I think this is my favorite Colleen Coble book! I love the suspense! For me, a good book is one with an unpredictable plot, and this one delivered. I just need to remember to pay attention to Ms. Coble’s “minor” characters, because they are not always minor in the end.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

An amazing book of suspense with a little romantic twist. I started the book this morning and then failed to get anything else done as I had to finish it and see if it was going where I thought it was. Many times I was holding my breath quickly reading to find out what happened next. This is my first book by this author and it definitely drew me in and I will definitely read more by her.

3.5 for me. Seemed somewhere between a mix of a cozy mystery with some Christianity thrown in. You have to keep reading in order for the characters to be fully identified and their relationships shown. It was a bit confusing to start reading dialogue and wonder who is that?did I miss them and you go back and see that , no, they haven't been mentioned before, then wa la, three pages over you find out who they are and relation to the main characters. Their faith and life isn't developed fully and mentioned in later portions of the book with the exception of a few 'I'll pray for you' notations along the way. The mystery/ suspense portion holds your interest bit gets bogged down and slow at times. Overall a good,easy read, just didn't feel it reached the potential on several fronts.
Thanks to the author,publisher,and NetGalley for the ARC. I received this book as a complimentary copy. The opinions expressed are my own.

I loved "Strands of Truth" by Colleen Coble! I have read most of her books, and I think this one is my favorite. There was so much suspense and trying to figure out what was going on!

Harper Taylor was a foster child who never really had a true family. She never knew her mother, who died just moments after giving birth to Harper. She never knew who her true father was. So Harper does a DNA test and finds a long-lost sister. This starts a long string of events that sometimes prove deadly! There were twists and turns along the way. I really didn't predict what happened to happen!

I definitely recommend this book if you enjoy good, clean, romantic suspense! Colleen Coble is one of my favorite authors, and you can never go wrong with her books.

I received a complimentary copy of this book Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

As always when reading any book by Colleen Coble I loved this book! I loved the plot of using DNA to find long lost relatives. As we have learned from the news recently, DNA can definitely open a can of worms yet it can be a life save for those with various illnesses. In Strands of Truth, Harper's DNA results opened a large can of worms as someone is determined to have her dead. The results lead her to a half-sister whose mother had also died when she was young. Neither woman knew who their father was. Suspense is high as attacks and kidnappings happen to both women. This is a book that you cannot put down, it will keep you up all night long.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review from Net Galley. This is my honest opinion.

I’d actually give it more like 3.5 stars but I rounded up because romantic suspense is not a genre I typically go for anyway so I’m not exactly her target audience, and to her credit, I didn’t have the ENTIRE thing figured out by the end so that was good. And it wasn’t as ‘cheesy Christian’ as some other fiction novels I’ve read. I enjoyed the plot involving the implications of DNA/ancestry sites as well as the idea of adopting embryos- I hadn’t thought of that before.

But there were some reactions of the characters that I felt were unnatural:

So when Oliver is in the hospital and Harper asks Ridge how he’s doing, Ridge says ‘Still in a coma.’ And then they change the subject. Ha! It just seemed so flippant. They were also so cavalier about Harper’s attack. I mean he had a knife and tried to abduct her but they act like it was just like someone spilled coffee on her best dress. And THEN later after all the ‘abductions’ and Ridge tells her to stay with him- she says ‘Oh I don’t want to bother you, I’ll be fine.’ *rolls eyes* oh really? You’re gonna be just fine? Are you delusional? A normal person in this situation would not just try to move on with their lives. You are in DANGER! It’s all very clear. The previous abductee literally said they were coming for you next. But no. Go hang out on your houseboat by yourself. I’m sure you’ll be fine.

I also wanted to address the issue with Harper not telling Ridge she was pregnant “right away.” The author made it seem like it was this great deception and she wasn’t honest and it was because she didn’t trust him, but hello! It hadn’t even been a WEEK since she found out herself. Especially with miscarriages being so common. She has no responsibility to tell anyone. That’s her own decision and it’s about her, not about how she’s treating other people. It’s a very personal thing, take a chill pill Ridge. You hated her just a week ago so calm down.

