It started with one little lie. But Jane Hardy will do everything in her power to uncover the truth in this gripping new romantic suspense. Jane Hardy is appointed interim sheriff in Pelican Harbor, Alabama, after her father retires, but there’s no time for an adjustment period. When her father is arrested for theft and then implicated in a recent murder, Jane quickly realizes she’s facing … she’s facing someone out to destroy the only family she has.
After escaping with her father from a cult fifteen years ago, Jane has searched relentlessly for her mother–who refused to leave–ever since. Could someone from that horrible past have found them?
Reid Bechtol is well-known for his documentaries, and his latest project involves covering Jane’s career. Jane has little interest in the attention, but the committee who appointed her loves the idea of the publicity.
Jane finds herself depending on Reid’s calm manner as he follows her around filming, and they begin working together to clear her father. But Reid has his own secrets from the past, and the gulf between them may be impossible to cross–especially once her father’s lie catches up with him.
“Colleen Coble always raises the notch on romantic suspense, and One Little Lie is my favorite yet! The story took me on a wild and wonderful ride.” –Diann Mills, bestselling author
- Full length romantic suspense
- Includes discussion questions for book clubs
- Part of the Pelican Harbor series
- Book One: One Little Lie
- Book Two: Two Reasons to Run (available September 2020)
- Book Three: Three Missing Days (available April 2021)
more
Wow. What a great book. I have a few complaints – 1) that it ended 2) that I lost a LOT of sleep because I was hooked on the action. I also have a huge regret – somehow, I allowed this book to be pushed down to to-be-read list. HOW did I let that happen?
Colleen Coble drew me in from the first page and kept me hooked throughout the book. Set on the Gulf Shore, in the small town of Pelican Harbor, Jane Hardy is promoted to chief of police upon her father’s retirement. Journalist Reid Dixon, and his son Will, arrive in town claiming Reid is filming a documentary on Jane. Jane suddenly has her hands full with several homicides, and a kidnapping. Somehow, her dad is involved, but how? The more Jane investigates, the more lies she uncovers. Who can she trust any longer, and how will she handle it when the biggest lie of all is unveiled?
One Little Lie is book one in the Pelican Harbor Series, and I plan to devour book two (Two Reasons to Run) as soon as it is available, as it continues Jane’s story. It is set to release in September 2020.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley, and all opinions are my own.
One Little Lie
Pelican Harbor #1
By Colleen Coble
Jane Hardy has never fully healed from her past – a past that left her with a hole in her heart and a mistrust of anything dealing with religion. For the past 15 years, Jane and her father have lived as if the past never happened, making a home in Pelican Harbor, Alabama. With her father’s retirement from the police force Jane is offered the position of interim sheriff, though not without a few ruffled feathers. And with her new position, she is to be shadowed by Reid Dixon, the subject of his newest documentary. But Reid has his own motives for featuring Jane in his documentary, one that has ties to the past.
Soon Jane is caught up in something she never expected to deal with. Someone is targeting residents of Pelican Harbor for their hidden sins and they’ve upped the stakes when murder is added to the mix. When further incidents occur and her father is implicated, Jane soon begins to wonder if she is being targeted too.
One Little Lie is the first book in a new series from Colleen Coble and fans of her work won’t be disappointed. The prologue is just the appetizer for what is to come. Romance, mystery, suspense fans of any or all of these genres will find something to love. If you are unfamiliar with Colleen’s work what better way to be introduced than with the first book in a new series. Get ready for some page-turning book time you won’t be sorry.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion – all thoughts expressed are my own.
Jane Hardy is appointed interim sheriff in Pelican Harbor, Alabama, after her father retires, but there’s no time for an adjustment period. When her father is arrested for theft and then implicated in a recent murder, Jane quickly realizes she’s facing someone out to destroy the only family she has.
After escaping with her father from a cult fifteen years ago, Jane has searched relentlessly for her mother—who refused to leave—ever since. Could someone from that horrible past have found them?
Reid Bechtol is well-known for his documentaries, and his latest project involves covering Jane’s career. Jane has little interest in the attention, but the committee who appointed her loves the idea of the publicity.
