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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Suspense tangled up in secrets that bring up some very interesting links through a DNA test. I really enjoyed how the story took some very interesting turns as some serious attacks lead us to some family drama that held me in suspense right up until the end.
I was gifted a copy, no review was required. My review is voluntary.
Strands of Truth is my first Colleen Coble book, and I’m officially hooked! The story grabs you from the very beginning with its unique cast of characters and fast-paced action.
Be prepared to be rocketed into the danger surrounding the life of Harper Taylor. Fair warning…you will not get the recommended amount of sleep until you finish this book! From the first chapter, the story moves quickly. The narrow, twisty trail Harper and Ridge navigate to avoid danger and to find the truth is exhilarating. The small clues left to follow will only satisfy you for a few pages before you want more. I usually enjoy being one step ahead of the characters, but hanging on every word as I stumbled through the mystery with Harper and Ridge was a breathtaking experience.
I loved the complexity and depth of Harper and Ridge. The evolution of their relationship was perfect, and I enjoyed watching them discover each other after knowing each other for years.
Harper is a sweetheart, and I loved her tenacity. Her sea silk hobby was quite interesting–enough to warrant an internet search for more information.
Ridge is a complex guy, but what I really loved was watching his heart soften through the book. Not just toward Harper, but in general, as he gave his family second chances. It made this handsome guy even more of a hunk. 😉
If you want to be completely captivated by a story, then you’ll want to read Strands of Truth. Any fan of Christian suspense will enjoy it.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
‘She wouldn’t lose hope. God saw her in this place. She had to hold on to faith.’
Strands of Truth has so many different plot twists. Two half-sisters, almost twenty years apart, who find out through a DNA kit that they both had the same father. Two half-sisters who both lost their mothers and murder may have been the cause of those deaths. The same half-sisters being the targets of kidnappers and the suggestion of organ harvesting as a possible motive!
Ridge Jackson has never trusted the close relationship that his dad Oliver developed with Harper Taylor as she was moved from one foster home to another as a child and teenager. Harper considers Oliver as her mentor and she deeply loves him but Ridge believes she is after his father’s money. It is only through many unexplained occurences that he begins to see the true Harper. I really liked Harper and I wanted her to realize that not all people wanted to hurt her. I believe that there are still good, kind people willing to help their fellow man and I was hoping that Ridge would become that person for Harper!
This is an exciting story and there are so many questions needing to be answered but through it all, even as Harper struggles with trusting people, she has faith and trust in God. In fact, there are several characters who believe and trust in God and I liked that author Colleen Coble shows them engaging in prayer and believing in its power. I also enjoyed Coble’s description of pen shell farming and the process of making sea silk.
I enjoyed Strands of Truth and I recommend it to anyone who likes romantic suspense and Christian fiction.
I received a complimentary digital copy through Celebrate Lit and NetGalley and I was not required to leave a positive review. These are my honest thoughts.
This book kept me guessing the whole time, although I had my theories, as to what was happening and why it was happening to some seemingly random people. I truly enjoyed the roller coaster that Colleen Coble took me on. There were many happy moments, some very serious life-altering moments that personally would have been very hard to write. However, Colleen Coble gave depth to the personal decisions her characters made and by the end of the book I really felt that I had gotten to know the characters quite well and really didn’t want for their story to end. Colleen Coble did leave the opening for another book in the series and I am so excited to see what comes next
‘Past sins have a way of affecting the present!’
Have you ever considered what testing your DNA might bring into your life? Growing up in the foster system, Harper Taylor thought she had no blood family. Was it possible she might find some family that way? Oliver Jackson, a wealthy businessman, had become her benefactor when she was just 15, setting her up to become a well-educated woman. Perhaps now was the time to see if her ancestry held any clues.
The author has given us a page-turner that practically flies through a 30 year span. The twists and turns keep you wondering how murder, abduction, sea silk and pen shells will bring conclusions to the many questions being asked. The wonderful detail found me almost smelling the water and feeling the sand between my toes. I enjoyed learning a little about bivalve mollusks and their harvest.
Perhaps the best part was observing Harper as she learns to believe that she is deserving of God’s grace as well as the realization that she could create her own family among friends! You don’t want to miss this incredible story.
