Lonestar Angel by Colleen Coble

Years ago Eden and Clay Larson's baby was stolen. Kidnappers demanded a ransom, but something went horribly wrong at the exchange: the kidnapper's car crashed into the river and was never recovered. Eden blamed herself, Clay lost himself in work. Their young and rocky marriage ended. Or so Eden thought.  Now she's met Kent. He's everything Clay wasn't: funny, stable, and eager to please her. Just as he's about to propose marriage at a romantic dinner, Clay arrives and tells Eden she can't marry Kent. She's still married to him. He never signed the divorce decree. Even more earth-shattering than this news is that he's never stopped looking for Brianna. Based on a tip, he thinks their daughter is in Bluebird, Texas, at a youth ranch. All five little girls there are the right age, but he's not sure which is Brianna.  To discover the truth, the couple becomes counselors to the girls at Bluebird Ranch. They move into small quarters in the bunkhouse and oversee the kids as they try to find out more. As they work together, their love for the children grows and their love for each other is rekindled. But as danger closes in, Eden and Clay realize they've been lured to this remote West Texas location; their lives and the lives of the little girls are in danger. But as Eden learns, "hope does not disappoint."( Synopsis from Goodreads)

Lonestar Angel is a suspenseful romance with a dash of faith.  This book grabbed me from page one. It has all the ingredients for the perfect book.  Eden and Clay both come from broken homes. They have a whirlwind romance that leaves Eden expecting. They  marry and have a beautiful daughter named Brianna. What they don't have is faith in each other, their marriage or communication skills. When Brianna is kidnapped and presumed dead...their marriage falls apart. Eden runs from the pain and believes Clay only married her to do the right thing. Clay has loved Eden since the moment he laid eyes on her. His own fear keeps him from chasing her. Until five years later, when someone sends a photo with a message that Brianna is alive. What follows, will have you reading by flashlight in the middle of the night. 

I really like protagonists Eden and Clay Larson. I found myself cheering for them and occasionally wanting to hit them both over the head. It is so obvious to the reader and characters in the novel that they love each other.  These too self-doubters can't see how much they mean to each other and are too afraid to open up.

 The children are so loveable and in need of a hug. Each child’s personality, fears and needs are beautifully expressed. I dare you not to fall in love with them.  The other characters in the novel add depth and bring the Bluebird Ranch to life. 

Coble spins a suspenseful tale.  The mystery around Brianna's kidnapping, the recent letter and tragic events that occur, will have you turning the pages to discover the secrets. This is a faith based novel, but it isn't over salted and the romance is sweet. 

I will be adding Colleen Coble to my favorite authors list and encourage you to read this delightful novel. Lonestar Angel would be the perfect holiday gift for anyone on your list who enjoys suspenseful romances. 

I want to thank Book sneeze for this ARC, in exchange for my unbiased review.

I gave this book 4 coffee cups out of 5. 

Buy here: B&N or here: Amazon
Author's website: Colleen Coble