Jane finds herself depending on Reid’s calm manner as he follows her around filming, and they begin working together to clear her father. But Reid has his own secrets from the past, and the gulf between them may be impossible to cross—especially once her father’s lie catches up with him.
One little lie changes everything for Jane. She has overcome a lot since fleeing the cult with her father. Her father has since become sheriff of Pelican Harbor and retired. Jane has taken over as interim sheriff. Reid wants to do a documentary on Jane as a female small town sheriff. Pelican Harbor is a sleepy little town with hardly any crime. Then murders start to happen. Somehow her dad is connected to them. The FBI gets involved and want to arrest her dad. Who can she trust. Reid is hiding something, her dad is hiding something.
This is a great mystery. I’m anxious for book two.
I was given this book by Thomas Nelson Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
Oh boy! It started with one little lie. But Jane Hardy will do everything in her power to uncover the truth in this yes… gripping new romantic suspense that kept me guessing and wondering and telling these interesting characters to just say it! I’m wanting to read more of this authors stories! I was gifted a copy,no review was required. My review is voluntary.
Romantic Suspense and Collee Coble go hand-in-hand. Coble really knows the requirements of the genre, and she plays them for the reader. With her new introduction to her Pelican Harbor series, One Little Lie deals with a teenager who left a cult and has moved on with her life. The suspense in this story isn’t scary or put readers on the edge of their seat.It does have readers flipping through the pages to see how the story ends. There is some romance between the Jane and Reid, but it isn’t overbearing like a contemporary romance. The characters fall for each other as the story progresses. The writing is wonderful. I really like the cover because it leaves a lot to the imagination and fits the genre nicely. While the suspenseful element does wrap up nicely by the end of the novel, Coble leaves a open ended ending for Jane and Reid. Have to come back for the second book to see what happens. Overall, One Little Lie is a fabulous romantic suspense story filled with enough twists and romance to satisfy any fans. If the cult issue interests readers, than Christy Barritt just completed a five book mystery involving a cult. Tosca Lee featured a dystopian series with a cult. Plenty other novels diving into the cult realm.
I received a complimentary copy of One Little Lie by Colleen Coble from Thomas Nelson Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.
My Thoughts on One Little Lie:
From the minute this book arrived in my home it did not leave my hands. I was reading while I nursed the baby, reading while I fixed meals. This book is that good! There are so many different twists and turns in this book and you’re not going to expect them all!
Jane has a secret to her life that most people don’t know and she’s sure they wouldn’t understand. But more than that she has a secret she can’t ever forget or get over. It’s a catalyst in her life.
Reid also has one pivotal moment that changed his life forever. Now he’s found a woman that’s been missing from him for a very long time and he wants to see just what she’s made of now.
Can the two come together for more than a fight? Is Reid really just interested in a story? Why does Jane feel like there is something familiar about Reid?
And more importantly, who is out to get Jane and her family? Or maybe why is the most important?
Can Jane survive and clear her father’s name? Will she find out who Reid really is? What will happen when all the truth is revealed?
Great read. Cannot recommend this book enough. It will forever have a spot on my shelf and this author is one you should follow and binge all her books!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Colleen Coble’s books have been on my must read list for several years but I believe she has outdone herself with One Little Lie. This novel grabbed my attention from the very first page and held it until the very end. With a convoluted plot where almost every character was suspect at one time or another and every one of them had secrets, the story had me on the edge of my seat much of the time. I certainly did not want to put it down until I finished it.
As always, the author has created characters that are easy to love and to identify with, characters who struggle with trust and faith just like we all do. Each and every chapter builds layer upon layer with unexpected twists and turns and surprises around every corner. A gripping tale with the perfect touch of romance, One Little Lie is a must read. I am looking forward to the next book in this series, Two Reasons to Run. Take my advice and do not miss this one if you are a fan of Christian suspense.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
This was such a fantastic book! It is probably my favorite Colleen Coble book yet and I have read many of this author’s works.
The story started off with a glimpse of the main character’s past and I was simply fascinated from that point on. The murders and trouble that Jane had to deal with as Chief of Police kept the book moving swiftly, while the feelings that began to slowly develop between Jane and Reid kept things very interesting.
