Strands of Truth

by Colleen Coble

  It was a gorgeous day for a wedding. Harper couldn’t imagine a more perfect setting for this much-anticipated day. White chiffon covered the wedding arch and fluttered in the gentle breeze off the ocean. It was a perfect sixty-nine degrees, about average for late February. The wedding had been beautiful, and the reception was in full swing with guests partaking of cake and drinks. She’d met old friends of Sara’s from Hope Beach, but the names all ran together. She remembered Elin, whom she’d heard a lot about, and there was a Libby and Amy she thought. They’d come with smiles and husbands and children in tow.

  Harper smoothed the silky turquoise material of the maid of honor dress over her hips and sipped her punch. Laughter rose over the sound of the gulls and the waves, and she released a sigh of satisfaction. Sara had finally married her Josh, and Harper loved looking at the two them, hands clasped and so obviously in love.

  Ridge stood with a group of Coast Guard men off to one side. From the bits of conversation she heard, they appeared to be talking about football.

  She put down her punch and kicked off her shoes to walk along the beach. She needed to decide what she was going to do. Her houseboat wasn’t big enough for a baby, and besides, it hardly seemed safe once the little one began crawling and toddling around. That meant she needed to find a house. Thanks to Oliver’s generosity she could afford one.

  Ridge’s deep voice broke into her thoughts. “Mind if I join you?”

  She stopped and turned. “Of course not, though I didn’t want to pull you away from your important discussion about passes.”

  His smile flashed, and he took her hand. “You look beautiful today, but you were so somber just now. Is everything okay?”

  She relished the feel of his strong hand enfolding hers. “I’m fine. Just thinking about the need to move from my boat.”

  “I’d thought about that too. It’s not the place to raise a baby.”

  At least he’d thought about her and the baby. She hadn’t been sure he had spared her a thought, though she knew he’d been swamped with details of Oliver’s businesses. So many things had been screaming for his attention, and though she’d thought about stopping by several times and telling him how she felt, she hadn’t wanted to run the risk of rejection.

  She couldn’t bear it right now.

  “I know what you did for that little boy. You’re a good man, Ridge Jackson. How did you hear about him?”

  “Scott heard about it after he arrested his dad. The boy’s only five. I had to do something. He got a new kidney yesterday. You approve?”

  She smiled up at him. “You’re amazing.”

  He stopped and pulled her around to face him. “With so much death, it didn’t seem the right time to tell you how I feel about you, Harper, but seeing how happy Josh and Sara are, I realized we don’t know what tomorrow will bring. We didn’t expect my dad to die in his sixties. Life is unpredictable, and if something happened to you . . .” His voice grew choked.

  What was he saying? It felt as though her feet might float right off the ground. She searched his brown eyes for some kind of reassurance.

  He held her gaze with serious intent. “I love you, Harper. I love your deep commitment to family and the way you love other people. I love the care you took of my dad and the way you throw yourself so fiercely into everything you do. I love the way you didn’t let your past define you and you managed to work past your trust issues. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to be a father to this baby and to all the other babies we might have together. I see a future filled with love and joy. If you’ll have me.”

  He reached into his pocket and withdrew a small velvet box, then dropped to one knee. When he opened the box, the most beautiful rose-gold ring she’d ever seen winked in the sunlight. Tiny stones circled the large black pearl in the center.

  “Is that the pearl we found in the bivalve?” she whispered.

  He nodded. “I wanted your ring to remind us both of all that binds us together. Harper, will you marry me?”

  Her throat was so tight she couldn’t speak so she nodded instead. Tears spilled from her lashes and ran down her cheeks as she finally found she could whisper, “I love you, Ridge. So much.”

  He pulled the ring from its nest and slipped it on her finger. “I had to guess on the size. You wouldn’t believe all the jewelry stores I had to visit to track down that pearl.”

  “It feels perfect.” She held it out in the sunlight and admired it.

