‘SEAGRASS PIER,’ BY COLLEEN COBLE
Any new book with this authors name on it is one I take notice of. With exception to one or two of Colleen’s historical novels, I’m nearly always confident of a good literary journey. No matter the premise, her books always seem to show up on my yearly to read list. In these, readers are fortunate to find that happy medium of lighthearted contemporary romance and a slight “edge” of mystery. Without being strictly a mystery, this third novel in her latest series is a more unique premise and is still as sweet as its predecessors. seagrass pier
BOOK REVIEW | ‘THE HOUSE THAT LOVE BUILT,’ BY BETH WISEMAN
STORY: Secrets is something Elin Summerhill lives with for the three years she was married. She existed on little affection and grew comfortable in the chasm between her and husband Tim. Now two years later, Elin is moving on after his death, she’s a single mother and recovering from a heart transplant. Only trouble is, she experiences nightmares, and she’s sure a killer is after her. Enter Mark Everton, an FBI agent – an old acquaintance who is a cousin of Elin’s best friend, and a part of her past she’d rather forget. He’s the one person who may be able to help Elin and the one person whose help she doesn’t want.
Seagrass Pier, by Colleen Coble | Book Review
Pinning down exactly what it is I enjoy about Colleen’s books isn’t easy. I’m not sure which element continually pulls me in, but what I do know is, whatever the curiosity, it always keeps me flipping the pages. Each of the “Hope Beach” novels is a breezy kind of read that define the term “beach read”; and while the setting does suit this, it’s the deeper scars of the characters that keep us engrossed. These books do have unique markers to pull out of their respective pages, but it’s the end impression the ensures the authenticity of the emotional markers. Despite not usually being a fan of the “one too many” character situation, I do enjoy meeting Sara and the various people who surround Mark and Elin. Plus no matter how brief, it’s fun to again meet up with the “Coastie” teammates again. The progression of Mark and Elin is nice as is the climax of the mystery.
‘SEAGRASS PIER,’ BY COLLEEN COBLE #Bookarchives Share on XSomething I find interesting to explore is Elin’s fear that she’s losing pieces of herself. She sees this reflecting in what her aging mother goes through and her fear confronts her each night when her dreams remind her of painful memories. This angle is one that has a great deal of depth. While I still think Tidewater Inn holds my favorite spot of this series, this third book comes in a close second. Between the distinctive out-of-body mystery (which may have gone sideways without good writing) and its beautiful nuances, this novel defines a “perfect summer read.”
It’s a simple, lovely story with hints of history fused with the contemporary, and Coble combines everything with her signature of elegance.
About the Book:
Author: Colleen Coble
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Source: Litfuse / Publisher, ARC
Publication Date: 2014
Find the Review elsewhere: Goodreads | WordPress
Series: Hope Beach, Book 3
Genre: Fiction; Contemporary Romance / Mystery
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Sincere thanks to Litfuse for providing a complimentary copy of this book for reviewing purposes.
© Copyright 2011-2014 Dreaming Under the Same Moon / Scribbles, Scripts and Such
Thanks for reviewing this Rissi!
I really like reading Colleen Cobles' books in the summer since they are cute and an easy read.
I enjoyed the first two books in this series, so I will give this book a try.
My pleasure, Ella. It's a really sweet story. Definitely give this one a shot – especially since you enjoyed the prior novels. :)
…and I agree, Colleen's stories are fabulous summer reads.
Thanks Rissi!
:)
Oooh this one sounds interesting.
I used to read Colleen Coble's books quite a bit–since I got serious about starting a reading list full of both classics and contemporaries, though, I certainly haven't read any new books by her–which is a bit of a shame, given that I always enjoyed them. Romantic suspense is definitely one of my favorite genres–it's always fun to try to figure out the bad guy! :)
walking in the air.
It is, indeed a good read, Hannah. :)
Same goes for me. Romantic suspense is always a favorite genre and most of the well known authors do a fantastic job creating page turners. This book is no different – and if you liked some of Colleen's earlier work (which did you read?), you'd most likely enjoy this series. So good. :)
Oooh yay. I should definitely make sure it goes on my reading list then :)
Hmm…I've read three out of her four books in the Rock Harbor series, and three out of the four books of the Lonestar series.–I think that's it. Even though they can get a bit repetitive at times, they're still good for those easy reads between classics or something :)
walking in the air.
For sure! :)
I've not read her Rock Harbor series though did hear great things about them. And I have read her "original" three books in the Lonestar series. Those are probably my VERY favorite from her. For whatever reason I read them easily and they were, as you say, a nice and quick read. Which is what draws me to this author's writing. :)
I've loved Colleen Coble ever since reading the Mercy Falls series. I was going to sign up for this tour but decided against it because I thought it sounded really strange. I should've known it would be good! You have me convinced I should try it. Great review, Rissi!
The premise IS different, Bekah, however that's what I liked about this book. It could have gotten "weird" but Colleen never made me feel unease or as if the book was getting out of hand, instead it can still be coined sweet with plenty of mystery to fit into the puzzle.
The Mercy Falls series are books I still MUST read. I have the entire series and the covers are gorgeous. Now, I just need to crack open those pages. :)
Thanks for reading, Bekah.
You definitely liked this one a lot more than I did, but that's okay. :) I was curious what you loved about it, so I had to read your review.
It is indeed, Tressa! It's fun to read others reviews just to find out what it was they liked so well about the book – and sometimes that gives us a new perspective. I'm not sure what it is I always enjoy about Colleen's writing (other than it being very "easy" and sweet), but whatever it is, I've enjoyed this series. Speaking specifically about this book, I think Colleen wrote a great, more unique premise which helped. She has a new series coming, so I'm eager to know how that'll pan out. :)
Thanks so much for the great review, Rissi! You just made my day. :)
Thank you for dropping by, Colleen and it was my pleasure to review this lovely novel. You have a great talent for writing "easy" reads and I admire that. :)
This sounds like an intriguing read, Rissi! I've never picked up a book by Colleen Coble, but this definitely makes me want to! I like that it's "edgy," but not overly terrifying in the tone surrounding the story. I should pick it up. Thanks for sharing! (:
Yay! Hope if/when you do pick it up, Grace that you enjoy. Colleen's writing has a wonderful voice; I like it because it's SO easy to get caught up in and therefore, her books are always "quick" reads in the best sense. :)
Thank you for dropping by.