Secrets at Cedar Cabin Read online

  ACCLAIM FOR COLLEEN COBLE

  “Once again Colleen Coble has delivered a page-turning, can’t-put-down suspense thriller with Secrets at Cedar Cabin! I vowed I’d read it slowly over several nights before going to bed. The story wouldn’t wait—I HAD to finish it!”

  —CARRIE STUART PARKS, AUTHOR OF FORMULA OF DECEPTION

  “Secrets at Cedar Cabin is filled with twists and turns that will keep readers turning the pages as they plunge into the horrific world of sex trafficking where they come face to face with evil. Colleen Coble delivers a fast-paced story with a strong, lovable ensemble cast and a sweet heaping helping of romance.”

  —KELLY IRVIN, AUTHOR OF TELL HER NO LIES

  “This is an engrossing historical story with plenty of romance and danger for readers to get hooked by.”

  —THE PARKERSBURG NEWS AND SENTINEL ON FREEDOM’S LIGHT

  “Coble . . . weaves a suspense-filled romance set during the Revolutionary War. Coble’s fine historical novel introduces a strong heroine—both in faith and character—that will appeal deeply to readers.”

  —PUBLISHERS WEEKLY ON FREEDOM’S LIGHT

  “This follow-up to The View from Rainshadow Bay features delightful characters and an evocative, atmospheric setting. Ideal for fans of romantic suspense and authors Dani Pettrey, Dee Henderson, and Brandilyn Collins.”

  —LIBRARY JOURNAL FOR THE HOUSE AT SALTWATER POINT

  “The View from Rainshadow Bay opens with a heart-pounding, run-for-your-life chase. This book will stay with you for a long time, long after you flip to the last page.”

  —RT BOOK REVIEWS, 4 STARS

  “Set on Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula, this first volume of Coble’s new suspense series is a tensely plotted and harrowing tale of murder, corporate greed, and family secrets. Devotees of Dani Pettrey, Brenda Novak, and Allison Brennan will find a new favorite here.”

  —LIBRARY JOURNAL ON THE VIEW FROM RAINSHADOW BAY

  “Coble (Twilight at Blueberry Barrens) keeps the tension tight and the action moving in this gripping tale, the first in her Lavender Tides series set in the Pacific Northwest.”

  —PUBLISHERS WEEKLY ON THE VIEW FROM RAINSHADOW BAY

  “Filled with the suspense for which Coble is known, the novel is rich in detail with a healthy dose of romance, allowing readers to bask in the beauty of Washington State’s lavender fields, lush forests and jagged coastline.”

  —BOOKPAGE ON THE VIEW FROM RAINSHADOW BAY

  “Prepare to stay up all night with Colleen Coble. Coble’s beautiful, emotional prose coupled with her keen sense of pacing, escalating danger, and very real characters place her firmly at the top of the suspense genre. I could not put this book down.”

  —ALLISON BRENNAN, NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF SHATTERED, ON THE VIEW FROM RAINSHADOW BAY

  “I loved returning to Rock Harbor and you will too. Beneath Copper Falls is Colleen at her best!”

  —DANI PETTREY, BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE ALASKAN COURAGE AND CHESAPEAKE VALOR SERIES

  “Return to Rock Harbor for Colleen Coble’s best story to date. Beneath Copper Falls is a twisting, turning thrill ride from page one that drops you headfirst into danger that will leave you breathless, sleep deprived, and eager for more! I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough!”

  —LYNETTE EASON, AWARD-WINNING, BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE ELITE GUARDIANS SERIES

  “The tension, both suspenseful and romantic, is gripping, reflecting Coble’s prowess with the genre.”

  —PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, STARRED REVIEW FOR TWILIGHT AT BLUEBERRY BARRENS

  “Incredible storytelling and intricately drawn characters. You won’t want to miss Twilight at Blueberry Barrens!”

  —BRENDA NOVAK, NEW YORK TIMES AND USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

  “Coble has a gift for making a setting come to life. After reading Twilight at Blueberry Barrens, I feel like I’ve lived in Maine all my life. This plot kept me guessing until the end, and her characters seem like my friends. I don’t want to let them go!”

