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Because You're Mine
Amid the beauty of Charleston, not all is as it seems.
When her husband Liam is killed by a car bomb while their Celtic band is on tour in Charleston, singer and Irish beauty Alanna doesn’t quite know where to turn. Her father-in-law is threatening to take custody of the baby she carries, but Alanna knows she can’t lose the only piece of Liam she has left.
Alanna’s manager offers her a marriage of convenience to obtain U.S. citizenship and allow her to escape her father-in-law’s control. It seems like the perfect solution until she arrives at the family home of her new husband—a decaying mansion with more questions than answers.
Strange things begin happening that threaten Alanna’s life and the life of her child. Are they merely coincidences? Or is something more sinister at work?
A mysterious painting, a haunting melody, and a love stronger than death leave Alanna questioning where darkness ends and light begins.
When her husband Liam is killed by a car bomb while their Celtic band is on tour in Charleston, singer and Irish beauty Alanna doesn’t quite know where to turn. Her father-in-law is threatening to take custody of the baby she carries, but Alanna knows she can’t lose the only piece of Liam she has left.
Alanna’s manager offers her a marriage of convenience to obtain U.S. citizenship and allow her to escape her father-in-law’s control. It seems like the perfect solution until she arrives at the family home of her new husband—a decaying mansion with more questions than answers.
Strange things begin happening that threaten Alanna’s life and the life of her child. Are they merely coincidences? Or is something more sinister at work?
A mysterious painting, a haunting melody, and a love stronger than death leave Alanna questioning where darkness ends and light begins.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 10, 2017
269 people are currently reading
2676 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Coble
147 books6,316 followersUSAToday bestselling author Colleen Coble lives with her husband, Dave, in Arizona. She is the author of dozens of novels including the Rock Harbor Series, the Aloha Reef Series, the Mercy Falls Series, the Hope Beach Series, the Lonestar Series and two Women of Faith fiction selections, Alaska Twilight and Midnight Sea. She has more than 6 million books in print.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 457 reviews
June 23, 2017
You know when you watch a drama like Braveheart or Steel-magnolias and it is high quality, film , acting, wardrobe and cinematography? Then you turn on the lifetime channel and they have a show like steel magnolias that has a daughter that dies and the acting is over done, the music is cheesy, you can tell it's not really filmed in the south but on a set. Well that was what reading this book was like. It was just overdone drama with shallow acting and unbelievable story line and characters you just can't connect with. On page 42 I knew the big secret of the book, yes there were parts I hadn't put together but for a mystery to be over that quick was sad. This whole book just really disappointed me, there is just no way this story is believable at all.
December 29, 2022
Because You’re Mine (Thomas Nelson, 2017), by Colleen Coble, is a contemporary Christian suspense with a bit of romance set in Charleston, South Carolina and Dublin, Ireland. To all appearances, it is not the beginning of a series, though I think there is the potential for a sequel (or two or three) with the secondary characters. I chose to read this book because Colleen Coble is an author I try to keep up with, and I was able to get it through NetGalley. (Yay, hooray!)
Rating: 4 1/2 stars
The plot: Thirty-two year-old, redheaded Alanna Connolly is an Irish singer and fiddler for the four-woman Celtic band Ceol. She is blessed with a marriage to Liam Connolly, the love of her life and with a music career that is taking off. One day after a concert performance, Liam’s good friend Jesse Hawthorne invites him for a ride in Jesse’s fancy new car, which then tragically blows up near Alanna. “Deep inside, she knew no one could survive the intensity of those flames.”
To top things off, Alanna is newly pregnant for the first time, and upon learning of it, Liam’s grieving parents are determined to wrest the baby away from her. Her father-in-law warns her that he will have her declared unfit, have her visa revoked, and then raise the child himself. He has a prestigious political position in Ireland, and is very powerful, so Alanna fears he will be able to do as he threatens. She flees to America, accepting her manager’s offer of a marriage of convenience as well as his offer to adopt her baby so that she might become an American citizen and her child will have a legal father. She is determined to protect her baby from her father-in-law at all costs.
Christian elements:
* “She tried to pray again, but she knew God wasn’t listening. Not with the anger she still harbored toward him.” There isn’t overmuch in the way of Christian doctrine in this book, but the concept presented in the quote above is one that I simultaneously question and understand. God is all-knowing, so surely He hears us whether we’re angry with him or not. However, it should be our goal to have our hearts right when we pray. What parent will have a soft heart towards a child speaking in anger?
I decided to look up this topic a bit, and I'm satisfied. Take a look at the following verses:
Psalm 66:18-19:
18 If I had cherished iniquity in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened.
19 But truly God has listened;
he has attended to the voice of my prayer
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges says:
"Hypocrisy disqualifies the suppliant, but he is confident that he is no hypocrite, and the answer to his prayer justifies him. There is no self-righteousness in this, but the simplicity of 'a conscience void of offence toward God and men.'"
