Colleen Coble has the gift of storytelling. I was immediately drawn into the life of Harper Taylor as her mother died giving birth to her. She lived with her grandmother for a few years until she died of an overdose and then Harper was in foster care. It's a hard way for a young girl to live. Her luck changed when she was fifteen. Oliver Jackson took an interest in her and found her safe foster parents and became her mentor.

There were plenty of unexpected happenings that took me by surprise as Harper tried to discover who killed her mother and why. The mystery and suspense kept me turning pages long past my bed time.. Great new characters.

I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from the author and Thomas Nelson Publishers through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are completely my own.
#StrandsofTruth #NetGalley

In Colleen Coble’s latest suspense book, readers will be engaged throughout as they follow Harper’s journey to discover her past. The main character, Harper, grew up in foster care, but found family in Oliver Jackson. Oliver provided a father figure to her and helped her accomplish her goals in life. Trying to find any family, Harper puts her DNA on a DNA website that matches up families. She is shocked to discover she has a half-sister nearby. Once they meet they discover many similarities between both of their stories. Both had a mother who died young and suddenly. Annabelle’s mother was murdered. Together they embark on a journey to discover what happened and who their father is. As they try to discover what is happening, things began to happen to Harper which proves she is in danger. Is it connected to what she is trying to discover or is something else? Oliver’s son has never trusted Harper, because he believed that she was using his dad. Ridge is surprised as he spends time with Harper that there is more to Harper than he believed. Ridge is worried about the events happening to Harper and seeks to help her uncover her past before she gets hurt. Will he realize there is more occurring between them as well? I highly recommend this book and do not believe that you will be disappointed after reading this latest release by Mrs. Coble.
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, I have purchased her books before.

Mystery, murder and suspense will keep readers intrigued as this fast-paced story delves into the past to solve crimes in the present. Life has not been easy for Harper whose mother died after childbirth. When Harper is convinced by her best friend, Sara to take a DNA test to find her father, Harper finds a half sister. Things take a different turn as both sisters find themselves in a dangerous situation. Does the DNA test have anything to do with what is happening? Highly recommended!!

What a fantastic read! Strands of Truth might be Colleen Coble’s best book so far. I found the sea life aspect intriguing and I always love a good romance, but the mystery itself pulled me in from the very beginning and didn’t let go. The main characters — Harper and Ridge — had just enough animosity and tension toward one another, and their satisfying connection as it progressed throughout the story was just right. Highly recommended, especially if you love Colleen Coble’s stories.

Strands of Truth may just be Colleen Coble's best work to date. This riveting, suspenseful drama will keep readers glued to the page as they work they try and solve the complex mystery that starts right from the very first pages.

Harper Taylor has always felt alone. Her mother died shortly after giving birth to her, and she found herself being bounced around from foster home to foster home. A chance encounter with a successful businesman, Oliver Jackson, as a bitter teen gives her the support system she's always wanted, but she knows that the rest of his family doesn't feel the same way about her that he does. As an adult, Harper has become interested in mollusks and pen beds, and Oliver has become her business partner and greatest supporter. As the head of a successful pharmaceutical company, Oliver sees potential in the mollusks as ingredients for successful medications. He approaches Harper and his son Ridge with the idea of them working together on the project, and while both are hesitant to want anything to do with each other, they decide to go ahead with the project since it means so much to Oliver.

Around her mollusk research, Harper has also decided to take part in DNA testing, to see if she has any biological relatives from the family members she grew up knowing nothing about. The results reveal that she has a half-sister named Annabelle, who's quite a bit older than Harper, and the two women are over the moon when they finally get the chance to meet. However, the meeting also seems to open a can of worms, and soon both women are at the end of attempted kidnappings, break in attempts, and druggings. Annabelle's mother also died when she was an infant, and soon Harper is wondering if there is more to her mom's story than what she always believed.

With the help of Ridge, and Annabelle's two sons, the two sisters will stop at nothing to discover what's truly going on, but the consequences may be more than either is prepared for.

