Step into the sun-drenched, suspense-filled world of Pelican Harbor, where small-town secrets and coastal mysteries collide! The Pelican Harbor series, crafted by USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble, is a thrilling romantic suspense trilogy set in the fictional town of Pelican Harbor, Alabama. With Police Chief Jane Hardy at its heart, this series weaves heart-pounding investigations with tender romance, pulling readers into a world where trust, forgiveness, and deception shape every twist and turn.
Blending gritty crime-solving with emotional depth, Pelican Harbor captivates fans of Christian romantic suspense. From Jane’s complex past to her evolving relationship with documentary filmmaker Reid Bechtol, Coble delivers a story that’s as much about healing as it is about unraveling mysteries. Ready to dive into this Gulf Coast gem? Let’s explore!
How Pelican Harbor Began
Colleen Coble, a prolific author known for her coastal romantic suspense, drew inspiration for Pelican Harbor from her love of tight-knit communities and the dramatic landscapes of Alabama’s Gulf Coast. With over 5 million books in print, Coble crafted this series to explore personal redemption against a backdrop of high-stakes mysteries. Published by Thomas Nelson, the trilogy kicked off in 2020, blending Coble’s signature clean storytelling with intricate plots that keep readers guessing.
Coble’s knack for weaving faith and justice into her stories shines here, as she created Jane Hardy—a resilient heroine with a cult-survivor backstory—to anchor the series. The Gulf Shores setting, rich with salty air and small-town charm, grounds the suspense in a vivid, relatable world.
The Heart of Pelican Harbor
The Pelican Harbor series comprises three gripping novels: One Little Lie, Two Reasons to Run, and Three Missing Days. In One Little Lie (2020), Jane Hardy steps into her role as interim sheriff, only to face a conspiracy targeting her father, a retired sheriff accused of theft and murder. As she teams up with Reid Bechtol, a filmmaker with secrets of his own, Jane uncovers lies tied to her cult-escape past. Two Reasons to Run (2020) escalates the stakes with an environmental terrorist threatening Mobile Bay, forcing Jane and Reid to protect her son, Will, while confronting their fractured history.
Three Missing Days (2021) wraps the trilogy with a murder investigation and Will’s arrest for manslaughter, pushing Jane to unravel three lost days from her memory. Themes of trust, forgiveness, and the ripple effects of deception run deep, as Jane’s shaky faith and Reid’s hidden truths test their bond. Coble’s fast-paced style, infused with Christian values, creates a clean yet intense read, with the Gulf Coast setting—think shrimp boats and oil platforms—adding authentic flavor.
The series stands out for its balance of suspense and heart. Jane’s journey from a guarded survivor to a woman embracing love and faith resonates, while Reid’s calm presence softens the tension. Fans praise Coble’s ability to tie past and present, making each book a page-turner that builds to a satisfying happily-ever-after.
Why Pelican Harbor Resonates
Pelican Harbor has carved a niche in Christian romantic suspense, earning accolades for its compelling characters and intricate plots. Readers on Goodreads and Amazon laud its clean storytelling and emotional depth, with many calling it a “wild ride” that blends faith and thrills seamlessly. Coble’s awards, including the ACFW Carol Award and RITA finalist nods, underscore her influence in the genre.
The series’ lasting appeal lies in its universal themes—overcoming past trauma, rebuilding trust, and finding forgiveness. Its coastal Alabama setting and strong female lead make it a standout, inspiring readers to root for Jane’s triumph over deception. For fans of authors like Terri Blackstock, Pelican Harbor is a must-read.
- Publication Years: 2020–2021
- Number of Books: 3
- Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense
- Setting: Pelican Harbor, Alabama
Grab One Little Lie and dive into Pelican Harbor’s thrilling world of secrets, romance, and redemption!