Cold Justice by Kathi Oram Peterson

Cold Justice by Kathi Oram Peterson

Covenant Communications, 2012

Reviewed by Heather Moore

From the Author: For my blog tour I'm giving away two very cute and cuddly toy bears from Build-a-Bear. To be included in the drawing for the bears followers need to leave comments on each blog of the tour. They have until midnight on July 1st to go to each blog and leave a comment. I'll then put their names in the hat and have two winners picked.  I'll announce the winners July 3rd.

My Review:

A companion novel to River Whispers, Cold Justice delves into Samuel's secret past. When a murder accusation is filed against him by a Raven Clan member, Samuel's free days are numbered. Kidnapped on the day before his wedding to Regi, Samuel is dragged across the country to Alaska where he's forced to stand trial--for a crime he didn't commit.

Regi isn't about to sit by and let the authorities scramble for clues. She follows her instincts and goes to find Samuel herself. They've already spent too many years apart, and she's not about to let more time stand between them.

Cold Justice is a fast-paced, action-filled story that combines past and present seamlessly. Most enjoyable is the how the Alaskan tribe plays a role in the events. It was fascinating to learn more about the Raven Clan and about their traditions and beliefs. It brought depth and additional authenticity to the story.

Besides Regi and Samuel, I enjoyed the character of Trace, the troubled grandson of Jake. There was a lot of depth to his character, making him very interesting--and might possibly support a sequel of his own (hint, hint).

Cold Justice is available in paperback and on Kindle

Other Links for Kathi Oram Peterson:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kathiorampeterson

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KathiOPeterson

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/kathiopeterson/

Website: http://www.kathiorampeterson.com/

Blog: http://www.kathiswritingnook.com/

Goodreads Cold Justice Giveaway (ends June 30): http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/25006-cold-justice

Book trailer link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYDF8_IwLaU

The Golden Spiral by Lisa Mangum

Review by Heather Moore

In The Golden Spiral, book two of the Hourglass Door trilogy, Abby’s life has made a 180 degree turn. Her boyfriend, Dante, has disappeared through a time portal, stuck in a between place that’s impossible to reach without the hourglass door. But the door has been destroyed, and Abby has only a small amount of time to create new one.

Problem is, the reality around her continues to change as Zo manipulates time, drastically altering Abby’s life. First it’s her friend, Justin, then her college scholarship. When her family is affected, Abby will take any risk to undo Zo’s destruction. Her friend, Valerie is the only one with answers, but she is under strict surveillance at a mental hospital.

As the second installment of this YA series, The Golden Spiral continues the fascinating and highly creative story of time travel. Mangum’s writing style is fresh, with a strong literary voice, and will draw readers into the psyche of the various characters and their struggles to understand who they can trust and who still holds dark secrets. Intriguing and suspenseful, The Golden Spiral is an engaging sequel, which will both please readers and leave them anxious for volume three, The Forgotten Locket.

My Lucky Stars by Michele Paige Holmes

My Lucky Stars by Michele Paige Holmes
Published: 2012, Covenant Communications
Available: Paperback & Kindle
Review by Heather B. Moore

Another great read from Michele Holmes. This book covers the character of Tara (from Counting Stars) and how she undergoes some life-changing events. At first, Tara is her usual self--demanding, selfish, and unhappy. As her character progresses, the reader will become attached to her and cheer for her triumphs. 

Holmes's sweet and creative writing style will pull you into the book and wrap you up into her characters.

The Duke's Undoing by GG Vandagriff

Review by Heather B. Moore

Award-winning historical novelist GG Vandagriff (Last Waltz, Foggy with a Chance of Murder, etc.) has turned her sights to the Regency era. Since I've enjoyed reading this genre over the past couple of years, I was excited to pick up Vandagriff's new offering.

The Duke's Undoing is a sweet romance, instilled with plenty of adventure, humor, and even a bit of danger. Like all classic regency novels, I always enjoy the over-the-top secondary characters who care nothing except for their reputation--or perception of what is "right and proper." They add a great conflict to the hero or heroine who decide to defy convention and marry the one they truly love.

Yet, this isn't the typical story of a lowly maid in love with a duke. In fact, Elise, the heroine in the novel, is well situated, but she has one major flaw. She is on her third engagement when the story opens. Anyone familiar with the Regency social mores knows that one failed engagement was enough to sully a woman's reputation, meaning she'd mostly likely retreat from London society and live out her days as a secluded spinster.

But Elise's first fiancé is tragically killed in battle. Her second fiancé, while a dashing fellow, turns out to be quite insane--schizophrenic more specifically. He alternates between a loving fiancé to a self-possessed fiend who has no qualms of kidnapping Elise.

Exhausted by having such bad luck twice, Elise turns to the more conventional arrangement and becomes engaged to George. But as fate would have it, George has a wandering eye and it lands on Elise's best friend, Violet. Elise, knowing she'll be shunned by society if she breaks yet another engagement--especially for something that most women are forced to overlook--decides that she'd rather be alone than stand between her best friend's future happiness.

