Strands of Truth

Written by Colleen Coble

Narrated by Devon O'Day

With the help of a DNA test, Harper Taylor has finally located the family she’s always longed for—but has it also put her in the crosshairs of a killer? Suspense, romance, and secrets meld in this engrossing novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble.

Harper Taylor is used to being alone—after all, she grew up in one foster home after another. Oliver Jackson finally took her under his wing when she was a runaway teenager, and now Harper pours her marine biology knowledge into Oliver’s research as his business partner. But she’s never stopped wishing for a family of her own.

When a DNA test reveals a half sister living just two hours away, Harper is shocked. She meets with Annabelle, whose story is strikingly similar to her own. Is it just a coincidence that both of their mothers died tragically, without revealing their father’s name?

When Harper’s business partner is attacked, his son Ridge steps in to help. Ridge still sees Harper as a troubled teen even all these years later, but he soon finds himself working with her to uncover dangerous secrets that threaten to destroy them all. Ridge and Harper must unravel her past before they can have any hope for the future.

Harper’s childhood is resurfacing—but will the truth save her or pull her under?

Praise for Strands of Truth:

“Colleen Coble's latest book, Strands of Truth, grips you on page one with a heart-pounding opening and doesn't let go until the last satisfying word. I love her skill in pulling the reader in with believable, likable characters, interesting locations, and a mystery just waiting to be untangled. Highly recommended.”—Carrie Stuart Parks, bestselling author of Relative Silence

• Stand-alone romantic suspense
• Book length: approximately 95,000 words
• Also by Colleen Coble: One Little Lie, The View from Rainshadow Bay, The Inn at Ocean’s Edge, and Without a Trace

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Release date: Sep 10, 2019
• ISBN: 9780718085919

Colleen Coble

Colleen Coble is the USA TODAY bestselling author of more than seventy-five books and is best known for her coastal romantic suspense novels. Connect with her online at colleencoble.com; Instagram: @colleencoble; Facebook: @colleencoblebooks; X: @colleencoble.

Reviews for Strands of Truth

[cbcmedia · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book kept me guessing all the way to the end. I love plots that I can’t figure out and this book did not disappoint. I loved the way the author wove in stories from the past of two women, to the present and all the secrets that they held.The end of chapter 28, the two main characters were talking about trust. Trust in others and trust in God. It really touched me. I read over that section 3 times. I would love to share a quote, but it would give something away. I don’t like spoilers!It was also interesting to discover things about sea life that I didn’t know about. And as far as DNA testing...I d

[lamb521 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Title: Strands of TruthAuthor: Colleen CoblePages: 336Year: 2019Publisher: Thomas NelsonMy rating: 5 out of 5 stars.Have you read any of Colleen Coble’s books? Well, here is one you don’t want to miss! Why? The story is rich in suspense, mystery, faith, redemption and hope. The main character is named Harper Taylor, who is a 30-year-old single woman with a desire to be part of a family. She makes a decision that changes her life dramatically. Harper doesn’t really foresee any of the issues her decision and actions ultimately bring into her life. Then again, she has no idea someone is after her ruthlessly!Harper had a mentor named Oliver who took care of her and helped her forge a future despite a very rough past. What Oliver had to deal with is the fallout of his decision to help this young woman from his two natural children, Ridge and Willow. Oliver is a wonderful man and very supportive, as readers learn of his past, they’ll see a man who tried his best regardless of the cost.Ridge is a man who wants to break out from his father’s shadow, but will his fractured family relationships ever not press down on him daily? Wait until you read when Ridge gives Harper the benefit of the doubt regarding her motivations with his father Oliver! What a story of redemption comes forth! Harper though is on a mission to find her father. Her mother died right after she is born. Does she have any other family? Harper is smart, adventurous and has many unanswered questions. Life takes a dangerous turn for her when she takes a DNA test and a website links her with one family member who has a very familiar history to Harper.In her uncanny ability to weave a tale without revealing the ending until readers are there, Colleen Coble has once again written a very compelling tale! I hope fans of Coble’s books and new readers will pick this book up and get lost in the pages, because it is a story well worth reading and sharing with others!Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.

[darcia_10 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I so wanted to love this book. The premise intrigued me. The writing style is relaxed and easy to read. And yet, nothing about the story's execution worked for me.I'm a detail person, especially within the crime and mystery genres. Things have to make sense. And much of this book did not. First of all, we have two women at the center of break-ins and abduction attempts, and yet the police express little to no interest. There's no investigation. There is no protection. The cops just shrug their shoulders, leaving the women to fend for themselves.Then we have events central to the plot that absolutely could not happen. I live in the area where this book is set, and I can tell you unequivocally that no one is going to waltz through the front door of a hospital at 3 a.m. and go straight up to a patient's room without being stopped. For one thing, all doors except the emergency room entrance are locked at the close of visiting hours. Secondly, all hospitals require visitors to register when they walk in the door. You can't avoid it unless you create a major diversion and sneak past. Even then, all visitors have to wear a badge, with their photo on it, and they can only be in the area designated on the badge. Someone would stop you along the way if you didn't have that badge visible. Security wouldn't even let you down the hall at 3 a.m.Aside from these issues, there's way too much going on. We have an array of characters with in-depth backstories that are mostly irrelevant, we have a weird sort of not-really-siblings rivalry, we have a sudden romance that never feels romantic, we have a killer whose motive is thin at best, we have attempted abductions, we have mollusks and pharmaceutical research and Native American sacred ground and DNA and yearning for a child, and and and... This one book could have easily been spread out into a trilogy, and I think it would have benefited from separating and expanding upon the various threads.Clearly I'm not the target audience for this book. So far, I'm way down in the minority with my opinion. If you're willing to suspend belief, this one might work well for you.*I received a review copy of this book.*