  —TERRI BLACKSTOCK, USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF IF I RUN

  “I’m a longtime fan of Colleen Coble, and Twilight at Blueberry Barrens is the perfect example of why. Coble delivers riveting suspense, delicious romance, and carefully crafted characters, all with the deft hand of a veteran writer. If you love romantic suspense, pick this one up. You won’t be disappointed!”

  —DENISE HUNTER, AUTHOR OF THE GOODBYE BRIDE

  “Colleen Coble, the queen of Christian romantic mysteries, is back with her best book yet. Filled with familiar characters, plot twists, and a confusion of antagonists, I couldn’t keep the pages of this novel set in Maine turning fast enough. I reconnected with characters I love while taking a journey filled with murder, suspense, and the prospect of love. This truly is her best book to date, and perfect for readers who adore a page-turner laced with romance.”

  —CARA PUTMAN, AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF SHADOWED BY GRACE AND WHERE TREETOPS GLISTEN, ON TWILIGHT AT BLUEBERRY BARRENS

  “Gripping! Colleen Coble has again written a page-turning romantic suspense with Twilight at Blueberry Barrens! Not only did she keep me up nights racing through the pages to see what would happen next, I genuinely cared for her characters. Colleen sets the bar high for romantic suspense!”

  —CARRIE STUART PARKS, AUTHOR OF A CRY FROM THE DUST AND WHEN DEATH DRAWS NEAR

  “Colleen Coble thrills readers again with her newest novel, an addictive suspense trenched in family, betrayal, and . . . murder.”

  —DIANN MILLS, AUTHOR OF DEADLY ENCOUNTER, ON TWILIGHT AT BLUEBERRY BARRENS

  “Coble’s latest, Twilight at Blueberry Barrens, is one of her best yet! With characters you want to know in person, a perfect setting, and a plot that had me holding my breath, laughing, and crying, this story will stay with the reader long after the book is closed. My highest recommendation.”

  —ROBIN CAROLL, BESTSELLING NOVELIST

  “Colleen’s Twilight at Blueberry Barrens is filled with a bevy of twists and surprises, a wonderful romance, and the warmth of family love. I couldn’t have asked for more. This author has always been a five-star novelist, but I think it’s time to up the ante with this book. It’s on my keeping shelf!”

  —HANNAH ALEXANDER, AUTHOR OF THE HALLOWED HALLS SERIES

  “Second chances, old flames, and startling new revelations combine to form a story filled with faith, trial, forgiveness, and redemption. Crack the cover and step in, but beware—Mermaid Moon is harboring secrets that will keep you guessing.”

  —LISA WINGATE, NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF BEFORE WE WERE YOURS

  “I burned through The Inn at Ocean’s Edge in one sitting. An intricate plot by a master storyteller. Colleen Coble has done it again with this gripping opening to a new series. I can’t wait to spend more time at Sunset Cove.”

  —HEATHER BURCH, BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF ONE LAVENDER RIBBON

  “Coble doesn’t disappoint with her custom blend of suspense and romance.”

  —PUBLISHERS WEEKLY ON THE INN AT OCEAN’S EDGE

  “Veteran author Coble has penned another winner. Filled with mystery and romance that are unpredictable until the last page, this novel will grip readers long past when they should put their books down. Recommended to readers of contemporary mysteries.”

  —CBA RETAILERS + RESOURCES REVIEW OF THE INN AT OCEAN’S EDGE

  “Coble truly shines when she’s penning a mystery, and this tale will really keep the reader guessing . . . Mystery lovers will definitely want to put this book on their purchase list.”

  —RT BOOK REVIEWS ON THE INN AT OCEAN’S EDGE

  “Master storyteller Colleen Coble has done it again. The Inn at Ocean’s Edge is an
intricately woven, well-crafted story of romance, suspense, family secrets, and a decades-old mystery. Needless to say, it had me hooked from page one. I simply couldn’t stop turning the pages. This one’s going on my keeper shelf.”