At great sacrifice to herself and her reputation, Elise cries off the engagement.

This is where the Duke of Ruisdell enters the story. With secret motivations of his own, the duke offers Elise protection from the ton's critical eye, and offers her a false proposal. Elise and the duke decide that is the only way to get Gregory, her former fiancé, to make his intentions known to Violet, who is desperately in love with him.

But as they move through society together, giving everyone a false impression of their love for each other, something deep with both of them starts to grow into a genuine attachment.

One obstacle after another is thrown into their paths, driving them farther and farther apart, until--even knowing that a Regency Romance MUST have a romantic ending--I was starting to doubt . . .

Vandagriff masterfully recreates a setting that has become so intriguing to millions of readers since the first society-parodies were written by Austen. Vandagriff's description of the homes, ballrooms, clothing, mannerisms, and food are excellent and pull the reader quickly in. The characters are vibrant and unique, and I love a heroine who is unexpected. Elise is just that. She is compassionate, even to the point of becoming ostracized by her "own people." She is courageous and looks toward the future no matter her trials, never giving into despair. She is willing to risk everything for those she loves. Yet her flaws run deep, and she is the first to admit them. A true heroine in every sense!

Banana Split by Josi Kilpack

Review by Heather B. Moore

If you haven't read Josi S. Kilpack's culinary mysteries, you are in for a huge treat!

Sadie Hoffmiller is NOT at it again. In fact, she is taking a much needed break and living in Kauai for a few months to recover from her recent traumatic events. So when Sadie discovers a dead body in the ocean, she interviews with the police, then puts it out of her mind. It's time to focus on her own healing and working through her crippling anxiety. But when a young boy, Charlie, appears at her doorstep asking if she was his dead mother's friend, Sadie slowly starts to change her mInd. It seems that the case has been closed by the police, yet the answers not really found to the cause of Charlie's mom's death.

Author Josi Kilpack does an excellent job with the setting and creating a believable plot. The Sadie Hoffmiller series continues to be one of my favorites.

The Wedding Letters by Jason F. Wright

The Wedding Letters

By Jason F. Wright

Shadow Mountain, 2011

Reviewed by Heather Moore

Author Jason F. Wright takes novel-writing to a new level. You may know him best for his poignant story, Christmas Jars, in which he started a movement of people collecting loose change during the year and anonymously donating their “Christmas Jar” collection on Christmas.

Or you might know Wright from the NY Times bestselling novel, The Wednesday Letters, in which he gave out his cell phone number so that readers could share their stories about the lost art letter writing.

But you’ll soon know Wright for his newest release, The Wedding Letters, a sequel that focuses on Noah, the son of Malcom and Rain (from The Wednesday Letters). The family has grown and gone in their own directions, but they come together when major events affect the future of the Inn. Noah brings his girlfriend, Rachel, to the Inn to meet his parents, and she is introduced to the Wedding Letter tradition. Leafing through the Wedding Letter album, she discovers advice that’s varied and sometimes unexpected from those who attended Malcom and Rain’s wedding many years before.

When Noah and Rachel announce their own engagement, The Wedding Letter tradition is started, to not only include wedding guests but anyone who knows Noah and Rachel. But when Rachel discovers a secret in her past the threatens to destroy her relationship with those she loves, a single letter has the power to reunite her with all that she holds dear, if only she can open her heart again.

This story reminded me of the boxes I have filled with letters and all kinds of cards gathering dust in my basement. Letters have a way of reminding us of the past and reconnecting us with what’s important. I have The Wedding Letters to thank for this much-needed reminder. The Wedding Letters is a heartfelt story, filled with classic Wright insights, and timely messages that define the truth of human nature and the healing power of love.

To purchase your copy, visit Amazon.

Ribbon of Darkness by Julie Bellon

Ribbon of Darkness by Julie Coulter Bellon

Reviewed by Heather Moore

LDS suspense writer, Julie Bellon, is at it again!

Ribbon of Darkness is a fast-paced multi-dimensional plot where Kennedy Campbell and Ethan Barak each have their own battles to fight. Ethan is determined to avenge his father's death, not matter the danger to himself or others. And Kennedy would do anything to escape her past, including living undercover and wearing a burka. When their paths cross, there is unmistakable chemistry, but Ethan doesn't know if he can open his heart, and Kennedy doesn't know if she can trust Ethan.

Through meeting Kennedy, Ethan decides that the goals he was once determined to achieve no longer seem as important. And Kennedy, used to hiding from her past, now finds that there's someone she doesn't want to hide from.

Ribbon of Darkness is charged with emotion, intense action, and classic "Julie Bellon" intrigue, and readers will enjoy becoming immersed in this international suspense.

You can purchase Ribbon of Darkness on Amazon.

Other suspense novels by Julie Bellon include: All's Fair and Dangerous Connections.

Also, for aspiring writers, Julie hosts "First Page Friday" each week on her blog LDS Writer Mom where a writer will get his/her first page professionally edited for free.