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Annie Pederson #1
Edge of Dusk
Even though secrets lie off the coast of Rock Harbor, the truth will set Annie Pederson free—if it doesn’t kill her first.
Nine-year-old Annie Pederson’s life changed the night her sister was kidnapped. The two had been outside playing on a dock, and Annie never forgave herself for her role in her sister’s disappearance. Twenty-four years later and now a law enforcement ranger, Annie is still searching for answers as she grieves a new loss: the death of her husband and parents in a boating accident.
But Annie and her eight-year-old daughter, Kylie, aren’t the only people in the town of Rock Harbor , Michigan, whose lives have been marred by tragedy. While managing the property around the Tremolo Resort and Marina she inherited, Annie discovers a dead body floating in the cold Superior surf and begins to work with the sheriff’s office to tie the death to a series of other mysterious reports in the area.
At the same time, her first love, Jon Dustan, returns after nine years away, reigniting the town’s memory of a cold case he’d been suspiciously linked to before he left to pursue his orthopedic residency. For the sake of her investigation and her heart, Annie tries to stay away. But avoiding Jon becomes impossible once Annie realizes she is being targeted by someone desperate to keep secrets from the past hidden.
In this new series, bestselling romantic-suspense author Colleen Coble returns to one of her most beloved towns, where familiar faces—and unsolved cases—await.
Nine-year-old Annie Pederson’s life changed the night her sister was kidnapped. The two had been outside playing on a dock, and Annie never forgave herself for her role in her sister’s disappearance. Twenty-four years later and now a law enforcement ranger, Annie is still searching for answers as she grieves a new loss: the death of her husband and parents in a boating accident.
But Annie and her eight-year-old daughter, Kylie, aren’t the only people in the town of Rock Harbor , Michigan, whose lives have been marred by tragedy. While managing the property around the Tremolo Resort and Marina she inherited, Annie discovers a dead body floating in the cold Superior surf and begins to work with the sheriff’s office to tie the death to a series of other mysterious reports in the area.
At the same time, her first love, Jon Dustan, returns after nine years away, reigniting the town’s memory of a cold case he’d been suspiciously linked to before he left to pursue his orthopedic residency. For the sake of her investigation and her heart, Annie tries to stay away. But avoiding Jon becomes impossible once Annie realizes she is being targeted by someone desperate to keep secrets from the past hidden.
In this new series, bestselling romantic-suspense author Colleen Coble returns to one of her most beloved towns, where familiar faces—and unsolved cases—await.
463 pages, Library Binding
First published July 12, 2022
1438 people are currently reading
7192 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Coble
147 books6,318 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 668 reviews
May 25, 2022
Colleen Coble brings excitement, anxiousness, and action to the first book in the Annie Pederson series,
Edge of Dusk
. This is a romantic suspense novel with a subtle Christian fiction tone set in in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in and around the village of Rock Harbor.
Annie’s five-year-old sister Laura was kidnapped when Annie was nine. Annie has never forgiven herself for letting it happen and neither did her father. Annie is now 33 and has an eight-year-old daughter, Kylie. Her husband and parents were killed in a boating accident two years ago. She is now a law enforcement ranger. Additionally, she runs the Tremolo Resort and Marina. When she finds a dead body floating in Lake Superior, she begins working with the sheriff’s office to solve the crime. At the same time, her old boyfriend, Jon Dustan, returns after being away for nine years. His presence inflames some of the locals. He was linked to a cold case before he left for his orthopedic residency. Can things get any more complex? Absolutely!
The author does a great job of characterization. Annie Pederson is a likeable character with grit and determination. However, her grief and self-recrimination over Laura’s kidnapping and Jon leaving her have had a deep effect on her spirit. Kylie is usually sweet but seems to have an unnatural dislike of Jon the minute she meets him. Many of the other characters have depth and either put readers on guard or invite them to learn more about them. Others needed a little more development, especially Taylor Moore.
This story has a multi-layered plot with several mysteries and some twists and turns as well as a few surprises along the way. It starts with a prologue set twenty-four years ago when Laura was kidnapped and then jumps to current times and a multitude of investigations and current case follow-ups. Additionally, Jon asks Annie to help him clear his name on the cold case. With the investigations heating up, Annie starts getting threats. Which case is causing someone to feel threatened and can Annie solve it before she winds up dead or injured?
The world-building is excellent. From the woods to the small towns to Lake Superior, readers are enveloped in the atmosphere of the Upper Peninsula. With lies, secrets, mysteries, and action, I couldn’t wait to read what was going to happen next. Themes include jealousy, friendship, misunderstanding, family, grief, anger management, murder, romance, kidnapping, and much more. While the main mysteries are wrapped up, there are several loose threads at the end of the novel that will make for excellent storylines in future novels.
Overall, this book was engaging, atmospheric, and suspenseful. It did a great job of keeping me hooked and having compassion for the characters through their struggles. This was an excellent start to what I hope will be a long series. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
Thomas Nelson—FICTION and Colleen Coble provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for July 12, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
Annie’s five-year-old sister Laura was kidnapped when Annie was nine. Annie has never forgiven herself for letting it happen and neither did her father. Annie is now 33 and has an eight-year-old daughter, Kylie. Her husband and parents were killed in a boating accident two years ago. She is now a law enforcement ranger. Additionally, she runs the Tremolo Resort and Marina. When she finds a dead body floating in Lake Superior, she begins working with the sheriff’s office to solve the crime. At the same time, her old boyfriend, Jon Dustan, returns after being away for nine years. His presence inflames some of the locals. He was linked to a cold case before he left for his orthopedic residency. Can things get any more complex? Absolutely!
The author does a great job of characterization. Annie Pederson is a likeable character with grit and determination. However, her grief and self-recrimination over Laura’s kidnapping and Jon leaving her have had a deep effect on her spirit. Kylie is usually sweet but seems to have an unnatural dislike of Jon the minute she meets him. Many of the other characters have depth and either put readers on guard or invite them to learn more about them. Others needed a little more development, especially Taylor Moore.
This story has a multi-layered plot with several mysteries and some twists and turns as well as a few surprises along the way. It starts with a prologue set twenty-four years ago when Laura was kidnapped and then jumps to current times and a multitude of investigations and current case follow-ups. Additionally, Jon asks Annie to help him clear his name on the cold case. With the investigations heating up, Annie starts getting threats. Which case is causing someone to feel threatened and can Annie solve it before she winds up dead or injured?
