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Aloha Reef #2
Black Sands
Page-turning romantic suspense set amid the gorgeous beauty of Hawaii and the impending danger of a volcano.
A brainy—and perpetually single—volcanologist, Annie Tagama works alongside her father at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. But despite her pedigree, Annie has lost her passion or volcanology. She's quietly grieving the mysterious loss of her brother in the Middle East.
When Annie discovers that her brother might still be alive—and in trouble—she shakes off her malaise and joins forces with Mano Oana, the unnervingly handsome family friend she had always blamed for her brother's death.
As Annie and Mano investigate—and find that they have a lot more in common than tragedy—an evil force gathers strength on the main island. An ancient cult has reemerged—and Annie's little sister is somehow involved. As the old religion bubbles to the surface like lava, the old practices are not far behind . . . including human sacrifice.
Annie and Mano are desperate to find her brother and save her family from destruction before the ancient evil smothers them all in an earth-shattering eruption.
This full-length romantic suspense can be read as a standalone, but is also part of the Aloha Reef Series.
Book one: Distant Echoes
Book two: Black Sands
Book three: Dangerous Depths
Book four: Midnight Sea
Includes discussion questions.
"Wow! Reading Colleen Coble's Black Sands is like taking a romantic excursion to Hawaii's rugged shoreline. Coble brings the setting to life, draws engaging characters, and spins an intricate web of intrigue." --Denise Hunter, author of The Convenient Groom and Summer by the Tides
"Filled with the spirit of aloha and page-turning twists and turns, Black Sands is romantic suspense at its thrilling finest. A can't-put-down read!" --Linda Windsor, award-winning author of Paper Moon
"No one take you to a setting like Colleen Coble, and what better place to be than the Black Sands of Hawaii? Reading the book was like a cool dip in the balmy ocean—under the lurking shadow of a volcano in shark-infested waters. Enjoy, but beware!" --Kristin Billerbeck, author of The Theory of Happily Ever After
A brainy—and perpetually single—volcanologist, Annie Tagama works alongside her father at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. But despite her pedigree, Annie has lost her passion or volcanology. She's quietly grieving the mysterious loss of her brother in the Middle East.
When Annie discovers that her brother might still be alive—and in trouble—she shakes off her malaise and joins forces with Mano Oana, the unnervingly handsome family friend she had always blamed for her brother's death.
As Annie and Mano investigate—and find that they have a lot more in common than tragedy—an evil force gathers strength on the main island. An ancient cult has reemerged—and Annie's little sister is somehow involved. As the old religion bubbles to the surface like lava, the old practices are not far behind . . . including human sacrifice.
Annie and Mano are desperate to find her brother and save her family from destruction before the ancient evil smothers them all in an earth-shattering eruption.
This full-length romantic suspense can be read as a standalone, but is also part of the Aloha Reef Series.
Book one: Distant Echoes
Book two: Black Sands
Book three: Dangerous Depths
Book four: Midnight Sea
Includes discussion questions.
"Wow! Reading Colleen Coble's Black Sands is like taking a romantic excursion to Hawaii's rugged shoreline. Coble brings the setting to life, draws engaging characters, and spins an intricate web of intrigue." --Denise Hunter, author of The Convenient Groom and Summer by the Tides
"Filled with the spirit of aloha and page-turning twists and turns, Black Sands is romantic suspense at its thrilling finest. A can't-put-down read!" --Linda Windsor, award-winning author of Paper Moon
"No one take you to a setting like Colleen Coble, and what better place to be than the Black Sands of Hawaii? Reading the book was like a cool dip in the balmy ocean—under the lurking shadow of a volcano in shark-infested waters. Enjoy, but beware!" --Kristin Billerbeck, author of The Theory of Happily Ever After
296 pages, Paperback
First published November 10, 2005
256 people are currently reading
1420 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Coble
147 books6,332 followersUSAToday bestselling author Colleen Coble lives with her husband, Dave, in Arizona. She is the author of dozens of novels including the Rock Harbor Series, the Aloha Reef Series, the Mercy Falls Series, the Hope Beach Series, the Lonestar Series and two Women of Faith fiction selections, Alaska Twilight and Midnight Sea. She has more than 6 million books in print.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
May 8, 2024
In book two of the Aloha Reef series, Colleen Coble introduces readers to the Tagama family. The main character, Annie, is a volcanologist and works at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Her work is suffering because she’s grieving the loss of her brother, Tomiko, and now her sister, Leilani, has gone missing.
