Review of Just Let Go by Courtney Walsh

Nutshell: Quinn Collins just bought her first business, a building she grew up in, but was never able to call it her own...until now. She's on a quest to be the best florist, win the biggest flower competition, while also showing her mother that she's got what it takes. The mother who abandoned her 20 years before and who is also the judge of the competition. She's got a new lease on life and she's going full speed ahead. Until a very angry, unhappy Olympic skier enters town, ends up in a fight and has to do community service....in her flower shop. With tempers high and sparks flying, Quinn finds herself on a new journey of patience and selflessness that she was not anticipating. But the biggest question is who is she trying to prove herself to? Her mother or herself?

What I thought: This was a quaint story that is the perfect read curled up next to the fire or soaking the rays on the beach. I thoroughly enjoy Courtney Walsh's books and this one was right up with her other ones (and that it's set in Michigan makes my heart all things happy). This book is down to earth with every day characters facing every day challenges. You find yourself walking with them, their thoughts and end up hoping everything works out while rooting for them as you read. Courtney does a great job weaving heartache and joy throughout the story line accompanied by humor and seriousness. A heart-warming story that makes you smile by the end and gives you a little lighter of a step as it makes your heart feel good.

Would I recommend it: If you enjoy warm-hearted, feel-good-to-your-toes reads that don't require a lot of figuring out and solving (like a mystery), then you will enjoy this book. This is a stand-alone novel with a story line that is sweet and feels more like home.

Tyndale House sent me this complimentary copy to review for them. Opinions expressed are my own.

Review of Blind Betrayal by Nancy Mehl

Nutshell: Marshal Casey Sloane has a new assignment. Escort a reporter from St. Louis to Washington D.C. to testify in a grand jury and a very high profile case. As Casey takes each job seriously, there does not seem to be any problems with this one and it should be an open and closed case within a couple days. Then all pandemonium breaks loose as Sloane is ready to head out with her witness. The Mashal's office is bombed and they think it is related to the witness Casey is transporting. With her partner and a D.C. Marshal, who she knew very well, they go on the run with their witness to get her to D.C. Through dangerous travels, twists and turns, will they be able to get their witness to her destination alive?

What I thought: This is book 3 in the Defenders of Justice series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but some characters from previous books are in this one as well. Knowing their back stories from other books could help, but overall, you would be able to read this book without reading the other two. Meh did a spectacular job with this fast paced, action packed story that keeps the reader flipping pages until they reach the end. So many levels and layers to the story to give the reader a bit more to chew on verses a typical mystery. Even up to the last pages, you are still surprised by what happens as you think it's over...but it's not.

Would I recommend it: Definitely! If you enjoy fast paced mystery and suspense, this book is for you. Highly addictive and hard to put down!

Bethany House Publishers sent me this complimentary copy to review for them. Opinions expressed are my own.

Review of Justice Betrayed by Patricia Bradley

Nutshell: Homicide Detective Rachel Sloan's mother had been killed when Rachel was a little girl. The death was said to have been from a burglary gone wrong, and the case was closed. A few days after her mother's death, a friend of her mother was murdered, an Elvis impersonator. Case unsolved. Years go by and another friend of her mother, Vic Vegas, yet another Elvis tributarian, shows up at Rachel's office saying he had evidence of her mother's death, her mom's friend's death and that both were murdered. The next day Vic is found killed. Someone is out to stop the truth from coming out. With no information other than a picture Vic gave to Rachel of himself, her mom, the murdered friend and one other person, Rachel is bound and determined to solve this case. Add in the craziness of being Elvis Week, it's time for Rachel to jump back in to the past with the help from Lieutenant Boone Callahan, and find out who is murdering Elvis impersonators and get to the bottom of solving these age old, personal cases before time runs out.

What I thought: This is the 2nd book in the Memphis Cold Case series, though it can be read as a stand alone book. Patricia did an excellent job keeping the story going and keeping the reader involved in the book right up until the end. A classic "who dunnit" suspense mystery with a bit of romance thrown in. I enjoyed the creativity of the Elvis focus as that added an extra layer of interest in the story. This book was well thought out, creative and well written. The characters in the first book were very minor in this book, so it can be read as its own novel.

Would I recommend it: Absolutely! If you enjoy a good mystery suspense, you will enjoy this book! Patricia is a seasoned author who does a phenomenal job creating and delivering story.

Revell Books sent me this complimentary copy to review for them. Opinions expressed are my own.