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Hanging Softly in the Night: A Detective Nick Larson Novel by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra – Review by Alison Risher

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Hanging Softly in the Night (Detective Nick Larson #1)Hanging Softly in the Night by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This author delivers! The moody and broody detective is the male protagonist. His tortured-by-a-psycho-family-member neighbor is the female protagonist. A murderer is loose in the Big Apple, wreaking havoc. Sparks fly, and suspense abounds, but will the heroes be able to overcome their own psyches in order to take a chance on a new beginning together?

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Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation? by Kim Ann – Review by Alison Risher

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Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation? : Fun pirate story that encourages imaginative and creative thinking. Ages 3 to 8, preschool to 2nd grade.Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation? : Fun pirate story that encourages imaginative and creative thinking. Ages 3 to 8, preschool to 2nd grade. by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a fantastic story. It is full of musings. There are many different suppositions for swashbucklers to speculate. The possibilities to ponder are endless. But after all. A buccaneer’s bounty is full of vacation, as it turns out!

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Knight In The Museum (Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery Series Book 5) by Alice Bienia – Review by Alison Risher

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Knight In The Museum ( Jorja Knight Mystery -Book 5)Knight In The Museum by Alice Bienia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book has it all! Romance, mystery, and suspense are all present, along with a glimpse of betrayal. Although fifth in a book series, the author presents a wonderful stand-alone story. This story is set in Canada, and features a privately- owned museum. I highly recommend this tale to anyone who is a fan of mystery or suspense books.

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The Coin Audiobook by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra – Review by Alison Risher

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What an amazing journey I took with these characters! Finding a seemingly worthless coin and having it mounted on a charm bracelet, the heroine’s life is forever changed. It turns out, the coin can help identify a villain. Said villain does not wish to be identified. The author provides a suspenseful mystery, with a tiny dollop of romance to tease the listeners. Betrayal, heart-wrenching choices, and above all- a wonderful tale from a truly masterful storyteller is what awaits you when you open your ears.

Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Alison Risher

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Kamana Wanalaya for the HolidaysKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is a quirky, fun read. It will be great to take along on vacation. It is equally as good to help as you recover from the flu this winter! It is romantic versus cynic in a wowzer of a showdown. Readers are treated to an amazing setting with romance juxtaposed amongst a comedy of errors.

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Return to Gallanvaig (A Quirk of Destiny Book 2) by Catherine Greenall – Review by Alison Risher

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Return to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of DestinyReturn to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of Destiny by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is the reason why post-apocalyptic is quickly becoming my favorite genre of fiction! This story takes place in the aftermath of a world-wide devastating illness. Sounds familiar, right? In a deviation from our all-too-real global pandemic, the author treats readers to various credible and incredible story strands. Hold onto your hats, the winds of change that blow around just might blow you away!

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The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch by Julia Brewer Daily – Review by Alison Risher

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The Fifth Daughter of Thorn RanchThe Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch by Julia Brewer Daily
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I could not put this book down! To the heroine, it must have seemed as though she had traveled back in time when she unwittingly stumbled across a group of natives who not only live off the grid, they have never heard of the grid! The earnest protagonist finds herself a captive of the group. She must contend with tribal lore and tradition in order to find her way back to her own home. Along the way, will she forge a love for the ages with one of the tribesmen?

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Reckless Heart (Second Chance Romance Series Book 2) by Jane Suen – Review by Alison Risher

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Reckless Heart (Second Chance Romance #2)Reckless Heart by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sometimes, impetuous choices we make as teens have long-lasting consequences. This is a story about second chances, ten years later. The hero and the heroine are amazing characters. Readers get to travel with them on a journey of self reflection. Readers get to witness the main characters stand up for themselves in ways they never had before.

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Malayeka (Heartstrings Book 3) by Brooke May – Review by Alison Risher

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Malayeka (Heartstrings Book 3)Malayeka by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a quaint story! This fable has feuding families that have managed to divide an entire town. Family loyalties are tested. A love for the ages is grown. Throw in a guardian angel for love, and you have the essential ingredient for a tasty love story for readers to devour.

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Gunner (Hollins & Haring Book 3) by T.J. Beach – Review by Alison Risher

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Gunner (Hollins & Haring #3)Gunner by T.J. Beach
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

How each person navigated through the early days of the pandemic is a personal experience. This book provides readers a window into the lives of a family who must quarantine when the grandmother learns she has been exposed to, and ultimately contracts, Covid. Readers experience a story within a story. One main character delivers, in increments, to the other main character, a part of his history he had previously kept silent about. This story within is exceptional. Learning to depend on others, and to what extent we depend on them, while isolating and quarantining- I feel that may be the ultimate lesson we take away from the pandemic.