* “With the anger she felt, her destination was in doubt.” The Bible is pretty clear that if you have Jesus in your heart, you cannot be snatched out of his hand. This quote is the only reason I’m dropping this book down to 4 ½ stars. There are a couple of issues I was surprised, and even uneasy, to see in a Christian book, but I think Coble handles it well, and makes it work. No spoilers here, though. :-)
Other content: See Andrea Cox's review.
What I liked:
*I enjoyed the Irish slang included in the story. Words and phrases such as knackered, blokes, eejit, “mash and bangers,” etc. were fun to figure out in context. The grammar was occasionally different, as well. “It’s pale you are” sounds like Yoda, and adds a bit of Irish flavor to the conversations. (I can’t vouch for authenticity - I’m as American as can be, but I’ve read enough of Ms. Coble’s books to trust her to do her research.)
*I loved the close-knit relationship between the members of Ceol. The cast of characters is pretty large in this story, but I think it’s easy to keep them straight, as the reader can compartmentalize them. (Also, I think a large number of characters works well for a “What’s going on?” kind of story.)
*The budding romance between two of the secondary characters was cute. Also, the handling of the marriage of convenience was really well done, and felt realistic.
What I didn’t like: (The two things I have listed below are not problems with the book, per se, but are reflective of my preferences.
*There are a couple of very minor questions which I don’t believe were answered, but rest assured, most questions WERE answered. I’m one of those people who DOES like the end of a story to have things all neatly tied up. :-)
*I wasn’t scared, but I was frequently on the edge of my seat. This was still a bit more suspense than I prefer. :-)
Fans of contemporary Christian suspense will really like this book, I think. In general, I do not prefer contemporary or suspense novels, but I always enjoy whatever Colleen Coble writes. This book was … quite … suspenseful for my tastes. I’m generally patient about getting back to my book in progress, even though I’d nearly always rather be reading! But while in the middle of this book, I was always anxious to get back to the story as soon as possible.
This is one of the few books I have recommended to my husband. I think non-Christians would be fine with this book, and that it would easily appeal to men and women alike.
I will certainly still continue to read any Colleen Coble stories I get my hands on, though I certainly prefer her historical ones. I have Wyoming in my to-read pile, so that might be the next Coble book I read.
Rating: 4 1/2 stars
The plot: Thirty-two year-old, redheaded Alanna Connolly is an Irish singer and fiddler for the four-woman Celtic band Ceol. She is blessed with a marriage to Liam Connolly, the love of her life and with a music career that is taking off. One day after a concert performance, Liam’s good friend Jesse Hawthorne invites him for a ride in Jesse’s fancy new car, which then tragically blows up near Alanna. “Deep inside, she knew no one could survive the intensity of those flames.”
To top things off, Alanna is newly pregnant for the first time, and upon learning of it, Liam’s grieving parents are determined to wrest the baby away from her. Her father-in-law warns her that he will have her declared unfit, have her visa revoked, and then raise the child himself. He has a prestigious political position in Ireland, and is very powerful, so Alanna fears he will be able to do as he threatens. She flees to America, accepting her manager’s offer of a marriage of convenience as well as his offer to adopt her baby so that she might become an American citizen and her child will have a legal father. She is determined to protect her baby from her father-in-law at all costs.
Christian elements:
* “She tried to pray again, but she knew God wasn’t listening. Not with the anger she still harbored toward him.” There isn’t overmuch in the way of Christian doctrine in this book, but the concept presented in the quote above is one that I simultaneously question and understand. God is all-knowing, so surely He hears us whether we’re angry with him or not. However, it should be our goal to have our hearts right when we pray. What parent will have a soft heart towards a child speaking in anger?
I decided to look up this topic a bit, and I'm satisfied. Take a look at the following verses:
Psalm 66:18-19:
18 If I had cherished iniquity in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened.
19 But truly God has listened;
he has attended to the voice of my prayer
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges says:
"Hypocrisy disqualifies the suppliant, but he is confident that he is no hypocrite, and the answer to his prayer justifies him. There is no self-righteousness in this, but the simplicity of 'a conscience void of offence toward God and men.'"
* “With the anger she felt, her destination was in doubt.” The Bible is pretty clear that if you have Jesus in your heart, you cannot be snatched out of his hand. This quote is the only reason I’m dropping this book down to 4 ½ stars. There are a couple of issues I was surprised, and even uneasy, to see in a Christian book, but I think Coble handles it well, and makes it work. No spoilers here, though. :-)
Other content: See Andrea Cox's review.
What I liked:
*I enjoyed the Irish slang included in the story. Words and phrases such as knackered, blokes, eejit, “mash and bangers,” etc. were fun to figure out in context. The grammar was occasionally different, as well. “It’s pale you are” sounds like Yoda, and adds a bit of Irish flavor to the conversations. (I can’t vouch for authenticity - I’m as American as can be, but I’ve read enough of Ms. Coble’s books to trust her to do her research.)
*I loved the close-knit relationship between the members of Ceol. The cast of characters is pretty large in this story, but I think it’s easy to keep them straight, as the reader can compartmentalize them. (Also, I think a large number of characters works well for a “What’s going on?” kind of story.)
