Book Review - Cold River

*So this is a little out of the ordinary routine, meaning there are no pictures of my cute kiddos in this post, but I am going to be reviewing books from time to time on the blog now as part of virtual book tours. I do receive the books for free so I can read it and review it but am not paid to write this nor am I told what to say. Thanks for reading!

Today I'm reviewing Liz Adair's new novel, Cold River. Here's the blurb on the back:

Mandy Steenburg thinks her doctorate in education has prepared her to run any school district - until she tangles with the moonshine-making, coon-dog-owning denizens of a tiny district in Pacific Northwest timber country. She's determined to make a difference, but the local populace still looks to the former superintendent for leadership. When Mandy lands in the middle of an old feud and someone keeps trying to kill her, instinct tells her to run. And though she has to literally swim through perilous waters, she finds a reason to stay and chance the odds.

So what did I think? Liz does a great job of describing this small town in the heart of my homeland (I've lived in the Pacific Northwest my whole life). While I've never been to the particular area described in the book, it feels like dozens of tiny towns we've driven through. I've always wondered a bit what people do there or how they come to end up in such tiny places hidden in the woods and mountains, and Liz's novel painted that picture for me.
Another thing I enjoyed were her characters. They were all very different from each other - many of them quirky and interesting to get to know. However, I do feel like in the end, the resolution and romantic relationship got wrapped up a little too quickly, not letting us fully get to know some of the characters as the dust settled and they're seen in their true colors.
Overall though, it was a pleasant, cozy, easy read. I honestly usually read a lot heavier stuff, but sometimes it's nice to read something that you can enjoy without having to work too hard. I like what Liz said about her romantic suspenses in her short bio in the back. She said, "I remember when I was a young mother with all those kids and a slender budget. I was so grateful for books that let me go places and meet people who carried on adult conversations. That's what I want to write - cheap vacations." So there you go! I think she accomplished her goal. Some things are predictable, some surprised me at the end. Basically, if you need a break or a "cheap vacation," check it out. You can purchase it here. And to learn more about the author - what she's doing and what she's reviewing -  hop on over to her blog.