It was just one little lie how bad could it be?
I’m an avid reader of Colleen Coble’s books, and I look forward to each one as they release. I wasn’t sure exactly how I felt about reading this one considering the mention of a cult. One Little Lie is the first book of a new series, Pelican Harbor, and takes place in the deep south. It follows Coble’s signature style of keeping the main villain a secret, even if the reader figures out the henchmen along the way. One thing I have always appreciated about her books is the lack of gruesomeness. A perfect example is in this book when they find an upper torso without head or limbs inside a cooler. While the reader knows the scene would be horrific, this is not described in detail and is only mentioned with plain wording. One Little Lie is also part one of Jane Hardy’s story- unlike many series, Jane’s story continues into the next book, instead of switching to a new main character.
Regarding the “cult” that I mentioned before, this is also handled with much tact, and doesn’t go into detail about their beliefs or evil practices. It leaves these things up to the reader’s imagination, only referring to it in vague descriptions. I can’t even imagine the horror and the sense of being trapped that these kinds of religions must bring upon a person in the name of “god.”
I love the fact that Coble didn’t wrap up this story with only one book, making it feel rushed and forced. The characters have too much pain and bitterness to resolve so quickly, and I’m looking forward to following all their stories in the remaining series. (I’m hoping several side characters will also continue their stories in the next book.) The romance is minimum in this book, building much more slowly across the series, I expect.
I highly recommend this book for lovers of Christian Romantic Suspense, especially ones where the plot builds over a series, instead of wrapping up in only one.

A new book from one of my favorite suspense authors - Colleen Coble

I found this to be quite different from most of Ms. Coble's books, mostly due to the fact that a lot of this storyline has to do with cults, and issues stemming from characters who have left a cult life.

Jane is a worthy heroine. I found myself rooting for her right from the beginning. I loved getting to know her, see her rise to the challenges that came flying at her.

And then there's Reid. He was also an intriguing person. Initially, he was not a person Jane wanted to have around, but there he was. And then, he was assigned a task of following her, doing a documentary on her career. And, bit by bit, you get to know and appreciate him, too.

This book does have some surprises, but a lot of it happened somewhat like I expected it to. There are enough clues given early on that the ending is not a total surprise.

If you enjoy mysteries and suspense, you are sure to enjoy this book!




Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

In the first book in her Pelican Harbor series, Ms. Coble tells the story of the effects of one little lie and how it impacts the lives of so many people. Jane Hardy will ultimately discover this not only in her personal life but her professional life, too.

I felt sorry for Jane, her earlier years were unimaginable to me and honestly I was happy that she was able to escape with her father, but I was saddened by her mother's refusal to leave. I could understand her devotion to her father and I loved that Jane was promoted to chief of police after her dad recently retired from the position. Now you might think that the small town of Pelican Harbor, Alabama would have a few crimes over a few weeks but nope, that was not the case. There are dead bodies turning up in town and Jane finds herself and her small department working like mad to solve the cases.

I will have to say that Reid Bechtol and his son were my favorite characters, I'm kind of drawn to a man who would go to such great lengths to provide his son with a quiet, peaceful life in a small town. I also liked the friendship Reid had with Jane and the time they spend together is sweet and not overly romantic which was a nice change for me. There is a bit of suspense but nor to the point where I was on the edge of my seat which was another nice change for me. There were no big surprises but I enjoyed the slow build up to the conclusion of the novel. I was disappointed that I have to wait to find out what happens in the lives of Jane and Reid but I certainly look forward to the next book in the series.

Overall, I thought the premise of the novel is fantastic and unlike in other book I have read. I found the characters fascinating and well developed and I started to care what happens to the them, basically I just want them to have the happiness they so richly deserve. A great book to read in one day or over a weekend.
I received an e-copy from the publisher. All opinions are completely my own.

“Button eyed the compound’s exit and forced herself to trudge behind her parents as the pain intensified in her belly.”

