Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collin’s Christian Publishing for the ARC of this audiobook for my honest review

This was such a good plot but sadly ruined by the way Christianity was put in it. I am a Christian but I don’t want to read/listen to a murder mystery that loses all the thrilling parts because god helped, or you prayed, or it was gods way for this to happen. I was so sick of it after a bit and I didn’t like that she went from being atheist to one situation happens and she’s the most Christian, Christian ever. Like someone who was an atheist I think would have a bit more questions before changing. So yeah I didn’t really care for a lot of it but nice plot.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Christian Publishing | Thomas Nelson Fiction for an audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

After a being attacked by a Jaguar while at her last job, Paradise returns to her hometown to lick her wounds. She has taken a new position at a small local animal sanctuary which is having its own run of bad luck. It is being attacked by protestors, on the verge of shutting down and a murder. Even more complicated in the sanctuary is being ran by her former high school love, Blake, who was the only one who knew about her past trauma before leaving her high and dry. Paradise's life has been anything but, her parents were murdered and her foster father abused her, until she left for good. She is determined to uncover the secrets of her past and find out who killed her parents? And now who is trying to sabotage the sanctuary? And why are they connected?

I really struggled with this book it was too chaotic with the premise being under developed, the characters being stiff and all the events being too coincidental. The opening is very slow and by the time anything started to happen I was already bored. The romance between the two characters did not seem realistic and neither one I connected with. As a big cats lover, I was excited by the description, the pretty cover and murder mystery, but this story had nothing to love about it.

I had the audio version read by Karen Peakes. I did not enjoy or connect with her narration it was too monotone.

I love all of Colleen Coble’s books. She is a great writer and her books draw you in from the first page. If you like good, clean, mysteries, you will love this author.. I will definitely tell my patrons about this book!

In true Coble fashion we’re immersed into a story of mystery and adventure. Nova heads back to the place that changed her life and not for the better. She encounters Blake and she tries to keep her distance.

Super engaging and I was totally immersed. Interesting setting and loved getting to see the layers of the characters exposed as the story went on.

I received an audio copy from NetGalley and it was fantastic! I felt like it captured the story perfectly and could clearly see the pacing and action. Looking forward to another new series!

After being away for fifteen years, Paradise Alden returns to her hometown of Nova Cambridge to find answers about her parents’ brutal murder, and she accepts a veterinarian job at a local wildlife refuge. The only problem: Blake Lawson, the boy who once betrayed her and broke her heart, helps manage the animal sanctuary. Living in deep regret of his past actions, Blake has never stopped loving Paradise and wants to gain back her trust, but that becomes difficult when murder, break-ins, and arson come to The Sanctuary, and someone is clearly trying to place all the blame on him.🐆

Ambush is the latest romantic suspense novel from Colleen Coble, and it is full of mystery, action, and suspense! The setting of the wildlife refuge was really fun and unique, and I loved seeing all kinds of animals, like hippos, tigers, and fennec foxes (but not the hyenas - IYKYK). I also really loved the love interest, Blake. He’s such a sweet guy and clearly just a perfect match for Paradise. This story will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat, and there are still a few loose ends, so I look forward to reading Colleen’s next Sanctuary book later this year!💚

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A big thank you to Thomas Nelson for sending me a copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions above are my own.📘

Colleen Coble’s Ambush is a thrilling blend of suspense, romance, and mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. As the first book in the Sanctuary Series, it introduces us to Paradise Alden, a woman haunted by her parents’ unsolved murder, her painful past, and the scars left by a broken first love.

The novel kicks off with Paradise returning to her childhood town of Nova Cambridge, Alabama, where she hopes to find healing at a wildlife sanctuary. But as soon as she arrives, a body is discovered, and a series of increasingly dangerous events follow—arson, shootings, break-ins, and animals mysteriously being set free.

With her childhood sweetheart, Blake Lawson, now caught in the middle of the mayhem, Paradise is forced to confront not only her traumatic past but also the lingering feelings for the man who once broke her heart.
This novel has a strong connection with Colleen Coble's Tupelo Grove series, co-written with Rick Acker and features several of the characters and locations from that series.

Coble expertly weaves together a suspenseful plot filled with twists and turns, keeping the reader guessing until the very end. The setting of the wildlife sanctuary is evocative, adding a unique element to the story, while the characters—especially Paradise and Blake—feel real and complex, with their histories and emotions pulling the reader deeper into the narrative.

The romance is an added bonus, with the chemistry between Paradise and Blake simmering throughout the book. Their slow-burn relationship adds emotional depth to the suspense, as old wounds are reopened and new trust is built. Coble’s writing is sharp, with an excellent balance of action, tension, and heartfelt moments.

