Shana R. (LynniePennie) reviewed on 10/1/2012 + 169 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 2

This book "Tidewater Inn: A Hope Beach Novel" is the first book I've read from author Colleen Coble. It's the first in a new Hope Beach Series with the second one "Rosemary Cottage" due out in July 2013. It's a Christian based mystery/romance which uses scripture throughout to make points in the story. This particular book touches mainly on selfishness versus selflessness and with greed versus generosity.

Tidewater Inn's main character is Libby, who has grown-up with an alcoholic, eccentric mother who gave her little stability. Libby has had to struggle to make ends meet all her life, even though she works hard in restoring historic homes. Libby's well-meaning mother told Libby that her father died when she was just five years old. Much to Libby's surprise she gets a call from her friend and co-worker Nicole telling her that she has just inherited a gorgeous old beachfront inn, named the Tidewater Inn on the picturesque island of Hope Beach, from her father Ray. To top it off, Nicole informs Libby that she also has two half-siblings, a brother named Brent and a sister named Vanessa.

While Libby's friend Nicole is on the island waiting for Libby to join her, she sets up a meeting with Vanessa. Waiting for Vanessa to arrive, Nicole is abducted while Libby is watching on a webcam by two strange men. Libby immediately packs her bags and takes off for Hope Beach.

If that's not enough for Libby to deal with when she arrives in Hope Beach, she has to deal with the scrutiny of the local sheriff, as well as, pressure from outside real estate tycoons who are willing to drop 12 million for her inn and the growing resentment and anger of her two half-siblings. The only people that seem to be on her side are her newly introduced aunt Pearl, who is the local Postmistress and Alec the handsome, Coast Guard lieutenant who helps when her borrowed car breaks down. Will Libby find out what happened to Nicole before she's in jail as the prime suspect? Will she sell the beloved Tidewater that her long lost father left to her?

I loved the way the author uses the character's reference to scripture in this book. It seemed to be very realistic and it dealt with real issues that many people face today. This definitely will not be the last book that I read from author Colleen Cobble, I've added the next installment of this series to my must read list. I really like Libby and I found that she was a woman that many women would be able to relate to in some form. Also, this mystery wasn't too easy to solve as in many books of this type, which was a nice bonus.

Overall, I'd highly recommend for fans of Christian romance or Christian mysteries.

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