When a family friend and former love interest, Mano Oana (from book 1), comes to return Tomi’s personal items and express his condolences, he alerts her to the possibility that Tomi might actually be alive. Mano and Tomi had joined the U.S. Navy as SEALs together and Tomi was missing in action and presumed dead in the Middle East. I loved this plot because I felt the anguish and tension Annie had at wanting to keep Mano at arm’s length, yet needing his support. She was caught between a rock and a hard place.
The secondary plot wasn’t as interesting for me because it focused on an evil cult that had resurfaced on the island. I persevered because I wanted to know if Leilani was involved.
I was happy to see characters from book one, see a character learn to manage Diabetes (my family lives with it, too), read about a pet Mongoose named Winston, and the history and facts about lava. Having visited the site and seen the different types of lava, it was more meaningful.
The wonderful writing continued to capture my attention:
“Without her mother’s attention, weeds had choked the path to the koi fish pond in much the same way that the family’s cares had begun to strangle Annie. The bonsai had lost its shape, too, just as her family no longer resembled the perfect unit it had once been.”
The encouraging lines always have me grabbing my highlighter:
"You've lost your vision and can't see the forest for the trees. You're always going to feel lost until you put God back at the center. He has to be the core equation."
"When something else is in God's place, nothing comes out right."
When a family friend and former love interest, Mano Oana (from book 1), comes to return Tomi’s personal items and express his condolences, he alerts her to the possibility that Tomi might actually be alive. Mano and Tomi had joined the U.S. Navy as SEALs together and Tomi was missing in action and presumed dead in the Middle East. I loved this plot because I felt the anguish and tension Annie had at wanting to keep Mano at arm’s length, yet needing his support. She was caught between a rock and a hard place.
The secondary plot wasn’t as interesting for me because it focused on an evil cult that had resurfaced on the island. I persevered because I wanted to know if Leilani was involved.
I was happy to see characters from book one, see a character learn to manage Diabetes (my family lives with it, too), read about a pet Mongoose named Winston, and the history and facts about lava. Having visited the site and seen the different types of lava, it was more meaningful.
The wonderful writing continued to capture my attention:
“Without her mother’s attention, weeds had choked the path to the koi fish pond in much the same way that the family’s cares had begun to strangle Annie. The bonsai had lost its shape, too, just as her family no longer resembled the perfect unit it had once been.”
The encouraging lines always have me grabbing my highlighter:
"You've lost your vision and can't see the forest for the trees. You're always going to feel lost until you put God back at the center. He has to be the core equation."
"When something else is in God's place, nothing comes out right."
May 27, 2017
An intense and riveting page-turner. Complicated family dynamics paired with a difficult romance kept me reeling -- never mind the twisty turny plot and parade of intriguing characters that might -- or might not -- be motivated by evil intent. This is Colleen Coble at her gnarliest. :-) Throw away your armchair sleuth manual and just sit back and enjoy the tumultuous ride!
This is book 2 in the Aloha Reef series but it reads fine as a standalone. Though if you have read the first book you'll be happy to reacquaint yourself with some familiar faces in this one.
This is book 2 in the Aloha Reef series but it reads fine as a standalone. Though if you have read the first book you'll be happy to reacquaint yourself with some familiar faces in this one.
February 10, 2021
3.5 rounded up
A solid story about a woman trying to find her sister, trying to help her brother get free of a criminal organization, and solve her own issues at the same time. While I felt that often the plot got sidetracked on too many things at the same time, I really liked Annie and Mano as characters and found it easy to keep reading.
A solid story about a woman trying to find her sister, trying to help her brother get free of a criminal organization, and solve her own issues at the same time. While I felt that often the plot got sidetracked on too many things at the same time, I really liked Annie and Mano as characters and found it easy to keep reading.
