Cover Image: Dark of Night

Dark of Night

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

I'm still not a fan of series with cliffhangers, but thankfully this book tied a few of them up from the first book. I'm anxious though for the next book that will hopefully answer my questions.

Annie and Jon continued to move forward in their relationship and it was a lot more positive this time than in the first book. They had some new mysteries to solve this time, as well as some ongoing mysteries from the first book. The story kept me interested and I enjoyed the story, even if I have to wait impatiently for the resolution of everything.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley and this is my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

A Suspense romance, fast-paced with a lot of twists and turns, it can be read as a stand-alone but I'll recommend reading the previous book or you will be a little lost.

Annie has to figure out whether or not to believe a woman who claims to be her sister, Sarah, who was abducted twenty-four years ago at age five. Annie’s eight-year-old daughter, Kylie, has plenty of questions about what’s going on in her mother’s life—but there are some stories Annie doesn’t want to be uncovered. yet another missing hiker in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. A woman named Michelle Fraser has now been abducted, and the woman’s estranged husband is at the top of their suspect list.

The characters are well-written in a story involving suspense, intrigue, and romance. Annie and Jon make a fantastic couple, and I enjoyed seeing them work out their difficulties and come closer together. If you like romantic suspense that's heavier on suspense than romance you will love this book.

I received a complimentary copy of Dark of Night through the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This is definitely a book that cannot be read as a stand alone without a ton of confusion. I definitely recommend pickup up the first installment before diving into this one.

The story is written well and starts out action packed. There a very few moments of a cool down so don’t expect to put it down and pick it back up.

This isnt my typical read but I was impressed with the authors ability to retain my attention.

Blood of the covenant is thicker than water of the womb.

Was this review helpful?

I've not read the previous book in the series and sometimes I wish I had because some parts of the story would be clearer to me. However, Dark of Night has a very good storyline, is full of action, and also left me questioning family relationships and beliefs in this story.
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for this book.

Was this review helpful?

I was a big fan of the Rock Harbor series by Colleen Coble so I was excited when I found out she was setting a new series there as well. Dark of Night is the newest installment in the Annie Pederson series which takes readers back to Rock Harbor. This story is complete with multiple suspense storylines woven together in the story along with the progression of the second chance romance readers were introduced to in book one. I enjoyed getting more updates on the characters we got to know in the original series as well The one issue I had in book one was with how Annie's daughter, Kylie, behaved. Obviously she has lived through a lot of loss in her young life, but I had a real issue with the way her disrespectful attitude toward Jon was tolerated. Although her attitude gets better in this book, it still was a bit much at times in my opinion.

Although I suppose this could be read as a standalone because the main suspense storyline has nothing to do with book one, I would highly recommend starting with book one, Edge of Dusk because of the continuing storylines. I am excited for book three which releases this summer.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Was this review helpful?

What great book this was. It had intensity with really good main characters, plenty of emotions and a clean romance. It kept me involved every step of the way. There was also the emotional challenges that Annie and Jon faced when it came to Kylie. Also the wait to find out if Taylor really is Annie's long lost sister Sarah. A woman who appears to despise Annie making things even harder. 
Missing women is another thing that keeps the mysteries thrumming. The friendships and people in the community were something I enjoyed as well. The ending was a good one with a few surprises thrown in. 
I'm not sure if I've read anything by this author before but it won't be the last.

 “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Was this review helpful?

Book two picks up immediately after book one as Annie is trying to determine whether the woman she trusted with her daughter who then betrays her could really be the sister she's been searching for.

While Annie is trying to navigate Taylor, her renewed relationship with Jon and her daughter she must also assist on a missing person's case.

The action is well done and at times intense. I questioned who could be behind the missing girl early on in the story. But all the reasons around the disappearance stayed a mystery for most of the book.

The ending left me wanting more and this being a series, Coble is giving readers more! Looking forward to what happens next for Annie, Jon, and Kylie.

Disclaimer: I did receive this copy from the publisher, but I was under no obligation to provide a review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Dark of Night by Colleen Coble is book 2 in the series. I feel it is necessary to read the books in order or you will feel very lost. This is a Christian romantic suspense.

There is a lot going on in the book and honestly I had trouble keeping up with it. I also struggled with carrying about the characters as much as I would normally.

Colleen is an excellent author. This story just didn't work for me like her others did.

Was this review helpful?

"Life brings good and bad, Annie. We grow our faith through those heartaches. you know this as well as I do, for heartbreak has not passed over you. God has walked with me through those dark times, and his presence has never left me, even when I have not sensed him there. I can look back through every valley to see where he carried me. he will carry me through this. Whether it is into his arms at t then end or whether he gives me more days here on this earth, I am content."

Annie Pederson had adjusted to raising her daughter alone. But now certain details of her life are in question. Getting to the truth could be painful.

Trying to do her job in law enforcement is even trickier. Women are missing. Determining who is involved requires a lot of investigating.

