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The Boss of Centocelle (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Alison Risher

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The Boss of Centocelle: An Italian Murder Mystery (Book 6) (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome)The Boss of Centocelle: An Italian Murder Mystery (Book 6) by P. J. Mann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The main character is a detective in Italy who struggles to find a healthy work to life ratio. This is an issue with which many people of today certainly struggle.He loves his family and he excels at his job. This could be considered a cautionary tale, as he learns that the choices he makes in his professional life could have unpleasant win his personal life. Will he solve the crime? Will he still still have a family when he does so? Read on to find out.

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One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper – Review by Alison Risher

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One Quarter VillainOne Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The theme of this book is the power of our choices. Our choices make up who we are ultimately. Hero or villain? Our destinies are borne of our decisions. The main character must go through major personal growth in order to fight for the future she wants.

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Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 1) by Byrd Nash – Review by Alison Risher

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Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #1)Ghost Talker by Byrd Nash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book has many interesting elements. It has ghosts, which the reader may surmise from the title. It has royalty. It has international intrigue. It has dragons! Also, it has illegitimate royal family members. All in all, a cleverly crafted tale that I very much enjoyed reading.

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A Song of Salt and Secrets (Mythic Academy Collection) by Amanda Marin – Review by Alison Risher

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A Song of Salt and Secrets (Mythic Academy Collection)A Song of Salt and Secrets by Amanda Marin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mythical creatures. Star- crossed young lovers. The power of music. The power of forgiveness. The author has put together a fascinating tale that will make readers want to dive in!

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The Ghostly Diva (Divine Vintage Series) by Sandra L. Young – Review by Alison Risher

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The Ghostly Diva (Divine Vintage)The Ghostly Diva by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have really enjoyed this series. Each book could be read as a stand-alone, rather than part of a series. The main characters in this book must fight their own instincts in order to make healthy choices for themselves, whether they wind up together or not. Themes include big city life versus small town life, as well as strained relationships between generations. I enjoyed being a vicarious part of the healing and personal growth that took place throughout the story.

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Marshmallow Rabbit by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Alison Risher

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Marshmallow RabbitMarshmallow Rabbit by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The two main characters are a candy shop owner and a thieving child. The title cleverly comes into play. The young thief is thwarted when a marshmallow rabbit she swipes puts her into a sticky situation. When confronted, the little thief has an attitude that reminds me of Brer Rabbit. Clever thinking gets her out of the sticky situation, but the consequences of her actions will probably sadden her.

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Breaking Apart (Finnerty and Liccione Mystery Series) by Wanda Venters, MD and Mary Rae, MD – Review by Alison Risher

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Breaking Apart (A Finnerty and Liccione Mystery, #2)Breaking Apart by Wanda J. Venters
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is about an important topic- our military veterans, and some of the issues they deal with. The attention to medical detail by the authors is wonderful. It is informative enough without being too heavy on the medical jargon. The characters in this book navigate through some of life’s difficulties with the help of therapy and supportive relationships. Some secrets are kept, and others are revealed.

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Rhapsody in Black: An Elena del Carral Mystery (Rhapsody In… Series, Book 1) by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra – Review by Alison Risher

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Rhapsody in Black: An Elena del Carral MysteryRhapsody in Black: An Elena del Carral Mystery by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Welcome to the world of ballet. The competitive, back-stabbing, cutthroat world of ambitions and dreams. Cue the classical music. The author explores dreams and delusions, and the lengths some characters will go to in order to keep their fantasies alive. There is mystery and romance in this novel, as well as a great deal of information about the world of ballet dancers and choreography.

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The Winemakers Box Set (The Winemakers Series) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by Alison Risher

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The Winemakers - Box set: A Series of Sun-Kissed Historical RomancesThe Winemakers – Box set: A Series of Sun-Kissed Historical Romances by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Set amidst the backdrop of Portugal’s winemaking industry, the third installment of this box set does not disappoint. The royal family of Portugal stars in this book. The tangled history between Portugal and Spain is explored. Familial obligations war with personal desires. Duty to one’s nation versus duty to one’s own self is a theme that is explored. I recommend this series- it is informative escapism.

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Code Dog by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Alison Risher

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Code DogCode Dog by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

With students doing a science project together, what could go wrong? Typical group project dynamics- that’s what! One student doing the work while others can’t be bothered to assist. Will the students become distracted by the side quest of searching for a missing time capsule? Can a special dog that knows Morse Code help them? Will the group learn to work together? My hometown recently celebrated its sesquicentennial, so the time capsule intrigued me.

