BIG IN JAPAN by Jennifer Griffith

 Review by Heather Moore

At my hair appointment the other day, I was browsing through the free downloads on my Kindle app. I'd downloaded a sample chapter from BIG IN JAPAN. Since I was recently at a writers conference where I listened someone from the publisher speak (and was impressed), there were 2 things in favor of opening the book over all of the others (free sample, impressed with publisher).

So I started reading. Of course it cut off way too soon, and I did something I haven't done in awhile. I purchased the full book off of reading a sample. By the end of the day, I was half way through the story, caught up in the 300 pound main character, Buck, who joins his parents on a business trip to Japan.

Buck is the perfect awkward unsung hero, but his quirks are endearing, and his character very relatable.

Great humor throughout as well, some serious thought-provoking events, as well as a sweet romance. Really, everything rolled into one.

To download your free sample chapters, visit here.

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.