Disliking it when authors give characters "stupid" names, I was unimpressed when the first character the reader meets is named "Bunny." However, the book improves considerably after that. The book starts out in a cult where shortly after Bunny gives birth to her son, the cult is raided and Bunny and her father escape, with Bunny believing her son has died. The story then advances fifteen years and to the coastal Alabama town of Pelican Harbor, where Officer Jane Hardy, daughter of the retired police chief, learns she has been named the new Chief of Police. While quite an accomplishment, the appointment is not without controversy, with one member of the City Council doubting the wisdom of a female police chief and expecting her to fail, while the mayor has made a decision that raises the question of whether the appointment, or at least the timing, was part of a publicity stunt.

It is also not the most auspicious time to be taking over, with a vigilante on the loose, exacting "justice" against those he/she feels have gotten away with immoral and/or illegal behavior, and a body being found missing the head and arms, as well as a vindictive fellow officer who is displeased that Jane was given the job of police chief, which he wanted for himself. Into the picture comes Reid Dixon, documentary filmmaker, who has come to Pelican Harbor to do a documentary on small town police chiefs, with a female police chief being an appealing subject. Shortly after the dead body is identified, links are revealed between the victim and Jane's father, Charles Hardy, who soon finds himself accused of the murder, as well as facing federal charges related to alleged illegal activity while he was Chief of Police.

The overall focus of the book is the impact of lies and secrets on those who are telling the lies/keeping the secrets and on those from whom information is withheld or who are told the lies. Many of the characters are keeping secrets, while others have been lied to for years. The events of the book force the secrets out into the open and reveal the lies, with life-altering consequences for a number of characters, especially Jane. While the reader will figure out some of the "secrets" well before certain impacted characters learn the truth, the author has done a good job of keeping up the suspense regarding the identity and motive of the murderer and why certain characters, including Charles Hardy, have been targeted for harm, as well as devising some pretty good plot twists. Overall, an enjoyable book to read.

I received a copy of the e-book via NetGalley in exchange for a review.

This was a suspenseful interesting read that captivated my attention to conclusion. I am a fan of the author's writing and always appreciate her new releases. This is the first book in Colleen Cobles Pelican Harbor series. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the ARC. My review opinion is my own,

We are introduced to small town of Pelican Harbor, Alabama. ,Jane Hardy is promoted to the position of Chief of Police. A position that was previously held by her recently retired dad.. When a body is found by fishermen in their net then the very next day another murder has been committed. Her Dad may be prime suspect number one and she suspects he is being set up by someone from their past. The cases are adding up for the new Chief . In the meantime she is being researched and taped for a documentary by someone that is not honest about his background. This was a interesting story line with charcters that all added to the small town atmosphere. I like Jane as a strong savvy investigator and loyal to her Father. This was a enjoyable read.

Jane Hardy is a newly appointed police chief in a small beach town in Alabama after her father's retirement as chief. There appears to be some vigilante justice happening in this small town and she is determined to find whoever is behind these murders. During the midst of all of this craziness, her father is charged by the FBI with crimes he claims he never committed. He knows he is being framed but can't figure out who might be doing it.

Jane is torn because she wants to believe her father but she isn't sure that she can. Jane is also ordered by the mayor to have this guy tagalong to do a documentary piece about small town sheriffs. Reid is particularly interested in the new lady sheriff. They have some history that Jane is completely unaware of and when she finds out the secret, Reid is certain that she will never forgive him for keeping the secret.

Just like all the other books I have read by this author, she keeps you interest to the very last page. It is a clean romantic suspense. There is some descriptive violence that but it isn't too graphic and fits with the story. If you are looking for a good, engaging story, this will do the trick. I just learned there is a second book in this series that continues the stories of the characters from book 1.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.