April 20, 2023
So sweet! Ugh I love all the characters and I wish I could give them big hugs! I loved the underlying principle of trusting God and facing you fear with Him giving you strength. I loved Annie and Mano. You don't get much of Mano in the first book and I adore him in this one! Highly recommend.
April 3, 2016
SUMMARY: A brainy—and perpetually single—volcanologist, Annie Tagama works alongside her father at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. But despite her pedigree, Annie has lost her passion for volcanology. She’s quietly grieving the mysterious loss of her brother in the Middle East. When Annie discovers that her brother might still be alive—and in trouble—she shakes off her malaise and joins forces with Mano Oana, the unnervingly handsome family friend she had always blamed for her brother’s death. As Annie and Mano investigate—and find that they have a lot more in common than tragedy—an evil force gathers strength on the main island. An ancient cult has reemerged—and Annie’s little sister is somehow involved. As the old religion bubbles to the surface like lava, the old practices are not far behind . . . including human sacrifice. Can Annie and Mano find her brother and save her family from destruction? Or will the ancient evil smother them all in an earth-shattering eruption?
REVIEW: Once again Colleen Coble builds a suspense-filled book with lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing until almost the very end. This is Book 2 in the Aloha Reef series and could be read as a stand alone although Mano as well as his family will be more familiar if you have read Book 1 . Also you will know more about Nani the dolphin. I really liked how Annie developed throughout this story gaining in faith and self-confidence. Mano was also well developed as he learned how to deal with a health issue that had definitely thrown him a curve. In addition, I like how Coble includes a romance but it is not the main focus of the story but rather a thread that weaves itself through the main plot. Coble's research into the vulcanology of the islands and her descriptions were very well done and made me feel as though I was walking through the lava beds with Annie and then Mano. The ending was incredible and this could easily be made into a great suspense film. Can't wait to read Book 3 which I already have.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "You've lost your vision and can't see the forest for the trees. You're always going to feel lost until you put God back at the center. He has to be the core equation."
"When something else is in God's place, nothing comes out right."
"A real man isn't looking for an ornament but a partner to love."
"God wants to be the most important thing in our lives. He wants to be our first, passion, our first thought in the morning. He wants to be what gives our life purpose."
REVIEW: Once again Colleen Coble builds a suspense-filled book with lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing until almost the very end. This is Book 2 in the Aloha Reef series and could be read as a stand alone although Mano as well as his family will be more familiar if you have read Book 1 . Also you will know more about Nani the dolphin. I really liked how Annie developed throughout this story gaining in faith and self-confidence. Mano was also well developed as he learned how to deal with a health issue that had definitely thrown him a curve. In addition, I like how Coble includes a romance but it is not the main focus of the story but rather a thread that weaves itself through the main plot. Coble's research into the vulcanology of the islands and her descriptions were very well done and made me feel as though I was walking through the lava beds with Annie and then Mano. The ending was incredible and this could easily be made into a great suspense film. Can't wait to read Book 3 which I already have.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "You've lost your vision and can't see the forest for the trees. You're always going to feel lost until you put God back at the center. He has to be the core equation."
"When something else is in God's place, nothing comes out right."
"A real man isn't looking for an ornament but a partner to love."
"God wants to be the most important thing in our lives. He wants to be our first, passion, our first thought in the morning. He wants to be what gives our life purpose."
March 14, 2016
This book is the second novel in a Christian suspense and romance series called The Aloha Reef series, as it is set in Hawaii, and, in addition to that, the books all have at least some connection to the sea, shown either through diving, normal swimming, or boating. So, in this book, the main character is Annie, a volcanologist, who has a history with Mano Oana, Kaia's brother, and we get to know her family and her story, which ends happily despite a lot of danger and craziness along the way. Anyhow, I thought the book was well-written and entertaining, and the twists and turns of the plot due to the element of suspense/mystery were quite fun, and I also loved the characters in the book and thought they were portrayed well. It has certainly earned its place on my favorites' list.