I received an ARC through NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and CelebrateLit. My 5 star rating was not solicited. All impressions and opinions are my own.
Strands Of Truth by Colleen Coble is an exciting and gripping contemporary Christian suspense that will have the reader glued and guessing.
Legacies are important, as is heritage. We need to know where we come from in order to plot where we are going. Even more important is to know Whose we are.
A mother’s love is a powerful thing. It is protective and caring. If we are denied it as a child, we will lose our anchor in life and be continually searching for that love, never trusting as the foundations are not there.
We can trust God. He will be with us and walk through the storms beside us. “No matter what happened, God was with her in this.” Sometimes life is hard but God is faithful. “God saw her in this place. She had to hold on to faith.”
There will be times when we face difficulties. “She needed to gird herself for the battle with some praise music and her favourite Bible promises.” Reminding ourselves of God’s promises and soaking in His presence helps us to walk through our fearful circumstances.”
We all need someone to believe in us. When we have someone who walks beside us, encouraging us, we can achieve great things.
The novel is bang up to date with the latest scientific advances as we hear about DNA testing and embryo adoptions.
If not used wisely, money and power corrupt. “His father’s money and power ensured he was accepted no matter where he went.” Money and power will always open doors but we must be discerning as to which doors we walk through. We must always be wise stewards of that which God has entrusted us with. “If you pray about it, God will tell you the right thing to do.”
Colleen Coble always writes novels that grip me from the start. Her plotlines are intricate, engaging and well thought out. Strands Of Truth was a marvellous novel. I will leave you with one final powerful quote:
“Live like you’re dying.”
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Stands of Truth is the latest novel by Colleen Coble. Harper Taylor’s mother died as the result of an auto accident moments after Harper was delivered. Spending her early years with an addicted grandmother and her middle childhood in awful foster situations, when wealthy Oliver Jackson catches her stealing from his garage Harper is given a new lease on life. Oliver becomes her mentor, finding a good foster home for her, fostering her interest in sea life, and providing her with a college education. Oliver has now become a partner in her business to farm mollusks. The biggest hole in her life still exists however; it is her lack of family connection.
Oliver’s kids, Ridge and Willow, have always scorned Harper. Ridge is certain that Harper is somehow playing his dad, manipulating him for her financial gain. When Oliver offers Ridge his own marine lab with the stipulation that they will be using some of Harper’s project as a focus and that she is to be working with him, Ridge doesn’t readily say yes. But when Oliver and his boat disappear while helping Harper in her field and someone tries to kidnap Harper, Ridge finds there is so much more to Harper than he had expected.
Harper’s best friend, Sara, in trying to help Harper find a family connection, submits Harper’s DNA to a company that does such matching. A half-sister is found just a short distance away. When the two sisters meet, they find an instant connection despite their double decade age difference. Both have no information pointing them to the identity of their father. Both girls’ mothers died under questionable circumstances. Then the next connection is when someone also attempts to kidnap Annabelle.
In a tale that weaves DNA, greed, and the extents someone might go to for a loved one, Ms. Coble has again spun a thriller that will keep you up late at night to determine the outcome of this fast paced mystery. I did enjoy this book and I do recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Two women die in mysterious circumstances twenty years apart. Years later, their adult daughters learn they are half-sisters. From the day they meet, attempts are made to kidnap them. This exciting new novel by Colleen Coble is everything and more than I anticipated! The characters are engaging and likable, the faith and spiritual lessons of each is displayed beautifully, the prose sings, and the plot is riveting, capturing and keeping my attention throughout.
Harper’s life has been not been easy. Her mother died minutes after her birth, the results of a car accident that never could be explained. She never knew who her father was. She was cared for by her grandmother until her death of a drug overdose sent Harper through a series of foster families. She is determined to have the family she always wanted, but at 30 hasn’t seriously dated any man. She has just had an embryo transplant, having adopted an embryo from a pro-life woman recently divorced.