The world-building is excellent. From the woods to the small towns to Lake Superior, readers are enveloped in the atmosphere of the Upper Peninsula. With lies, secrets, mysteries, and action, I couldn’t wait to read what was going to happen next. Themes include jealousy, friendship, misunderstanding, family, grief, anger management, murder, romance, kidnapping, and much more. While the main mysteries are wrapped up, there are several loose threads at the end of the novel that will make for excellent storylines in future novels.
Overall, this book was engaging, atmospheric, and suspenseful. It did a great job of keeping me hooked and having compassion for the characters through their struggles. This was an excellent start to what I hope will be a long series. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
Thomas Nelson—FICTION and Colleen Coble provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for July 12, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
January 2, 2023
Annie Pederson knows how to take a lick and keep on ticking. She is one tough nut! This is the first in a trilogy set in Rock Harbor on the Upper Peninsula. This is my first read from Collen Coble and it was quite the exciting ride. Annie is a forest ranger and works closely with other law enforcement figures in the area. There are quite a few moving parts: 1) Annie's younger sister Sarah disappeared when Annie was nine. 2) Two bodies were discovered in a deserted cabin in the area. 3) There have been campers in the area who have been attacked and forced to participate in sadistic games. Since this is a trilogy, you can guess that there will be one or more of these issues to work out in later books. If you enjoy romantic suspense with characters who are open about their faith in God, then this is the book for you -- and two more to come.
August 4, 2022
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
EDGE OF DUSK (An Annie Pederson Novel Book #1) by Colleen Coble is the start of a new suspense series featuring a female ranger with romantic and Christian elements. This book has some characters carried over from Ms. Coble’s other books set in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, but I did not feel as though I needed any back story or was missing anything.
Annie Penderson was only nine-year-old when she and her younger sister, Laura were attacked as children. Annie was stabbed and left for dead while Laura was kidnapped from the dock of their Upper Peninsula home and never found. Twenty-four years later, Annie is a LEO ranger who still feels guilty for not protecting her sister and continues to search for her, while also being a single mother after the boating accident which killed both her husband and her parents.
While maintaining on the side the Tremolo Resort and Marina her parents left her, Annie finds a dead floating by the docks. It is the body of a missing hiking/camper, and he is not the first in the area to go missing.
At the same time, Dr. Jon Dustan returns to the area to sell his family’s summer cabin after his father’s stroke. Jon was Annie first love, but after a fight that tore them apart and suspicions from long ago tying him to two missing girls, he left the area for college. Annie wants to protect her heart, but when the missing girls’ bodies are discovered in an old cabin on the resort lands, it throws the two together again in hopes of solving the mystery once and for all.
This book has a lot happening in multiple plot lines. Some questions are answered in this book and others are set up to be continued in future books in the series. I liked the multiple mysteries and trying to figure out if they were connected or not. I did not feel the ending of the missing hikers/campers case was believable especially when you discover who else was complicit in the cover-up. I am interested enough to continue with the series to discover other solutions to the unsolved mysteries though. The Christian elements were minimal. The romantic elements had a few problems for me. I do not like when a misunderstanding lasts for almost an entire story, when the two supposed grown-ups can sit down and discuss their feelings sooner. This made it difficult for me to really connect with Annie and Jon who appear to be carrying this series forward.
Overall, this was an OK start to this new series. It has a few problems for me, but I do want to continue reading to discover where the cliff-hanger to one of the many mysteries leads.
RATING: 3.5 out of 5 Stars (Rounded up to 4)
EDGE OF DUSK (An Annie Pederson Novel Book #1) by Colleen Coble is the start of a new suspense series featuring a female ranger with romantic and Christian elements. This book has some characters carried over from Ms. Coble’s other books set in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, but I did not feel as though I needed any back story or was missing anything.
Annie Penderson was only nine-year-old when she and her younger sister, Laura were attacked as children. Annie was stabbed and left for dead while Laura was kidnapped from the dock of their Upper Peninsula home and never found. Twenty-four years later, Annie is a LEO ranger who still feels guilty for not protecting her sister and continues to search for her, while also being a single mother after the boating accident which killed both her husband and her parents.
While maintaining on the side the Tremolo Resort and Marina her parents left her, Annie finds a dead floating by the docks. It is the body of a missing hiking/camper, and he is not the first in the area to go missing.
At the same time, Dr. Jon Dustan returns to the area to sell his family’s summer cabin after his father’s stroke. Jon was Annie first love, but after a fight that tore them apart and suspicions from long ago tying him to two missing girls, he left the area for college. Annie wants to protect her heart, but when the missing girls’ bodies are discovered in an old cabin on the resort lands, it throws the two together again in hopes of solving the mystery once and for all.
This book has a lot happening in multiple plot lines. Some questions are answered in this book and others are set up to be continued in future books in the series. I liked the multiple mysteries and trying to figure out if they were connected or not. I did not feel the ending of the missing hikers/campers case was believable especially when you discover who else was complicit in the cover-up. I am interested enough to continue with the series to discover other solutions to the unsolved mysteries though. The Christian elements were minimal. The romantic elements had a few problems for me. I do not like when a misunderstanding lasts for almost an entire story, when the two supposed grown-ups can sit down and discuss their feelings sooner. This made it difficult for me to really connect with Annie and Jon who appear to be carrying this series forward.
Overall, this was an OK start to this new series. It has a few problems for me, but I do want to continue reading to discover where the cliff-hanger to one of the many mysteries leads.
