Customer Reviews

Lonestar Secrets

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

UPDATE-UPDATE-UPDATE
BUY BOTH LONESTAR BOOKS, READ QUICKLY. "Lonestar Homecoming," Lonestar book 3 is to be released in April, 2010.
But first, READ BELOW AND DISCOVER ABOUT THE "LONESTAR SECRETS."

Mystery/romance author, Colleen Coble, has written a "deluxe" duo of stories in her "Lonestar" pair of books. She weaves mystery, suspense, adventure, and Christian romance into stories as big as the Lonestar state this time. Lots of horse ranch action as well.

Single and the new local Veterinarian, Shannon Astor, with daughter, Kylie, move to a ranch beside Bluebird Ranch (from "Lonestar Sancturay".) She meets Faith, a 5-yr-old twin image of Kylie, but daughter of Jack, whose wife, Blair, is dead. Jack was also responsible for rumors that forced Shannon away from this area after high school. Shannon's daughter's real twin, died on the day of its birth, the same day Jack's wife gave birth, in the same clinic, with the attending nurse for both mothers being the aunt of Blair. It's obvious, a twin was switched with Blair's deceased girl.

Confused? Author Coble does a much better job of setting up the story. All that activity is just the beginning. A lawyer jokes to Shannon, that since Jack's Senator father is rich and powerful, her best solution is not a court fight but marrying Jack, the guy she loathes. Impossible! Impossible? Well...

Then there is Mary Beth, friend in trouble that disappears;
Tucker Larve, mustang buster & enemy of Jack;
Shannon's dead parents, mine accident???;
Rev./Vet. Grady & Dolly O'Sullivan (from Lonestar Sanctuary);
plus Rick, Allie, & Betsy Bailey (also of the previous book);
and Felipe Mendoze, a very dead ranch hand;
and...well, again, it's hard to believe that all this and more is packed into only 316 pages. With this complex of a mystery (and romance), there are no wasted words by Colleen Coble. It's why she's become one of my and other's favorite contemporary authors.

You will want to move to Bluebird Crossing, West Texas, yourself after this read. It's really not a MUST reading the first book, "Lonestar Sanctuary", prior to enjoying this story, but your missing out on another 5-star opportunity if you don't. Put a saddle on your horse--buy both, you'll be glad you did. And check out other Colleen Coble books on my reviewed list. GOOD STUFF.

When I first started reading LONESTAR SECRETS and the mystery of the twins was revealed early on, I thought that would make the book predictable, and I was a little disappointed. I sure am glad that I kept reading!

This story is Shannon's story, and the mystery surrounding the twins is only a part of it. There are other mysteries in the book. What happened to Shannon's roommate? What do her kidnappers think Shannon has? Did her parents find the Spanish treasure they were seeking?

None of these were the biggest mystery for me, though. As I read through the book and watched Shannon's character change, I wondered if she would ever trust again. After the things she had endured, I figured she certainly had reason NOT to trust. Shannon receives the message, throughout the book, that love is a choice, and it was interesting to me to watch her as that message finally began to make sense. I think all women--all people--can identify with not wanting to trust after you have been hurt. If you don't make the decision to trust again, I think you certainly live less of a life than you could. Shannon Astor does make that choice, and in the process, she finds what she's been dreaming of. Watching her character evolve enough to love again was what made the book worth reading for me.

I loved this book. I read Lonestar Santuary and couldn't wait for Lonestar Secrets. I adore a good story and when you add horses to the mix, its a double scoop of yummy..
I love how the author creates female heroines that are not perfect Barbie doll type people. You feel like these women are people that could live next door to you...
There is a scene in the book where the horses are trapped by wildfire and the way the author describes the details, it will stay with you a long time...Amazing!!
I can't wait for the next Lonestar book...

This is a story centered on the effect of secrets.

Shannon is a bright, determined, young single mother. She had put herself through veterinary school and was living in a squalid apartment in the city. When her uncle dies and leaves her the family ranch in West Texas she decides to return `home' to take over the small veterinary practice from the retiring vet. She knows she will face some issues going home but she is surprised to suddenly see a child who looks just like her daughter, Kylie. The girl, Faith, is the daughter of Shannon's high school nemesis, Jack. Jack was the one who ridiculed Shannon in school resulting in her becoming an ostracized loner. Shannon has never trusted anyone since that betrayal and the betrayal of her daughter's father.

Jack is a handsome, rich wrangler. He is the son of a powerful state Senator but rather than live the frenzied, socialite life of a politician Jack has chosen to be a horse trainer and stay close to home and family. Jack is also shocked to see Kylie. He doesn't understand how the girls could look enough alike to be twins! Then Shannon makes a startling discovery that puts both girls at risk in their circumstances.

Shannon proposes - literally - as a solution to the dilemma. They agree to marry for the sake of the girls but Shannon doesn't trust Jack. Although no marriage should begin with crucial secrets Shannon is unwilling to disclose hers. Jack loved his wife and is reluctant to let go of her memory which makes the new relationship even more difficult. Meanwhile someone is threatening Shannon's best friend if Shannon doesn't deliver a ransom even though she has no idea what they want. More complications settle in when Kylie's birth father begins to make claims.

There is a lot going on in this story which keeps it moving quickly. However I was very frustrated by Shannon's failure to disclose important facts that should be revealed before marriage. I also felt that the kidnapping, threats and attacks where a bit loose and therefor not fully realistic. I enjoyed the main message of the story that love is a choice and an action, not a feeling. I also liked the issues of forgiveness and seeking good in others who seem to be beyond goodness.

I listened to this book on Audible and the narration was acceptable... not wonderful but not detracting either.

Even though I wasn't thrilled with the heroine, the story is engaging. This was our book club read and all the ladies really liked the story more than I did. One woman read books one and three this week too. I would read more by this author but have lots more to read before getting back to her.

Colleen Coble is an amazing writer and she nailed it again. Very riveting story, always wondering what would happen next. I really like her ability to combine romance and mystery for a great story.

Great book! Had a lot of twists and turns. I'm going to order the third in series now!

I really enjoyed this story by Colleen Coble. I won't tell you what the story is about since others before me took care of that. I thought it was very well written and really enjoyed the romance between the hero and heroine. It kept me wanting to come back for more. I found the plot to be very interesting and believable. I usually prefer historical romance novels but I'm glad I read this contemporary one and can't wait to get another book from Colleen. If I had to say anything negative then I would say that I thought the ending was just a bit rushed but I'm still looking forward to Lonestar Homecoming.

First, I just have to say WOW! This was one of those books I did NOT want to put down once I got started. It was absolutely amazing. I was mesmerized by the story lines and the characters. They were all made so real to me. There was enough in the plot to keep your stomach in knots the whole book but wasn't too much to make you confused. And everything was tied up neat and tidy at the end. No questions were left unanswered. I give it 5 stars! An excellent and amazing read except for the talk of scorpions, rattlers, and black widows (shiver). The book lived up to all of my expectations and more. I am very interested in reading more from the author.

This book is absolutely a fabulous read! I could barely put it down. The author Colleen Coble, weaves a beautiful story of intrigue, romance, and mystery all in one. The perfect combination for anyone looking to lose themselves in a book. The main character - Shannon - is a woman that most women can relate to. She must make some hard decisions in this book that will change her life and her daughter's life too. From the first chapter, the author sucks you in with a stunning revelation (you see it coming and yet you can't believe it would happen!). With all the great writing and storytelling, I can not wait to read another book by this author again!!!

This was a great book. I loved the horses part and all the lessons one can learn from it.