March 24, 2024
4.5 stars
Things to love about this book:
*A page turning story
*Beautiful descriptions of Hawaii
*Volcanologists
*Interesting info about volcanoes
*Hawaiian culture, especially ancient views, myths
*Dolphins who communicate with humans
*Jesse, Kaia and Jillian from Book One in the series
*Strong faith message - fear, idolatry
*Themes of family, friendship, self-worth and beauty
Things to love about this book:
*A page turning story
*Beautiful descriptions of Hawaii
*Volcanologists
*Interesting info about volcanoes
*Hawaiian culture, especially ancient views, myths
*Dolphins who communicate with humans
*Jesse, Kaia and Jillian from Book One in the series
*Strong faith message - fear, idolatry
*Themes of family, friendship, self-worth and beauty
October 14, 2014
This is another FANTASTIC book by Colleen Coble! I am seriously never disappointed in her works. Just as with the first book in the series, Distant Echoes, this book grabbed me and didn't let me go until the end! View my full review here.
November 22, 2022
So disappointed! I adored the first book in this series, but this one focused way too much on foreign gods and worship to them. That aspect had far more page time than the Christian faith, which I found very unusual in the Christian fiction genre. The Christian faith was further called “mythology,” which, of course, it isn’t. It’s the only real Truth there is. Thankfully, the leading man corrected the person with the truth: “God is still alive and not a myth.”
The leading man wanted the leading lady to “hero worship” him. That was so odd and uncomfortable. “He missed that hero worship in her eyes. She’d never get it back if she knew he was a weakling now.”
It was interesting to see a leading man with a debilitating health issue. That aspect might have been my favorite, because it stood out as unique. I also enjoyed the family aspects and the mystery surrounding Annie’s mother’s death.
This story didn’t feel very suspenseful, so it felt like it was mislabeled as a suspense book. It was more a romance.
I loved that volcanology and unusual weather events were such a huge highlight to the book.
Content: gambling, mythology (including Hawaiian and Greek gods and worship of such; excessive), replacement profanity, expletives, alcohol, replacement expletives, crude sexual terms
The leading man wanted the leading lady to “hero worship” him. That was so odd and uncomfortable. “He missed that hero worship in her eyes. She’d never get it back if she knew he was a weakling now.”
It was interesting to see a leading man with a debilitating health issue. That aspect might have been my favorite, because it stood out as unique. I also enjoyed the family aspects and the mystery surrounding Annie’s mother’s death.
This story didn’t feel very suspenseful, so it felt like it was mislabeled as a suspense book. It was more a romance.
I loved that volcanology and unusual weather events were such a huge highlight to the book.
Content: gambling, mythology (including Hawaiian and Greek gods and worship of such; excessive), replacement profanity, expletives, alcohol, replacement expletives, crude sexual terms
April 6, 2022
Really loving this series so far. Really speeding my workday up. I loved this one as it kept me guessing till the end. I never guessed who the main culprit was. Loving the christian element of this suspensful series. Looking forward to bains and lani’s stories.
December 11, 2018
Review to come
July 25, 2024
Like her other books, I like the slow moving romance. A few characters carried over from the last story, but we met several new ones. The mystery and pace kept me reading.
December 2, 2018
Colleen Coble is one of my favorite authors. As far as her series go, Aloha Reef is one of my least favorite ones. In this particular book, there is so much talk about volcanoes and terms that I didn't understand that it could not hold my attention. If is probably just me.
Someone commented that they have the book 3 stars because of references to the Bible, etc., but Colleen Coble is a Christian author and that is the reason I love her books so much.
Someone commented that they have the book 3 stars because of references to the Bible, etc., but Colleen Coble is a Christian author and that is the reason I love her books so much.
April 3, 2022
Annie has had a crush on her brothers friend Mano for as long as she can remember. When Mano is blamed for Annie's brothers death, she thinks she puts those feelings behind her. She thought she was successful too, until Mano came to her house and tells her that her brother is life, and on the day after her sister goes missing too. Mano has never seen her as anything more than his little sister, and even dated Annie's sister for awhile, until she found the next guy who caught her eye. When Mano volunteers to help her find her sister, Annie can't help but feel like he's helping her only to find her sister, but when her feelings for him come back to the surface she can't help but feel like someone who has visible scars like she has from falling into the lava on a work place accident could ever catch the eye of Mano. However, when the search draws them closer, she can't help but wonder if maybe God does have a plan for them to be together.
