#NetGalley Book Review: Strands of Truth by Colleen Coble

This is a good Christian Romantic Suspense.
Strands of Truth
by Colleen Coble

File Size: 5603 KB
Print Length: 337 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0718085884

Publisher: Thomas Nelson (September 10, 2019)
Genre: Christian, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

Suspense, romance, and generational secrets meld in this engrossing new novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble.
Strands of Harper Taylor’s childhood are resurfacing—but will the truth save her . . . or pull her under?
Harper Taylor is used to being alone— after all, she grew up in one foster home after another. Oliver Jackson finally took her under his wing when she was a runaway teenager, and now Harper pours her marine biology knowledge into Oliver’s pen shell research. But she’s never stopped wishing for a family of her own.
So when a DNA test reveals a half-sister living just two hours away, Harper is both hopeful and nervous. Over warm cinnamon rolls, Harper and Annabelle find striking similarities in their stories. Is it just a coincidence that both their mothers died tragically, without revealing Harper and Annabelle’s father’s name?
Oliver’s son Ridge still sees Harper as a troubled teen even all these years later. But when Oliver is attacked, Ridge and Harper find themselves working together to uncover dangerous secrets that threaten to destroy them all. They must unravel her past before they can have any hope for the future.

Review:
Harper’s mother died when she was born, and Harper struggled in foster care. As a thieving fifteen-year-old, she was surprised when Oliver Jackson took her under his wing. His own children, Ridge and Willow were not happy about the attention their father gave to this wild child, not really recognizing all the gifts they took for granted. Oliver has remained Harper’s mentor and support as she pursues her marine research involving pen shells.

Now, aged 30. Harper is determined to have her own family so, with no boyfriend in sight, she is hoping to get pregnant by fertility implantation. Oliver isn’t thrilled by this decision but once again he is there to support her. He has tried to help her discover her biological father but with little success.

Harper has finally found a DNA match in Annabelle who appears to be an older sister. They had different mother’s and neither knows their father. As they begin to share their histories and the accidents that led to the deaths of their mothers, they become more determined to uncover the identity of their father.

However, they didn’t realize that their probing would bring trouble. Suddenly Oliver is attacked, then Harper. It isn’t clear what the motive is for the attacks, but Ridge is prepared to stand by and protect his father and Harper. The more time he spends with Harper, the more he realizes that she honestly cares for his father and wasn’t just out to get a free ride.

When Annabelle is kidnapped Harper and Ridge become even more concerned. They are joined by Annabelle’s sons, one of whom is a police officer, in searching the old files for any clues.

The story has plenty of personal conflict and tension, as well as a mystery with leads to keep them moving and asking questions. I liked both Harper and Ridge as characters and was glad when they began to work together. I enjoyed the mystery plot set in Florida and the interesting tidbits about the pen shells. I also liked the faith that gives a firm foundation to the main characters.

I have read several books by Colleen Coble and I enjoy her clean style, well-written suspense and romance and the faith elements in her writing. I recommend this to readers who enjoy romantic suspense.

Source: 2019 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2019NetGalley goal.

Audible Book Review: Silent Night, Holy Night: A Colleen Coble Christmas Collection by Colleen Coble

These are nice, quick Christmas novellas from series by a good romance author.

Silent Night, Holy Night:

A Colleen Coble Christmas Collection

Written by: Colleen Coble

Narrated by: Devon O'Day

Length: 4 hrs and 6 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:10-07-14

Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publishers

Genre: Romance Novella, Holiday

My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

Tis the season for mystery and romance featuring characters from two of Colleen Coble’s most popular series!

As Christmas day nears, Bree Matthews and her faithful search-and-rescue dog Samson follow the trail of a troubling mystery into the snowy forests of Rock Harbor.Newlywed Bree Matthews and her husband Kade are preparing for Christmas guests when word arrives that a parachuter has disappeared in the North Woods, along Lake Superior's icy shore. Bree and Samson plunge into the search.

Will this snowy, silent night search lead Bree and Samson to the missing girl?

