Ambush by Colleen Coble is a Christian romantic thriller and Colleen Coble is fast becoming a favourite author. Ambush has so much suspense and many twists that keep you engrossed. The characters were engaging and I liked the character development. Most importantly, I love that the female protagonist renewed her relationship with God - a lesson on healing and restoration. However, the book is quite slow for a thriller and I didn't like the cliffhanger at the end. Thank you, Netgalley and Thomas Nelson, for giving me this book in exchange for my honest review.

I read this book in one night. I thought I would just read a couple chapters before bed and ended up reading the whole thing. I loved the characters and the animals. The description of the sanctuary was actually something I could invision, and the events kept me on the edge of my seat. This book left me on a clifhanger so I hope this means there's more to come!

What a fascinating book. I loved learning about an animal sanctuary and what it takes to run one. It’s a great romantic suspense. It’s a roller coaster of suspense Following along the clues was a twist road. It kept me glued to the pages. The conclusion of the book still leaves us with a mystery. I look forward to the next book to see what happens next. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

I really enjoy Colleen Coble’s books. I like the focus on God and a little mystery at the same time. This book was a quick read with a twist at the end. It was lighthearted and easy to enjoy.

This was a novel that I had found on NetGalley and was attracted by the title and the cover. I was fortunate enough to be granted an advance copy to review by the author (Colleen Coble), her publisher (Thomas & Mercer), and the fine folks at NetGalley.

The protagonist, Paradise Alden, led an almost idyllic childhood Nova Cambridge, Alabama until the night her parents were murdered. In the years following this tragic event (which would obviously leave their own psychological scars), her life is further upset as she faces abuse in the foster care system, her first love's betrayal, and the jaguar attack that nearly destroyed her career has led to an unshakable distrust--in men, in God, and maybe in even in herself.

After fifteen years, returning to her hometown is a last resort to finding her life again. She's hoping the wildlife refuge where she's accepted a veterinarian job will be the perfect place to heal from her recent traumas and unlock her memories about the night her parents died. But on the day she arrives at The Sanctuary, a body is discovered on the grounds. And soon, a series of deadly events threaten her future and the man who, despite all odds, still makes her pulse stutter. Arson, a shooting, a break-in, and multiple instances of animals being freed from their enclosures all point back to him, but Paradise knows Blake Lawson isn't responsible. Not the man who has been helping his mother manage The Sanctuary these past six months and care for his stepbrothers in the wake of their father's death . . . even if his betrayal years ago cost her everything.

When I first looked to list this book as one that I was going to read, I noticed that it was listed under the heading of a "Christian book" (not exactly what I had assumed based on the title and the cover of the book). I know that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover (which I feel defeats "the racoon principle"...lol). I expected it to have a little more "grit" based upon the aforementioned principles (but whatever).

As a whole, I couldn't find anything wrong with the book but I normally would not be a book that I would regularly read (as I would usually read thrillers, action, or legal) and as such I suppose that I would it would earn three and a half stars out of five stars. After reading this book, I feel that it would be a favourite of fans of second-chance romance/ christian literature.

As with all my literary ramblings, these are just a few of my five cents worth.

I was given their book by NetGalley for an honest review-
I loved everything about this book- the characters, the mystery, the emotions. A totally great read!
Paradise has been abused in the foster care system after her parents were murdered. Fifteen years later she returns home to work at the wildlife refuge hoping to heal and find out who murdered her parents and why. Her first day back a murdered woman is found at the refuge. Then begins a series of scary incidents that happen leaving them to wonder who is doing this and why? Can they find the murderer? Will she rekindle her romance with Blake? You won’t want to miss this book!

Paradise Alden had a less than desirable childhood. From the early loss of her parents, to being placed in foster care and struggling through terrible experiences within the system. The one bright spot in her growing up years was Blake Lawson, her first love. As she returns to the place where she grew up, she's hoping to face her past, find justice for her parents and healing for her own heart. And the place she ends up returning to is the one place that puts her in daily constant contact with Blake - The Sanctuary - the Lawson family run wild animal sanctuary.

