Harper Taylor believes she is alone in the world until a DNA test reveals she has a half-sister. When she meets her, they realize how similar their stories are. When both meet trouble soon thereafter, it seems too great of a coincidence.
While the ending seemed predictable, it took quite a while for the characters to figure out what was going on. Granted, at times there were four mysteries to figure out. They seemed so diverse that it seemed unlikely they’d be connected.
The story kept me reading. It moved back and forth between the past and the present. It sometimes made it confusing to keep the people and their connections to the present straight. All in all, it was an enjoyable read. Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This is the first Colleen Coble book I have ever read and I can't wait to get my hands on more titles. Strands of Truth is fast-paced and has a fascinating plot. I love how she wove the characters' faith into the suspenseful storyline. Harper and Ridge demonstrate grace as well as fortitude while racing to solve this case before they become the next victims. A perfect cozy mystery!

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.

Harper Taylor never knew her mother or father. After her grandmother passes away she feels more alone then ever. She takes a DNA test to see if she can discover more about her family. The results show a half sister she never knew. When strange things start happening to both of them after meeting, they need to discover the connection! Is it Harper’s work or digging into her past that’s putting people in danger?

Strands of Truth is a great read and is among one of my favorites I have read by Colleen Coble. I give five stars.

Colleen Coble is a master storyteller who creates endearing characters, who face tragedy and betrayal but find redemption through God's grace. You will be hooked from page one as you read this engrossing tale of a woman who had lost her parents and was raised in foster homes. She always felt so alone without any one she could claim kin to. How through DNA she located a half sister. Then the twist and turns begin.......Is someone trying to kill her and her benefactor? Also her half sister? Is it possible her parents were also murdered? Why is all this happening now since she has finally found someone of her own blood? Coble has written a spellbinder that will keep you reading on to see how all of this great suspense plays out. What a book........I received a complimentary ARC from Thomas Nelson Publishing through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions written in this review are mine.

Due to her mother's death minutes after Harper's birth following an accident (or was it?), Harper grew up with her grandmother until the age of 8, then in the foster care system. From this she was rescued at age 15 after more trauma than anyone should ever have to undergo by Oliver Jackson, whom she met when stealing his son Ridge's sleeping bag so she could keep warm sleeping out. Oliver looked after her in the years following, but Ridge always resented it, considering Harper as only after his money. But when a man tries to kill Oliver and to abduct Harper while they are out diving, it seems that something from Harper's - or her mother's - past is catching up with her. This happens at almost the same time as she finally makes contact, through a DNA website, with a considerably older half-sister - whose mother was also killed soon after Annabelle's birth, and who, like Harper, never knew their shared father. When Annabelle is likewise attacked, Ridge and Harper, as well as Annabelle and her two sons, are in a race against time to uncover the clues of the past to find out who is responsible for the attacks - and possibly the murders of both mothers. But spending time with Harper is undermining Ridge's long-held suspicions about her motives, and the growing connection between them is raising the stakes still further...

Jam-packed with suspense, mystery, romance and relationships, with several strands in past and present all cleverly tied together into one neat package, this is an engrossing read. Though various people are attacked in this book, there is no gratuitous violence, and the content is clean, including the language. While probably theoretically a Christian book, the Christian content is limited to the occasional brief mention, such that I believe non-Christians would probably enjoy it just as much as Christians - so if you're looking for inspirational content, try elsewhere (though the mending of breaches between a couple of pairs of characters was good to watch). Despite that, it's very well plotted and written, and the characters feel like real people. This is the first book I've read by the author, but I hope to read more in future.

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

Many have taken DNA tests through currently popular companies and learned of surprising connections. Strands of Truth is a story about one of the possible abuses of such information. Coble has created a mystery that begins with two sisters using DNA to locate family, who also locate trouble as well as answers to two cold cases, a story of truly getting more than you bargained for. Mystery fans will be quite happy with what they get from Strands of Truth, an engaging mystery with carefully sprinkled clues throughout. Unexpected connections await.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Strands of Truth from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I found this book to be a page turner, there seems to be non-stop action, and you may think whom the perpetrator is but, then you quickly change your mind, but who is after these women?
The author gives us a roller coaster of emotions here, as humans we tend to cling to our families, but to have none, such a hard thing.
Today’s modern technology gives many new hopes to find their roots, and part of this book is what happens when we find those we are related to.
I didn’t figure this one out ahead of time, so was surprised how everything turned out. I just wish I could continue on in the lives of these characters!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.

Although Oliver is a wonderful mentor, Harper never feels accepted by his family. When Harper finds her half-sister through a DNA sister, Harper is happy to connect with her sister. They quickly learn that both of their mothers were murdered and now they are in danger. When Ridge discovers that his father Oliver has given him a mollusk lab with Harper as his partner, he is initially dismayed since he always thought that Harper was using his father. As Ridge tries to protect Harper from danger, he starts to believe that his impression of Harper is wrong. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. This is a well written Christian romantic suspense mystery. This book hooked me from the start and kept me guessing on why the sisters are in danger. I was also wanted to see Ridge's reaction to a choice of Harper's. I really enjoyed this read

I haven’t read a lot of Colleen Coble novels. Not because I haven’t enjoyed the ones I’ve read, just because I haven’t. There are so many books and so many genres I read across under the Christian fiction umbrella. But when I saw the cover for Strands of Truth, my interest was immediately piqued.

And since I don’t read blurbs, I had no idea what I was getting into.