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The Changed Man (The Olympic Peninsula Series, Book 4) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Alison Risher

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The Changed Man (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 4)The Changed Man by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another installment in a wonderful series about an interesting family. The characters are wonderful, and they are consistent throughout the series. Much like real life, this one is messy. The characters must grapple with thorny issues. But with thorns, there are lovely roses, and this book is a beauty of a rose.

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Secrets of the Moon (Chronicles of the Lost Child Series) by Kristy Centeno – Review by Alison Risher

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Secrets of the Moon (Chronicles of the Lost Child)Secrets of the Moon by Kristy Centeno
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a super fun read. It could definitely be a beach read, but don’t take it with you while you are vacationing at a cabin in the woods. The characters are wonderfully developed, and the author moves the plot along at a good pace. I’m a dog person, so I enjoyed the dogs, as well as the relationships of the pets with the main characters. Family relationships are explored, as well as the bond between different sets of twins.

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England: Cultured, Classic, and Charming: A Guide to Hidden England (The Hidden Gems Series) by Christy Nicholas – Review by Alison Risher

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England: Cultured, Classic, and Charming: A Guide to Hidden England (The Hidden Gems Series)England: Cultured, Classic, and Charming: A Guide to Hidden England by Christy Nicholas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a wonderful nonfiction read! I learned so much about England. I’m now determined to travel to England one day. There are so many things to see and do that I certainly never would have thought of on my own. You should read this book, if you want to be inspired to follow your travel dreams!

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Mistaken Identity (London Detective Agency Series) by Stephanie R. Caffrey – Review by Alison Risher

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Mistaken Identity (London Detective Agency Book 1)Mistaken Identity by Stephanie R. Caffrey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A luggage mix up during a layover at a British airport leads to a case of mistaken identity. The mistaken identity leads to the love of a lifetime. Along the way, readers will encounter mobsters and estranged families. The ones fighting corruption begin to wonder who they can actually trust. I couldn’t put this book down!

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The Archcrusade: Tome One (The Archcrusade Series) by K. M. Hogenson – Review by Alison Risher

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The Archcrusade: Tome One: The Archspawn - Pilgrimage & PropheciesThe Archcrusade: Tome One: The Archspawn – Pilgrimage & Prophecies by K.M. Hogenson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a fantasy novel. Readers are transported to another world, one of kings and kingdoms. It features different species. There are healers and demons, as well as an abundance of otherworldly drama. The author is a master at using descriptive language.

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Family Ties Family Lies by Jacqueline Boulden – Review by Alison Risher

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Family Ties Family LiesFamily Ties Family Lies by Jacqueline Boulden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story revolves around a heartbreaking topic. As we age, so do our parents. The main character must grapple with her mother’s rapidly declining health, while accidentally discovering a never-discussed secret…as well as a half sibling she knew nothing about. A brother and sister learn to accept the past failings of their parents. Forgiveness is a key component to good mental health, and the characters in this story must decide what is most important to them.

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Shadowed Deception: A Psychological Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Series) by Mavery Ellscott – Review by Alison Risher

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Shadowed Deception: A Psychological Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Book 3)Shadowed Deception: A Psychological Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a suspense novel. The main characters are Americans in France. There is a classic story of good versus evil. This book forces readers to ask themselves what they would do? How far would they go to thwart pure evil? There is a twist at the end that I didn’t see coming!

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Murder At Music Hall (True North Murder Mystery Book 1) by A. J. Ullman – Review by Alison Risher

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Murder At Music Hall (A True North Murder Mystery Book 1)Murder At Music Hall by A. J. Ullman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As an English teacher, I am thrilled to have read a book that used one of our vocabulary words from last week- kowtow. One character wonders what a character is holding over a third character, that makes the third character kowtow to the whims of the second character. Information is power, and sometimes power is used for nefarious purposes. As an amateur musician, I love the backdrop of the symphony orchestra. As a reader, I enjoy the thrill of the whodunit genre.

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Nessie and the Celtic Maze (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Alison Risher

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Nessie and the Celtic Maze (Nessie, #3)Nessie and the Celtic Maze by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Return to the land beneath the lake, or in this case, lakes. An underwater maze connects a lake in Scotland to a lake in Canada.
The legend of the Loch Ness monster is featured in this tale. Children are chosen to be special helpers of a magical, mysterious underwater creature. Actually , in this story, more than one magical, mysterious creature.

