Member Reviews

Strands of Truth by Colleen Coble is a present-day day romantic suspense story of deception, deceit, kidnapping, infidelity, and murder all intermixed with DNA technology. A good, entertaining read that is fast paced with interesting characters.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

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Strands of truth was gifted to me in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I absolutely adored this book. I simply couldn’t put it down and here’s why.

In this story we follow many strands of truth which ultimately leads to a shocking discovery when the whole truth comes out.

Strands of truth explores some pretty amazing themes like faith, jealousy, abandonment, grief and so much more and gives a great insight into what it’s like to deal with the struggles within this story.

Following this story it jumps between past and present tense. We follow two women in the past who have been murdered, we follow harper, ridge, Annabelle and some strange person we have no idea about in the present tense.

This story is so action packed! It truly kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to see what happens next.

Along with all the action we also get to witness a slow burn romance between Harper and ridge who kind of hate each other so yes this story also has the enemies to lovers trope.

Colleen is an amazing author and ill definitely have to read more of her books. This is another brand new favourite of mine and deserves every single star that I gave it.

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If you have ever considered sending your DNA in to one of those websites to find your family lineage/roots, “Strands of Truth” will definitely make you think twice!

A modern day tale of lies, deceit, kidnapping, adultery, and murder all entwined with DNA technology, “Strands of Truth” delivers mystery and intrigue.

The book begins with Harper Taylor leaving the doctor’s office after an embryo transfer. An orphan since her birth, she has long pined for her own family. Soon, though, strange things begin happening to her. She and Oliver, both her mentor and business partner, are attacked while diving. Oliver’s son, Ridge, has never liked Harper and believes her to be nothing more than a mooch and gold digger.

Harper has spent some time trying to figure out who her father was. She even enlisted the help of an online DNA site to see if there could be a DNA match to a sibling or father and was delighted to find a half-sister.

Soon, however, her joy turns to terror as attacks continue against her, Oliver, and her half sister.

What would you do for a family? What lengths would you go to to keep the family that you have? Colleen Coble explores this is “Strands of Truth”. She is one of my favorite authors and this book did not disappoint! I recommend this and any book of hers.

Publication Date: September 10, 2019
Genre: Christian Fiction, Religious Fiction, Suspense, Mystery, Science, Technology
Cover: Perfect
Rating: 5 stars
Source: I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#StrandsOfTruth #NetGalley

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This book was fast paced. Hard to put down. It flowed well and it was very well written. It caught hold of me and had me hooked from the start . I was literally on the edge of my seat reading this book.

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Have you ever wondered what you might discover if you did one of those DNA tests? Harper Taylor longs to belong, to have family and stability. All of her known relatives have died, and she wants to solve her paternity mystery. Her mother died minutes after giving birth to Harper, and Harper lived with her grandmother until her grandmother passed away.

As a ward of the state, Harper bounced from foster home to foster home and never felt loved or even wanted. When she turns 30, she decides to do something about her lack of family ties. She takes a DNA test, and she schedules an embryo adoption.

Her business partner and mentor, Oliver Jackson, begrudgingly supports the embryo adoption, and Harper hopes he’ll act as a surrogate grandfather to her child. But those hopes shatter when he disappears while scuba diving on the same afternoon that someone tries to abduct Harper.

Oliver’s disappearance throws Harper into the company of Oliver’s son, Ridge, who has mistrusted Harper from the moment he met her. As danger tightens its noose around Harper, Ridge starts to revise his opinion of her. Together they must untangle the mystery surrounding Harper’s parentage and Oliver’s attacker—before somebody dies.

Christian Inspirational suspense fans will love this tight new release from Colleen Coble. The author weaves together engaging characters with unique occupations (ever heard of a malacologist?) in suspenseful situations where knowledge of byssus (had to look that word up) could crack a decades-old murder mystery.

Fans of Lynette Eason, Dani Petri, and Cara Putnam will love this book (as well as anyone who loves the ocean).

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Romantic suspense at it's finest!! The book was fast paced and easy to get caught up in, the characters were written so well, the romance wasn't the main part of the book but there just enough. Definitely recommend!

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Knowing your DNA could show you things you don’t want to know.

Where do I start with this one? There is so much good stuff packed between the pages of this book that I couldn’t pick one thing out to share.