Oliver Jackson is Harper’s business partner and has been a mentor since she was an angry fifteen-year-old. He grew up in poverty and, having worked hard, grew several lucrative businesses and a small fortune. Daughter Willow, who lived with her mother after their divorce, and son Ridge who is close to his dad, are extremely jealous of Oliver’s relationship with Harper and think she wants to steal his fortune. Oliver encourages her to be the Christian woman she became, and invests in her business, growing and harvesting pea shells to sell the meat and most of the black pearls, keeping the unique sea silk fiber and a few pearls for fiber art. His wants to discover any medicinal uses for the mollusks.
Harper and best friend Sara are checking her pea shell beds with Oliver. Oddly, Oliver disappeared without a word, then they noticed his boat was gone. When Sara went topside, someone with a knife tries to take Harper. She fights to escape and gets to her boat. Many hours pass before Ridge finds Oliver adrift on his boat, in a coma.
For Harper’s last birthday, Sara got her a DNA kit to help find any relatives. Sara checks the DNA site and sees a match. There is a woman whose DNA is a close enough to be a half-sister! Harper goes to meet Annabelle, almost 20 years her senior. They get along so well that even if they weren’t sisters, they would be friends. Annabelle’s mother had been murdered and the killer never found. She never knew who her father was, and was adopted by a kind, loving couple. Annabelle, however, is about to begin chemo for lymphoma. They agree to meet again soon and stay in touch in the meantime. An attempted kidnapping occurs again for Harper, as well as Annabelle.
This fabulous, intriguing suspense novel includes cold cases, present-day kidnapping and possible murder attempts. Even though decades have passed, but it seems the challenges are related. Over time, I had a good idea who was involved and some of the motive, but not the details. This is a fascinating tale that includes learning about mollusks and sea silk. I enjoy Christian novels with beautiful demonstrations of faith and change, suspense, and something unique to learn. God-honoring romance is a delightful plus. The end is very satisfying despite resulting harsh realities of life in a broken world. I highly recommend this novel to women who enjoy well-written Christian fiction, suspense, and romance.
From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this book from the publisher and Celebrate Lit, and this is my honest review.
I am never disappointed in a book by Colleen Coble. She tells such wonderful stories that keep you on your toes, have you looking over your shoulder, and keep you turning the pages until you get to the very end. I have no idea how she continues to deliver great stories, but I am so very thankful she does!
The thing I really liked about this story was the background on Harper. Couple of things about it rang true with me. One – people come from all different backgrounds. It does not define our current situation. Harper worked hard to become the person she is today, and while that is not the main focus of the book, it’s something that I enjoyed seeing in a character and could completely relate to. I think it’s encouraging to readers who perhaps are not in a good spot in their life – to see that they really can turn it around.
Second – you really can make a difference in someone’s life. Harper would not be where she is today if it hadn’t been for Oliver’s compassion. And while Ridge totally took it out of context in the beginning, I think slowly he began to see the good in what Oliver had done. This inspires me to want to do something to help an individual out there who may be struggling in some way. What a great way to weave inspiration into a suspenseful story line!
Speaking of which, Coble certainly brings readers a great suspense story here. Readers will be sitting at the edge of their seats trying to solve the mystery, especially once Annabelle comes into the story. Get ready for a fun ride, because you aren’t going to want to put this book down!! Like I said before, Coble never disappoints. There is a reason she is a USA Today bestselling author!!
I received complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I am a big fan of this author so I was really excited to read this new book! Lots of suspense and clean romance all throughout this story kept my interest from beginning to end.
I found it interesting to read about Harper’s diving and biology work. Readers also got a glimpse into DNA results and how fascinating genealogy can be. The story plot also went back to the past a couple of times so readers could catch a glimpse into the lives of the women who played an important role in Harper and Annabelle’s lives.
Fast paced drama, murder, intrigue, and romance in Florida…Loved this book!
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
It all started with a DNA test. Harper felt alone, no family and few real friends. She finds she has a half sister through a DNA test and seeks her out. They discover that both their moms died while they were infants under questionable circumstances. Then is when strange and terrifying things begin to happen.
Ridge has always resented Harper because of the interest his father Oliver took in her. He thinks she is after his money. But after going from one foster family to another with no real love, Oliver becomes a mentor of sorts to Harper. When Oliver is attacked underwater and left for dead, Ridge and Harper become allies in finding out what is going on.
