Suspense, romance, and generational secrets meld in this engrossing new novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble. Strands of Harper Taylor’s childhood are resurfacing—but will the truth save her . . . or pull her under? Harper Taylor is used to being alone— after all, she grew up in one foster home after another. Oliver Jackson finally took her under his wing when she was a runaway … another. Oliver Jackson finally took her under his wing when she was a runaway teenager, and now Harper pours her marine biology knowledge into Oliver’s pen shell research. But she’s never stopped wishing for a family of her own.
So when a DNA test reveals a half-sister living just two hours away, Harper is both hopeful and nervous. Over warm cinnamon rolls, Harper and Annabelle find striking similarities in their stories. Is it just a coincidence that both their mothers died tragically, without revealing Harper and Annabelle’s father’s name?
Oliver’s son Ridge still sees Harper as a troubled teen even all these years later. But when Oliver is attacked, Ridge and Harper find themselves working together to uncover dangerous secrets that threaten to destroy them all. They must unravel her past before they can have any hope for the future.
Suspense, romance, and generational secrets meld in this engrossing new novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble.
“Free-dive into a romantic suspense that will leave you breathless and craving for more.” –DiAnn Mills, bestselling author
“As always, Colleen Coble never disappoints. Strands of Truth is no exception. I was hooked from the first page. Trying to read this story slowly is impossible. Don’t be surprised when you find yourself flipping the pages in a hurry to find out what happens next! This one is for your keeper shelf.” –Lynette Eason, bestselling, award-winning author of the Blue Justice Series
“Colleen Coble’s latest book, Strands of Truth, grips you on page one with a heart-pounding opening and doesn’t let go until the last satisfying word. I love her skill in pulling the reader in with believable, likable characters, interesting locations, and a mystery just waiting to be untangled. Highly recommended.” –Carrie Stuart Parks, bestselling author of Formula of Deception
“Once again, Colleen Coble delivers an intriguing, suspenseful tale in Strands of Truth. The mystery and tension mount toward an explosive and satisfying finish. Well done.” –Creston Mapes, bestselling author
“Just when I think Colleen Coble’s stories can’t get any better, she proves me wrong. In Strands of Truth, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. The characterization of Ridge and Harper and their relationship pulled me immediately into the story. Fast paced, with so many unexpected twists and turns, I read this book in one sitting. Coble has pushed the bar higher than I’d imagined. This book is one not to be missed.” –Robin Caroll, best-selling author of the Darkwater Inn series
“It’s in her blood! Colleen Coble once again shows her suspense prowess with a thriller as intricate and beautiful as a strand of DNA. Strands of Truth dives into an unusual profession involving mollusks and shell beds that weaves a unique, silky thread throughout the story. So fascinating I couldn’t stop reading!” –Ronie Kendig, bestselling author of The Tox Files
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Harper Taylor’s mother died at her birth, due to complications from a traffic accident. She was passed from foster home to foster home until Oliver Jackson took an interest and rescued her. She had always wanted a family of her own but Oliver’s children couldn’t stand her. She loved Oliver for seeing in her a young woman who needed to be saved. He had been her mentor and friend.
Ridge Jackson was Oliver’s son. He didn’t trust Harper Taylor. He always felt that she was after his father’s money. His father had always hoped that he, his sister, Willow, and Harper could be friends and get along. Ridge and Harper had similar interest in marine biology and Oliver had set up research lab so that Ridge and Harper could work together. The more time Ridge spends with Harper, the more he realizes he didn’t really know the real Harper and the more he wants to know her better. Will the secrets in their lives tear this fragile friendship apart?
This book has romance, suspense, murder, intrigue, subterfuge, evil and so much more. This is a clean romance without foul language or descriptive sex scenes. Colleen Coble is one of my favorite authors but this book is like nothing else I have ever read by her. I enjoyed it and it and the story held my interest until the very end.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
Strands of Truth by Colleen Coble was a wonderful read. This was my first book by this author but certainly will not be my last. Suspense/thrillers and romantic/suspense are some of my favorite genres to read, and this certainly falls into that catergory. I found this to be a very well written book to read and was one that kept my interest throughout the whole book. What could 2 women over 20 years apart possibly have in common, actually alot more than we think. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that loves this genre of book.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a honest review. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.
