What do you think?
Rate this book
The Color of Heaven #8
The Color of Joy: The Color of Heaven Series, Book 8
The Color of Joy is USA Today best-selling author Julianne MacLean's eighth installment in her popular Color of Heaven series, which has delivered many happy sighs to thousands of fans worldwide. Bring tissues and prepare to be up all night listening to this fast-paced, emotionally charged tale about the obstacles we encounter in everyday life and the real-life magic that helps us triumph over them.
After rushing to the hospital for the birth of their third child, Riley and Lois James anticipate one of the most joyful days of their lives. But things take a dark turn when their newborn daughter vanishes from the hospital. Is this payback for something in Riley's troubled past? Or is it something even more mysterious?
As the search intensifies and the police close in, strange and unbelievable clues about the whereabouts of the newborn begin to emerge. Riley soon finds himself at the center of a surprising turn of events that will challenge everything he once believed about life, love, and the existence of miracles.
While each audiobook in the series can be enjoyed as a standalone, there are many more books to love in this
The Color of Heaven The Color of Destiny The Color of Hope The Color of a Dream The Color of a Memory The Color of Love The Color of the Season
After rushing to the hospital for the birth of their third child, Riley and Lois James anticipate one of the most joyful days of their lives. But things take a dark turn when their newborn daughter vanishes from the hospital. Is this payback for something in Riley's troubled past? Or is it something even more mysterious?
As the search intensifies and the police close in, strange and unbelievable clues about the whereabouts of the newborn begin to emerge. Riley soon finds himself at the center of a surprising turn of events that will challenge everything he once believed about life, love, and the existence of miracles.
While each audiobook in the series can be enjoyed as a standalone, there are many more books to love in this
The Color of Heaven The Color of Destiny The Color of Hope The Color of a Dream The Color of a Memory The Color of Love The Color of the Season
Audible Audio
First published February 10, 2015
2733 people are currently reading
1797 people want to read
About the author
Julianne MacLean
77 books4,282 followersJulianne MacLean is a USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty novels, including the contemporary women’s fiction Color of Heaven Series. Readers have described her books as “breathtaking,” “soulful” and “uplifting.” MacLean is a four-time RITA finalist and has won numerous awards, including the Booksellers’ Best Award and a Reviewers’ Choice Award from Romantic Times. Her novels have sold millions of copies worldwide and have been published in over a dozen languages.
MacLean has a degree in English literature from the University of King’s College in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and a degree in business administration from Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. She loves to travel and has lived in New Zealand, Canada, and England. MacLean currently resides on the east coast of Canada in a lakeside home with her husband and daughter.
For more information about Julianne and her writing life, please visit her website at www.juliannemaclean.com. Be sure to follow her on Bookbub to be notified whenever her ebooks are offered for FREE or 99 cents. (www.bookbub.com/authors/julianne-maclean) and chat with her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/JulianneMacLeanRoman...), Twitter (@JulianneMacLean), and Instagram (@JulianneMaclean).
MacLean has a degree in English literature from the University of King’s College in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and a degree in business administration from Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. She loves to travel and has lived in New Zealand, Canada, and England. MacLean currently resides on the east coast of Canada in a lakeside home with her husband and daughter.
For more information about Julianne and her writing life, please visit her website at www.juliannemaclean.com. Be sure to follow her on Bookbub to be notified whenever her ebooks are offered for FREE or 99 cents. (www.bookbub.com/authors/julianne-maclean) and chat with her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/JulianneMacLeanRoman...), Twitter (@JulianneMacLean), and Instagram (@JulianneMaclean).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
December 31, 2022
Whizzed through this !! I do like this set of stories. They're always very uplifting, if sometimes also terribly sad and usually very thought-provoking as well. Actually, this author has never disappointed me. Usually I prefer something grittier, like your murder tales, but we all need a break from nastiness at times and this set of books is the perfect antidote for me every time.
I liked this phrase, "Perhaps the lesson is this: Without knowledge of misery, there can be no true knowledge of joy"......and I think it's very true.
In this book I thought I had pegged the "baddie" but once again I didn't get it right. I thought Riley and Lois were married, too, but some way in we had him introducing his mother to his mother-in-law which I found odd.
