★ ★ .5/5 & 🌶/5 -- If you're a fan of Christian-based romances - this is the soft thriller mystery for you. As a whole, I liked the concept of Dark of Night; it's nothing too sinister and mostly an easy read.

A Short Preview: Dark of Night is the second installment in the Annie Pederson Christian mystery thriller series. Still somewhat emotional from the death of her first husband, Annie must find a way to ease into a new relationship while protecting the feelings of her daughter and also taking on a new case. Missing hiker Michelle Fraser only has so much time before things start to get dire!

Some Things I Liked:
- I think, as a whole, the way they portrayed the characters was really well done, and I loved the hesitation to jump into relationships. There's nothing worse than a reckless character when someone has a kid in books!
- If you're not into reading spice, this series does a really great job exploring romance without any of the graphic s3x scenes (not to mention that Jon, part of the main couple, isn't portrayed as an alpha male type, and it makes it really easy to like the main characters!)
- Colleen Coble (the author) does a great job of creating that mentally unstable character and really getting into their mind - but without it being too heavy for more sensitive readers!

Some Things I'd Change:
- Some of the more romantic declarations in this series have weird timing. (Like one after finding a body in the woods...?) Felt a little odd and potentially somewhat morbid? lol
- I'm a Christian myself, but I think some of the spiritual talks seemed a little heavy? Just a personal preference.

Favorite Quote(s):
- 'He was only too happy to diffuse the situation with ice cream.' - who isn't!?

Notes:
- Single Mom
- Second Chance romance
- HEA ending
- Alternating POVs
- Mental Health Topics

**I received this book as an advanced reader copy, but all reviews are my own. - SLR

The suspense at the beginning of the book is palpable with a scary chase in the woods at twilight that ends in a tragedy and abduction. As with all of Colleen Cable’s books, there is mystery, suspense, complex plots, and an element of faith, all of which she writes masterfully and I am happy to read.

This is the second book in the Annie Pederson series and I think it would be more enjoyable to have read the first book. While it did not make a difference with the main plot of the story, I did feel as though some of the details in Annie’s life were continued from the previous book. I am actually going to read the first book so that I can more fully understand this second story. With unanswered questions, I am hopeful there will be a third book to follow.

I received an ecopy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Loved it!!! The series keeps getting better. I didn't read any of the Rock Harbor Series, so I wasn't familiar with Bree or any of the other characters. (Now I need to read all the books in that series.) It didn't matter because Annie is the main character and the story focuses on her, her daughter and Jon. Taylor is still up to her ways and never thinks before acting. She's lucky nothing horrible happened to Kylie. Annie would have welcomed her with open arms, but instead Taylor wants to continue blaming Annie for everything. Taylor should end up with jail time, but I'm sure Annie will intervene somehow. Jon and Annie have a great relationship and I love the way that they are together. There were so many twists and turns throughout the book. I never suspected who was behind Michelle's abduction. What could Michelle have that the abductor needed? I can't wait to read the next book. I'm excited for what's next to come for Annie and Jon. Rock Harbor sounds like a beautiful place to live, despite the people being killed or abducted. Although, I definitely wouldn't be swimming in the freezing water. I love Milo, he's the perfect puppy and extremely smart.

Definitely recommend the book. It was a great mystery/thriller. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I love how the book focuses on Annie and Jon's relationship but also contains a mystery that needs to be solved. Look forward to reading more books by the author. Loved the cover of the book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson--FICTION through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

As if the last few months haven’t been hard enough—complete with threats on her life and the return of her first love, Jon—Annie has to figure out whether or not to believe a woman who claims to be her sister, Sarah, who was abducted twenty-four years ago at age five. Annie’s eight-year-old daughter, Kylie, has plenty of questions about what’s going on in her mother’s life—but there are some stories Annie doesn’t want uncovered. As Annie grapples with how to heal the gulf between her and her would-be sister and make room in her daughter’s life for Jon, she’s professionally distracted by the case of yet another missing hiker in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. A woman named Michelle Fraser has now been abducted, and though the woman’s estranged husband is at the top of their suspect list, Annie and her colleagues need to dig deeper to determine whether these recent mysteries are as unrelated as they seem. In this second novel of bestselling author Colleen Coble’s latest romantic-suspense series, Annie and Jon must fight for the future—and the family—that could once more be theirs.

I was introduced to Colleen Coble through my church book club. We read the first in this series in the book club earlier this year so I was interested in reading this one and thank NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to do so. The author continues the story of Annie and Jon and Kylie with a discovery that none of them were expecting and changes all of their lives. This author tells a wonderful story with a Christian insight that I really like. I enjoyed seeing how the story in the first book in the series was continued in this one. It can be read as a stand alone book, but reading the first volume does help. I recommend this author for anyone who likes a good story with a little romance, suspense, and Christian emphasis.

