Showing posts with label Colleen Coble. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Colleen Coble. Show all posts

Saturday, February 10, 2024

Review: Secretly Smitten by Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, Denise Hunter



My rating: 3 stars / I liked it



Synopsis

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?  
 
My Review

I enjoy collections where each story builds upon the previous. Tess, Clare, Zoe, and Anna each play a role in uncovering the mystery of the military dog tags and reuniting Grandma Rose with David. Not before some serious sisterly drama plays out, however, and makes the granddaughters worry that things will never be the same. The first three stories were okay, I didn't really mesh with the authors' writing styles. The interactions between the main characters were awkward and I wasn't feeling the chemistry. The last story by Denise Hunter made up for it, and I found myself looking forward to her contribution as I read. She brings a spark to her romance and I connected more fully with the emotions of the characters.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Check out the other books in the Smitten series . . .




Monday, January 8, 2024

Review: Smitten Book Club by Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, Denise Hunter



My rating: 3 stars / I liked it



Synopsis

"Consider that your beau is like a coveted novel whose compelling first lines you've just begun to read." -- A Gentlewoman's Guide to Love and Courtship

At a rummage sale, Heather, a member of the Fireside Book Club, discovers a turn-of-the-century romantic advice book written by a once-famous Smitten, Vermont resident. When she shares the precious volume with her friends in the club, they find clues about a hidden treasure rumored to be buried in their tiny town.

As Heather, Abby, Lia, and Molly take turns reading the book, each projects onto it her own literary tastes. Heather sees it as a mystery. Abby discovers delicious dashes of Jane Austen. Lia sees in it the idealism of a bygone day. And Molly just wishes they'd made the book into a movie!

One by one, each of the women finds romantic love often in spite of the historic book's advice. And in searching for the legendary gold, the friends discover the best kind of treasure. The kind that brings hope and healing to each of their hearts.


My Review

I enjoy collections like these with several authors providing the stories, giving me a taste of writing styles that may be a bit different from each other but mesh well enough to harmonize. Once again I'm reading a series out of order, with this being my first read of Smitten, but the coziness of the town and the loyalty of the community members came through strongly. The group of women lead the town as they rally behind Molly in her time of need, and a search for the town's legendary treasure connect the stories as they pass the vintage book to each other in search of clues. Heather, Abby, Lia, and Molly all have very distinct personalities and personal issues they work through while helping the others. The first three were interesting but didn't quite flow with me. My favorite story was the last one featuring Molly, by Denise Hunter, because I love her writing style and felt connected to the emotions of the characters as well as strong tension and chemistry between Molly and Gage. I look forward to reading the other collections to revisit Smitten and get to know more townspeople!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the previous books in the Smitten series . . .







Monday, March 6, 2023

Review: Safe in His Arms by Colleen Coble



My rating: 2 stars / It was okay



Synopsis

Sometimes it takes a stranger to see you as you really are.

Born and raised on sprawling Texas land, Margaret O’Brien prides herself on her competence as a rancher. But her father believes she’s made for more than just dawn-to-dusk work. He wants her to have the love of a good man, to raise children, to build a life. But Margaret gave up such dreams years ago. She’s convinced no man would have her, that the ranch is her life now.

So when Margaret’s father hires Daniel Cutler as a new foreman, she’s frustrated and suspicious. Then an overheard conversation links him with a gang of bank robbers, and she’s downright worried. Daniel swears he’s not involved, but Margaret’s not convinced. She knows the man still has secrets. But would a criminal be so kind and talk so convincingly of his faith? As a series of tragic “accidents” threatens all she holds dear, Margaret must decide what to trust: her own ears, her best judgment . . . or what her heart keeps telling her.


My Review

Historical westerns are one of my favorite genres, but this one was a miss for me. I didn't connect with the characters or find the plot very engaging. I felt like the motives and personalities shifted in ways that were not part of a character arc but seemed incongruous. Margaret's father especially did not make much sense and he seemed more like a plot device. I missed the layers I usually enjoy discovering in the characters.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.


Saturday, March 21, 2020

Book Tour Grand Finale: One Little Lie by Colleen Coble #OLLPrism

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Author Interview

What was the inspiration for ONE LITTLE LIE and for this new Pelican Harbor series?

I was at a restaurant in Gulf Shores, AL with friends. Their 16-year-old son mentioned he’d been working on a shrimp boat. He said, “You wouldn’t believe the stuff we bring up in the nets. Washing machines, other appliances, you name it.” I immediately had the image of a shrimp net hauling up a body clad in a wedding dress, and that was the nugget that started One Little Lie.