I have not heard a Colleen Coble novel narrated by Karen Peake before, but I really liked her narration of this book. She read Blake's chapters and lines convincingly and the children's as well.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson Zondervan Publishing for approving me for the audio of this very enjoyable book. I recommend reading this before the second Tupelo Grove novel comes out. If you haven't read anything by Coble though this is a good one to start with.

From the very first chapter, *Ambush* pulled me in—and I couldn’t stop reading (or listening). I found myself sneaking in chapters during the day and staying up late with the book in bed at night. Colleen Coble has delivered a suspenseful, emotionally layered story that blends small-town secrets, second-chance romance, and edge-of-your-seat danger in a way that’s hard to put down.

Paradise Alden returns to her hometown of Nova Cambridge, Alabama, not to revisit the past but to rebuild her future. Scarred by the trauma of her parents’ unsolved murder, a brutal foster care experience, and a jaguar attack that derailed her veterinary career, Paradise is searching for healing—and maybe even answers. The wildlife sanctuary called The Sanctuary offers a promising fresh start. But from the moment she arrives, trouble greets her at the gate. A woman’s body is found in a horse stall, the lions are mysteriously freed, security footage is erased, and someone breaks into the vet’s supply cabinet. It's clear someone is sabotaging the refuge… but why?

Paradise is forced to work alongside Blake Lawson, her first love—the boy who once broke her heart and who now cares for his young stepbrothers while helping his mother run the sanctuary. Despite the lingering pain of their past, Paradise knows deep down Blake isn’t behind the chaos. Together, they must untangle a web of secrets and danger before the sanctuary—and everyone they care about—is destroyed.

This is more than a romantic suspense novel. *Ambush* is a story of rebuilding trust, rediscovering faith, and forming unexpected friendships in the midst of chaos. The twists and turns kept me guessing, and the tender moments between characters gave the story emotional depth.

If this becomes a series, I’ll be first in line for the next installment. Fans of romantic suspense with heart will absolutely love this one.

In Ambush by Colleen Coble, Paradise Alden returns to Nova Cambridge after a lengthy absence to unravel the strange and unsettling murders of her parents. When she gets to town, she must work with someone she has tried to erase from her memory, her ex-boyfriend, Blake Lawson. As the two begin to work together at The Sanctuary, new and disturbing events continue occurring and they team up to get to the bottom of all this danger and intrigue. Along the way they find a little more than they bargained for!

As usual, Colleen Coble delivers a fast-paced mystery story with a side of clean romance. All the romantic elements of this tale are firmly in the “sweet” category and could be read by most young adults or above. This novel does contain mention of a variety of instances of heavy topics such as murder, rape, arson, suicide, etc. so I would urge caution for anyone who may be triggered by those topics.

Along with a suspense-filled clean love story, when you listen to this audiobook you will be treated to a delightful voice that skillfully delineates the characters all the while being very pleasant to listen to.

Many thanks to Colleen Coble, Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley for an ARC copy of this audiobook. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I think I've found a new favorite murder mystery suspense author! This book is a perfect balance between the emotions of mystery, suspense, and romance. It's not too suspenseful where it gives you ulcers, and it's not graphic where it'll give you Nightmares. And it has just a touch of romance mingled in bit not enough to distract from the suspense. I loved the dual mystery and multiple suspects that keep you guessing, ""who done it?"" There is a second book in the series that continues with these same characters coming out in November 2025. There are no swears or alcohol, and level 1 non-descriptive kisses only. Dual POV. I loved the narrator of the audiobook.

“You’re safe, Paradise.”

Ambush by Colleen Coble

Blake sees her for more than her broken pieces. He sees a woman who is brave, cares for others, works hard, and seeks refuge from a difficult past. I love how he treats her gently and helps her to solve her parents’ mystery as well as working together to solve the Sanctuary’s mystery. I really enjoyed watching their friendship blossom into romance.

I appreciated that there could have been a miscommunication part involving another woman, but the MMC insisted they talk it out and clarify what happened instead of dragging on the miscommunication.

This one was unique for me since I don’t read a ton of suspense. The suspense involving the intruder and sniper, plus add in the element of dangerous predators made for quite the ride in this one!

And oh that ending has me needing book 2! Some things were not resolved by the end, so I am intrigued by how those things will be resolved.

Audio Review: I thought the narrator did a great job. I enjoyed the audio for this one.

Favorite Parts:
Animal Sanctuary setting
Sniper part-suspenseful
FMC name
Second chance romance
Mystery
Purse
Nightmare scene
The brothers
Ending

“Kissing Blake was like coming home.”

Content Guide:
Language: none
S3xual Content: Closed-door- Passionate kissing, S*xual assault/r*pe (past), infidelity (past with side characters)
Violence/gore: Mild- dead body (not described), peril involving dangerous animals, violence involving g*ns, head injury with mild blood, 
Substance Use: Mild-mention of p!lls several times 
Prejudices: none
Religious Content: Christian Themes of God's help, healing, forgiveness, charity
Other: Panic attack from animal attack trauma, animal rights activists, troubled past-foster care, trauma and grief from past, evacuation from storm

Book Info:
Series: Sanctuary #1
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense
Romance Level: Kisses only
Release Date: March 5, 2025
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
POV: dual

Thank you to the Author and publisher for the review copy. All thoughts are my own.

