“𝘚𝘩𝘦'𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘰 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴' 𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳--𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘬𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵.”

𝘈𝘮𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘩 is my second read by Colleen Coble and is definitely my favourite of hers so far! It actually ended up being one of my favourite books from last year.

I haven’t read many books set in a wildlife sanctuary, and I think it made a very interesting setting for a suspense book (can you imagine the horror and suspense of finding out that one of the dangerous animals have escaped?!)

There were definitely quite a few twists I was not expecting, and the plot was gripping enough for me to have read it in less than 48 hours! I was also quite impressed with how well-developed the protagonists were as suspense books generally have very underdeveloped main characters. I additionally thought that Paradise and Blake’s relationship was well-written and convincing (sometimes I feel like the main couples in suspense are just together because the author simply wants them to be, not because they have a good relationship).

Overall, I’d definitely recommend 𝘈𝘮𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘩 to anyone who enjoys contemporary christian suspense, and I’m really looking forward to the sequel!

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

𝘙𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦: March 4, 2025

𝘙𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨: 4.25 Stars

𝘎𝘦𝘯𝘳𝘦: Contemporary Christian Suspense

𝘗𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘴: 352

𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵: Level 3 - Kissing

𝘝𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦: Moderate

𝘚𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨: None

Colleen Coble has done it again. It may sound odd to say, but she's created a refreshing twist to the romantic suspense genre. Set in a wildlife sanctuary, Paradise Alden and Blake Lawson share a history along with tragedy in Paradise's life. Someone is attacking the sanctuary and framing Blake. I enjoyed reading about people who aren't in law enforcement trying to do the right thing and solve the mystery of who is behind it all. I loved the setting with the exotic animals and the thread of hope woven throughout the story. And I look forward to the next Sanctuary book. Coble left some questions to be answered later...Perfect!

Fast-paced? ✅ Page-turner? ✅ Suspenseful? ✅ Ambush by Colleen Coble is all that and more! Danger from nature and danger from some unknown person(s). From page one I was captured with the characters and plot. But, I wouldn't expect anything less from a Coble novel.

Releases Mar. 4th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was a solid start to a new series by Coble! I wondered if it might be part of another series (cowritten with Rick Acker) also set in Tupelo Grove; turns out, they just overlap in a little Venn diagram. ;)

Pretty much nonstop action from start to finish! If you enjoy Coble's other books, this is on par with them, and pretty fun to dive into the animal kingdom. I really was kept guessing to the end with how everything would turn out, and found exploring potential motives to be super interesting.

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

There were definitely good parts and storylines to this book, but I felt there was a lot going on. Sometimes it was hard to keep up with all of the different stories. I feel the ending was a bit rushed. But overall, I enjoyed the main storyline.

WOW! Once again, Colleen Coble pens a suspense-driven novel that has you hooked from the very beginning! Paradise Alden left Nova Cambridge, AL after experiencing the murder of her parents and an abusive foster care system. She's managed to make a life for herself as a veterinarian but after a vicious jaguar attack, she is left reeling. Taking a job at an animal sanctuary in her hometown, she hopes to heal and also dig deeper into the unsolved mystery behind her parents' murders. But little does she know that her first love - lost in betrayal - is now working at the sanctuary. Blake Lawson's mother, a widow with two young sons by her second marriage, is trying to keep up the animal paradise but has been plagued by activists, real estate agents, and sabotage. Can Blake and Paradise lay aside their differences to help save the sanctuary and figure out her parents' cold case? This spine-tingling novel will draw you in and keep you guessing as you flip pages. A definite must-read for 2025!

Ambush had me on the edge of my seat the whole book. Colleen delivers another fantastic suspenseful romance book. I couldn’t put this book down. I loved Blake & Paradise’s history from children. They had such a gripping story that just had to be shared. Colleen always keeps you on your toes when she’s putting a book out. I’m excited for the world to get this book in their hands in March.