Colleen Coble is a highly gifted author whose award-winning stories have become favorites of readers everywhere. In Strands of Truth, Coble explores the current trend of DNA testing by those hoping to learn more about themselves and some, hope to find missing relatives.
Harper Taylor discovers she has a half-sister; after years of being alone, she’s finally found a sister! Strange things begin happening almost immediately following her first visit with her newly found sister. Attempted murder, break-ins, and being forced off the road soon has Harper just what began unraveling when she pulled that strand from the DNA report.
It appears someone else also has the test results, but who? Better yet? Why?
Highly recommend!
I couldn’t put this down! Just when I thought I had the culprit pegged another person popped up. It had me guessing all through the book. Colleen Coble did not disappoint this reader. I loved this book!
Coble always writes fantastic romantic suspense, and Strands of Truth is no exception. The pages turned quickly, and didn’t guess who the villain is. The romantic plot is sweet, and the ties to the Weeki Wachee mermaid show was different and intriguing. If you haven’t read Coble yet, you’re missing out!
Everything I’ve learned to expect from Colleen Coble. It was wonderful.
This is a great book. Of course, I’m partial because I have not read a book by Colleen Coble that I didn’t like.
“It was better to expect nothing than to face disappointment.”
Harper Taylor hasn’t fully trusted others for years. Being shuffled from one foster home to another most of her life prompted her to run away, and then providence provided her with a wealthy, and very loving guardian, whose personal attention gave her the means and opportunity to become a marine biologist. Harper wanted more; she now wanted to locate members of her biological family.
After the results of a DNA test provide the name of a half sister within driving distance, Harper meets Annabelle; considerably older but with a similar back story; both of their mothers had died under mysterious circumstances. Shortly after their introduction, it appears that someone has both women in the cross hairs of some sort of twisted sinister plot; lives are at stake, and Ridge Jackson, once dubious about Harper’s motives to befriend his father, seems to have changed his mind about Harper. That possibility has the potential to break Harper’s heart.
Rather than intriguing, this book was a bit confusing with its many random “strands of truth”. In the end however, the author does a nice job of making the story fit perfectly into a tragic hoarding of horrid secrets which spill over into a young woman’s desire to know the truth.
What you might want to know:
Stands of Truth is a contemporary suspense. Harper’s mother died shortly after she was born, leaving her alone in the world. When a friend encourages her to do a DNA test she is shocked to find a half sister. However from the moment she get the results of her DNA test she finds herself in danger. Ridge Jackson has always been suspicious of Harper’s relationship with his father, but when he finds them in danger he realizes there may be more to Harper that he has ever thought.
What I enjoyed most:
I was hooked on this book from the first pages. Coming from a large family I can’t imagine being alone in the world, however even with a large family I was excited to get my results from my DNA test and had fun exploring some unknown connection, I am however thankful mine did not bring danger like Harper’s. I loved the little bits of history and science that were beautifully woven into the story. Coble has written a story that kept me engaged from the first page to the last.
Who will enjoy this ( just to name a few):
Fans of Suspense
Fans of Mysteries
Fans of Christian Fiction
I received a complimentary copy for this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
I’m a forever fan of Colleen Coble!!
Actually I’ve been a fan since Seagrass Pier.
I loved this book!! The twists and turns will leave u squirming and holding your breath and maybe falling out of bed? Nah!! I didn’t want to come up out of this book at all!!
Now, there are some scenes in this book that be like leaving you feeling weird and kind of holding your stomach to protect it.
As far as DNA testing? I’ve thought about it more than once for my son’s sake but it costs too much for me.
Maybe he can do it someday.
But then again, we may open up a can of worms so to speak but I am happy with the way things are. I think that if God wanted me to know He would have opened up a way for me to find out.
The author shows us that even if you do something terrible the truth always manages to come out.
Also too, friends can be like family but then again they can be worse than actual family members!
But I like that the author offers hope and a light at the end of the tunnel and forgiveness too.
I enjoyed this story so much that I couldn’t put it down and I think you will too!!
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book and no compensations were received. All opinions are my own!
What a fantastic book! Have you wondered about your family’s genealogy, or your DNA. A few characters did in this book and then things really started to get interesting and a bit frightening! The results was a nice twist, I’m sure you will love it as much as I do! Thanks Colleen for the great book!