This was more suspenseful than the first book in the series, and did have a bit of surprise ending. This book could have been a standalone, so if you only read this one it wouldn't make a difference. This book did include characters from the first book, but the second book has a completely different story line, only focusing on one of the secondary characters from the first book.
This was more suspenseful than the first book in the series, and did have a bit of surprise ending. This book could have been a standalone, so if you only read this one it wouldn't make a difference. This book did include characters from the first book, but the second book has a completely different story line, only focusing on one of the secondary characters from the first book.
August 20, 2021
Loved this book. I did read the first book before this one. Annie is a volcanologist and is slowly coming to grips after accident. Her work is very important to her, but recently doesn’t have the same drive. She is very dedicated to her family after her mother’s tragic death. So many questions. Her family is shattered behind belief. Her brothers death. Then her sisters disappearance, but the police aren’t taking it serious. Now the man she has loved from afar, because he had taken to her sister first. Mano Oana and her brother are friends, but more importantly are in the U.S. Navy together. So when he comes to see her family to bring things of her brothers she doesn’t want to see him.
Mano knows it will be rough to see Annie and her family after his best friend, and her brother dies. It needs to be done. He owes his friend that. But something he tells Annie she can’t believe.
When Annie and Mano unravel the truth behind the disappearance of her sister, and other things more truth comes in.
You won’t believe it.
Mano knows it will be rough to see Annie and her family after his best friend, and her brother dies. It needs to be done. He owes his friend that. But something he tells Annie she can’t believe.
When Annie and Mano unravel the truth behind the disappearance of her sister, and other things more truth comes in.
You won’t believe it.
November 7, 2017
I really liked this book. I liked the character, Annie, a volcanologist in Hawaii that uses dolphins to find evidence of upcoming eruptions. I liked the mystery. I liked the cute mongoose sidekick, Winston. I liked the romance build up between Annie and Mano, the Navy guy who was dumped by her much prettier, younger sister. The ancient religious cult in town and the "wow, I didn't see that coming" moments made it fun to read. What annoyed me was that the author, for some reason, wanted this to be a "Christian" novel and had random paragraphs where the main character decided to read her Bible for inspiration or a friend would suggest "letting God be the lead in your life." Although I don't disagree with the sentiments, they really had no place in this novel, felt forced, and didn't add anything to it besides minor annoyance to the reader. That is why I gave this 3 instead of 4 stars.
May 20, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. The setting is, of course, incredible. Coble puts the imagery right into your mind with a generous splash of Hawaiian color! But more than just the setting, the main character, Annie, was someone I could really relate to. The fear of failure holds a lot of us back. Her journey, development, and the message it gave was truly beautiful and meaningful, and for that, I am very happy and thankful for.
The plot was exciting. I figured out the who-dun-it pretty early on, as I did with the last book, but the unknown why kept me engaged, just like last time as well. This is the only thing that made me remove a star.
The animals in this series really take it up to the next level! Dolphins and mongooses! I loved that Nani was still incorporated in this one. Wilson was a joy and a hoot. I love how exotic these pets are! Very fitting considering the setting.
Overall great and enjoyable read! Looking forward to the next ones in the series.
The plot was exciting. I figured out the who-dun-it pretty early on, as I did with the last book, but the unknown why kept me engaged, just like last time as well. This is the only thing that made me remove a star.
The animals in this series really take it up to the next level! Dolphins and mongooses! I loved that Nani was still incorporated in this one. Wilson was a joy and a hoot. I love how exotic these pets are! Very fitting considering the setting.
Overall great and enjoyable read! Looking forward to the next ones in the series.
