This is a "Christian mystery/thriller romance" or "romantic suspense," the first I've read by this author, who comes highly recommended.

In the opening scenes, a girl called Button gives birth on her 15th birthday on the commune of the cult that she has begun to lose faith in but that she and her parents still belong to. The commune comes under attack that same night. In the melee, her father informs her that her baby died, her mother refuses to leave, and they have to escape immediately. With no real relationship with Moose, the baby's father (who she's never even seen clearly), and with no hope for her baby or her obstinately indoctrinated mother, Button leaves with her father.

Fifteen years later, a series of vigilante crimes and a gruesome murder take place in Pelican Harbor, Alabama, a small, nascent tourist town on the gulf. Jane Hardy has just been appointed chief of police after her father's retirement. At the mayor's insistence, successful documentary filmmaker Reid Dixon and his son will be shadowing Jane as she works to solve the crimes, prove her worth, clear her father's name, and deal with her own emotional issues and an intersecting web of the secrets and lies of others.

A note about genre — I'd consider this a police procedural mystery/thriller, where the mystery and thrills are adequate but the procedural part seems a little loose. It's very light on romance. I suspect there will be more in the rest of the series, but that doesn't quite fulfill the happily-ever-after requirements for this first book. <<<<<SPOILERS: Given the delicate situation of the burgeoning relationship and the characters' backstories, I would've been super uncomfortable if it *had* wrapped up into an easy HEA resolution, so I'm not knocking it for being romance-lite. What was there was already borderline disturbing.>>>>> It's relatively moderate on Christianity — a couple of Bible verses, invitations to church, a couple of C.S. Lewis quotes, a main character and two minor characters explicitly guided by Christian perspectives.

So why only 2 stars? It's a decent story, but not a great book — too many characters introduced in the first few chapters and referred to by too many different names, too many unnecessary subplots, a couple of plot holes and fact-checking issues, and one character's intro to the narrative is jumbled. And I wasn't comfortable with some of the content — unnecessary identical stereotyping of the only two explicitly Black or brown women in the book (both 50-something described as looking like 30-somethings because of their dark skin or their dark eyes and hair), the psychological issues surrounding the cult participation weren't very well examined (though perhaps that, too, will come in future installments), the prepper lifestyle and stockpiling of a private arsenal was justified if not completely normalized, and <<<<<SPOILERS: yes, I liked Reid well enough and I understood his dilemma of trying to get to know Jane to find out if it was safe to introduce her into Will's life, but the subterfuge was a big ol' NOPE for me. Controlling, disrespectful, counterproductive to building trust in an already messed up situation nope. Also, and probably most importantly, I understand the urge to "redeem" what happened to Jane (and Reid) in the cult, but it was basically statutory rape — she was FOURTEEN and he was eighteen — and I'm zero percent comfortable with romanticizing that into a sweet "feels like coming home" kiss between them 15 years later and without her informed consent about who he was and how their paths had crossed earlier. Nope. Nope. Nope.>>>>>

Content warnings: cult, underage sex and pregnancy, vigilante justice, tar and feathering, corrupt police, child abduction, death and dismemberment

My thanks to #NetGalley and #ThomasNelson for an advanced copy of #OneLittleLie in exchange for my honest feedback.

Wow, wow, wow! One little lie by Colleen Coble jumped right in with the action and never let up. I don’t think I’ve ever read a suspense novel with so much going on. There was always a new murder or crime happening and truthfully it was hard to get a breath. I had to carefully read each word because you never knew what clues or what might happen next. Nothing was out of the realm of possibility it seemed. I really liked the characters and the premise. The ending left me screaming for more. But now I can’t wait until the next in the series to see what happens.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

WOW, what a ride!! This is a Must Read book! It is full of action, adventure, suspense, mystery and a touch of romance. I'm not going to get into what the book's about, you can read that on the back cover, plus I don't want to let a spoiler slip out. This book is very well written and keeps you on the edge of your seat. It will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. If you've never read a book by Colleen Coble or if you are a long time fan, you're going to love this book. This book would be wonderful for a book club, it has really good discussion questions at the end. Thank you Thomas Nelson--FICTION via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this awesome book. All opinions expressed are my own.

