Because You're Mine by Colleen Coble

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Colleen Coble's latest romantic mystery is a thrilling journey through deep grief, forgiveness and unexpectedly returned love.

Finding this story from one of my favorite mystery/romance authors available for review was like receiving a "just because" gift from a best friend. It has been a while since I have been offered a mystery to review and this story provided a fairly good one. Ms. Coble drops her readers right in the middle of the story of a Celtic music band on tour - with hopes of becoming as well known as Celtic Woman. Alanna and Liam are the band's leaders and expecting their first child. They are still as in love as they were on the day of their wedding and are looking forward to a tour break, allowing them some much needed rest and time together. But when Liam goes with his best friend Jesse for ride in Jesse's new car, tragedy of the worst kind explodes, literally, into Alanna's life. Coupling this terrible tragedy with Alanna's in-laws demanding custody of her unborn child, her anger at Jesse for Liam's death, and her marriage of convenience/protection to her band manager Barry and Ms. Coble has the makings of a good mystery. Ms. Coble's main character was fairly well developed within the pages of the story and I, for one, connected well with Alanna in her deep grief over Liam's death. Having lost several close family members unexpectedly I understood the shock and pain that Ms. Coble sought to share with readers. And Alanna's quick marriage to Barry, although not well advised, resonates with readers who will understand her attempt to provide herself with a refuge from a world of uncertainty and problems. Ms. Coble wrote a strong and deep-faith-based character in Alanna, developing her faith further throughout the story. Her willingness to put aside her own comfort for her child's provision, her unflinching focus on solving the mystery of Liam's death, not to mention finding her sister, will place Alanna in great danger multiple times - and each time she refuses to back down. She finds her comfort in God- ironically while still being angry and bitter at Him for Liam's death. And although she is still suspicious of Jesse's roll in her husband's death she is willing to offer an olive branch of peace in an effort to ensure the band's success in the music industry. I did find the story slightly predictable in its plot but the fleshing out of the story was good in spite of this. Barry's actions would have put me on my guard sooner than I think Alanna did but as I'm an outsider to the story this might not be true if it had been a person I had known and trusted for a long while. And I did find it annoying that Alanna took Barry's side against her best friends but I believe Ms. Coble had this happen as a result of Alanna's anger and bitterness towards God that also drove a wedge between her other relationships. I was often reminded of the story Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier as I read this story but was pleased to see it was not a re-telling of that great work. And I loved how everyone received exactly what was due them by their actions - always a good ending for a story. Additionally, for Ms. Coble to have Liam brought back to Alanna at the end because of mis-identification and amnesia was the perfect way to help Alanna heal and let go of her anger and bitterness. I didn't love this book 100% though. While I feel Ms. Coble did a good job developing Alanna, the other characters felt a little loose and less solid in their development. It was pretty obvious to me that Barry was the culprit in both murders early in this story and I would have liked him and others to have had better reasons for their actions. Ms. Coble needed to develop his obsession in more detail so that readers could see without a doubt the reasons for why he did what he did. I felt he was a rather weak, simple character. Jesse/Liam was fairly well developed but I would have liked to have had more of his thoughts and actions included in the story so I could connect better with him. I definitely was cheering for him to triumph at the end of the story but Ms. Coble only alluded to his faith and excellent personality; development of this character would have made the story much better in my opinion. As a fan of Celtic Woman and Scots-Irish Music, I was glad to see a story that was based in that field of entertainment. But I would have preferred to have seen more in the story about their actual music and touring to allow me to better understand the drive and personalities of the band members. I will share this story with others I know if they have an interest in this type of book but it might not be one I recommend first. I will be looking for more from this author but would hope that future stories will be back to the character development I have seen her use in previous stories. This book felt rushed and lacked the quality of writing I have come to expect from Ms. Coble. Hopefully her next story will be a vast improvement.

