I really enjoyed this book. I loved Jane, Reid, and especially Will. I was not anticipating a slight cliffhanger and wanted more. But overall I thought the story was well thought out, well paced and I enjoyed the slight romance but the overall mystery. I’m still left with a lot of questions like will Jane reconcile with Reid and her dad? Where is her mother? Is she still in the cult and will Jane ever get answers from her? Was Paul a good cop? I am definitely excited to spend more time in Pelican Harbor and am anticipating the next book.

This is a great start to a new series by Colleen Coble! These characters are so likeable and you might just even fall in love with some of them.

Jane is a young lady that has just been appointed the interim sheriff at Pelican harbor in Alabama. Jane's father has just retired and now she has been handed the huge position and been left to fill her father's shoes. When Jane is handed a murder that causes lots of questions to pop up in her mind, she is one the trail to find the killer and serve justice. Of course it can't just be cut and dry for Jane thought and she is thrown some pretty big hurdles that cause her to stick to her guns and stand up for herself.

Reid is a journalist that has been assigned to do a story on Jane and the way that she handles things as a female officer. Jane is not thrilled about the attention and even tells the higher-ups that she does not want Reid following her. They want the attention brought to the town and Jane is ordered to allow Reid to follow her around. Reid also has a son that is out of school at the moment and acts as his cameraman. Jane soon finds out that she is pretty partial to both of them and enjoys having Reid as a constant reassurance in her life.

Jane has some ghosts from her past that haunt her and she has not been able to close the door on them. Although it has been 15 years, Jane still wonders what has happened to her mother and what happened all those years ago on the night that she gave birth to a son that her father told her had died to get her to escape the compound with him. Cults are tricky and can make you think somethings are right or did/did not happen. Jane is still in the midst of trying to figure it all out.

The ride that we get to go on with Jane is one that will keep you turning the pages on this book. I really enjoyed all the characters and the plot in this story and I am anxious to see where this series is going to lead us with Jane. I highly recommend this read!

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a n advanced copy of this book for an unbiased review! All opinions are my own.

Colleen Coble is known for her storylines that take unexpected twists, and this story is full of those. The tension begins building in the Prologue, and it gradually ramps up step-by-step throughout the book. Three seemingly unconnected storylines merge into one, and although the reader’s able to guess a major plot twist, there’s also a couple that are surprising.

The characters in this book each have compelling stories, especially Jane, Reid, and Will. Jane and Reid share a secret that has had an impact on their lives for many years. I especially had compassion for Jane, whose childhood had been stolen away from her. As Jane tries to make sense of what’s happening in her town, she must decide if she can trust God to guide her to separate the truth from the lies. Be aware that this story continues on to the next book, and not all the questions that were raised are answered in this one. This is a clean Christian suspense/romance book that will make you want to read “just one more chapter”.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Amazing! Definitely 5 stars worthy! Colleen Coble has always been one of my go-to authors, and she did not disappoint me with this book. It was hard to put it down once I started reading it. She really did her research on this one from a legal standpoint. I was so excited when I got to the end and found out that this will be a new series. There has got to be more to Jane's story, and I can't wait to read about it in the next book!

This was my first Colleen Coble mystery and I loved it. What have I been missing. The characters were well developed, the mystery ending was a surprise, and romance was included. Can’t wait to read more in the Pelican Harbor series. Will definitely recommend this series and the author’s other works.

One Little Lie by Colleen Coble grabbed my attention from the beginning. Newly appointed as Police Chief, following the retirement of her father, Jane Hardy inherited a mess. Strange and deadly things are happening in Pearl Harbor including suspicion of wrongful doings by her father. Is Jane up for the job and will she be able to unravel the mystery of who is behind it all? This is the first in the Pelican Harbor series.

I would like to thank Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview this book.

5 Stars: 5/5 Star Rating
Lies, lies, lies, can just one little lie really cause such heartache and division? Is it just a LITTLE lie? and if he told one lie, did he tell other lies too?
This is a really exciting book! I really liked Jane Hardy and Reid Bechtol. I had a couple of characters that I didn't care as much for and didn't trust and I was correct in my feelings, so I won't spoil it for readers.
I am anxious for book two in the series now! This was a great book to fill my hours during the Covid-19 Pandemic. It took my mind off the current troubles and concerns of the world for a little while.
I received a digital ARC of this book from netgalley and Thomas Nelson. All opinions expressed are my own.

Disliking it when authors give characters "stupid" names, I was unimpressed when the first character the reader meets is named "Bunny." However, the book improves considerably after that. The book starts out in a cult where shortly after Bunny gives birth to her son, the cult is raided and Bunny and her father escape, with Bunny believing her son has died. The story then advances fifteen years and to the coastal Alabama town of Pelican Harbor, where Officer Jane Hardy, daughter of the retired police chief, learns she has been named the new Chief of Police. While quite an accomplishment, the appointment is not without controversy, with one member of the City Council doubting the wisdom of a female police chief and expecting her to fail, while the mayor has made a decision that raises the question of whether the appointment, or at least the timing, was part of a publicity stunt.