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The Sacrifice (Dragonpets Book 1) by R. L. S. Hoff – Review by Alison Risher

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The Sacrifice (Dragonpets #1)The Sacrifice by R.L.S. Hoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! Imagine waking up to find that you are about to be a dragon’s meal, but it decides not to eat you, after all. You come to know the dragon, and one day you realize that you are the dragon’s pet! A nice dragon, but still… What a wonderful, magical world the author has created. Readers will relate to the characters, especially as the story unfolds. I highly recommend this book!

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Shadow Patterns of Melt by J. R. P. Fogg – Review by Alison Risher

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Shadow Patterns of Melt - Book OneShadow Patterns of Melt – Book One by J.R.P. Fogg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I wasn’t too sure at first, but now that I have read this book- I love it! If I understood more of the technical aspects, I would have given this book five stars! The storyline, though, is amazing. The dialogue definitely helps propel the reader through the scientific aspects of the story. I’m intrigued enough that I may conduct some research into this subject matter while waiting for the next book in this series.

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I Love You Today (Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 2) by Julie Navickas – Review by Alison Risher

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I Love You Today (The Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 2)I Love You Today by Julie Navickas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a perfect sequel, but great as a stand-alone as well. I enjoyed becoming reacquainted with characters I had previously met. It was nice to meet new friends as well. The female protagonist, much like myself, is a notorious klutz who will trip over anything or nothing. I enjoyed reading about characters who are unable to take the traditional expected life route right after high school. Some people actually have to struggle and strive to achieve their goals. It was nice to see the nontraditional student being cheered on by those around her. I’m eagerly awaiting the third installment of this trilogy!

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A Christmas to Remember: An Anthology A Christmas to Remember by 5 Prince Publishing – Review by Alison Risher

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A Christmas to Remember: An Anthology from 5 Prince PublishingA Christmas to Remember: An Anthology from 5 Prince Publishing by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This collection is the perfect read to put you in the holiday mood! With seven different stories from seven different authors, there is a variety of writing styles. If one story isn’t quite to your fancy, the next one surely will be. I think my favorite story featured Italian-Americans living in the French Quarter in New Orleans. What an absolutely perfect way to kick off my holiday reading!

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Mis-Spelled (The Stellaluna Chronicles Book 1) by TH Leatherman – Review by Alison Risher

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Mis-Spelled: Book One of the Stellaluna ChroniclesMis-Spelled: Book One of the Stellaluna Chronicles by T.H. Leatherman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Loaded with puns, this book is a hoot! Not a time-travel tale, this book has the protagonist traveling to a different realm. Elves, trolls, and dragons- oh, my! Throw in dwarves, giants, and ogres as well. The hero must learn who to trust in this strange realm, and just how much he can or cannot trust his own instincts, which is something we can all relate to.

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Better Gnomes & Gardens (Mysty Haven Mystery Book 1) by Casey Cardel – Review by Alison Risher

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Better Gnomes & Gardens (Mysty Haven Mystery)Better Gnomes & Gardens by Casey Cardel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Empty nesting is going to be rough on my poor dog. I dressed him up as a garden gnome for Halloween, so naturally, I was intrigued with the title of this book. I am totally hooked, and am waiting for more books in this series! Magic is real in this small town, and the residents do their best to help provide the reader with a magical experience. Garden gnomes, fairies, pixie dust, giants, werewolves, leprechauns, and more await you within the pages of this story.

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Lucas the Spy Cat (Jake the Growling Dog) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Alison Risher

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Lucas the Spy CatLucas the Spy Cat by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Have you ever wondered what your pet does when he goes out on his own? Two sisters have a bright idea. What if they attach a camera to the collar of their cat, in order to learn where he goes on his nightly expeditions? The siblings have several entertaining theories about what their fur-baby gets up to on a nightly basis., Alas, the camera seemingly malfunctioned, and they may never learn the true extent of the kitty’s adventures. Readers are encouraged to use their imaginations.

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Soliloquy by Janet Fogg – Review by Alison Risher

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SoliloquySoliloquy by Janet Fogg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an amazing story! Swept into the musician’s emotions, I vividly recalled how I felt when playing my flute with an orchestra. I think that time travel is my favorite genre of books to read. World War Two is my favorite historical setting for books. I was in hog heaven! I couldn’t put this book down, and read the entirety in one sitting. Clear your calendar- once you start reading this tale, you, too, will be unable to do anything else until you are finished reading it.

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Weep, Woman, Weep: A Gothic Fairytale about Ancestral Hauntings by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Alison Risher

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Weep, Woman, WeepWeep, Woman, Weep by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

You’ve heard of generational poverty, right? Meet an entire community trapped within generational despair. The narrator is determined to escape the chains that bind those around her. Despite never moving from her tiny town, the heroine learns to harness her sadness. Eventually, it is the physical manifestation of her sadness which strengthens her and saves her.

