Colleen Coble’s newest novel, “Two Reasons to Run,” picks up immediately after the first novel in her Pelican Harbor Series ends, with Police Chief Jane Hardy still reeling from the news she learned about her past.
When a man hints at sabotage and terrorism on the nearby oil platform in the Gulf, Jane must race to find out the truth. With the help of Reid Dixon, an investigative journalist who is also the father of her son Will, they must work together and rebuild their relationship all while searching out the truth about the potential terrorism.
“Two Reasons to Run” is a fast-paced romantic thriller that draws on murders, kidnappings, shootings, thefts, stalking and sabotage to drive the plot. Coble does an incredible job of weaving the storylines together to leave the reader in suspense — not only about the oil rig situation, but also in regards to both Jane’s and Reid’s pasts in a cult and their missing family members each is so desperate to find.
The author also does a great job of developing characters. Both Jane and Reid are flawed and relatable; her crusty father Charles is intriguing; their son Will is inspirational; and she even includes some great animal characters like Parker the dog and Pete the Pelican.
This story isn’t just a great thriller though. It’s filled with several amazing lessons, like God is still with us, even within the trials; how to face evil and even death with peace; sometimes we just need to focus on today and not worry about tomorrow; living in perpetual fear is no life; and the importance of trusting God.
Fans of authors like Carrie Stuart Parks, Lynette Eason and Terri Blackstock will enjoy this novel. I would not recommend reading it as a standalone, as much of its plot refers back to the series first story, “One Little Lie.”
“Two Reasons to Run” is due to be published on Sept. 8.
Five stars out of five.
Thomas Nelson provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
“Two Reasons to Run” (Pelican Harbor Series, #2) by Colleen Coble