Colleen Coble has long been one of my favorite authors, but I have to say that I was personally not the biggest fan of Edge of Dusk, the first installment in the Annie Pederson series. I will say that this one was definitely a step up from that one, but it's still not this author at her best, and I ended up feeling a little disappointed when I finished it.

I continue to appreciate that Colleen weaves several separate mysteries into her stories at once, and I enjoyed getting to try and piece together everything along with the characters. Part of the mystery is continued from book one, so I don't recommend reading this one without having read that one first, but there were also a couple of new mysteries thrown in for good measure. I thought the resolution of part of it was done well, but part of it was a bit of a letdown, and I wanted a bit more from the conclusion.

The inclusion of the search and rescue team, and their wonderful, talented dogs added an extra layer to this story, and it was interesting to learn about the many ways these animals can be used to help in these dangerous situations. One of the rescue dog's pups played an integral part in the story; and I loved how interesting that entire segment was to read about.

I want to go ahead and say that I appreciated that this one was much less creepy and dark than the first title, and that the faith element played a bigger part, but it still didn't end up being the follow up I was hoping for. The dialogue was chunky and a bit awkward, and didn't seem to flow the way it should have. Annie and Jon were not likeable as main characters, and I was getting to the point of wanting to yell at both of them just to resolve their issues and stop making the reader listen to it over and over again. I actually ended up enjoying the side characters much more than I did the mains, and that saddens me cause I usually love the protagonists in this author's stories. Just like in the first book, I felt the mystery resolution happened too quickly, and I wanted a bit more information to given in the reveal.

At this point I do still plan on reading book three when it releases, as I'd like to see how everything wraps up, but I do hope I end up feeling more positive about it than I did the first two.

Final Rating: 3/5.

I'd recommend this one to anyone who enjoys Christian suspense and/or has enjoyed Colleen Coble's other books.



Thanks so much to Thomas Nelson for allowing me to advance read and review this one!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Thomas Nelson) via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I very much appreciated the faith based aspect of this suspense thriller where some of the main characters like Annie, Jon and Kylie, prayed to God, trusted Him during their troubles and even mentioned Jesus. The story was clean and good, and justice was administered for most of the scenarios. I liked that search and rescue dogs featured, doing their thing in finding abducted persons.

Although I found the narrative a bit slow going and confusing at the start of the story because it seemed to jump from one thread to another without connection, it did get going and finished satisfactorily in the end. I had to realize that adage, "fools and bairns see unfinished work" so eventually, I did get the connection. This Dark of Night novel could stand alone but readers may like to know that it is a second book in the Annie Pedersan series, with a third apparently under way.

~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

November 2022

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own, and honestly given.

This is book 2 in the series, and I recommend reading book 1 first. With lots of mystery and twists, the suspense is intense with ups and downs. Annie has been searching for her sister who was kidnapped as a child, but the person who claims to be her may not be. And Annie has her daughter to protect. Jon is trying to figure out his place, and this is all going on while Annie and the police are trying to solve a kidnapping. There is a lot going on in the story, but it all kept me reading. Coble delivers another fast-paced page turner. If you enjoy romantic suspense you’ll want to read, Dark of Night. I received a free copy of the book with no expectations. The opinions here are mine.

Colleen Coble transports us back to beloved Rock Harbor with the Annie Pederson series. The bar was set high with the first book and this one did not disappoint! It is full of drama, suspense, and heart pounding danger to keep you thinking about the story long after the last page is turned!

Annie Pederson has had more than her share of trauma. With the rekindling of her first love, Jon, and the possibility that her kidnapped sister has finally been found, Annie hopes her life is settling down; however, danger seems to always find her. As she works to uncover the case of a missing young woman, it becomes clear that more is lurking below the surface than just a missing person case. The twists and turns of the case unknowingly place Annie and those she loves in danger. She must race against time to solve the case and protect those she holds dear.

I absolutely love this series! It is one of those books you hate to see end. This is definitely a must read! I am hopeful there will be a third book.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

I do want to recommend that you read the first book in the series. This is the 2nd book in the Annie Pederson series and it does follow the 1st book closely. Annie, her daughter Kylie and the rest of the cast of characters in Rock Harbor. Annie continues to wait to find out if her kidnapped sister Sarah is alive.
This book was a book that captured and held your attention as you keep turning pages! Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to preview this book!

Dark of Night is the second book in the Annie Pederson series by Colleen Coble. It works well as a standalone, but honestly, why not start with the first book in the series since Coble is such a good writer?