  He rose and pulled her into his arms to the sound of thunderous applause and catcalls. She peeked around his shoulder to see everyone from the wedding had crowded around them. Sara was crying, and maybe there was even a glimmer of a tear in Josh’s eye.

  Harper hid her face against the rough fabric of Ridge’s jacket. Family could be made up of friends, too, but she’d been too focused on finding her father to appreciate the blessings she already had in her friends. She had the best future she could imagine looking back at her.

  She raised her face for his kiss, and Ridge brushed her lips with his. “I’ll do a better job of this when we’re alone,” he whispered as he pulled her closer into his embrace.

  Every time she looked at this ring she would remember the way he’d charged into danger for her. It would be a reminder of the storms they’d weathered hand in hand and how the remaining strands of truth from the past had reached out to draw them together. His arms would always be a forever home to her.

  A Note from the Author

  Dear Reader,

  Everywhere we look there are ads for DNA kits to trace your ancestry and family. While this kind of information is fascinating, the possible abuses are daunting as well. What will people do with new family information? It has the power for great connections but also for great hurt.

  My daughter-in-law had her DNA test done and discovered family members that led to some closer-than-anticipated connections. I heard all kinds of dramatic stories. My mind always runs to murder mysteries, so that’s where the germ of this story idea was born.

  Have you had your DNA done? I’d love to hear any interesting stories you’ve run across! I love to hear from readers, and I hope you enjoy this twisted tale.

  Love,

  colleen@colleencoble.com

  Discussion Questions

  Ridge disliked Harper for taking advantage of his dad. Why is it harder to forgive someone for hurting someone we love?

  Harper has always longed for family. What do you think of her decision to adopt an embryo?

  Have you ever had your DNA done? If so, were there any surprises?

  Ridge had relationship issues with his mother and sister. What was at the root of it?

  Oliver helped salvage Harper’s life. Have you ever stepped out in a major way to help a stranger?

  Harper kept the truth of her pregnancy secret from Ridge for too long. Why is it hard to tell the truth sometimes?

  Ridge decided to share the inheritance with his sister. Why or why not do you think this was the right decision?

  Do you agree with Harper about how we can create our own family among friends?

  Acknowledgments

  My great thanks to Jochen Gerber, Invertebrates Collections Manager at the Chicago Field Museum! Your help with pen shells and sea silk was invaluable as well as all the information you gave me about malacology. I loved the behind-the-scenes look at the Field Museum!

  And special thanks to Michelle Glandon for your help with the Dunedin details! All those pictures, videos, and descriptions inspired many scenes. Thanks so much!

  I’m so blessed to belong to the terrific HarperCollins Christian Publishing dream team! I’ve been with my great fiction team for seventeen years, and we’ve grown closer and closer over the years.

  Our fiction publisher and editor, Amanda Bostic, is as dear to me as a daughter. She really gets suspense and has been my friend from the moment I met her all those years ago. Fabulous cover guru Kristen Ingebretson works hard to create the perfect cover�
�and does. My amazing fiction family: Becky Monds, Allison Carter, Jodi Hughes, Paul Fisher, Matt Bray, Kimberly Carlton, Laura Wheeler, Jocelyn Bailey, and Savannah Summers all contribute so much to my career. You are all rock stars! I wish I could name all the great folks at HCCP who work on selling my books through different venues. I’m truly blessed!

  Julee Schwarzburg is a dream editor to work with. She smooths out all my rough spots and makes me look better than I am. I’m so thankful for her touch on my books!

  My agent, Karen Solem, has helped shape my career in many ways, and that includes kicking an idea to the curb when necessary. We are about to celebrate twenty years together! And my critique partner of over twenty years, Denise Hunter, is the best sounding board ever. Thanks, friends!

  I’m so grateful for my husband, Dave, who carts me around from city to city, washes towels, and chases down dinner without complaint. My kids—Dave, Kara (and now Donna and Mark)—love and support me in every way possible, and my little granddaughter, Alexa, makes every day a joy. She’s so grown up now, and having her spend the night is more fun than I can tell you. Our little grandson Elijah is twenty-seven months old now, and his baby brother, Silas, is eight months old. We try to split our time between them, but I’m constantly missing someone. ☹

  Most important, I give my thanks to God, who has opened such amazing doors for me and makes the journey a golden one.