This was a suspense story that I really got into and read as quickly as I possibly could. Kidnappings, murders, break-ins and car tailings were just some of the mysterious happenings that kept me guessing as to what was developing. I wanted to figure it out before all was revealed but that didn’t happen. And I liked that! The characters drank lots of coffee too, and although not pertinent to the plot, I liked that! So with a cup of steaming coffee in my own hand, I read and became totally immersed in the lives of the characters.
I received a complimentary ebook from the publisher through Net Galley but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise. All opinions are my own.
This book is an absolute home run! Loved the characters, the unique storyline and the setting, which Coble always does well. (I have to say I am a very big fan of her work!) I read this book in less than 24 hours and that doesn’t happen often.
Harper Taylor is a marine biologist with a fractured past who is trying to find a piece of her that’s missing–her family. After taking a DNA test, she finds a sister named Annabelle living nearby who is several years her senior. Excited and encouraged by this new development, Harper soon learns her quest for lost family members might not be what she’s expected or what she’s ready to face.
Ridge Jackson is the son of Oliver, who took Harper in during a vulnerable time in her life. Ridge resents Harper’s closeness with his father, but can’t seem to stay away from her. Oliver, a pharmaceutical mogul, wants Ridge and Harper to work together in a state of the art lab to help find a cure for Alzheimer’s using the mollusks that are common to the shorelines in Florida.
After an attack on both Harper and Oliver, Ridge vows to find the culprit behind the assaults. As Ridge attempts to bring those who targeted his family to justice, he learns there are deeper secrets than just unknown family members.
What the reader finds in “Strands of Truth” is a complex web of intrigue, unsolved murders and an unhealthy love that won’t take no for an answer. Coble’s work is well researched and full of details that pulls the reader in and doesn’t let up until the last page.
For anyone who has wondered about the sinister side of DNA testing and how it could be misused or misappropriated, this book deftly handles that question. Coble brings God’s grace and second chances into her work, and “Strands of Truth” is no exception. I love the fact that when I read a novel like this, I also walk away with knowledge I didn’t have before I read it. The author weaves bits of Florida’s past into the story, along with elements of sea silk procurement and the various uses for mollusks. I would have never searched for this information without a story like this, and any book that encourages more learning is even better in my book!
I was an advanced reader, thanks to #NetGalley and Thomas Nelson. All opinions are my own and I chose to review.
I have been a fan of Colleen Coble’s books for years but she just keeps getting better. I believe this is the best book of hers that I have ever read.
As far as I am concerned she has really outdone herself on this one. It is a Murder Mystery and a Romance combined with a lesson on forgiveness. When Harper Taylor has her DNA done the trouble starts. It seems that someone wants her dead and will not be deterred from seeing it happen. Her Boss’s son, Ridge, is determined to keep her safe in spite of the fact that he has never liked her and resented the way his father has catered to her. As things heat up with those who are trying to get to her for some unknown reason it will keep you on the edge of your seat and you will not want to put this page turner down until the end. And speaking of endings, this one was very satisfying. If you like a good romantic mystery you don’t want to miss this one. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
I awaited Colleen Coble’s new novel, Strands of Truth, with eager anticipation and my patience was definitely rewarded—as I found myself totally immersed in the oceanic world of manatees, mollusks, and murder! Coble is so proficient at descriptive imagery that I felt at one with this beautiful setting, and could actually feel the warm sand between my toes and see the foamy waves crashing against the shore!
I love a book that challenges me and teaches me things I wasn’t aware of—mollusks and other sea treasures perhaps containing neurological and antibiotic uses? Who knew?
Harper is a wonderful heroine…intelligent and compassionate, but with plenty of baggage from her childhood. She wouldn’t be the main character in a book without that! lol Ridge has his own issues, but as handsome and chivalrous as he is…who really cares? 😉 I felt the romantic chemistry between the two was somewhat lacking, but I find that often in suspense novels.
I was thrilled that I didn’t guess who-dun-it (because I normally do), but the perpetrator caught me totally off guard. Way to go, Ms. Coble! The only reason I couldn’t give it five stars is because some dastardly deeds by a certain character seemed rather far-fetched in my opinion. Without further ado, I highly recommend putting ‘Strands of Truth’ on your must-be-read list!