"This was truly a suspenseful "page-turner" with drama, lots of action, and situations which keeps the reader guessing who the "good guys" and the "bad guys" really are! . . . The characters are portrayed so well, one will tend to forget this is fiction."

Heidi Reads... - Excerpt

She turned toward the coffee shop and bumped into a man who reached out to steady her. “Sorry, I wasn’t watching where I was going.”

His eyes crinkled at the corners as if smiling was his usual expression, though his lips were flat now. He towered over her five feet two inches, and she guessed him to be six foot. His shaved head made his large brown eyes even more expressive and compelling, and he exuded controlled energy and power under his very attractive surface. His muscular arms and face were tanned as if he’d spent a lot of time in the sun. Her immediate attraction to him made her take a step back. She steered clear of relationships. Losing someone you cared about hurt too much.

Those dark eyes smiled down at her. “You’re Jane Hardy.”


"One Little Lie is the first book in the Pelican Harbor series, and after reading this one I certainly cannot wait to read the next book. . . . I enjoyed getting to know the characters in this book and I thought that they were interesting, relatable, and people I could see in real-life situations. Colleen Coble is one of my go-to authors . . . and she certainly came through again with this great book."


"I have read a few of the author's books and enjoyed them. . . . The plot was predictable but, had a few surprises. . . . I did enjoy the book . . ."


"This was one of those stories that compelled me to keep turning the pages. There were so many questions to be answered and lots of secrets to be uncovered. . . . The chemistry between Jane and Reid was there and I enjoyed the suspense . . ."


Kimber Li - Excerpt

Jane parked her SUV in the driveway behind the flashing lights of a patrol vehicle and got out, the rising sun glaring into her gritty eyes. The call to investigate another body had sent her straight to her vehicle without a shower. Two bodies in twenty-four hours . . .

Was she really equipped for this job?

She let Parker out of the back before she walked toward the shotgun house with its neat spring flower beds lining either side of the red front door. She spotted a woman standing off to one side with her arms clutched around her. It was probably the neighbor who’d made the 911 call, and Jane would talk to her next.

A figure moved in the brush at the side of the house, and she caught the shine of something metallic. A gun? She pointed at the bush. “Take down, Parker!”


"Wow, there was a lot going on in this book! I loved the first chapter of the book which really set the stage for the rest of the story. It gave me an instant connection to emotion and really peaked my interest. . . . The intensity ramps up slowly but I could feel it happening. It's exactly what you want to feel when reading this type of book."

I'm Into Books - Spotlight


“Did you need something from me?”

He spread out his hands. “Look, I could shout up to you from the street, but I’d like to come up and talk to you.”

The lights were on next door. What could it hurt to have a private conversation? She wasn’t afraid of him. She gestured to her left.

“There are exterior stairs off the alley. I’ll open the door for you.”

He nodded and moved that direction, and she went inside to open the door in the kitchen. The iron stairs clanged as he ascended them, and for some reason, the sound made her pulse jump. Maybe this was a bad idea.


"Over the years, I’ve read many of Colleen Coble’s books and have enjoyed them immensely. She never ceases to amaze me with her ability to come up with new stories. One Little Lie is another example of her superb writing. . . . One Little Lie is filled with well-written characters, and you’ll love reading their stories. . . . The book’s pacing is perfect for a suspense novel. You’ll be frantically reading to find out how all of the clues fit together."

Uplifting Reads - Review

"This one starts out with a bang, gripping you from the first page . . . I did enjoy the story. I kept my attention during a time of a lot of uncertainty in the world and was a welcome distraction."



"Right off, from the prologue, the novel grabbed me . . . While others could feel bogged down by all that is going on in it, Coble has found a way to make it all work and carefully weave it together. The cases, the people – every little bit. It’s a wild roller coaster of a [read]."


"This was my first ever read from Colleen Coble and just wow! I was blown away by the writing, the flow and the themes within the story. I loved the way everything unfolded as the story progressed and that ending was superb!"


"Overall, I thought the premise of the novel is fantastic and unlike [any] other book I have read. I found the characters fascinating and well developed and I started to care what happens to the them, basically I just want them to have the happiness they so richly deserve. A great book to read in one day or over a weekend."

