Hometown hero Ana Leigh Watkins ventures to Bitter End, Tennessee, to help her great-aunt get her house ready to sell. Bitter End seems an ironic place for Ana to refresh her weary spirit, but she's desperate for respite from her community's attention and unwarranted admiration. While on a hike in Roan Mountain, a ragtag group of amateur bird watchers take her under their wing--a little against her will. However, she quickly warms to these genuine souls seeking solace in the great outdoors.
But when Ana's adventures in Bitter End lead her to a severed branch of her family tree--one that involves the forbidden love between a moonshiner's daughter and a preacher's son--what began as a quest to study Appalachian birds becomes a transformative journey that binds together two women who, though they live on the same street, have been estranged for sixty years.
Immerse yourself in the lyrical prose and layered plotting of award-winning novelist Amanda Cox as she offers up an engaging story of finding belonging, reconciliation, and new beginnings in the most unexpected places.
Book Details
- Publisher : Revell
- Publication date : August 19, 2025
- Language : English
- Print length : 336 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0800746619
****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****
My Review
The Bitter End Birding Society grabbed my attention right away. The novel unfolds from two time periods at once. Stories like this, weaving family threads across years, deeply pull me in. You feel the weight of their ups and downs, and the raw hurt on their path. Amanda Cox writes with such grace. She paints the small town of Bitter End alive in the 1950s and now. My favorite quote from the novel shows how well-crafted this book is...
"Nature had a way of breaking down walls built by human hands. Gently, gradually. Not with wrecking balls but by infusing life."
I loved the characters from both time periods. My heart ached when theirs did, and I rejoiced when they found happiness. I adored the cute dog, Pippi/Piper, and the comfort she provided for Ana after the horrific thing that happened in her Kindergarten classroom. I admired Sam and his courage to face life again after his trials in life. This novel conveys the overall message that hope is possible in all our lives and that healing is attainable. This healing though, may come in surprising ways.
The Bitter End Birding Society moved me with its heartfelt messages. There are dark themes woven throughout, but forgiveness ultimately brings real light. This is a must-read novel for 2025.
****Meet Author Amanda Cox****
Before becoming a stay-at-home parent, Amanda Cox spent her time counseling children, families, and individuals through life’s challenging moments. Now she uses those same skills to develop layered characters and stories, bringing them on a journey of hope and healing. A journey she hopes her readers experience in their own lives as they read.
A few of her favorite things are the sanctuary of the great outdoors, the feeling of pen on paper, the sound of her children’s laughter, and exploring new places with her husband of 18 years. (Oh, let’s not forget good fiction and good coffee. She’s addicted to both.) You can stay connected with her latest writing updates at www.amandacoxwrites.com. You can find her on social media by searching Amanda Cox Writes
To get a free short story featuring characters from The Edge of Belonging visit: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/fuj7mlfd83
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