It’s been months since the crash. K-9 search-and-rescue worker Bree Nicholls knows the chances of finding her husband and son in the vast wilderness of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula grow more remote by the day. But her heart and her faithful dog, Samson, demand she keep searching.

Deep in the woods, a young boy wakes in a tiny cabin. He’s being nursed back to health by a reclusive woman, but he can’t figure out why she calls him by a name he doesn’t recognize. Or why she’s calling herself his mother. He wants to leave, but as winter sets in, his very life depends on her care.

Meanwhile, Bree’s relentless determination to find her family has uncovered a violent crime. With the help of Park Ranger Kade Matthews, she discovers the violence may be linked to the plane crash that took her family. Could solving the crime bring her peace with her own loss? Or, more incredibly, reunite her family?

Set in the untamed beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Rock Harbor novels draw readers into the life and adventures of a canine search-and-rescue team as it unravels the secrets of an enchanting wilderness.

This was my first Colleen Coble book, and I found it thoroughly enjoyable. I opted for the audiobook version, and the narrator’s performance was exceptional, really bringing the story to life. As someone interested in romantic suspense, I appreciated the plot, though I felt it leaned more toward the suspenseful elements. While the story captivated me, I couldn’t help but wish for a bit more emphasis on the romantic aspects.

Exploring a K-9 search-and-rescue worker in a book was a first for me, and I found the plot utterly fascinating. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan provided a rich and engaging backdrop that added depth to the story. The murder mystery had me guessing from start to finish, and the unexpected twist ending completely took me by surprise—in the best way possible. Each character was well-crafted, and delving into the lives of the town’s residents was a delight. The conclusion tied everything together beautifully, leaving me with a heartwarming sense of satisfaction.

As a reader who prefers Christian fiction with a subtle approach to faith elements, this story struck a good balance for me. It integrated faith naturally into the story without feeling overly preachy, which suited my taste perfectly.

This book explores themes of loss, grief, forgiveness, redemption, and the resilience of the human spirit. Through Bree’s journey, the author reminds us that healing and hope can emerge from even the darkest of circumstances.

Overall, this story is a triumph of storytelling, blending suspense with heartfelt emotion in a way that will resonate with readers long after they turn the final page. Whether you’re a fan of mysteries, romance, or simply love a compelling narrative, this is a captivating and inspiring novel. 

Highly recommended for anyone seeking a beautifully crafted tale of courage and determination. I will definitely continue in this series and read more books by this author.