When the mother of her high-school sweetheart invites her to join The Sanctuary Wildlife Preserve staff as the part-time veterinarian, Paradise Alden can't turn down the opportunity to find closure. Returning to Nova Cambridge, Alabama, after a 15-year absence requires emotional fortitude, and Paradise hopes that if she can find her parents’ murderer, maybe she can unlock healing in other areas of her life.

However, facing her first obstacle—Blake Anderson—might prove to be more than she can handle. Paradise takes the job knowing Blake helps his mom run The Sanctuary, but she’s not prepared for the bloom of attraction she still feels towards the one person who knew her the best in her troubled youth.

When Blake discovers his mom has hired Paradise Alden as the new vet, he has mixed feelings. He understands her resentment towards him but not her bitterness. Despite their 15-year-long separation, Blake has prayed for Paradise and hopes her return will bring her the peace she seeks.

But nothing at The Sanctuary is peaceful. Ever since his stepdad’s tragic death, Blake and his mom have faced one setback after another as they strive to build the wildlife park into a thriving business. And when a murdered woman shows up in a horse trailer from a neighboring ranch, the local detective wants to pin the crime on Blake.

Despite his misgivings, Blake and Paradise team up to find answers to her parents’ murders and the string of disasters besetting The Sanctuary. Will their quest drive them further apart or provide the healing that Paradise desperately seeks?

What I Loved About This Book

Colleen Coble continues to entertain readers with fast-paced suspense and twisty plots. Readers who struggle with trauma from their past will identify with Paradise as she struggles to come to terms with her chaotic childhood. Coble set Ambush near the fictional town of Nova Cambridge, AL. Readers who enjoyed her Tupelo Grove (written with Rick Aker) and Pelican Harbor books will appreciate the cameo appearances from those series.

4 of 5 Stars

The beginning of Ambush throws you into a mess of trouble. Blakes’s family is in trouble as activists keep threatening and attacking their home. As a former Marine, he’s doing his best to protect his loved ones and The Sanctuary. He’s not sure what he’s dealing with and the local law enforcement aren’t very helpful, but he does some of his own digging to discover the culprit. Paradise returns to her hometown trying to figure out who murdered her parents several years ago. Unfortunately, although her scenes start with her thinking about it, the book didn’t conclude this part of the plot. I suppose that was left for the next book. I am looking forward to seeing where that goes as well. Overall a really good book with some unexpected twists.

Characters were flat and plot was boring. I tried to get into it for a month but finally gave up around 30%. This was my second attempt at reading this author, and it will be my last.

Once again, Colleen Coble proves why her books are always best sellers in Christian fiction! Ambush is by turns terrifying then heart-wrenching then back to terrifying. As always, she weaves many different story threads into a masterful tapestry that wraps readers in until the final page is turned.

Paradise Alden's life has been a train wreck since her parents' murders. Dropped into foster care when her only living relatives refuse her care. she is placed in home after home where she is either neglected or abused. She learns early on that men are not to be trusted and that God must have been looking the other way all her life to allow the suffering she has endured. Now a veterinarian, she is on leave from her zoo job as she recovers from a jaguar attack that left her right arm scarred and weakened when she receives an offer to care for the animals at the Sanctuary Animal Shelter in her hometown of Nova Cambridge, Alabama. The Sanctuary is the one place she always felt needed and she hopes it is also the place she can get over her fear of the big cats. The only problem she sees is that she will have to work with her former boyfriend, Blake Anderson, on a daily basis as he is the shelter's official director. Can she work with the man who orchestrated her removal from a home she was tolerating in a town she loved to a home where she was in even more danger in a town where she knew no one? She hasn't even unpacked her car when a dead body is found on the property. As incident after incident piles up, is the Sanctuary under attack, or does someone want her as dead as her parents?

Blake Anderson gave up a lucrative career when his step-father dies. Someone has to help his mother run the Sanctuary and care for his much younger brothers. When Paradise walks back into his life, he sees her distrust and knows he deserves it, but the love he felt for her fifteen years ago is still there. As they battle activists, arsonists, and land developers, can he prove to her that he can be trusted with both her safety and her heart?

I loved so many things about this story. First, it is set in the same town with some of the same characters as Coble's Tupelo Grove books with Rick Acker. In fact Hez Webster from What We Hide is instrumental in finding information for Blake and Paradise. I also loved the second chance romance for Blake and Paradise, and the suspense is stellar. (Watch for the scene with Blake and the hyenas. Yikes!)

Readers who love suspense with a side of romance will love Ambush! Coble fans will not be disappointed, and new Coble readers will find a book they can't put down. If you get the chance, listen to the audio version. I thought the narrator did a great job!