[hes7 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Her mother died at her birth, leaving no reference to her father, so Harper Taylor has lived her life alone, for the most part. When a DNA test reveals a nearby half-sister, they realize they have more in common than an unknown father—and quickly become swept up in danger of their own.Strands of Truth is a thrilling story, definitely one of the better ones from Colleen Coble I’ve read in recent years. Family lies at the heart of all the drama—dreams and desperation, secrets and hopes—and it is oh so exciting how it all plays out. (Of course, this story isn’t without a romantic thread for Harper, and that only adds to the fun.) A delightfully twisted romantic suspense novel, Strands of Truth is sure to please fans of the genre; I recommend it.I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a fantastic romantic suspense novel. I loved the twists and turns throughout the book. I really enjoyed learning a little bit about the marine animals and mollusks and the sea silk. It is so interesting to see what uses DNA testing can have in this world. Sad to know it can be used for evil as well as for good. I loved the characters and the use of going back to the past to learn about some of the story. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[tcjrogers · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Strands of Truth is a story about Harper Taylor, a young woman who grew up in the foster care system after her mother died in a mysterious car accident. Harper has always longed for family connection, having never known either of her parents, and has had a DNA test done to try to find family members, maybe even her father. Her search seems to be the starting point for a series of attacks. When Oliver, her mentor, business partner, and father-figure, is involved in an attack, his son, Ridge, gets involved. Ridge has always disliked Harper, believing that she uses his father for his money, but working together to unravel this mystery shows him a different side of Harper, one that begins to change his mind about her. I enjoyed Strands of Truth. I’ve read all of Colleen Coble’s books, and I like how she ties in something as currently popular as DNA testing in this one, and not just the potential that it has to help people connect, but the potential it may have to lead to hurt (in a rather dark and twisted way). In that way, it was a unique and original story line. And as always, I appreciate that I can count on her writing to be clean and to have some focus on Christian values, particularly trust, forgiveness, and grace in this book. Her characters were easy to like and to relate to, and over all, I thought Strands of Truth was a good read. *I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The author does a great job of writing intriguing stories that have you guessing till the end. Harper is a complex character and at times I wasn't sure if she would ever be happy. It was very hard for her growing up and her desire to be part of a family has always be high on her list. In a strange twist Harper discovers some background about her mother and possible half sister. I loved when the story went back to the late 1960's and highlighted Judy and her time as a mermaid. I do remember watching shows where you saw young women swimming in this large tank looking like mermaids. A lot of the time it was at restaurants or special attractions. Judy's death may not be as innocent as it was played up to be all those years ago. I really wanted to stay in this period a bit longer because it fascinated me how these women were in the water for long periods of time. There were times when I wasn't sure if Ridge and Harper would ever get along. After all, Ridge's dad took Harper under his wing and thought of her as a daughter. As Ridge and Harper start digging deeper into Harper's past, danger finds them. Unexplained deaths start happening and someone is out to stop Harper. What secret would cause someone to kill? Harper does have a hard time trusting people which dampens her friendship with Ridge. When Harper reveals something to Ridge, it shakes him to the core. I was just as shocked as him. There is a part towards the end of the story that I didn't like at all. It has to do with Harper and the person who kidnaps her. What he says to her was distasteful and I wish the author would not have included it at all. The rest of the story is fast paced and has a great ending. The secret that Harper shares with Ridge makes for a great lesson in forgiveness and the need to feel wanted. Rejection is something that Harper has dealt with all her life. Will Ridge be able to accept her confession? I loved when Ridge said to Harper; " The right time for the truth is every minute of every day." Those are profound words that we should be practicing every day. The story is a wonderful journey to finding truth, depending on God and learning to trust. The ending is excellent and it answers all questions posed during the book. I was quite surprised at who the killer was. It deals with DNA testing that I find interesting. I have often thought about doing a test to find out about my heritage. I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I found this book to be a page turner, there seems to be non-stop action, and you may think whom the perpetrator is but, then you quickly change your mind, but who is after these women?The author gives us a roller coaster of emotions here, as humans we tend to cling to our families, but to have none, such a hard thing.Today’s modern technology gives many new hopes to find their roots, and part of this book is what happens when we find those we are related to.I didn’t figure this one out ahead of time, so was surprised how everything turned out. I just wish I could continue on in the lives of these characters!I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.