Strands of Truth is a non-stop mystery case that leaves the reader guessing throughout the whole story. I don’t try to guess at any point so by the end of the story, I was in total shock. The dual story line did not distract from the rhythm of the story so it was easy to jump between today and the late ‘60s and early ‘70s.

Colleen Coble has a way of telling a story that entraps the reader into the story and holds them hostage. Unlike one of the characters of this story, you do not want to be released until The End.

Speaking of characters, I must give a “way to go” to Harper. This girl is determined and unfaltering when she gets something in her head. Once she found her sister, she wasn’t afraid to let Annabelle into her heart. If only it was that easy for the stiff and wounded Ridge.

Now, so I don’t give away any thing more, I will leave you with one last thing – Get This Book! You will be glad you did.

***I was given a copy of this book by the publisher through CelebrateLit. This honest review is entirely made up of my own thoughts.

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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.

Harper is struggling to find out who she is. When she finds her half sister she begins to think things are looking up. That is when it really starts to spiral out of control. Someone tries to kidnap her half sister. Then the kidnappers start going after her.
Ridge has always resented Harper. He thinks his dad spent more time with her than his own children. When someone tries to kill Oliver, Ridge has to put his feelings on hold so he and Harper can figure out who's trying to kidnap them and kill Oliver.
This is a good mystery and will keep you guessing clear til the very end. I recommend this book to all mystery buffs.

I was given this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

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

I am sorry to say that I found the story a little hokey. The emotions of the characters changed and accelerated rapidly. For Ridge and Harper to have such disdain for each other and then in a matter of a week, they realize that they are in love. And when Harper finds her never-before known sister, Annabelle, they say “I love you” after one day. I hadn’t known before reading the novel that this author was a Christian writer, but it became very obvious when any trial that arose resulted in the line “I’ll pray for you.” Without disrespecting the author and her own strong faith, this repetitive line can be offputting for some readers.

Despite these hard to get past issues, there was a measure of suspense in the story. The lead up was quite long, though, and the climax came rather abruptly.

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As with the many Colleen Coble books I've read in the past, Strands of Truth is a fast-paced page-turner. I was drawn in quickly and intrigued by the unique storyline, and connected with Harper and Annabelle. I cared about the danger they were in and rooted for them to find answers. An absorbing story with a satisfying end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, with no obligation to leave a positive review.

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In Strands Of Truth, author Colleen Coble transports the reader to Dunedin, Florida for an intriguing Christian Fiction / Romantic Suspense story that will keep the reader guessing and turning the pages.

Marine biologist Harper Taylor is working on pen shell research with her mentor / business partner, Oliver Jackson. But growing up in the foster care system has left her longing for a family. Best friend Sara Kavanagh convinces Harper to submit a DNA test, with a result of a close family match, a half-sister named Annabelle Rice, who lives in Orlando. When Harper and Annabelle meet, they are both searching for their father, and find similarities in their mothers' pasts, especially when both mothers died tragically. As Harper and Annabelle search for the truth behind their mothers' deaths and the identity of their father, accidents and attempted kidnappings start to occur. Harper and Oliver's son Ridge Jackson investigate her and Ananabelle's past, but will they survive the danger around every corner as the strands of truth start to unravel?

Author Colleen Coble weaves a fast-paced and suspenseful tale written in the third person narrative that follows Harper and Ridge's investigative journey in search of the answers to Harper and Annabelle's pasts. When Harper and Annabelle's mothers cold-case murders intertwine with the present attacks, it will take a lot of digging and dangerous situations to find the truth.

The reader will be easily drawn into this well written story with its richly descriptive plot and setting. Strands Of Truth has enough drama, tension, action, flashbacks and clues from the past, romance, and unexpected twists and turns that will take the reader on one heck of a thrilling roller coaster ride.

RATING: 5 STARS

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Wow, Coble has made me think twice about doing a DNA test to see my ancestry. I never thought about it being used maliciously. I’m a little scared now.

The mystery is a page-turner and interesting. I appreciate how Coble keeps the romance and the language clean.

There are many characters and some may find that a tad confusing but if you think about it when half-siblings come into play families get large very quickly. I would have loved to know more about Annabelle and Harper’s newfound sisterhood. Maybe someday we will see them in a future book as side characters.

