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.

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 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.

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!

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!

Wow, another 5 star book by Colleen Coble. Ambush is number 2 in her Sanctuary series and is a thriller second chance romance in Christian suspense. It has an intriguing storyline.. Paradise is a veterinarian that has accepted a job at a wildlife sanctuary. In her hometown of Nova Cambridge, Alabama. She left a scarred teenager of the foster care system amid a first love betrayal with her boyfriend Blake Lawson. She has returned home to try to heal from her trauma from a jaguar attack and to discover who murdered her parents. Paradise begins her job at the Sanctuary determined not to get involved in any relationshis again as she has a serious mistrust of people in general but especially men. Her very first day a dead body shows up on the Sanctuary grounds. Soon a series of deadly events begin happening, threatening herself and the boy who is now a heart stopping handsome man who is getting blamed for the events. Paradise knows better than to believe that Blake is harming anything at the Sanctuary when he left the Marines to help his mother run it and take care of his little brothers even if his betrayal years ago cost her everything. Together they join forces to investigate the mysteries surrounding them and the Sanctuary. Ambush has been a very enjoyable read from beginning to the cliffhanger ending. I can't wait for the next one!! I want to thank NetGalley and publishers Thomas Nelson for this advanced copy for my honest review.

Loved this book! Paradise, a wildlife veterinarian, and Blake the son of the owner of The Sanctuary Wildlife Preserve face challenges at every turn! Many twists to the story keeps you racing to the end. Definitely a five star!

Every time I read a Colleen Coble book I think this is her best work yet. And then another is released.

Paradise Alden’s story is amazing and you will cheer for her all the way through. Everything about this book is top notch. You won’t be able to put it down until you’ve finished the last word and then you’ll want to start over and read it again.

I was given an advanced reader’s copy from Thomas Nelson and Netgalley. Opinions are my own.

I’ve been a fan of Collen Coble and her books for years, and never hesitate to recommend her books. She has really hit it out of the park this time. Another winner!
Paradise Alden spent much of her childhood in Nova Cambridge, Alabama. It was a happy childhood until both of her parents were murdered and she ended up in an abusive foster care home. She left her hometown at age 15, and now 15 years later she is returning to work at the wildlife refuge as their veterinarian and with the hope of healing old wounds; some visible and some not so much. The owner of the animal shelter is the mother of her former boyfriend, Blake, who she unexpectedly finds is also living and working there.
Upon the day of her arrival, a woman is found dead on the property, that is only the beginning of a series of other unexplained, dangerous situations they find themselves in.
This is a captivating, fast-paced story that is a page-turner, from the very beginning. Colleen’s characters are always lovable and unforgettable, and that is very true in this heartfelt story. Whether you are an animal lover or not, you will find the vast number of animals to be a delightful addition to his heartwarming story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.

The cover of this book is what caught my eye initially but the author's skillful storytelling had me eagerly flipping pages.

This is a fairly new to me author and honestly I can't wait to check out more from her in the future. I thought the storyline and characters were really interesting and her writing style has such a natural flow to it. I binged this book in a day because I had to know what happened.

If you enjoy reading books in the Romantic Suspense genre I would definitely check this one out!

Thank you Colleen Coble, Net Galley and Thomas Nelson for providing me with an ARC of this book!

Romance, murder, mystery , past secrets, memories good and bad!

This is the first book in a new series by this author.

Paradise has left town in not such a good way when she was 15, her parents had been murdered, she was really bad foster home, it didn’t get better after she left town.
She is back now with more memories, swirling around her head then she wants, who murdered her parents?

She takes a job at the animal sanctuary, where she worked when she was a teenager and what inspired her to become a veterinarian, unfortunately it is run by her ex-boyfriend Blake and his mother.

Paradise is all alone in the world. She has nobody, and no one in her corner when she arrives at the sanctuary she immediately is greeted by a dead body, a break in, fire, many secrets!

This book was fantastic, I can’t wait for more in this series!

Ambush was such a great book. I loved having the setting on a safari like animal sanctuary with exotic animals. It made for fun twists and turns. Colleen Coble is amazing at keeping you glued to the book with her character interaction and a story filled with mystery. I really enjoyed this one!