Wishful Endings - Spotlight


"I have read nearly all of Ms. Coble’s books. She is a wonderful storyteller and infuses her tales with mystery, suspense, romance, and faith. . . . In the end, most things wrapped up nicely."

Hallie Reads - Excerpt

Will’s smile could light up a football stadium. The boy wore a Saints cap backward, and he slung two camera bags onto his shoulders as he exited Reid’s SUV outside the police station. A tripod stuck up out his backpack.

A pelican fluttered down the strut on the grass by the road, and Will pointed it out. “Look at that!”

“No fish here in town.” Reid locked his vehicle. “You don’t look eager or anything. This will be hard work.”

Will bounced a little on his flip-flops.

“It’s going to be great, Dad. I know I can do it. Thanks for giving me a chance.”


"Overall, this has everything that I have come to love from Colleen Coble--- great suspense, unexpected twists, themes of faith and yes, romance too. It was a great start to this new series and I cannot wait to see what happens next. Current fans of Colleen Coble will certainly want to add it to their collection, and new readers are sure to fall in love too!"


"This is such a strong book to begin a new series of hers. The characters were absolutely delightful and relatable. Moreover, she tackles a hot topic now that seems to make its way into popular culture on a regular basis–cults. I appreciate the fact that she, a solid Christian author, tackles such a timely subject, while still including twists, turns, and the gospel message. . . . Fair warning, however. Once you start the book, I promise you WILL NOT want to put it down!"

Splashes of Joy - Spotlight


"One Little Lie is so intriguing and has many twists and turns in this wonderful story that I just couldn't put the book down. . . . Colleen Coble sure knows how to grab your attention and keep it there. Her writng style is fantastic! . . . I wasn't at all disappointed with this novel. It had a little bit of everything in it and just right amount too. Nicely done."

All excerpts from One Little Lie by Colleen Coble. Used with the permission of the publisher, Thomas Nelson. Copyright © 2020 by Colleen Coble. Learn more at TNZ Fiction.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post...

One Little Lie
(Pelican Harbor #1)
By Colleen Coble
Christian Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 352 Pages
March 3rd 2020 by Thomas Nelson

It started with one little lie. But Jane Hardy will do everything in her power to uncover the truth in this gripping new romantic suspense.

Jane Hardy is appointed interim sheriff in Pelican Harbor, Alabama, after her father retires, but there's no time for an adjustment period. When her father is arrested for theft and then implicated in a recent murder, Jane quickly realizes she's facing someone out to destroy the only family she has.

After escaping with her father from a cult fifteen years ago, Jane has searched relentlessly for her mother—who refused to leave—ever since. Could someone from that horrible past have found them?

Reid Bechtol is well-known for his documentaries, and his latest project involves covering Jane's career. Jane has little interest in the attention, but the committee who appointed her loves the idea of the publicity.

Jane finds herself depending on Reid's calm manner as he follows her around filming, and they begin working together to clear her father. But Reid has his own secrets from the past, and the gulf between them may be impossible to cross—especially once her father’s lie catches up with him.

Praise for the Book

“Colleen Coble always raises the notch on romantic suspense, and One Little Lie is my favorite yet! The story took me on a wild and wonderful ride.” —Diann Mills, bestselling author

"Colleen Coble once again proves she is at the pinnacle of Christian romantic suspense. Filled with characters you'll come to love, faith lost and found, and scenes that will have you holding your breath, Jane Hardy's story deftly follows the complex and tangled web that can be woven by one little lie.' —Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours

(Affiliate links included.)

About the Author


Colleen Coble is a USA TODAY bestselling author and RITA finalist best known for her coastal romantic suspense novels, including The Inn at Ocean’s Edge, Twilight at Blueberry Barrens, and the Lavender Tides, Sunset Cove, Hope Beach, and Rock Harbor series.


Bookstagram Tour


Check out all the pictures from the Bookstagram Tour here!

March 9th:
@simplehomemama
@ChristenKrumm
March 10th:
@_coffeecatsandbooks_
@adventurous.bookworm
March 11th:
@irishgirliereads
@christy41970
March 12th:
@SimplyKelina
@ya.its.lit
March 13th:
@savingsinseconds
@fortheloveofchristianfiction

Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a print copy of Strands of Truth by Colleen Coble (US only)
Ends March 25, 2020






Monday, March 9, 2020

Book Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: One Little Lie by Colleen Coble #OLLPrism

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

One Little Lie
(Pelican Harbor #1)
By Colleen Coble
Christian Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 352 Pages
March 3rd 2020 by Thomas Nelson

It started with one little lie. But Jane Hardy will do everything in her power to uncover the truth in this gripping new romantic suspense.