I spotted a couple of errors-she wrote Playdough and not Play-Doh then lost a word in this sentence, "Learning that my older sister had died had been one of worst moments of my life...." so that was sterling work.
I had one or two extremely sniffy moments nearer the ending, I will happily admit, which is often the case in her stories. I have book 9 already downloaded and will be picking that up in the New Year sometime.
I liked this phrase, "Perhaps the lesson is this: Without knowledge of misery, there can be no true knowledge of joy"......and I think it's very true.
In this book I thought I had pegged the "baddie" but once again I didn't get it right. I thought Riley and Lois were married, too, but some way in we had him introducing his mother to his mother-in-law which I found odd.
I spotted a couple of errors-she wrote Playdough and not Play-Doh then lost a word in this sentence, "Learning that my older sister had died had been one of worst moments of my life...." so that was sterling work.
I had one or two extremely sniffy moments nearer the ending, I will happily admit, which is often the case in her stories. I have book 9 already downloaded and will be picking that up in the New Year sometime.
March 4, 2018
This book could have really been an interesting story, but there was no depth to the story. The author never really delved into the characters in my opinion. It was more like making a statement about things rather than really exploring and getting to know the characters. Example, Jenn's husband, Jake, was so against having a baby, and then boom.....he wanted a family. I think she could have elaborated on that more explaining in depth some of the feelings. Sylvie had issues, but her issues were "hit on" but never explored. And, we never really got to know Lois, the mother of the kidnapped child, at all. This was just too much on the surface for my liking.
March 8, 2015
If I could have given this book 0 stars, I would have. This may very well be the worst book I've ever read. Cliché after cliché, three character POVs with absolutely no distinction among them, and syrupy-sweet dialogue that attempts to build suspense or serve as foreshadowing, but does neither.
This was a book club selection, and that's the ONLY reason I suffered through it. Here's a line that's indicative of the shallow writing and cloying plot development: "Even though I have a terrible headache, and I may be charged with kidnapping, I'm the happiest I've ever been."
This was a book club selection, and that's the ONLY reason I suffered through it. Here's a line that's indicative of the shallow writing and cloying plot development: "Even though I have a terrible headache, and I may be charged with kidnapping, I'm the happiest I've ever been."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
July 19, 2015 Beautiful
This is the most moving story yet of the series. I felt so sorry for Jenn and her sister. I loved we got to learn more about Riley and his new family. It was nice to see his life had been renewed and he had found happiness. I couldn't stop reading once I started.
This is the most moving story yet of the series. I felt so sorry for Jenn and her sister. I loved we got to learn more about Riley and his new family. It was nice to see his life had been renewed and he had found happiness. I couldn't stop reading once I started.
October 3, 2019
A decent Flying-Across-the-Country book. Nothing complicated, a decent story adequately told. Good reading when you’re totally distracted by what’s going on around you. Not what I would call great literature, but that’s not why I picked it up.
That being said, all thru the book we learned that Jake was clean & sober seven years. No program of any sort, but whatever. Then all of a sudden at the end of the book (which only spans a few months), it’s been “over a decade” since he’s had a drink. The editors need to pay closer attention.
Would I recommend this book? It’s a great “popcorn” book, as my daughter would say. A good “after surgery” book. And a nice companion on four different planes over a few days time.
That being said, all thru the book we learned that Jake was clean & sober seven years. No program of any sort, but whatever. Then all of a sudden at the end of the book (which only spans a few months), it’s been “over a decade” since he’s had a drink. The editors need to pay closer attention.
Would I recommend this book? It’s a great “popcorn” book, as my daughter would say. A good “after surgery” book. And a nice companion on four different planes over a few days time.
Read
January 3, 2016I have loved this whole series
July 20, 2019
The Color of Joy (The Color of Heaven Series Book 8)
The story of a lost baby. Riley and Lois James had a baby girl and almost lost Lois. After the born of the baby Lois start to bleed and had to have a hysterectomy. While recovery some one take their baby.