Holy Night

One sinister phone call has derailed their Christmas wedding. Will it keep them apart forever? Leia and Bane are looking forward to their long-awaited Christmas wedding on the beach. Everything is going as planned - until Leia's phone rings and her world skids out of control. A muffled voice informs Leia that her sister has been kidnapped and will be killed unless Leia calls off the wedding without explanation - and no police. If she disobeys instructions and tells Bane, she'll risk her beloved sister's life. But can she handle this trauma without his help? And will he ever trust her again if she lies to him now?

Irresistible romance meets thrilling suspense in this holiday update to USA Today best-selling author Colleen Coble's Aloha Reef series.

©2014 Thomas Nelson Publishers (P)2014 Thomas Nelson Publishers

Review:
Silent Night (Part of Rock Harbor (Michigan) Series):
Bree is recovering emotionally from a miscarriage but is looking forward to sharing Christmas with her new husband, Kade. The guests will include Kade’s twenty-one year old sister, Lauri, who arrives early before Bree has finished painting her room. Although Bree is working overtime trying to get ready, she steps out quickly to take her search and rescue dog, Samson, (Cry in the Night, Rock Harbor Book 5) on the hunt for a missing parachutist. Bree and another rescue friend don’t find the young man but instead find Lauri curled up in the snow. Lauri’s mysterious connection with the parachutist and concern about a missing back pack raises suspicions with Bree.

I always like search dog teams although that was a small element of this story. I liked the characters of Bree and Kade and might enjoy their full story. This novella had a little mystery, a touch of emotional issues regarding infertility and adoption, and of course, some Christmas spirit.

Holy Night (Part of the Aloha Reef (Hawaii) series):
Leia is committed to caring for her sweet, twenty-one-year-old sister, Eva, who has Down syndrome. Leia has issues of abandonment stemming from her childhood and had previously left her love, Bane, behind (Dangerous Depths, Aloha Reef Book 3). It has taken a long courtship for Bane to get Leia to the altar and even Eva is excited to help prepare for the Christmas wedding.

Bane is former military and his brother is a police officer. They have enemies from the past who will do anything to take away Bane’s future happiness. A kidnapping has Leia pulling away again and Bane isn’t sure their relationship can survive without trusting each other.

Again, I liked these characters and the quick plot development. There was good danger and tie-in to the issues that impacted Leia and Bane’s past relationships. They clearly have to work things out before they tie the knot. This novella has danger, emotional issues, and a very sweet, if brief, attitude from Eva about Christmas.

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

Each story is nice, if not stellar. There is good evidence of Colleen’s lovely, straightforward and easy writing style. Readers familiar with the series might enjoy the quick novella offerings. And, the romances with real life issues might pull new romance readers into searching out more about the series.

Audio Notes: I think I was not overly impressed with the narration and maybe that is why the reading experience was just “nice”. I felt this was more of a reading than an effort to enhance the characters with different voices. It didn’t pull me in and this is a book that might be better in print or digital.

This was on my TBR Audible shelf and adds to my Audio Challenge.

Book Review: Secretly Smitten Anthology

Four delightful stories that tie mystery and love together beautifully.
Secretly Smitten Anthology
Colleen Coble (Author, Contributor), Kristin Billerbeck (Contributor), Denise Hunter (Contributor), Diann Hunt (Contributor) 
 

• File Size: 939 KB
• Print Length: 383 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 140168713X
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (January 8, 2013)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Genre: Inspirational Romance
My Overall Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
Individual ratings listed with the stories.

Book Description
Publication Date: January 8, 2013

Summer, fall, winter, spring—Smitten, Vermont, is the place for love . . . and mystery!

There’s a secret in Grandma Rose’s attic—a forgotten set of dog tags belonging to her first love. But David Hutchins was killed in action and never returned to Smitten. How did the dog tags end up in the attic?

The mystery intrigues Rose’s three granddaughters—Tess, Clare, and Zoe—and they decide to investigate, though their mother, Anna, warns against meddling. But as the seasons turn and the mystery unravels, the three young women and their mother encounter some intriguing mystery men of their own. Has a sixty-year-old puzzle sparked something new for this close-knit family of women?