It is also not the most auspicious time to be taking over, with a vigilante on the loose, exacting "justice" against those he/she feels have gotten away with immoral and/or illegal behavior, and a body being found missing the head and arms, as well as a vindictive fellow officer who is displeased that Jane was given the job of police chief, which he wanted for himself. Into the picture comes Reid Dixon, documentary filmmaker, who has come to Pelican Harbor to do a documentary on small town police chiefs, with a female police chief being an appealing subject. Shortly after the dead body is identified, links are revealed between the victim and Jane's father, Charles Hardy, who soon finds himself accused of the murder, as well as facing federal charges related to alleged illegal activity while he was Chief of Police.

The overall focus of the book is the impact of lies and secrets on those who are telling the lies/keeping the secrets and on those from whom information is withheld or who are told the lies. Many of the characters are keeping secrets, while others have been lied to for years. The events of the book force the secrets out into the open and reveal the lies, with life-altering consequences for a number of characters, especially Jane. While the reader will figure out some of the "secrets" well before certain impacted characters learn the truth, the author has done a good job of keeping up the suspense regarding the identity and motive of the murderer and why certain characters, including Charles Hardy, have been targeted for harm, as well as devising some pretty good plot twists. Overall, an enjoyable book to read.

I received a copy of the e-book via NetGalley in exchange for a review.

This was a suspenseful interesting read that captivated my attention to conclusion. I am a fan of the author's writing and always appreciate her new releases. This is the first book in Colleen Cobles Pelican Harbor series. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the ARC. My review opinion is my own,

We are introduced to small town of Pelican Harbor, Alabama. ,Jane Hardy is promoted to the position of Chief of Police. A position that was previously held by her recently retired dad.. When a body is found by fishermen in their net then the very next day another murder has been committed. Her Dad may be prime suspect number one and she suspects he is being set up by someone from their past. The cases are adding up for the new Chief . In the meantime she is being researched and taped for a documentary by someone that is not honest about his background. This was a interesting story line with charcters that all added to the small town atmosphere. I like Jane as a strong savvy investigator and loyal to her Father. This was a enjoyable read.

Jane Hardy is a newly appointed police chief in a small beach town in Alabama after her father's retirement as chief. There appears to be some vigilante justice happening in this small town and she is determined to find whoever is behind these murders. During the midst of all of this craziness, her father is charged by the FBI with crimes he claims he never committed. He knows he is being framed but can't figure out who might be doing it.

Jane is torn because she wants to believe her father but she isn't sure that she can. Jane is also ordered by the mayor to have this guy tagalong to do a documentary piece about small town sheriffs. Reid is particularly interested in the new lady sheriff. They have some history that Jane is completely unaware of and when she finds out the secret, Reid is certain that she will never forgive him for keeping the secret.

Just like all the other books I have read by this author, she keeps you interest to the very last page. It is a clean romantic suspense. There is some descriptive violence that but it isn't too graphic and fits with the story. If you are looking for a good, engaging story, this will do the trick. I just learned there is a second book in this series that continues the stories of the characters from book 1.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.

One Little Lie is the first book in Colleen Coble's Pelican Harbor series. Jane Hardy has recently been promoted to sheriff and faces her first test with a series of strange murders. Reid Beichtol sees an opportunity to follow Jane for his documentary film series during her first days on the job. In typical Coble fashion, each character has a set of secrets that Coble will slowly divulge as the reader peruses the pages of this book and of course solve the murder cases. As someone who lives in Alabama, it was great to have a book set in the state, and I eagerly await the next one in the series.

I really enjoy this author in the past. It took me a little time to get into this book with pandemic, traveling for work, and other stuff.
Once I sat down and gave it the time it deserved, I was blown away by the story line. I love the characters so much. I was hooked and now I need to read the next one. I am off to add it to my wishlist now. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I received an electronic copy of this book from netgalley. The review is completely mine.

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC for this book in exchange for an honest review. This was a well rounded mystery that had great characters and kept you guessing. I'm looking forward to read the other in this series when they are released. Definitely recommend this book.

“One Little Lie” by Colleen Coble

Jane Hardy has recently been promoted as the chief of police. On the same day she is also told that a well known documentary producer is going to be following her for the next several weeks. In the meantime, she is working several murders, trying to make peace with her past, and running a very small police department where egos and condescension from one main officer makes everyone’s job that much harder. Yet, one thing she keeps coming up against are those holding information back or even twisting the truth. A good portion of her youth was spent on a life she considered false and a lie, so those from others are frustrating but ones from people she trusts...a very hard thing for her to accept when the actual truth is revealed. Even if it is a good thing in the end, deceiving her is something that is a strong trigger of her past.

