Rock Harbor Search and Rescue: A Book Review

 Today, I have the great pleasure of reviewing Rock Harbor Search and Rescue by Colleen Coble and Robin Carrol. I received an advanced reader's copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. (Isn't that a sweet cover? )

From the back cover:
In Rock Harbor Search and Rescue, a middle grade fiction novel based on Colleen Coble’s bestselling Rock Harbor series for adults, kids will enjoy the mixture of pets, adventure, suspense, and a mystery. 
Emily O’Reilly is obsessed with all things Search and Rescue. She volunteers with the team and goes on rescue missions with her stepmom. She is even selling homemade jewelry to save up for her own Search and Rescue puppy. But when an expensive necklace is stolen from a renowned jewelry artist at Rock Harbor’s fall festival and Emily is accused of the crime, it looks like she’ll never get her puppy and be able to join the Rock Harbor Search and Rescue team.
Emily isn’t willing to give up on her Search and Rescue dreams that easily, and she sets out to find the real culprit and to restore her reputation. With a few suspects in mind, Emily is determined to uncover the truth, but she isn’t prepared for the secrets she and the Search and Rescue dogs sniff out in the process. This exciting mystery is filled with twists and turns that will keep readers on the edge of their seats and have them pining after a Search and Rescue puppy of their own!

 I was a little behind on getting this review out, due to being very busy with life. But I'm a fan of Colleen Coble, so to have the opportunity to read this through Team Novel Teen was great. On to the review!

 There were a lot of things I liked about this book, though, as in all things, some bits I didn't quite agree with.

 It was neat to see in the world of search and rescue, something I've never given much thought of. It was very interesting, and seems like something that would be really fun, and fulfilling to be a part of.

I've never read Mrs. Coble's Rock Harbor series, so I wasn't familiar with the setting, or the characters. Even so, I found myself drawn into the story, caring about the characters, and trying to solve the mystery along with Emily.

 Emily is a heroine girls can identify with. She's filled with complexity, fears, and blushes a lot. But even when she's afraid- happens several times throughout the novel- she comes through and remembers that God can take care of her, and her fear. She was very real.

 I liked most of the other characters as well. Emily's younger brothers, Timmy and Matthew were just adorable as anything, Bree and Naomi were cool, but one character I just couldn't understand. It annoyed me that Emily's dad doubted her innocence at the beginning of the story, especially since she was a Christian, and he even said later she had never lied to him. It was that character, and another, the classic mean girl that aggravated me a bit. But I guess it all goes for good conflict in the story, eh?

 In the end, Mrs. Coble and Mrs. Caroll wrapped the story up nicely. They gave this book a satisfactory conclusion, but left the door open for more adventures- and possible scares in the future. I don't know how much of the story both of these author's wrote, but they both did a great job. This story is written for younger readers, and I can tell that with the style of writing, but that doesn't mean us teens- and older folks- can't enjoy it as well.

 I've read several of Colleen Coble's books, and I have to say she made the transition from adult to middle-grade quite smoothly.

 Get your own copy here.

 I rate this four stars. ****

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~ Bethany, a rambling author