal lessons, it is not preachy. Rather, the reader is carried along by the wrestling happening within the heart of each character. This makes the story both personal and universal.

I highly recommend picking up a copy of Whose Waves These Are. It is a book that will leave you thinking long after the back cover has closed.

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I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in order to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”