Colleen Coble has written a tremendous psychological thriller that will keep you on your toes, as will the ending... (or not quite an ending...waiting that long for the rest is going to be difficult, at best)

Great characters and wonderful storylines have you hooked from beginning to end.

Rating: 4.8
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


** I voluntarily chose to read an advanced copy of this novel. All options and points of view are my own.

One Little Lie is the first book in The Pelican Harbor series and my first read from author Colleen Coble! How I did not read this book sooner is a mystery to me.

We head to Pelican Harbor, Alabama where two people escape the chaos of a cult and two other lives are forever changed. Flash-forward and we meet Jane Hardy who has a past she does not like to dwell on. Jane is appointed the new police chief after her father retires and embarks on a journey to solve a myriad of murder and missing person cases in her town that all tie back to her father. Then we meet well-known documentarian Reid Bechtol who is interested in covering Jane’s career as a female police chief. Soon, they begin working together to clear her father’s name and find out more about their pasts. How are they all connected? Who is behind the recent mayhem to hit Pelican Harbor?

I enjoyed this romantic suspense novel so much! While the romance factor was lower than my usual reading, I think it matched this story really well. I love Jane and Reid, and cannot wait to see how everything unfolds in the next book! If only September would get here sooner!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

One Little Lie by Colleen Coble Reviewed April 22, 2020 3.5 rounded up
I have become a : Colleen Coble fan. This is my fourteenth novel and the first in the Pelican Harbor series.
This story stars out without protagonist escaping from a cult. Typically Ms. Coble’s stories have a Christian theme (not religious but inspirational) which I actually like ~ no profanity or explicit sex. However this one really isn’t a Christian mystery but yes it is a mystery with a hint of romance
Ms. Coble’s stories are usually a bit predictable with some nasty characters and, of course, twists that keeps me guessing and reading!

Anyone who enjoys [author: Mary Higgins Clark] would certainly enjoy Colleen Coble’s novels.
Since this is the first in the Pelican Harbor series, I now cannot wait for Book #2 [book: Two Reasons to Run] which thankfully will be out in the fall!

I want to thank publisher Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Very good mystery/ romance. Well written with a good plot, found it hard to put down. I loved the true to life characters.
4 stars

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher and author for an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

One Little Lie
by Colleen Coble

Thomas Nelson--FICTION
Thomas Nelson
Mystery & Thrillers | Romance
Pub Date 03 Mar 2020


I am reviewing a copy of One Little Lie through Thomas Nelson Fiction and Netgalley:




It all started with a lie, just one little lie!



After being appointed interim Sheriff in Pelican Harbor Alabama upon her father's retirement Jane Hardy is given no time for adjustment. After her Father is arrested for theft and then implicated in a murder, Jane Hardy realizes someone is out to destroy what's left of her family.


.
Fifteen years ago, Jane and her Father escaped a cult. Since then Jane has searched relentlessly for her mother who refused to leave ever since. Could someone from that horrible past have found them?


A well known documentation, Reid Bechtol is working on a new project. A project that involves documenting Jane and her career. Jane has no interest in the publicity,b the committee who appointed her loves the idea.




Before long Jane finds herself depending on Reid's calm manner as he follows her around filming, and they begin working together to clear her father. The problem is Reid is holding onto secrets of his own. The gulf between them may be impossible to bridge especially when Jane's Fathers lies catch up with them.


Are you looking for an intriguing tale of Suspenseful Romance? If so I recommend One Little Lie, it's one of those books that drag you in, and don't let go.


I give One Little Lie five out of five stars!



Happy Reading!

Colleen Coble's books always make me want to skip over to the back and read the ending but I can usually read through without knowing the ending.

In this book, when Jane's father retired as police chief, she was appointed to the position. As a journalist and his son are working on a documentary about small towns and their police chiefs, Pandora's Box seems to have been opened.

It all becomes quite the conundrum for Jane, trying to deal with Reid, the journalist, all while dealing with what his documentary turns up.

I would say this is my favorite Colleen Coble book but I love them all equally!

Many thanks to Net Gally (netgally.net) and Thomas Nelson for ARC in exchange for my honest opinion about the book.

This mystery overflows with suspense and surprises. All the twists and connections make for an intriguing story, but with so many characters I sometimes had trouble keeping everything straight. I think it would be better to read as an actual book rather than ebook so I could track better. What started in a cult has now become entangled with a former police chief and his daughter, the new chief, and some bizarre murders. The characters, most of whom hide secrets, are compelling, but I couldn’t really connect well with them or care too deeply. Maybe because the plot just seemed too overwhelming. Yet the novel certainly keeps readers guessing and pressing on to see what happens next and how it will all turn out. Those who like thriller-type tales should enjoy this, but it’s not one of my favorites by this talented author. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.