Colleen Coble Reviews

Page Two

Added October 27, 2006

Fire Dancer

Author: Colleen Coble
Publisher: WestBow Press
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: October 10, 2006
Genre: Romance: Christian/Contemporary
Format: Trade Paper
Price: $14.99
ISBN: 1-5955-4139-X
Author Email/Website: www.colleencoble.com/
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

Fire Dancer offers readers a chilling sensation of suspense! Colleen Coble deftly mixes up a mystery that ignites the imagination and kindles a vibrant interest.

Tess Masterson bears the emotional scars from a terrible barn fire in which her parents died. Ironically, this tragedy led her ever closer to the flames, as she later becomes one of the best smokejumpers in the business. When her old hometown is threatened by a serial arsonist, Tess is assigned to the area. Yet, her fear of childhood memories seems to pose a greater danger than the furtive firebug.

Written with Colleen Coble's trademark attention to characterization, this novel embraces readers with an intriguing blend of sensitivity and suspense. The emotional issues plaguing Tess are shown with glimpses from the past and moments from the present, thereby providing an overall view for her motives. Romance sweetly enters the story, lending a subtle amount of tension tempered by hope.

The details about smokejumping create a realistic atmosphere, inviting readers to vicariously experience the dangers and the fascination of this profession. Life on the ranch has a genuine quality, as the daily chores and the financial hardships enter the story with significance. However, it's the mystery of the Fire Dancer, which keeps those pages turning. Snippets of the arsonist's thoughts are scattered throughout the novel, teasing readers and leaving a trail of clues. The final moments explode, scattering the sparks of suspense and quenching the burning questions. When the smoke clears, it's obvious that Colleen Coble has written another great novel!

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Added October 7, 2006

Aloha Reef Series Book 3: Dangerous Depths

Author: Colleen Coble
Publisher: WestBow Press
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: Available now
Genre: Fiction: Christian/Romance/Suspense
Format: Trade Paper
Price: $14.99
ISBN: 0-7852-6044-7
Author Email/Website: www.colleencoble.com
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

Dangerous Depths drops readers into a suspenseful story! Set on a Hawaiian island, the novel plunges beneath the surf to reveal a sinister plot. As the pages turn, the waves of this tropical adventure rise and fall with moments of terror and tension. The mystery element is cleverly written, allowing for a few well-timed surprises and a satisfying conclusion.

Bane Oanu is looking for a treasure that has been hidden on the ocean floor for years. Yet, the lure of this fortune has brought out the worst in some greedy people, who want this ancient prize at any cost. As Bane enlists the help of his former fiancée, Leia Kahale, both become submerged in a dangerous battle for their lives beneath the silent waters. No one can be trusted, but will anyone be able to save them?

Well written, with believable characters and an action filled plot, this book was a delight to read. The island setting offers a glimpse into a beautiful world of sun, sand and surf, yet the author provides a strong contrast with the evil that stalks this paradise. Amidst all the beauty lurks a killer who is desperate enough to do anything. The suspense steadily builds, carrying readers along on a tingling tide of tension. A gentle note of romance enters the plot, brushing Bane and Leia with a breeze of genuine affection.

Realistic notes were hit, as the author's details about the culture and diving were smoothly incorporated into the story. The underwater scenes were crafted with an expert hand, providing a thrilling sense of excitement. As the swimmers encounter peril on the ocean floor, readers will truly be holding their breath in sympathy!

A clever combination of mystery and suspense makes Dangerous Depths downright great!

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