December 12, 2017
This was a birthday gift and the description sounded right up my alley. Coble did get the volcanology in the book correct which made it much more of a pleasure to read than most fiction books with volcanoes involved. There was some good information about Hawaiian volcanoes in the book. The central mystery was pretty fast paced with a lot of twists and turns. I did figure about halfway through that someone in the book was involved but I was not sure how until the very end. The cult aspect of the book seemed a bit distracting overall and I am still not totally sure how it all fit in with the ending. The romance (definitely secondary to the mystery in this book) felt a bit forced at times but in the end was pretty sweet. A few things with the dolphins seemed far-fetched but I am no biologist and they may indeed be possible. I might check out others from her in the future.
October 1, 2025
I enjoyed book 2 in this series. The characters were well written and relatable, and I especially appreciated how one of them dealt with diabetes—it was refreshing to see that kind of real-life struggle woven into the story. I also liked how the book continued to build on details and characters from Book 1, which made it feel like I was catching up with old friends. It could be read on its own, but I enjoyed the connections to book 1. The faith elements were naturally incorporated, and the themes of family dynamics and learning to stand up for yourself within family relationships were meaningful. The plot twist at the end definitely kept me hooked! That said, some parts felt a little far-fetched and hard to believe, which pulled me out of the story at times. But overall, this was an engaging read with strong characters and a satisfying mix of suspense, faith, and family.
June 17, 2020
In this second book in the Aloha Reef series, Annie is having a rough time. Still recovering from the death of her mother and disappearance/presumed death of her brother, her sister has now disappeared. To make matters worse, as eldest daughter, she has assumed all the household duties of the mother and her father is becoming harder to live with. When Mano (brother from book #1) comes to deliver her brother’s personal belongings, Annie’s old hidden feeling for him resurface. She is torn between wanting his help finding her sister and treating him like the enemy her father sees him as. This book ties nicely with book #1 with a glimpse of life from after the last page. Still centering around the original family, it takes you on a path of danger and mystery around a different sibling.
May 28, 2023
Ngl I think that I've picked up and read so many books out of order that I can just do it now lol. Like just pick a book and start reading it from any point in the series xD I don't know how interconnected Black Sands is to book 1 but I felt like I was able to get a sense of who each character is and what happened in their lives regardless of meeting them in book 2.
Overall not a bad book, I love the setting. The characters were compelling and the mystery was able to hold my attention. I kind of started having my suspicions as to who was the 'villain' of the story in a sense. But honestly that's mostly because this character was my favorite character and my faves tend to always be the antagonist xD.
Overall not a bad book, I love the setting. The characters were compelling and the mystery was able to hold my attention. I kind of started having my suspicions as to who was the 'villain' of the story in a sense. But honestly that's mostly because this character was my favorite character and my faves tend to always be the antagonist xD.
October 31, 2024
This was a "pity buy" from a small, local bookstore — meaning I bought it because there was nothing else I was looking for or really wanted, but I always feel like I should support bookstores to help keep them open.
I also didn't realize this book was first published in 2005. There were a few things that dated the book (bankbooks, phone book, shutting a cell phone, etc.).
There are also a lot of mentions of Hawaiian spirituality (including ancient practices of human sacrifice) and Greek gods, but the MC rightfully talks about the Hawaiian "gods" being demons. I actually think this content is pretty pertinent to the spiritual atmosphere around Hawaii now...
Overall, it was an enjoyable Colleen Coble novel. Not my favorite, but not bad.
I also didn't realize this book was first published in 2005. There were a few things that dated the book (bankbooks, phone book, shutting a cell phone, etc.).
There are also a lot of mentions of Hawaiian spirituality (including ancient practices of human sacrifice) and Greek gods, but the MC rightfully talks about the Hawaiian "gods" being demons. I actually think this content is pretty pertinent to the spiritual atmosphere around Hawaii now...
Overall, it was an enjoyable Colleen Coble novel. Not my favorite, but not bad.
May 22, 2018
Some parts were interesting -- the science group in Hawaii, Annie's slowly evolving life with her family, some were romance/mystery short on common sense (Tomi's plot with the Iranians, Mano's detective techniques, the final scene with the bad guy). And the religion stuff didn't feel very organic -- every now and again the author with suddenly remember she had meant to write a Christian book and the characters would suddenly talk about their relationship with the Lord or whip out a bible, but it didn't seem to really affect how they made decisions or what they wanted from their lives. Maybe it's just a more Protestant way to do religion?
