What was the inspiration for ONE LITTLE LIE and for this new Pelican Harbor series?

I was at a restaurant in Gulf Shores, AL with friends. Their 16-year-old son mentioned he’d been working on a shrimp boat. He said, “You wouldn’t believe the stuff we bring up in the nets. Washing machines, other appliances, you name it.” I immediately had the image of a shrimp net hauling up a body clad in a wedding dress, and that was the nugget that started One Little Lie.

“This was truly a suspenseful “page-turner” with drama, lots of action, and situations which keeps the reader guessing who the “good guys” and the “bad guys” really are! . . . The characters are portrayed so well, one will tend to forget this is fiction.”

She turned toward the coffee shop and bumped into a man who reached out to steady her. “Sorry, I wasn’t watching where I was going.”

His eyes crinkled at the corners as if smiling was his usual expression, though his lips were flat now. He towered over her five feet two inches, and she guessed him to be six foot. His shaved head made his large brown eyes even more expressive and compelling, and he exuded controlled energy and power under his very attractive surface. His muscular arms and face were tanned as if he’d spent a lot of time in the sun. Her immediate attraction to him made her take a step back. She steered clear of relationships. Losing someone you cared about hurt too much.

Those dark eyes smiled down at her. “You’re Jane Hardy.”

“One Little Lie is the first book in the Pelican Harbor series, and after reading this one I certainly cannot wait to read the next book. . . . I enjoyed getting to know the characters in this book and I thought that they were interesting, relatable, and people I could see in real-life situations. Colleen Coble is one of my go-to authors . . . and she certainly came through again with this great book.”

“I have read a few of the author’s books and enjoyed them. . . . The plot was predictable but, had a few surprises. . . . I did enjoy the book . . .”

“This was one of those stories that compelled me to keep turning the pages. There were so many questions to be answered and lots of secrets to be uncovered. . . . The chemistry between Jane and Reid was there and I enjoyed the suspense . . .”

Jane parked her SUV in the driveway behind the flashing lights of a patrol vehicle and got out, the rising sun glaring into her gritty eyes. The call to investigate another body had sent her straight to her vehicle without a shower. Two bodies in twenty-four hours . . .

Was she really equipped for this job?

She let Parker out of the back before she walked toward the shotgun house with its neat spring flower beds lining either side of the red front door. She spotted a woman standing off to one side with her arms clutched around her. It was probably the neighbor who’d made the 911 call, and Jane would talk to her next.

A figure moved in the brush at the side of the house, and she caught the shine of something metallic. A gun? She pointed at the bush. “Take down, Parker!”

“Wow, there was a lot going on in this book! I loved the first chapter of the book which really set the stage for the rest of the story. It gave me an instant connection to emotion and really peaked my interest. . . . The intensity ramps up slowly but I could feel it happening. It’s exactly what you want to feel when reading this type of book.”

“Did you need something from me?”

He spread out his hands. “Look, I could shout up to you from the street, but I’d like to come up and talk to you.”

The lights were on next door. What could it hurt to have a private conversation? She wasn’t afraid of him. She gestured to her left.

“There are exterior stairs off the alley. I’ll open the door for you.”

He nodded and moved that direction, and she went inside to open the door in the kitchen. The iron stairs clanged as he ascended them, and for some reason, the sound made her pulse jump. Maybe this was a bad idea.

“Over the years, I’ve read many of Colleen Coble’s books and have enjoyed them immensely. She never ceases to amaze me with her ability to come up with new stories. One Little Lie is another example of her superb writing. . . . One Little Lie is filled with well-written characters, and you’ll love reading their stories. . . . The book’s pacing is perfect for a suspense novel. You’ll be frantically reading to find out how all of the clues fit together.”

“This one starts out with a bang, gripping you from the first page . . . I did enjoy the story. I kept my attention during a time of a lot of uncertainty in the world and was a welcome distraction.”

“Right off, from the prologue, the novel grabbed me . . . While others could feel bogged down by all that is going on in it, Coble has found a way to make it all work and carefully weave it together. The cases, the people – every little bit. It’s a wild roller coaster of a [read].”

“This was my first ever read from Colleen Coble and just wow! I was blown away by the writing, the flow and the themes within the story. I loved the way everything unfolded as the story progressed and that ending was superb!”

“Overall, I thought the premise of the novel is fantastic and unlike [any] other book I have read. I found the characters fascinating and well developed and I started to care what happens to the them, basically I just want them to have the happiness they so richly deserve. A great book to read in one day or over a weekend.”

