Cold River

Liz Adair

Publisher: Walnut Springs

Published: September 2011

ISBN: 978-1-59992-803-6

Paperback: 324 pages

Genre: Mystery suspense/romance

FTC FYI: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary: “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.”

Mandy arrives in Limestone, Washington to start her job as the new District Superintendent.  Right away, she is given the cold shoulder from those who work in the office.  They are all still bitter that the previous Superintendent, Grange Timberlain, was let go because he didn’t have the proper education. He is still around as the “assistant superintendent”.  Everyone looks to Grange for answers.  Mandy is determined to not let it get to her.  As she tries to make friends around town, and starts to get to know the people, mysterious things happen to her.

I enjoyed what a great character Mandy was.  She is a great example of a smart lady trying to make things better for others.  At times, though, I was confused as to what type of book this was.  There wasn’t enough mystery for me. The author did do a great job of telling Mandy’s story, but there wasn’t enough action.  A friend later told me this was a romance, but the “romance’ didn’t come until there was about 50 pages left.  I did enjoy the characters, though. I really liked Mandy’s sister Leesie, she was adorable.  She really brought happiness to Mandy when she needed it most.  I also enjoyed Grange. He was a tough guy to like, at first, but I looked forward to him being there more and more.

3 out of 5 stars.

Read more about Liz Adair here. Purchase Cold River here.