RATING: 3.5 out of 5 Stars (Rounded up to 4)
July 7, 2022
Edge of Dusk is a trip back to Rock Harbor on the Upper Peninsula of Lake Superior in Michigan and what a trip! I read the Rock Harbor series years ago and really enjoyed it. This new one is a great addition with chills, danger, action, twists, turns, and reconnecting. Annie Pederson has had many losses in her life. First, her younger sister was abducted while they were children, then her parents and husband were killed when their boat blew up. She only has her nine-year-old daughter Kylie. She works as a park ranger and runs her family's marina. Her hands are full. Her first love, Jon Dunstan, is back in town to renovate his family's cabin to sell. His father is with him. Jon is a successful orthopedic surgeon and his career got in the way of their engagement years ago. Jon's past creeps up when bodies of two young women he was seen with years ago are found on Annie's property. The two work together to find the killer but it just puts Annie in danger. This is a wild ride to find answers and stay alive for Annie. There are several things going on in this story to figure out, including a strange young woman named Taylor working to help Annie with Kylie, and some attacks on campers. Taylor seems to have some ulterior motive against Annie. It does end with a little bit of unfinished business in my opinion so I cannot wait to read the next in this new series. I enjoyed seeing original characters from the series.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
March 29, 2023
This was my first Colleen Coble book and it did not disappoint! Really liked this story - 4 stars. It kept me engaged the entire time, I really connected with our characters and it had so much drama, suspense and action! Highly recommend the audiobook because the narrator really keeps you invested in the story.
This story is about Annie Pederson, a law enforcement ranger whose life changed forever the night her little sister was kidnapped. She has recently been through additional trauma with the loss of her husband and parents in a boating accident. She has truly been through it and then they discover remains that bring up old cold cases, a dead body that starts a new case, and the investagations take place. Her first love, Jon, comes back into town - he seems like a suspect in one case but is trying to clear his name there while rekindling his relationship with Annie. The story takes off here...
I really liked our characters and how fast paced this story was. The narrator really made the story for me. The first little bit was just OK but around 35% when some DRAMMMMA comes in, ya'll I was invested and NEEDED TO KNOW the tea! LOL Also liked the light faith elements and hope we have more in the next book. We saw more faith content at the end but it was still a small portion of the story I would love to see expanded upon in the next books.
By the end of this book, so much was revealed....I have to know what happens next so I'm gonna try to get book 2 ASAP! If you like romantic suspense, you will love this.
This story is about Annie Pederson, a law enforcement ranger whose life changed forever the night her little sister was kidnapped. She has recently been through additional trauma with the loss of her husband and parents in a boating accident. She has truly been through it and then they discover remains that bring up old cold cases, a dead body that starts a new case, and the investagations take place. Her first love, Jon, comes back into town - he seems like a suspect in one case but is trying to clear his name there while rekindling his relationship with Annie. The story takes off here...
I really liked our characters and how fast paced this story was. The narrator really made the story for me. The first little bit was just OK but around 35% when some DRAMMMMA comes in, ya'll I was invested and NEEDED TO KNOW the tea! LOL Also liked the light faith elements and hope we have more in the next book. We saw more faith content at the end but it was still a small portion of the story I would love to see expanded upon in the next books.
By the end of this book, so much was revealed....I have to know what happens next so I'm gonna try to get book 2 ASAP! If you like romantic suspense, you will love this.
May 15, 2022
Started as a pretty run of the mill suspense mystery until the second half, when I started getting whacked over the head with religion. And how-to tips for eating gluten-free.
February 18, 2023
I listened to the audiobook and it was very well done!
I am new to Colleen Coble. I’ve never read a book set in Rock Harbor. I don’t know any of the characters in her past series. I enjoyed this one though! I came to care about Annie and her daughter Kylie more than I expected.
This follows Annie Pederson, a law enforcement ranger, who experiences trauma at a young age when her sister is abducted and assumed dead. Then 24 years later, she discovers a body of a girl and an investigation ensues.
Her first love, Jon, is back in town and ends up helping with the investigation as well.
I liked the characters the most, especially Jon. He was down to earth, stable, and level headed, which was a pleasure to read. I like that he wore his heart on his sleeve and his intentions towards Annie were clear.
Annie’s past was the most interesting to me. Her parents and husband were killed in a boating accident. Her sister was abducted. She’s been through a lot. There was a lot to unpack for her and I see that it continues in the following books. I definitely want to read the sequel!
The faith content was minimal but solid when it was there. I hope to see more in the next books.
It took me several chapters to get invested in the story. I found it boring at first. I was definitely won over by the end!
I would recommend for romantic suspense or mystery lovers!
I am new to Colleen Coble. I’ve never read a book set in Rock Harbor. I don’t know any of the characters in her past series. I enjoyed this one though! I came to care about Annie and her daughter Kylie more than I expected.
This follows Annie Pederson, a law enforcement ranger, who experiences trauma at a young age when her sister is abducted and assumed dead. Then 24 years later, she discovers a body of a girl and an investigation ensues.
Her first love, Jon, is back in town and ends up helping with the investigation as well.
I liked the characters the most, especially Jon. He was down to earth, stable, and level headed, which was a pleasure to read. I like that he wore his heart on his sleeve and his intentions towards Annie were clear.
Annie’s past was the most interesting to me. Her parents and husband were killed in a boating accident. Her sister was abducted. She’s been through a lot. There was a lot to unpack for her and I see that it continues in the following books. I definitely want to read the sequel!
The faith content was minimal but solid when it was there. I hope to see more in the next books.
It took me several chapters to get invested in the story. I found it boring at first. I was definitely won over by the end!
I would recommend for romantic suspense or mystery lovers!
August 20, 2022
No character development. No real conversations- everything felt forced.
August 28, 2022
4.5 stars
Rock Harbor has a special place in a lot of reader hearts, so I know I speak for all of us when I say how ecstatic I am to return to its shores in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. And while Annie Pederson is the star of this new series, fans will be pleased to know that we get to visit with Bree, Kade, Anu, and many other beloved Rock Harbor characters and the picturesque town they call home.
From the opening prologue, I was eager to learn more about Annie and the journey she had been on since the trauma she suffered at age nine. Not only was Annie injured and left for dead, her sister was also kidnapped right in front of her. That’s a heavy burden for any big sister to bear, but I loved the grit and courage that Coble gave to Annie as an adult, even in the face of the additional tragedies she’s endured in life. In fact, we meet her again as a recent single mom, a widow whose parents also died in the same boat explosion that killed her husband, and a law enforcement park ranger who also runs her family’s marina & resort. Any one of those things may have defeated even the strongest among us, but while Annie is honest about her struggles she also exhibits great strength.