Part of this book included romance, but the suspense parts are the most important. There were several layers to this story. I think it made it even more fascinating and definitely harder to figure out exactly what was going on.

This book tackled some tougher issues. I appreciate the fact that the faith is an important element. Determining to seek revenge or forgiveness is another part. What the character chooses definitely impacts the story line. I feel like this plot was plausible, and I really did enjoy this book.

This is book two in the "Annie Pederson" series. I do recommend reading book one first. And it is clear that book three is coming as there are many open-ended details. I definitely plan on reading the next title in the series.

I read an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. I wanted to read and review the book.

Was this review helpful?

This is a novel for readers who like one that focuses more on relationship drama than suspense. There is much more about Annie and her family than there is about her law enforcement work. While there is the mystery of a kidnapping, Annie is not very active in the investigation. Almost all of the suspense happened away from her presence and did not seem to be the focus of the plot.

This is the second book in a series and one should really read the first novel to understand this one. Otherwise the first part of the book referencing people and previous events and relationships, especially with her supposed sister, will be confusing. Coble does not provide sufficient backstory early on to comfortably make this a stand along novel.

I appreciated getting to know Annie, Kylie and Jon better as their relationships strengthen. I also appreciated the faith message, subtle through most of the novel but stronger near the end. I am invested in the characters and will be looking for the next in the series.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This story just left me breathless! I don't know how one woman could process all that has happened in her life! Annie has a lot going on in her personal life but still finds time to do her job, which is a law enforcement ranger. The book begins with a woman being abducted for no apparent reason. Annie is called into the case by the sheriff because it might relate to another case. Then, Annie has to deal with her possible sister who has come into her life (from the previous book in the series) who was kidnapped as a child, but Annie doesn't know if this woman is the "real thing" or not! Annie's boyfriend, Jon, is constantly at her side but wants Annie to tell her daughter that he's her daughter's father and that causes a lot of angst! There are a lot of other things going on too. I love books with multiple storylines. They are so interesting and keep me on the edge of my seat! There are two abductions, paternity issues, search and rescues, pasts to get over and so much more! I found all of it fascinating! I love Coble's novels. I have to say that I didn't like Annie's sister much, but she was important to the story. I didn't particularly like Annie's handling of her daughter at times either, but each month handles things differently. Her daughter was kind of a brat at times but being a single parent isn't easy so I'm sure Annie was going the best she could! I liked Jon a lot and several other characters.

Was this review helpful?

Dark of Night by Colleen Coble is another incredible novel by an author at the top of her game. She’s created this amazing series in Michigan’s U.P. with a new cast of characters mixed with familiar ones from previous series.’ Annie’s story is so complicated and compelling, full of regrets and deep emotions. Jon’s parallel story is similarly compelling. Readers of this genre will adore this book. I highly recommend it. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

Was this review helpful?

Another thrilling mystery from Colleen Coble! Dark of Night is the second book in the Annie Pederson series and picks up right where Edge of Dusk leaves off. The story starts right off the bat with a chase through the forest, murder, and a kidnapping. It’s up to Annie and local law enforcement officers to figure out what happened and find the missing woman.

In addition, Taylor the woman who used to be Annie’s nanny now claims to be her long lost sister. Is this yet another way to hurt Annie, or is she telling the truth? And then there’s Jon and Annie’s young daughter Kylie. As Annie tries to deepen her relationship with her old ex-fiancé, Kylie’s resentment of Jon’s presence makes things complicated. Plus, Annie is keeping a secret from Kylie about her father which threatens to turn the little girl’s world upside down.

I enjoyed Annie & Jon. In this book, their relationship solidifies even more. Both face danger as Annie’s investigation makes them targets. There are plenty of close calls which kept me on the edge of my seat. Part of the story is also told through Taylor/Sarah’s point of view who claims to be Annie’s sister. Her resentment of Annie takes a sinister turn as she tries to get even. We also get Michelle Foster’s point of view, the young woman who is kidnapped. The suspense is intense with each encounter she has with her kidnapper and her attempts to escape.

This book was hard to put down and really kept me on the edge of my seat! While it could be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the previous book in the series first. Although the author does give enough back story so readers who haven’t read the first book will quickly be brought up to speed. The messages of faith woven into the story are subtle and flow well with the storyline. While a few things are wrapped up, there are still questions left. Looking forward to the third book! Highly recommend to romantic suspense fans and Christian suspense fans. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher through Partners in Crime Tours. All opinions are my own and freely given.

Was this review helpful?

Annie's personal life is somewhat of a mess - with a woman she can't trust claiming to be her long-lost sister, the man she loves back in her life but disliked by their daughter, and the newly-discovered fact that she is in fact his daughter - but her professional life must go on regardless. Another hiker has gone missing, as well as a mysterious Michelle Fraser. And there's more going on behind the scenes of it all than Annie has any idea of. Can they piece together the story to bring justice to the criminal(s) before anyone else gets hurt? And will Annie be able to bring peace between Kylie and Jon? Can Annie and Jon weather this rocky start to their new relationship?