Opening line of “One Little Lie” by Colleen Coble
Having read and enjoyed several Colleen Coble novels, I looked forward to reading her latest, “One Little Lie”. At it’s centre, as it’s title suggest, this novel focuses on the way lies weave and twist their way through lives wrecking havoc. Our two leading characters, Jane and Reid, both have a history with cults and are keeping secrets about their pasts. The town has a vigilante on their hands determined to expose the hidden lives of those in Pelican Harbor and the violence is escalating. As the new interim sheriff, Jane works tirelessly to find the culprit whilst being watched by Reid and his documentary camera.

The writing is beautiful, as always, but I struggled to connect with these characters. I think perhaps it’s because I couldn’t trust any of them, each is deceiving someone and making choices so contrary to the ones I’d make. I have also now concluded cults are a thread in books I don’t enjoy. The mystery is interesting and keeps the pace up as Jane and Reid race to find a vigilante, a murderer and a kidnapper, unsure if they are the same person. The conclusion wasn’t a surprise for me but if you are interested in cults and the consequence of deception wrapped up in suspense and mystery, this one may be for you! It’s a three out of five on the enJOYment scale.

Award winning author, Colleen Coble has written another riveting, award worthy book with One Little Lie. This contemporary Christian novel is a murder, mystery, suspense that caught my attention on the very first page. I was invested in the story of Jane Hardy and turned page after page to read it.

Whenever I pick up a Colleen Coble book I am certain it is going to be a nail biting experience. I was not disappointed with One Little Lie. It was incredible. This suspense, mystery had me on the edge of my seat flipping pages. The story is brilliant and extremely realistic. Yes, it could and probably has happened. The depth of the characters and plot was phenomenal. Do not expect a light read but something to engage your mind with this one.

This is Book One in The Pelican Harbor Series. The Prologue was so captivating I sincerely hoped the entire store would continue from there. Obviously it was only a bit of history, but it whet my appetite for the main course.

This is the story of Sheriff Jane Hardy. She is a feisty petite law enforcement officer with a troublesome past. Reid Bechtol is a famous newsperson that has come to do a documentary on small town police departments. When dead bodies begin to show up he is there to offer his assistance to Jane.

The author has provided readers with twists, turns, and surprises to make this a book that is hard to put down. Inspirational messages are woven throughout this engaging story along with multiple life lessons.

I highly recommend this 5 star novel. It has discussion questions in the back so it will make a great reading group selection.

ONE LIE CHANGED THE WAY SHE LIVED HER LIFE. WHAT WILL SHE DO WHEN THE TRUTH IS REVEALED?

If I am looking for a mix of mystery with a hint of romance, I know I can turn to Colleen Coble. Her stories are always page turners, even if I can read the book in one sitting.

One Little Lie takes the reader to the Deep South where beignets are must have treats and shrimp boats dot every river in the area. Ms. Coble firmly planted me right in the middle of the perfect location for making bodies disappear in one place and pop up in another while make Chief Jane hunt for the suspects.

Jane’s past in a cult and her struggles to overcome her life of lies that I found most captivating. Truth and facts were the only things she cared about. When she discovered that lies surrounded her, and people she loved most were at the heart of those lies, her struggle to trust becomes understandable.

Reid and his son were a pair that was touching to watch. I can not recall the last time I read a story that highlighted life with a teen that comes from the father’s perspective. Their relationship is close, but their are still secrets between them.

One Little Lie is the perfect example of how the truth can not always restore what is lost in the lies but it can bring resolution and start healing. This fast paced, gripping tale will have you at the end he of your seat, dying to turn the next page. And mad when you get to the last page.

**I was provided a copy of this story by the publisher through CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required, but freely given.

One Little Lie is most definitely a unique story with some different twists that set the characters up for trouble when they least expect it. A young woman, only 15, escapes with her father from cult life, leaving behind her mother and the baby the young woman has just birthed. Her father convinces her the child has died and they must put the past behind them in order to make new lives. 15 years later, circumstances finds her living a much different life. She is now police chief of a small town, succeeding her father's career as police chief. Multiple crimes keep her busy while her personal life is complicated. Colleen Coble manages to tie up the many story lines into one HUGE reveal that will have you cheering! A good thriller that has many clues that will misdirect your attention if you are not watching.