From the opening seen, I was invested. I had to know what was going on. With each turn of the page, I became more invested. The suspense aspect of it left me reeling and the romance left me feeling HEA.

I definitely will be checking out Ms. Coble’s backlist on the search for the next great read.

*I received an ARC copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This review was not required nor influenced.

Mystery, romance, mermaids, mollusks and DNA pull this quick paced thriller together. Harper, a marine biologist who was always an outsider of sorts, discovers she's got a half sister Annabelle and that their personal history- both their mothers died mysteriously- match. Annabelle's ill with cancer. Just after they find each other, a bad guy finds them and wants to do them harm. Then Harper's mentor Oliver, who set her up in her lab, is attacked and his son, Ridge, who has always been a sort of shadowy character for Harper, throws in with her on her project and to find out the true story. No spoilers but know that faith plays a role in this. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. A good read.

Colleen Coble has another best seller with this book, Stands of Truth. the book has romance, plenty of suspense, beautiful Florida coast and page-turning excitement. You also see examples of forgiveness and second-chances.
Harper has your support from page one. She came from a hard life as a child and yet she wasn’t a bitter person. She spent so much of her childhood seeking love that wasn’t offered but found a way to make it in life. She is a gutsy, independent woman who thanks to her mentor, Oliver, was making her way in life. As the story unfolds, you see Oliver’s son, Ridge realize that his past feelings of jealousy and doubt were changing and he saw Harper in a new exciting way.

Throughout the book you are also receiving clues and flash-backs of two murders. Harper’s mother was murdered and her half-sister’s mother was also. They had recently found out they were half-sisters through DNA testing. The two questioned whether the murders were coincidental or connected somehow. There are so many twist and turns that keep you guessing to the end.

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This novel reads like a paperback romance.

Harper hasn’t had the easiest life, although her mentor’s son, Ridge, would disagree. Harper’s mother died when she was born, and she never had a family. That might change, though, when a DNA test reveals that she has a previously unknown half-sister from the father she knows nothing about.

Right after Harper meets her half-sister, Annabelle, for the first time, Annabelle is kidnapped. Harper’s mentor, Oliver, is attacked. Harper herself has some unsettling experiences. A search is on for whoever may have murdered Annabelle’s and Harper’s mothers so many years ago.

This was a fun, suspenseful read. There was a lot going on, but it was nicely tied together. Harper was a very sympathetic main character. Although the story didn’t go too into depth into her childhood, it gave enough information to make both her and Ridge’s actions and reactions very realistic. The end was definitely a surprise. It’s enough to make you think twice about DNA testing, even if I wasn’t already hesitant.

I do hope there’s a sequel for Ridge’s sister, Willow.

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

I super loved this book. I just finished it and my fingers were trembling with the adrenaline rush. This book was the perfect example of how a romantic suspense ought to be.

Harper wanted to find her family. Her DNA testing brought her to a half-sister Annabelle and the murky darkness of the past where both their mothers had been murdered. Both the women too were in danger as an intruder in ski mask kept trying to kidnap them and kill the others. Ridge, the son of her mentor, soon let go of his btliyteness and see her with new eyes. The two investigated the deaths happening around them, past and the present.

My first book by author Colleen Coble, and she has a fan in me. The story was the perfect combination where strands of the past were woven into the present, and the truth came out insidiously page after page, creeping up on me. The author created a setting so powerful that every moment showed the danger that the two were in. The writing had the power to enfold me with the thrill of its words.

The book was fast, spot on with the scenes where the almost non stop action caught me and threw me into the spirals of suspense. I could barely hold on, but never afraid to sink as I was sure the author would keep the book rushing till the last page.

The twin pillars of a thriller, suspense and mystery, were never as strongly written as they were in this book. The pulse rate slowly reached to skyrocketting levels with each chapter and the last finale was BOOM. Absolutely freaking fantastic!!

Strands of Truth by Colleen Coble brings a fresh setting for a romantic suspense adventure. Told in snippets of split-time fashion, this novel will have you kicking your heels and gasping for air as you learn about pen shell beds that Harper and Ridge collaborate on. With key themes of family or lack thereof, relationships and trust, many readers can find common ground with the protagonists. Coble makes it easy to learn spiritual lessons, presenting truth plainly and succinctly, without slowing the action. The storylines are woven together beautifully, like the beautifully spun sea silk.
There are some great twists and turns in this novel. Coble writes suspense so effectively I still feel the jangling of my emotions and a sense of loss, which will need some time to settle. If you love Christian romantic suspense blended with diving tales and mermaids, detailed via split-time; you will enjoy Colleen Coble’s Strands of Truth.
I was given a complimentary copy of this novel from the author and publisher via NetGalley. No positive review was required.

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.

'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.

Colleen Coble is a well-known name in Christian suspense, but I’ve never really connected with her books – until this one! Genealogy has always been fascinating to me, so I decided to give the book a try. I’m so glad I did, and I ended up really enjoying it! The story has a good blend of action, suspense, and character development. Ridge and Harper were believeable, relatable characters – they started off not liking each other, but their friendship grew in a natural way as difficult circumstances threw them together. The mystery of Harper and Annabelle’s father was fascinating, and I was really surprised by the way it was resolved!

There are several interesting elements that make the story unique, including Harper’s research and work with pen shells. I also loved how genealogy was incorporated both to solve crimes reaching from the past to the present, and to bring a family together. If you’re a fan of Christian suspense, this would be a great book to add to your fall TBR list!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.