The suspense in Edge of Dusk is the perfect amount of creepy paired with some heart-in-your-throat moments that make you forget to breathe. There are a few different elements in play during this intense race to catch a killer, including a possible connection to a newly-opened cold case and Annie’s first love. We also follow along with Annie’s ever-present search for what happened to her sister, an arc that I expect will continue to affect future books in this series. As the various pieces began to fall into place, I admit that one part took me by such surprise that I gasped out loud. I love being so immersed in a great suspense book that I don’t see something like that coming. It makes the reading experience all the more enjoyable.
Bottom Line: Edge of Dusk is another stellar romantic suspense from author Colleen Coble. The second-chance romance is sweet & swoony, Annie’s work is fascinating, and the suspense part of the story keeps the intensity level high. I am delighted that this is the first book in a new series, and I’m looking forward to more adventures to come, particularly for the handful of things that aren’t completely resolved at the end. The familiar setting feels like coming home, and it’s so fun to catch up with beloved characters and meet new faces, too. A definite must-read!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Rock Harbor has a special place in a lot of reader hearts, so I know I speak for all of us when I say how ecstatic I am to return to its shores in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. And while Annie Pederson is the star of this new series, fans will be pleased to know that we get to visit with Bree, Kade, Anu, and many other beloved Rock Harbor characters and the picturesque town they call home.
From the opening prologue, I was eager to learn more about Annie and the journey she had been on since the trauma she suffered at age nine. Not only was Annie injured and left for dead, her sister was also kidnapped right in front of her. That’s a heavy burden for any big sister to bear, but I loved the grit and courage that Coble gave to Annie as an adult, even in the face of the additional tragedies she’s endured in life. In fact, we meet her again as a recent single mom, a widow whose parents also died in the same boat explosion that killed her husband, and a law enforcement park ranger who also runs her family’s marina & resort. Any one of those things may have defeated even the strongest among us, but while Annie is honest about her struggles she also exhibits great strength.
The suspense in Edge of Dusk is the perfect amount of creepy paired with some heart-in-your-throat moments that make you forget to breathe. There are a few different elements in play during this intense race to catch a killer, including a possible connection to a newly-opened cold case and Annie’s first love. We also follow along with Annie’s ever-present search for what happened to her sister, an arc that I expect will continue to affect future books in this series. As the various pieces began to fall into place, I admit that one part took me by such surprise that I gasped out loud. I love being so immersed in a great suspense book that I don’t see something like that coming. It makes the reading experience all the more enjoyable.
Bottom Line: Edge of Dusk is another stellar romantic suspense from author Colleen Coble. The second-chance romance is sweet & swoony, Annie’s work is fascinating, and the suspense part of the story keeps the intensity level high. I am delighted that this is the first book in a new series, and I’m looking forward to more adventures to come, particularly for the handful of things that aren’t completely resolved at the end. The familiar setting feels like coming home, and it’s so fun to catch up with beloved characters and meet new faces, too. A definite must-read!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
July 14, 2022
Colleen Coble has been a long time favorite of mine. I am glad to see this new Annie Pederson book that takes me back to Rock Harbor in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I remember visiting there when I lived in Northern Wisconsin. The descriptions of the ruggedly beautiful places brought back memories.
The story was so intriguing and engaged me from page one. Annie, a widow with an eight year old daughter, was multi-layered with trauma in her past that comes to the forefront. A mystery to solve, Annie gets some unexpected surprises. Her once boyfriend, Jon, is back fixing up his old cabin and things get interesting, with multiple threads to follow. The way Ms. Coble portrayed eight year old Kylie was very realistic, depicting a hurting child who had lost her father and was not trusting of Jon. She did a good job of showing a caring mother who had her hands quite full and a concerned hero who only wanted the best for Annie.
It was good to see characters from the previous series, which is one of my all time favorites.
The pace was quick and kept me on my toes with the many suspects, danger lurking and even a storm on the lake. Very exciting.
*i received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through PICT tours. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
The story was so intriguing and engaged me from page one. Annie, a widow with an eight year old daughter, was multi-layered with trauma in her past that comes to the forefront. A mystery to solve, Annie gets some unexpected surprises. Her once boyfriend, Jon, is back fixing up his old cabin and things get interesting, with multiple threads to follow. The way Ms. Coble portrayed eight year old Kylie was very realistic, depicting a hurting child who had lost her father and was not trusting of Jon. She did a good job of showing a caring mother who had her hands quite full and a concerned hero who only wanted the best for Annie.
It was good to see characters from the previous series, which is one of my all time favorites.
The pace was quick and kept me on my toes with the many suspects, danger lurking and even a storm on the lake. Very exciting.
*i received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through PICT tours. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
July 15, 2022
Edge of Dusk begins a new series set in Rock Harbor. It is centered around Annie Penderson and her daughter Kylie. It is filled with secrets and a few different mysteries. Some of which are not resolved in this book. I assume they will be explored more in subsequent books. There is at least one cold case that is solved and I enjoyed that part of the mystery. The suspect was a surprise to me.
I will be honest, I wanted to love this one, but it ended up being just kind of OK for me. Aside from the msytery, that I did enjoy, I had a hard time with Annie and Jon's reunion. It felt forced and Annie seemed kind of indifferent to reconciling. Maybe it will get warmer in the next books. I also had a few questions about the timing of her pregnancy with Kylie. Even eight years ago, a doctor would have been able to determine she was further along than she thought. So, that all didn't ring true for me. Maybe she was just in denial? As far as Kylie goes, she was insufferable. I never would have tolerated my child to be that disrespectful toward another adult. Grief or not. I'm hoping she improves in the next book. That being said, I probably will continue with the series. I do want to find out the resolution to the loose ends that were left dangling in this first book.
I will be honest, I wanted to love this one, but it ended up being just kind of OK for me. Aside from the msytery, that I did enjoy, I had a hard time with Annie and Jon's reunion. It felt forced and Annie seemed kind of indifferent to reconciling. Maybe it will get warmer in the next books. I also had a few questions about the timing of her pregnancy with Kylie. Even eight years ago, a doctor would have been able to determine she was further along than she thought. So, that all didn't ring true for me. Maybe she was just in denial? As far as Kylie goes, she was insufferable. I never would have tolerated my child to be that disrespectful toward another adult. Grief or not. I'm hoping she improves in the next book. That being said, I probably will continue with the series. I do want to find out the resolution to the loose ends that were left dangling in this first book.