Harper Taylor is used to being alone— after all, she grew up in one foster home after another. Oliver Jackson finally took her under his wing when she was a runaway teenager, and now Harper pours her marine biology knowledge into Oliver’s pen shell research. But she’s never stopped wishing for a family of her own.
So when a DNA test reveals a half-sister living just two hours away, Harper is both hopeful and nervous. Over warm cinnamon rolls, Harper and Annabelle find striking similarities in their stories. Is it just a coincidence that both their mothers died tragically, without revealing Harper and Annabelle’s father’s name?
Oliver’s son Ridge still sees Harper as a troubled teen even all these years later. But when Oliver is attacked, Ridge and Harper find themselves working together to uncover dangerous secrets that threaten to destroy them all. They must unravel her past before they can have any hope for the future.
Harper is struggling to find out who she is. When she finds her half sister she begins to think things are looking up. That is when it really starts to spiral out of control. Someone tries to kidnap her half sister. Then the kidnappers start going after her.
Ridge has always resented Harper. He thinks his dad spent more time with her than his own children. When someone tries to kill Oliver, Ridge has to put his feelings on hold so he and Harper can figure out who’s trying to kidnap them and kill Oliver.
This is a good mystery and will keep you guessing clear til the very end. I recommend this book to all mystery buffs.
I was given this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
This is a stand-alone book by Colleen Coble, but I do think some of her past characters made cameo appearances, so that is fun. Often we think that being able to know our genetic history is always positive. But this book shows that is not necessarily the case. “Strands of Truth” is believable and intriguing. I really liked all of the main characters, and while I partially guessed the ending, there were still definitely twists and turns. Definitely a page turner. Themes in this book also included forgiveness and restoration. Tough situations were not diminished, but they were dealt with well. Thank you to Thomas Nelson publishing and to Net Galley for allowing me to review this book.
What an impressive introduction into the work of a hugely popular and well loved author! While I am familiar with the author’s books, I had never read one before, so I was incredibly delighted at how much I really enjoyed this story. Now, I’m looking forward to taking a look at her vast repertoire to discover more!
This story opens with a powerful bang, thrusting readers back to 1990, and lays the foundation for the mysteries that follow. The characters are richly developed and woven together to create a masterful storytelling experience. With a unique premise and complex plot that spans three time periods, the author’s writing style is amazing in making the connections with no confusion. Intertwining mysteries in both the past and present kept the twists coming until the shocking and absolutely stunning truth is finally revealed. While I had my suspicions about what would ultimately be revealed, I did not expect nor anticipate how it all came together. The author was able to brilliantly sprinkle out the clues across the story that will keep you thinking until the final moments. The pacing was fantastic and reinforced the mounting tension all the way to the very end, which is so hopeful and inspiring given the amount of turmoil wrecking havoc throughout the entire story.
“The right time for the truth is every minute of every day.”
We all know that the truth will set us free, and this was a fascinating exploration of just how devastating secrets and lies can be even for generations to come. Every one seemed to have something to hide, which certainly came back to haunt them as time went on. Despite the overwhelming sense of family dysfunction surrounding these characters, the conclusion sparks support for acceptance, forgiveness, and grace.
The story’s romance is incredibly clean and tender almost to the point that the classification of romantic suspense is somewhat misleading. I am a huge fan of the hate-to-love trope and really wanted to see that play out more as characters discovered their true feelings. I was slightly disconnected from the passion that was trying to play out on the page and would have appreciated more emotion on both ends of the spectrum.
Overall, an immensely entertaining and highly recommended read that will be hard to forget!
Many thanks to Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours and the author for a free copy of this book. This is my honest and thoughtful review.
STRANDS..OF TRUTH. Colleen Coble
Harper wanted a family, someone of her own to love. A friend gives her a gift, of a DNA test, could she have a sister. and with that trouble follows. They was a lot going on, with pen shells, working with Ridge. He thought she was after money, while he was trying to please his father. This seemed confusing at times, of how it was played out.Overall another good mystery by the author..Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion by Net Galley and Thomas
Wow, Coble has made me think twice about doing a DNA test to see my ancestry. I never thought about it being used maliciously. I’m a little scared now.
The mystery is a page-turner and interesting. I appreciate how Coble keeps the romance and the language clean.