One Little Lie is the first book in Colleen Coble's Pelican Harbor series. Jane Hardy has recently been promoted to sheriff and faces her first test with a series of strange murders. Reid Beichtol sees an opportunity to follow Jane for his documentary film series during her first days on the job. In typical Coble fashion, each character has a set of secrets that Coble will slowly divulge as the reader peruses the pages of this book and of course solve the murder cases. As someone who lives in Alabama, it was great to have a book set in the state, and I eagerly await the next one in the series.

I really enjoy this author in the past. It took me a little time to get into this book with pandemic, traveling for work, and other stuff.
Once I sat down and gave it the time it deserved, I was blown away by the story line. I love the characters so much. I was hooked and now I need to read the next one. I am off to add it to my wishlist now. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I received an electronic copy of this book from netgalley. The review is completely mine.

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC for this book in exchange for an honest review. This was a well rounded mystery that had great characters and kept you guessing. I'm looking forward to read the other in this series when they are released. Definitely recommend this book.

One Little Lie is the first book in The Pelican Harbor series and my first read from author Colleen Coble! How I did not read this book sooner is a mystery to me.

We head to Pelican Harbor, Alabama where two people escape the chaos of a cult and two other lives are forever changed. Flash-forward and we meet Jane Hardy who has a past she does not like to dwell on. Jane is appointed the new police chief after her father retires and embarks on a journey to solve a myriad of murder and missing person cases in her town that all tie back to her father. Then we meet well-known documentarian Reid Bechtol who is interested in covering Jane’s career as a female police chief. Soon, they begin working together to clear her father’s name and find out more about their pasts. How are they all connected? Who is behind the recent mayhem to hit Pelican Harbor?

I enjoyed this romantic suspense novel so much! While the romance factor was lower than my usual reading, I think it matched this story really well. I love Jane and Reid, and cannot wait to see how everything unfolds in the next book! If only September would get here sooner!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

One Little Lie by Colleen Coble Reviewed April 22, 2020 3.5 rounded up
I have become a : Colleen Coble fan. This is my fourteenth novel and the first in the Pelican Harbor series.
This story stars out without protagonist escaping from a cult. Typically Ms. Coble’s stories have a Christian theme (not religious but inspirational) which I actually like ~ no profanity or explicit sex. However this one really isn’t a Christian mystery but yes it is a mystery with a hint of romance
Ms. Coble’s stories are usually a bit predictable with some nasty characters and, of course, twists that keeps me guessing and reading!

Anyone who enjoys [author: Mary Higgins Clark] would certainly enjoy Colleen Coble’s novels.
Since this is the first in the Pelican Harbor series, I now cannot wait for Book #2 [book: Two Reasons to Run] which thankfully will be out in the fall!

I want to thank publisher Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Very good mystery/ romance. Well written with a good plot, found it hard to put down. I loved the true to life characters.
4 stars

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher and author for an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

One Little Lie
by Colleen Coble

Thomas Nelson--FICTION
Thomas Nelson
Mystery & Thrillers | Romance
Pub Date 03 Mar 2020


I am reviewing a copy of One Little Lie through Thomas Nelson Fiction and Netgalley:




It all started with a lie, just one little lie!



After being appointed interim Sheriff in Pelican Harbor Alabama upon her father's retirement Jane Hardy is given no time for adjustment. After her Father is arrested for theft and then implicated in a murder, Jane Hardy realizes someone is out to destroy what's left of her family.


.
Fifteen years ago, Jane and her Father escaped a cult. Since then Jane has searched relentlessly for her mother who refused to leave ever since. Could someone from that horrible past have found them?


A well known documentation, Reid Bechtol is working on a new project. A project that involves documenting Jane and her career. Jane has no interest in the publicity,b the committee who appointed her loves the idea.




Before long Jane finds herself depending on Reid's calm manner as he follows her around filming, and they begin working together to clear her father. The problem is Reid is holding onto secrets of his own. The gulf between them may be impossible to bridge especially when Jane's Fathers lies catch up with them.


Are you looking for an intriguing tale of Suspenseful Romance? If so I recommend One Little Lie, it's one of those books that drag you in, and don't let go.


I give One Little Lie five out of five stars!



Happy Reading!