It has been a while since I read a Colleen Coble book, so I was glad to have one come across my queue for a review! This one starts out with a bang, gripping you from the first page, as you witness a teenager giving birth and then being ripped away from a cult that had been her life for as long as she could remember.

Flash forward another 15 years, and we meet Jane, who has just taken over as Chief of Police after her father's retirement. Most people support her, but there are a few who are not happy she has taken on this role. Add to the stress a person known as The Vigilante who keeps killing people for their sins, and the camera guy doing a documentary on small town police offices who has been instructed to follow her every move.

There's a lot going on in this story. A lot of people have a lot of secrets, and they are all intertwined. Some of them you are going to figure out pretty quickly. But some of them, you will not. Pay attention to the relationships as all of these layers are peeled back. It's almost too much at some points. But then all of those pieces do fall together nicely as the case is finally solved at the end.

There's no cliffhanger as far as the murders are concerned, but there is one of sorts when it comes to Jane and a certain relationship in her life! How she is going to handle that situation almost felt like a cliffhanger to me. But the author says in her afterword that she felt Jane's story was too large for just one book, and we should get the satisfactory conclusion in the next installment due out this fall. I'm holding you to that, Colleen Coble! lol

But overall, I did enjoy the story. I kept my attention during a time of a lot of uncertainty in the world and was a welcome distraction. I gave it 3.5 stars.

Thank you to the publisher, NetGalley, and Prism Book Tours for providing me a requested review copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A green police chief, vigilante justice, and a town full of secrets. Mixing these together with Colleen Coble’s compelling suspense and a dollop of romance brings you One Little Lie, a “most excellent” police adventure.
I really loved the storyline and most of the characters. The jury is still out on a few of them, namely the mayor, whom I’m trying to figure out. I did enjoy Jane Hardy and Reid and Will Dixon. Will sounds like one very neat teenager. Jane and Reid work together well. I have to wonder about how involved Reid was in the cases, as a civilian. Yet, my mind argues back that real life can be hard to separate into separate columns, and this just solidifies that point.
The bay seems to be a little murky and so are so many of the relationships in this faith-filled novel. We see true friendship, bad parenting, misguided parenting, great parenting, and arms that lost the child they should have parented. I can just imagine Jane, if she had a theme song, singing “Lies,” from Jonathan Butler eons ago. The question is, who would she be singing it about? Faith, love, forgiveness, deceit, and revenge all surface in Pelican Harbor. Unfortunately for us, the readers, a neat ending does not. I appreciated Coble’s note that explained her reasoning. I appreciated that we had a “soft” ending, with more to come in the next Pelican Harbor installment (Two Reasons to Run, coming September 2020), rather than a rushed, messy ending. Definitely a book to pick up, but preferably during daylight hours, with plenty of safe people around.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. This does not affect my opinions, which are solely my own.

One Little Lie by Colleen Coble is book one in a new series - The Pelican Harbor. Oh my what a start. The story shows how one tiny lie can grow and stir up chaos. Jane and Reid make for an interesting couple with loads of chemistry. There is a lot going on in this story that keeps you turning the page. Fast-Paced Adventure with lots of suspense and a touch of romance.

ONE LITTLE LIE is written by one of my favorite romantic suspense writers, Colleen Coble. I did figure out a lot of the secrets the characters hid, but there were some twists I never saw coming. As per usual, the story starts with a lot of seemingly unrelated storylines, but stay with it because they all tie together at the end and getting there is half the fun.



The story never got terribly scary. There is some creepiness. It is very fast paced though, so once you start you won't want to stop reading. The romance is weak, tacked in there, but very backseat to the suspense.



I love Ms. Coble's books and am anxiously waiting for the next one.



