Because You're Mine is an awesome Christian suspense. The book has a great plot that pulled me in immediately and kept me glued to the book. I enjoy this author's books and was not disappointed in this one. I recommend this read to anyone who enjoys a good clean suspense.

In the descriptive prose she is so well known for, Colleen Coble writes a chilling tale of an old, decaying plantation that whispers of secrets—set amongst the backdrop of waving seagrass and the salty ocean scents of Charleston, South Carolina. The beautiful, red-headed Irish heroine, Alanna, is not the brightest bulb in the pack, but I blame it on her desperation, grief, and the fact that she is expecting a child. But wandering barefoot to the lagoon where her new (and I might add weird acting) husband's pet alligator lies in wait...not too intelligent. I would have rated this higher, but I figured out who-dun-it and the motive 50% in. However, if you like creepy old mansions, man-eating alligators, scary, heart-palpitating, never ending excitement, and sweet romance, then I highly recommend this one to you! Colleen Coble can do no wrong in my book (pardon the pun) and this South Carolina girl enjoyed 'Because You're Mine' immensely!

I was invited by the publisher via NetGalley to read a complimentary copy of this book, so I took the opportunity to revisit Colleen Coble's work, since it's been a while. The musicians, the unique cast of characters, the setting, and references to a particular Irish people group provided intriguing elements at the beginning. However, this novel got off to a slow to start, and it was difficult to get involved in the story because the characters ping from place to place in a series of episodes loosely connected together, which didn’t feel plausible at all. Alanna, the heroine of the novel, seemed focused on protecting her unborn child and trying to maintain a career, but blindly accepts a marriage proposal from her agent, Barry. Every time he suggests something that obviously isn’t in her best interests, she willingly goes along without asking any questions, yet it’s obvious to the reader his intentions aren’t good. He lies and misleads her, but she continues to trust him.
I initially expected Jesse to be the antagonist/villain/stalker in the story, which as the story progresses, that appears not to be the case. He was an interesting character and the fact that he and Alana would eventually end up together became very obvious by the midpoint of the novel.
The supernatural elements that make brief appearances in the plot fell flat for me, as well. The banshee, the possibility of Liam’s soul transferring to Jesse’s, especially the mention of an exorcism all felt out of place in Christian contemporary fiction. the genuine Christian aspects of this novel were vague and barely mentioned. I didn’t see the character’s faith grow or transform at all from the beginning to the end of the novel. Mentioning one passage of scripture, as well as the beauty and power of love at the end of the novel isn’t the same as true spiritual growth and development.
I don’t read a lot of suspense, so maybe this is common for the genre, but the obstacles that threatened the heroine’s well-being seemed to spring up out of nowhere. A hand suddenly shoves her down a hill, the snake planted in her bed, even the scenes at the climax of the novel felt cliché and overdone. While the happily ever after was sweet, there were still a lot of unresolved plot points for me. What happened to Grady? What became of Liam’s parents’ efforts to take the baby away from Alanna? Where is her mother? Do they have any kind of relationship?
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the complimentary copy of this novel. All opinions stated here are my own.

I have only read one other book by Colleen and I loved it. I was very excited to read her newest release especially since the main character is a musician and so am I. I also love the Celtic Woman so this was kind of behind the scene peek a that life.

After reading the beginning I was anxious to get back to the book the next day. There was definitely a mystery surrounding the entire book. It has some very dark kind of aspects which are resolved by the end.

But when I went back to read the book the next day I found myself not really believing any of it. There is something that happens that I knew from the beginning. I don't know if that was the intent, to let the readers know, but I easily figured it out.

Also, Alanna seemed very immature in her thinking. I struggled with her so easily deciding to marry Barry. I could understand why she would but I wanted her to struggle with the decision more and she didn't. I really got the sense in the beginning of the book of her deep love for Liam and I felt she moved on a bit too quickly.

Unfortunately, this book wasn't for me. I loved the mysterious setting and the family mystery surrounding Barry and the ending is definitely intense. But the characters overall left me wanting something more from them. I hate to say that because Colleen is a wonderful author but for me this book fell flat.


A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley.com. All opinions are my own.