"Ambush" is a Christian romantic suspense. Paradise first lost her parents in an unsolved murder then was abused in foster care. She doesn't trust a God that allows things like that to happen to a child. During this story, she experienced God protecting a young child, and it touched her in a profound way. She started praying to God for help. Anyway, she's come back to try to solve her parent's murder, hoping it will bring her peace. She and Blake also worked to solve the murder and attacks threatening to undermine The Sanctuary since the detective had a huge grudge against Blake. They asked questions and tried to figure out who would gain from the attacks. I correctly suspected part of the answer, and both mysteries were resolved by the end of the book.

The main characters were likable and reacted realistically to events. The suspense came from the danger from the released animals and random attacks (which could have hurt anyone). Blake and Paradise had a long history of caring for each other, and both genuinely wanted to help and support the other. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this exciting novel.

What a thrilling start to a new series! Coble’s books never fail to instantly pull me in with their suspense, danger, great characters, and romance.

Ambush takes us back close to the Tupelo Grove area in Nova Cambridge, AL and the wildlife animal refuge, The Sanctuary, which has come under attack. Paradise Alden finds herself as the new vet at The Sanctuary after promising herself she would not return to Nova Cambridge after her parents brutal murder when she was a child that threw her into foster care and eventually sent her away as a teen as well as her first love, Blake Lawson, breaking her heart.

Blake Lawson left the marines to help his mom run The Sanctuary and raise his two younger brothers after his stepfather’s death. He is taken back when he sees Paradise arrive to take the job as the new vet. He isn’t sure his heart can take her being in his life again.

As the attacks and danger increase at the refuge, Paradise and Blake find themselves working together to keep the family and animals safe and get to the bottom of the situation. There are several different threats at play keeping the reader guessing which one is responsible for what is happening now.

I found this first book fascinating! I loved the wildlife refuge theme, getting to reconnect with characters from Coble’s previous series who make an appearance, and how it kept me guessing where and who the danger was coming from. It has me anxiously awaiting the next book to explore more of the mystery surrounding Paradise’s past. This book is a must read!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

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

This is the first book in a new series by Colleen Coble.
I loved the storyline. What a neat name for the main character, Paradise, born in Hawaii.
I learned a lot about wild life preserves. Of there is a lot of controversy over that subject.
The other main characters are fun to get to know.
There is murder, mayhem, and mystery that keeps you turning the pages.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

Ambush
You can go wrong with a Colleen Coble book and Ambush is no exception! This will grab you from the first page and keep you intrigued to the very end!

My thoughts - I've read every book written by Colleen Cable and this is my all time favourite. I love the strength of the two main characters Paradise Adin and Blake Lawson. You will see how Paradise is struggling with the past and Blake is there to support Paradise in overcoming all the obstacles. You'll see the strength they have for each others and others around them. It is a story I never wanted to end. It has compassion, love for the Lord, romance and mystery.

Disclaimer - I received this advanced readers copy from the publisher for a honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my and mine alone.

Wild ride involving a wild animal refuge will keep you on the edge through this book. Colleen Coble never fails to write the book you can't put down. Another fantastic read! This book was provided by #NetGalley, the publisher and author, #Colleen Coble, for me to read. The opinions expressed here are my own thoughts. #Ambush

We meet Paradise, a veterinarian that specializes in exotic animals (lions, elephants etc). She returns to her hometown to be the onsite veterinarian for a wildlife sanctuary. She still has some scarring from her past. The owner of the sanctuary, that offered her the job, is the mother of her high school love interest (Blake), who has recently returned to the family business.  A suspicious death discovered on the grounds overshadows Paradise's return. When the local detective seems set on implicating Blake in the murder, Paradise and Blake set out against all odds to uncover tge truth. Set on beautiful gulf coast of Alabama, this non spicy romance thriller will leave you wanting more.  Good thing, its a new series from the wonderful Colleen Coble.

: "I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own." I want to thank Colleen Coble and her publisher for giving me an Arc copy of this book. I am super excited to read this book, I've heard so much about this author.

What an intriguing story Colleen Coble has dropped us into!

I loved the setting. A small zoo for rescued animals? How fun! The characters were all wonderful and it's second chance romance, which is one of my favorite plots :) We also have a super close family and two ADORABLE little boys who melted my heart!