*I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Thomas Nelson publishing via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.*
In Colleen Coble’s latest suspense book, readers will be engaged throughout as they follow Harper’s journey to discover her past. The main character, Harper, grew up in foster care, but found family in Oliver Jackson. Oliver provided a father figure to her and helped her accomplish her goals in life. Trying to find any family, Harper puts her DNA on a DNA website that matches up families. She is shocked to discover she has a half-sister nearby. Once they meet they discover many similarities between both of their stories. Both had a mother who died young and suddenly. Annabelle’s mother was murdered. Together they embark on a journey to discover what happened and who their father is. As they try to discover what is happening, things began to happen to Harper which proves she is in danger. Is it connected to what she is trying to discover or is something else? Oliver’s son has never trusted Harper, because he believed that she was using his dad. Ridge is surprised as he spends time with Harper that there is more to Harper than he believed. Ridge is worried about the events happening to Harper and seeks to help her uncover her past before she gets hurt. Will he realize there is more occurring between them as well? I highly recommend this book and do not believe that you will be disappointed after reading this latest release by Mrs. Coble.
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, I have purchased her books before.
This book was so intense right off the bat there wasn’t a thing to loose. This book draws you in from page one and leaves you guessing all the way to the very end. You think you figure it out and then the author throws a wrench into it and makes you second guess if you are right. I really loved Harper my heart broke for her while her childhood stands true for so many in our world it was almost like she was right there in person telling you her story. I loved Ridge he had his guard up but he wasn’t a jerk you wanted to punch each thing he did and faced you kind of understood why so you felt for him as well. I wish the author would have end the book with a follow up on some of the characters kind of makes me wonder what happened with a few of the big key players in the book. I had a love hate relationship with Willow but I would love to know more of her story. Over all this book was amazing, clean read. If you are looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your toes this book will not disappoint. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
‘Sometimes our biggest heartaches bring the most blessings.’
Colleen Coble never fails to write a great story with a mystery that totally engulfs her readers. This one is full of fun, intrigue and a mystery that will snag your attention from the first page. I never came close to guessing the culprit! Coble delves into the world of DNA with this one and how it affects her story is very interesting indeed. I finished in one day!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing through Net Galley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Colleen Coble is one of my go-to authors for Christian suspense. She knows how to write a good page-turner, having the suspense build from the very first page as the reader tries to solve the crime. Even though her murders can be rather gruesome, I appreciate the clean read.
This is all true of her newest novel, Strands of Truth. I loved the premise from the very beginning, with marine biologists and DNA matches and unsolved murders. With another murder, kidnappings and a little romance added to the mix, the author has penned another fabulous story. I did guess the identity of the murderer about halfway through the story, but it was still interesting to connect all-the-dots between the unsolved murders a generation before and the current case. I also appreciated the thread of learning to trust and forgive that was woven throughout the story.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
*4.5 stars
Whew, if Colleen Coble isn’t known for writing some nail-biting suspense! I love how the author was able to weave the lives of multiple different characters into a web of mystery that demanded a answers. This was an easy book to read from cover to cover without putting it down.
Although this was not an actual line in the book, I found myself thinking on the phrase “desperate people do desperate things.” I won’t go into detail there because I don’t want to give any spoilers, but it had me thinking about how the actions and motives of people are often not far from their hearts.
Have you ever strongly disliked someone until you learned more of their story and compassion started to settle in? I really enjoyed following Ridge’s emotional journey in this story. Initially he felt at odds with Harper because he felt she was stealing his father’s love and attention away and his jealousy of her hardened his heart. It wasn’t until he took the time to learn about her past and her struggles, that his heart softened and he started to feel genuine affection towards her. I loved feeling like I was part of their journey.
With plenty of action and emotion this is a novel suspense fans are sure to love. I highly recommend it for a read 🙂
*I received a copy of this book through CelebrateLit and NetGalley. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
A fast moving story with mystery and some romance. I enjoyed the story and it kept me guessing to the end.Thanks to Netgalley for the early copy