BOOK REVIEW: Black Sands 

 

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by: Vickie McDonough

Dancing Word Reviewer

 

Title: Black Sands (Aloha Reef Series Book Two)

Author: Colleen Coble

Publisher: WestBow Press

ISBN: 0-7852-6043-9

Genre: Inspirational/Romantic/Suspense

Volcanologist Annie Tagama has always found satisfaction in life by caring for her family and following her father in his career. She's content to abide in the shadow of her beautiful sister and her handsome, popular brother. But now her brother is dead, and Mano Ohana, the only man Annie ever loved, is responsible.

When Mano shows up with some of her brother's belongings, Annie wants nothing to do with him, even though in her heart she can't deny she still has feelings for the handsome Navy SEAL, but when Annie's sister, Leilani, goes missing, she doesn't refuse Mano's offer to help find her. Annie has always been the one her family leaned on, but when she needs encouragement she has nowhere to turn.

On top of everything, Annie must get over her debilitating fear of lava fields or lose her job. A recent on-the-job accident left burns and ugly scars on her feet and ankles. When Annie learns that her beloved brother, Tomi, was mixed up in some nefarious dealings that may have put her family in danger, she feels she can't handle much more. If only she could trust in God like her good friend does, but Annie left Him behind when her life got too busy.

Will Annie and Mano be able to rescue Leilani, or is it already too late? Will Annie be able to forgive Mano for not saving her brother's life?

Black Sands is the second book in Colleen Coble’s exciting romantic suspense series, Aloha Reef. This quick-paced suspense will have you flipping pages as fast as you can. Readers will quickly grow to care for Annie and Mano and will cheer them on in their quest to find Leilani and solve the mystery surrounding Tomi’s death. Though Mano is a tough Navy SEAL, he struggles with the embarrassment of a physical ailment, which makes him very realistic. My heart ached for Annie, who found her self esteem in caring for a family that took her for granted.

A feisty mongoose named Wilson nearly steals the show and adds a comedy aspect, and a faith message deftly woven into the storyline will encourage readers to trust in God when their world is falling apart. Plenty of red herrings will keep readers guessing and wondering how this intriguing story will end. Make sure to pick up a copy of Black Sands for a suspenseful, fast-paced tale. (304 pages / $13.99)