A great mix of suspense/mystery and relationship development made this a really enjoyable story. It was good to see more of Annie and Jon's story after being introduced to them in Edge of Dusk, but they still have plenty to work through. Taylor also appears more and we see more of her motivation - however sad at times. The suspense side of things was also done well, with both new and background mystery (and not too many bodies!) to sort out. Overall, there's enough action to keep you reading but not so much that it's just falling from one problem (or explosion) into another. Note that this is best read as part of the series - it's not a cliffhanger ending, but relies fairly heavily on having read book 1 and leaves things to be sorted out in book 3. A good read - looking forward to the last book in the series.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

Was this review helpful?

Dark of Night is Coble's second Annie Pederson novel, and I enjoyed it even more than the first. I felt more invested in the characters as Annie continues to work out things with her former fiance as well as deal with the lady who claims to be her little sister who was kidnapped at an early age, all while working on a missing persons case. The suspense is well-developed in each of the storylines. It is always wonderful to visit Rock Harbor and reconnect with the characters who reside there.

I highly recommend this book and author to romantic suspense fans. I have been reading herbooks for years. I do suggest reading the Annie Pederson novels in order, and not as a stand-alone read. I am grateful to have received a complementary copy of Dark of Night from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Colleen Coble weaves an intricate web full of mystery, danger, and the choice to either face it or hide. In the first page she easily pulled me back to Rock Harbor and into the lives of the residents who fill it. With her amazing storytelling abilities Colleen Coble expertly sends the reader on a dangerous hunt for the truth. With well developed characters that leap off the pages, they race to find the answers to save lives and also to try and follow the path God has for each of them. Dark of Night continues the story of Jon and Annie. While they found a murderer and maybe a long lost sister, things are far from settled. When a new missing person rises questions, danger starts to hunt Jon and Annie, showing them this is no normal missing person case. When a body is found they have to kick the search into high gear before their family is pulled into the danger. Colleen Coble spins a suspenseful story like few others. With a great mix of mystery and character relationships the reader is pulled into the story from the start and held onto well after the last page is flipped. Hang on tight for the rollercoaster ride of adrenaline, emotions, and satisfying finish to the latest case. I always look forward to her next story, and she never disappoints. Colleen Coble is a must read! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Was this review helpful?

Happy Pub Day to this second book of the Annie Pederson trilogy. In this second installment, Coble does an admirable job of tying up some loose ends while also leaving some issues unresolved. Annie and Jon are a united front throughout and the Kylie question is much on their minds. There are some exciting moments on the lake and in the forest as you would expect at a location like Rock Harbor. I am planning to read the third book, but am a bit disillusioned by Annie Pederson's work practices. There are ongoing investigations she must pursue as a forest ranger. Why is Jon accompanying her to interviews of witnesses and suspects? Seems unrealistic and unprofessional. I have been generous in my rating as I do think this series has promise and hope that Jon will be busy with his own practice in the next book.

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

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

Was this review helpful?

This is my first Colleen Coble book and second in the Annie Pedersen series. As I did not read the first in the series, I did struggle with some of the backstory and characters. There was a lot going on at the beginning of the book and I couldn’t keep everything together. I feel that I would have enjoyed this book more had I read the previous one. There was a lot going on at the beginning of the book and I couldn’t keep everything together.

All that being said, this book was very fast, paced with lots of suspense, twists and turns and so much going on for MC Annie. Annie has the return of a woman who claims to be her long lost sister, building a relationship with Jon (against her daughter’s preference) and Annie is asked to work on a missing hiker case. Set in the dark and mysterious MI Upper Peninsula, this novel has it all.

I would definitely recommend reading the first book in the series as this hinges on that back story. I gave it a solid 3-stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review and opinion.

Was this review helpful?

Well., there’s a huge Michigan Mess in the UP! Yup, Yoopers are tough as Jon and Annie demonstrate over and over during this book, especially Jon. Good gosh I was afraid what the poor man would face next as I turn each page.
Annie has some doozie issues: is her abducted sister back and how does she tell Kylie, her daughter, the truth about her dad??
I need to read the first book In this series but most of the back story is revealed so I wasn’t lost as I read it.
There is one person I disliked immediately. She is whiney, has a huge chip in her shoulder, thinks the world owes her, and I hope she gets the book tossed at her. I’m eager to see how Coble picks up her story thread in the next book.
3 whoops for Yoopers!!

Was this review helpful?

I just finished book one, Edge of Night, in this series a week ago and was totally pulled in to Annie's story of her missing sister and the man she loved years ago. I was excited to read Dark of Night so soon after the first one while it was still fresh in my mind. It takes place in Upper Michigan and picks right up where Edge of Night left off. Now I'm chomping at the bit to read Break of Day which is due out July 2023! If you like a good clean mystery with a little side of romance, I highly recommend Colleen Coble's suspenseful books. You won't be disappointed!

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publishes 10 January 2023.

Was this review helpful?