This was a multi-layered, very intriguing story. Be prepared that while many of the problems are resolved in this novel, there are still some unresolved situations that will lead directly into book two of the series. I really look forward to reading what happens in that book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
I am so happy I was able to read and review One Little Lie. Colleen Coble is one of my favorite authors, so I knew I was in for a ride through a suspenseful thriller that would grip my heart and not let go for a while, and for sure, I was not disappointed. Jane Hardy being appointed as sheriff, she never expected her father would be arrested or implicated in a murder while she was serving as the sheriff. And budding for his documentaries, Reid Bechtol is excited his new project is covering Jane’s career and film her every move as a sheriff.
What will these two characters learn as they follow a journey that will take them on a ride of their lives.
Wow, I didn’t want to put this book down, but there were times I had too for a few minutes. As always when reading a Colleen Coble book, she captured my interest reading the first page! The fast pace suspense is so incredibly intense, with amazing characters that do their job well.as they develop throughout the story. There is so much happening in this story it is impossible to fully describe it in this review, which means you need to read One Little Lie for yourself.
As always, I appreciate how Ms. Coble weaves her faith and the christian life in the life of the characters she has created. The message that God can and will ease our painful past, the pain as we discover things we need to deal with. And He is a God we we can trust, no matter what. And she does so in nice subtle way.
The author also deals with the issues of Jane and her dad’s cult background, Reid’s secret past, And the big one, the lies. But through it all, we can also witness the love and forgiveness so well written here. And in reality, this entire book is so well crafted, and incredibly written, as we always see from Colleen Coble. I highly recommend One Little Lie for your reading enjoyment and entertainment. And I can’t wait for book two in this series, coming in the fall!
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
“Something disturbing was going on in her town, and she wasn’t sure how to solve the puzzle.”
Always on the lookout for well-written Christian suspense books, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to read “One Little Lie.” This is the first book in the Pelican Harbor series, and I love it when I’m able to hop aboard a new series as it’s releasing. I also realized that this seems to be the first Colleen Coble book that I’ve read, and after this experience, it won’t be the last.
What harm can there be in telling one little lie? The ripple effects are devastating and leave a trail of pain and destruction in their wake. Not only that, but a group of people find their lives inextricably linked by the falsehood, because trials usually cause people to draw apart from the world in general, and especially their faith. During times of difficulty and uncertainty, let us not ever forget that it is on Christ the solid Rock we stand.
In “One Little Lie,” relationships play a prominent role in the plot. Father-daughter, father-son, and even that between a mother and her children, as Jane Hardy reflects on her own boy, whom she lost briefly after giving birth to him, and as her relationship with her father becomes challenged as untruths keep piling up. Circumstances threaten her heart against trusting, but she can’t walk this path alone.
A fast-paced work of romantic suspense, this book will have you questioning everyone’s motives in the quest for the truth. It does contain some graphic details regarding crime scenes, as well as mentions of domestic violence and abuse, but neither is overdone. My favorite character is, admittedly, Parker the golden retriever because I love dogs and have a great respect for working dogs, which are all heroes in my book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
I love Colleen Coble’s writing and I was by far from being disappointed with newest release, One Little Lie. It begins her new series, Pelican Harbor. Readers are introduced to the town of Pelican Harbor, Alabama. Jane is the sheriff and finds that she has to find out why her father is charged with murder. She has to find out if he is guilty or why someone is wanting to falsely accuse him.
I thoroughly enjoyed One Little Lie. It was full of suspense that had my consistently holding on to my seat to find out what would possibly happen next. I had to keep turning the pages to find out how it would end. I had it read in one sitting. It is that good.
I am giving One Little Lie five plus stars. It is among my favorite books I have read by Miss Coble to date. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy clean, romantic suspense.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
It all started with one little lie. Just one that compounded unforeseen interest over time. First in the new Pelican Harbor series, this exciting novel is a successful combination of engaging, likable characters, breath-taking suspense, and a fresh infusion of faith and spiritual lessons. I enjoyed the Alabama Gulf coast and meeting Jane, Olivia, Reid, and Will.
