Book Review: Tidewater Inn by Colleen Coble

This story shares a solid mystery and a sweet romance.

Tidewater Inn (The Hope Beach Series)
by Colleen Coble

• File Size: 834 KB
• Print Length: 341 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1611734975
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (July 17, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B007D1TNYS

Genre:  Mystery, Christian Suspense
My Rating:  4.5 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: July 17, 2012 | Series: The Hope Beach Series (Book 1)

Welcome to Hope Beach. A place of intoxicating beauty . . . where trouble hits with the force of a hurricane.

Inheriting a beautiful old hotel on the Outer Banks could be a dream come true for Libby. The inn cries out for her restorer's talent and love of history. She's delighted to learn of the family she never knew she had. And the handsome Coast Guard lieutenant she's met there on the island could definitely be the man of her dreams.

But Libby soon realizes that the only way she can afford the upkeep on the inn is to sell it to developers who are stalking the island. The father who willed her the inn has died before she could meet him, and her newfound brother and sister are convinced she's there to steal their birthright. Worst of all, her best friend and business partner has been kidnapped before her eyes, and Libby's under suspicion for the crime.

Libby's dream come true is becoming a nightmare. Her only option is to find her friend and prove her innocence, or lose everything on the shores of Hope Island.

Review:

Libby has a love of history and has put that to use in her restoration business.  Libby is working on one project when she ‘witnesses’ her partner, Nicole, being kidnapped through a live stream cam video. Libby heads to the Island of Hope Beach to help find her friend but she becomes the main suspect when she fails to disclose that she accidentally may have erased the video when she hacked the line to try to save it.

Libby also discovers that she has inherited the beautiful old Tidewater Inn on the island from her father - a man her mother told her was dead.  Her half brother and half sister are very unhappy about the inheritance. Would either of them kidnap her friend, or worse, to try to drive her away? And how can Libby afford to keep the Inn without funds to restore and manage it? Would the developers who are pressing Libby to sell the Inn use kidnapping as a pressure tactic?

Local Coast Guard lieutenant, Alec, is attracted to Libby but he and his best friend, the town sheriff, are suspicious of her because of her initial untruths.  Is he helping Libby because he is falling for her or in order to stay close to her so he can report back to the sheriff?

The mystery takes twists and turns while Libby feels like she is alone trying to locate her best friend.  Add to that worry, Libby is trying to cope with decisions regarding her new inheritance, having a family she longs for but who don’t welcome her, and developing feelings for a man who may not trust her. The characters, including Libby’s siblings, an Aunt and Alec’s best friend, have distinct quirks that add depth and a "real life" feel to the story.

I was very impressed with the suspense that kicks off early and keeps up till the end. There are extra surprises beyond the kidnapping. I also enjoyed Ms. Coble’s inclusion of a search dog as an added feature. The sweet romance is filled with obstruction and conflict to give it interest. There is a redemption message shared in a subtle way. If you enjoy a good suspense and sweet romance I highly recommend this story.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Libby’s initial reaction on learning of her inheritance:

How much of her reluctance was rooted in the thought of facing a future that was about to change radically?  Location 79.

Alec sharing wisdom with Libby:

“One thing I’ve discovered in my own walk with the Lord is this: when something is really hard but we do it anyway, the rewards are equally great....” Location 2250

I recieved this eBook from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley.

This story is set in the Outer Banks for My Where Are You Reading Challenge.