I love the characterization in this story. I feel like I have really gotten to know the people in it. I also love that it's a Christian book through and through. While the characters go through challenges, they know they can always rely on their faith to get them through.

The book offers action, romance and some very heartwarming scenes. I recommend it highly.

Thank you NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. Dark of Night is a fast moving suspense novel. The storyline has so many layers to it. This adds to the depth of the story. In addition, the author has several scenes where God’s goodness is revealed. The only negative to this book is that you really need to read the first book before this one. I was a little lost at first, but I could figure out the jest of what I had missed. I will go back and read the first book! Overall, a great suspense novel that will leave you on edge and guessing until the end.

Colleen Coble is known for her beautiful, and at times, intense writing. Dark of Night, book 2 in the Annie Pederson series, was no different. From ATVs in the deep Michigan woods to trained rescue dogs to Pumas on the hunt, I was left sitting on the edge of my seat with anticipation of the next scene. If you’ve read one of her books in the past, you understand what I’m saying. If you haven’t, you need to experience this author’s storytelling. I highly recommend this book.

I was given an advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. The opinions above are my own.

This is the second book in this series. Book 1 deals with the loss of a sister due to childhood abduction. This book is the follow up, when the abducted child shows back up in a similar manner. Is she really the sister or an imposter? If so, how did she know information only the family would know? Another great mystery with a faith based message. I’ll be hoping for a continuation in this series.

Cable’s second Annie Pederson (following Edge of Dusk) picks up where the first left off. The woman Annie knows as Taylor now claims to be the sister who was abducted twenty-four years ago. Annie is keeping a big secret from her daughter Kylie, and Jon her first and current love, isn’t making any progress in his relationship with her daughter. Most pressing of all is another missing female hiker, Michelle. While Annie and friends piece together what happened, the injured and abducted woman must try to stay alive.

This was a page-turner for me. Coble’s pacing kept the plot moving with perspectives shifting between Annie and Michelle. The forest setting, cameos by previous characters and the work of SAR dogs were high points for me. I also enjoyed the characters’ development, and how their faith was woven naturally into the story. This series is getting even better. Recommended.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

An enjoyable romantic suspense novel chock full of events! Annie is facing a whirlwind of events both in her personal and professional lives, its enough to make your head spin.

Colleen Coble's Annie Pederson series returns readers to Rock Harbor in the best kind of way! Dark of Night picks up right where the series opener, Edge of Dusk ends, and the continuity is great. Coble builds into the story of Annie, Jon, and Kylie, developing these characters further, even as she ties in threads from the original Rock Harbor cast. It's the best of both worlds!

I really enjoyed the way that Coble added more intrigue to the plot. With Annie's investigations, her mysterious past, and townie interactions, Dark of Night is full of questions. I like books that keep you on your mental toes, and this is definitely one of those. Seeing how Coble brought all the pieces together made for a fascinating novel.

That's why I think Dark of Night would be a great book club pick. It would be fun to be able to discuss the family issues, the professional ethics, and questions about how to live out your faith when everything seems to be up in the air. If you have friends who are fans of romantic suspense, this would make a great choice.

In book 2 we pick up on Annie’s search for her sister Sarah. At the end of book 1 Taylor claimed to be Sarah, Annie’s long list sister. In this book we see how Taylor was effected by her mother’s treatment. Annie and Sheriff Mason gain a new case when a woman is reported missing. As they search for this woman a whole lot of things start happening to threaten Annie, Kylie and Jon’s safety. Mrs Coble did another great job at drawing us in and holding our attention until the end, leaving us wanting more.

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

#DarkOfNight #NetGalley

This is the second book in the series, I recommend reading the first book, it would be confusing if you didn't. This book kept me turning the page, as it flips from one situation, to a case that Annie is working on. Even though there are a lot of characters; I felt like it was well written, it kept me guessing.

In my opinion, this is not a stand alone novel. Many times, even in a series, this author can give enough information in the beginning to clue the reader in on what happened in previous stories. I didn't feel this was the case with this book. Once I figured out the story line and remembered the characters, it was a good story. At the beginning there seemed to be a lot of characters introduced, but they really didn't play a role in the book. The ending was a total surprise to me. But I did enjoy the story and compliment Colleen Coble on another good book.

This is another great suspense read by one of my favorite authors. You will keep the pages turning and find yourself holding your breath at times.
This is the second book in this series. I anxiously await book three.
Continue with Annie and the challenges and complications she is dealing with in her personal life as she tries to untangle details at the best time possible.
I appreciated the secondary thread highlighting domestic abuse. It is far more common than we want to think. Many Christians and churches need to start helping victims instead of supporting the abusers. (I saw this growing up and still see it happening around me.)
“I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."