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A Death on Fools Lane (An Eve Sawyer Mystery) by Jane Suen – Review by Alison Risher

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A Death on Fools Lane (Eve Sawyer Mystery #4)A Death on Fools Lane by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a well-crafted mystery. The characters are believable- they are real enough to be fallible. I enjoyed the fact that the characters were able to minister to others in times of great sorrow. Readers who have not personally encountered tragedy may gain a small understanding of what to do (or not do) around others who are going through something terrible. I will definitely read another book featuring the main character.

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The Secrets of Arkhaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Alison Risher

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The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills Book 2)The Secrets of Arkaim by B. E. Padgett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another gripping installment in a fascinating series. The setting is a boarding school for students who possess extraordinary abilities. The main characters are a set of gifted twins from a family of both gifted and non gifted family members. The family is one of many who belong to a secret society. This has potential hallmarks of a being a set of stories about a cult-like organization. It is such an amazing read!

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Lucky Break (Trentbridge Tales Book 2) by Lee Wood – Review by Alison Risher

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Lucky Break (Trentbridge Tales #2)Lucky Break by Lee Wood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can’t get enough of this series! This starts off as a typical who-done-it, however it is anything but typical. The author weaves characters and motives throughout the tale with the deftness of a master weaver. I like the policeman who went the extra steps to make certain that justice was done rightly. I like the glimpses of the protagonist from the previous book in the series.

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Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Alison Risher

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Rocketship Made of Stars: Naming Constellations (I am an Alien)Rocketship Made of Stars: Naming Constellations by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The main character brings an alien to school with her. There are no security hoops to jump through in order for this to happen. The main character has classmates who are kind to their class visitor. The teacher and the children discuss constellations. Different cultures have different names and stories for the same constellations.

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Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Alison Risher

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Xenia Navarro and the Magic AntsXenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a heartbreakingly beautiful story. Parts of it are ripped from today’s headlines. The author gives a nod to various conspiracy theories. The main characters, two siblings along with their cousin, must use a science experiment to help a relative. The ending is happy-ish, with an important lesson about the way life works out sometimes.

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The Guardsman (The Olympic Peninsula Series Book 2) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Alison Risher

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The Guardsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 2)The Guardsman by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great book for anyone who likes suspense with a little bit of romance involved. The characters are sweet, without being saccharine, yet realistic without being too gritty. The storyline crosses continents. Readers quickly become absorbed in this family saga. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy learning about other perspectives.

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I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Alison Risher

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I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien)I Am An Outer Space Alien by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a delightful tale of a young girl who hates her name. She has an imaginary (or is she real after all?) alien friend. The story is out of this world, as is the artwork! The two youngsters must compromise in order to play together. This is a heart-warming lesson for all ages.

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Sage Advice by Cori Cooper – Review by Alison Risher

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Sage AdviceSage Advice by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The author takes readers back in time to senior year of high school. Readers get to experience the highs and lows of teen romance. The heroine is protecting her heart. At the same time, she is dishing out advice to her peers anonymously through the school newspaper’s advice column. The author’s characters must decide whether to take risks by trusting others, or to simply play it safe (and boring) by guarding their hearts.

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Alison Risher

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Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a wonderful story. A high school senior sacrifices her summer and her senior year. Her single mother is suffering a severe depression following an unplanned pregnancy. The heroine experiences judgment from all sides, as people assume she is a young teen mother. There is an evil, conniving, relative who wants to buy the baby brother. There are college applications to complete, and high school heartbreak to avoid. The heroine must make serious and complex decisions for herself, her baby brother, and even her parents as the story unfolds.

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Mr. Lucky (Trentbridge Tales Book 1) by Lee Wood – Review by Alison Risher

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Mr Lucky (Trentbridge Tales #1)Mr Lucky by Lee Wood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a fabulous book! Having been homeless myself, the storyline really resonated with me. The protagonist and the antagonist had actually crossed paths several times. The theme of irony is prevalent throughout the story. I made it to the very end of the book before realizing I had read the first in a series of what I am sure are several more amazing tales, I am elated- and I know what I am reading next!