*The budding romance between two of the secondary characters was cute. Also, the handling of the marriage of convenience was really well done, and felt realistic.
What I didn’t like: (The two things I have listed below are not problems with the book, per se, but are reflective of my preferences.
*There are a couple of very minor questions which I don’t believe were answered, but rest assured, most questions WERE answered. I’m one of those people who DOES like the end of a story to have things all neatly tied up. :-)
*I wasn’t scared, but I was frequently on the edge of my seat. This was still a bit more suspense than I prefer. :-)
Fans of contemporary Christian suspense will really like this book, I think. In general, I do not prefer contemporary or suspense novels, but I always enjoy whatever Colleen Coble writes. This book was … quite … suspenseful for my tastes. I’m generally patient about getting back to my book in progress, even though I’d nearly always rather be reading! But while in the middle of this book, I was always anxious to get back to the story as soon as possible.
This is one of the few books I have recommended to my husband. I think non-Christians would be fine with this book, and that it would easily appeal to men and women alike.
I will certainly still continue to read any Colleen Coble stories I get my hands on, though I certainly prefer her historical ones. I have Wyoming in my to-read pile, so that might be the next Coble book I read.
February 18, 2017
Because You're Mine is a Gothic novel set in Charleston, South Carolina. Most of the story takes place on a large run down estate located next to a swamp. The author does a nice job of painting the setting.
It was obvious in the first chapter what had happened to Liam and Jesse, two of the main characters. I believe this was purposeful by the author and when the reveal happens toward the end of the book, there is no surprise. Rather than being a suspense novel with a build-up about the villain, this was more about establishing a dark and troubling mood throughout the novel.
The main character Alanna makes some poor decisions. While these were troubling, I didn't find them unrealistic. She felt pushed into a corner, was in mourning and had the extra hormones of pregnancy.
What I did find unrealistic was the reaction to a couple of events that occurred in the novel.
Overall, it was an enjoyable novel.
My gratitude to publisher Thomas Nelson for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
It was obvious in the first chapter what had happened to Liam and Jesse, two of the main characters. I believe this was purposeful by the author and when the reveal happens toward the end of the book, there is no surprise. Rather than being a suspense novel with a build-up about the villain, this was more about establishing a dark and troubling mood throughout the novel.
The main character Alanna makes some poor decisions. While these were troubling, I didn't find them unrealistic. She felt pushed into a corner, was in mourning and had the extra hormones of pregnancy.
What I did find unrealistic was the reaction to a couple of events that occurred in the novel.
Overall, it was an enjoyable novel.
My gratitude to publisher Thomas Nelson for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
March 18, 2017
In the descriptive prose she is so well known for, Colleen Coble writes a chilling tale of an old, decaying plantation that whispers of secrets—set amongst the backdrop of waving seagrass and the salty ocean scents of Charleston, South Carolina. The beautiful, red-headed Irish heroine, Alanna, is not the brightest bulb in the pack, but I blame it on her desperation, grief, and the fact that she is expecting a child. But wandering barefoot to the lagoon where her new (and I might add weird acting) husband's pet alligator lies in wait...not too intelligent. I would have rated this higher, but I figured out who-dun-it and the motive 50% in. However, if you like creepy old mansions, man-eating alligators, mossy lagoons, scary heart-palpitating, never ending excitement, and sweet romance, then I highly recommend Because You're Mine! Colleen Coble can do no wrong in my book (pardon the pun) and this South Carolina girl enjoyed this novel immensely!
February 17, 2017
This is actually the first book I have read by Colleen Coble. She is such a popular author that it seems absurd, I know. But, here it is! My first Colleen Coble book ever.
I really had no idea what to expect going into this book. I didn't really read the blurb very well so the whole book was sort of a surprise to me. I actually like it that way. I didn't expect the creepy sort of suspense I was feeling for most of this book. But I liked it! It was good for me because I don't like things too intense.
Yes, the whole story was completely predictable. You can call the ending from almost the beginning when the bomb goes off, but I didn't mind that.
I enjoyed the moments in the book where I felt the Irish brogue coming out. I also enjoyed the musical moments where the music transported the characters. It helped me connect to them and to the story. I wish there would have been more of that.
I'm not so sure I loved Alanna. There were some inconsistencies in her character, I think. I would have liked to have seen more resolution between Alanna and her mother and Alanna and her in-laws.
Overall a good book and a light read. Nothing to be taken too seriously. I liked it. 3/5 stars from me.
Content: I guess this is supposed to be a Christian fiction book but I can't really remember much of that. There definitely wasn't anything overly preachy. It was clean- no swearing or sexual situations but there is some light innuendo and some moments of mild violence.
- I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was under no obligation to review and all opinions expressed are my own.
I really had no idea what to expect going into this book. I didn't really read the blurb very well so the whole book was sort of a surprise to me. I actually like it that way. I didn't expect the creepy sort of suspense I was feeling for most of this book. But I liked it! It was good for me because I don't like things too intense.
