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Friday, June 21, 2019

Strands Of Truth Research

You ever have an idea that won't leave you alone? That happens a lot to novelists. I've been thinking about the background for my Strands of Truth novel for several years. It all started (like most of my books) with an out-of-the-box sort of newspaper article.

I love history, especially myths and legends. I grew up reading about Jason of the Argonauts and all the Roman and Greek mythology. Once upon a time I wanted to be a Latin teacher. LOL

The article talked about sea silk--an ancient art form that created a fabric out of the strands on a special kind of mollusk. When it was mentioned that Jason's cloak was rumored to be made of sea silk, I was hooked. The crew of the Nautilus in Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea supposed wore "sea wool" which was another name for byssus, which is another name for sea silk. I was totally hooked!

I made a trip to the Chicago Field Museum to see this fabulous fabric in the flesh. While I couldn't touch it (it's very rare) it's said a large piece could be compressed into the palm of your hand. The existing examples are in a knitted, crocheted type fabric, but history talks about how China began importing "mermaid silk" in 25 A.D. and this type of cloth was said to be woven so fine a pair of gloves would fit into a walnut shell.

The mermaid reference brought to mind going to Weeki Wachee in Florida in the early seventies so that added to my idea for the story. And my daughter-in-law's experience with finding unknown relatives through DNA added the final crucial piece to the story.

Here is a little about the story which is available now for preorder!

Strands of Harper Taylor’s childhood are resurfacing—but will the truth save her . . . or pull her under?

Harper Taylor is used to being alone— after all, she grew up in one foster home after another. Oliver Jackson finally took her under his wing when she was a runaway teenager, and now Harper pours her marine biology knowledge into Oliver’s pen shell research. But she’s never stopped wishing for a family of her own.

So when a DNA test reveals a half-sister living just two hours away, Harper is both hopeful and nervous. Over warm cinnamon rolls, Harper and Annabelle find striking similarities in their stories. Is it just a coincidence that both their mothers died tragically, without revealing Harper and Annabelle’s father’s name?

Oliver’s son Ridge still sees Harper as a troubled teen even all these years later. But when Oliver is attacked, Ridge and Harper find themselves working together to uncover dangerous secrets that threaten to destroy them all. They must unravel her past before they can have any hope for the future.

Suspense, romance, and generational secrets meld in this engrossing new novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble.

“Free-dive into a romantic suspense that will leave you breathless and craving for more.” --DiAnn Mills, bestselling author

"As always, Colleen Coble never disappoints. Strands of Truth is no exception. I was hooked from the first page. Trying to read this story slowly is impossible. Don't be surprised when you find yourself flipping the pages in a hurry to find out what happens next! This one is for your keeper shelf." --Lynette Eason, bestselling, award-winning author of the Blue Justice Series

“Colleen Coble's latest book, Strands of Truth, grips you on page one with a heart-pounding opening and doesn't let go until the last satisfying word. I love her skill in pulling the reader in with believable, likable characters, interesting locations, and a mystery just waiting to be untangled. Highly recommended.” --Carrie Stuart Parks, bestselling author of Formula of Deception

“Once again, Colleen Coble delivers an intriguing, suspenseful tale in Strands of Truth. The mystery and tension mount toward an explosive and satisfying finish. Well done.” --Creston Mapes, bestselling author

“Just when I think Colleen Coble’s stories can’t get any better, she proves me wrong. In Strands of Truth, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. The characterization of Ridge and Harper and their relationship pulled me immediately into the story. Fast paced, with so many unexpected twists and turns, I read this book in one sitting. Coble has pushed the bar higher than I’d imagined. This book is one not to be missed.” --Robin Caroll, best-selling author of the Darkwater Inn series

“It’s in her blood! Colleen Coble once again shows her suspense prowess with a thriller as intricate and beautiful as a strand of DNA. Strands of Truth dives into an unusual profession involving mollusks and shell beds that weaves a unique, silky thread throughout the story. So fascinating I couldn’t stop reading!” --Ronie Kendig, bestselling author of The Tox Files


14 comments:

  1. Latin! Impressive! My ambitions never ran that far as a child. Mine was always a journalist, Mom, teacher, etc. (nothing with a foreign language). I can't wait to read this one when it comes out. Now I am off too google sea silk!

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  2. The story sounds amazing. I love hearing how other authors get their story ideas.

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  3. Oh my this sounds great, I love all your books Colleen Coble. I actually got introduced to your books by Author, Hannah Alexander when I met husband and wife, Cheryl & Mel at our local bookstore. You were supposed to be there but ended up having a family emergency and weren't able to come so they were helping promote your books. I was like why not, if I like theirs so much. Boom, I was hooked on your books from then on. Thank you for sharing.

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  4. This story sounds amazing! And I loved hearing how the ideas came to you! I can’t wait to read it!!

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  5. I can't wait to read this! I always wanted to be a marine biologist...in Hawaii!!

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  6. I have read quite a few of your books and loved them. This looks so good.

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  7. This post is fascinating, Colleen! Your book sounds wonderful. It's on my wish list!

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  8. Great post. and the book sounds fabulous. I'm anxious to read it!!

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  9. Interesting facts on the fabric from mollusk. This book is a definite must read like all your other books. Thanks for continuing to supply us with your writing!

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  10. Your book sounds intriguing and like a MUST READ for sure!! I'll need to get it on my to read list!! The cover looks very mysterious and I Love it!! I enjoyed reading this blog, Thank you. God Bless you.

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  11. Oh, I can't wait to read this book! She never disappoints a person with her writing!

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  12. Colleen Coble is on of my MUST read authors! I'm looking forward to reading this one.

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  13. This book sounds very interesting, but then I love all your books. I finish one and cannot wait to read another one.

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  14. I’m so wanting to read this. Love your books, Colleen. It would be wonderful to know Latin. I tried French but I just couldn’t get it. 😂 Thank you for sharing.

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