September 2, 2023
Colleen Coble hasn't lost her touch for intriguing edge of your seat romantic suspense. I loved going back to Rock Harbor and seeing okd friends and meeting new friends. Thank you Colleen for writing this series, and I'm so happy I have the whole series to binge read. 😀
June 21, 2022
If Annie Pederson could talk to us, she’d tell us that The Windigo, the looming 15ft tall monster of Ojibwa legends who ate humans, was the least of her worries.
Colleen Coble knows how to keep readers engaged! Her books have an amazing pace, keeping readers committed. It felt as though I was on a roller coaster. I loved the thrill of not knowing what was coming next, loved the spinning and twisting, the plummeting drops and dark tunnels, the loops and yes, at times I felt like I was hanging upside down! As I willed the roller coaster to slow down so that the protagonist could get a chance to escape her life, Coble changed the direction. As I took a deep breath, thinking I was on a stretch of even track, Coble changed speed. I twisted, turned and raced from one page to the next and was exhausted by the end. I honestly couldn’t turn the pages fast enough!
I read this deliciously good book in one sitting and consider myself addicted to the series! I can’t wait for book 2, Dark of Night, to be released on January 10, 2023.
You’ll have to read this suspense-filled inspirational to find out how it links to Gordon Lightfoot’s lyrics, “Superior never gives up her dead.”
I was gifted this advance copy by Colleen Coble, Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Colleen Coble knows how to keep readers engaged! Her books have an amazing pace, keeping readers committed. It felt as though I was on a roller coaster. I loved the thrill of not knowing what was coming next, loved the spinning and twisting, the plummeting drops and dark tunnels, the loops and yes, at times I felt like I was hanging upside down! As I willed the roller coaster to slow down so that the protagonist could get a chance to escape her life, Coble changed the direction. As I took a deep breath, thinking I was on a stretch of even track, Coble changed speed. I twisted, turned and raced from one page to the next and was exhausted by the end. I honestly couldn’t turn the pages fast enough!
I read this deliciously good book in one sitting and consider myself addicted to the series! I can’t wait for book 2, Dark of Night, to be released on January 10, 2023.
You’ll have to read this suspense-filled inspirational to find out how it links to Gordon Lightfoot’s lyrics, “Superior never gives up her dead.”
I was gifted this advance copy by Colleen Coble, Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
June 26, 2022
Colleen Coble has masterfully written another nail biting romantic suspense. She goes back to Rock Harbor with new adventures for her heroine Annie Pederson. The former characters from the earlier series make appearances and the action is non stop. I could hardly catch my breath I was turning pages so fast. I throughly enjoyed it and I can't wait for the next novel. There are suspenseful questions that didn't get answered in this book. I'll be waiting on pins and needles for the next installment.
*I was given a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers and this is my honest opinion.
*I was given a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers and this is my honest opinion.
July 4, 2022
7/3/2022 a.k.a. The Christian's Guide to Gluten-Free Eating. Full review tk at CriminalElement.com.
September 23, 2024
As I kept reading the pace picked up as did the drama, suspense, and character development. I enjoyed the different threads and how they came together. I have book 2 in my hands, let’s go!
November 21, 2022
"... seeing her again had stirred embers he thought went out long ago."
Edge of Dusk (Thomas Nelson, 2022), a Christian romantic suspense, is first in the Annie Pederson series by Colleen Coble. It's a standalone contemporary novel set in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. I requested this book from NetGalley because even though I've been shying away from reading romantic suspense novels since the pandemic, I've never read a Colleen Coble book that I disliked. So, I decided to dip my toes in …and wasn't disappointed.
Rating: 5 stars
Is it clean/chaste? Yes
Other content issues: There is some discussion of difficult things that happened in the past, including .
Christian elements: This is Christian fiction, published by a Christian publisher. There are a few Bible verses interwoven in the story for encouragement in an organic way. The English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible is used, one of two favorite translations.
The heroine: Annie Pederson, at 33, is a widowed mother raising her daughter Kylie on her own, while trying to keep the marina she inherited from her family afloat and maintaining her career as a law enforcement ranger. As if that isn't enough, she's also dealing with phantoms from the long-ago past, her daughter's health concerns, and… murder on national park lands.
The hero: Jon Dunstan, 34, was Annie's high school sweetheart. A doctor, he's temporarily back in town - after being away for nine years - to renovate his father's cabin for the market. "And just like that, he realized he'd been searching for an excuse to stay. To unwind here in this place that had meant so much to him growing up."
What I liked:
*The characters were real, relatable, and likable.
*Even though some things were gritty, I was able to handle it, and was not left with unpleasant images in my head. Kudos to the author for that.
*The setting was well-described, with real-life places I've never previously heard of, such as the Porcupine Mountains and the Keweenaw Peninsula.
What I didn’t like:
*While useful when browsing at a bookstore, there were too many positive reviews by other well-known authors at the beginning of the book. Even though many of the reviewers were names I recognized, I was a little impatient going through them, and my Kindle was at 2% by the time I got to the title page. So I thought that was a bit much.
Book recommendation: Seagrass Pier , another suspense I've reviewed by the same author
The bottom line: This was an enjoyable suspense with realistic characters in a small town setting, with modern-day crimes to contend with. I recommend this book to those who enjoy suspense, and can handle pushing a bit past the line of a cozy mystery.
If interested, the author wrote a nice guest blog post about this book.
I look forward to reading more by Colleen Coble.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of the book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
Edge of Dusk (Thomas Nelson, 2022), a Christian romantic suspense, is first in the Annie Pederson series by Colleen Coble. It's a standalone contemporary novel set in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. I requested this book from NetGalley because even though I've been shying away from reading romantic suspense novels since the pandemic, I've never read a Colleen Coble book that I disliked. So, I decided to dip my toes in …and wasn't disappointed.
Rating: 5 stars
Is it clean/chaste? Yes
Other content issues: There is some discussion of difficult things that happened in the past, including .
Christian elements: This is Christian fiction, published by a Christian publisher. There are a few Bible verses interwoven in the story for encouragement in an organic way. The English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible is used, one of two favorite translations.
