Colleen Coble Reviews

Page One

Added January 19, 2006

Alaska Twilight

Author: Colleen Coble
Publisher: WestBow Press, a division of Thomas Nelson Publishers
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: March 7, 2006
Genre: Romance: Contemporary/Inspirational/Christian
Format: Trade Paperback
Price: $14.99
ISBN: 1-5955-4083-0
Author Email/Website: www.colleencoble.com
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 8 Gargoyles

The rugged beauty of Alaska is the perfect backdrop for this gentle romance! Amidst the wonders of the wilderness, a spiritually scarred young woman finds refuge in a most unlikely place.

Haley Mitchell views life through the lens of her camera. Ever since a tragic childhood accident, she has retreated from the world and merely became an observer. Until a trip back to her Alaskan home stirs up feelings that she thought were under control.

An emotionally perceptive plot combines with realistic characters in this novel. Haley's life is slowly revealed through flashbacks and internal thoughts. Readers gradually get a sense of how deeply she was hurt and how desperately she needs to be loved again. However, the author has also gifted this character with intelligence and an amazing amount of fortitude. The mixture of these traits gives Haley a uniqueness that is both endearing and surprising.

Tank Lansing is the leading man and his strength and wisdom steer the story. He's a wildlife biologist and his work with bears brings fascinating facts and some fearful encounters to these pages. The author's research is to be applauded, as she truly provides a genuine setting for this tale. The mystery steadily accelerates, as clues from the past are appropriately revealed. Danger and deceit race to the finish line, but a strong burst of faith and truth step in at just the right moment.

The characters' faith in Christ is shown in a gentle and authentic way. Their Christian convictions quietly illustrate an enduring sense of security and peace in the midst of trouble.

Alaska Twilight will certainly brighten reader's lives!

Return to top of page.

Added September 26, 2005

Aloha Reef Series Book 2: Black Sands

Author: Colleen Coble
Publisher: WestBow Press
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: November 10, 2005
Genre: Romance: Christian
Format: Trade Paperback
Price: $13.99
ISBN: 0-7852- 6043-9
Author Email/Website: www.colleencoble.com
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

Treat yourself to a Hawaiian vacation by taking a walk through the pages of Black Sands. Romance, mystery and danger awaits!

The second book in the Aloha Reef series features familiar characters and the gorgeous setting of this tropical paradise. This story focuses on the Tagama family. The mother, Adele, died of an apparent suicide near an active volcano. Now, her daughter, Leilani is missing. The search for her uncovers secrets that spill over and literally endanger everyone in its path. Can anyone stop the flow of violence that threatens these innocent people?

Colleen Coble has included all the necessary elements of a great story! The characters are well defined and readers will feel an affinity with them. The plot is fast paced and has an engaging amount of intrigue. The author has generously used the Hawaiian setting as well as its superstitions. Ancient religion and fears cleverly touch the modern world. There is a fascinating mix of fiction and fact here. Her research about volcanoes adds a realistic and riveting touch. Readers will get a sense of the seriousness and the precision needed in scientific testing that is done in this region. Volcanoes are both a part of life and also a means of violent death.

Danger and romance walk side by side making for a creative contrast. The mystery in the story is unveiled slowly and skillfully. The author has captured the spirit of the Hawaiian people and placed it in a believable and contemporary adventure. An interesting addition is a list at the back of the book explaining the native words used.

Black Sands is truly 'onolicious'! Aloha!

Return to top of page.

This page was last updated on January 1, 2008

This page and all its contents are Copyright© 2002-2008 In the Library Reviews and the individual reviewers. Except where noted, all graphics are Copyright© Eos Development and are used with permission. All book covers are Copyright© their respective publishers and are used with permission. The In the Library Reviews logo is Copyright© 2002 by In the Library Reviews/Sharyn McGinty. Site maintained by In the Library Reviews.