Then, I just want to acknowledge a couple writing style things I wish weren’t in there. Almost all the men were described as having ‘broad shoulders and thick black hair.’

And this one just made me chuckle. It was supposed to be a romantic moment where someone was feeding the other a fondue bite and she wrote that he “deposited the nugget of chocolaty goodness”. Hahaha. ‘Deposited’ and ‘nugget’ are not real romantic. I think we all know what those words are typically used together to describe....

Anyway... all that to say, I still enjoyed reading it and I think it’s a great book for her target audience. It’s a clean, romantic suspense novel. The end especially got intense. I ignored my children for a few minutes to finish it.

** I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**

Strands of Truth was a fascinating novel filled with suspense and mystery. I am very interested in genealogy, so I loved the DNA aspect of the storyline. I found myself skimming through the parts with Harper and Ridge’s interactions because I didn’t feel the connection between them, and I was much more interested in Harper’s relationship with her newly discovered half-sister and solving the mystery of their mother’s deaths so many years earlier. Overall, this was a well written novel that I enjoyed reading.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A captivating read from beginning to end. I could not put this book down and ended up reading it in less than a day!

Harper was an adopted child who has a rough childhood that caused her not to trust others easily.

Oliver was a wealthy man who helped Harper as a teen and who became a role model and mentor to her even at the risk of alienating his own children, Ridge and Willow.

For years Harper wondered what happened to her parents. A friend purchased a DNA kit for Harper and together they found out that Harper has a half-sister named Annabelle.

The two women meet and hit it off. By speaking to one another they both come to the conclusion that both of their mother's had died under questionable circumstances. Harper decides to investigate and soon finds herself in a web of deceit that spans many years.

This sit on the edge of your seat book does not fail to deliver.

Colleen Coble has written such a unique story that kept me guessing the resolution the entire book.. I loved learning all the new things about pen shells, byssus strands and sea silk. The intricate weaving of this story line was wonderful.
I loved the title and how the strands signified many things. I sometimes had trouble connecting all the characters and would have liked a little more romance. But overall a wonderful book. I recommend it highly.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley. All opinions are entirely my own.

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!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Suspenseful results of a DNA test! Harper is looking for her family—she knows her mom died just a few hours after she was born. Eventually mentored by Oliver who catches her stealing, she “grows up” and becomes a law-abiding productive member of society. But, Harper still wonders about her family—which leads to the DNA testing. Oliver’s son, Ridge, dislikes her because he believes she hangs around for what she can get from Oliver. As the story progresses Harper learns about a half sister and some troubling details about the deaths of several people in the story. Murder, kidnapping, suspense—this story has it all! Well done Ms. Coble!

Secrets are the main plot of this book. Everyone has them and some of them are dangerous. I love Colleen Coble books for their characters' intricacies - weaknesses, strengths, assumptions, and the twists and turns of the plot. The family dynamics in this book feel very real. The plight of foster children and the effect on their lives as adults hit home too. Another great Coble book.

This book is a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.. Colleen Coble weaves a wonderful story of family (biological and otherwise), jealousy, and most importantly, forgiveness. The dynamic between Ridge and Harper is what initially draws the reader into the tale, as the author carefully weaves the story, sprinkling it with clues along the way. Fast paced with several twists... Highly recommended.

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.