Jane Hardy is appointed interim sheriff in Pelican Harbor, Alabama, after her father retires, but there's no time for an adjustment period. When her father is arrested for theft and then implicated in a recent murder, Jane quickly realizes she's facing someone out to destroy the only family she has.

After escaping with her father from a cult fifteen years ago, Jane has searched relentlessly for her mother—who refused to leave—ever since. Could someone from that horrible past have found them?

Reid Bechtol is well-known for his documentaries, and his latest project involves covering Jane's career. Jane has little interest in the attention, but the committee who appointed her loves the idea of the publicity.

Jane finds herself depending on Reid's calm manner as he follows her around filming, and they begin working together to clear her father. But Reid has his own secrets from the past, and the gulf between them may be impossible to cross—especially once her father’s lie catches up with him.



(Affiliate links included.)
Excerpt


She turned toward the coffee shop and bumped into a man who reached out to steady her. “Sorry, I wasn’t watching where I was going.”

His eyes crinkled at the corners as if smiling was his usual expression, though his lips were flat now. He towered over her five feet two inches, and she guessed him to be six foot. His shaved head made his large brown eyes even more expressive and compelling, and he exuded controlled energy and power under his very attractive surface. His muscular arms and face were tanned as if he’d spent a lot of time in the sun. Her immediate attraction to him made her take a step back. She steered clear of relationships. Losing someone you cared about hurt too much.

Those dark eyes smiled down at her. “You’re Jane Hardy.”

“Guilty as charged. You look familiar.”

A flush flared under his tan. “Maybe you’ve seen my picture around.” He held out his hand and shook hers. “Reid Dixon. You might have seen some of my documentaries.” He released her hand.

Of course she had. “You did the piece on cults a few years ago.”

“I did. I was about to grab a cup of coffee. Care to join me?”

She didn’t want to agree, but he was here for a reason, and she had a feeling that since he’d sought her out, she wouldn’t like whatever had brought him to town. Better to be prepared than blindsided.

“I was about to get coffee as well.” She walked beside him to Pelican Brews and had her dog settle in the shady overhang outside before she stepped into the building. The fresh aroma of the Guatemalan roast put a spring in her step. She ordered and paid for a coffee, then found a small table next to the window to wait for him.

He ordered black coffee and joined her. She took a sip of her coffee and waited for him to tell her what he wanted. When he didn’t speak, she filled the silence. “I’m not sure where you live, but I’m sure it’s far from our little burg.”

“I live in New Orleans. I’m here for a few weeks for a new documentary.”

He gestured to the south. “I rented the Holbrook place.”

The brick mansion on the Bon Secour River hadn’t sold yet. Not many could afford its price tag. “Nice place.”

“Yeah, it is.” He sipped his coffee and glanced out the window.

“You live here long?”

“Most of my life.”

“Nice area. My boy and I are going shrimping in a little while.”

What did he want with her? “It’s best at night.”

“Yes, but Will finishes his basketball camp in a couple of hours, and he’s jonesing to get out shrimping.” He glanced at her and opened his mouth to say something else, but her dispatcher called.

“Chief Hardy.”

“Jane, we’ve got a murder,” Olivia Davis said. “You need to get down to the pier. A shrimper pulled up a dead body.”

“On my way.” She grabbed her coffee and rose. “Nice to meet you, Reid. I need to go.”

“Of course. I’ll be contacting you later.”

It felt more like a threat than a promise.




Praise for the Book

“Colleen Coble always raises the notch on romantic suspense, and One Little Lie is my favorite yet! The story took me on a wild and wonderful ride.” —Diann Mills, bestselling author

"Colleen Coble once again proves she is at the pinnacle of Christian romantic suspense. Filled with characters you'll come to love, faith lost and found, and scenes that will have you holding your breath, Jane Hardy's story deftly follows the complex and tangled web that can be woven by one little lie.' —Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours


About the Author


Colleen Coble is a USA TODAY bestselling author and RITA finalist best known for her coastal romantic suspense novels, including The Inn at Ocean’s Edge, Twilight at Blueberry Barrens, and the Lavender Tides, Sunset Cove, Hope Beach, and Rock Harbor series.


Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a print copy of Strands of Truth by Colleen Coble (US only)
Ends March 25, 2020