Join popular romance novelists—and real-life BFFs—Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter for four delightful intertwined tales of mystery and sweet intrigue.

Review:
Dog tags of a man who supposedly died in Korea are found in the attic. The dog tags belonged to David who was the first love and fiancé of Rose. Rose’s granddaughters, Tess, Clare and Zoe, decide to investigate even though their mother Anna warns against it. Each story tells a new love story while moving the investigation forward another step, exposing long hidden secrets and betrayal.

Love Between the Lines by Colleen Coble. Rating  4.25
Tess has a few extra pounds and doesn’t expect there will ever be a man who would choose her. She is attracted to Ryan, the owner of the local dairy, ice creamery. But Tess is nothing like Ryan’s first wife and sister-in-law who are beautiful fashion mavens. Unknown to Tess, Ryan is attracted to Tess too. She is down to earth, real and natural which he finds refreshing after his first wive’s compulsive perfectionism.

Ryan owns the home that used to belong to David’s family. Tess offers to help Ryan clean his attic which will allow her to search for clues about David but also brings Tess and Ryan time together. Ryan’s daughter, Sophia, is fond of Tess too. She loves how Tess, who owns the local book store, is willing to dress up and make voices when reading stories to the children.

I enjoy Ms. Coble’s clear, real-to-life characters, settings and plots. The romance grows slowly and sweetly, with the added warmth of a young child. The dialogue is very real and natural.

Make Me a Match by Kristin Billerbeck. Rating 4.25
Zoe is the younger, vibrant sister who loves helping the seniors in Smitten. She’s decided to sink everything she has into a new business: Cupid’s Arrow Matchmaking Services. Zoe believes the business fits in with Smitten’s efforts to become a tourist attraction as a romantic get away.

As Zoe prepares her new storefront for an opening singles event a handsome man walks into the ladder she is using. She doesn’t need trouble before she even starts but it seems trouble may have found her in the form of the new town manager, William.

William is a trouble shooting, rule-making and enforcing manager.  He’s been brought in to help get the town selected for a new rail station which would really help the town economy. William likes Zoe but he sees code violations in her building that make it unsafe. He wants to help Zoe but if he doesn’t take a hard stand he’ll be risking his own job.

The conflict between these two is fun as impulsive Zoe immediately takes a defensive stand in opposition to William’s concerns. There is good humor as the family keep trying to match-make the pair.  I enjoyed the faith based references of trust that the author slips into the story.

Knit One, Love Two by Diann Hunt. Rating 4.5
The girl’s mother, Anna, lost trust in men and love after their father left her and the girls behind to start a new family with another woman. Anna managed to help make ends meet with her knitting shop, The Sit ‘n Knit. She loves the colors and textures of the materials and loves helping other women in the community with their projects. She is reluctant to trust the interest of Michael, who is the handsome son of Emma, a customer who is suffering from cancer. Besides, Michael is a retired, career officer who he has been a loner for a long time and is struggling with an estranged son.

A skiing injury lands Michael cabin bound and Anna offers help. When Anna decides to raise a herd of sheep to supply wool for spinning Michael is there to help her.  Slowly a friendship edged with desire builds.

I enjoyed the vulnerability of these characters as they learn to release their fears and begin to trust. The warm, mature romance is very lovely. I also liked Anna’s firm faith and willingness to seek guidance from the Lord.

Love Blooms by Denise Hunter. Rating 4.5
Clare is the middle child and a lady with a green thumb. She is the one who keeps to routine; steady and practical.  She has recently lost her boyfriend who decided that she was just too predictable and ‘boring.’ It is a surprise when she hires a drifter to help at the nursery that she manages.

Ethan lost a buddy in war and has lived from town to town following where he feels God directs him to help. He was desperate for work when he arrived in Smitten and now is looking for God’s meaning in bringing him to this charming town. He is attracted to Clare but he doesn’t want to start something since his visit is only temporary.

Ethan and Clare both have fear, control and trust issues to overcome. It is wonderful to watch them shift their views so that they can come together. This story also does a great wrap up for the mystery and the healing for the betrayal that occurred in Rose’s past.  I had tears in my eyes by the time this ended.