Ambush is the first book in Colleen Coble’s Sanctuary series. Set in the area of Ms. Coble’s fictional town of Pelican Harbor, the site of quite a few of her novels, at The Sanctuary in Nova Cambridge, the story features large animal veterinarian Paradise Alden and Sanctuary owners Jenna Anderson and her grown son Blake Lawson, as well as Jenna’s small boys Isaac and Levi. All natives of the area, Paradise is now coming home to work at the Sanctuary after. some time in Birmingham where, at her former position, she was mauled by a white tiger and is still recovering. Blake recently returned home from the military when his stepfather had an odd fatal accident. As teenagers, Paradise and Blake were inseparable until there was a breech of trust that pulled them apart.

Now the group is under attack by mysterious forces and no one knows why. There has been picketing by a wildlife group, shots fired near the bear enclosure, and fire set to Paradise’s cottage. Plus, Paradise has not given up trying to discover who killed her parents when she was a child Could this be the reason for these attacks?

This is another edge of your seat tale from Ms. Coble. I very much enjoyed this mystery and look forward to the next book in the series!

Ambush by Colleen Coble is the first in the Sanctuary Series and because I already love Colleen’s books, it was a must-read, or in this case, a must-listen-to, for me. As usual, it did not disappoint. I found the story captivating from start to finish and enjoyed the unique take of the Sanctuary Wildlife Preserve. Who doesn’t love a story where animals are rescued and cared for? Ms. Coble delivered an interesting who-done-it with a strong mystery and a fabulous cast of characters. The second-chance romance between Paradise and Blake was realistic and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

This was my first Colleen Coble book and I doubt it will be my last! This story was really well written. There was mystery, suspense, romance, family bonds, murder, exotic animals - you name it, it has it! The characters were great and the settings was even better. I'm glad this is labeled as "a sanctuary novel' which hopefully means there will be more because I'd love to keep following this sanctuary and these characters. It was well paced and the chapters were a perfect length. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was fantastic.
I would definitely recommend!

This is my second book by Coble, and I was not disappointed. This is a little bit of mystery, a little bit of thriller (there are some more death-defying action scenarios toward the end), and a little bit of romance. Second-chance romance, to be exact. So this story follows two MCs the primary is Paradise. Paradise is an exotic vet who was viciously attacked by a jaguar she was caring for, leaving her with pain, scars, and PTSD. Paradise returns to Nova Cambridge to work at The Sanctuary and to determine who murdered her parents. Our second POV is Blake, Paradise's high school sweetheart who broke her heart. Blake's mom runs The Sanctuary, and Blake quit the Marines when his stepdad died to help her mother run the business and take care of his two little brothers. As soon as Paradise arrives in town, a dead body is discovered, and lots of near-fatal accidents occur. Can Blake and Paradise figure out who the culprit is before it's too late?
Ok, so this is an interesting story, mostly because of the setting. I like the idea of this being set in an exotic animal Sanctuary. A real sanctuary where the keepers are there to rehabilitate or rescue, not Tiger King where we cage these poor animals and sell tickets to their meager existence. I believe there is an author's note that says she was inspired by a real-life sanctuary that she visited. Anyway, just having the backdrop be these huge predators like tigers, grizzlies, hyenas, etc. And the cute little fennec foxes, along with elephants and other animals. It is just interesting, and the fact that yes, they are captive, but they are still wild and will hurt you if you aren't careful. Even in a fictional story, it's nice to see.
The romance is kind of awkward but sweet. The relationship broke up when Paradise moved away, but the two characters always held a torch. But that heartbreak went away a bit too quickly, especially since Paradise felt "betrayed". Not only is there a romance blooming, but a family is budding as Paradise moves into the main house and gets to know Blake's mom and brothers she cements all of them into herself. Paradise starts the story with PTSD from an animal attack. I've witnessed the care of a zookeeper gored by an elephant, and that keeper did not get over that trauma, nor did she come close to the progress our character does in such a short time. I mean, this would be a lifetime struggle, and in a few short weeks, she's just about right as rain.
Now, this is Christian fiction, and a lot of times in Christian fiction, it has no real faith aspect, at least in the more mainstream books. They may mention God, or they are just clean fiction and published by a Christian publisher. What I liked about this is that faith is a big part of the story. Finding faith in God, and the people, learning about the power of prayer, and listening when spoken to. It may not be something everyone likes, but when I read Christian Fiction this is kind of what I'm expecting. So, kudos for this and for having a lot of parallels between the world and God.
The narrator did a great job, as always. With more than one POV, I would prefer a narrator for each one. However, Peakes did a wonderful job bringing the intense scenes and the other scenes to life.