[becky_l-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Strands of Truth by Colleen Coble brings a fresh setting for a romantic suspense adventure. Told in snippets of split-time fashion, this novel will have you kicking your heels and gasping for air as you learn about pen shell beds that Harper and Ridge collaborate on. With key themes of family or lack thereof, relationships and trust, many readers can find common ground with the protagonists. Coble makes it easy to learn spiritual lessons, presenting truth plainly and succinctly, without slowing the action. The storylines are woven together beautifully, like the beautifully spun sea silk.There are some great twists and turns in this novel. Coble writes suspense so effectively I still feel the jangling of my emotions and a sense of loss, which will need some time to settle. If you love Christian romantic suspense blended with diving tales and mermaids, detailed via split-time; you will enjoy Colleen Coble’s Strands of Truth.I was given a complimentary copy of this novel from the author and publisher via NetGalley. No positive review was required.

[fcplcataloger · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

'She wouldn't lose hope. God saw her in this place. She had to hold on to faith.'Strands of Truth has so many different plot twists. Two half-sisters, almost twenty years apart, who find out through a DNA kit that they both had the same father. Two half-sisters who both lost their mothers and murder may have been the cause of those deaths. The same half-sisters being the targets of kidnappers and the suggestion of organ harvesting as a possible motive!Ridge Jackson has never trusted the close relationship that his dad Oliver developed with Harper Taylor as she was moved from one foster home to another as a child and teenager. Harper considers Oliver as her mentor and she deeply loves him but Ridge believes she is after his father's money. It is only through many unexplained occurences that he begins to see the true Harper. I really liked Harper and I wanted her to realize that not all people wanted to hurt her. I believe that there are still good, kind people willing to help their fellow man and I was hoping that Ridge would become that person for Harper!This is an exciting story and there are so many questions needing to be answered but through it all, even as Harper struggles with trusting people, she has faith and trust in God. In fact, there are several characters who believe and trust in God and I liked that author Colleen Coble shows them engaging in prayer and believing in its power. I also enjoyed Coble's description of pen shell farming and the process of making sea silk. I enjoyed Strands of Truth and I recommend it to anyone who likes romantic suspense and Christian fictionI received a complimentary digital copy through Celebrate Lit and NetGalley and I was not required to leave a positive review. These are my honest thoughts.

[eamace · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

‘Past sins have a way of affecting the present!’Have you ever considered what testing your DNA might bring into your life? Growing up in the foster system, Harper Taylor thought she had no blood family. Was it possible she might find some family that way? Oliver Jackson, a wealthy businessman, had become her benefactor when she was just 15, setting her up to become a well-educated woman. Perhaps now was the time to see if her ancestry held any clues.The author has given us a page-turner that practically flies through a 30 year span. The twists and turns keep you wondering how murder, abduction, sea silk and pen shells will bring conclusions to the many questions being asked. The wonderful detail found me almost smelling the water and feeling the sand between my toes. I enjoyed learning a little about bivalve mollusks and their harvest. Perhaps the best part was observing Harper as she learns to believe that she is deserving of God’s grace as well as the realization that she could create her own family among friends! You don't want to miss this incredible story.I received an ARC through NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and CelebrateLit. My 5 star rating was not solicited. All impressions and opinions are my own.

[vintagebeckie · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Colleen Coble is one of my very favorite romantic suspense authors. She always delivers fast-paced, twisting stories sure to keep me up way to late at night. Strands of Truth proved to be another great read. The action takes off right from the start and never stops. I loved the characters, the setting, and the very chilling plot — this one is definitely recommended!Harper Taylor and Ridge Jackson don’t like each other and definitely don’t trust one another, but when Oliver, Ridge’s father and Harper’s mentor, is attacked they join forces to find out just what is going on. As the danger increases — and it does at an alarming pace — they cannot continue to deny their attraction to each other. Romance and peril occupy much of their time. ? There are lots of plot threads that are seemingly unrelated, but become clearer as they uncover clues from the present and from the past. I really liked that aspect of the book. Not one, but two, unsolved mysteries are connected with all the present day doings. The mystery involves family connections and DNA tests and is a chilling reminder of how unstoppable an obsessed person can become. The Dunedin, Florida-area setting is dear to my heart — I spent the first year of my marriage right up the road in Tarpon Springs. Real life local sights and flavor are brought into Strands of Truth, and all I can say about that is road trip anyone? Scenes from old Florida also are incorporated into the story. I loved revisiting childhood memories as the main characters visit the mermaids of Weeki Wachee. False impressions and jealousy play a large part in the relationships between multiple characters. Coble will make you think about what the other guy is feeling. One negative I found was the farfetchedness (is that a word?) of a few of the scenes. But the mystery was too much fun for them to seriously influence my reading experience.I finished Strands of Truth in just one day — I could not put this book down! I’m betting you’ll love it too!Recommended.Audience: adults.(Thanks to Celebrate Lit and Thomas Nelson for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)