The heroine: Annie Pederson, at 33, is a widowed mother raising her daughter Kylie on her own, while trying to keep the marina she inherited from her family afloat and maintaining her career as a law enforcement ranger. As if that isn't enough, she's also dealing with phantoms from the long-ago past, her daughter's health concerns, and… murder on national park lands.
The hero: Jon Dunstan, 34, was Annie's high school sweetheart. A doctor, he's temporarily back in town - after being away for nine years - to renovate his father's cabin for the market. "And just like that, he realized he'd been searching for an excuse to stay. To unwind here in this place that had meant so much to him growing up."
What I liked:
*The characters were real, relatable, and likable.
*Even though some things were gritty, I was able to handle it, and was not left with unpleasant images in my head. Kudos to the author for that.
*The setting was well-described, with real-life places I've never previously heard of, such as the Porcupine Mountains and the Keweenaw Peninsula.
What I didn’t like:
*While useful when browsing at a bookstore, there were too many positive reviews by other well-known authors at the beginning of the book. Even though many of the reviewers were names I recognized, I was a little impatient going through them, and my Kindle was at 2% by the time I got to the title page. So I thought that was a bit much.
Book recommendation: Seagrass Pier , another suspense I've reviewed by the same author
The bottom line: This was an enjoyable suspense with realistic characters in a small town setting, with modern-day crimes to contend with. I recommend this book to those who enjoy suspense, and can handle pushing a bit past the line of a cozy mystery.
If interested, the author wrote a nice guest blog post about this book.
I look forward to reading more by Colleen Coble.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of the book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
January 21, 2022
"A Edge of Dusk" is a romantic suspense novel. It's the first in a series, and some issues brought up in this book haven't been wrapped up and so probably carry into the next book. One of these issues was the nanny. Annie was understandably super-protective of her daughter. She hired a woman that she didn't know with barely a work-history check, then entrusted her daughter to her. I'm just thinking: it'd make more sense for Annie to have the woman do the painting and Annie watch her kid. It's just a little odd considering the context, and why didn't Jon pass on the clues that would have prompted her to look more closely at the nanny? He tended to be slow to realize that certain things would be helpful for Annie to know.
Anyway, there were a number of mysteries to solve: the past disappearance of Annie's sister, a cold case of two missing women whose bodies turned up in one of Annie's unused cabins, and young men who were camping alone being attacked and killed. Annie and Jon investigated, following up on new leads on the cold case where Jon was a suspect. Annie asked good questions. As they spent time together, they were able to clear up some conflict which had caused them to split up years ago. The suspense came from the danger to others from the serial killer(s) and to them because whodunit didn't want them investigating.
The Christian message was trusting God. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this exciting novel.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Anyway, there were a number of mysteries to solve: the past disappearance of Annie's sister, a cold case of two missing women whose bodies turned up in one of Annie's unused cabins, and young men who were camping alone being attacked and killed. Annie and Jon investigated, following up on new leads on the cold case where Jon was a suspect. Annie asked good questions. As they spent time together, they were able to clear up some conflict which had caused them to split up years ago. The suspense came from the danger to others from the serial killer(s) and to them because whodunit didn't want them investigating.
The Christian message was trusting God. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this exciting novel.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
January 9, 2023
I have an ebook copy of this novel, however, I actually ended up listening to the audio book version of the story and it was fantastic. I really enjoyed the narrator and the plot itself kept me on my toes.
Be prepared, as I was, going into this novel that one mystery will be solved by the end of the book, yet there will be some things left unanswered to be continued in the future books in the series. Since I knew this, I was ready for that to happen. If I had not known it before hand, I would have been very shocked when the story ended.
I loved the second chance at love aspect of the story. Jon and Annie were definitely still attracted to each other and it was clear that their hearts still longed for each other. Annie’s daughter, Kylie, frustrated me a lot. I know that she had been through a great deal of trauma in the last couple of years with losing her father and grandparents, yet she was allowed to be incredibly rude to Jon over and over again. I am hopeful that her behavior will improve in future stories.
The suspense and danger, along with the search for what really happened to the girls who were the focus of the cold case, was fascinating! Many nerve wracking moments in there! I am anxiously looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Be prepared, as I was, going into this novel that one mystery will be solved by the end of the book, yet there will be some things left unanswered to be continued in the future books in the series. Since I knew this, I was ready for that to happen. If I had not known it before hand, I would have been very shocked when the story ended.
I loved the second chance at love aspect of the story. Jon and Annie were definitely still attracted to each other and it was clear that their hearts still longed for each other. Annie’s daughter, Kylie, frustrated me a lot. I know that she had been through a great deal of trauma in the last couple of years with losing her father and grandparents, yet she was allowed to be incredibly rude to Jon over and over again. I am hopeful that her behavior will improve in future stories.
The suspense and danger, along with the search for what really happened to the girls who were the focus of the cold case, was fascinating! Many nerve wracking moments in there! I am anxiously looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
April 12, 2022
When Annie was only 9, her little sister was abducted right in front of her and she's lived with the guilt ever since. Now she's grown and widowed with a daughter of her own. Her first love, Jon, is back in town just in time for them to find the bodies of two girls who went missing right before Jon left town...and he was the prime suspect. Now Annie is on the trail of the culprit and she hopes it's not Jon to blame.
Uuug. I was tricked into reading Christian fiction. If a publisher sends me a real ARC, I'll give it a shot as long as it sounds at least mildly interesting. I'm not familiar with this author. We sell religious fiction at work, but we don't sell a lot of it, so unless it's Karen Kingsbury, I do t recognize any of the authors. I didn't realize what this was until I got halfway through and by then I wanted to know the ending. To be fair, this wasn't TOO heavy handed, but it was enough. The most infuriating part was how the one person whose POV we get who is bad is, of course, an atheist. Because of course. So, other than that, the story was okay. The daughter was insufferable and she and Annie both need therapy. I couldn't understand why Annie was so precious about her father's legacy when he sounds like an ass. Meh. I won't read this author again.