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August 14, 2019This is the second book in the Aloha reef series...
I enjoyed the first book in this series...but I had trouble with this Second book in the series and the Third book in the series...They were both slow going for me...difficult for me to get into...
However, it may just be me...since I see there have a lot of others have enjoyed this series...
The author has some very detailed descriptions of the beautiful state of Hawaii...
I have never had the good fortune to be able to go there...
but I feel pretty certain that anyone who lives in Hawaii, visited Hawaii or who plans to go there would like these books.
I enjoyed the first book in this series...but I had trouble with this Second book in the series and the Third book in the series...They were both slow going for me...difficult for me to get into...
However, it may just be me...since I see there have a lot of others have enjoyed this series...
The author has some very detailed descriptions of the beautiful state of Hawaii...
I have never had the good fortune to be able to go there...
but I feel pretty certain that anyone who lives in Hawaii, visited Hawaii or who plans to go there would like these books.
February 9, 2023
I gave it a 5 star but . . . complicated story that the author does a fantastic job of weaving. My reason for the "but" is when the mysteries were solved, I felt the story should have ended but the ending lasted way too long while we waited for one last story line to wrap up, which I won't mention as it would be a spoiler. Felt it could have been wrapped up a little sooner. I also learned way more about volcanoes that I ever was interested in learning, but she definitely has acquired the knowledge necessary to create a mystery immersed in a part of life that few of us ever become familiar with.
August 20, 2017
Annie is a volcanologist who is afraid of volcanoes after an accident. She loves Mano, but is afraid to be loved. She believes she is unlovable and undesirable. She takes care of an overbearing father and living with grief over he mother and brother.
Then life erupts. Her brother is not dead, her sister is missing, she can't do her job, and Mano is back in her life.
The clock is ticking to find her sister, get her brother out of his predicament, and figure out her own future.
Then life erupts. Her brother is not dead, her sister is missing, she can't do her job, and Mano is back in her life.
The clock is ticking to find her sister, get her brother out of his predicament, and figure out her own future.
September 22, 2017
Another great story by Colleen Coble. She does a great job keeping the reader guessing throughout the story. Coble writes in such a way that makes you question who you think the antagonist is. I did feel like the story of Noah and Jillian needed a little bit more information, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book.
I really enjoy the location of this series. Although I've never been to the Hawaiian Islands, I feel like I'm getting a small taste of what it is like. I'm looking forward to reading her next book in this series.
I really enjoy the location of this series. Although I've never been to the Hawaiian Islands, I feel like I'm getting a small taste of what it is like. I'm looking forward to reading her next book in this series.
June 24, 2018
Colleen Coble takes several subplots with unique characters and intertwines them to create an amazing story! The book reads and feels authentic as you follow the characters through a tropical paradise that comes alive. With complex and relateable characters that you'll connect with, and a wonderful message of leaning on God, Coble has penned another amazing read!
5 stars for the second book in the Aloha Reef series!
5 stars for the second book in the Aloha Reef series!
September 2, 2020
Jam packed with suspense and almost too many storylines but it all came together in the end. Annie and her Hawaiian family have seen their share of death and heartache it when Annie’s brother’s friend brings news that he might not have died overseas in Iraq, a chain of events begin. Her sister disappears, a Hawaiian cult is practicing possible sacrifices, a volcano is threatening to erupt and someone is bent on revenge.
April 4, 2024
A fast paced tale of a family in crisis and a girl who holds them all together.Annie is a volcanologist who is always there for her family and
problems. She always puts herself last. This story is filled with suspense,
Intrigue, and romance as Annie teams with Mano to find her brother and get
Him out of trouble. The setting is the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
A tale of adventure in a beautiful and harsh place. Recommended.
problems. She always puts herself last. This story is filled with suspense,
Intrigue, and romance as Annie teams with Mano to find her brother and get
Him out of trouble. The setting is the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
A tale of adventure in a beautiful and harsh place. Recommended.
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