This is book 1 of the Pelican Harbor Series. Jane Hardy is appointed temporary Sheriff when her father retires. She has no time to settle in however because her father is a suspect in a theft and murder. She must work to find out who is the real suspect and clear her dad.

I have to admit one of the bookish habits that constantly has people shaking their heads at me is that I tend to read series out of order. The thing is that I never mean to, it just happens as I pick up a book and start reading, and then it's like lo' and behold it turns out to be Book #3 in the series. That is what happened to me with the series Pelican Harbour as 6 months ago, I read Three Missing Days which turned out to be Book #3 in the Pelican Harbour series by Colleen Coble. In One Little Lie, we meet our chief Jane Hardy who has been newly appointed after her father has retired and lived on his estate which is a prepper's dream as you can take the man out of the cult but not all the mindsets of the cult out of the man. The book starts with the day Jane and her father left the cult and the baby Jane had just given birth too who eventually she was told had died. Now 16 years later, Jane is living her life and now and again her heart aches for her baby boy. Reid and his son Will have come to Pelican Harbour to track down Jane, he is here under the premise of being a film director and filming a documentary on Jane being one of the world's first female Police Chiefs. Reid has a dark secret and trying to wait for the perfect time to tell Jane as he ties it to her past life, however, things are about to get way too complicated for Reid when his wife Lauren who had been declared legally dead a year ago has turned up blackmailing Reid. PS - she has been missing for eight years. If that wasn't enough for this action-packed novel, we have a vigilante killer and someone is trying to frame Jane's father for murder and fraud and discredit his reputation. If you love edgy Christian fiction, cults, and murder - then The Pelican Harbour Series by Colleen Coble is the reads for you.

I'm a big fan of Colleen Coble and was intrigued by the aspect of the power of a cult and its effects on the people caught in them. While the motivation, suspense and mystery were there, I was confused at first with what was happening in the story.
The opening scene is powerful, but the story drags some after that then picks up again.
The devotion of the heroine to her father is strong and admirable. I enjoyed the light touch of romance. I do hope that the relationship between Jane and Reid develops more in the next novels.
Parts of the story are gritty - this is not a cozy mystery.
I enjoy how the author describes the small town and the setting. The details made me feel like I had visited Pelican Harbor Alabama.
It will be interesting to see where this storyline goes.

Small towns are relentless. When one solid opinion forms the majority usually follow it..truth be damned. This is exactly what Jane faces with her recent appointment to interim sheriff.

Jane is not only receiving a somewhat icy reception, but she is also now tasked with trying to absolve her father of murder charges that just couldn't be true. Yet she's the only one who seems to be looking through the evidence that is stacking up against him.

With an unlikely new sidekick, Jane runs head first into family secrets and secrets held by others that may just have a huge impact on her investigation.

Twisting and turning, One Little Lie will have you guessing up until the end. Can't wait to see what's in store in the next installment.

This is such a great book! I found the opening scenes to be extremely gripping, and with so many twists and turns throughout, and such fascinating characters... I had a difficult time putting this book down and finished it within 24 hours. I'm now really looking forward to reading the next book in this series!

These are my honest thoughts and I am so grateful to have received a free digital copy of this book from its publisher via NetGalley!

Jane Hardy has recently been appointed interim sheriff when her father retires. She is happy about it, but is not especially pleased when the mayor informs her that she will have a journalist following her around as he is making a documentary on small town sheriffs and being a female, she is going to be included. Shortly after she begins her new job, bodies turn up and the clues and evidence point to her father. Is someone from their past trying to frame him. Jane and her father escaped from a cult fifteen years earlier. She was told her mother refused to leave with them and that her infant son had died. Secrets from the past have a way of coming back to haunt you. ​Jane knows her father did not commit any of the crimes he is being accused of, but how can she clear him when it is a conflict of interest to be involved in his case. When she gets suspended by the mayor, she has to sneak around and follow up on information on her own. Reid offers to help her and they work well together, but he also has secrets from his past that could cause some problems.