Jenn and Jack Nichols are have a baby. He is a soldier and is being deployed, so she get her sister to stay with. Then everything start going wrong. Jenn start forget things, what going wrong with her?
The story of a lost baby. Riley and Lois James had a baby girl and almost lost Lois. After the born of the baby Lois start to bleed and had to have a hysterectomy. While recovery some one take their baby.
Jenn and Jack Nichols are have a baby. He is a soldier and is being deployed, so she get her sister to stay with. Then everything start going wrong. Jenn start forget things, what going wrong with her?
November 26, 2021
Remember
This book was hard to put down. I was immediately drawn in to the lives of the characters. It was truly an emotional rollercoaster that was intriguing and heart warming at the same time. An author to follow.
This book was hard to put down. I was immediately drawn in to the lives of the characters. It was truly an emotional rollercoaster that was intriguing and heart warming at the same time. An author to follow.
May 8, 2025
This was a very unexpected plot line. Maybe I didn't read the intro closely. It was good, but not an easy or light read due to the difficult subject matter. My professional feelings may have been tangled a bit by the story line. Nothing typical here.
March 25, 2022
Good Read
I had a hard time reading around the fantasy of this book. One woman is in hospital for surgical removal of a brain tumor. Another is there having a baby, but both mother and child nearly die in the birthing process. The other woman is dead but reveals information through her four year old niece. At the heart of the storyline is a kidnapping. Redemption and forgiveness are factors that the reader can see a mile away.
The author's writing mechanics are good. The book is squeaky clean, thank you dear author. I gave it three stars because the book did not quite make it to the finish line for me. Other readers gave the book rave reviews.
Thank you, Ms. Maclean, for a good read.
I had a hard time reading around the fantasy of this book. One woman is in hospital for surgical removal of a brain tumor. Another is there having a baby, but both mother and child nearly die in the birthing process. The other woman is dead but reveals information through her four year old niece. At the heart of the storyline is a kidnapping. Redemption and forgiveness are factors that the reader can see a mile away.
The author's writing mechanics are good. The book is squeaky clean, thank you dear author. I gave it three stars because the book did not quite make it to the finish line for me. Other readers gave the book rave reviews.
Thank you, Ms. Maclean, for a good read.
July 10, 2022
another great story I;this series
I have written so many reviews for this series of books I’m running out of words. What do I like about this story. Everything. It’s touching. It’s a new baby. It’s a tragic woman, a soldier, It’s family ties. It’s sweet and terrifying. It’s easy to believe. It’s not far fetched.
What didn’t I like. Nothing. Normally the ending of MsMacLeans books are anti climatic. Not this one. It fits with the story. And it doesn’t just cut off. Great book.
I have written so many reviews for this series of books I’m running out of words. What do I like about this story. Everything. It’s touching. It’s a new baby. It’s a tragic woman, a soldier, It’s family ties. It’s sweet and terrifying. It’s easy to believe. It’s not far fetched.
What didn’t I like. Nothing. Normally the ending of MsMacLeans books are anti climatic. Not this one. It fits with the story. And it doesn’t just cut off. Great book.
Want to read
September 23, 2019NOT READING .. Changed my mind; not what I thought book would be about 😳
September 28, 2019
I felt the book was predictable
October 5, 2019
I have read a couple of books written by this author and I especially loved A Curve In The Road.
I was happily swept along in this story from the first chapter!
Different points of view come across from the different characters and left me wanting to know ‘what next?’
Riley and Lois are so happy to be expecting their third child, while Josh and Jen are getting their heads around Jen being pregnant, following a disaster of a pregnancy for Riley and his previous wife.
There is a lot going on for both couples and I will do my best to not give any spoilers so you really will, just have to read it!
Bad luck and circumstances are plausible and I was feeling at a loss to know who to blame for the events that unfold.
A dead sister, a brain tumour, an emergency c- section, a miscarriage not to mention an early flight back from Afghanistan and a kidnapped newborn!
The emotion and detail are spot on for me in this book. I know I’m going to have to read all of Julianne MacLeans novels now too!
I recommend this book over and over again.
I was happily swept along in this story from the first chapter!