I was on the line about this book. I liked the plot itself, death of her husband, marriage of convenience, and suspense about the car bomb and Jesse's memories. There was a plot twist or two, though I knew what one of them was going to be right from the start.

The setting was perfect for the story. An old antibellum mansion in desperate need of some TLC. The gator pond added a creepy element to the story.

I'm figuring this out as I write. The plot itself was good, the setting was good. Then it must be the characters that fell flat or didn't ring true for me. Here is a picture that Colleen Coble posted in her newsletter. She was able to meet Celtic Women in December and said that "Tara looks just like Alanna step right out of the book."













Kinda cool to see a group that the writer fictionalized in her book. Here is a shot of Colleen with the group.











If you like romantic suspence, I think you will like this book. It had enough good elements to it and Alanna and Liam's love story is sweet. Give it a try and let me know what you think of it.

Because You're Mine by Colleen Coble is a chilling, suspenseful story packed with drama and romance. This is only the second novel I have read with part of the setting in Ireland, and the first exposure I have had to the Celtic music scene and culture. Coble writes the dialogue in a way that conveys the setting and culture, and is easily differentiated from the American dialogue occurring in the same pages.

Immediately at the open of the novel, we meet the loving couple who is instrumental in their Celtic band touring and finding enthusiastic fans and sold-out venues. We also meet a couple of characters who are potentially sinister and threatening, and provide a few glimpses of what is to come. At the close of that concert, there is a terrible accident. Though as a reader you know something tragic will happen, you are caught off guard by how quickly it does. This is just one example of how compelling Coble's writing is -- the shock to the reader mirrors the shock to Alanna, the main character.

When this happened, I started reading faster, and was equally appalled at the actions of her father-in-law. Alanna is a widow, and pregnant with her first child. She is also searching for her sister, who has been absent for her life for a long time. She is estranged from her mother, who is also absent. In other words, Alanna has a variety of difficulties plaguing her.

Coble adds some shocking plot twists. At one point in my reading, I gasped and set down my Kindle, unable to keep reading until I recovered. That invited my ten-year-old son sitting with me to ask questions, and I was trying to give him the storyline!

This is a fast-paced read, with equal parts heartache, triumph, sorrow, and joy! You will surely stay up late to keep reading this novel! This is my first Colleen Coble novel, and I will be searching for another one of hers to read.

I was given a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

This was a little on the dark side for a Colleen Coble novel. There is some mystery but a lot more psychological suspense throughout. The outcome is predictable in some aspects and the reasons for Barry's mother's behavior is a little far-fetched. The book was okay but some of the author's previous books are better in my opinion.

Colleen Coble is an inspirational author! I was excited to read this book by her.
It centers on an Irish Music Group and I personally love the Corrs, Enya and Celtic Woman. This group is the main characters' family even as she is pregnant and beginning a family with her husband. Then an accident occurs and life gets out of control.

Suspense builds that leads you to solving, then more suspense.

I recommend this book!

I love the cover of this book! So striking and vibrant, just like I imagine the the main character of the book. It's the reason I was excited to read it. I had been in a rut of reading several novels that just didn't keep my attention and took FOREVER to get through, but this one I flew through. I've enjoyed most of Colleen Coble's book and this was no different. It is a bit dark at times, and it's not tough to guess most of the ending, but it is certainly a suspenseful read nonetheless.
Alanna and her husband are part of a Celtic band that is becoming hugely popular. The problem is, she's got a nodule on her vocal cords, a baby on the way and a manager pushing them to do more and more shows. It's a good problem to have until everything in her world goes wrong. The choices she makes thinking it will fix things, just make it all worse and soon she's wondering who's out to kill her and/or her unborn baby.
If you like suspenseful thrillers with a touch of dark and creepy, this one is likely up your alley.
One of my favorite quotes that paints the scene so well:
"Fiddle at her side, she leaned into him and inhaled his beloved aroma, a mixture of Irish Tweed cologne and the pungent odor of the bodhran's goatskin. Weariness settled over her like a shroud."

I received an email from the publisher inviting me to review this book via NetGalley. I have had Colleen Coble on my radar for awhile but had yet to read any of her books. So I took this opportunity.

