Tidewater Inn by Colleen Coble ~ reveiw

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (July 17, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1595547819
• ISBN-13: 978-1595547811

Inheriting a beautiful old hotel on the seaward shore of Hope Island could be a dream come true for Libby. The inn cries out for her restorer's talent and love of history. She's delighted to learn of family she never knew she had. And the handsome Coast Guard lieutenant she's met there on the island could definitely be the man of her dreams.

But Libby soon realizes that only way she can afford the upkeep on the inn is to sell it to developers who are stalking the island. The father who willed her the inn has died before she could meet him, and her newfound brothers and sisters are convinced she's there to steal their birthright. Worst of all, her best friend and business partner has been kidnapped before her eyes, Libby's under suspicion for the crime, and her handsome lieutenant clearly doubts her innocence.

Libby's dream-come-true is becoming a nightmare. Can she find her friend and establish her innocence? Must she sell Tidewater Inn and lose her family again? Or can she find a home for her heart on the beautiful shores of Hope Island?

My take on this book:

Imagine finding out that a father you really never knew left you some valuable property, and imagine meeting half brothers and sisters whom you never knew existed thinking that you are trying to steal what rightfully belongs to them. Well that's just what happens to Libby Holladay the main character in Colleen Coble's newest novel "Tidewater Inn."

Libby and her best friend Nicole are co-owners of Holladay Renovations, a business that restores historical properties. Nicole not only handles the financial side of the business but also convinces potential clients to do business with them, meanwhile Libby takes care of the restoration. While researching a job on the Outer Banks Libby learns that she has actually inherited The Tidewater Inn along with property from a father whom she believed had died when she was five. Instead she learns her father has recently passed away leaving her the inheritance, and what's more she has half siblings that she never knew existed, siblings that are none to happy about her inheriting the inn. In addition to this earth shattering news, her business partner is kidnapped and Libby not only saw the whole thing but becomes a suspect in the crime. Can she prove her innocence, while trying to find Nicole, and what about the Tidewater Inn, will she be able to keep and restore it, or will she have to sell it, and will she ever be accepted by her new family? 

Interesting, well developed characters and a great plot made this a fast moving story for me. I found myself immediately drawn into the story, and wondered not only what Libby would do, but whether she would ever be accepted by a family she didn't know existed. Libby was a character that was easy to relate to and understand. If you enjoy a well written story filled with mystery, suspense, family drama,romance, and a nice spiritual message you just might enjoy this one, I know I did. Recommended!

A complimentary copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.