The book concludes with some great Reading Group Guide questions that dig a little deeper into emotions and reactions. This would make a great group read as well as a lovely read for anyone who likes inspirational romance.

I received this anthology from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley for an honest review.

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.

Book Review and Giveaway: Lonestar Secrets by Colleen Coble

This is engaging Christian fiction.
Lonestar Secrets (Lonestar Series, Book 2) by Colleen Coble

Audible/Audio 
Lonestar Secrets

• UNABRIDGED
• by Colleen Coble
• Narrated by Aimee Lilly

Genre:  Christian Fiction

My Rating:  3.75 of 5.0  - But the ladies all give it a thumbs up!

Product Description
Can a secret be kept forever?
Five years ago, Shannon Astor left the beautiful high-mountain country of West Texas as a single mother. She was desperate for a fresh start...and a way to keep the secrets of her past buried. It almost worked.

Until a chance to make a better life for her daughter leads her right back home. To the very place of the past betrayals.

But it also leads Shannon to horse-trainer Jack MacGowan--her handsome high-school nemesis, now a widowed father. His daughter looks so startlingly like her own that Shannon can't help but question the circumstances surrounding her daughter's birth. Wary of each other's intentions, Shannon and Jack reluctantly join forces to untangle a deep mystery that swirls around Shannon's parents, a lost Spanish treasure, and a legendary black stallion.

If Shannon can learn to entrust her secrets to the man falling in love with her, the truth just might set her free.

Review: This is a story centered on the effect of secrets.

Shannon is a bright, determined, young single mother.  She had put herself through veterinary school and was living in a squalid apartment in the city.  When her uncle dies and leaves her the family ranch in West Texas she decides to return ‘home’ to take over the small veterinary practice from the retiring vet.  She knows she will face some issues going home but she is surprised to suddenly see a child who looks just like her daughter, Kylie. The girl, Faith, is the daughter of Shannon’s high school nemesis, Jack. Jack was the one who ridiculed Shannon in school resulting in her becoming an ostracized loner.  Shannon has never trusted anyone since that betrayal and the betrayal of her daughter’s father.

Jack is a handsome, rich wrangler.  He is the son of a powerful state Senator but rather than live the frenzied, socialite life of a politician Jack has chosen to be a horse trainer and stay close to home and family.  Jack is also shocked to see Kylie. He doesn’t understand how the girls could look enough alike to be twins! Then Shannon makes a startling discovery that puts both girls at risk in their circumstances.

Shannon proposes - literally - as a solution to the dilemma. They agree to marry for the sake of the girls but Shannon doesn’t trust Jack.  Although no marriage should begin with crucial secrets  Shannon is unwilling to disclose hers.  Jack loved his wife and is reluctant to let go of her memory which makes the new relationship even more difficult. Meanwhile someone is threatening Shannon’s best friend if Shannon doesn’t deliver a ransom even though she has no idea what they want. More complications settle in when Kylie’s birth father begins to make claims.

There is a lot going on in this story which keeps it moving quickly. However I was very frustrated by Shannon’s failure to disclose important facts that should be revealed before marriage. I also felt that the kidnapping, threats and attacks where a bit loose and therefor not fully realistic. I enjoyed the main message of the story that love is a choice and an action, not a feeling. I also liked the issues of forgiveness and seeking good in others who seem to be beyond goodness.

I listened to this book on Audible and the narration was acceptable... not wonderful but not detracting either.

Even though I wasn’t thrilled with the heroine, the story is engaging. This was our book club read and all the ladies really liked the story more than I did. One woman read books one and three this week too. I would read more by this author but have lots more to read before getting back to her.

One of the lady's in our group donated  her paperback to me for this giveaway. We love to share books and inspirational is a bonus. :-)

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the gently used copy:
1. Visit the author's website and tell me something of interest you found there. This is required for entry.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.)

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on September 30, 2011. (This month's book giveaways will all end on the 30th except for Friday Picks.)
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
The WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED between October 1 and 3. Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.