“I have read nearly all of Ms. Coble’s books. She is a wonderful storyteller and infuses her tales with mystery, suspense, romance, and faith. . . . In the end, most things wrapped up nicely.”

Will’s smile could light up a football stadium. The boy wore a Saints cap backward, and he slung two camera bags onto his shoulders as he exited Reid’s SUV outside the police station. A tripod stuck up out his backpack.

A pelican fluttered down the strut on the grass by the road, and Will pointed it out. “Look at that!”

“No fish here in town.” Reid locked his vehicle. “You don’t look eager or anything. This will be hard work.”

Will bounced a little on his flip-flops.

“It’s going to be great, Dad. I know I can do it. Thanks for giving me a chance.”

“Overall, this has everything that I have come to love from Colleen Coble— great suspense, unexpected twists, themes of faith and yes, romance too. It was a great start to this new series and I cannot wait to see what happens next. Current fans of Colleen Coble will certainly want to add it to their collection, and new readers are sure to fall in love too!”

“This is such a strong book to begin a new series of hers. The characters were absolutely delightful and relatable. Moreover, she tackles a hot topic now that seems to make its way into popular culture on a regular basis–cults. I appreciate the fact that she, a solid Christian author, tackles such a timely subject, while still including twists, turns, and the gospel message. . . . Fair warning, however. Once you start the book, I promise you WILL NOT want to put it down!”

“One Little Lie is so intriguing and has many twists and turns in this wonderful story that I just couldn’t put the book down. . . . Colleen Coble sure knows how to grab your attention and keep it there. Her writng style is fantastic! . . . I wasn’t at all disappointed with this novel. It had a little bit of everything in it and just right amount too. Nicely done.”

All excerpts from One Little Lie by Colleen Coble. Used with the permission of the publisher, Thomas Nelson. Copyright © 2020 by Colleen Coble. Learn more at TNZ Fiction.

Thanks so much for joining me for the launch of The Bartolini Legacy trilogy. This family saga filled with secrets, surprises and lots of romance begins with THE PRINCE AND THE WEDDING PLANNER. . . . I hope you’ll join Bianca and Prince Leo in this royal romance as they wrestle with the past and come to terms with the present in order to have a happily ever after future.

Happy reading,
— Jennifer

“In her familiar style, Jennifer Faye, once again, creates a wonderful “feel good” novel which is sure to leave the reader uplifted and entertained. . . . Within this tale, is a whirlwind of fun, often unexpected events, which will keep the reader eagerly anxious for the next page. The characters are delightfully endearing. and portrayed well. The background scenes and events are well described, allowing the reader the feel he/she is there, experiencing it.”

“I… I’ll be there.” Bianca turned her back to her brother, not wanting him to see the unshed tears shimmering in her eyes. She could be strong like him. She could get through this agonizing day without crumbling into a million pieces.

She needed to think about anything but the hollow spot in her heart. She lifted her head and her gaze came to land on the old photos on the wall. It was a collage of her grandparents, her parents’ wedding and herself and her two siblings. They’d all looked so happy—

“Bianca, they loved you.” And then her brother exited the room, closing the door softly.

“I’ve become a fan of Jennifer Faye’s simplistic warm hearted stories. The Prince And The Wedding Planner did not disappoint. This story is delightfully entertaining and charming. The premise is unique and fun, and I just love a good royal romcom. . . . Bianca and Prince Leo are quite adorable in close company, and I enjoyed reading their story. This was a fast read for me. In the end, it’s the kind of story that will make you smile!”

“This was a sweet romance that took you out of everyday life and into a life of royalty. Which certainly is no picnic at times but there is [definitely] some advantages. Leo and Bianca instantly hit it off and of course there is an immediate attraction. What follows is should they or shouldn’t they follow their hearts desire and go against expectations or after his sister’s wedding go their own separate ways.”

. . . Truth be told, there was another woman that had caught his attention. Her hair was dark and her skin glowed a warm tan. He noticed that she spoke when addressed but for the most part she was quiet. And when she did speak, her voice was soft.

He caught himself staring at her more than once. Maybe it was because she didn’t make a point of walking up to him and introducing herself like so many of the other people. In fact, she acted as though she didn’t even know he was royalty. Could that be possible?

Regardless, his interest in the beautiful woman increased. It’d been a while since he’d enjoyed a woman’s company. With his pending engagement and marriage—a necessity in order to ascend to the throne—he wasn’t in a position to start anything. But for the moment, he was still a free man.