There are many characters and some may find that a tad confusing but if you think about it when half-siblings come into play families get large very quickly. I would have loved to know more about Annabelle and Harper’s newfound sisterhood. Maybe someday we will see them in a future book as side characters.
If you are looking for a good mystery with family at the core Strands of Truth is a perfect read.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Thomas Nelson, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
Colleen Coble has long been on my favorite authors list. Her newest book “Strands of Truth” took it to a whole new level. Amazing suspense that kept me flipping pages to the end. The story has a great flow that keeps the pace moving and the story humming. Harper has always longed for one thing, family of her own. After her mother died and she entered the foster system it became even more important. One piece she has never had information on is her father. He never had a face or name and she is left wondering if there are any other family members she doesn’t know. After entering her DNA in an online site, she gets a hit. A sister she never knew about! But once they meet, strange things start happening. There are kidnapping attempts and attacks on Harper, her sister, and friends as close as family. Through it all Harper leans more and more on Ridge, a man who has never trusted her, mad that his father helped Harper through the foster system as a teenager. Ridge learns that everything he thought he knew was a lie. He had to start trusting, ” That’s when trust comes the hardest, but it’s also when it brings the most blessing.” As the hunt for Harper’s father and the reason for the danger continues, they learn that trust and love can grow in any situation. In a heart pounding climax all the answers come from the same source!
The characters in this book seem to spring to life and take the reader along on each trip, investigation, and life saving race. Colleen Coble has weaved a tail that pulls you in and has you experiencing every heart pounding moment along with the characters. The story seamlessly flows from page to page until you suddenly realize the story is done. Everything you want in a suspense book is here! I will gladly (impatiently) wait for another book from this gifted author! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Knowing your DNA could show you things you don’t want to know.
Where do I start with this one? There is so much good stuff packed between the pages of this book that I couldn’t pick one thing out to share.
Strands of Truth is a non-stop mystery case that leaves the reader guessing throughout the whole story. I don’t try to guess at any point so by the end of the story, I was in total shock. The dual story line did not distract from the rhythm of the story so it was easy to jump between today and the late ‘60s and early ‘70s.
Colleen Coble has a way of telling a story that entraps the reader into the story and holds them hostage. Unlike one of the characters of this story, you do not want to be released until The End.
Speaking of characters, I must give a “way to go” to Harper. This girl is determined and unfaltering when she gets something in her head. Once she found her sister, she wasn’t afraid to let Annabelle into her heart. If only it was that easy for the stiff and wounded Ridge.
Now, so I don’t give away any thing more, I will leave you with one last thing – Get This Book! You will be glad you did.
***I was given a copy of this book by the publisher through CelebrateLit. This honest review is entirely made up of my own thoughts.
I enjoy this author’s books and am glad I was given the opportunity to discover her writing through my church book club book. If not for that first book, I’m not sure I would have discovered Colleen Coble.
This book has a wonderful thread of suspense from the very beginning. The many relationships and the dynamics of those was intriguing. And then you factor in the DNA and how that leads to murder, kidnappings, and opens the door for romance and you have a delightful story on your hands.
You will travel back in time to learn about the early murders and part of the history of the main character. I enjoyed learning about marine biology and sea silk. Any book that can increase my knowledge on various aspects of the world is a good read!
The ability to learn how to trust and forgive others was a wonderful focus and is a goal we should all have for our lives.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Strands of Truth by Colleen Coble is a romantic suspense novel with a heart. The plot is completely original. Who would have thought that looking for DNA through an ancestry program could cause so much drama. There was plenty of moments where the story progressed in trying to find the connections between the two sisters and hunting for their birth father. While that moved along nicely, the romance between Ridge and Harper was not believable. I had a really hard time believing they liked each other at all. Especially after learning how they felt about each other at the beginning of the novel. I had a really hard time turning those ideas off. The romance bothered me the rest of the novel. Coble should have written another love interest, not Ridge. Didn’t fit the story line at all. Coble’s writing was wonderful. She has proven why she is at the top of her genre with the details and character’s perspective told by the characters. Overall, Strands of Truth by Colleen Coble is a fascinating tale of ancestry DNA and what could come out of the closet. I believe fans of Coble’s other stories, DiAnn Mills, or Irene Hannon would enjoy this story.
I received a complimentary copy of Strands of Truth by Colleen Coble from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.