Book Review: The View from Rainshadow Bay by Colleen Coble
If there’s one good thing about all the traveling we’ve done over the last couple of weeks, it’s that I’ve had plenty of extra reading time! I dug into Colleen Coble’s newest book The View from Rainshadow Bay last weekend, and it is now my favorite that she’s written. I know, I say it nearly every time, but, honestly, they just keep getting better and better!
The View from Rainshadow Bay is the first book in a brand-new series that takes place on the west coast. Lavender Tides still boasts all of Colleen’s trademark gorgeous scenery and a cast of colorful local characters. Her books always have a romantic angle, but, once again, the mystery is at the forefront of this thriller. And, as usual, her books manage to be edgy and interesting, while remaining clean and inspirational. I’m never ashamed or even hesitant to recommend her books.
In this latest novel, Shauna is struggling since the death of her husband, Jack, a year ago. The bank is about to repossess her helicopter, which will mean she will no longer have any way to support herself, or her young son, Alex. The only person she can think to turn to is, Zach, her husband’s best friend. However, Shauna blames Zach for Jack’s death, and she won’t even speak to him. But, when Shauna is the last person to see a friend before he is brutally murdered, she is swept into a dangerous situation, and only Zach can protect her. As Zach and Shauna dig deeper into the mystery, and draw closer together, old secrets are uncovered, and everything Shauna believed about her past turns out to be a lie. Who can be trusted? How many deaths have really been caused by the mysterious murderer? What do the earthquakes have to do with the death of a recovering drug addict? Why did the murdered man have a necklace that was buried with Shauna’s mom years earlier? Does Shauna’s alcoholic father have the clue that will solve the mystery? The questions pile up fast, and the solution will really blow your mind!
I have to say, the plot of this book is totally unique and new. The earthquakes brought an interesting plot twist that totally surprised me–and that’s not really easy to do any more! The characters here are my favorites of any of her series so far, maybe because they really kept me guessing! I loved Zach, and his loyalty to Shauna and Alex. His desire to take care of them, even though Shauna hated him, made him really admirable. Shauna is also a great character. I love that she flies a helicopter, and is doing everything she can to take care of her son. I also admired her for continuing to take care of her father, even though he never took care of her. Zach’s attitude towards her father made me love him more, too! I also really loved the sheriff and his wife in this book. I honestly wasn’t sure what side he was on at first, and his younger, model wife really kept me guessing! I won’t tell you what happens, but I will say they are one of my favorite parts of this story.
I have long been a fan of Colleen Coble, and I’m so excited that she’s started this new series! I can tell it’s going to be a great one, and I’m already excited for the next one coming out this summer. I love that I can recommend good, clean thrillers that won’t leave the reader feeling dirty at the end. Faith is woven through the pages of all of Colleen’s novels, and it adds to the interest of the story.
If you’re looking for a great new series to start out the new year, I highly recommend that you start with The View from Rainshadow Bay!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this review. All opinions are my own, and a favorable review was not required.