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Back to the 80s by S.E. Reichert and Kerrie Flanagan – Review by Alison Risher

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Back to the 80'sBack to the 80’s by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I laughed. I cried. There was romance, and heartbreak. There was a secondary, behind-the scenes romance. The author explored the theme of hanging onto the past versus living only for the future. The characters were amazingly well-thought-out and developed. What a collaboration!

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How to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Alison Risher

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How to Catch Little Boys and Eat ThemHow to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is hysterical! The premise of the book is ingenious. I find the pop culture references quite amusing. The artwork is incredibly beautiful. It reminds me of the forest witch luring children to her candy-adorned hut in the woods.

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Hole in the Rock by Rebecca Bischoff – Review by Alison Risher

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Hole in the RockHole in the Rock by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is so hilarious! The story begins when the main character makes a fateful decision. Everything else simply seems to snowball from there. Our reluctant heroine learns the value of honesty. She also learns about unity. I didn’t even realize this was a children’s book for the first few chapters.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Parisian Intrigue (Notebook Mysteries Book 6) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Alison Risher

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Parisian IntrigueParisian Intrigue by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The author takes readers on a trans-Atlantic voyage to a World’s fair-type of expo, held in Paris in 1889. The details about the exposition were interesting. I especially enjoyed the details concerning the Eiffel Tower. Two mysteries overlap within this tale. Readers will enjoy the details as well as the setting of this latest in this series, although it can certainly be enjoyed without having read its predecessors.

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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Alison Risher

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Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a phenomenal story! Two young girls from opposite sides of the world become pen pals through a school assignment. They are total opposites, yet they encourage one another and inspire many people across two continents. This is a heartwarming lesson in love, loss, and finding one’s own voice. I will include this book in my classroom library.

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A Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi – Review by Alison Risher

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A Teacher's HeartA Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is so heartwarming! It has a melodic rhythm. There is a pleasing rhyme scheme. The illustrations go hand-in-hand with the words of the author. It makes my teacher- heart say, “Awwwww.”

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Falling Again (Buckeye Falls Book 3) by Libby Kay – Review by Alison Risher

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Falling Again: A Buckeye Falls NovelFalling Again: A Buckeye Falls Novel by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Although this is fiction, the author realistically portrays the reality of marriage when life has intruded upon it. I love how the main characters are parents who struggle to communicate with one another. Their kindergarten daughter runs around with a swear jar, ready to collect money from any adult in her house who happens to cuss. I think that’s funny, because I, too, have a swear jar (my swear jar is a large baby bottle whose contents get donated to a local crisis pregnancy center on an annual basis- I tend to think of this as “charitable cursing”). Marriage is messy. Communication within a marriage can be messy- but the outcome can definitely be worth the struggle.

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A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta Book 2) by Elsa Winckler – Review by Alison Risher

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A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta, #2)A Match Made in Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Two sets of wounded families collide in Montana. Typical small town living assures readers of some hilariously awkward moments! The protagonists face some seemingly large obstacles to their potential happiness. One has a gaping wound in the psyche left over from childhood. Another has a more recent adult-sized hole in the heart. The author brings the loveable characters of a small town to life to witness life-altering events among the ho-hum of the everyday.

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The Hussar’s Duty (The Winged Warrior Series Book 3) by Griffin Brady – Review by Alison Risher

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The Hussar's Duty (The Winged Warrior #3)The Hussar’s Duty by Griffin Brady
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Although I do not enjoy war or warfare itself, there is a special place in my heart for warriors. The main characters are a warrior and his wife in medieval Poland. There are similarities to German spellings and the grammatical syntax of the Russian languages to be quite interesting. These details are compelling as points of history. Another interesting point is the role the wife takes, both in her marriage and her household.

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Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Alison Risher

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Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood: Novella One)Talks Like Thunder by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a phenomenal book! I picked this book because I enjoy reading about Native Americans. I learned so much about Apache culture. Sadly, I was also reminded of things that were quite unpleasant, such as how natives were treated by the government, the army, and even everyday people. The story flowed with authentic pace. Best of all, this book is the first of a series!