Ambush was my first Colleen Coble book. I've seen her name all over the place and even though suspense/murder mysteries aren't usually my preferred genre I decided to give it a shot! I enjoyed and appreciated the suspense and thrill of the setting being held at a wild animal sanctuary. This gave for some hold your breath type of scenes in the story. I also appreciated the development of Paradise and Blake's relationship. You can't help but root for them.
The reason for the 3 stars is because it took me at least to the 40% mark to become invested in the story. In the beginning there are a lot of nefarious things that happen and it didn't feel like there was any urgency. Almost like those things happen to them all the time so why bother getting upset. Also, out of the 4 mysteries, only 2 get resolved. I've found out there is a second story in the series and it revolves around the same characters and setting and hopefully wraps up the last two mysteries. I'm a bit skeptical there is much more to add to the story that won't feel repetitive from the first. That is my hesitation about wanting to continue the series but maybe I'll give it a try and Colleen Coble will prove me wrong.

Clean suspense/bit of romance story.

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Colleen Coble never disappoints and Ambush is no exception. It is the first book in a new series. The setting is an animal sanctuary owned by a woman whose husband died. Her older son, Blake, leaves a police department to help her with the sanctuary and his two young stepbrothers. Along comes Paradise who is returning to her hometown after 15 years. Paradise and Blake have a romantic past.
So loved the inclusion of the sanctuary. Also loved getting little snapshots of the behaviors of a fennec fox and lions. I never realized how dangerous hyenas can be. The dynamics between Blake and his step brothers brought tears to my eyes. A great mix of thriller and romance. Many many thanks to Colleen Coble, Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing me with an arc of this engaging read published on March 4th.

Title: Ambush
By: Colleen Coble
Pub. Date: March 4, 2025

Genre:
Fiction, Women’s, Romance, Mystery, Christian
(Second Chance Romance)

Trigger warnings:
Animal Sanctuary sabotage, Suicide (mentioned)

Memorable Quotes:
“I never realized having the resource of prayer was such a big deal. It’s somehow comforting to know events are outside my control and that’s okay. It makes me realize I never had the control I thought I had.”

Summary/Review:
As a girl, Paradise suffered the trauma of her parents murder. After an unexpected turn of events, and suffering from PTSD, Paradise finds herself back in Alabama. Fifteen years have passed and she decides to take the job as a veterinarian at the Animal Sanctuary. Little did Paradise know that her old flame, Blake, is back in town working at the Sanctuary too. After their own unexpected family tragedy, Blake comes home to help his mother care for his younger brothers. Together Blake and Paradise make amends, and join forces to determine who is behind the sanctuary sabotage, while working undercover to reveal the truth behind the death of Paradise’s parents.

Ambush is the first in Coble’s Sanctuary series. Coble is an auto-buy for me. Although this is not my favorite of her works, it is still an excellent, action packed, fast paced novel. Colleen Coble creates the perfect mix of romance and suspense, while adding a hint of Christianity. The plotline delivers the reader with deeply connected characters, action packed sabotage, while informing the reader of the ins and outs of animals and owning a sanctuary. With the dynamics of betrayal and trust, the identifiable characters of Paradise and Blake will be remembered long after the last page. I recommend this new series and can’t wait for the next pub day!

Thank you to Colleen Coble, Thomas Nelson Fiction , and NetGalley for the opportunity of an Advanced Readers Copy. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

#Ambush
#ThomasNelsonFiction
#reluctantreaderreads
#advancedreadercopies
#NetGalley

Ambush by Colleen Coble was good, although not great. I really loved the premise and the setting - a veterinarian returning to her home town to work at a local wildlife refuge. It was such a fun setting, so different from the traditional local girl returns home to small town books. Of course. the refuge is owned by the family of her high school boyfriend, which allows for some fun and intrigue. The protagonist, Paradise, had a troubled past when her parents died/were murdered in the home town, and now there is a mysterious death at the refuge to solve as well. It was an easy and fun read, although I would have enjoyed some less obvious character development.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for an ARC of this book. I always enjoy Colleen Coble and this one is no different. Suspense, murder in the environment of a wildlife sanctuary. Paradise and Blake move back home for different reasons and they share a history together. A very redemptive story set in a very interesting setting. I highly recommend. 4.5 stars.

Colleen Coble is a wonderful writer.
She is automatic read for me.
Ambush starts strong and kept me glued to the pages. There are many questions, lots of twists, and plenty of suspense to keep the story moving. I enjoyed Paradise and Blake, and their renewed relationship; Jenna and the two younger boys were delightful. I also enjoyed catching up with characters from other books and visiting familiar settings. I am very much looking forward to returns to their area in future books!!

Ambush is a definite must-read for suspense fans. The story centers around an animal sanctuary and someone isn't happy that the place is operating. Paradise Alden moves back home to take a job as the vet for The Sanctuary. Too bad her ex, Blake Lawson, works there. From page one, someone is sabotaging the Sanctuary. Blake and Paradise must figure out who wants to run the Sanctuary into the ground, and who would be capable of murder.