Different points of view come across from the different characters and left me wanting to know ‘what next?’
Riley and Lois are so happy to be expecting their third child, while Josh and Jen are getting their heads around Jen being pregnant, following a disaster of a pregnancy for Riley and his previous wife.
There is a lot going on for both couples and I will do my best to not give any spoilers so you really will, just have to read it!
Bad luck and circumstances are plausible and I was feeling at a loss to know who to blame for the events that unfold.
A dead sister, a brain tumour, an emergency c- section, a miscarriage not to mention an early flight back from Afghanistan and a kidnapped newborn!
The emotion and detail are spot on for me in this book. I know I’m going to have to read all of Julianne MacLeans novels now too!
I recommend this book over and over again.
October 16, 2019
Refreshing...
Story of two young couples dealing with what life throws at them..... One husband previous criminal record now happily married and working construction with baby #3 due any second...... The other couple a young wife newly pregnant whose husband is deployed to Afghanistan, and who takes her sister in who is trying to turn her life around.
So the story continues with the first couple as the wife goes into labour with a very difficult birth... The next morning their newborn goes missing from the hospital!
Then the second couple. The wife is unwell and having unexplained things happening in the house... Then at an ultrasound scan is told she has miscarried.... She has a seizure and is taken to hospital where it seems recent events result from a brain tumor and she needs lifesaving surgery... After blood tests she vanishes from the hospital with a newborn.......
A great book showing how compassion and understanding can get you through some of the most horrendous times in life.
Story of two young couples dealing with what life throws at them..... One husband previous criminal record now happily married and working construction with baby #3 due any second...... The other couple a young wife newly pregnant whose husband is deployed to Afghanistan, and who takes her sister in who is trying to turn her life around.
So the story continues with the first couple as the wife goes into labour with a very difficult birth... The next morning their newborn goes missing from the hospital!
Then the second couple. The wife is unwell and having unexplained things happening in the house... Then at an ultrasound scan is told she has miscarried.... She has a seizure and is taken to hospital where it seems recent events result from a brain tumor and she needs lifesaving surgery... After blood tests she vanishes from the hospital with a newborn.......
A great book showing how compassion and understanding can get you through some of the most horrendous times in life.
February 25, 2025
A baby is kidnapped
Lois went to the hospital to give birth. Due to complications she almost died. The baby almost died but started to breathe. When Lois came to she just wanted to see her baby, that's when Lois and Riley, her husband, learned the baby had been kidnapped. No one knew who took the baby. Their daughter, Trudy, kept describing a woman in the baby's room, but it wasn't her. At the same time Jenn Nichols found out she had a brain tumor that had to be removed. She kept losing time. She was scheduled for brain surgery, but disappeared. Her husband was coming home from Afghanistan. They couldn't locate her. Now there's a missing person and a missing baby. Are they connected? This is a very good story, a quick read and well written.. I think you will enjoy it.
Lois went to the hospital to give birth. Due to complications she almost died. The baby almost died but started to breathe. When Lois came to she just wanted to see her baby, that's when Lois and Riley, her husband, learned the baby had been kidnapped. No one knew who took the baby. Their daughter, Trudy, kept describing a woman in the baby's room, but it wasn't her. At the same time Jenn Nichols found out she had a brain tumor that had to be removed. She kept losing time. She was scheduled for brain surgery, but disappeared. Her husband was coming home from Afghanistan. They couldn't locate her. Now there's a missing person and a missing baby. Are they connected? This is a very good story, a quick read and well written.. I think you will enjoy it.
January 23, 2022
Brief synopsis from the book cover:
After rushing to the hospital for the birth of their third child, Riley and Lois James anticipate one of the most joyful days of their lives. But things take a dark turn when their newborn daughter vanishes from the hospital. Is this payback for something in Riley's troubled past? Or is it something even more mysterious?
As the search intensifies and the police close in, strange and unbelievable clues about the whereabouts of the newborn begin to emerge, and Riley soon finds himself at the center of a surprising turn of events that will challenge everything he once believed about life, love, and the existence of miracles.