Uuug. I was tricked into reading Christian fiction. If a publisher sends me a real ARC, I'll give it a shot as long as it sounds at least mildly interesting. I'm not familiar with this author. We sell religious fiction at work, but we don't sell a lot of it, so unless it's Karen Kingsbury, I do t recognize any of the authors. I didn't realize what this was until I got halfway through and by then I wanted to know the ending. To be fair, this wasn't TOO heavy handed, but it was enough. The most infuriating part was how the one person whose POV we get who is bad is, of course, an atheist. Because of course. So, other than that, the story was okay. The daughter was insufferable and she and Annie both need therapy. I couldn't understand why Annie was so precious about her father's legacy when he sounds like an ass. Meh. I won't read this author again.
November 27, 2023
Wow! A definite 5 star book! I enjoyed everything about this story surrounding main character, Annie Pederson. I definitely want to read more books by Colleen Coble. Excellent writing! I think it's so exciting that this is a series, so I can read more about the happenings in Rock Harbor. I also love how this book ended with a cliffhanger. I must see what happens next. I want to share more thoughts about this book as soon as I get a chance. Lastly, I am giving Talon David a big round of applause as the narrator. I normally don't listen to audiobooks, but I love the way Talon David told this story. Her voice captured my attention quickly from the very beginning. I enjoyed her style and pace. I even did a search to find other books that she narrates.
March 10, 2022
I loved returning to Rock Harbor in Colleen Coble’s latest novel. The setting is richly detailed. The characters three dimensional with cares and joys. And the layers of mystery are richly drawn.
January 17, 2024
Edge of Dusk is the first book in the Annie Pederson series and it was such a good read! I was hooked from the first chapter on and struggled to put the book down. It was exactly what I needed after not feeling that way with the past few books I've picked up.
I loved getting more books set in this location and featuring Bree. So fun to get more stories with her! The mystery was really good. I did guess something pretty early on, but most of the reveal was surprising.
With danger, a hint of a second-chance romance, and great characters, I thoroughly enjoyed Edge of Dusk and recommend it to fans of romantic suspense. I plan on continuing this series ASAP.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
I loved getting more books set in this location and featuring Bree. So fun to get more stories with her! The mystery was really good. I did guess something pretty early on, but most of the reveal was surprising.
With danger, a hint of a second-chance romance, and great characters, I thoroughly enjoyed Edge of Dusk and recommend it to fans of romantic suspense. I plan on continuing this series ASAP.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
November 10, 2023
I really got into this story, and although I was a little surprised by one loose thread at the end, it definitely made me want to continue this series. I was very intrigued by the details of the Finnish influence in the UP, and I also appreciated all the gluten-free info since I have a daughter who's GF. Details like these made this a deeper suspense novel, more fleshed out than many in the genre. I'm hooked!
October 5, 2024
3.75 -4 ⭐️
I loved the setting- a small town in the U.P. The romance didn’t irritate me like some do. I actually really liked the couple and this trope. I liked the faith content and the multiple mysteries.
It was a bit slow in the first third. Then it picked up and I really liked the middle third. The final third had some great scenes but also some things that felt redundant. I wanted one more thing wrapped up in the end… a twist that felt a little on the nose.
The audio was great!
Of the Christian romantic suspense books I’ve read this year, this one comes in tied for 5th (with 2 others) out of 10. So, not bad!
I loved the setting- a small town in the U.P. The romance didn’t irritate me like some do. I actually really liked the couple and this trope. I liked the faith content and the multiple mysteries.
It was a bit slow in the first third. Then it picked up and I really liked the middle third. The final third had some great scenes but also some things that felt redundant. I wanted one more thing wrapped up in the end… a twist that felt a little on the nose.
The audio was great!
Of the Christian romantic suspense books I’ve read this year, this one comes in tied for 5th (with 2 others) out of 10. So, not bad!
July 19, 2023
The debut novel in Colleen Coble's new series started with a bang. Twists and turns galore from start to finish, wonderful characters, and a cliffhanger of an ending (By the way Colleen, I wanted to scream at the abrupt ending and shout, at the top of my lungs, "How could you do this?")
Coble's suspense is always incredible, and this book keeps up with her high standards. I loved everyone of the characters except for the villain. Anne is a strong, independent woman especially as a widow and single parent. But we do see a soft side of her upon occasion. Kylie, Anne's daughter, frustrated me with her attitude towards Jon from the first time she met him. And Jon was torn as he tried to protect Anne, yet see if there was a possibility of rekindling their earlier relationship.
With several threads left hanging, Coble is making us wait with bated breath for book 2 to find what happens with those threads. Book 2 can't some soon enough!!!!
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
Coble's suspense is always incredible, and this book keeps up with her high standards. I loved everyone of the characters except for the villain. Anne is a strong, independent woman especially as a widow and single parent. But we do see a soft side of her upon occasion. Kylie, Anne's daughter, frustrated me with her attitude towards Jon from the first time she met him. And Jon was torn as he tried to protect Anne, yet see if there was a possibility of rekindling their earlier relationship.
With several threads left hanging, Coble is making us wait with bated breath for book 2 to find what happens with those threads. Book 2 can't some soon enough!!!!
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
August 10, 2022
Always enjoy going back to Rock Harbor.
I enjoyed this book but I also struggled with it.
Great characters to want to care about but it just left a bad taste in my mouth.
A little too much ahh I caught you, he saved the day in the worst storm in years kind of stuff.
I guess what I am trying to say is it wasn’t believable for me. It just doesn’t settle well.
Thank you Net galley for a preview for my honest review
I enjoyed this book but I also struggled with it.
Great characters to want to care about but it just left a bad taste in my mouth.
A little too much ahh I caught you, he saved the day in the worst storm in years kind of stuff.
I guess what I am trying to say is it wasn’t believable for me. It just doesn’t settle well.
Thank you Net galley for a preview for my honest review
July 24, 2022
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Wow! Where to begin! First of all, I was so very happy to visit Rock Harbor again and hear from Kade, Bree, and and more of the characters and the K-9 we so love from the previous Books. Are we maybe in for more books from Rock Harbor? And yes as you can see I love this series so much! It’s one of my all time favorite series! I like to describe this book as like I’ve been away from home for a long time, and finally I come home.