Yes, the whole story was completely predictable. You can call the ending from almost the beginning when the bomb goes off, but I didn't mind that.
I enjoyed the moments in the book where I felt the Irish brogue coming out. I also enjoyed the musical moments where the music transported the characters. It helped me connect to them and to the story. I wish there would have been more of that.
I'm not so sure I loved Alanna. There were some inconsistencies in her character, I think. I would have liked to have seen more resolution between Alanna and her mother and Alanna and her in-laws.
Overall a good book and a light read. Nothing to be taken too seriously. I liked it. 3/5 stars from me.
Content: I guess this is supposed to be a Christian fiction book but I can't really remember much of that. There definitely wasn't anything overly preachy. It was clean- no swearing or sexual situations but there is some light innuendo and some moments of mild violence.
- I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was under no obligation to review and all opinions expressed are my own.
August 10, 2025
Eeeekkk! So Gothic, but in a modern era. Banshees and haunted mansions and a guy who has an alligator for a pet?? Oh my!
I loved the parts about the Ceol music group, Irish heritage, and I loved Alanna as the main character.
I didn't see the need for the talk about the possibility of an exorcism/a possession by a soul....that was just flat weird, and
It was just about impossible to put down, so make sure you have plenty of reading time before picking it up.
Christianity: some prayers and a Scripture
Profanity: "bloody"—the British version of "d*d"
I loved the parts about the Ceol music group, Irish heritage, and I loved Alanna as the main character.
I didn't see the need for the talk about the possibility of an exorcism/a possession by a soul....that was just flat weird, and
It was just about impossible to put down, so make sure you have plenty of reading time before picking it up.
Christianity: some prayers and a Scripture
Profanity: "bloody"—the British version of "d*d"
March 19, 2017
I haven't read a Colleen Coble book that I haven't enjoyed and this one was no exception. I enjoyed the spooky, mysterious mansion setting in the swamps of the south. Very different from other novels by her that I've read so far. The creepiness of the mansion hooked my attention right away and I knew this book was going to give me some good suspense.
The book started off slowly for me, but once it picked up I was hooked until the end.
I enjoyed the character Alanna and the emotions Colleen penned for all of her characters really brought them to life for me.
Overall I enjoyed this read and look forward to getting my hands on another book of hers.
The book started off slowly for me, but once it picked up I was hooked until the end.
I enjoyed the character Alanna and the emotions Colleen penned for all of her characters really brought them to life for me.
Overall I enjoyed this read and look forward to getting my hands on another book of hers.
October 20, 2016
I've been reading Colleen Coble's books a long time. She writes very nice Christian suspense. This one is set in Charleston, SC, which I enjoyed being a South Carolinian. It was a good plot and good suspense, although I did guess one of the components of the story not too far into the book. It's well worth the read.
*I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book by Net Galley. My review is honest and my own.
*I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book by Net Galley. My review is honest and my own.
December 14, 2019
A modern mystery with gothic vibes and a dangerous psycho manipulating all the strings…? Yes, please! This book gave me the chills and kept me fascinated the whole way through. While I didn’t believe that Alanna would really be stupid enough to trust sleazy Barry, I soon got thoroughly wrapped up in following the clues to uncover all the nooks and crannies of this psychological mystery—enough so that I forgave Alanna’s initial stupidity. I liked how the Irish heritage played such a huge role in the plot.
One disappointing thing was that strip clubs and exotic dancers were shown to be fun, good things rather than the tempters they are.
One major plot “twist” was easy to figure out.
Content: expletive, alcohol, suicide, tattoos, talk of spiritual/demon possession, strip club/exotic dancers, tobacco, derogatory term
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley, but I also bought a copy. These are my honest thoughts based on the hardback copy I purchased.
One disappointing thing was that strip clubs and exotic dancers were shown to be fun, good things rather than the tempters they are.
One major plot “twist” was easy to figure out.
Content: expletive, alcohol, suicide, tattoos, talk of spiritual/demon possession, strip club/exotic dancers, tobacco, derogatory term
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley, but I also bought a copy. These are my honest thoughts based on the hardback copy I purchased.
February 7, 2022
3.5 stars!
My first Colleen Coble read!
I really liked this adult contemporary fiction! Very predictable, however, unique story line and good read in general. I read as an audiobook and liked the voice and Irish inflections throughout!
A reminder that mother's a have fierce protection for their children and in some circumstances, will do anything for children, even rushing into things not thinking wouldn't be ideal until it's too late. An incredible lesson to listen to your guts, inner red flags and trust your intuition!
My first Colleen Coble read!
I really liked this adult contemporary fiction! Very predictable, however, unique story line and good read in general. I read as an audiobook and liked the voice and Irish inflections throughout!
A reminder that mother's a have fierce protection for their children and in some circumstances, will do anything for children, even rushing into things not thinking wouldn't be ideal until it's too late. An incredible lesson to listen to your guts, inner red flags and trust your intuition!