I was given an ecopy free, and all opinions are my own.

I was not happy with the ending! Why, do you ask? The ending left cliffhangers I wasn't expecting. I thought I still had another chapter to go. I wanted closure.

One Little Lie kept me riveted to the edge of my seat. I was surprised so many times that I lost count. I'm happy to learn that book two is set to be released in September.

The is a clean Christian suspense with a little romance. There is mild violence but nothing with gory detail.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Thomas Nelson - Fiction, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

When Jane Hardy is appointed to take her father’s place as chief of police, her world is quickly turned upside down by murder, kidnapping, and a vigilante bent on inflicting their own brand of medieval justice. Reid Bechtol has come to Pelican Harbor under the guise of filming a documentary, but his real motives revolve around one little lie—a lie that has the power to change everything in Jane’s life. Both the one she’s living now and the one she left behind.

With One Little Lie, Colleen Coble delivers yet another page turner. Weaving in the darkly fascinating elements of life in a cult, Coble has created a story and a cast of characters that leave readers eager for the next installment.

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

Ah, Jane and Reid, one of my new favorite couples. They have a long road ahead of them, but I trust Colleen Coble to bring them through. They might be a little worse for wear, but I know they’ll emerge with a stronger faith and a deeper devotion to God and family.

I sense a shift in style happening, or maybe I’m having a weird day. I think I even mentioned something along these same lines before. I can’t put my finger on what’s happening, it’s that subtle, but the winds are changing. The action and suspense are still strong, and the Christian aspect flows, but I think the physical danger might be slightly more breezy than before.

Anyway.

What would happen if you believed in a lie? Well, that depends on the lie, right? Here’s where things fall apart for Jane. For the last fifteen years, she’s been lied to. And as those lies begin to fall apart, everything she knows starts to unravel. What makes this story so meaningful and worthwhile is that everything, every action by the people in Jane’s life, can be traced back to one little lie. That lie might not have directly caused danger and deceit, but what happened because of the lie brought a whole heap of trouble down on Pelican Harbor.

If you’ve ever been lied to, you can easily connect with Jane. And if you’ve ever been tempted to lie to someone, even to spare them pain, this story can show you how a single lie morphs into an entire world of destruction.

This is where I love Colleen Coble’s work. Her ability to twist the entire story into a spiderweb of possibilities while keeping the reader engaged is one of the reasons I always come back to her books. She’s not afraid to hammer down some tough subjects and she does it with dignity for everyone involved.

If you enjoy fast-paced, thrilling action covered with a net of mystery and a hint of romance, you need to check out this new series.

I requested a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

One Little lie is the first book in the brand new Pelican Harbor series by Colleen Coble. If you enjoy reading Christian suspense stories with a touch of romance, don’t hesitate to pick this book up.

I truly enjoyed the main character, Jane, who came from a difficult background after growing up in a cult, and rose through the ranks of the local police force to become the chief. Jane is a strong female lead who cares about people and doing the right thing. It will be interesting to see how she grows as the series continues, because so far, she has learned to rely solely on herself, and is cautious about Christianity. The other characters in the book work well in this story from Jane’s father who got her out of the cult to Jane’s friends and the police officers who report to her. However, not everyone is quite what they seem.

I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.

Colleen Coble is a master of stories filled with mystery, intrigue, crime a lot of suspense and romance to last one a life time.

One Little Lie did not disappoint. A story surrounding people with pasts and a lot of danger and secrets to disrupt the present, this book will keep you hooked till the last page. The characters are wonderful and the storyline captivating.

Jane and Reid's uncommon romance will delight your heart.

I received a copy of the book and this is my honest opinion.

There were many interesting aspects to this good mystery. There are insights into the long lasting effects of being raised in a cult. There is the whole issue of lies and whether it is appropriate to lie to keep another person from hurting. Then there is the difficulty of forgiveness. Even though this novel is basically a police procedure mystery, there are a number of subplots that keep the story interesting and moving at a good pace.