I've read a lot of Colleen Coble's books over the years, and I've enjoyed each and every one. However, this one really stood out for just how unique the story line, the setting, and the mystery were. DNA testing is becoming all the rage; and it was really interesting to read a story about the negative outcomes that can come to light when such information that's been hidden for so many years is finally brought to the surface. I also really enjoyed learning about Harper and Ridge's work with mollusks, and the process of how sea silk is woven and made into usable materials. I always appreciate with Colleen's books that the faith element always plays an integral role; and I found it extremely refreshing that both Harper and Ridge turn to their faith in times of doubt and trial, rather than relying entirely on their own devices.

I have to comment on just how much I enjoyed the romance as well. The slow burn element worked perfectly with this couple, and I especially appreciated the way that the friendship emerging between the two of them also helps to heal the hurts they experienced growing up jealous of one another as teenagers.

For as long as I can remember, I've loved time slip novels, and since I wasn't expecting that with this one, it was an added treat. The reader gets to see glimpses of parts of the story that occurred in the 1960's. Even more intriguing is that these clips often focus around the Weeki Wachee mermaid attraction, which I've always been fascinated by.

Lastly, I definitely have to comment about how much I love when I haven't yet pieced together a mystery by the time it is revealed to the reader, and that was the case for me with this one. With how many mystery books I read, this doesn't always happen to me, so extra props to Colleen Coble for writing a mystery that left this reader guessing right until the very end.

Final Rating: 5/5


I couldn't have enjoyed this more, and it gets the highest recommendation from me! Definitely pick this one up if you're a fan of mysteries or suspense novels.

Thanks so much to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the opportunity to advance read this!


I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher, Thomas Nelson, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not required to give a positive review.

This book was so intense right off the bat there wasn't a thing to loose. This book draws you in from page one and leaves you guessing all the way to the very end. You think you figure it out and then the author throws a wrench into it and makes you second guess if you are right. I really loved Harper my heart broke for her while her childhood stands true for so many in our world it was almost like she was right there in person telling you her story. I loved Ridge he had his guard up but he wasn't a jerk you wanted to punch each thing he did and faced you kind of understood why so you felt for him as well. I wish the author would have end the book with a follow up on some of the characters kind of makes me wonder what happened with a few of the big key players in the book. I had a love hate relationship with Willow but I would love to know more of her story. Over all this book was amazing, clean read. If you are looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your toes this book will not disappoint.

'Sometimes our biggest heartaches bring the most blessings.'

Colleen Coble never fails to write a great story with a mystery that totally engulfs her readers. This one is full of fun, intrigue and a mystery that will snag your attention from the first page. I never came close to guessing the culprit! Coble delves into the world of DNA with this one and how it affects her story is very interesting indeed. I finished in one day!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing through Net Galley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Strands Of Truth by Colleen Coble
I would give this book 3.5 stars if I could but 4 will have to do.
This book is a mystery, romance, and twist all in one. It is very well written with lots of detail about the location, marine biology and sea silk which was interesting. The main characters all had their own issues with resentment, sadness, and loss, but there was also grace and forgiveness which were an important theme. Most of these were brought out, talked about and worked out by the end. DNA testing isn’t something I’ve really thought about much; but was interesting to see what kinds of people and problems it brought with it.
A couple things I thought were just too easy was the parts where Harper and Ridge seemed to have resentment and dislike for each other and then very quickly they’re in love. Also having two related women kidnapped twice each in such a short amount of time without very much police involvement was questionable.
All in all, I love Colleen’s books and this one was another book done well.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Colleen Coble is one of my go-to authors for Christian suspense. She knows how to write a good page-turner, having the suspense build from the very first page as the reader tries to solve the crime. Even though her murders can be rather gruesome, I appreciate the clean read.

