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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There is a lot of discussion about DNA testing and searches for family connections in our world today, but what if everyone searching isn’t searching with pure motives? What if something more sinister is going on? Colleen Coble once again brings one of today’s hottest topic to life in Strands of Truth. The depth she brings to her characters makes you want to fight for them and cheer for them while reading, and she always has me on pins and needles waiting to see how everything will be resolved. This one kept me guessing until the end, and I definitely recommend it!
Colleen Coble explores another new aspect of our lives–that of DNA testing for the ordinary person. As the story unfolds, Harper is thrown into many challenging situations. We learn from this book not to judge people too hastily or perceive them a certain way without knowing their actual situation. It points out that DNA testing can be used for good or bad. When you read the book, be sure to read the author’s comments in the back. She challenges you to think twice before submitting your DNA to an outside source. Since I only read when I go to bed, I found it somewhat challenging to keep the characters straight–who belonged to whom and how. But it all come to a suspense-filled ending that is sure to please.
Excellent read! Colleen Coble is a favorite with suspense with a tad of romance. Great location along the Florida coast with an interesting story of pen shells and results of DNA testing. Great character development. Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the ARC
Strands of Truth by author Colleen Coble is a suspense story with a romance and it is wonderful! Harper Taylor wants a family of her own. She had a very distressed childhood and was shuttled to different foster homes until she received help from an unexpected source, Oliver Jackson. He saw her need when she was a teen and arranged a safe foster home and later a college education for Harper. Oliver had been her mentor and was now her business partner in cultivating and harvesting black pearls from her bed of bivalve mollusks. Now Harper is starting a new endeavor, she adopted an embryo and has just had the implant. She is praying it will thrive and she will become a mother!
The problems arise after Harper identifies a possible half-sister after a DNA test and search. Annabelle soon meets Annabelle who has recently been diagnosed with cancer and will start chemo soon. They both find life a bit strange to know both their mothers were killed when they were babies. Anabelle’s mother was murdered and Harpers mother had been injured in a car accident and died minutes after Harper was born.
I won’t post spoilers, but the attempts on Harper and Annabelle’s lives continue to be frightening with no clear reasons or answers.
The whole book is very interesting. Not only do you have the mystery/suspense, but the imagery of the ocean, the mollusks beds, the sea silk fabric, and the Weeki Wachee Mermaids of the 1960’s. Once I started the book, I could not stop reading until the ending.
I appreciate the mystery, suspense, interesting subject matter, and knowing I can read the book and refer it to my friends.
Publication Date September 10, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.