Annie is still running the marina and resort she Inherited from her parents. Jon is back to remodel his dad’s cabin in hopes of selling it. I love these two characters and was certainly giving them a few shout outs when they were spending so much time together. Annie is also is involved in the investigation of two teen girls who disappeared nine years ago, and they suddenly show up in one of Annie’s cabins. Plus she will continue the investigation of her little sister who disappeared about 9 years ago. There’s a lot going on in this story and a lot of characters to tell the story so well. As the investigation beefs up and more people are found to be involved in some way, it really gets scary because apparently the one who took these teenage girls lives is still in the area, cause someone is trying to stop Annie from digging unto the old cold case files. The threats keep coming faster and faster. Some of the scenes are difficult to read, and I found myself going back and re-reading pages, just so I would get everything that’s in the story and not miss anything! This is one of those books that I stayed up all night reading because I couldn’t put it down.If you love a good suspense/ thriller, this read is a must! I am giving Edge of Dusk by Colleen Coble Five Stars.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Wow! Where to begin! First of all, I was so very happy to visit Rock Harbor again and hear from Kade, Bree, and and more of the characters and the K-9 we so love from the previous Books. Are we maybe in for more books from Rock Harbor? And yes as you can see I love this series so much! It’s one of my all time favorite series! I like to describe this book as like I’ve been away from home for a long time, and finally I come home.
Annie is still running the marina and resort she Inherited from her parents. Jon is back to remodel his dad’s cabin in hopes of selling it. I love these two characters and was certainly giving them a few shout outs when they were spending so much time together. Annie is also is involved in the investigation of two teen girls who disappeared nine years ago, and they suddenly show up in one of Annie’s cabins. Plus she will continue the investigation of her little sister who disappeared about 9 years ago. There’s a lot going on in this story and a lot of characters to tell the story so well. As the investigation beefs up and more people are found to be involved in some way, it really gets scary because apparently the one who took these teenage girls lives is still in the area, cause someone is trying to stop Annie from digging unto the old cold case files. The threats keep coming faster and faster. Some of the scenes are difficult to read, and I found myself going back and re-reading pages, just so I would get everything that’s in the story and not miss anything! This is one of those books that I stayed up all night reading because I couldn’t put it down.If you love a good suspense/ thriller, this read is a must! I am giving Edge of Dusk by Colleen Coble Five Stars.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
November 2, 2022
3.5 stars
Uneven pacing, but intriguing start to a new series. Some things are wrapped up, but it seems some are purposely left unresolved to be addressed in the next book planned for the beginning of 2023. A third book is also planned for July 2023, so I hope that doesn't mean some of these loose ends will remain unanswered until then. I plan to read the next book in the series and hope some of the things in Annie's personal life and the cases are explained.
Uneven pacing, but intriguing start to a new series. Some things are wrapped up, but it seems some are purposely left unresolved to be addressed in the next book planned for the beginning of 2023. A third book is also planned for July 2023, so I hope that doesn't mean some of these loose ends will remain unanswered until then. I plan to read the next book in the series and hope some of the things in Annie's personal life and the cases are explained.
May 20, 2022
I always look forward to Colleen Coble's new book releases, and I was especially excited for this one since her last release ended up being one of my all time favorites by her. Unfortunately, this one ended up not being exactly what I was expecting, and although I did still enjoy certain parts of it, it's not a new favorite, and it's not one I ended up loving.
I struggled to connect with any of the characters throughout the story, and I thought they all behaved quite juvenile and immature, and it was often hard to read about. Kylie's behavior didn't seem to be typical of a child her age, and I thought she desperately needed therapy, and proper discipline, instead of the pandering that Annie was constantly giving to her. I understand she was devastated by the loss of her father and grandparents, but she seemed to get away with whatever she wanted, including treating any and everyone badly that she didn't personally care for.
I thought it was an interesting plot point that both Jon and Kylie have celiac disease, as the author was able to bring attention to the struggles involved for anyone who's been diagnosed with this disease. However, the information on it went on and on, and I thought way more attention to this detail was given than was truly necessary to the plot. Including stressing over and over again which gluten free brands were the best for Annie to be buying for Kylie.
I'm someone who has read a lot of suspense novels over the years, especially Christian suspense, and I have to be honest that the content of this one really ended up bothering me. It was a lot darker than I was initially expecting, and while the faith element was there, it wasn't strong enough to combat all of the darkness that plays a big part in the mystery. I wanted a lot more Jesus to balance out all of the darkness, and I don't feel I got that.
I did enjoy the setting, the bigger mystery that's set up for the rest of the series, and as always, I really enjoyed Colleen Coble's immersive writing style. However, I wish more answers had been explained properly in the conclusion, and I felt everything wrapped up much too quickly.
Final Rating: 3/5.
I'm definitely intrigued enough to keep reading on with the rest of the series, but I hope I end up enjoying the second title more than I did this one.
Thanks so much to Thomas Nelson for allowing me to advance read and review this one!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Thomas Nelson) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I struggled to connect with any of the characters throughout the story, and I thought they all behaved quite juvenile and immature, and it was often hard to read about. Kylie's behavior didn't seem to be typical of a child her age, and I thought she desperately needed therapy, and proper discipline, instead of the pandering that Annie was constantly giving to her. I understand she was devastated by the loss of her father and grandparents, but she seemed to get away with whatever she wanted, including treating any and everyone badly that she didn't personally care for.
I thought it was an interesting plot point that both Jon and Kylie have celiac disease, as the author was able to bring attention to the struggles involved for anyone who's been diagnosed with this disease. However, the information on it went on and on, and I thought way more attention to this detail was given than was truly necessary to the plot. Including stressing over and over again which gluten free brands were the best for Annie to be buying for Kylie.
I'm someone who has read a lot of suspense novels over the years, especially Christian suspense, and I have to be honest that the content of this one really ended up bothering me. It was a lot darker than I was initially expecting, and while the faith element was there, it wasn't strong enough to combat all of the darkness that plays a big part in the mystery. I wanted a lot more Jesus to balance out all of the darkness, and I don't feel I got that.
I did enjoy the setting, the bigger mystery that's set up for the rest of the series, and as always, I really enjoyed Colleen Coble's immersive writing style. However, I wish more answers had been explained properly in the conclusion, and I felt everything wrapped up much too quickly.
Final Rating: 3/5.
I'm definitely intrigued enough to keep reading on with the rest of the series, but I hope I end up enjoying the second title more than I did this one.
Thanks so much to Thomas Nelson for allowing me to advance read and review this one!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Thomas Nelson) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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