Posts

The Cannibal Caper (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Alison Risher

/0 Comments/in /by

The Cannibal CaperThe Cannibal Caper by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m loving this series! This mystery is set in Los Angeles in the 1930s. The main character is this scrappy little orphan who has been living on the streets. It is told in the first person, from her point of view. Although she now has a safe place to sleep and regular meals, she struggles to leave behind her life on the streets. She struggles with making good choices, which is something we can all relate to.

View all my reviews

Kingdom of 7 Sovereigns – Wolf (Kingdom of 7 Sovereigns Series) by R. C. Reigh – Review by Alison Risher

/0 Comments/in /by

Kingdom of 7 Sovereigns: WolfKingdom of 7 Sovereigns: Wolf by R.C. Reigh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A mystical and magical world. This is the first novel of this genre I have read that features a shapeshifting werewolf as a protagonist. I thought this was a little hokey at first, but I quickly became hooked! The title comes from the unification of many kingdoms into one. I can’t wait to read about some of the other portions of the kingdom.

View all my reviews

Hope For A New World (Gaia’s Voice Series) by Renee W Peek – Review by Alison Risher

/0 Comments/in /by

Hope For A New World (Book 1)Hope For A New World by Renee W Peek
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This novel is set in the future, a little bit more than a hundred years from now. It is an apocalyptic tale featuring Earth, and a sister planet. It features many indigenous characters. I really like learning snippets of other cultures. The characters have deep family relationships. Don’t skip out on this book!

View all my reviews

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

/0 Comments/in /by

Nessie and the Living Stone (Nessie's Grotto)Nessie and the Living Stone by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This delightful children’s book focuses on character development. The main character becomes aware of his greediness and selfishness. He takes steps to overcome these flaws. The story also deals with the Loch Ness Monster, and a theory concerning said creature. Readers will learn that good people look out for others.

View all my reviews

To Catch An Elf by Debra Parmley – Review by Alison Risher

/0 Comments/in /by

To Catch An Elf: Pennsylvania Fighter PilotTo Catch An Elf: Pennsylvania Fighter Pilot by Debra Parmley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I agreed to read this book, without knowing anything except the title. Honestly, I thought I was going to be reading a quick little children’s book. Imagine my surprise when I saw the cover! This was an amazing book! It was full of mystery, romance, and suspense. At the same time, it was not graphic. The story did not open with the viewpoint of a protagonist, or a neutral viewpoint, but rather from the viewpoint of the antagonist. There was humor mixed in throughout the book. And who can resist the antics of beloved canine characters?

View all my reviews

The Befallen (The Unsung and The Wolf Duology) by Cambria Williams – Review by Alison Risher

/0 Comments/in /by

The BefallenThe Befallen by Cambria Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book features a society that is beleaguered by an evil plague. One that is not spread by germs, yet kills groups of the living nonetheless. Legend says a hero will save them all. But what makes a hero? Who gets to decide what type of people have it in them to actually be a hero? Ultimately, this is a book about faith. The faith to believe, and the faith to become.

View all my reviews

The Magic Man (The Olympic Peninsula Book 3) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Alison Risher

/0 Comments/in /by

The Magic Man (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 3)The Magic Man by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Return to the northwest with this series of novels. Leap into the world of the theatrical with this installment. When families intertwine, the drama ensues, and not merely the theatrical kind. There are so many sets of twins, you may lose your head trying to keep it all straight. Add in a modern romance, and this book is a winner for sure!

View all my reviews

The Cold Kid Case (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Alison Risher

/0 Comments/in /by

The Cold Kid Case: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Cold Kid Case: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a mystery. It is told in the first perspective, from the point of view of a young girl living on the streets. It is set in Los Angeles in the 1930s. The main character finds herself needing to prove she did not commit a heinous crime. Along the way, she learns the importance of considering the feelings of others.

View all my reviews

Knight In Peril (A Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery) by Alice Bienia – Review by Alison Risher

/0 Comments/in /by

Knight In Peril (A Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery #6)Knight In Peril by Alice Bienia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a missing persons case. It’s a cautionary tale for traveling tourists (are there any other types of tourists?). A suspense novel, yet it has a wisp of romance and fidelity running through it. Ultimately the mystery is solved, although not without treachery and tragedy. Overall, this reader was left with the warm fuzzies that accompany the reading of a good book.

View all my reviews

Encounters With Old Coyote by Laura Koerber – Review by Alison Risher

/0 Comments/in /by

Encounters with Old CoyoteEncounters with Old Coyote by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is quirky. It has an interesting hook: it’s told from the point of view of an atheist who is experiencing life following her own death. The characters are delightfully wonky. They go on adventures, and have philosophical discussions. I think they could solve many of the world’s problems- if only they were alive to do so!