This is a romantic suspense story with Christian Fiction overtones. It is a police procedural series with a strong sassy female protagonist. I really liked Jane, she was a great role model who had a lot to overcome from her past. There are some officers that don't think she deserves to be Sheriff and that it is only because of her father that she got the job, but she knows otherwise and will prove it. She doesn't do relationships and even she and her father keep each other at arm's length. The mystery was compelling and well paced and kept me guessing as to what was happening and who was behind it. My one disappointment is that this is a romantic suspense, but there really was minimal to no romance. There is a potential love interest in Reid and having read the second book I know where it is going so I am okay with how the author left this one. Remember this is a trilogy, so to be completely satisfied, you will need to read all three books. I did a read/listen with this book and the narrator was Devon O'Day. She did an exceptional job with the voices, emotions and pacing. She was able to convey the suspense and depth of the story. I enjoyed her narration and she made the book much more compelling for me.

I didn't care for this story. I thought the plot sounded good but it didn't go the direction I would have liked. I would have liked more exploration into the cult part of the story. The characters didn't hold my attention either. I didn't think the sheriff, Jane Hardy was a strong protagonist. I didn't care for the story line with Reid and his son and his ex-wife either. I just felt the story was very convoluted. I have read other books by Colleen Coble and really enjoyed them but not this one.

One Little Lie takes place in the town of Pelican Harbor, Alabama. Jane Hardy succeeds her father as the town sheriff and is soon trying to save him from a felony charge. This book is the first in the soon to be continued Pelican Harbor series, which is why there is so much backstory woven into the story. Jane is written as a strong female protagonist with a sharp wit. I enjoyed the character and the story moved at a satisfying pace. There is also a romance element which I enjoyed. It reminded me of past books by Linda Howard.

When the past that you have tried everything in your power to forget and done everything possible to hide from seems to be catching up to you what do you do? Well I’m not going to tell you but you are for sure going to want to read this book! Thanks for the excitement Colleen!

One little lie is a exciting book. Suspense and mystery. Who killed who and why. Also a mystery involving something that happened years ago. Is a mother still alive and a son. Who is her son? Jane just got appointed the chief of police and has a big job. I loved Jane and how she was able to deal with everything.

I enjoyed the book and recommend reading it, especially if you love a good suspense.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.

Colleen Coble has done it again. I love her books. They start with action and suspense and she keeps it up through the story. Even when the characters are “relaxing”, there is the undercurrent of secrets and lies waiting to be exposed. This story starts off with Button, who we later find out is Jane Hardy, has just given birth. Next thing we know, Jane has been told her baby has died. Flash forward 15 years, and the story picks up from there. I really liked Jane. Growing up in a cult has left her traumatized. I was glad that she had true support from her friend Olivia. I also really liked Reid and Will. The part of the story where Will is taking care of Harry, a 4 year old boy, just melted my heart. I also like that while the author adds in romance, the romance is not the main part of the story. She also develops her characters very well so that I felt like I actually knew them.The next book in the trilogy will also focus on Jane so I will be reading that one soon. Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for the copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

This one was pretty good. 3.5 rounded up to 4.

The characters were good, the suspense page-turning and the plot predictable yet interesting.

I had a couple of issues with it, but just minor details that didn't really add up, nothing that made me want to put the book down.

The romance was light, and clean (no sex). I haven't read many Christian fiction novels, but I liked the way this one mentioned God and faith without being overly preachy.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the Arc :)

Jane's history is intriguing and my heart aches for her. I love that aside from trying to solve a murder there are several little mysteries going on in here! Finding her mom is unreaolved and I'm assuming will be by book three. Also the romance is left hanging giving the reader hope and anticipation for the next book!!

This was a fun, easy read. I would almost classify it as a cozy mystery. I would certainly read more books by Colleen Coble. Thank you for this review copy!