I received this E-book from Thomas Nelson Fiction via NetGalley free of charge in exchange for a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation from either company for this review.

This is actually the first book I have read by Colleen Coble. She is such a popular author that it seems absurd, I know. But, here it is! My first Colleen Coble book ever.

I really had no idea what to expect going into this book. I didn't really read the blurb very well so the whole book was sort of a surprise to me. I actually like it that way. I didn't expect the creepy sort of suspense I was feeling for most of this book. But I liked it! It was good for me because I don't like things too intense.

Yes, the whole story was completely predictable. You can call the ending from almost the beginning when the bomb goes off, but I didn't mind that.

I enjoyed the moments in the book where I felt the Irish brogue coming out. I also enjoyed the musical moments where the music transported the characters. It helped me connect to them and to the story. I wish there would have been more of that.

I'm not so sure I loved Alanna. There were some inconsistencies in her character, I think. I would have liked to have seen more resolution between Alanna and her mother and Alanna and her in-laws.

Overall a good book and a light read. Nothing to be taken too seriously. I liked it. 3/5 stars from me.

Content: I guess this is supposed to be a Christian fiction book but I can't really remember much of that. There definitely wasn't anything overly preachy. It was clean- no swearing or sexual situations but there is some light innuendo and some moments of mild violence.

- I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was under no obligation to review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Because You're Mine is a fine example of the gothic mystery genre by seasoned author Colleen Coble. Celtic songstress and violinist Alanna Connolly of the Celtic Woman like group Coel is devastated when her husband, Liam, is apparently killed in a car bombing after a concert in Charleston. Four months pregnant, Alanna and Liam had a wonderful future ahead. Now Alanna's grief is multiplied when Liam's powerful father threatens to take her child away.

Group manager and old family Charleston native Barry Kavanagh magnanimously offers to marry Alanna thus offering her a path to citizenship and her child born as a U.S. Citizen to thwart Mr. Connolly's efforts. Making many promises to her, including that the marriage would be in name only, Alanna makes the decision to marry Barry in order to protect her unborn child.

Liam's best friend and college roommate Jesse Hawthorne was also in the car but survived the blast. Liam and Jesse were not only best friends but were also look alikes almost as close in appearance as identical twins. The primary way he is identified is after the blast when asked his name all he says is "Jesse" before losing consciousness. After months of surgery and hospitalization, Jesse is at his parents Charleston home with almost total memory loss. As he recuperated, Jesse takes up drums like his friend Liam had played and becomes proficient enough that the members of Coel invite him to fill in on their upcoming tour. Jesse even attends Alanna's wedding.

After the wedding reception, Barry scurries Alanna away to the family country home, Blackwater Hall. Surrounded by sea grass and swamp, the isolated plantation is in great need of repair, but rooms for Alanna and Barry has been refurbished. However, the promised studio and rooms for the band members are not ready, further isolating Alanna.

In the haunting style of gothic greats Dorothy Eden, Mary Stewart, and Victoria Holt, Colleen Coble has spun the tale of Alanna in a suspenseful web of plot and subplots that will keep the reader guessing until the end. A real page turner, I do recommend this book.

Exciting, romantic, mysterious suspenseful, and targeted - that is what this book is. How is it exciting - well you have someone who is trying to steal someone's baby who isn't even born yet-and this person has power, and prestige and gets whatever he wants. Romantic - well what kind of Colleen Coble book would it be without romance in the middle of a mystery. Suspenseful - Alanna when her lifeline is broken and she runs to America to save herself and her unborn baby from the in-laws - she is thrown a lifeline by GOD - through prayer that is how she is targeted - GOD targets her by answering her prayers. This book makes you feel so many feelings - especially anger at a certain person and I wont ruin the book for you by telling you all of it - but she loves her husband and something happens so she has to run to America to save her baby and then the terror starts - but yet then the love begins - you just have to read it - it is addicting and it touches places in your heart you don't normally feel in a book - this is a great book.