  —LYNETTE EASON, AWARD-WINNING, BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE HIDDEN IDENTITY SERIES

  “Evocative and gripping, The Inn at Ocean’s Edge will keep you flipping pages long into the night.”

  —DANI PETTREY, BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE ALASKAN COURAGE SERIES

  “Coble’s atmospheric and suspenseful series launch should appeal to fans of Tracie Peterson and other authors of Christian romantic suspense.”

  —LIBRARY JOURNAL REVIEW OF TIDEWATER INN

  “Romantically tense, but with just the right touch of danger, this cowboy love story is surprisingly clever—and pleasingly sweet.”

  —USATODAY.COM REVIEW OF BLUE MOON PROMISE

  “[An] outstanding, completely engaging tale that will have you on the edge of your seat . . . A must-have for all fans of romantic suspense!”

  —THEROMANCEERADERSCONNECTION.COM REVIEW OF ANATHEMA

  “Colleen Coble lays an intricate trail in Without a Trace and draws the reader on like a hound with a scent.”

  —ROMANTIC TIMES, 4½ STARS

  “Coble’s historical series just keeps getting better with each entry.”

  —LIBRARY JOURNAL STARRED REVIEW OF THE LIGHTKEEPER’S BALL

  “Don’t ever mistake [Coble’s] for the fluffy romances with a little bit of suspense. She writes solid suspense, and she ties it all together beautifully with a wonderful message.”

  —LIFEINREVIEWBLOG.COM REVIEW OF LONESTAR ANGEL

  “Colleen is a master storyteller.”

  —KAREN KINGSBURY, BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF UNLOCKED AND LEARNING

  ALSO BY COLLEEN COBLE

  LAVENDER TIDES NOVELS

  The View from Rainshadow Bay

  Leaving Lavender Tides Novella

  The House at Saltwater Point

  ROCK HARBOR NOVELS

  Without a Trace

  Beyond a Doubt

  Into the Deep

  Cry in the Night

  Silent Night: A Rock Harbor

  Christmas Novella (e-book only)

  Beneath Copper Falls

  Haven of Swans (formerly titled Abomination)

  YA/MIDDLE GRADE ROCK HARBOR BOOKS

  Rock Harbor Search and Rescue

  Rock Harbor Lost and Found

  CHILDREN’S ROCK HARBOR BOOK

  The Blessings Jar

  SUNSET COVE NOVELS

  The Inn at Ocean’s Edge

  Mermaid Moon

  Twilight at Blueberry Barrens

  HOPE BEACH NOVELS

  Tidewater Inn

  Rosemary Cottage

  Seagrass Pier

  All Is Bright: A Hope Beach

  Christmas Novella (e-book only)

  UNDER TEXAS STARS NOVELS

  Blue Moon Promise

  Safe in His Arms

  Bluebonnet Bride Novella (e-book only)

  THE ALOHA REEF NOVELS

  Distant Echoes

  Black Sands

  Dangerous Depths

  Midnight Sea

  Holy Night: An Aloha Reef

  Christmas Novella (e-book only)

  THE MERCY FALLS SERIES

  The Lightkeeper’s Daughter

  The Lightkeeper’s Bride

  The Lightkeeper’s Ball

  JOURNEY OF THE HEART SERIES

  A Heart’s Disguise

  A Heart’s Obsession

  A Heart’s Danger

  A Heart’s Betrayal

  A Heart’s Promise

  A Heart’s Home

  LONESTAR NOVELS

  Lonestar Sanctuary

  Lonestar Secrets

  Lonestar Homecoming

  Lonestar Angel

  All Is Calm: A Lonestar Christmas Novella (e-book only)

  Alaska Twilight

  Fire Dancer

  Where Shadows Meet (formerly titled Anathema)

  Butterfly Palace

  Freedom’s Light

  Secrets at Cedar Cabin

  © 2019 by Colleen Coble

  All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or other—except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

  Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by Thomas Nelson. Thomas Nelson is a registered trademark of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc.