Jane Hardy’s father recently, suddenly retired as police chief of Pelican Bay. A highly skilled detective, Jane was appointed first as acting chief, and now, chief. What timing, as one thing after another begins to happen until Jane is not sure if she is cut out to handle these crises.
Jane has not been on speaking terms with the Lord for many years, due to her upbringing, so she is only relying on herself as she tries to stem the sudden crime wave in town. When she and her father moved there and he began working for the police department, Olivia, the head dispatcher, immediately befriended her and grew to be like a mother to her. Olivia is the only person who knows the secrets of behind Jane and her father and has prayed for years for Jane to come to faith. Olivia, like Jane, doesn’t know about that one pesky lie.
We meet the delightful 70-something Alfie and his hard-working teenage helper, Isaac when they are out shrimping. Their last haul for the night was extraordinarily heavy. Inside the net was a huge Grizzly cooler. Inside the cooler was a dead body wearing a wedding gown. There are no means to identify the person. Two clues are left behind, one of which indicate the “vigilante” is behind this death, even though to date, the vigilante has not killed anyone. Until a woman is found “punished” and dead in her front yard.
Amid these events, Reid Dixon, a well-known documentary filmmaker, arrives in town. He is doing a documentary on small town police chiefs and has permission from the mayor to follow Jane on all her duties. The last thing Jane wants is to be filmed, especially since there are some people she really does not want anyone to see her. Reid has an ulterior motive, to get close to and learn about Jane. Against either of their plans, they become tentative friends with potential for more. Reid’s son Will likes the small town and wishes they could stay there rather than return to their New Orleans home.
When it seems that things could not get worse, including the serious illness of a loved one and the detective who wanted to be chief trying to prove Jane incompetent, her dad is framed. He is accused of killing the man in the ice chest and stealing and selling a small fortune of drugs and other items from the evidence room of the police department.
This intense, complex novel is everything that I have come to love about suspense novels by Colleen Coble. Lies, secrets, crimes that seem impossible to solve, and a heroine determined to do all she can to save her father and her town. I love how the author gently weaves the right amount of faith and spiritual lessons to encourage Christians while not preaching. The characters are well-defined. Whether there is one bad guy or multiple people behind events adds to the excitement and complexity. I was very surprised to learn the whodunit(s)! I did guess what the lie was and am looking forward to seeing how it plays out! I highly recommend this novel to fans of well-written Christian suspense with great characters and a potential for romance.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this from Celebrate Lit and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
This mystery overflows with suspense and surprises. All the twists and connections make for an intriguing story, but with so many characters I sometimes had trouble keeping everything straight. I think it would be better to read as an actual book rather than ebook so I could track better. What started in a cult has now become entangled with a former police chief and his daughter, the new chief, and some bizarre murders. The characters, most of whom hide secrets, are compelling, but I couldn’t really connect well with them or care too deeply. Maybe because the plot just seemed too overwhelming. Yet the novel certainly keeps readers guessing and pressing on to see what happens next and how it will all turn out. Those who like thriller-type tales should enjoy this, but it’s not one of my favorites by this talented author. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
One little lie
One little lie is a exciting book. Suspense and mystery. Who killed who and why. Also a mystery involving something that happened years ago. Is a mother still alive and a son. Who is her son? Jane just got appointed the chief of police and has a big job. I loved Jane and how she was able to deal with everything.
I enjoyed the book and recommend reading it, especially if you love a good suspense.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.
“One Little Lie” is the start of the new “The Pelican Harbor Series”. I have read many books by this author so I was very excited to read it especially when I read the book description.
The first couple chapters were a little complicated with the introduction of several characters but once I got into the flow of the story, I really enjoyed it! Lots of plot twists and turns which kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat.
I read the book in one night because I didn’t want to put it down. I can’t wait to read more in this series. Highly recommend this clean, thrilling, suspenseful author and series!
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
My goodness, what a story! The layers, the threads, all skillfully twisted together into a single compelling story.
Ms. Coble’s characters are real, raw, and personable. Jane Hardy’s fears shape her life and her every decision, keeping her prisoner to an array of “what ifs.” Reid Bechtol has secrets, too. But unlike Jane, he is being proactive, trying to resolve the damage of the past.
The conflict between Jane and Reid smooths into a tenuous alliance as she investigates the murders in her town.