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The Missing Red Envelopes by Yobe Qiu – Review by Alison Risher

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The Missing Red EnvelopesThe Missing Red Envelopes by Yobe Qiu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Readers learn about Chinese New Year. Specifically, the author shares how Lunar New Year is celebrated in New York City by an Asian-American family. Witness the bond between two generations of sisters. Learn how an Asian-American community views extended family, as well as close family friends. View family discipline through a cultural lens.

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Dark Sky at Dawn (Free Men and Dreamers Book 1) by L.C. Lewis – Review by Alison Risher

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Dark Sky at Dawn (Free Men and Dreamers, #1)Dark Sky at Dawn by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Featuring wonderfully diverse characters, this book seeks to explore a time in our nation’s history that can be uncomfortable. The main characters are progressive and forward thinking, particularly for their times. Readers wrestle with the theme of religion versus spirituality. How can dignity be brought into totally undignified situations? Is it possible for compassion to override the inhumane? Read to find out.

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A Miracle In Muffin: A True Story by Darlene Duemo – Review by Alison Risher

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A Miracle In Muffin: A True StoryA Miracle In Muffin: A True Story by Darlene Duemo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A white cat goes missing in the snow, presumably never to be seen again. This is the catalyst which leads a sweet family to God. The single mom finds the strength to go to the nearby church. It is a church where she has noticed the people talking to one another outside. After two weeks of being missing, a coworker finds the white cat on her way to work one morning!

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Alison Risher

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite #1)Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The teens in this series suffer from neglectful parenting. Many of the characters have been parenting themselves as well as their own parents. The sad fact is that this happens way too often in today’s world. Young people need direction when they are maturing yet these characters strive to do the best they can with what they have been given. A world of privilege does guarantee a happy life.

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The Other Side of Together by Emily Cox and Nicole Allen – Review by Alison Risher

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The Other Side of TogetherThe Other Side of Together by Emily Cox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh, wow! This story could have come straight from today’s headlines! At the center is the budding romance between an undocumented immigrant and the son of a police detective. Both young people are hampered by family secrets- the ones they, as well as the ones they are unaware of. Family loyalty competes with the urge on the parts of the couple to forge their own path together. The end of the story is actually a new beginning.

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Divinely Dramatic (Divine Vintage Series) by Sandra L. Young – Review by Alison Risher

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Divinely Dramatic (Divine Vintage Series, #2)Divinely Dramatic by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The local community theater group is putting on a play. Vintage clothing is a key component to the success of the show. The characters from Divine Vintage are featured here, but this is certainly a stand-alone novel. There is romance, as well as a fifty-year-old mystery. Family values, and the value of family, are both explored. The main character learns to take a chance on herself.

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The Rocklyns Collection: Books 1-7 (The Rocklyns Series) by Alicia Street – Review by Alison Risher

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The Rocklyns Collection: Contemporary Romance Boxed Set (Books 1-7)The Rocklyns Collection: Contemporary Romance Boxed Set by Alicia Street
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a collection of novels, all featuring one family. They are good people, but certainly not perfect. Can they be manipulative? Absolutely. Overbearing? Without a doubt. But in the end, they will always have each other’s backs, and some of them may even experience growth and humility along the way.

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Nessie and the Viking Gold (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Alison Risher

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Nessie and the Viking GoldNessie and the Viking Gold by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another adventure with the legendary creature residing beneath a famous lake. The sibling duo has returned to the famous tourist attraction a year after their unforgettable first visit. During this visit, readers learn the difference between looking less childish, and the actions required to lead them on their pathways to adulthood. The main characters must battle their own selfish tendencies, and convince adults around them to do likewise. This is a great children’s book, and it features Celtic folklore as well as Celtic folk songs.

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Alison Risher

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a short yet intriguing teaser to a series. The main characters are actually interesting. The author must be quite adept with character development. I want to know more. Now, I’m off to search out the series.

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The Scent of Snow (The Winemakers Series) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by Alison Risher

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The Scent of SnowThe Scent of Snow by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Return to the wine-making region in Portugal. Wait! What? Wine is made somewhere other than France or California? Before embarking on this book series, I had no clue that was true. Beloved characters appear, and readers are treated to emotional insights as well as closure for painful truths.

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Song of Earth and Claws (Faelands Series) by Lena Abram – Review by Alison Risher

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Song of Earth and ClawsSong of Earth and Claws by Lena Abram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fantasy novel. The characters include shapeshifters, magicians, and fantastically powerful fae. Nature, and the natural world, are featured prominently. Emotions are a force to be reckoned with. The bonds of family feature strongly in this novel.

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