Colleen Coble kicks off her new Sanctuary Series with Ambush, a fast-paced blend of romance, suspense, and faith. With a wildlife refuge setting, a decades-old murder mystery, and a rekindled love story, this novel has plenty to keep readers engaged.
Paradise Alden returns to Nova Cambridge, Alabama, hoping to heal from past trauma and find answers about her parents’ murder. But her fresh start at The Sanctuary, a wildlife refuge, turns into a nightmare when another murder occurs. The prime suspect? Her first love, Blake Lawson—the man who once broke her heart. Despite her lingering distrust, she’s convinced of his innocence, and together they must uncover the real threat before it’s too late.
Coble does a great job balancing suspense with emotional depth. The parallel storylines—one involving sabotage at the refuge and the other a long-buried mystery—add layers of intrigue. The setting itself brings extra tension, with both human threats and unpredictable animals lurking in the background. The romance is sweet, if a little predictable, and the faith element is woven in naturally.
While Ambush is an enjoyable read, it does have a few drawbacks. The ending feels abrupt, and while the story is engaging, it has Hallmark-movie feel, making it less realistic at times. Still, it’s a light, entertaining read for fans of Christian romantic suspense.
I’ll be looking forward to the next book in the series, releasing in November 2025.
4 stars
** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for review copies of the eBook and audio. The opinions are my own.