Ambush
by Colleen Coble
Pub Date: March 4, 2025
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Ambush is the newest release by Colleen Coble. The author incorporates supporting characters from the Pelican Harbor series and the Tupelo Grove series. The time placement of this book seems to be after the conclusion of What We Hide as the characters from that book seem to be who they are at the conclusion of What We Hide.
Excellent book that kept me on the edge of my seat!
This book was another great non-stop action and suspense from author Colleen Coble. I’ve always loved Colleen Coble’s books and this one was no exception. I liked how this one had a couple of different mysteries in it. Paradise and Blake have such a great chemistry and history together. This one also had a twist that I never saw coming. I highly recommend this book.

I’ve always been intrigued by Colleen Coble’s books, and I was so happy to read this book. Colleen Coble definitely has a new fan in me.

After her parent’s murder when she was younger, tough times in foster care, and other tribulations in her life, Paradise moves back to her hometown. She gets a job working as a veterinarian, and it’s there that things start going downhill for her.

Someone has a vendetta against the wildlife reserve and, Paradise, Blake, and his family. I loved getting to know the cast of characters a little a time, while also seeing Paradise deal with second-chance romance and a mystery to solve.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson fiction for the review copy.

Another great story from Colleen Coble. Well defined characters and story lines only add to the intrigue. Several things going on in this story. If you think you know what’s going to happen, think again. I didn’t want to put this book down. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are entirely my own. #NetGalley

Ambush by Colleen Coble. Paradise, a wildlife veterinarian, and Blake, the son of the owner face many difficulties in this unique setting in an exotic wildlife sanctuary. As she bonds with Rosie, a cute Fennec Fox, Paradise works through her past traumas and rediscovers trust. An enjoyable, fast-paced book filled with second chance romance, personal conflict, and mysteries. The first novel in a brand-new series, and eagerly awaiting the next one.
Thank you to Colleen Coble, Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

I'm a bit late to reading Colleen Coble's novels. This was my first. While it wasn't a favorite, I would read more from her, including the next book in this new series.

As a romantic suspense, I find it did better with the romance. There is definitely mystery and suspense to be found, and it keeps the reader invested, but the pace is slower than I expected.

What Coble does well is create characters that are relatable and that you want to see win (or get slapped, in some cases). The small-town setting works well for this story, and there is room for ample character and story opportunities in later novels as the unfinished threads come together.

This action-packed romantic suspense offering kicks off the Sanctuary series. The captivating plot moves at a steady pace with suspenseful, unexpected twists. There are two main storylines here—one involving dangerous sabotage at The Sanctuary wild-life refuge and the other involving finding the truth about a 20- year-old unsolved murder. One is brought to conclusion while the other leads to a to-be-continued ending. Vivid descriptions of wild animal behavior and interaction with the main characters (especially the hyena scenes) bring the story to life and intensify the danger and suspense. Well-crafted, memorable characters kept me firmly invested in the outcome. A bit of second chance romance and a strong faith thread, with themes of depending on God’s guidance and care, round out the story. I totally enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Title: Ambush
Series: Sanctuary Series #1
Author: Colleen Coble
Publisher: Thomas Nelson Fiction
Genre: Mystery Thriller, Christian Romance
Pub Date: March 4, 2025
My Rating: 4.4
Pages 352

Our protagonist Paradise Alden is a veterinarian who returns to Nova Cambridge, Alabama, her hometown to work in a wild life sanctuary.
She left fifteen years ago when her parents were murdered. That in itself was horrible, however her life continued downward with abuse in the foster care system. Paradise helped out at the Sanctuary as it was her happy place to get away from foster care. She worked with Hank Anderson who was the vet.
Now she is hoping the “Sanctuary” will help her better accept the traumas that have happened in her life which includes being attacked by jaguar when a coworker accidently left a door open.
The Sanctuary is run by Jenny Anderson, her husband was Hank and when he died in a suspicious accident she needed a vet she contacted Paradise. She is also Blake Lawson’s mother – Blake is a former lover whom Paradise believes destroyed her life.

Now at The Sanctuary a body is found. turns out to be Danielle Mason a woman who has made a nuisance of herself the past two years. There had been an altercation when Ms. Mason and other protesters blocked the entrance with a sign “Free the Animals or Death to the Keepers.” Blake and his mother are suspects.