  Thomas Nelson titles may be purchased in bulk for educational, business, fund-raising, or sales promotional use. For information, please e-mail [email protected].

  Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

  Publisher’s Note: This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. All characters are fictional, and any similarity to people living or dead is purely coincidental.

  Epub Edition December 2018 9780718085858

  ISBN: 978-0-7180-8586-5 (library edition)

  Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

  Names: Coble, Colleen, author.

  Title: Secrets at Cedar cabin / Colleen Coble.

  Description: Nashville, Tennessee : Thomas Nelson, [2019] | Series: A Lavender Tides novel ; 3

  Identifiers: LCCN 2018032841 | ISBN 9780718085841 (paperback)

  Subjects: | GSAFD: Romance fiction. | Suspense fiction.

  Classification: LCC PS3553.O2285 S45 2019 | DDC 813/.54--dc23 LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2018032841

  Printed in the United States of America

  19 20 21 22 23 LSC 5 4 3 2 1

  For my sister-in-law Mary Rhoads Sister of my heart!

  Contents

  Acclaim for Colleen Coble

  Also by Colleen Coble

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Epilogue

  A Note from the Author

  Acknowledgments

  Discussion Questions

  About the Author

  Chapter 1

  Bailey Fleming glanced out her patient’s window into the parking lot, but the swirling snow obscured all but the dim glow of the streetlamp. She smoothed Thomas Dutt’s sheets. “Even though it’s early November, the Snow Queen has officially claimed the Keweenaw.” With the sheets changed a fresh, lemony scent replaced the stink of urine.

  Thomas fixed a blank stare at the sea of white and didn’t reply, but she knew he was in there somewhere. Every now and then he’d surprise her with sudden bits of information about his forty-year history
as a physician or he’d quote a poetry couplet to her. She’d already combed his remaining wisps of white hair over his bald spot, brushed his perfect teeth, and gotten him dressed for the day, but he’d be unlikely to move much from his chair by the window.

  Being with the elderly was her happy place. She felt connected and needed here with them.

  She spared another glance out the window. Six inches of snow swirled around from the overnight storm and another twelve inches were predicted by evening along with sixty-mile-an-hour winds. Rock Harbor, Michigan, already lay sluggish under the heavy blanket, and getting around would be difficult. Bailey’s workload was going to be crushing today. Some nurses and aides living in the county probably wouldn’t make it in with this blizzard.

  She thrived on the challenge though. These elderly folks were the family of her heart.

  Ruby, one of the other aides, poked her head in. “Kyle is here to see you. I put him in the conference room.”

  Bailey curled her fingers into her palms. What was he doing here? She’d said all she intended last week. “Thanks, Ruby. I’ll run over there now.” She gave Thomas’s pillow a final pat, then squatted beside him. “I left you some fresh water, Thomas. I’ll come back and read some Robert Frost to you later, okay?”

  Sudden clarity surged into his eyes. “‘In leaves no step had trodden black.’”

  This sweet man’s flashes of wisdom made her love him all the more. She patted his liver-spotted hand. “That’s right.”

  Squaring her shoulders, she moved past Ruby and hurried down the hall. She stood outside the conference room, staring at Kyle through the open door for a long moment. It had been a fairy-tale dream that Kyle Bearcroft, lead singer of the rock sensation Bearcroft, would see her at a concert and marry her after a whirlwind courtship of two months. Kyle was not much taller than her own five feet eight inches, but he came across as larger than life. In constant motion, he was as mercurial as the Upper Peninsula weather, and it was one of his many charms. Even now he paced the floor with quick, energetic movements before he stopped to gaze out the window at the swirling snow.

  Everyone thought he was rock royalty, but this prince had quickly shown his toad-like qualities and exposed every hidden wart. Seeing him reminded her of all he’d stolen from her. What man would want her now, even if she dared to dip her toe back into the dating pond? She’d allowed herself to dream of a real home and family. How ridiculous.