This story is exciting, action-packed, and full of heart. I always enjoy trying to solve the case right along with the characters. And Paradise and Blake make an interesting couple. The setting is fascinating with all of the different wild animals roaming about. Overall, this is a high-energy, intriguing read. 

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

Another riveting story to start a new series by Colleen Coble. Paradise lost her mother when she was young and went into foster care. When abuse was evident, a neighbor and boyfriend reported it and she wss removed. It was almost 15 years before she returned. Now as a Vet hired to work part time at the Wildlife Sanctuary, Paradise comes face to face with her past love. Blake helps his mother, Jenna run the sanctuary after the unexplained death of his stepfather.

Paradise has to come to terms with her past: the unsolved murder of her parents, family that didn't step up to help forcing her to foster care, and Blake. The Sanctuary is under fire from an unnamed source with accidents, damages, and bow a dead body. Colleen keeps the suspense level up and adequately deals with the romance to have Blake and Paradise reconnect to solve the mystery.

Although I received a free ARC from Net Galley and the publisher, all opinions are my own. A great read and now the dilemma of waiting for book 2!

I really enjoyed this book about the wildlife preserve in southern US. Added to the interesting premise of the wildlife preserve was the mystery surrounded the death of the main characters parents. When it becomes apparent that the preserve if being targeted, the main characters need to unravel not only the past but the mystery surrounding the preserve and why someone wants it to fail. Colleen Coble is a good author who brings characters and plots alive. I look forward to reading more of her books.

Ambush is a novel filled with suspense, romance, and intrigue. The plot will keep the reader guessing. This also contains a great focus on animal rescue sanctuaries. Ambush contains lots of danger built into the story which keeps the pages turning. And there is a great faith element throughout.
I never have been too keen on plots where the female character is portrayed as broken with emotional baggage and then along comes the strong male character who helps aid in her recovery. So this wasn’t my favorite Colleen Coble novel. But she is a great author who really transports the reader into her books. And I am anxious to see what comes next in the rest of the series.
I received a free copy from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Ambush by Colleen Coble is an engaging and emotional read that blends mystery, romance, and suspense. Paradise returns to her Alabama hometown to work as a veterinarian at a wildlife sanctuary, hoping to heal from a traumatic attack at her previous job. However, she’s also determined to uncover the truth behind her parents’ long-unsolved murders. Adding to the tension, she finds herself working alongside her first love, stirring up a whirlwind of emotions.

The novel weaves multiple storylines together—Paradise’s search for answers, the sanctuary’s unexplained sabotage, and her personal journey of healing. While some scenes are predictable, the plot twists keep the suspense high. A particularly heartbreaking moment occurs when Paradise reveals the consequences of being reported while in foster care, which may be triggering for some readers.

Overall, Ambush is a compelling story of resilience, love, and mystery, making it a great choice for fans of faith-based romantic suspense.

Having read and enjoyed a number of Colleen Coble's books, I looked forward to reading Ambush and was not disappointed. It is a captivating book that reels the reader in from the first page with tension that will have you holding your breath until the end. The author exhibits her skill in storytelling with her believable characters, action-packed scenes, and being able to keep the reader guessing as to which character is the villain. Ambush is a fast-paced story that readers who enjoy suspense and a sweet romance will not want to miss. I was given a complimentary copy of the through NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are my own.

Ambush by Colleen Coble, first in The Sanctuary series

Paradise returns to her hometown in Alabama after being gone for many years. She is going to serve as the vet for the wildlife sanctuary. Solving her parents’ murders is what drew her back. In the process of trying to get answers, she gets many other questions.

After the mysterious death of his stepfather, Blake left the military to help his mom raise his brothers and run the wildlife sanctuary. He is focused on his family and keeping everyone safe including Paradise. Paradise and Blake were high school sweethearts. They have to work together to protect the animals.

This suspenseful book is entertaining and engaging. It kept me guessing until the end. I thoroughly enjoyed the behind the scenes look of a wildlife park. I am looking forward for the next book in the series!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the advanced reader copy. The options shared are my own.

Great book! Keeps you reading and guessing til the end! Definitely think there could be a sequel. Would love to find out what happens with characters next!

Too much Lifetime and TBN and too little thriller. I wish it had been better described. I feel like I wasted a bunch of time with obvious plots, shallow characters, and ridiculous stretches in order to try to wrap the whole thing up.

Ambush by Colleen Coble
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A nice PG romantic suspense filled with hope, working through past trauma, and forgiveness. I have liked all of Coble’s books I’ve read so far and this was no exception. I especially loved the connections to characters in her last book I read.

Thank you @colleencoble, @netgalley, and @thomasnelson for a free ARC of this ebook. All opinions are honest and my own.

#netgalley #closeddoorromance #ambush #sanctuaryseries #colleencoble #goodreads #bookstagram #literarypearlsof25