Because of the many spiritual and relationship issues, the novel is mostly character driven. Even so, this is a good mystery with many possible suspects and a good twist near the end. The plot is very complex and at times seemed almost unrealistic. Coble is good at crafting a complex plot, however, and it kept my interest. The only flaw, I felt, might have been that the villain's motive and ultimate evil desire was not set up well enough.

This novel is the first in a two part series so be prepared to be left hanging. I think you will find the characters interesting enough that like me, you will be waiting for the sequel coming out later this year.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

One Little Lie by Colleen Coble is the debut of The Pelican Harbor Series. Jane Hardy escaped a cult fifteen years ago with her father. They have been living in Pelican Harbor, Alabama where Jane was just appointed the chief of police following her father’s sudden retirement. Reid Dixon, a journalist who makes documentaries, is making a film on small town police department’s and he will be following Jane around for the next two weeks. Jane is shocked when the FBI arrest her father for theft and money laundering. Jane knows that someone is setting him up and she intends to discover who is behind the plot. She will need Reid’s help if she is to save her father while solving a string of vigilante crimes. Reid has another reason for being in Pelican Harbor, but he is not yet willing to reveal the truth. But who knows what trouble his silence will cause. One Little Lie is described as a romantic suspense, but I believe it is more of a police procedural with a little romance. I enjoyed all the action happening in the book. It kept the book propelling forward at a quick pace. I liked that I was pulled into the story right away. Fifteen years have passed since Jane and her father escaped the cult. Jane still wonders about her mother who refused to leave with them. Jane has her hands full with a series of vigilante crimes. After the first two incidents, a woman is found murdered. Then a torso is found in a cooler in the bay where shrimpers are known work. Then Jane’s father is arrested, and she knows that someone is setting him up. Jane needs help if she is going to help her father and find the vigilante. I liked the complex crimes with various twists and turns. There are good clues to help readers solve the crimes before the solution is revealed. Those who are avid readers of whodunits will find this mystery a piece of cake. The take down scene was filled with suspense and action. I loved the addition of Parker, Jane’s K9 dog. I like that the romance was just a small part of the book. It was a natural evolution of Jane and Reid being thrown together. The Christian element was light but powerful. I like how the author handled it. I admit that I was reluctant to pick up One Little Lie because it was written by Colleen Coble (but I really liked the blurb). I have not enjoyed her books in the past, but One Little Lie was different. I am now eager for the next book in The Pelican Harbor Series.

This book contains exciting action throughout the whole story that kept me on the edge of my seat! There are twists and turns that I definitely did not expect. I liked how the action slowed down intermittently to develop the characters more deeply and craft a really interesting backstory to the two main characters. I think I was a little disappointed that although the action and main suspense storyline wrapped up well at the end of the book, the overarching character story left me hanging. I am, however, really excited for the next book and the rest of the series! The romance is unique and complicated, which drew me in and involved my emotions nearly from the beginning. The characters have their flaws and their failings but I loved watching them grow and change with God’s transforming power throughout the novel. I highly recommend this book to those who like contemporary mystery! I cannot wait to read more by this talented author!

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

I love Colleen Coble!!! <3

There isn't much fiction that I've found dealing with cults as the backdrop. That's an interesting setup. I figured out pretty quickly that <spoiler> Jane was Button and Reid was Moose, making Will the baby son who was ALIVE</spoiler>! Still, the details were a little fuzzy. I'm super excited to know that this will be a series focused on these characters, rather than a series where each book has a different MC that are still connected to the others in some way.

I may have missed something, but it felt abrupt, Jane bringing up her past to Reid. Like, she just up and mentioned Liberty's Children and there hadn't been a transition. I never suspected the criminal or the motive for it. So sad and twisted. Rather than being thankful for grace and opportunities, they threw it all away for bitterness and revenge.

I'm really excited to see where this series goes and get to know the characters better. I'm not super connected to them yet, but I think I will get there.