I was looking forward to a good suspense book. In that way, I was disappointed. The book was very light on actual suspense…I knew what had really happened and whodunit pretty much from the get go. Still, it was interesting to see how Coble got her characters to the same point.

The dialogue took some getting used to as several characters and even some of the narrative was written in Irish brogue. I think the characters were engaging but could have used more dimension and introspection. They seemed to jump and react solely based on what was happening in their environments without any real thought to what else could be going on.

The book had a pretty even pace. I was never lost nor did the story seem to drag. I also appreciated the epilogue at the end to bring some closure.

There are supernatural elements both of God and of banshee. The author is not pushy in her approach. Alanna, in particular, seems to be a lot like I can tend to be in my God relationship: turning to Him when things are bad, and I don’t know what more to do in and of myself. I think in that way, she was very true to life. Or maybe just to my life and flaws.

I read very little to offend a conservative reader. The mentions of a banshee might turn off some; I took it more in a superstition kind of way. Also, Jesse was a character of questionable morals at times – mentions of drinking and an assault. However, nothing was explicit in any way.

Some of the characters and story lines were dropped mid-way. Like Barry’s nanny. I would have liked to hear more of her story. And Grady’s. But I do understand they weren’t central to the main tale.

Again, while I didn’t find the story to be suspenseful at all, it was an interesting read.

3 stars out of 5. It was okay.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy.

If you would like to read more of my reviews, please visit www.mommyreadsbooks.blogspot.com

Since I waited a couple of months before diving into Colleen Coble’s last book (which was terrific), I didn’t hesitate to pick up her newest (available everywhere January 10). While the story was a quick read, I had some mixed emotions about a few things going on.

The mystery behind Jesse’s actions wasn’t so much a mystery for me. I had that one figured out almost from the beginning. But Barry, his family home, and his motivations were not as clear until the end of the book. And there were some great action/suspense scenes in this one too.

Set in the Charleston, SC area, the book takes on an almost gothic quality (a al Jane Eyre) once Barry and Alanna return from Ireland and set up their lives in Barry’s ancestral home. Alanna’s career, her upbringing, and her family are all integral to the story and give readers deeper insights into her character.

I didn’t love how quickly Alanna was to give in to Barry on several occasions. Yes, she’s grieving but her husband has only been gone a few weeks (if that—the timeline wasn’t extremely clear).

If you’re looking for a read with a hint of the supernatural (which is all explained away by the end), “Because You’re Mine” may fit the bill. Overall, an entertaining read with a few scenes I’m still not sure how I feel about, but the ending was worth my time.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

I've read almost all of Colleen Coble's books and I have to say that this was not one of my favorites. Granted, I inadvertently read a review prior to my reading the book that clued me in to who the bad guy ultimately is. Perhaps that ruined my reading experience.....

The book is much darker than her previous books. I have noticed that her storylines are getting slightly more eerie with each new book and this book was the most eerie so far. I didn't particularly like Alanna, the heroine, and the inconsistencies in her character. Despite having buried her soul mate only a few weeks prior, she feels physical attraction to another man. Perhaps this is the reality for a widow - feeling absolutely lost without her love in a sea of loneliness and feeling gratitude towards a man who helps her in time of need. But her physical attraction runs hot and cold as well, depending on his actions.
There are also some inconsistencies in the details of the plot (like where did Alanna actually grow up?!?!and others that can't be revealed because they will spoil some of the delicious surprise element of this book) and unexplained coincidences and events (like why do Liam and Jesse look so much alike?) that became annoying hangnails during my reading.

The role of faith in Alanna's journey is very well done. She closes herself in darkness after her tragedy but slowly comes around to realizing His redemptive love and comfort.
The writing is riveting and fast-paced. The plot is intricate and complicated with unexpected twists and turns. The characters of Liam and Jesse, as well as the other members of Alanna's band, are fascinating. These great traits of good writing, plot, and characters that make Colleen Coble a wonderful suspense author are still present in this book and make it a page-turner (even if it isn't one of my favorites from one of my favorite authors).

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions and comments are solely my own.

