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.

Harper finds her biological half-sister and begins a relationship. Meanwhile, someone has targeted Harper and those close to her. Strands of Truth is a suspense novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat as you devour every page of the book & will keep you guessing until the very end. Excellent novel!

I had a really hard time connecting with the characters. I ended up DNFing this book fairly quickly because of the disconnect.

I enjoyed this book,, especially liked the story line about the effects of DNA testing on family members. There was enough mystery, and romance in the book to keep me reading.. One of her best books to date.

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.*

I liked the aspect of DNA ancestry being used in this way. It made for a unique mystery. I didn't care for the writing style. Things seemed to jump around and often were disjointed. I didn't connect to the characters. Overall it's a good read, just not what I would have expected from the blurb and cover.

Colleen Coble has the gift of storytelling. I was immediately drawn into the life of Harper Taylor as her mother died giving birth to her. She lived with her grandmother for a few years until she died of an overdose and then Harper was in foster care. It's a hard way for a young girl to live. Her luck changed when she was fifteen. Oliver Jackson took an interest in her and found her safe foster parents and became her mentor.

There were plenty of unexpected happenings that took me by surprise as Harper tried to discover who killed her mother and why. The mystery and suspense kept me turning pages long past my bed time.. Great new characters.

I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from the author and Thomas Nelson Publishers through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are completely my own.
#StrandsofTruth #NetGalley

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.

Mystery, murder and suspense will keep readers intrigued as this fast-paced story delves into the past to solve crimes in the present. Life has not been easy for Harper whose mother died after childbirth. When Harper is convinced by her best friend, Sara to take a DNA test to find her father, Harper finds a half sister. Things take a different turn as both sisters find themselves in a dangerous situation. Does the DNA test have anything to do with what is happening? Highly recommended!!

What a fantastic read! Strands of Truth might be Colleen Coble’s best book so far. I found the sea life aspect intriguing and I always love a good romance, but the mystery itself pulled me in from the very beginning and didn’t let go. The main characters — Harper and Ridge — had just enough animosity and tension toward one another, and their satisfying connection as it progressed throughout the story was just right. Highly recommended, especially if you love Colleen Coble’s stories.

Strands of Truth may just be Colleen Coble's best work to date. This riveting, suspenseful drama will keep readers glued to the page as they work they try and solve the complex mystery that starts right from the very first pages.

Harper Taylor has always felt alone. Her mother died shortly after giving birth to her, and she found herself being bounced around from foster home to foster home. A chance encounter with a successful businesman, Oliver Jackson, as a bitter teen gives her the support system she's always wanted, but she knows that the rest of his family doesn't feel the same way about her that he does. As an adult, Harper has become interested in mollusks and pen beds, and Oliver has become her business partner and greatest supporter. As the head of a successful pharmaceutical company, Oliver sees potential in the mollusks as ingredients for successful medications. He approaches Harper and his son Ridge with the idea of them working together on the project, and while both are hesitant to want anything to do with each other, they decide to go ahead with the project since it means so much to Oliver.

Around her mollusk research, Harper has also decided to take part in DNA testing, to see if she has any biological relatives from the family members she grew up knowing nothing about. The results reveal that she has a half-sister named Annabelle, who's quite a bit older than Harper, and the two women are over the moon when they finally get the chance to meet. However, the meeting also seems to open a can of worms, and soon both women are at the end of attempted kidnappings, break in attempts, and druggings. Annabelle's mother also died when she was an infant, and soon Harper is wondering if there is more to her mom's story than what she always believed.

With the help of Ridge, and Annabelle's two sons, the two sisters will stop at nothing to discover what's truly going on, but the consequences may be more than either is prepared for.

I've read a lot of Colleen Coble's books over the years, and I've enjoyed each and every one. However, this one really stood out for just how unique the story line, the setting, and the mystery were. DNA testing is becoming all the rage; and it was really interesting to read a story about the negative outcomes that can come to light when such information that's been hidden for so many years is finally brought to the surface. I also really enjoyed learning about Harper and Ridge's work with mollusks, and the process of how sea silk is woven and made into usable materials. I always appreciate with Colleen's books that the faith element always plays an integral role; and I found it extremely refreshing that both Harper and Ridge turn to their faith in times of doubt and trial, rather than relying entirely on their own devices.

I have to comment on just how much I enjoyed the romance as well. The slow burn element worked perfectly with this couple, and I especially appreciated the way that the friendship emerging between the two of them also helps to heal the hurts they experienced growing up jealous of one another as teenagers.

For as long as I can remember, I've loved time slip novels, and since I wasn't expecting that with this one, it was an added treat. The reader gets to see glimpses of parts of the story that occurred in the 1960's. Even more intriguing is that these clips often focus around the Weeki Wachee mermaid attraction, which I've always been fascinated by.