  About the Author

  Photo by Amber Zimmerman

  Colleen Coble is a USA TODAY bestselling author and RITA finalist best known for her coastal romantic suspense novels, including The Inn at Ocean’s Edge, Twilight at Blueberry Barrens, and the Lavender Tides, Sunset Cove, Hope Beach, and Rock Harbor series.

  * * *

  Connect with Colleen online at colleencoble.com

  Facebook: colleencoblebooks

  Twitter: @colleencoble

  Pinterest: @ColleenCoble

  Acclaim for Colleen Coble

  “As always, Colleen Coble never disappoints. Strands of Truth is no exception. I was hooked from the first page. Trying to read this story slowly is impossible. Don’t be surprised when you find yourself flipping the pages in a hurry to find out what happens next! This one is for your keeper shelf.”

  —Lynette Eason, bestselling and award-winning author of the Blue Justice series

  “Just when I think Colleen Coble’s stories can’t get any better, she proves me wrong. In Strands of Truth, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. The characterization of Ridge and Harper and their relationship pulled me immediately into the story. Fast paced, with so many unexpected twists and turns, I read this book in one sitting. Coble has pushed the bar higher than I’d imagined. This book is one not to be missed. Highly recommend!”

  —Robin Caroll, bestselling author of the Darkwater Inn series

  “Free-dive into a romantic suspense that will leave you breathless and craving for more.”

  —DiAnn Mills, bestselling author

  “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, author of Fragments of Fear

  “It’s in her blood! Colleen Coble once again shows her suspense prowess with a thriller as intricate and beautiful as a strand of DNA. Strands of Truth dives into an unusual profession involving mollusks and shell beds that weaves a unique, silky thread throughout the story. So fascinating I couldn’t stop reading!”

  —Ronie Kendig, bestselling author of The Tox Files

  “Once again, Colleen Coble delivers an intriguing, suspenseful tale in Strands of Truth. The mystery and tension mount toward an explosive and satisfying finish. Well done.”

  —Creston Mapes, bestselling author

  “Secrets at Cedar Cabin is filled with twists and turns that will keep readers turning the pages as they plunge into the horrific world of sex trafficking where they come face to face with evil. Colleen Coble delivers a fast-paced story with a strong, lovable ensemble cast and a sweet heaping helping of romance.”

  —Kelly Irvin, author of Tell Her No Lies

  “Once again Colleen Coble has delivered a page-turning, can’t-put-down suspense thriller with Secrets at Cedar Cabin! I vowed I’d read it slowly over several nights before going to bed. The story wouldn’t wait—I HAD to finish it!”

  —Carrie Stuart Parks, author of Formula of Deception

  “This is an engrossing historical story with plenty of romance and danger for readers to get hooked by.”

  —The Parkersburg News and Sentinel on Freedom’s Light

  “Coble . . . weaves a suspense-filled romance set during the Revolutionary War. Coble’s fine historical novel introduces a strong heroine—both in faith and character—that will appeal deeply to readers.”

  —Publishers Weekly on Freedom’s Light

  “This follow-up to The View from Rainshadow Bay features delightful characters and an evocative, atmospheric setting. Ideal for fans of romantic suspense and authors Dani Pettrey, Dee Henderson, and Brandilyn Collins.”

  —Library Journal for The House at Saltwater Point

  “The View from Rainshadow Bay opens with a heart-pounding, run-for-your-life chase. This book will stay with you for a long time, long after you flip to the last page.”

  —RT Book Reviews, 4 stars

  “Set on Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula, this first volume of Coble’s new suspense series is a tensely plotted and harrowing tale of murder, corporate greed, and family secrets. Devotees of Dani Pettrey, Brenda Novak, and Allison Brennan will find a new favorite here.”