Thank you Netgalley for this book. This one started off with a great premise and a solid start. This wasn't exactly what I was expecting and just didn't do "it" for me. I can see why a lot of people enjoyed this book... mystery, suspense, cults and a touch of romance. It does end with a cliffhanger but it is first in a series. If you like Christian Fiction you'll probably love this one.

How far does one lie go? This story, this title gives up that burning question. In a small fictional Alabama town, we are about to find out. This town reminds me of New Orleans, so in my mind, I put it close to there. Jane, oh Jane. Cults are bad enough, but it's often a mess, how the past comes back when you least expect it.

Coble did a good job with the suspense and the plot in this book. I found myself more pulled into it than some of this author's other stories. I read it very quickly, enjoyed the clean read and the faith elements I expect from this author. I did wish it was a tad deeper, but I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.

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

Very very good story. Thriller with a twist. Will look for more from this author!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One Little Lie by Colleen Coble is a work of suspense my the master of romantic suspense. Ms Coble tells this story in way that will grip you from page one and never let you go. And I recommend picking up book 2 while you purchase this one. You’ll want to immediately pick up the second one when you finish this one. The suspense and the emotional tension between the characters— no one does it better! This is the first exciting installment in what I can tell will be an amazing series! I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

A small town cop (and the daughter of the former police chief) is promoted to chief just as two murders take place and her dad is being blackmailed. That would be a full enough plate for someone who has decades of experience, but the new chief takes it all in stride. There is a lot going on here, including a documentary filmmaker who is in and out of the new chief's life and a dog named Parker that is just adorable. While the narrative is a bit uneven, I would recommend this book for mystery fans as well as those familiar with the Mobile Ala. environs where the story takes place.

One Little Lie

by Colleen Coble

I didn’t know quite what to expect from Colleen Coble’s new series Pelican Harbor, so I dove into the first book wondering how the author would combine some mystery, a little thriller, and a bit of clean romance while incorporating a Christian viewpoint. Not that it couldn’t be done or hasn’t been done, but it is not my typical cozy mystery read. As it turns out, One Little Lie is a page turner. Its plot and characters have depth, and the threads occur on many levels. The reader has to wonder if they are parallel or will possibly collide making this a very intricate mystery indeed.

Jane Hardy is chosen to be the new Pelican Harbor Chief of Police after her father resigns. What was behind his leaving the force? Why is Reid Dixon, who makes documentaries, having conversations with Jane’s father? Reid has been granted approval by the mayor to follow Jane around. Besides the pressure of extra scrutiny on her first days as Police Chief, why does Reid’s presence make her uncomfortable? Several murders and kidnappings later, events ramp up to a high danger level for Jane and her K-9 officer and companion Parker. Who can Jane trust?

The prologue of this book is set fifteen years earlier during an attack on a cult. That event and the years prior cast a shadow and create devastating secrets for the characters in this book. As for the Christian viewpoint, some of the characters in the book trust in God and have a relationship with Him. Those characters have challenges in which they rely on God; other characters come to see that believing in God could impact their lives and choices in a positive way as they struggle to get past the lies others have told them. This book provides closure for many threads, but I feel there is more story to be told in Pelican Harbor, Alabama. I’m looking forward to the publication of Strands of Truth, the next book in the series, in September 2020.

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

Rating: 5/5

Category: Mystery, Romance, Christian

Notes: 1. #1 in the Pelican Harbor Series
2. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book.

Publication: March 3, 2020—Thomas Nelson

Memorable Lines:

Jane had no idea how much he was going to mess with her life. It had been a long time coming Retribution was an exciting word, one he’d rolled around and around in his head for years. It would be a freight train coming for the Hardys at full speed. None of them would understand his purpose until it was too late.

But if Olivia could face the horror of her future, surely Jane could face the past that couldn’t reach out and hurt her any longer.

She teetered on high heels and wore tight-fitting jeans and a top that showed off her curves. False advertising. A cute figure was never a substitute for a beautiful spirit.