” It’s cute and fun. It is a romance that many people like to fantasize about. The characters are interesting and their story keeps the book moving at a good pace. It is easy to read and engaging. This is a book that is an escape when you need a few minutes to relax and enjoy a book.”

“Throughout the story, Faye wants you to remember to hold back judgment and to see how her characters choose to take steps to reassert their own independence in their lives. They each desire to find happiness and to catch it as long as they can whilst dealing with obligations none of them are truly ready or prepared to accept. Its a lovely story about the fortitude one needs to survive the ruts in the road life brings along whilst keeping hopeful about the future which is never quite written in stone as some would like to believe! . . . Faye writes realistic narratives for today’s Romance reader and that is exactly why I love continuing to follow her publishing journey.”

“This is a great book about love. The love between a family, a couple, and even a kingdom. . . . I can not wait to see how the rest of this series plays out.”

“This was a sweet, fun, and whirlwind read. I didn’t even know it was over until I got to the last page. The author’s vivid writing brought the scenery to life. Bianca and Leo were such a perfect couple, and it was easy to see where the novel was going.

The romance element was absolute perfection . . . The author does a terrific job of keeping the pace going for the romance. This short, but addictive little read is the perfect beach day or even rainy day read.”

“I’m confused,” he said. “Are you a guest of the bride or the groom?”

“Neither. I’m their wedding planner, Bianca Bartolini.”

He hadn’t expected that response. He must be slipping. He was usually very good at reading people. It probably had something to do with the turmoil back at the palace. By the time he turned in at day’s end, he usually had a headache that kept him up until late into the night.

He needed to do something to bring peace back to the palace. If he couldn’t do that for his family, how would he ever keep peace over the nation?

“I have read a few of Jennifer’s books and have enjoyed this one. . . . Overall, it was a quick read and I can’t wait to read the rest of the novels.”

“I loved Leo and Bianca as a couple. They are sweet together and compliment each other. . . . I can’t wait to read the other two books in the series. I will miss the Queen and how she deals with Bianca and Leo’s relationship but upward and onward. Again, Ms. Faye has written a beautiful book about two characters that you will like and want to keep in touch with.”

“Bianca Bartolini, I’d like to introduce you to His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Leopold of Patazonia.”

Once again, Bianca curtsied. She willed her face to cool down, but it only succeeded in making her warmer. Goodness. What was he going to think of her? First, she was openly staring at him. And now her face must look like a roasted beet—all red and steamy. Not good. Not good at all.

“You’ve put on a splendid wedding,” the prince said. “I’ve quite enjoyed it.”

“Th…thank you, Your Highness.”

“The prince is searching for a wedding planner,” Benito said. “And I was telling him what a great job you did with our wedding.”

“This is the first book in a new series by Jennifer Faye and it promises to be quite a wonderful series based on this book. . . . I thought this is an engaging story with charming characters and the perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon or week-end getting lost in a book.”

“The author does a great job of writing this story, weaving together the many different issues going on, and giving readers a wonderful story that will stay with me for a while. Some couples I just can’t get off my mind, and this as one of them. If you enjoy romance, check this one out. It’s a pretty fast read, and will give you a few hours of enjoyment and entertainment.”

“I love Jennifer Faye’s books and The Prince and the Wedding Planner is no different. . . . I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy a quick, heartwarming and sweet romance.”

As though Bianca sensed his presence behind her, she turned. “Your Highness.” She dipped her chin. “Is there something I can do for you?”

Just then the orchestra started to play a new song. It’d been a while since he’d danced and from what he’d observed, Bianca hadn’t let up on her duties long enough to enjoy the evening. It was wrong for her to miss out on such a marvelous evening.

With the lanterns sending a warm cast over the patio area, he asked, “Would you care to dance?”

“An unexpected romance develops in Jennifer Faye’s The Prince and the Wedding Planner, the first of her Bartolini Legacy trilogy, and it is so fun. . . . I always enjoy a romance from Faye. Falling in love with a prince is a traditional childhood fantasy, and I enjoyed seeing the drama of that fantasy playing out on the pages of The Prince and the Wedding Planner.”

“A wonderful romantic read, The Prince and the Wedding Planner is sheer reading delight from beginning to end. Jennifer Faye has written an emotional and dramatic tale sprinkled with humor, warmth and heart which readers will read in a single sitting as they find themselves completely and utterly bowled over by Leo and Bianca’s love story and unable to put the book down.”

The Prince and the Wedding Planner
(The Bartolini Legacy #1)

Go to Jennifer’s Contact Page HERE and order your bookmark(s)!