If you are looking for a good mystery with family at the core Strands of Truth is a perfect read.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Thomas Nelson, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

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This is a stand-alone book by Colleen Coble, but I do think some of her past characters made cameo appearances, so that is fun. Often we think that being able to know our genetic history is always positive. But this book shows that is not necessarily the case. "Strands of Truth" is believable and intriguing. I really liked all of the main characters, and while I partially guessed the ending, there were still definitely twists and turns. Definitely a page turner. Themes in this book also included forgiveness and restoration. Tough situations were not diminished, but they were dealt with well. Thank you to Thomas Nelson publishing and to Net Galley for allowing me to review this book.

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Best-selling author Colleen Coble pens a gripping romantic suspense that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat following the plot as it twists and turns.

Colleen Coble is well-known for her intense, tightly woven plots with mysteries that keep the reader guessing until the final page. The three story lines (Annabel's mother, Harper's mother, and Harper) can be confusing, and indeed, the storyline about the first murder gives more detail and backstory than is necessary. Strands of Truth introduces the reader to sea silk and mollusk research, as well as the use & misuse of DNA research. Coble’s books have a light-handed treatment of faith and the level of violence is appropriate to three murders. Her realistic characters face challenges, both in their everyday and in their spiritual lives as well.

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Despite her successful career, Harper longs to find family and turns to DNA testing to track down possible relatives. The results of her search are interwoven into an interesting story with a complex plot that exposes the reader to the world of marine biology and the intricacies of sea silk production.
As a fan of clean romance and mysteries, romantic suspense is one of my go-to reading choices. As a mystery, Strands of Truth ticks all the checkboxes – murder, attempted murder, threats, and more, with surprises and twists along the way. As for the romantic side of things, I enjoyed Harper and Ridge’s interactions – though at times it did seem they protested a bit too much with regard to their growing mutual attraction. It was fun to watch their relationship evolve.

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What a fantastic book! Have you wondered about your family’s genealogy, or your DNA. A few characters did in this book and then things really started to get interesting and a bit frightening! The results was a nice twist, I’m sure you will love it as much as I do! Thanks Colleen for the great book!

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Another really good book by Colleen Coble! What an interesting yet valid topic to frame a mystery plot around. I found the characters and the plot development to be very interesting. The mystery kept me guessing until the very end. I really enjoyed this book and wouldn't mind going back to this town and these characters for future books!

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I was happy to take part in the Partners in Crime Tour for Colleen Coble’s new novel Strands of Truth. Ms. Coble is a popular writer who blends mystery, romance, and Christianity into her storyline.

This was a great read – very suspenseful with a well-plotted mystery. I really enjoy Colleen Coble and like how her novels very often have a “touch of Christianity” in them without being overly preachy or unbelievable. I also learned some interesting things about marine life! Highly recommended for fans of this genre!

Thank you for my review e-copy and for making me part of the tour!

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Strands of Truth by Colleen Coble solidifies Colleen in that class of authors that area a must read. There are several characters to keep up with but it is worth it.
Harper and Annabelle find out they are half sisters even though Annabelle is 20 years older than Harper. Both of their mothers died very young. Annabelle’s was murdered and they wonder if it is a coincidence.

Harper was raised in foster homes and it was not a good experience. Oliver found her as she was stealing something from him and decided to help her. He had been a mentor to her the rest of her life. However she never felt like she belonged or that she had a family.

She decides to have a baby on her own by adopting an embryo. She only tells two people that she is doing it.

Harper and Oliver’s son, Ridge always had a strained relationship. Even as adults he struggled accepting her. They build a relationship as they search for why someone is after her. Is it her job or her sister and DNA they are after her about.

There are scenes from both Annabelle and Harper’s moms which adds intrigue and complexity as you keep up with everyone.

For me, the ending made the entire book. Well done.
Harper and Ridge were not my favorite couple. They just didnt seem to have enough chemistry for me. They both had jobs which I found interesting. I loved the sweet relationship between Annabelle and Harper.

I recommend reading the book. I don’t think you will be disappointed.
Sexual content kissing
Violence. A couple murders not graphically described. Kidnapped.

I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

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STRANDS..OF TRUTH. Colleen Coble
Harper wanted a family, someone of her own to love. A friend gives her a gift, of a DNA test, could she have a sister. and with that trouble follows. They was a lot going on, with pen shells, working with Ridge. He thought she was after money, while he was trying to please his father. This seemed confusing at times, of how it was played out.Overall another good mystery by the author..Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion by Net Galley and Thomas Nelson

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