February 12, 2017
Well, I managed to finish this book! I think that was an achievement in itself, after wanting to give up on numerous occassions. (Serves me right for judging a book by its cover, I guess!)I struggled to relate to any of the characters, and the plot was totally ridiculous, especially the ending! Haivng read other reviews I may try other books by the author, as other reviewers stated that it was not up to her usual standard.
June 2, 2017
Oh please. Not only was this transparent from the get-go, but ridiculous in many aspects of premise. I read it only because it was supposedly set in Charleston and a nearby plantation. I'll give the author credit for getting Hibernian Hall as a conceivable location for an Irish performance, though it's not a theater, and she didn't have John Corless mentioned. She also got that there can be blackwater within 20 miles of Charleston, but not much else realistic about the setting of the "decaying mansion" where Alanna and her new husband reside. My eyeballing was so evident as I was reading the book, that my husband, sitting across the room from me, thought I might be having seizures. I think I actually slammed the book shut when she had a characterstuff his face full of "bennes" (meaning benne cookies, or benne wafers) and come from the kitchen holding two more. The problem is "bennes" are sesame seeds and distinctly different from benne wafers. And let's not even get into some of the medical stuff that happens... full body burns healed completely, enough for final facial reconstruction with no scarring within 6 months? Knife wounds and other miraculous healings? Even a willing suspension of disbelief and a deep faith in powers beyond human couldn't sustain me.
I recognize that the author has many, many books to her credit, but now realize there's a decided difference between a USA Today best selling author and a New York Times bestselling author.
PS Don't feed alligators marshmallows.
I recognize that the author has many, many books to her credit, but now realize there's a decided difference between a USA Today best selling author and a New York Times bestselling author.
PS Don't feed alligators marshmallows.
October 6, 2024
"Two souls bound and none can sever. This night song is for you."
Shortly after singing those words to the love of his life, Liam Connolly's life was incinerated by an horrific car bomb. Devastated beyond belief is his wife, Alanna, whose Celtic band has just begun to emerge on the national scene, booking tours weeks upon weeks in advance. Travelling back to Ireland with Liam's body is excruciating enough, but Liam's family delivers an unexpected ultimatum; live there with them in Ireland and give up her music, or have her unborn child removed from her custody.
Desperate people do desperate things and Alanna hurriedly accepts a proposal of marriage from their band manager, Barry Kavanagh, who whose legal expertise is invaluable as he promises to make sure that Alanna can maintain parental rights to Liam's son. But nothing about Barry or his family makes sense; Alanna feels isolated in the deteriorated coastal mansion where he decides they will live, and unexplainable accidents seem to plague her on a regular basis. Weirder still, is that Liam's friend Jesse who survived the bomb, but has very limited memory, seems to have morphed into someone they barely know, or do they?
"Though death will try to break our hearts . . . . . . . This night song is for you."
Captivating from the very beginning, I thoroughly enjoyed this story, having received a copy of the book from the publisher; the opinions about which, I have stated above, are entirely my own.
Shortly after singing those words to the love of his life, Liam Connolly's life was incinerated by an horrific car bomb. Devastated beyond belief is his wife, Alanna, whose Celtic band has just begun to emerge on the national scene, booking tours weeks upon weeks in advance. Travelling back to Ireland with Liam's body is excruciating enough, but Liam's family delivers an unexpected ultimatum; live there with them in Ireland and give up her music, or have her unborn child removed from her custody.
Desperate people do desperate things and Alanna hurriedly accepts a proposal of marriage from their band manager, Barry Kavanagh, who whose legal expertise is invaluable as he promises to make sure that Alanna can maintain parental rights to Liam's son. But nothing about Barry or his family makes sense; Alanna feels isolated in the deteriorated coastal mansion where he decides they will live, and unexplainable accidents seem to plague her on a regular basis. Weirder still, is that Liam's friend Jesse who survived the bomb, but has very limited memory, seems to have morphed into someone they barely know, or do they?
"Though death will try to break our hearts . . . . . . . This night song is for you."
Captivating from the very beginning, I thoroughly enjoyed this story, having received a copy of the book from the publisher; the opinions about which, I have stated above, are entirely my own.
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October 30, 2024
My thoughts towards the beginning of the book: This was a bit of a far fetched story. I just didn’t like that the male main character’s name was Barry. It made him seem so much older than her. It felt like Barry was trying to get at her when she was still married to Liam. Uh, no, sir, absolutely not! He even mentioned to her how he always wanted her. That’s not a love story to me. *head shaking* Barry’s mother was horrible and intolerable! Alanna could be so dumb at times and that annoyed me at times. Just somethings in the book just didn’t sit right with me so I lowered my rating.
My thoughts at the end of the book: DUDE, at the end and now I understand everything! It all makes sense! Colleen Coble stunned me!😱 The mystery shocked me and I enjoy a mystery that surprises me. That’s what made my ratings a three star, but this mystery could have been better.
My thoughts at the end of the book: DUDE, at the end and now I understand everything! It all makes sense! Colleen Coble stunned me!😱 The mystery shocked me and I enjoy a mystery that surprises me. That’s what made my ratings a three star, but this mystery could have been better.