Colleen Coble's books always make me want to skip over to the back and read the ending but I can usually read through without knowing the ending.

In this book, when Jane's father retired as police chief, she was appointed to the position. As a journalist and his son are working on a documentary about small towns and their police chiefs, Pandora's Box seems to have been opened.

It all becomes quite the conundrum for Jane, trying to deal with Reid, the journalist, all while dealing with what his documentary turns up.

I would say this is my favorite Colleen Coble book but I love them all equally!

Many thanks to Net Gally (netgally.net) and Thomas Nelson for ARC in exchange for my honest opinion about the book.

This mystery overflows with suspense and surprises. All the twists and connections make for an intriguing story, but with so many characters I sometimes had trouble keeping everything straight. I think it would be better to read as an actual book rather than ebook so I could track better. What started in a cult has now become entangled with a former police chief and his daughter, the new chief, and some bizarre murders. The characters, most of whom hide secrets, are compelling, but I couldn’t really connect well with them or care too deeply. Maybe because the plot just seemed too overwhelming. Yet the novel certainly keeps readers guessing and pressing on to see what happens next and how it will all turn out. Those who like thriller-type tales should enjoy this, but it’s not one of my favorites by this talented author. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

This has to be my favorite Colleen Coble book! She combines suspense and romance so seamlessly. I found myself falling into the storyline and not wanting to come out. Jane is a feisty little chief of police working so hard to prove herself that I couldn’t help but cheer her in! I love a suspense book that leaves me guessing, and this one did. I never guessed who the murderer was and how the different crimes were tied together. Thank you, Ms. Coble, for distracting me during the Coronavirus pandemic. I can’t wait to read the sequel!

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

Classic Colleen Coble. Give yourself the gift to savor this story. You will not be disappointed. Five Stars.

This is book # 1 in a new series by Colleen Coble, and her fans will not want to miss this one. Set in a small town in Alabama, this is a must-layered book with a lot going on between its pages. Jane Hardy has been appointed the interim sheriff and Reid Bechtol is doing a documentary about it. That is the intro to everything that starts to happen really fast. Jane’s father, the former sheriff, is arrested, bodies are dropping all over the place and that is all within a few days of Jane’s taking office. There seems to be something sinister going on for sure and Jane is determined to clear her father and solve the mysteries of who is murdering different people around town in a vigilante justice style. There is definitely a lot going on in the plot and sometimes it almost overwhelmed me, but as a big fan of the author, I kept going and I was glad that I did. Coble does a masterful job of drawing everything together and surprising us with the conclusion. I loved how well she portrayed Jane, making her realistic with flaws and dreams. The whole cult part of the book seemed to be a background that was added, but it was interesting how the author wove it into the main storyline. All in all, I highly recommend this book to those looking for clean, powerful suspense with a sprinkle of romance!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Wow! I was hooked from the first to the last page! What a story… I will be waiting for the release of the next book. Jane was such a strong character and all the twists and turns and discoveries! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

When Jane Hardy is appointed sheriff in her small town Alabama, she is required to work on a documentary with a man named Reid. Jane had a traumatic childhood growing up in a cult. Reid is hiding something from Jane. I learned a lot about cults and how they affect people even after they had the courage to leave them.

This is a romantic suspense novel with a religious element. While some characters found solace in God’s words, thankfully the Christian element was not overpowering. In fact, I think this book could have been written without those scenes and still be a good read. This is multi-pronged suspense read with a slow burn, no heat romance. It has a HFN ending so you know there is more to come with these characters in the future.

Despite all the rave reviews, the story could not hold my interest because I could see where it was going from the second chapter. I was disappointed that I could not get into this book because it’s in my favorite genre. I do wish the author would have delved into the cult details more. I think others may really enjoy this story though. Maybe next time!

I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

Although the final outcome seemed more than a little bit unbelievable, this story kept me hooked the entire time. Plenty of intrigue and drama mixed in with a teensy bit of romance and I kept turning the pages. Colleen Coble is a great author.