Lastly, I definitely have to comment about how much I love when I haven't yet pieced together a mystery by the time it is revealed to the reader, and that was the case for me with this one. With how many mystery books I read, this doesn't always happen to me, so extra props to Colleen Coble for writing a mystery that left this reader guessing right until the very end.

Final Rating: 5/5


I couldn't have enjoyed this more, and it gets the highest recommendation from me! Definitely pick this one up if you're a fan of mysteries or suspense novels.

Thanks so much to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the opportunity to advance read this!


I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher, Thomas Nelson, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not required to give a positive review.

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.

'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.

Our DNA doesn't define us, it what's inside our hearts. Harper having grown up alone in the foster system after the tragic loss of her mother at birth and later her grandmother decides to have a child through in vitro fertilization to help stay the loneliness .While going through the process she has her DNA tested and whom she finds, a half sister Annabelle whose life story seems to mirror her own in the death of her own mother. Later a break in on her houseboat, an attempted abduction of Annabelle, Oliver, her mentor accident seemed too coincidental so Harper enlists Ridge her nemesis growing up, but also the son of her mentor and best friend Oliver to help uncover the truth.
Full of intrigue, very likable main characters and a storyline that engages the reader this book will not disappoint.
I received a complement copy of this book via NetGalley, opinions expressed are are entirely my own,.

Strands Of Truth by Colleen Coble
I would give this book 3.5 stars if I could but 4 will have to do.
This book is a mystery, romance, and twist all in one. It is very well written with lots of detail about the location, marine biology and sea silk which was interesting. The main characters all had their own issues with resentment, sadness, and loss, but there was also grace and forgiveness which were an important theme. Most of these were brought out, talked about and worked out by the end. DNA testing isn’t something I’ve really thought about much; but was interesting to see what kinds of people and problems it brought with it.
A couple things I thought were just too easy was the parts where Harper and Ridge seemed to have resentment and dislike for each other and then very quickly they’re in love. Also having two related women kidnapped twice each in such a short amount of time without very much police involvement was questionable.
All in all, I love Colleen’s books and this one was another book done well.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson. The opinions expressed here are 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.

From the first page to the last, Strands of Truth is a chilling, nonstop rollercoaster ride of murder and mystery. Set against the unique backdrop of malacology (yes, I looked that one up too!) and the dying art of creating with sea silk, Coble explores the murky what ifs that modern science can sometimes leave in its wake. The main characters, Harper and Ridge, are relatable people, struggling to overcome real issues while battling to stay alive.
This book will keep you up late, piecing together the strands of truth while looking over your shoulder at every creak and bump in the night.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Colleen Coble has given us one of her best books yet with this one! I love Colleen Coble's writing and the way that she draws you into the story and makes you feel like such a part of all the action going on in the story. I flew threw this book in no time because it was so gripping!

Harper has been alone all her life. Her mother dies only hours after she was born. Moving from foster home to foster home was no fun for Harper and she finally came under the care of Oliver, her mentor. Oliver took care of Harper and made sure she had what she needed but he didn't spoil her. Oliver was a very well off man but he did just enough to help Harper get only what she needed. Oliver's son, Ridge and daughter Willow thought that Harper was only out for one thing from their dad and that was money. All Harper wanted was to feel like she belonged to a family.

Harper has found someone that hit on her DNA testing and goes to make contact with her, but has Harper brought trouble to her in the process of finding her family? Now that Harper has found her half-sister, Annabelle, she doesn't want anything to happen to her with the things that have been happening to her. Things continue to happen and strange deaths occur along the way. I felt so sorry for Harper. She just couldn't seem to catch a break!

I am not going to give the book away because reading it is all the suspense and excitement of this story! Very well written and so easy to follow and enjoy! I can't wait for more from Colleen Coble because I was super sad when this one ended. Get ready for a great read!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book!

Hooray! More Colleen Coble! This was one mind-twister. I could not figure out any connections or hints to what might possibly be the link between the two stories. The flashbacks were a fun additional aspect.

Harper Taylor grew up with no family. Her friend, Sara, convinces her to do a DNA test and search for family. It ends up stirring up a whole hornet's nest of trouble, for Harper and others.

There were several themes I really liked in this book. First and foremost was the emphasis on second chances. Oliver gave Harper a second chance, she and Ridge gave each other a second chance, and Ridge gave his family another chance. Forgiveness and family were strong messages. I liked the pro-life element as well.

Harper's desperation for a family seemed selfish to me. She planned on being a single mother, and, as a girl who was looking for her father, she should have known how important a dad is to a child. Love that she adopted an embryo but I don't think it was the best decision. I also was sad to read the "manatees are related to elephants" bit. It's small, but telling, and disappointing.

It's obviously been too long since I read the Hope Beach books, since I didn't recognize Sara and Josh! Fun that they finally got a bit more story.

A truly thrilling suspense mystery! Job well done, Colleen Coble!

Interesting way to weave a story around the latest trend, dna testing. Easy to figure out early in the story. Very light read.