November 16, 2016
I really really wanted to love this book! I've read a good chunk of Colleen Coble's books, and they never disappoint. The cover, the title, even the plot - fabulous! However, there were too many aspects in the writing that put my back up. First, I'm from the UK, and maybe that was the problem. We use words like 'bloke' 'mates' 'bangers' etc as slang yes, but, we don't generally replace it for the correct word all the time. It was so repetitious and became really annoying. It didn't feel like natural speech, and while I will use the word mates, I will also use the word friends, depending on who I am addressing. Second, I know the Irish will speak a little different and maybe throw around their word order in a sentence, depending on what they are trying to say. Maybe this book was vetted by an Irish person, but sometimes it didn't sound to me like Irish. Instead it was more Yoda from Star Wars.
I apologize that although this was likely unnoticeable to the average American reader, for me it was a real problem. I started to get really annoyed too, because it was obvious a resolve was likely to happen with Alanna & Jesse, by 75% of the way through the book the connection was still so odd and distant. Of course, once I neared the end it was more clear just what was happening, I just felt this weird disconnect with the two main characters almost the entire way through, in fact in parts I felt like Barry had more page time than Jesse, at least with Alanna. I also really struggled with her supposed great epic love for Liam, she seemed to get over it far too fast - at least with the outward physical aspect. I found her as a character really hard to connect with, and that plays a big part in my response to a book.
Overall, like I said great plot idea, enjoyed the part in which Alanna has to make a potentially life or death decision over her unborn baby, and loved how she listened to the prompting she got. One of my favourite parts of the story. Plus, who keeps gators in a pond and feeds them live kittens??! Creepy. That should sent the alarm bells ringing!!! I would have loved to find out Prince's back story, other than the assumption he has just been abused. Colleen's books always include plenty of danger, and creepy factor, usually a murder or two. This one felt a little more dark than usual. I really wanted to love it though. I love Ireland and the people, I just couldn't wrap my head around their speech. At any point did it explain why Liam looked so much like Jesse?
Thanks to Netgalley & Thomas Nelson for the complimentary copy, this is my honest review.
I apologize that although this was likely unnoticeable to the average American reader, for me it was a real problem. I started to get really annoyed too, because it was obvious a resolve was likely to happen with Alanna & Jesse, by 75% of the way through the book the connection was still so odd and distant. Of course, once I neared the end it was more clear just what was happening, I just felt this weird disconnect with the two main characters almost the entire way through, in fact in parts I felt like Barry had more page time than Jesse, at least with Alanna. I also really struggled with her supposed great epic love for Liam, she seemed to get over it far too fast - at least with the outward physical aspect. I found her as a character really hard to connect with, and that plays a big part in my response to a book.
Overall, like I said great plot idea, enjoyed the part in which Alanna has to make a potentially life or death decision over her unborn baby, and loved how she listened to the prompting she got. One of my favourite parts of the story. Plus, who keeps gators in a pond and feeds them live kittens??! Creepy. That should sent the alarm bells ringing!!! I would have loved to find out Prince's back story, other than the assumption he has just been abused. Colleen's books always include plenty of danger, and creepy factor, usually a murder or two. This one felt a little more dark than usual. I really wanted to love it though. I love Ireland and the people, I just couldn't wrap my head around their speech. At any point did it explain why Liam looked so much like Jesse?
Thanks to Netgalley & Thomas Nelson for the complimentary copy, this is my honest review.
May 14, 2020
3.5 stars.
While this was not one of my favorite Colleen Coble books, it was an exciting read. The book constantly had me trying to figure out so many different aspects of the story. The trial that Allana was forced to go through was tragic and it was interesting to see how she coped with the situation. Determining the background of her life was one of the mysteries of the book and I was a little disappointed in the end. I certainly didn't see Barry's story coming. I thought that the story had a lot of suspense, but it didn't seem as intense as some of her other books.
While this was not one of my favorite Colleen Coble books, it was an exciting read. The book constantly had me trying to figure out so many different aspects of the story. The trial that Allana was forced to go through was tragic and it was interesting to see how she coped with the situation. Determining the background of her life was one of the mysteries of the book and I was a little disappointed in the end. I certainly didn't see Barry's story coming. I thought that the story had a lot of suspense, but it didn't seem as intense as some of her other books.
March 3, 2017
Another good suspense and mystery novel from Colleen Coble. There are characters with whom to love and connect, some to pity, and some to loathe. The question is who belongs in what category? An interesting plot with a terrific twist, a creepy mansion, and several secrets all make for a great read. At the end you may have figured out the mystery. Part of the mystery is pretty much solved early on in the book, but the suspense still held this readers attention. That doesn't always happen.
If you enjoy good clean mystery/suspense novels I recommend any of the books I've read by this author.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
If you enjoy good clean mystery/suspense novels I recommend any of the books I've read by this author.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
June 30, 2021
Colleen Coble is so versatile in her writing. You never can pre-determine how the story will progress. However, in the end, you can see how everything fits together. This story is complete by itself, not needing more novels to bring like her other writings to make a full picture. It only took me four days to complete the story.