Thomas Nelson and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of Because You're Mine. This is my honest opinion of the book.

Alanna Connolly is the fiddle player and singer for Ceol, the 4 women Celtic band that she founded. Having issues with her vocal cords that rest and relaxation can help heal, Alanna, her husband Liam, and the group's manager, Barry all have different ideas on how to accomplish this goal. After a terrible situation that leaves Alanna devastated, will a trip home to Ireland bring her comfort or will it provide more turmoil and strife? When Alanna makes a rash decision, will it cost more than she can bear?

I am all for a book that is comfortable and familiar, like an old pair of slippers, but Because You're Mine was just one cliché too many for me. The plot was expected, the main character uninspired, and the overall setting relied too much on southern prejudices. I was not drawn to any of the characters, as the author gave insufficient backgrounds to bring me into their world. This was not the book for me, but readers who like romantic suspense and mild psychological thrillers might enjoy Because You're Mine.

This book was different than any other romantic suspense book I've read. Unfortunately, I can't say much about why because it would give things away. I'll say this though, that things aren't as they seem. At first, I didn't really like it and was frustrated about not getting the point of view of the one character and the characters were oblivious or making excuses for things. But once I figured out what was happening, I was excited to see how it would end and how things would be revealed to the characters. Some of the Irish wording and phrasing made it a little harder to get into but made it more authentic. I found it an interesting story that was very different from anything I've read. The romance was different from what I was expecting and was as big of a focal point as I thought it would be. I enjoyed the suspense as normal in Colleen Coble's books.

Because You're Mine is an outstanding suspense novel by Colleen Coble. She has truly outdone herself with this one. I even took my Kindle to work with me to read on my lunch break, something I've never done before, because I just couldn't get Alanna and Liam off my mind! Well done, well done.

Colleen Coble's writing usually pulls me in and keeps in wondering where the next twist and turn will take place. But unfortunately with this book, Because You're Mine, I was sadly disappointed. Not 30% into the book, I already had the book figured out... even down to who actually died in the car explosion and the true "criminal" was throughout. Although this did not rank up there with her other books I have fully enjoyed (Sunset Cove Series, Hope Beach novels, etc.), I will continue to seek out her new books and curl up with a new cast of characters.

Review NOT posted online.

Most of the story is set in an old decaying mansion. An old portrait of a young woman who looks astonishingly like Alanna, the new bride of the lawyer whose family owns the home hangs on the wall. Outside, an alligator lurks, waiting for food. To top it all off, Coble added a banshee (female spirit in Irish mythology who heralds the death of a family member, usually by shrieking or keening) which I thought was the icing on the cake. The setting definitely adds an extra note of suspense to the story.

I enjoyed the Irish characters, although at times I wanted to scream at Alanna because she seemed to be to naive to be believed. Even without the added perspective given the reader, things weren't adding up. I think anyone reading the book will get a good idea of what is going on pretty quickly: however, there are layers to the story that are only slowly revealed.

Although this is a Christian fiction book, other than mentioning a church, a few prayers and a bit of wrestling with God and circumstances, it isn't saturated with religion.