This is all true of her newest novel, Strands of Truth. I loved the premise from the very beginning, with marine biologists and DNA matches and unsolved murders. With another murder, kidnappings and a little romance added to the mix, the author has penned another fabulous story. I did guess the identity of the murderer about halfway through the story, but it was still interesting to connect all-the-dots between the unsolved murders a generation before and the current case. I also appreciated the thread of learning to trust and forgive that was woven throughout the story.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

From the first page to the last, Strands of Truth is a chilling, nonstop rollercoaster ride of murder and mystery. Set against the unique backdrop of malacology (yes, I looked that one up too!) and the dying art of creating with sea silk, Coble explores the murky what ifs that modern science can sometimes leave in its wake. The main characters, Harper and Ridge, are relatable people, struggling to overcome real issues while battling to stay alive.
This book will keep you up late, piecing together the strands of truth while looking over your shoulder at every creak and bump in the night.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Colleen Coble has given us one of her best books yet with this one! I love Colleen Coble's writing and the way that she draws you into the story and makes you feel like such a part of all the action going on in the story. I flew threw this book in no time because it was so gripping!

Harper has been alone all her life. Her mother dies only hours after she was born. Moving from foster home to foster home was no fun for Harper and she finally came under the care of Oliver, her mentor. Oliver took care of Harper and made sure she had what she needed but he didn't spoil her. Oliver was a very well off man but he did just enough to help Harper get only what she needed. Oliver's son, Ridge and daughter Willow thought that Harper was only out for one thing from their dad and that was money. All Harper wanted was to feel like she belonged to a family.

Harper has found someone that hit on her DNA testing and goes to make contact with her, but has Harper brought trouble to her in the process of finding her family? Now that Harper has found her half-sister, Annabelle, she doesn't want anything to happen to her with the things that have been happening to her. Things continue to happen and strange deaths occur along the way. I felt so sorry for Harper. She just couldn't seem to catch a break!

I am not going to give the book away because reading it is all the suspense and excitement of this story! Very well written and so easy to follow and enjoy! I can't wait for more from Colleen Coble because I was super sad when this one ended. Get ready for a great read!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book!

Hooray! More Colleen Coble! This was one mind-twister. I could not figure out any connections or hints to what might possibly be the link between the two stories. The flashbacks were a fun additional aspect.

Harper Taylor grew up with no family. Her friend, Sara, convinces her to do a DNA test and search for family. It ends up stirring up a whole hornet's nest of trouble, for Harper and others.

There were several themes I really liked in this book. First and foremost was the emphasis on second chances. Oliver gave Harper a second chance, she and Ridge gave each other a second chance, and Ridge gave his family another chance. Forgiveness and family were strong messages. I liked the pro-life element as well.

Harper's desperation for a family seemed selfish to me. She planned on being a single mother, and, as a girl who was looking for her father, she should have known how important a dad is to a child. Love that she adopted an embryo but I don't think it was the best decision. I also was sad to read the "manatees are related to elephants" bit. It's small, but telling, and disappointing.

It's obviously been too long since I read the Hope Beach books, since I didn't recognize Sara and Josh! Fun that they finally got a bit more story.

A truly thrilling suspense mystery! Job well done, Colleen Coble!

Interesting way to weave a story around the latest trend, dna testing. Easy to figure out early in the story. Very light read.

An interesting story about family history, DNA tests and most of all the sins of the fathers having consequences for their children and about forgiveness. The story is quite complex and not impossible to imagine.

Although it's a "clean" novel that does not have detailed descriptions of the cruel events, the tension is building up as the main characters get nearer to the truth.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Strands of Truth is the latest in a long string of great Christian Fiction books by Colleen Coble. Harper Taylor finds herself in the middle of quite the situation when her lonely and mundane life take a dramatic turn following the results of an over the counter DNA kit leading to a sister she never knew she had. This book takes on the subject of difficult relationships, the impact of judgments on individuals motives, and the pros and dangers of the new DNA craze.