View all my reviews

Orenda (The Latitude Series) by T.S. Simons – Review by Alison Risher

/0 Comments/in /by

Orenda (The Latitude Series Book 2)Orenda by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’m so glad I got to revisit some of my favorite characters, in what has quickly become one of my favorite reading genres. Readers will learn how new societies form. What are the responsibilities of a new government? What so-called freedoms are people willing to give up, and what will they receive in return? All these issues and more, are explored within this futuristic tale.

View all my reviews

Dumpster Dying (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1) by Michelle Bennington – Review by Alison Risher

/0 Comments/in /by

Dumpster Dying (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1)Dumpster Dying by Michelle Bennington
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ll be honest- it was the hazardous hoarding that piqued my interest. I have clutter. Now I’m wondering if I should examine my motivation whenever I am tempted to keep something even slightly sentimental. Throw in a mystery, and a ghost- I’m hooked! The fact that the story is set in my home state of Kentucky is an added bonus.

View all my reviews

The Catford Catastrophe Zone by Petra Jacob – Review by Alison Risher

/0 Comments/in /by

The Catford Catastrophe ZoneThe Catford Catastrophe Zone by Petra Jacob
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I think I have become addicted to the dystopian genre. This book was really good. It was also scary. I could see glimpses of some of today’s cultural issues present as precursors to the plot of the story. With so much “fake news” abounding, how can one tell reality from fiction?

View all my reviews

Mission Target (Jake Wolfe Thrillers Book 7) by Mark Nolan – Review by Alison Risher

/0 Comments/in /by

Mission Target (Jake Wolfe, # 7)Mission Target by Mark Nolan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I adore books with military heroes. And, what a treat to read this so close to Veterans Day! This could be a great stand-alone book, but I really enjoyed spending time with my favorite retired war dog. I adore dogs, too. Classic good versus evil book that will leave you feeling good about the future of humanity.

View all my reviews

Lost and Found (Logan McKenna Mystery Book 9) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Alison Risher

/0 Comments/in /by

Lost and Found: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 9 (Logan McKenna Series)Lost and Found: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 9 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This author delivers another powerful read! Our sonata-playing sleuth solves murderous mysteries that almost always seem to find her. We have an undocumented immigrant who gets forced into a crime via threats to his family. Readers will enjoy learning about the crab fishing traditions on the west coast. We also have the legal elements of crime-solving. Grab your copy now!

View all my reviews

Necromancy the Musical by Debbie Hibbert – Review by Alison Risher

/0 Comments/in /by

Necromancy the MusicalNecromancy the Musical by Debbie Hibbert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Not a musical. Set in New Orleans, a city of magic, and of dark magic. A single-dad homicide detective whose secret weapon is a slightly magical teenage daughter. Drama camp romance. Best friends. Young love. Of course, there is a nemesis. Then again, perhaps this story would make for a good musical, after all!

View all my reviews

Sarge by Stuart Ledwith – Review by Alison Risher

/0 Comments/in /by

SargeSarge by Stuart Ledwith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved getting to read the backstory of this enigmatic hero. Readers can be inspired by the hope that comes from seeing the caring adults who step in and step up to help a teen become a man. It was interesting to see the paths he chose. Each decision that a person makes sends out ripples to impact others. Although the ending is not happy, it is a springboard for future stories featuring this character.

View all my reviews

Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes (Hot Flash Hookups Book 1) by Marika Ray and Sylvie Stewart – Review by Alison Risher

/0 Comments/in /by

Hot Flashes and Hockey SlashesHot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh, my stars, this sure was funny! I can’t imagine having to attend my ex-husband’s wedding. But then again, my ex tied the knot the very day our divorce was final. I love how the main characters were both over forty. I mean, dating in your forties in nothing like dating in your twenties. Yup, it’s a veritable gold mine for book fodder.

View all my reviews

Melt My Heart (North Fork Series Book 3) by Alicia Street – Review by Alison Risher

/0 Comments/in /by

Melt My HeartMelt My Heart by Alicia Street
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is excellent escapism. The hero is a veteran with PTSD issues. The heroine has her own baggage. They connected through the rescue of an injured dog. Life in a small town where everyone knows everyone else’s business causes conflict in their budding relationship. Can they overcome their own issues in order to rescue each other’s hearts?

View all my reviews

My Murder Year by Kate Larkindale – Review by Alison Risher

/0 Comments/in /by

My Murder YearMy Murder Year by Kate Larkindale
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a wonderful read. It contains sensitive subject matter, though. When a mother is found murdered, her teenage daughter is suddenly in the midst of a complicated custody battle. What is the definition of family? Throw in the who-done-it aspect of the murder. Add a sprinkling of young love. This is a recipe for a wonderful treat!

View all my reviews

Tears Into Gold by Cori Cooper – Review by Alison Risher

/0 Comments/in /by

Tears into GoldTears into Gold by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a love story. It is also a new take on the tale of King Midas. It’s a cautionary tale about yearning for what you think you lack. There is magic, so much magic, and the author seems to be saying that true magic lies in contentment. And, of course, the strongest magic of all is that of true love.