Because You’re Mine is the latest novel by Colleen Coble. Alanna Connolly is a singer and fiddle player in the band Ceol. Alanna created the Celtic band that includes Fiona, Ciara, Ena. Alanna’s husband, Liam plays percussion instruments for Ceol. After a performance in Charleston, Liam is going out with his friend, Jesse Hawthorne. The pair went to college together in Ireland. Liam leaves with Jesse and Alanna heads out in the van with her bandmates. They get down the street when there is an explosion. Jesse’s yellow sports car is in flames. Only one of the men survived the explosion. The paramedics ask the survivor his name and they are told Jesse. Alanna is devastated at the loss of her husband especially since she is four months pregnant with their first child. Upon returning to Ireland for the funeral, Liam’s father, Thomas threatens to sue for custody of Alanna’s baby (their last link to their son). Alanna will not let them get her son and asks Barry Kavanagh, lawyer and band manager, for assistance. Alanna wishes to become a citizen of the United States. Barry tells her the fastest way to accomplish it is to marry and he proposes. Barry is from an old southern family in Charleston, and he will be able to keep the child (and Alanna) safe. Alanna quickly agrees and they marry eight weeks after Liam’s funeral. After the wedding, Barry takes Alanna to his old family home twenty miles from Charleston. The big house is positioned near a swamp that is home to a gator named Pete. The home is in desperate need of repairs. It turns out that Barry neglected to mention a few things to Alanna. The crumbling Kavanagh home is full of secrets and danger. To make things worse, Jesse keeps popping up in Alanna’s life. Jesse has memory of life before the accident and he does not like what he has discovered. He wants to make changes. Join Alanna, Jesse, and Barry in Because You’re Mine.

Because You’re Mine is nicely written and easy to read. I found the storyline to be predictable. I could tell how the book would end before Alanna married Barry (I forecasted every “twist”). I found several things odd and just plain unbelievable. Alanna likes to walk around without her shoes on. Would you walk near a swamp without shoes on? Especially since there are snakes and gators (one that has tried more than once to take a chomp out of her) hanging around! I can understand wanting to protect her unborn child, but rushing into marriage with a man you barely know. Alanna also fails to research citizenship requirements or custody laws for herself (would you trust an American attorney on Irish law). I give Because You’re Mine 2 out of 5 stars. I thought Alanna to be very naïve and gullible for someone who is about to turn thirty. I was disappointed in the books ending. The author did not wrap up all the threads with the epilogue. I felt Because You’re Mine is an expected love story, and it reminded me of those chick flicks that I do not watch (on the very famous women’s channel). This book was not up to Colleen Coble’s standards.

Wow!!! Colleen Coble never stops amazing me with each new book she releases. Because You're Mine pulled me in from the first pages and had me on the edge of my seat until it's fantastic conclusion. I highly recommend this book!

“Because You’re Mine” is somewhat of a departure from Colleen Coble’s usual novels but that does not mean she left out the suspense. In fact, there is suspense aplenty and at times it gets just a bit creepy. I will admit that I had my suspicions early on how things might turn out but that didn’t keep me from enjoying the story. In fact, it was fun to see where the plot would go before all was revealed.

Some of Colleen’s usual fans may not care for “Because You’re Mine” but I personally loved it. The primary setting is a spooky old run down mansion sitting right in the swamp near Charleston. That swamp has a resident alligator that is fed regularly by the new (and very strange) husband of Alanna. As the novel progresses, Barry becomes more and more controlling and frightening. Alanna and her unborn baby may actually be in danger of their very lives.

“Because You’re Mine” is just another example of why I try to read every book released by Colleen Coble. It was a page-turner extraordinaire and I did not want to put it down.

Alanna was shocked when she saw the picture in her new husband's house. The lady in the picture looked just like her. How could this be? Didn't Barry marry her out of concern for her situation and to protect her and her baby? How could he not have noticed that the painting in the hall looks exactly like her? After her husband died in a car accident, Alanna, a key part of the Irish music band, Ceol, fled to America to protect her baby and married the band's manager, Barry. In her new house, she discovers a picture of Deirdre, who, along the way she discovers, is her grandmother. The picture of her grandmother, the weird behavior of her new husband and his family, a music box identical to her long-lost sister's, and the abnormalities of the band's new drummer all confuse Alanna and the members of her band. What is really going on? What is really true? Only at the end is the mystery solved, and the reader finds that nothing can really sever the bonds of love.

Colleen Coble's Because You're Mine is a interesting mystery with a happy ending. I recommend it!