Strands of Truth
Colleen Coble
September 10, 2019

Harper Taylor lived by herself on her old houseboat. She enjoyed making crafts and sale items from the jewels she found under water. It was a side industry for her, she was doing research Jackson Pharmaceuticals. Owner Oliver Jackson was looking for a tie in to using mollusks for medicinal purposes dealing with Alzheimer’s disease. His son, Ridge, is a specialist in mollusks. He had planned to open a lab to study the sea creatures and put out word for lab assistants. Oliver had other ideas. He already had developed a lab, fully equipt the building, hoping that Ridge would begin working there as soon as possible. After quibbling back and forth Ridge somewhat agreed, leaving his father to work the bed of bivalve mollusks. Harper joined him to do the work but somehow she became separated with him as she played with a manatee that loved to join her when diving. Figuring Oliver would page her at some point she went on with her work.
This family affair discloses the absence of Harper’s mother murdered shortly after she was born. Throughout her life as a foster child she wondered who her father was, what happened to her mother. At fifteen she ran from the latest home and was discovered by Oliver. He helped her to return to school and found decent foster parents to raise her the next three years. He paid for her education and continued to mentor her.
The story explores the world of Florida’s oceanography research as well as the people involved in it. The enigma tells the mystery of two women involved with a Navy man, the lives lost, the children born to him. It is a good read as Ms. Coble’s books are. She stays in the path of Christian story-telling but provides us with a suggestive tale of love between Harper and Ridge. She ties in well the landscape and marine science of Florida’s Islands. I did enjoy the book but I think I have enjoyed her series more. If you are a Coble fan it is well worth reading. If it is a first of hers for you and you savor a good comfort mystery, this is worth reading.
Strands of Truth by Colleen Coble is published by HarperCollins is set to come out on September 10, 2019.

Strands of Truth is a stand alone romantic suspense novel. Having your DNA analyzed is a popular thing to do these days and it has really gotten inexpensive to do. Harper Taylor has been alone since her mother after giving birth to her prematurely. She is successful as a marine biologist. She has her DNA and finds she has a half sister who is about 20 years older than her. She quickly bonds with Annabelle and finds out Annabelle's mother also died when Annabelle was an infant. Annabelle was about 5 months old. Were both women murdered? Neither woman has any clue who their mutual father is. As Harper comes closer to the truth both women's lives are in danger. I thought one person was behind all the was going on but I was wrong and it was somebody else. I loved it that the author was able to stump me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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.

The set-up was interesting and I was intrigued to see how malacology and DNA would be used in a thriller.
After flipping past multiple pages of praise for this and other books by Colleen Coble, I expected to be entertained and maybe educated along the way.

Unfortunately, this was on the level of a Hallmark Murder & Mystery. Which is fine if you know that going in. There was nothing thrilling or suspenseful or even scientific in this book.
The mollusks are used mostly for cooking and craft projects.
The main characters do no detecting, sleuthing or even mollusk related research.
The bad guys rely mostly on methods from the 60s like ether and potassium chloride.

I'm also concerned about a police department that doesn't seem to care when people are kidnapped multiple times in one week. Good thing the son of a kidnap victim is a detective! Only he just delivers evidence to the main characters for them to investigate. How is this believable?

It was very apparent who is behind all these decades of mayhem and why pretty early on in the book. So there wasn't any suspense there. Even the henchmen are only bad guys for good reasons (I can't make this stuff up.)

The romance was lukewarm and forced. The characters had zero chemistry. We are expected to believe Harper and Ridge go from despising each other to falling in love in ONE WEEK just because they have to spend some time together. There is way too much inner dialogue regarding her turquoise eyes and his thick black hair.

Oh! That reminds me! The author tells us that the main guy, Ridge, looks like an actor from Supernatural. So I looked up the actor on IMDB to get a visual. Chris McNally was in two episodes of Supernatural and played a busboy. Is Chris McNally related to Colleen Coble? How did she pick him to namedrop?

I was disappointed that this book did not deliver what was promised in the cover copy and testimonials.
This was not a thriller like Dennis Lehane, Lisa Gardner, or even James Patterson.

*I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and I am required to disclose that in my review in compliance with federal law.*

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!

All her life Harper has wanted connection, a family, to be loved ... what if that connection is the cause of murder !
She has spent years in foster care, then she was under the mentorship of a generous man named Oliver . Problem is Oliver’s son Ridge , doesn’t trust Harper. He thinks she’s after his father’s money.

Harper discovers a half sister via DNA testing, whose mom died when she was young. Are these two connected ?
This story was such an exciting page turner. The mystery, the past, the present, the backdrop of marine living !
A definite must read !