September 14, 2020
For the 1st time I have finally figured out one of Colleen Coble books before the end. That is amazing because I can never figure out her mysteries!! I liked this book eventhough I figured it out. I like the female lead and the male lead who was a lawyer. You just knew something was up with him from the beginning. I also liked the female lead husband. I have so questions about him in the book. I think I am safe to say he loses his Irish accent and I wonder how?? The rest I could live with. The ending was suspenseful. I like how one character used something he like to hurt the other characters. I think overall a good book. Remember you'll probably figure it out but is still a great read. Highly recommend it!!
January 27, 2018
Oh, to have a negative star rating available. This was perhaps the worst book I've ever read. I cannot think of one that tops it, actually. I try to remember that behind every book is a person who wrote it and to not be unkind in my remarks, but Ms. Coble... this was truly dreadful (and I'm a FAN!!!). It's like the twisted child of a DuMaurier and a Bronte novel replete with an entire cast of characters who are as dumb as posts. The conclusions these people leap to -right over the obvious- are beyond ridiculous. The entire story is completely unbelievable, and EVERY. SINGLE. ASPECT. of the plot is absurd in its transparency; from page 20 I could have written it myself!! And let's talk for a minute about the "Christian" message here, from the protagonist's concern that she surely won't make heaven now because she's mad at God (since when do we earn and lose salvation??), to her unquestioning belief in BANSHEES... BANSHEES, people. And let's not forget that she believed for 1/3 of the book that her husband's soul had somehow been transferred to another man's body. It concerns me (mildly put) that this book was approved by Thomas Nelson simply because Coble threw in a Psalm toward the end to make it all pretty-like, when the heart of the message is impossible to reconcile with Christian thought. It's just bad, y'all. B.A.D bad. Unless you're one of those people (like me, apparently) who just can't look away from a car-wreck, you'll want to take a pass on this one and hope, beyond all hope, that Ms. Coble returns to her senses.
December 11, 2016
This book had me page-turning as fast as I could read to get to the end and find the answers, even the title put my mind singing “Because You're Mine”, and you can conjure up what the story is about. Wrong.
Allana appears to have it all as the book opens, her Celtic band is heading to the top, she is married to the man of her dreams, and they are expecting their first baby. Of course, things can’t stay that way, but you never expect the turn of events that are about to happen.
While I figured out early on what was happening, there were still lots of surprises, and all that we picture is not always as they are, and with this book it is so very true.
The estate that Allana ended up at gave me the creeps, while I should have loved the historic old mansion, and when the pets or domestic animals, cats and dogs, end up missing, ugh!
With her father-in-law threatening to take her baby, and her manager offering her a life line, we have to hope that this is the answer, sounds good, but of course, things are not all what we think they are.
I loved her friends, and the mention of the Travelers, and the connection to them, our Irish Gypsies, and as it turns out Allana’s roots.
Once you start this one you are going to need answers.
I received this book through Net Galley the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review
Allana appears to have it all as the book opens, her Celtic band is heading to the top, she is married to the man of her dreams, and they are expecting their first baby. Of course, things can’t stay that way, but you never expect the turn of events that are about to happen.
While I figured out early on what was happening, there were still lots of surprises, and all that we picture is not always as they are, and with this book it is so very true.
The estate that Allana ended up at gave me the creeps, while I should have loved the historic old mansion, and when the pets or domestic animals, cats and dogs, end up missing, ugh!
With her father-in-law threatening to take her baby, and her manager offering her a life line, we have to hope that this is the answer, sounds good, but of course, things are not all what we think they are.
I loved her friends, and the mention of the Travelers, and the connection to them, our Irish Gypsies, and as it turns out Allana’s roots.
Once you start this one you are going to need answers.
I received this book through Net Galley the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review
January 11, 2017
I am not sure where to start. I was so looking forward to reading this book as I have read many of Colleen's books. This story came out of left field and it didn't seem like the same author had written it. The overall concept is interesting but this book fell flat for me. The characters are so wishy washy and I felt no character development or connection. The suspense part was not really suspenseful and was more confusing than not. I felt like too much was just thrown in this book and it didn't flow right. Once the ending was getting close I had it figured out but was disappointed. The relationship with Jesse and Liam and Alanna is pretty much weird and how it ended seemed very unrealistic. The mentioning of soul transferring and an exorcism were completely random and not necessary. I don't want to give away too much but DNA is DNA.
Anyway this isn't a Colleen Coble book I would recommend. She has so many other wonderful books that this one just wasn't up to par.
Three stars.
"I received this book from Booklook for free. All opinions are my own."
Anyway this isn't a Colleen Coble book I would recommend. She has so many other wonderful books that this one just wasn't up to par.
Three stars.
"I received this book from Booklook for free. All opinions are my own."
October 11, 2016
This book was different than the Colleen Coble books I'm used to. It had a little less mystery and a little more psychological thriller in it but it didn't grip me as either.