Let's not forget the mysteries. That's right, plural! We have one that is clearly going to be threading through the series and then one that is wrapped up within this book. To be honest, the mystery just for this book fell a little flat for me. The whole ending, as far as that mystery is concerned, felt maybe a bit rushed? Only one person even seemed suspicious and even then, it didn't fit well, to me. I almost wonder if that mystery needed to be spread out too. But it wasn't enough to make me not love the book and be super excited to keep reading! I can't wait to explore more of Paradise's family mysteries and I'm hoping we find out what the heck is up with Creed.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins Publishing for an arc of this book. I received this book in exchange for my honest review. My thoughts are entirely my own.

Paradise Alden had come back to her hometown of Nova Cambridge Alabama to work at The Sanctuary in exchange for room and board while working there. And turns out her childhood sweetheart helps run the sanctuary after his stepfather died six months previously and came back from the Marines to help his mom and little brothers. Paradise wants nothing to do with him until they finally settle their differences and get back together. On Paradise’s first day a woman is found murdered in a horse trailer that was being sent to the sanctuary. Other mysterious things happen including a fire, hyenas getting lose, Paradise getting attacked, and the murder weapon ending up in a van after church. Everyone teams up to find the truth and learn that Owen Shaw who was the stepfather Hanks partner at the vet clinic he used to work out before buying the sanctuary was in financial trouble and learned about gas that was on the property that was worth a lot of money and with the help of Lacey who worked at the Sanctuary they would have succeeded. Paradise also is trying to figure out who murdered her parents and figures out two suspects and ends up clearing them both of suspects even after finding closer in regards to one of them having killed her parents and is no closer to finding the truth but does learn that she has a sibling. This book was very interesting and had some heartfelt moments but was also thrilling and kept me wanting to read more until I found out what all happened. Can’t wait to own a physical copy.

Colleen Coble is fast becoming one of my favorite new to me authors. Each story is great and full of detail and very well-written. I really enjoyed her latest, Ambush. Paradise's life was beautiful until the day her parents were murdered. Now, everything is a mess. Returning to her hometown several years later, she is trying to put her life back together. But there is still danger around as well as possible romance. What will happen next!

A start of a new series by one of my favourite go to authors. Paradise has had a difficult and complicated upbringing but as she returns home to find out more about her parents death and also try to overcome a traumatic event she is reunited with her first love but can he also be a new love? I loved reading about the animals and how they are cared for at the sanctuary. The action kept me on my toes and I was unsure where the author was headed with the outcome but it ended on a slight cliffhanger which has made me feel eager for the next book.

“If people don’t stand up against evil, what kind of world will we be living in?”

I’m already a dedicated fan of Colleen Coble, so when I heard she was starting a new series, I was all in, no questions asked. I didn’t even read the synopsis!

I love that Coble gets her story going and then sprinkles her introductions. Knowing what the characters are experiencing and their emotional responses hooks me, and by the time the author formally introduces them, I’ve already forged a connection and I care about what happens to them from then on.

Coble’s new series focuses on second-chance relationships and returning to the past due to desperation rather than choice. Paradise Alden (read to find out why she was given this name!) is forced to return to the town she grew up in and fled, simply because she needs the work. She’s lost everything and is not in a position to be choosey. Coble uses this to examine courage and the need to forgive ourselves. She weaves the thread of first love together with the heartache of loneliness and desperation and crafts a compelling arc. Coming to work with someone who ‘destroyed’ her life creates tension and Coble harnesses it exceptionally well. Coble’s characters face moral choices and readers get to see how the shadows from their past reach out to shape their future. Watching them deal with disappointment in each other and in God strengthens our connection to them. Patching what’s broken is never easy, especially when one’s financial success depends on it. Regardless, readers will see that experiencing loss and pain has softened Paradise and that affects how she treats others.

The setting is spectacular! I’m already wishing I could visit Sanctuary Wildlife Preserve. What’s not to love about caring for beautiful creatures? Who would have thought this would be the perfect backdrop for mischief and nail-biting tension?!

Three things I’ll remember:
1. Seeing the Bible as our North Star; it helps us navigate life
2. God is never the one who moves
3. We can’t control what happens to us, but we can choose how we respond

I was entertained, I fell in love with the characters and the setting, I’ve built memories with Paradise and Blake and I hope to spend time with them in Prowl, book two in the Sanctuary series.