View all my reviews

The Moon That Fell from Heaven (Empire at Twilight) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Alison Risher

/0 Comments/in /by

The Moon That Fell from HeavenThe Moon That Fell from Heaven by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is full of historical details. I was captivated by the history enmeshed within the story. Poetry from an ancient civilization is featured. In a diplomatic mission gone awry, a poet inadvertently finds himself cast as a hero, if only for a small moment in time. As a woman, I enjoyed reading the author’s details concerning women’s rights at the time of this ancient, historic civilization.

View all my reviews

Lies That Bind (Logan McKenna Series Book 6) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Alison Risher

/0 Comments/in /by

Lies That Bind (A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 6)Lies That Bind by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book explores the theme of man versus man, and the devastation that family secrets can leave in their path. From the time of Prohibition, two separate families began lying. Some of the lies were innocuous. Generations later, their descendants are still dealing with the consequences, whether they know it or not. Our reluctant heroine becomes involved with the web of lies through happenstance. The main character also bonds with her newfound half-sister.

View all my reviews

Wondogfilled: Look, A Dog! (Boys Unboxed) by Dr. Kimberlie Harris – Review by Alison Risher

/0 Comments/in /by

Wondogfilled: Look, a Dog! The story for children who love dogs between the ages of 0-8. A perfect addition to home and classroom libraries. (Boys Unboxed)Wondogfilled: Look, a Dog! The story for children who love dogs between the ages of 0-8. A perfect addition to home and classroom libraries. by Dr. Kimberlie Harris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is narrated by a precious young toddler. He loves dogs. He is convinced that each animal he encounters is a dog. He always has a logical (at least for a tot) reason for believing each is a dog. His long-suffering mom tries in vain to convince him otherwise.

View all my reviews

Safe Harbor (Logan McKenna Series Book 5) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Alison Risher

/0 Comments/in /by

Safe Harbor: Logan McKenna Book 5 (Logan McKenna Series)Safe Harbor: Logan McKenna Book 5 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is another stellar mystery. It is bookended with visits from a long-lost parent. The main character finds herself drawn into the aftermath of another nefarious murder. Being an amateur musician myself, I found myself enthralled with the musical details in the plot of this tale. You can’t go wrong by reading the books in this series.

View all my reviews

Faking the Fall (Buckeye Falls Book 4) by Libby Kay – Review by Alison Risher

/0 Comments/in /by

Faking the Fall: A Buckeye Falls NovelFaking the Fall: A Buckeye Falls Novel by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I first encountered the main character as a supporting character in a previous book in this series. I enjoyed learning more about her. It was also nice to revisit the small town in which this series is set. What I liked most about the main character is that she doesn’t have it all together. She doesn’t have it all figured out, and she is a total klutz- a fact which often creates interesting and/ or embarrassing situations.

View all my reviews

Devil’s Claw (Logan McKenna Series Book 3) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Alison Risher

/0 Comments/in /by

Devil's Claw: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Book 3 (Logan McKenna Series)Devil’s Claw: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Book 3 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My middle child, now in her twenties, used to be obsessed with sea otters when she was little. We had to have a sea otter birthday cake, and we had to watch sea otters on the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Otter Cam several times a week! This book brings back good memories for me. The mystery is wonderfully crafted, and the family dynamics explored amongst the characters are simply amazing. I can’t wait to read more of this series!

View all my reviews

Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera (Gumshoe Mysteries Book 2) by Laura Hawks – Review by Alison Risher

/0 Comments/in /by

Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera (Gumshoe Mysteries Book 2)Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera by Laura Hawks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book has everything. It is a young adult book, so teens are the main characters, aside from the title character. There is a quinceanera, so readers learn a bit about this special tradition for young Latina women. There are some serious issues that teens (and even adults, too) deal with. I really liked how the author handled this sensitive subject matter.

View all my reviews

The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics by Paul McCarthy – Review by Alison Risher

/0 Comments/in /by

The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics - A Crash Course on Nuclear Weapons and Humankind's Most Dangerous GameThe Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics – A Crash Course on Nuclear Weapons and Humankind’s Most Dangerous Game by Paul McCarthy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Without being too heavy on the scientific details, this book was a good read. The author provided enough details for me to feel good about my so-called intelligence. At the same time, I was not overwhelmed by the scientific details. This book is very timely, what with the popular movie based on the same subject area having hit the theaters recently. I feel confident that, having read this piece, I can contribute to intelligent discourse around me.

View all my reviews

Mr. Barsin’s Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Alison Risher

/0 Comments/in /by

Mr. Barsins' Toy EmporiumMr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an atypical story concerned with a toy store for atypical toys. There is nothing mundane or ordinary in this story. What you will find are interlocking tales of families working together and children learning to make difficult choices. Characters learn to work together, sometimes reluctantly, to help themselves and others out of a catastrophic situation amidst a hurricane evacuation. Themes include man versus man, man versus self, and man versus nature.

View all my reviews