What initially drew me to this book was, first and foremost, the author. I’ve read many books by Colleen Coble. She’s a talented author with a soft spiritual voice and a knack for suspense and romance. Her stories suck me in quickly and keep a good grip, and the characters she creates are memorable and easy to relate to.

I was also drawn in by the lovely cover art. Eye-catching. The fact that Thomas Nelson published this book is also a big plus, for they distribute top-quality books with lovely, meaningful messages.

Because You’re Mine feels different than the other Coble books I’ve read. It has a different atmosphere, a different tone. It felt heavier on suspense and a little softer on the spiritual side. Just my opinion. But, even though I got off to a slower-than-usual start, the pacing picked up as the story went along. I enjoyed the Irish feel and brogue. The characters are diverse and realistic—some I like more than others—and the story (somewhat predictably) ties up nicely in the end.

This isn’t one of my favorite Colleen Coble books, but it’s still a good read. I prefer her Sunset Cove and Hope Beach Series, finding them easier to sink into and less edgy/anxious type of read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book.

Let me first say I'm a HUGE Colleen Coble fan. I try to read everything she writes. She develops great characters and story lines. With that being said, I was disappointed in this story. Although I enjoyed most of the characters I found the plot very predictable. (Maybe I grew up watching too many soap operas!)

I loved Alanna's spunk and her passion for her music and Liam. They truly had a special relationship. I did feel for Alanna when it came to her family situation and the heartaches and hurts she experienced since childhood. I enjoyed learning more about the "Travelers" community and some of the Irish tales.
Again, for me the story line was very predictable.

Will I read the next book Colleen Coble releases? YOU BET! She's an excellent author and always worth reading.

I give this book 3 1/2 Stars.

Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher, via Netgalley.com, but I was not required to leave a review. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

Alanna Connolly is the fiddle player in a four woman Celtic band, her husband Liam was killed in a car explosion, and she is pregnant with their unborn child. Alanna marries Barry, the band manager shortly after her husband's death, and Barry take her to an isolated estate close to a swamp full of gators.

Jesse, Liam's best friend was driving the car when it combusted, he survived, but still hasn't regained his memory. Alanna is wary of Jessie, who take over Liam's place in the band as the drummer, she believes there is more to the car crash than meets the eye.

As strange things begin to happen at the estate, Barry's mood swings and unkept promises make it difficult for the band to practice, Alanna doesn't know where to turn or who to trust.

This book was hard to get into, and very different from anything that I had ever read by this author in the past. It was very dark, and it was hard to read, as Alanna made so many bad choices in the beginning, and I didn't know what to think of Jesse. So it was kinda a slow start for me, but I kept hoping that it would pick up and find a happy resolution. '

I liked that Alanna turned back to her faith, and Jesse also explores what he believes even though his parents try to discourage him. Jesse doesn't remember everything, but he doesn't like the man that he was and he wants to change.

This book has many twist and turns along the way, and there are definitely plenty of surprises, but I still had difficulty enjoying this book because of how dark it was. So I would warn fans of Ms. Coble that it is much darker than much of her previous works, but you may enjoy it if you are a fan of darker suspense. But for me personally, it just wasn't for me.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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."

This book had me page-turning as fast as I could read to get to the end and find the answers, even the title put my mind singing “Because You're Mine”, and you can conjure up what the story is about. Wrong.
Allana appears to have it all as the book opens, her Celtic band is heading to the top, she is married to the man of her dreams, and they are expecting their first baby. Of course, things can’t stay that way, but you never expect the turn of events that are about to happen.
While I figured out early on what was happening, there were still lots of surprises, and all that we picture is not always as they are, and with this book it is so very true.
The estate that Allana ended up at gave me the creeps, while I should have loved the historic old mansion, and when the pets or domestic animals, cats and dogs, end up missing, ugh!
With her father-in-law threatening to take her baby, and her manager offering her a life line, we have to hope that this is the answer, sounds good, but of course, things are not all what we think they are.
I loved her friends, and the mention of the Travelers, and the connection to them, our Irish Gypsies, and as it turns out Allana’s roots.
Once you start this one you are going to need answers.
I received this book through Net Galley the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review