I love a story that has built in a past history for the couple that falls in love. It builds a richness to the story that is often missing when characters meet and quickly fall in love. Paradise and Blake are a sweet team as they seek justice for Paradise's parents and seek to get to the bottom of what is happening at The Sanctuary.

I loved that this story built on characters met in What We Hide! As I'm anxiously waiting the next book in the Tupelo Grove series, it was fun to revisit those characters and see their stories progress as well!

"Ambush" by Colleen Coble is an engaging romantic suspense novel set in Nova Cambridge, Alabama. The story follows Paradise Alden, a veterinarian who returns to her hometown after 15 years, hoping to heal from past traumas and uncover the truth about her parents' murder.

As Paradise begins work at a wildlife refuge called The Sanctuary, she encounters a series of dangerous events that threaten both her safety and that of Blake Lawson, a man from her past. Their complicated history adds depth to the story as they work together to unravel the mysteries surrounding them.

Coble's writing is clear and accessible, making the book easy to follow. The plot moves at a good pace, with enough twists to keep readers interested. The author does a good job of developing Paradise's character, showing her growth as she deals with her past and learns to trust again.

The small-town Southern setting provides an interesting backdrop for the story, and Coble's descriptions help bring it to life. While the romance between Paradise and Blake is an important part of the book, it doesn't overshadow the suspense elements.

Overall, "Ambush" is an enjoyable read for fans of romantic suspense. It offers a good balance of mystery, personal drama, and romance, making it a solid choice for readers who enjoy these elements in their fiction.

Paradise Alden returns to her hometown after a not so idealistic upbringing to accept a new job after years of being a way. Upon her arrival, things start happening. With the help of a “friend”, she unlocks the mystery of who’s behind these events.

Ambush by new to me author C. Coble, published by Thomas & Mercer is a thriller/ second chance romance/ christian literature; the first book in The Sanctuary Series.
A slow burn novel with an intriguing story and wonderful characters, 4.5 stars.
Blurb: Paradise Alden's life has left her scarred. The suffereing in the foster care system, her first love's betrayal, and the jaguar attack that nearly destroyed her career have led to an unshakable distrust--in men, in God, and maybe in even in herself.
After fifteen years, returning to her hometown is a last resort to finding her life again. She's hoping the wildlife refuge where she's accepted a veterinarian job will be the perfect place to heal from her recent traumas and unlock her memories about the night her parents died. But on the day she arrives at The Sanctuary, a body is discovered on the grounds. And soon, a series of deadly events threatens not only her future but the man who, despite all odds, still makes her pulse stutter. Arson, a shooting, a break-in, and multiple instances of animals being freed from their enclosures all point back to him, but Paradise knows Blake Lawson isn't responsible. Not the man who has been helping his mother manage The Sanctuary these past six months and care for his stepbrothers in the wake of their father's death . . . even if his betrayal years ago cost her everything.

AMBUSH by COLLEEN COBLE is an exciting thriller which takes place in Nova Cambridge, Alabama, at The Wildlife Sanctuary, where Paradise Alden joins the staff as a vet. She is determined to face up to her fears and find the person responsible for her parents’ murder. She also has to face her first boyfriend, Blake Lawson, whose betrayal ruined her life, and her fear of big cats after having been mauled by a jaguar.
Blake has left his career in the Marines to help his mother Jenna run the Sanctuary as well as help her with his young brothers after the death of his stepfather., Hank.
The story is exciting as Blake and Paradise work together to find out who is responsible for the murder of animal activist, Danielle Mason, whose bloody body is delivered in a trailer to the property, the burning down of Paradise’s cottage, and the opening up of gates turning dangerous animals loose, thus giving the place a bad name. It seems as though someone is trying to force Jenna to sell…..
The characters are great. I specially love Blake’s little brothers Levi and Isaac, and their interacton with him and Paradise.
There is a strong Christian message of redemption and forgiveness running through the book.
I cannot recommend this unputdownable romantic suspense novel highly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.