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The Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and Awaken by John David Latta – Review by Alison Risher

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The Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and AwakenThe Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and Awaken by John David Latta
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The author shares details of his spiritual journey. From a lapsed Catholic, to an unbeliever, to a self-proclaimed mystic- the author unabashedly provides his story. There is original poetry interspersed throughout the memoir. Aside from the actual poetry, the book is quite poetic in and of itself. The editing is fantastic, which makes for seamless reading and enjoyment.

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Seen by Lori Nelson – Review by Alison Risher

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SeenSeen by Lori Nelson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is amazing! The characters grapple with ethical dilemmas that we face today. People try not to look at things too carefully- if you don’t see something bad happening, you don’t ever have to do anything about it. However, actions have consequences, and some things, once they are seen, can never be forgotten. A pair of sibling protagonists must wrestle with changing family dynamics, even as they fight to expose corruption around them.

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Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper – Review by Alison Risher

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Ways to Improve BaileyWays to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Two collegiate siblings live together and share their lives. The loveable, if slightly overbearing brother, has decided that his sister could improve her attitude toward others- hence the title. Hilarity ensues, as she reluctantly goes along with her brother’s suggestions. The heroine begins to change her thoughts and actions toward others. Along the way, she discovers things about herself that she never realized. She also finds unexpected love.

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Trapping the Butterfly (Butterflies Fly Free Series Book 1) by Debra Parmley – Review by Alison Risher

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Trapping The Butterfly (Book One in the Butterflies Fly Free Series)Trapping The Butterfly by Debra Parmley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Time swiftly got away from me while I was reading. I wasn’t ready to leave the characters yet! An orphan with an inheritance, left with unkind relatives. A handsome lawman. Seemingly chivalrous gangsters. Women who make poor choices. Unfortunately, all these types of people can be found in our everyday lives. I was so proud of the heroine for standing up for herself.

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What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Alison Risher

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What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor)What Do the Plants Say? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Along with beautiful artwork by the illustrator, the author grows readers a story of communication. Plants communicate with us. But do we know what they are saying? A determined protagonist wants answers. She learns what the plants are saying, then she resolves a way to communicate with the plants. An adventure awaits!

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Secrets of the Sorcery War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 2) by Elise Carlson – Review by Alison Risher

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Secrets of the Sorcery War (Ruarnon Trilogy #2)Secrets of the Sorcery War by Elise Carlson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The second installment of this trilogy was a good continuation of the storyline. The author gives a nod to popular culture by having a nonbinary main character. The sorcery battle scenes were well-depicted. The author includes diplomacy throughout the story. One of my favorite parts of the book was the artwork between sections of the book- sometimes a weapon, at other times a stack of books. I think the author is saying that a civilization needs both education and weaponry.

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Editor Kill Fee (The Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries Book 3) by GG Collins – Review by Alison Risher

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Editor Kill Fee (Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries #3)Editor Kill Fee by G.G. Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is an excellent mystery! The characters are from all walks of life. The storyline makes me wonder at some of my more questionable choices. After all, how often have I driven down a dark road with a mysterious reputation? What would I do if my job suddenly couldn’t pay me? What sorts of schemes might I fall for? Although the story wraps up neatly, there remains one portion of it still unsolved- perhaps for the next installment.

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The Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson – Review by Alison Risher

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The Promised PlanThe Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I chose this book because my mom wishes that my sister and I were closer. It really struck a chord with me. I feel that any reader who has a sibling would l be able to relate to this story. The author composed a musical heart-song, and her characters stayed true to their parts. I see a sister trip in my near future!

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The Guardian of Whispers (The Reeds of West Hills Book 1) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Alison Risher

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The Guardian of Whispers (The Reeds of West Hills #1)The Guardian of Whispers by B.E. Padgett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the beginning of a fabulous new series! The characters are amazing. Secret societies, and special schools. There are siblings, friends, foes, and loved ones. I love the way the author set up the next installment. I read this on my Kindle, but now I’m going to have to get a hard copy for my classroom.

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Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Alison Risher

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Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a story of courage. It is the story of what it may take to start over after leaving an abusive situation. It is the story of second chances, of overcoming baggage. I found it to be haunting, for I, too, have made impulsive decisions that had long-lasting consequences. Readers may look to this story as a beacon of hope for overcoming a difficult situation.

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