There was a lotore than one little lie in this story! Jane, the new police chief in thus little town (taking over from her Dad) has to deal with murder, spousal abuse, kidnapping and evil every where she turns, along with having a journalist/documentarist following and videotaping her every move along with his son Will. It seemed like an awful lot of trouble for one little town, and Jane has her own secret, her and her Dad were cult members for 15 years before escaping. Actually kind of a fun whodunit if you could suspend your disbelief for a couple of hours! Thank you to #NetGalley for this copy.

I will leave a review on Amazon or B&N on Mar 3, 2020

I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.

I have read several of this authors books before and always enjoyed them. Romantic suspense is one of my favorite genres, having said that this book was ok but in my opinion it was too busy. I felt like you could have taken the cult angle and went into more detail with that, or have a little less of all the other angles in the book. There are so many layers and things happening in this book at times I felt lost. Overall the book is very well written, as all her books are. I know everyone doesn't enjoy the same things, thats why I always would suggest others read and make their own decisions concerning this book.

Truth will set you free:
In true Colleen Coble style, the mystery and intrigue draws you in from the very start and it was a thrilling and enjoyable read throughout. There were plenty of secrets waiting to be revealed and many unexpected twists which kept me guessing until the very end. Whilst there were a couple of improbable situations (especially with how the 4 year old acted and responded), overall it was very realistic and and the characters were relatable.
I liked how the book dealt with the need and yearning we all have to belong and to know that we are valued and loved. The premise that fear can hold us back was something that most readers would be able to resonate with and I liked the reminder that Truth always prevails.
There is resolution to the case but it is a continuing story and the relationship between Reid, Jane and Will is not finalized. Now I can't wait to read the next book which is due to be released September 2020!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Colleen Coble is quickly becoming one of my favorite cozy mystery writers. Jane and Reid's story is original and full of twists and turns I never saw coming. I gave up sleep to finish One Little Lie. The only disappointment was the cliff hanger and the wait for the next book in the series!

One Little Lie
by Colleen Coble
Thomas Nelson--FICTION
You Like Them You Are Auto-Approved
Thomas Nelson
Mystery & Thrillers , Romance
Pub Date 03 Mar 2020 | Archive Date 01 May 2020

Our patrons love this author at our library. I have read all of Colleen's books and I usually enjoy them. For some reason this book was a miss for me. Too much going on and the loose ends drove me batty.

Exciting new series!!!!!! I cannot wait for the second part.

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

This book had a lot of layers. Parts were unpredictable, but parts were not. Romance was a part of the story, but it was paced properly. (The couple did not fall in love in two weeks and get married - their love story will be lingering longer which makes for more realistic reading!) As for the suspense, I did figure out certain parts, but there were other elements that I completely missed. A page turner for sure! Truth ended up being crucial to the story. I really liked how the author continued to reveal how lies affected the characters. Honestly it is a good reminder for me personally that if I fudge on the details or withhold key elements from my story that struggles may result. Pelican Harbor made for a fund setting! I cannot wait for the rest of this series! Thanks to #netgalley and Thomas Nelson for allowing me to preview this book (and not have to wait until March to read it! This review includes my own opinions that involve a positive recommendation!

2 STARS

ONE LITTLE LIE follows Jane Hardy as she navigates her new role as chief of police of the small town, Pelican Habor. But Jane has a secret - her and her father narrowly escaped from a cult fifteen years prior and she still struggles with night terrors and grief from that time. Suddenly, her father is charged with connection to several heinous crimes and she worries that perhaps her past has finally caught up to her.

It started with one little lie. But Jane Hardy will do everything in her power to uncover the truth...

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ONE LITTLE LIE is a romantic suspense (heavy on the suspense, light on the romance) that started off strong but ultimately lost my interest before the half-way mark. I was intrigued by certain plot points (such as Jane's history as a cult member) but found myself skimming through others. However, I think I am the odd one out when it comes to this book as many other reviewers have read and enjoyed it.

Recommended for readers who enjoy small town murder mysteries, police procedural thrillers or romantic suspense.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC copy!

Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
The is my first book by Colleen Coble. I enjoyed One Little Lie, it is a series so I look forward to the second book.
From the beginning, I was drawn into the drama that fills up Pelican Harbor. For such a small town, there was a lot going on. It was certainly a lot to keep up with, but I loved discovering how everything fit together in the end. In the first book of this new series we are introduced to Jane Hardy. Jane grew up in a cult and has tried to put that past behind her, but it seems the past and the lies told have a way of catching up. I don't want to spoil the book for other readers., But it's certainly an action packed story that I could not put down! Look forward to reading more books by this author.