I have read Colleen Coble’s books for many years. Just when I think she can’t get better, she does!
I loved this book. The interaction between the characters, the events of the past and the cutest little boys made this my new favorite.
I liked Blake and Paradise and the fact that they didn’t stay mad at each other through the whole book. That was refreshing to see them become friends again.
I did not figure out the killer until it was revealed. Good job keeping several people on the suspect list.
Thank you Colleen for a great book that kept me up late!

Wow! This book is captivating and full of surprises! There's suspense, intrigue, and a mystery. I never would have suspected the one perpetrator.

The characters are written brilliantly! Paradise is Amazing! Her strength and tenacity are admirable. Blake, sigh, I picture Steve Irwin here! He takes care of everyone and everything in his care! The family and community are very supportive, and I hope many of them are in future books!

I particularly enjoyed the parts of the book that involved faith in God! Blake and his family are not shy about their faith, and that helps Paradise realize her need for God. It's especially cute when Levi and Isaac chime in with their cute insights!

The whole animal sanctuary is fascinating to me. It amazes me to think about the love and care that the workers instill to the creatures in their care.

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a fast paced thrill ride. The intrigue kept me guessing until,the end. It is so refreshing to read a heart filled thriller that has flawed characters doing what is right. I loved this book!

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

Animals, mystery, romance are hallmarks of this first book in the new sanctuary series by Colleen Coble. The characters were complex and worked through their issues over the course of the book which was something that I really appreciated about it.

I enjoyed the Christian elements of the story. It had some really good themes including that God never abandons you. While most of the mysteries were solved, it was obvious that there was going to be a book 2 as one of the side stories has not been tied up. Looking forward to seeing where the author takes the story from here.

I receive complimentary books for various sources including, Netgalley, Authors, and other such sources. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received compensation.

This is a sweet, action filled story of love, secrets, family and second chances all with a mystery wrapped around it. I loved the characters, flaws and all. They seemed real with feelings that are genuine and true to the situations each found themselves in. I wish Paradise had more closure, but that should come in the next book....I hope! Overall a fast paced, action packed book that hooked me from the start. Loved it!
I received an advance copy of this. book in exchange for my honest review.

Colleen Coble brings us another excellent and suspenseful story with her new book, Ambush. I love the strength of Paradise as she comes home and tries to solve the murder of her parents while healing herself from the traumas of the past. Paradise learns to trust again as she rekindles her relationship with Blake. Someone is trying to sabotage The Sanctuary, Blake’s mother’s wildlife park, which adds twists and turns, a few surprises, lots of suspense, and some unanswered questions. I cannot wait for the next installment to the story!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A wildlife animal sanctuary is a unique setting for this exciting new series. With a little romance, a lot of animals, and multiple mysteries, this expertly woven suspense is difficult to put down. It was nice to see familiar characters from the Tupelo Grove series, and the author states that she also includes characters from the Pelican Harbor series, which I have not read. But you do not have to read any of those books first to enjoy this one. My only disclaimer is a warning for mention of suicide. I liked that the book concluded well, but did not wrap up perfectly, leaving room for a sequel while also being realistic. If you love a clean whodunit with many Christian elements, that was even better than What We Hide, don’t miss this one. I am already looking forward to book 2.
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book courtesy of Thomas Nelson Fiction through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I always enjoy Colleen Coble’s books, and Ambush was no exception! It was especially fun to see characters from her other book series make appearances. This story is a suspenseful romance, full of fast-paced action that kept me hooked from start to finish.

As with her other books, I’d definitely recommend Ambush to anyone who enjoys an exciting blend of mystery, romance, and thrills.

Thanks to #netgalley and #thomasnelson for the opportunity to read this book.

I loved this book! A perfect blend of intrigue, suspense and how faith can get you through anything. Paradise and Blake and the various side characters are so endearing and I loved the crossover of Hez and Savannah from, "What We Hide." Hopefully Paradise and Blake will make an appearance in the second Tupelo Grove book. I can't wait for the next book in this series. A not to be missed Christian Mystery from the fantastic Colleen Coble!