Black Sands by Colleen Coble

Overview:  As a volcano on Hawaii begins to rumble, family crisis brings an unlikely couple together.

Annie's the brainy type, quietly assisting her father in his volcano research. She's always admired her brother's friend Mano for his outgoing athletic ways, but her devotion turns to disdain after Mano's mistake results in her older brother's untimely death.

Mano's mistake haunts him. It cost his best friend's life. But just as he's bringing Tomi's belongings to his family, Mano discovers Tomi is alive—and in serious danger. That danger threatens to spill over to the rest of the family.

Annie and Mano join forces to discover the source of the threat against the family, even as a long-inactive volcano rumbles in the distance.

My Review:  This is another FANTASTIC book by Colleen Coble! I am seriously never disappointed in her works. The characters are relatable and very well developed. Annie Tagama is used to fading into the background. Since her mother's death, she has been the force that desperately tries to hold her family together and is under-appreciated for it. Mano Oana is the brother of Kaia, who was featured in book one of the series. He is protective, loving, and full of guilt that has haunted him since his best friend's death. He is also hiding a secret that he thinks makes him look weak. Can the two overcome their obstacles to accept what God has given them?

The plot grabs you from the prologue. The mystery starts from page one and keeps you guessing (well, it kept ME guessing) until the very end. The twists and turns the author throws in keep you captivated and furiously turning pages! The developing romance between Mano and Annie is sweet and unassuming, as both characters are. I wouldn't want it to be overwhelming or fast. I love Colleen Coble's writing style, period.

The message in this one is about putting God first in your life. For Annie, that is a really hard thing to do. She wants to feel loved and accepted, especially by the family she's given almost her entire life trying to please them. Finding out what you are putting ahead of God is tough. Putting your life priorities in the proper order is even tougher. This brought to mind the acronym of JOY - Jesus Others Yourself. God wants you to put Him first in everything you do, every day. In not doing so, you are missing out on a lot of blessings!

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the rest of the series soon!

• Learn more about Colleen Coble
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• Purchase Black Sands: B&N | Amazon | CBD
• See my review of Distant Echoes