Soon a series of events are happening including a break-in, and a shooting.
Paradise has never gotten over Blake and he feels the same way. When a series of negative events happen including a break-in, animal’s gates left unlocked as well as a shooting they know they need to work together to find out what is going on and who is behind these events. Additionally Paradise still wants to know who murdered her parents as that mystery was never solved- additionally Hank’s accident still needs to be resolved!

I am an author, Colleen Coble fan! Whenever I see a new book by her - it automatically goes on my TBR list! This is # 29 for me!
As always she does not disappoint, I am a big thriller fan and Ms. Coble always comes through with twists that I didn’t see coming!

The back of her books are also worth a read,
In “A Note from the Author” she tells us her inspiration for this story was her visit to the “Out of Africa Wildlife Park’ with her grandson Silas’ birthday. In her ‘Acknowledgement’ she thanks those who helped her with her research. Then there are her thoughtful ‘Discussion Questions’. In other words her stories are a ‘win win’!
Love Paradise and Blake and look forward to Book 2 "Prowl".
Ms. Coble dropped some bread crumbs so that I am already looking forward to it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing me with another great Coble eGalley!
Publishing Release Date scheduled for March 4, 2025.

It was fun to see characters from Pelican Harbor and Tupelo Grove make a cameo appearance in Sanctuary. I thought an animal refuge was a great place to set this romantic suspense mystery drama, filled with mayhem. I loved how the author wove a surprising secret into the story. I liked learning about how the animals were fed and watched over. I learned how dangerous it was to work there and what rules were put in place to keep the animals and humans safe. Colleen said her grandson's birthday celebration at Our of Africa Wildlife Park inspired this novel.

The fact that everyone in the story could have been a suspect was a great twist. Until the very end, I couldn't stop wondering who may have caused the destruction of the Sanctuary. I was utterly captivated by the plot from the very beginning. I was hooked by the story's tension, suspense, and the glimmer of romance.

This book is the first book in an exciting new Sanctuary adventure series. I couldn't be more excited! I look forward to learning more about the animals' care, interactions with humans, and the behind-the-scenes activities. I can't wait to spend more time with the main characters too. Thank you, Colleen. I guarantee this book will be a hit with your book group. You should definitely read this novel!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN: Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

Such a great book! I was so excited to start this new series and it didn’t disappoint. Can’t wait to read the next one!
I received an ARC copy of this book and all opinions are my own.

As always, Colleen Coble has excellent timing of suspense and the romance between the main characters. As an animal lover, I especially loved that it was set in an animal sanctuary. The web of plotlines that eventually connect keeps me on my toes and trying to figure out who the person causing issues at the Sanctuary like murders, fires, break ins, sabotage like opening the gates of the hyenas.

There's just WAY too much going on here. Paradise is investigating her parent's murder, the animal sanctuary is being sabotaged, and then throw in a tornado and flooding. I felt like I was watching a game of ping pong, boinging from one plot line to the other. Lots of cheesy, clunky dialogue. Not her best work.

Someone is out to ruin the reputation of The Sanctuary, a wildlife preserve in Alabama run by a mother and son, Jenna and Blake. Mysterious things continue to occur putting the owners at risk both physically and financially leaving them wondering if they should simply give up their home and the wildlife preserve.
Paradise Alden is a large animal vet dealing with PTSD after sustaining injuries from a black panther attack. She has returned to her childhood hometown to help out at The Sanctuary, but she has ulterior motives. Not only does she long to rehabilitate from her attack, but she is looking to uncover the truth about her parents deaths from nearly two decades ago. Reconnecting with her first love, Blake, and finding herself in the midst of a dangerous investigation were not supposed to be part of her healing journey.

With a great cast of characters as well as characters from other series, Ambush is full of excitement with multiple mysteries to unravel and questions to answer.

Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

4.5 stars! What an exciting story! I loved all the exotic animals that live at The Sanctuary in this book. The characters are flawed and human but genuine and I loved seeing them develop. This seems to most likely be set up for another book and I can’t wait to continue the story. Colleen is one of my absolute favorite authors and I look forward to all of her books.