[Book Review] “Ambush” by Colleen Coble

A Wild Adventure of Faith, Forgiveness, and Finding Home

“Ambush” by Colleen Coble presents readers with a riveting story set against the backdrop of an animal sanctuary in Alabama. The novel skillfully weaves together elements of romance, mystery, and faith, creating an engaging narrative that keeps readers turning pages while thoughtfully exploring deeper themes of forgiveness and belonging.

Plot and Setting

The story centers on Paradise Alden, a veterinarian who returns to her hometown of Nova Cambridge, Alabama after a fifteen-year absence. Having lost her parents to a brutal murder when she was nine years old and later being removed from her foster home due to a misunderstanding, Paradise has built walls around her heart. When she accepts a position at The Sanctuary Wildlife Preserve, she must face not only the ghosts of her past but also her first love, Blake Lawson, whose actions contributed to her removal from the foster care system all those years ago.

The Sanctuary provides a unique and vivid setting for the narrative. This wildlife refuge houses everything from tigers and lions to otters and foxes, creating both a fascinating backdrop and a source of tension as Paradise struggles with her fear of big cats following a mauling by a black jaguar at her previous job. The preserve itself becomes a character in the story, representing both sanctuary and danger as mysterious incidents begin to threaten its existence.

Characters

Paradise Alden emerges as a complex protagonist whose journey toward healing forms the emotional core of the book. Her character arc from guarded and distrustful to gradually opening her heart is handled with nuance and authenticity. The physical scars on her arm from the jaguar attack serve as an effective metaphor for her emotional wounds, making her journey toward recovery especially poignant.

Blake Lawson provides a compelling romantic interest with depth beyond the typical leading man. A former Marine combat medic haunted by his own past mistakes, Blake has returned home to help his mother run The Sanctuary and raise his two young half-brothers after the death of his stepfather. His unwavering faith and steady presence create a perfect counterbalance to Paradise’s wariness.

The supporting cast is equally well-developed. Jenna, Blake’s mother, demonstrates quiet strength as she navigates widowhood while maintaining the refuge and raising two young boys. The children, Levi and Isaac, add warmth and comic relief to the narrative without feeling saccharine or one-dimensional. Even the animals at the preserve, particularly Rosy the fennec fox, become memorable characters in their own right.

Themes and Faith Elements

At its heart, “Ambush” explores the themes of forgiveness, healing, and finding one’s true home. Paradise must confront her past traumas, including not only her parents’ murder but also her sense of betrayal by Blake. Throughout the narrative, she struggles with trust — both in people and in God.

The faith elements in the story are integrated naturally, never feeling forced or preachy. Paradise begins the story distant from faith, questioning how a loving God could allow such suffering in her life. Through Blake’s steady example and her own experiences at The Sanctuary, she gradually opens herself to the possibility of divine love and guidance. A particularly powerful scene involves Paradise facing down a tiger to save Blake’s younger brother, during which she experiences God’s presence for the first time.

The novel also thoughtfully explores the concept that forgiveness is as much about freeing oneself as it is about pardoning others. This theme is illuminated through Paradise’s journey and mirrored in a subplot involving a bitter man seeking revenge against Blake.

Mystery and Suspense

Running parallel to the character development and romance is a well-crafted mystery plot. A series of incidents at The Sanctuary — including a murder, arson, sabotage, and dangerous “accidents” — creates mounting tension and raises questions about who might be targeting the refuge and why. Coble skillfully plants red herrings while building toward a climactic revelation that ties together seemingly disparate events.

The pacing accelerates in the second half of the book as the threats intensify, culminating in a dramatic sequence during a severe storm that tests both Paradise’s courage and her newfound faith. These suspenseful elements provide a compelling framework for the emotional and spiritual journeys of the main characters.

Writing Style

Coble’s prose is accessible yet evocative, bringing to life both the lush Southern setting and the diverse creatures that inhabit The Sanctuary. Dialogue flows naturally, and the author demonstrates a gift for creating tension through both external dangers and internal conflicts. The alternating perspectives between Paradise and Blake provide insight into both characters’ thoughts and feelings while maintaining narrative momentum.

Conclusion

“Ambush” stands as a testament to Colleen Coble’s storytelling abilities. By balancing romance, suspense, and faith elements, she has created a novel that will appeal to readers across genres. The book offers Christian readers a thoughtful exploration of how faith can help heal past wounds, while general audience members will appreciate the well-developed characters and engaging mystery plot.

For anyone who enjoys stories of second chances set against unique backdrops, “Ambush” delivers a satisfying reading experience that entertains while prompting reflection on the power of forgiveness and the possibility of finding home in unexpected places. The novel reminds us that sometimes the path to healing requires us to return to the very places that once caused us pain — and that with faith and courage, we might discover not only answers but also a future we never imagined possible.