Ms Coble is an expert at creating plots that capture a reader's interest. I was hooked after reading the first few pages of One Little Lie.

Jane Hardy is a good police officer who has the best arrest record in Pelican Harbor. She was surprised when she found herself in front of the mayor and city council. Being promoted to Chief of Police was not the only unexpected occurrence that would change Jane's life.

I enjoyed the mysteries presented in this story. The characters are skillfully crafted and have hidden layers that made me wonder what's really true. A good solid story of you like romance with the mystery.

I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
#OneLittleLie #NetGalley

Jane Hardy is the new sheriff in Pelican Harbor, AL upon her father’s retirement. The job starts to heat up rather quickly and it is obvious that some people don’t want Jane to be sheriff. Adding to the tension is the fact that a journalist has been given permission by the mayor to follow Jane and do a documentary. Soon Jane and her father’s past as members of a cult comes to the attention of everyone and things start to unravel. Jane is becoming dependent on Reid (the journalist) to help her solve some of the mysteries she has encountered. Reid is actually a player in one of the mysteries.

I really loved the characters and the suspense in this book. I’d read another book by this author any time.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Another great suspense novel from Colleen Coble! i was impressed that she got the geography lay-out of this setting correct. i know that took some research on her part.

One Little Lie leads to another and another and another. Jane has taken over the police department in her Gulf Shores community after her dad retired from the position. In solving several murder cases, Jane meets an interesting videographer and his son, and throughout the story, she uncovers the truth about lies that she has been subject to throughout her life. There's a sweet, satisfying ending, as well as a promise for a "part 2" coming soon.

This is a lightly suspenseful story, with a Christian thread running through it. It was exciting and delightful to read, but lacked some edginess that might have made it more compelling.

Thank you, NetGalley, for letting me read and review this book.

Jane Hardy overcomes a horrific past to build a solid future. And she does it all without assistance from the God who has never heard her cries for help.

As newly appointed police chief of Pelican Harbor’s small police force, her first duty involves discovering the identity of a local vigilante. Until a dead body dressed as a bride shows up in a local shrimper’s haul. Has a serial killer come to town?

To make matters worse, the mayor insists that Jane allow a documentary journalist to follow her every move. For fifteen years she’s avoided questions about her past. And the journalist, Reid Dixon, raises her hackles and intrigues her at the same time.

She has no time to deal with Reid’s unwelcome presence. Some unknown person or group seems to have a grudge against Jane and her father, retired police chief Charles Hardy.

Reid Dixon has put his past behind him with the help of a God he came to know after his father’s death. Single-parenting his son, Will, hasn’t left him a lot of time for relationships. And the one he did try turned into a disaster. He’s come to Pelican Harbor to find answers, and he hopes Chief Hardy will have answers.

I loved “One Little Lie” by Colleen Coble. I have read all of Colleen Coble’s books, but I think this is my favorite of hers! It got my attention from the first page to the last page. I couldn’t wait to see how it would end, and I’m excited to say there will be another book after this one. It definitely had a twist for me. I had ideas as to who the “villain” was, but I never guessed who it ended up being.

Jane Hardy is the main character in this novel. Her and her father escaped a cult years ago, and now Jane has been appointed interim sheriff. Reid Bechtol is a well-known journalist who has come to town. He ends up shadowing Jane and the two of them try to solve some murders that have happened in this town.

I definitely recommend this novel by Colleen Coble. She is one of my favorite authors and has never disappointed me.

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

I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review -
How is it - that one little lie can change a persons whole life -'
Fifteen years ago Jane's family were in a cult. She had a baby which her mother said died.
Her father and Jane escaped the cult, but her mother would not leave.
Now suddenly Janes father retires as sheriff and she take over the roll.
Her father is accused of theft and murder. Unreal? Is this why he retired? Is this from the past? Is someone setting him up?
Reid, along with his son come to town and he wants to do a documentary on Jane.
Jane feels an attraction for him but Reid comes with secrets.
Grab this book for an exciting story!

Excellent mystery! Plenty of suspense, some romance, this book was a page-turner that kept me guessing. It’s a compelling mystery, filled with characters dealing with secrets of their pasts, a police K-9, family drama, and small town politics. I highly recommend it and look forward to the next book in the series!