I enjoyed the stories although I saw the twists coming because I liked the author delving into the darker parts of people's personalities. It was interesting, and I wish some of the book had been from the antagonist's point of view. I think that would be given a deeper level into the character development in the book.
I received this book from Netgalley. My thoughts are my own.
I enjoyed the stories although I saw the twists coming because I liked the author delving into the darker parts of people's personalities. It was interesting, and I wish some of the book had been from the antagonist's point of view. I think that would be given a deeper level into the character development in the book.
I received this book from Netgalley. My thoughts are my own.
September 24, 2017
Sometimes, you pick up a book because you like the cover and you read the back and see it’s about a Celtic band. You think, “Hey, I love Ireland and their culture.” Then, you realize you’re reading a Christian Romance Mystery novel, and you question your judgement and what you did in a past life to bring you to this fresh hell.
March 11, 2021
RTC...maybe. Got mixed feelings about this one.
February 3, 2023
This gothic thriller was different than the normal romantic suspense I have come to enjoy and love by Colleen Coble.
I listened to the audiobook and I enjoyed how the narrator were able to get the Irish accent pinned down. I would not have been able to do that in my head while reading a print copy.
There was a few weird things, a few scary things and a few revelations I easily guessed while others caught me by surprise.
*I listened to the audiobook on Scribd.*
I listened to the audiobook and I enjoyed how the narrator were able to get the Irish accent pinned down. I would not have been able to do that in my head while reading a print copy.
There was a few weird things, a few scary things and a few revelations I easily guessed while others caught me by surprise.
*I listened to the audiobook on Scribd.*
March 11, 2017
3.5 Stars
I would have rated this one higher but I had already figured out what was gonna happen halfway through.
It was a cute southern whodunnit read.
Based in South Carolina, I liked the setting of the story because it was familiar.
I wish she had made it a little more difficult to figure out the ending though.
My first Colleen Coble book. I may consider reading another in the future.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.
I would have rated this one higher but I had already figured out what was gonna happen halfway through.
It was a cute southern whodunnit read.
Based in South Carolina, I liked the setting of the story because it was familiar.
I wish she had made it a little more difficult to figure out the ending though.
My first Colleen Coble book. I may consider reading another in the future.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.
October 8, 2020
Coble's creepy mystery will have readers in its grip from the first page. The sinister setting and odd characters add to the atmospheric suspense of the tale. The ultimate resolution and the ending twist are eye-rolling, as they are so far-fetched and unbelievable. For a psychological fiction novel as pure escapism from reality, this one is a good choice.
Alanna Connolly and her husband Liam are part of a renowned Celtic music group. When Liam and his friend Jesse are involved in a car explosion and Liam is killed, Alanna's life, and that of her unborn child, is thrown into a tumult. When she returns to Ireland to tell Liam's parents, they threaten to take the child from her, so Alanna agrees to marry her manager Barry in order to keep the baby safe. Barry whisks her away to his swamp-side mansion complete with alligators and strange happenings. Alanna learns that Jesse survived the explosion and he is trying to make amends. When the odd events begin to get more dangerous, Alanna needs to figure out what is going on before it's too late.
December 14, 2016
I usually enjoy a Colleen Coble book, but every now & then I come across one where I can predict the book by the end of the first chapter. And this was one of them. I read suspense and mysteries to be taken on a thrill ride and surprised and on edge. I was bored.
I skipped several chapters and could still follow the book without any difficulty. I was very disappointed with this one
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
I skipped several chapters and could still follow the book without any difficulty. I was very disappointed with this one
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
April 3, 2017
This book intrigued me from the start and I would consider it a modern day take on a gothic story. The mysteriousness of the storyline compelled me to continue to turn the pages long into the night. I could not quite connect with the character of Alanna. I somewhat understood why she did what she did, especially when her life took such an unreal turn. Pregnant and alone and receiving no help from family made her decisions more realistic. Her background was also a reason that made some of what I felt were poor decisions, more in line with her character. As I was reading this I was unsure of what and whom to trust. Everyone seemed distant and untrustworthy.
Ms. Coble definitely throws in some twists that make you think and second guess as Alanna, Jesse, and their bandmates did. However, some of the conclusions that they came up with were doozies and I was not sure what to make of them. At times I couldn’t wrap my mind on why they were thinking the way they were when a believable solution was not that far out of reach. For what it was, along the lines of a gothic novel, it was interesting and at times a creepy read. I just had to keep reality suspended.
I received a copy of this book for free. I was not required to post a positive review and the views and opinions expressed are my own.
Ms. Coble definitely throws in some twists that make you think and second guess as Alanna, Jesse, and their bandmates did. However, some of the conclusions that they came up with were doozies and I was not sure what to make of them. At times I couldn’t wrap my mind on why they were thinking the way they were when a believable solution was not that far out of reach. For what it was, along the lines of a gothic novel, it was interesting and at times a creepy read. I just had to keep reality suspended.
I received a copy of this book for free. I was not required to post a positive review and the views and opinions expressed are my own.
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