My rating:
Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
General Fiction
Women’s Fiction
Review:
I enjoyed this book very much as it’s a beautiful feel good story, full of compassion and hope. The characters are nice interesting people, their actions and traits are described in great detail. This gave them a realistic feel. The story has a nice pace and the storyline is well developed this made it very captivating.
This book is part of the Color of Heaven Series but each book can be read as a standalone.
After rushing to the hospital for the birth of their third child, Riley and Lois James anticipate one of the most joyful days of their lives. But things take a dark turn when their newborn daughter vanishes from the hospital. Is this payback for something in Riley's troubled past? Or is it something even more mysterious?
As the search intensifies and the police close in, strange and unbelievable clues about the whereabouts of the newborn begin to emerge, and Riley soon finds himself at the center of a surprising turn of events that will challenge everything he once believed about life, love, and the existence of miracles.
My rating:
Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
General Fiction
Women’s Fiction
Review:
I enjoyed this book very much as it’s a beautiful feel good story, full of compassion and hope. The characters are nice interesting people, their actions and traits are described in great detail. This gave them a realistic feel. The story has a nice pace and the storyline is well developed this made it very captivating.
This book is part of the Color of Heaven Series but each book can be read as a standalone.
September 11, 2025
I'll be a broken record here. The later books in the series aren't as interested in being stories as they are in quickly delivering a message. So you get a well set up book that then whizzes to a conclusion. It's not bad, it just could be better. At least in this one, we weren't setting up a character that doesn't see the ending.
I think Riley and family made sense because we had some history on them from previous books. But Jenn and Sylvie were portrayed in an odd fashion where it would be easy to confuse them. Not sure what to say about Jake or the medical subplot in the book. I suspect it is not true to reality, but since we don't see Jenn post-surgery, I don't know if she has bigger problems and is more like Sylvie.
I think Riley and family made sense because we had some history on them from previous books. But Jenn and Sylvie were portrayed in an odd fashion where it would be easy to confuse them. Not sure what to say about Jake or the medical subplot in the book. I suspect it is not true to reality, but since we don't see Jenn post-surgery, I don't know if she has bigger problems and is more like Sylvie.
March 3, 2024
LIFE CAN BE A LITTLE BUMPY
This book from page one pulled me in. While reading the first few chapters, I was reading about this one family and what was going on there. I go to another chapter can’t wait to see what happens next I’m reading about another family. I was so confused I thought I had changed over to another book. I was in the same book, so I just continued so here I am reading two different storylines. That were so interesting our grabbing me. They eventually intertwined with each other. This story was so exciting. I could not put the book down. I highly suggest you read this book.
This book from page one pulled me in. While reading the first few chapters, I was reading about this one family and what was going on there. I go to another chapter can’t wait to see what happens next I’m reading about another family. I was so confused I thought I had changed over to another book. I was in the same book, so I just continued so here I am reading two different storylines. That were so interesting our grabbing me. They eventually intertwined with each other. This story was so exciting. I could not put the book down. I highly suggest you read this book.
June 15, 2022
It took me a very long time to get into this novel, but once I understood the list of characters, I found the book to be interesting. Fast moving once, and I was interested to get a handle on the complexities and to find out how the story would end.would the baby be found? What clues would be helpful? Would anyone be held responsible? Would Sylvie be OK? Will Jenn & Jake survive this? How will Riley reconcile this with his past. I wanted answers and had to read to the end to be pleasantly surprised.
January 29, 2025
Got Chills Several Times
I won’t spoil the book, but when brother-in-law Josh describes his phone number, I got chills. And when Riley trips, chills. It was a great story, bringing together two families under crazy circumstances, and a feeling of being connected to each, and rooting for both even though they were at odds. I would’ve liked to hear more from Sylvia’s perspective and Lois’s as well. Other than that, it was a page-turner and I felt attached to the characters right out of the gate. Thank you, Julianne, for another amazing story.
I won’t spoil the book, but when brother-in-law Josh describes his phone number, I got chills. And when Riley trips, chills. It was a great story, bringing together two families under crazy circumstances, and a feeling of being connected to each, and rooting for both even though they were at odds. I would’ve liked to hear more from Sylvia’s perspective and Lois’s as well. Other than that, it was a page-turner and I felt attached to the characters right out of the gate. Thank you, Julianne, for another amazing story.