Collen Coble does a great job of developing the characters in such a way that the reader falls in love with them and becomes completely engaged in the storyline. I really enjoyed the twists and turns and always appreciate when an author can keep me guessing where the story is going up until the end. This is another HIT for sure. My only critique would be the way the back story is interspersed was somewhat distracting and didn’t always seem to be relevant at the moment it was introduced. As always, I can’t wait for what is in store next for this author.

Strands of Truth by Colleen Coble is an easy read. The main characters are appealing and Ms Coble gives the reader bread crumbs to help solve the mystery, with a little romance thrown in. I was given an early copy to review.

Whew, if Colleen Coble isn't known for writing some nail-biting suspense! I love how the author was able to weave the lives of multiple different characters into a web of mystery that demanded a answers. This was an easy book to read from cover to cover without putting it down.

Although this was not an actual line in the book, I found myself thinking on the phrase "desperate people do desperate things." I won't go into detail there because I don't want to give any spoilers, but it had me thinking about how the actions and motives of people are often not far from their hearts.

Have you ever strongly disliked someone until you learned more of their story and compassion started to settle in? I really enjoyed following Ridge's emotional journey in this story. Initially he felt at odds with Harper because he felt she was stealing his father's love and attention away and his jealousy of her hardened his heart. It wasn't until he took the time to learn about her past and her struggles, that his heart softened and he started to feel genuine affection towards her. I loved feeling like I was part of their journey.

With plenty of action and emotion this is a novel suspense fans are sure to love. I highly recommend it for a read :)

*I received a copy of this book through CelebrateLit and NetGalley. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

The latest from Colleen Coble is entitled Strands of Truth. This tale is full of suspense that will have you rapidly turning page after page to reach the conclusion. Following her mother's sudden death, Harper Taylor has found few safe places to turn. She is blessed the day Oliver Jackson takes this teenager under his wing to help Harper find direction; unfortunately, Oliver's own family is not happy with this addition!

The book will fast-forward twenty years and you will see Harper trying to locate any family she may have in this world. When her search makes a hit on a possible sibling, she is thrilled. Harper is hoping for a real connection; however, she is not prepared for the violence that is about to come her way!

Before you know it, the suspense will shift into full-speed: first, a man attempts to kidnap Harper and then, Oliver actually comes up missing. Soon Harper and Oliver's son, Ridge, join forces to try and discover what in the world is going on!

Put on your seatbelt because the action will not stop until the final page!

Strands of Truth is a fast-pace dramatic story, with a plot as unique as its characters and setting. Set in three time periods, the story connects past murders to the present in a way that only Colleen Coble could pull off. I'm convinced that if other authors attempted this complex multi-level plot line the story would be convoluted. But Strands of Truth weaves an intricate story spanning 30 years that hooks the reader from start to finish.

The story starts with Harper Taylor who is researching marine life (the author goes into in-depth on lots of subjects like mollusks and shells, which you'd think would be an overwhelming subject as a reader, but the author breaks it down until it's facilitating.) Harper's life has been spent trying to find her birth father and figure out how her mother died. She finds out she has a half sister whose mother was murdered and teams up with Ridge, a man who hates her, to connect the pieces of a very fragmented puzzle. Then to add to the complexity of the plot someone tries to abduct her and her newly discovered sister and murders her mentor. Harper and Ridge spend the novel trying to stay alive while solving three murders, decades apart.

The setting made the story. Set in the gulf coast of FL, Harper lived on a boat and the maritime setting made me nostalgic for old FL. Part of the story takes readers to FL landmarks like Weekie Wachee. I'm a FL girl, so of course I loved it!

Strands of Truth start off with the author throwing a lot of details at the readers, but then once you wrap your mind around the characters and the setting plus the unusual circumstances, you are sucked into the mystery of it all. I also couldn't guess the ending, so I give five stars to this suspense novel that kept me guessing until the very end.

I received a complementary ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

A fast moving story with mystery and some romance. I enjoyed the story and it kept me guessing to the end.Thanks to Netgalley for the early copy