Fans of contemporary Christian suspense will really like this book, I think. In general, I do not prefer contemporary or suspense novels, but I always enjoy whatever Colleen Coble writes. This book was … quite … suspenseful for my tastes. I’m generally patient about getting back to my book in progress, even though I’d nearly always rather be reading! But while in the middle of this book, I was always anxious to get back to the story as soon as possible. Forgive me for my longer-than-usual review!

"Because You’re Mine" (Thomas Nelson, 2017), by Colleen Coble, is a contemporary Christian suspense with a bit of romance set in Charleston, South Carolina and Dublin, Ireland. To all appearances, it is not the beginning of a series, though I think there is the potential for a sequel (or two or three) with the secondary characters. I chose to read this book because Colleen Coble is an author I try to keep up with, and I was able to get it through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. (Yay, hooray!)

Rating: 4 1/2 stars

The plot: Thirty-two year-old, red-headed Alanna Connolly is an Irish singer and fiddler for the four-woman Celtic band band Ceol. She is blessed with a marriage to Liam Connolly, the love of her life and with a music career that is taking off. One day after a concert performance, Liam’s good friend Jesse Hawthorne invites him for a ride in Jesse’s fancy new car, which then tragically blows up near Alanna. “Deep inside, she knew no one could survive the intensity of those flames.”

To top things off, Alanna is newly pregnant for the first time, and upon learning of it, Liam’s grieving parents are determined to wrest the baby away from her. Her father-in-law warns her that he will have her declared unfit, have her visa revoked, and then raise the child himself. He has a prestigious political position in Ireland, and is very powerful, so Alanna fears he will be able to do as he threatens. She flees to America, accepting her manager’s offer of a marriage of convenience as well as his offer to adopt her baby so that she might become an American citizen and her child will have a legal father. She is determined to protect her baby from her father-in-law at all cost.

Christian elements: “She tried to pray again, but she knew God wasn’t listening. Not with the anger she still harbored toward him.” There isn’t overmuch in the way of Christian doctrine in this book, but the concept presented in the quote above is one that I simultaneously question and understand. God is all-knowing, so surely He hears us whether we’re angry with him or not. However, it should be our goal to have our hearts right when we pray. What parent will have a soft heart towards a child speaking in anger? I have a vague recollection of my old pastor describing what is happening when we feel like our prayers are bouncing back to us. (I’d welcome feedback, including Bible verses, on this topic in the comments from Christians reading this review.)

“With the anger she felt, her destination was in doubt.” I think the Bible is pretty clear that if you have Jesus in your heart, you cannot be snatched out of his hand. This quote is the only reason I’m dropping this book down to 4 ½ stars. There are a couple of issues I was surprised, and even uneasy, to see in a Christian book, but I think Coble handles it well, and makes it work. No spoilers here, though. :-)

What I liked:

*I enjoyed the Irish slang included in the story. Words and phrases such as knackered, blokes, eejit, “mash and bangers,” etc. were fun to figure out in context. The grammar was occasionally different, as well. “It’s pale you are” sounds like Yoda, and adds a bit of Irish flavor to the conversations. (I can’t vouch for authenticity - I’m as American as can be, but I’ve read enough of Ms. Coble’s books to trust her to do her research.)

*I loved the close-knit relationship between the members of Ceol. The cast of characters is pretty large in this story, but I think it’s easy to keep them straight, as the reader can compartmentalize them. (Also, I think a large number of characters works well for a “What’s going on?” kind of story.)

*The budding romance between two of the secondary characters was cute. Also, the handling of the marriage of convenience was really well done, and felt realistic.

What I didn’t like: (The two things I have listed below are not problems with the book, per se, but are reflective of my preferences.

*There are a couple of very minor questions which I don’t believe were answered, but rest assured, most questions WERE answered. I’m one of those people who DOES like the end of a story to have things all neatly tied up. :-)

*I wasn’t scared, but I was frequently on the edge of my seat. This was still a bit more suspense than I prefer. :-)

I will certainly still continue to read any Colleen Coble stories I get my hands on, though I certainly prefer her historical ones. I have "Wyoming" in my to-read pile, so that might be the next Coble book I read.

I highly recommend this book to fans of romantic suspense, and it’s one of the few books I have recommended to my husband. I think non-Christians would be fine with this book, and that it would easily appeal to men and women alike.