  —Library Journal on The View from Rainshadow Bay

  “Coble (Twilight at Blueberry Barrens) keeps the tension tight and the action moving in this gripping tale, the first in her Lavender Tides series set in the Pacific Northwest.”

  —Publishers Weekly on The View from Rainshadow Bay

  “Filled with the suspense for which Coble is known, the novel is rich in detail with a healthy dose of romance, allowing readers to bask in the beauty of Washington State’s lavender fields, lush forests and jagged coastline.”

  —BookPage on The View from Rainshadow Bay

  “Prepare to stay up all night with Colleen Coble. Coble’s beautiful, emotional prose coupled with her keen sense of pacing, escalating danger, and very real characters place her firmly at the top of the suspense genre. I could not put this book down.”

  —Allison Brennan, New York Times bestselling author of Shattered, on The View from Rainshadow Bay

  “I loved returning to Rock Harbor and you will too. Beneath Copper Falls is Colleen at her best!”

  —Dani Pettrey, bestselling author of the Alaskan Courage and Chesapeake Valor series

  “Return to Rock Harbor for Colleen Coble’s best story to date. Beneath Copper Falls is a twisting, turning thrill ride from page one that drops you headfirst into danger that will leave you breathless, sleep deprived, and eager for more! I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough!”

  —Lynette Eason, award-winning, bestselling author of the Elite Guardians series

  “The tension, both suspenseful and romantic, is gripping, reflecting Coble’s prowess with the genre.”

  —Publishers Weekly, starred review for Twilight at Blueberry Barrens

  “Incredible storytelling and intricately drawn characters. You won’t want to miss Twilight at Blueberry Barrens!”

  —Brenda Novak, New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author

  “Coble has a gift for making a setting come to life. After reading Twilight at Blueberry Barrens, I feel like I’ve lived in Maine all my life. This plot kept me guessing until the end, and her characters seem like my friends. I don’t want to let them go!”

  —Terri Blackstock, USA TODAY bestselling author of
If I Run

  “I’m a longtime fan of Colleen Coble, and Twilight at Blueberry Barrens is the perfect example of why. Coble delivers riveting suspense, delicious romance, and carefully crafted characters, all with the deft hand of a veteran writer. If you love romantic suspense, pick this one up. You won’t be disappointed!”

  —Denise Hunter, author of The Goodbye Bride

  “Colleen Coble, the queen of Christian romantic mysteries, is back with her best book yet. Filled with familiar characters, plot twists, and a confusion of antagonists, I couldn’t keep the pages of this novel set in Maine turning fast enough. I reconnected with characters I love while taking a journey filled with murder, suspense, and the prospect of love. This truly is her best book to date, and perfect for readers who adore a page-turner laced with romance.”

  —Cara Putman, award-winning author of Shadowed by Grace and Where Treetops Glisten, on Twilight at Blueberry Barrens

  “Gripping! Colleen Coble has again written a page-turning romantic suspense with Twilight at Blueberry Barrens! Not only did she keep me up nights racing through the pages to see what would happen next, I genuinely cared for her characters. Colleen sets the bar high for romantic suspense!”

  —Carrie Stuart Parks, author of A Cry from the Dust and When Death Draws Near

  “Colleen Coble thrills readers again with her newest novel, an addictive suspense trenched in family, betrayal, and . . . murder.”

  —DiAnn Mills, author of Deadly Encounter, on Twilight at Blueberry Barrens

  “Coble’s latest, Twilight at Blueberry Barrens, is one of her best yet! With characters you want to know in person, a perfect setting, and a plot that had me holding my breath, laughing, and crying, this story will stay with the reader long after the book is closed. My highest recommendation.”

  —Robin Caroll, bestselling novelist

  “Colleen’s Twilight at Blueberry Barrens is filled with a bevy of twists and surprises, a wonderful romance, and the warmth of family love. I couldn’t have asked for more. This author has always been a five-star novelist, but I think it’s time to up the ante with this book. It’s on my keeping shelf!”