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The Intruders by Brett McKay – Review by Alison Risher

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The IntrudersThe Intruders by Brett McKay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book begins beautifully, full of suspense! It is full of strong and interesting characters. The author does not shy away from sensational plot twists! This is a good read, escapism at its finest, but I wouldn’t take it to the lake with me. (If you know, you know.)

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Cooked: The Chef Blows Her Lid by Cari Schaeffer – Review by Alison Risher

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Cooked: The Chef Blows Her LidCooked: The Chef Blows Her Lid by Cari Schaeffer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love a good book about a woman starting a new chapter in the book of her life! The heroine finds herself in situations she never would have expected. Betrayal, deceit, and mystery abound. She also finds herself dealing with her aging mother who likes to heap guilt onto her only child. This book has so many things different readers can relate to on many different levels. The heroine learns when to ask others for help, even as she learns she is capable of much more than she ever dared to dream!

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Bycatch by Alexander Blevens – Review by Alison Risher

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BycatchBycatch by Alexander Blevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an amazing book! I was intrigued from the moment I read the synopsis. One action, seemingly innocuous, can have ripple effects that last decades and impact generations. The two main characters experience tremendous growth and development throughout the timeline, while others do not. Readers experience the power of forgiveness, and witness the devastating results of generational poor parenting.

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Alison Risher

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Divided LivesDivided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a story about the historical police and judicial corruption in New York City during the early twentieth century. Per her usual, the author features a strong heroine who works in a typically male-dominated field. I found it thrilling to see the glimpses into the professional life of a pioneering female attorney. It was very interesting to see some of the hidden culture of that time period. The characters face issues in their lives that resonate with people today.

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Hate You Later (Lit Lovers Series Book 1) by Ciara Blume – Review by Alison Risher

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Hate You Later (Lit Lovers, #1)Hate You Later by Ciara Blume
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Although this love story has a classic theme, there are several twists. The main characters are amazing, and the growth they show throughout the novel is phenomenal! The female protagonist learns to ask others for help, rather than always insisting on doing everything by herself or on her own. The male protagonist learns that he is worthy of love without having to do things for people. The pets are a great addition!

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From Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan – Review by Alison Risher

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From Brick & DarknessFrom Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The main character experiences a character growth spurt throughout the course of this book. He learns that friends are worth sacrificing for. He learns that secret desires, even when not acted upon, can become deadly. He grows to appreciate his mom. He even learns to accept help. I would definitely read another book by this author!

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Moby Plays the Flute by Eeha Bhatt – Review by Alison Risher

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Moby Plays the FluteMoby Plays the Flute by Eeha Bhatt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a heartwarming story! As a flute player myself, I can say that this book hit all the right notes with me! The main character develops perseverance throughout the tale. She learns an incredible lesson- that sometimes, a closer look is required. She also learns the value of hard work.

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Dainty Damsels by J.N. Sheats – Review by Alison Risher

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Dainty Damsels: Halloween Collection 2022Dainty Damsels: Halloween Collection 2022 by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a whimsical coloring book for adults. It is also suitable for children and teens. There are 30 sweetly original images to color. In today’s world, we all need to de-stress with some self care, and this coloring book fits the bill! I highly recommend this book!

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River Witch by Cheryl Burman – Review by Alison Risher

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River WitchRiver Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Always drawn to the river nearby, the heroine traverses from childhood into womanhood throughout the story. The main character is neurodivergent, and so is often viewed as a witch by those around her. Though at times, the story seems like it might meander like a river, the author manages to skillfully control both the fantasy and the historical streams of her book. Readers are able to glimpse life through the lens of a strong female character in an era when women had strict roles imposed on them. Heartache, personal growth, and forgiveness are themes of this book.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Emma (Notebook Mysteries Book 1) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Alison Risher

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Emma (Notebook Mysteries, #1)Emma by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve read other books in this series, and they are all wonderful! Having finally read the first of the series, I am still firmly a fan of this author. I enjoyed the setting of the story- Chicago in the post Civil War era. Characters struggle to right wrongs amidst Chicago’s infamous corruption. Our protagonist also learns that she must trust people, and not always rush to judgment.

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Destiny’s Daughter (Intimate and Unfiltered Book 3) by Lynda Filler – Review by Alison Risher

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Destiny's Daughter: It was the best of times.Destiny’s Daughter: It was the best of times. by Lynda Filler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a memoir, from an author who has previously written two other memoirs. I’m intrigued enough that I might go read her other ones! I truly enjoyed the author’s take on living in foreign countries. The author hunkered down during the worst of the pandemic, and shared some of her experiences. What I enjoyed most were the photographs that were interspersed amongst the memories.

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