June 2, 2022
There was too much going on in too short of a book, and the characters were flat. Lois almost loses her life giving birth to her baby, and while she's recovering in the hospital her baby goes missing. Jenn's story was so confusing, it was hard figuring out what was going on with her. It's been awhile since I read the last book, and I forgot who was who as far as the connection between characters.
April 26, 2024
A lovely, quick read with some heart-breaking parts, some touching parts, and some goose-bump sections. I was compelled to keep turning the pages to the end.
There are definitely some triggers in this book for women who have lost babies, have pregnancy concerns, have fertility problems, or addiction problems.
I enjoy all these Color of Heaven stories which, in the end, put a smile on my face.
There are definitely some triggers in this book for women who have lost babies, have pregnancy concerns, have fertility problems, or addiction problems.
I enjoy all these Color of Heaven stories which, in the end, put a smile on my face.
June 5, 2020
A wonderful story.
I don’t just recommend this book, I strongly urge you to read the series. Since each book is about a character who was introduced in a previous book, you’ll understand the characters in the current book better. Yes, each book is a stand-alone novel but they really do need to be read as a series.
I don’t just recommend this book, I strongly urge you to read the series. Since each book is about a character who was introduced in a previous book, you’ll understand the characters in the current book better. Yes, each book is a stand-alone novel but they really do need to be read as a series.
February 15, 2021
Part suspense, part mystery, part love story, this installment was a little different than the rest. It was obvious the two stories being told held the key to the mystery but it wasn’t clear how. A little more desperation than past stories - but otherwise the formula remains intact. High highs, low lows and glorious redemption for the good guys & gals.
June 20, 2021
i really enjoyed knowing Riley based on book 7 i really wanted to know him and his wife. I just cannot believe that their child was taken like that. I did enjoy knowing Jenn and Sylvie as well cause i was shocked midway through the book but i was so happy that the ending was what it was cause i felt all of the emotions of all these books in the series how everything is connected together
November 1, 2021
Do not pick up this book if you have anything important to do that day!! It is hard to put this down.
Nicely written story of Riley & Lois, who are ready to deliver their third child, and Jenn & Jake, who are expecting their first, and how their paths cross in very unique way.
Riley’s deceased sister, Leah, also plays an important role in this.
Nicely written story of Riley & Lois, who are ready to deliver their third child, and Jenn & Jake, who are expecting their first, and how their paths cross in very unique way.
Riley’s deceased sister, Leah, also plays an important role in this.
April 18, 2022
Life Changing
Everyone faces obstacles in life in someway shape or form, how do we find the strength to move forward and push through? This book brings to light that even though we are sometimes at the bottom of the bottom, there is also magic, joy, love and hope that brings a new light in our darkness. We look at things differently and find happiness that fills our soul.
Everyone faces obstacles in life in someway shape or form, how do we find the strength to move forward and push through? This book brings to light that even though we are sometimes at the bottom of the bottom, there is also magic, joy, love and hope that brings a new light in our darkness. We look at things differently and find happiness that fills our soul.
January 29, 2023
NWow! Top shelf
I really enjoyed this book, it was full of twist and turns with more supernatural woven mixed into their lives. I was not only hooked but on the edge of my set hoping and praying they would find the baby and Jenn in time. I highly recommend this book and the series.
I really enjoyed this book, it was full of twist and turns with more supernatural woven mixed into their lives. I was not only hooked but on the edge of my set hoping and praying they would find the baby and Jenn in time. I highly recommend this book and the series.
December 14, 2023
Very convoluted and unrealistic.
There were so many characters in this book that were spaced so far apart in time, it was very difficult to remember relationships. It came together at the end, however it was very hard to keep reading. I almost put it stopped it reading it several times. I did not enjoy this one as much as I have her previous books.
There were so many characters in this book that were spaced so far apart in time, it was very difficult to remember relationships. It came together at the end, however it was very hard to keep reading. I almost put it stopped it reading it several times. I did not enjoy this one as much as I have her previous books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews