Put Out To Pasture by Amanda Flower

 

Shiloh Bellamy is working her tail off on her family farm trying to get it back on its feet. But when another murder happens and her best friend is accused of committing that murder, Shiloh knows that she has to prove her friends innocence. Chief Randy is all for a cut and dried case, but Shiloh knows that her friend didn't commit the murder. There are many suspects that come to light because the victim was not well-liked. And what about Shiloh's grandmothers mysterious allusion to a treasure on Bellamy Farm? Was her grandmother speaking literally or figuratively? Add onto that Shiloh's relationship with her dead fiance's best friend Quinn and Shiloh has a full plate to keep her busy. Will she be able to solve who the murderer is or will she be the next victim in order to keep her silent? 

I really enjoyed this second book in the Farm to Table series! I am enjoying the characters and the mysteries. Things are looking pretty bleak for Shiloh and the recovery of the farm, but she is determined to bring it back to life. I like that about her character. She is not willing to give up on this project even with all of the impossible tasks she sees ahead. The animals that are always present in Amanda Flower's books bring a smile to my face and fun antics to the story. I like the relationship between Quinn's daughter Hazel and Shiloh. I also like the fact that Shiloh is able to see beyond people's behavior into their hurts. She's able to bite her tongue several times which is admirable. I do wish she and Quinn could get on the same page about whether they want to be friends or more! Dancing around the subject or ignoring it isn't helping either one of them. If you are a fan of cozy mysteries then I definitely recommend this book. It is a fun, fast and entertaining read and you won't be disappointed.

Tough as Steele by Susan Sleeman

 

Londyn Steele and her family protection company are trying to get the protection contract of a prominent family. But when the woman they are supposed to be protecting disappears right under their noses it doesn't look good for their company. Londyn is determined to find Mimi even if it means stepping out of her jurisdiction to do it. Nate was practically raised by Mimi's daughter and son-in-law and he has no intention of letting Londyn step into the investigation that rightly falls in his jurisdiction. Can the two of them play nice in order to rescue and bring home Mimi before the kidnappers decide she is no longer valuable to them? 

This is the first in the Steele Guardians series and I'll tell you what, it lives up to what I expect from a Susan Sleeman romantic/suspense story! I enjoyed the introduction of all of the characters of the Steele family. They all seem like strong women with competent skills. I love that it is tied in with the other series that this author writes so we get a glimpse into those characters again as well. Londyn and Nate work well together and I loved how they complimented each other. Londyn is independent but yet knows how to step back instead of being overbearing and insisting on her way. Nate's nature as an ex SEAL has him wanting to protect but yet he doesn't ever belittle Londyn because she is a woman. They are both willing to work together without having to have their ego's stroked constantly in order to bring Mimi back. The pace kept the story moving and exciting. The spiritual content was important to both characters and both grew stronger in their faith. I'm excited to continue reading this series!