It took me a couple of chapters to settle in to the story and become acquainted with the characters. But once I did, it took hold and didn’t let go. The city council member who had it out for Jane for no other reason than she was a woman. The detective who resented her promotion. The detective who always had her back. And her father.
I played detective along with Jane, and rooted for her to come out from her self-imposed injunction on any kind of personal life and embrace the attraction she felt for Reid. I applauded Reid for his courage, especially with [SPOILER] making waves.
Ms. Coble has long been a favorite author, and I was happy to read her latest story.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
FOUR FEATHERS
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, One Little Lie, Colleen Coble, Celebrate Lit Publicity
One little lie? Oh there were so many! One played on another and so forth. The story was mesmerizing and I wondered how such a multifaceted story could ever be pulled together at the end, but yes it did. I loved the characters, even with their secrets. Jane had been promoted to chief of police in her small town right after her father retired from the same position. Was there resentment? Of course. So many bad things seemed to happen at once that Jane became overwhelmed. I personally I would have caved in right at the beginning. Jane is not a quitter though. Add in a journalist named Reid with a teenage son Will, and there is an added element of romance. Suspense, murder, kidnapping, yes those are all here too!
I’m from Alabama and have spent many vacations in Gulf Shores, so that was an added bonus. And I have also visited and explored Fort Morgan, so all of that was easy to picture, although the author does a great job of describing the scenery.
I am looking forward to the next installment Two Reasons to Run coming out in September 2020.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the Publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review.
Couldn’t put it down! Can’t wait till Sept for the sequel!!
“She wasn’t ready . . . . . Too many people could be hurt by the truth.”
Jane Hardy’s career in law enforcement took a giant leap forward following her appointment as Pelican Harbor’s acting Chief of Police. Unfortunately, the crime rate in her normally docile shorefront town escalated in tandem with her new title. Curious, too. One . . . a very brutal murder; the other not particularly brutal but reminiscent of a so-called “vigilante”. And what about the new journalist in town, the one who managed to convince the mayor to let him follow her around for a supposed documentary on small town police chiefs; Jane cannot quite figure out how Reid Dixon fits into her rapidly changing landscape.
As Jane follows the barely visible evidence trail behind one of her victims, coincidences begin to congregate. . . . first Reid, then her father. So much truth has been buried, and so many untruths are swirling to the surface, gnawing their way past her sub-conscious . . . . just like her past, continually hovering like a spector in the very back of Jane’s mind..
“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truth fully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” Does Reid have the courage to speak the truth, once and for all?
Quite honestly, I really liked this book. The first few chapters exposed so many unanswered questions that it was difficult to determine whether or not the author was going to lose her readers’ attention in all the mayhem, but slowly and intentionally, things began to make sense . . . and best of all, a glorious truth began to shed its layers; a truth with the power to either restore or destroy. A great series opener!
Award winning author, Colleen Coble has written another riveting, award worthy book with One Little Lie. This contemporary Christian novel is a murder, mystery, suspense that caught my attention on the very first page. I was invested in the story of Jane Hardy and turned page after page to read it.
Whenever I pick up a Colleen Coble book I am certain it is going to be a nail biting experience. I was not disappointed with One Little Lie. It was incredible. This suspense, mystery had me on the edge of my seat flipping pages. The story is brilliant and extremely realistic. Yes, it could and probably has happened. The depth of the characters and plot was phenomenal. Do not expect a light read but something to engage your mind with this one.
This is Book One in The Pelican Harbor Series. The Prologue was so captivating I sincerely hoped the entire store would continue from there. Obviously it was only a bit of history, but it whet my appetite for the main course.
This is the story of Sheriff Jane Hardy. She is a feisty petite law enforcement officer with a troublesome past. Reid Bechtol is a famous newsperson that has come to do a documentary on small town police departments. When dead bodies begin to show up he is there to offer his assistance to Jane.
The author has provided readers with twists, turns, and surprises to make this a book that is hard to put down. Inspirational messages are woven throughout this engaging story along with multiple life lessons.
I highly recommend this 5 star novel. It has discussion questions in the back so it will make a great reading group selection. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit but these are my honest opinions.