When I pick up a book from Colleen Coble I know it's going to be good. Because You're Mine was different than any book I've read. I was literally kept on the edge of my seat for most of the book. I kept trying to figure out who everyone really was, and what they were hiding. Coble kept me guessing all the way to the end. And I enjoyed almost every minute of it. If you read the description of the book you can understand how I couldn't enjoy every moment. It was interesting hearing the different way people from Ireland talked, and I found myself reading with an Irish accent. This book follows Alanna as she tries to figure out what to do with her life.

Not many people have the love that Alanna and Liam did. One of them dying when they are expecting a baby was not part of the plan. Now she must figure out what her next step is. Her father in law is a very powerful man, and will stop at nothing to get her unborn baby. When her manager Barry offers a marriage of convenience she figures it's her best option. Her band doesn't agree, but has little say in the matter. When weird things start happening Alanna doesn't know what to do. Who wants to hurt her and why? Will she and her baby live long enough to find out?

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys suspense. I had no way of guessing what was going to happen next. Coble kept me hooked, and I had a hard time putting the book down. I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

Thoughts:

In BECAUSE YOU’RE MINE by Colleen Coble, we are on tour with a band from Ireland called Ceol, and in spite of the perils of fame, we visit romance at its finest until danger’s explosion changes everything!

Alanna Connolly is a young, pregnant widow lost without a connection in this world to call her own besides her band mates. With Liam gone, her grief is all encompassing, but she is carrying their baby. He is her anchor. Trying to patch together a family from Liam’s side, she tries to lighten their grief by telling them of the baby. However, this development is just what this powerful family uses to keep her latched. Her Irish past wasn’t the norm in the nation, and they plan to use it against her, but she will not let them take her baby.

Her band manager steps up and offers her a business proposal. He’ll marry her to help get her a U. S. citizenship to keep herself out of their clutches while she takes her time to grieve and begin again.

While this marriage of convenience seems to be the answer, Alanna is a vulnerable foreigner in Charleston, SC with doubts about many things, and her grief is playing havoc with her heart, mind, and sensibility. Her band mates help to keep her grounded, but with everything from gators to human screams, these pages keep turning as we wonder about those close to home!

***This opinion is my own.***

Preview:

Colleen Coble shadows Charleston, South Carolina in danger throughout BECAUSE YOU’RE MINE.

A foreigner in the United States is grief-stricken by the loss of her husband. The light was just beginning to shine brightly on Ceol, a Celtic band, under new management. A powerful explosion makes Alanna Connolly a pregnant, widow with no family and few friends. Alanna is longing to be in Ireland to raise her child, but her husband’s family is powerful with connections. Not waiting to see her father-in-law carry out his threat, she runs.

Her band manager makes a deal that will protect her and the baby, but she has doubts before she signs. Unfortunately, she’s out of options.

This man extends a helping hand to her complete with his home and his name to get Alanna out of harm’s way from Liam’s family.

Is this all there is to the story?

Although she had met her husband through his best friend, she dislikes the man. Jesse is the only survivor of one fateful night so that he is not a friend to Alanna. A man with his reputation is still walking the earth while the good man that was her husband is gone. He is her enemy. Wanting nothing to do with Jesse Hawthorne, she keeps her distance, but he does not follow her lead.

Is guilt eating at him or is there more manipulation in Jesse than anyone really knows?

He wants to be a band member, and Alanna will not accept this. However, she does not have the sole decision, and the manager isn’t forbidding his inclusion. Why? Stuck in a horrid situation with all the pain it brings she slides backward into grief and loses some of her reality in the process. Then it all becomes clear to her.

She’s in danger, and the spotlight is shining brightly in Charleston instead of Ireland!