This was so good! As someone who loves anything involving animals, I was excited to dive into this book, and it did not disappoint! It was engaging, and had a meaningful faith element that added depth to the story.

While I appreciated the theme of salvation woven throughout the narrative, I would have liked to see this aspect developed a bit more. It had so much potential to be even more impactful, but it was still good as is.

The audio narration was excellent, bringing the characters and story to life in a way that made the experience even more enjoyable. I truly hope they continue with the same narrator for future books in the series!

Overall, this was an enjoyable read, and is worth checking out! Thank you, NetGalley, Harper Collins, and Thomas Nelson, for the opportunity to listen and review this advanced copy.

Thanks netgalley for the ARC! I love being able to try out new authors and a new style of book. This was still sort of a thriller but also a contemporary. It wasnt my usual type of story and I really like it. Maybe because it had to do a little with animals as its based on an animal sanctuary and I loved when the animals and their personalities were brought into the story. It had some suspense to it but not the usual thriller suspense that I have read in the past. This was in a way real life suspense. It had some romance and I am not a romance type person but it was just enough to make the story but not too much that I was like ugh enough already. Perfect for a girl who isnt big on the romance books. Overall it was a quick read that kept me intrigued and anxious and wanting to know more while feeling for the characters. It sent me thinking in certain directions that were wrong and then in the end going AH that makes sense now! I definitely will continue on with the series when the next books come out.

Once again, Colleen Coble proves why her books are always best sellers in Christian fiction! Ambush is by turns terrifying then heart-wrenching then back to terrifying. As always, she weaves many different story threads into a masterful tapestry that wraps readers in until the final page is turned.

Paradise Alden's life has been a train wreck since her parents' murders. Dropped into foster care when her only living relatives refuse her care. she is placed in home after home where she is either neglected or abused. She learns early on that men are not to be trusted and that God must have been looking the other way all her life to allow the suffering she has endured. Now a veterinarian, she is on leave from her zoo job as she recovers from a jaguar attack that left her right arm scarred and weakened when she receives an offer to care for the animals at the Sanctuary Animal Shelter in her hometown of Nova Cambridge, Alabama. The Sanctuary is the one place she always felt needed and she hopes it is also the place she can get over her fear of the big cats. The only problem she sees is that she will have to work with her former boyfriend, Blake Anderson, on a daily basis as he is the shelter's official director. Can she work with the man who orchestrated her removal from a home she was tolerating in a town she loved to a home where she was in even more danger in a town where she knew no one? She hasn't even unpacked her car when a dead body is found on the property. As incident after incident piles up, is the Sanctuary under attack, or does someone want her as dead as her parents?

Blake Anderson gave up a lucrative career when his step-father dies. Someone has to help his mother run the Sanctuary and care for his much younger brothers. When Paradise walks back into his life, he sees her distrust and knows he deserves it, but the love he felt for her fifteen years ago is still there. As they battle activists, arsonists, and land developers, can he prove to her that he can be trusted with both her safety and her heart?

I loved so many things about this story. First, it is set in the same town with some of the same characters as Coble's Tupelo Grove books with Rick Acker. In fact Hez Webster from What We Hide is instrumental in finding information for Blake and Paradise. I also loved the second chance romance for Blake and Paradise, and the suspense is stellar. (Watch for the scene with Blake and the hyenas. Yikes!)

Readers who love suspense with a side of romance will love Ambush! Coble fans will not be disappointed, and new Coble readers will find a book they can't put down. If you get a chance to listen to the audio version, I highly recommend it. The narrator is great.

This was my first book by Colleen Coble and it won’t be my last! I enjoyed the storyline and connection between Blake and Paradise. Coble did a great job of sharing their pasts and connecting it to the present storyline. The book kept me engaged and trying to figure out who was involved in the crimes. The themes in the book are suspense, second chance romance, healing from the past and faith.

I listened to the advanced audiobook. The narration was very well done. It was very engaging and fit the story/characters well. I was able to listen to the book at 2X speed without issue.

Looking for answers from her traumatic past, Paradise returns to her hometown, only to come face to face with her past love, Blake. Before even starting work at her new job at a wildlife perserve, a body is found and suspicions fly. When Blake is suspected of the murder, the two need to stick together and find the real murderer. This book is action packed as mysterious things keep happening! The romance was so sweet! There was also a good amount of faith mentioned which I appreciate. I really enjoyed it! I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in trade for my honest opinion. My thoughts are my own.

This one took me a bit longer to read but was worth the read! Paradise who struggles with trust, lost her parents to murder. She is so eager to find the answers to all her questions that she is willing to work along side the one who broke her heart years earlier.