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Notebook Mysteries ~ Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Alison Risher
Notebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is redolent with references to A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. The story has a mystery, entwined around family drama, and probate issues. There is also romance in the air, and an unusual family that works well together. The main character fights against the sexism and classism that she faces. All in all, an excellent installment to the series and a wonderful stand-alone read!
The Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan – Review by Alison Risher
The Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the best book I have read all year! I can’t rave enough about the character development! I will certainly be looking for more books that feature one or both of the main characters! As a mother to two college women, this book hits me- right in the feels. Also, I will certainly be looking for some more books that feature either of the main characters.
Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Alison Risher
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a fabulous story! I loved the characters, I laughed, and I cried with the characters. There is young love, with all the ups and downs that accompany teens on the cusp of adulthood. There is suspense, an evil stepmother, a pair of evil-in-training stepsisters, and a funeral home/ crematorium. Throw in a fairy godmother and a charming prince of pop- I can see where the series derives its name. I definitely can’t wait for more installments in this series.
Stand Your Ground Audiobook by A.J. Ullman – Review by Alison Risher
4 Stars. As a Kentucky gal from somewhat less-than-typical upbringing, I appreciate the author’s use of her protagonist’s background. A big- city attorney with small town roots finds herself the center of a complicated legal matter. Themes of this story parallel current events that grip our nation. Racism, classism, and sexism all rear their ugly heads. This tale will keep you guessing until the very end, and leave you reeling from the plot twist.
I Loved You Yesterday (Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 1) by Julie Navickas – Review by Alison Risher
I Loved You Yesterday: Book One in the Trading Heartbeats Trilogy by Julie Navickas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I could not put this book down! Beautifully written, this book provides readers with glimpses into heartache, rebirth, forgiveness, and the art of moving on. Many of the characters have a very strong emotional bond, yet have managed to wrong one another. The character growth and development that the author brings is amazing. I laughed, and I cried, even as I simply could not relinquish the book!
In Plain Sight (Logan McKenna Mystery Series Book 8) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Alison Risher
In Plain Sight: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 8 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What an excellent mystery! I was kept in suspense until the very end. Although part of a series, I plunged right in with no prior experience with this series. I was not disappointed. The characters were developed seamlessly, and the story flowed smoothly.
Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner Series Book 4) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Alison Risher
Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am obsessed with the books in this series! From the setting to the characters- I truly enjoyed all aspects of this book. Although part of a series, each book begins with a recap, which is helpful, even though I have read all the books in the series. I look forward to more books from this author!
This Time Around by Jane Suen – Review by Alison Risher
This Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What an amazing story! Former high school sweethearts are pushed toward one another after ten years apart. The story contains several conflicts. The protagonist must compare small-town living with life in a big city. She must also stand up to a workplace bully on her own behalf. Growing up, growing older, and taking responsibility for aging parents and orphaned relatives are also themes that are present in this delightfully written, heart-warming tale.
Remember to Forget Me (Too Lost to Love Book 1) by Hazel Storm Review By Alison Risher
Remember to Forget Me by Hazel Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a love story that started in high school. The beautiful story is wrapped around music. The main characters had their epic love interrupted by violence. They battle their way through memory loss and PTSD. Forgiveness also plays a crucial role in the development of the characters, as well as the time necessary for such healing to occur.
Key to His Heart by Kristina Beck – Review by Alison Risher
Key To His Heart by Kristina Beck
Two strangers meet, and they are instantly drawn to one another in a love-at-first-sight book. The characters are amazing. The instant connection they form is heart-warming. Readers learn the dangers of an undiagnosed medical problem. This book has new parents, instant families, and emotional baggage- a cathartic experience all around.
Shield & Shade (Ascended Guardians Series Book 1) Audiobook by Misty Hayes – Review by Alison Risher
This was an absolutely fabulous listen! Quite frankly, it exceeded my expectations. The author had angels and demons as characters, yet remained respectful of traditional Judeo-Christians beliefs. The characters were amazing. Life is rough enough when you are a high school student, but having to navigate the hallmarks of teenage drama, in addition to supernatural elements, gives listeners an added sympathy for the characters.
Love in the Roses (Love Through the Ages Book 1) by TL Clark – Review by Alison Risher
Love in the Roses by T.L. Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a charming story! It is an historical romance which takes place during the times of the Wars of the Roses. Families fought other families, and alliances shifted swiftly. This is about an arranged marriage between members of opposing families. The newly married couple surprisingly find love with one another, as well as common ground.
The Letter Carrier by L.C. Lewis – Review by Alison Risher
The Letter Carrier by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My favorite era of historical fiction to read is World War Two. This book is set in a rural village of France, during the Nazi occupation. Readers follow the faith of one family, and one family member in particular. This family member eventually becomes the letter carrier for her village, and it is from this that the book’s title is derived. Heartache, love, reunions, brutality- through it all, faith is what sustains the main character.
Ballet School Rumours (Amberwood Hall Ballet School Adventure Book 3) by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Alison Risher
Ballet School Rumours: An Amberwood Hall Ballet School Adventure by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book takes place at a boarding school in England. It is a modern-day ballet boarding school. The school is a historical building, and as such, has the requisite ghosts. Teenage intrigue abounds. Characters learn to take responsibility for their own actions.
Enchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Alison Risher
Enchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book has it all! Romance, time travel, and family dynamics feature heavily in the fantastic read. Characters deal with loss, and love. Potential issues related to time travel, and metaphysical theories abound. An unexpected twist, winds up the story neatly.
Murder in the Lightning Room by A.D. Brazeau – Review by Alison Risher
Murder in the Lightning Room by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story is set in Colorado Springs. Nicholas Tesla’s time in Colorado Springs is a key component of the story. The protagonist is a teenage high school girl. A budding romance ensues between two amateur detectives. The ending is a surprise!
Paige and the Reluctant Artist by Darci Garcia – Review by Alison Risher
Paige and the Reluctant Artist by Darci Garcia
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Although a delightfully predictable romance, there are some surprises thrown in. The author does a good job with character development. Readers are exposed to the art gallery scene in New York City. Readers are also introduced to the rugged west. Animal care is featured heavily in this book.
Murder Creek (Audio Book) by Jane Suen – Review by Alison Risher
Murder Creek by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I listened to this via audiobook. Around three hours of listening time, this is a great audiobook. The length is perfect for a day of listening while puttering around the house on summer break. The narrator does amazing character voices! A twenty-year-old crime set against a backdrop of historical tragedy, listeners are drawn into a mystery. I was not expecting the book to wrap up the way it did, so I was pleasantly surprised with the ending.
Pilot Who Knows the Water (The Lord Hani Mysteries Book 6) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Alison Risher
Pilot Who Knows the Waters by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is an amazing story, written by an archaeologist. The historical detail is incredibly well-researched. The story takes place in ancient Egypt. Most of the main characters are within one family. We have characters that experience family upheaval, political intrigue, and national unrest. This book is perfect as a stand-alone title, yet I am compelled to read other books in the series now as well.
Love is Worth Fighting for (The Meraki Series Book 3) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Alison Risher
Love is Worth Fighting for by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A love story always tugs at my heartstrings. The story is mainly set in an ethnic community in the U.S., around the time of the Pandemic. There are visits to 1960s/1970s Greece, as well as current day Greece. The main characters are high school students who were set to graduate in 2020. Readers are reminded of what families across the nation (and around the world) went through as a result of this- such as separations, missed proms, missed graduations, celebrations held over Zoom.
Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass (Mermaid Science Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Alison Risher
The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an enchanting piece of children’s literature. Science is featured heavily. Characters learn the importance of teamwork. One character even learns to share, and that we can have more than one friend. Readers learn how to use water to magnify small objects. Readers learn how to become scientists through observation.
The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent – Review by Alison Risher
The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
As someone who struggles to remember names of people, I was tickled when the heroine immediately started giving nicknames inside her head to everyone she met at her new school. The character development was truly amazing. Readers learned more about the characters at an appropriate pace. All the drama of high school was present. The hero did not get all of his issues resolved, but learned to cope with his problems in meaningful and healthy ways.
Caring for Kingsley, Believing in a Better Way When Canine Cancer Comes Crashing Into Your World by Alli Eldridge – Review by Alison Risher
Caring for Kingsley, Believing in a Better Way When Canine Cancer Comes Crashing Into Your World by Alli Eldridge
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Heartwarming despite its subject matter, this book is informative. I believe it is a necessary read for pet owners. All pet owners will benefit from reading this book, not only those who are on this heartbreaking journey. Many pet owners will face the end of their pet’s life. The author offers us hope and grace through a trying time.
The Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie – Review by Alison Risher
The Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Three separate love stories are woven around an origin story of love at first sight. Characters learn the beauty of their intertwined lives. What reader wouldn’t love the setting of this story? I mean, a bookstore! I have a full tank of gas- I think I’ll search for a magical bookshop of my own.
Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail (Jake the Growling Dog Book 3) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Alison Risher
Jake the Growling Dog by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An absolutely adorable tale. The main character is a four-legged pet. The pet confronts fears. He learns about kindness. He discovers the joy of sharing, as well as that of making friends.
PREMEDITATED: A Trust Betrayed, Lives Sabotaged, A Love Undaunted (Agents of Justice Book 2) by Susanna Haymond – Review by Alison Risher
Premeditated by Susanna Haymond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a suspenseful thriller! The author is confident in her ability to deliver, and what an amazing delivery of conspiracy, activism, and good versus evil. I particularly like the way the main character battles with things that are beyond her control. I appreciate the glimpses into the world of addiction. Best of all, the author does not have to resort to the low-hanging fruit of “bedroom scenes” that too many authors today use when they don’t have a good story.
The Vardoger Boy (The Forerunner Saga Book 2) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Alison Risher
The Vardoger Boy by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As original and compelling as its predecessor, the second book in this series does not disappoint! Beginning with a simple recap, this would also be great as a stand-alone read. The protagonist goes from being feared to being accepted by some of his family members. Other characters learn to face their weaknesses, and reach deep inside themselves to overcome obstacles. Set against the rich historical backdrop of the ascension of Alfred the Great, the author continues to entertain and enlighten readers.
No Pistol Tastes the Same (PTSD Disaster Book 1) by Jacob Paul Patchen – Review by Alison Risher
No Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Despite the dark nature of the title, this book is actually full of hope for someone living with PTSD. The main character learns to accept that he has issues once he has reentered civilian life. Realizing that his grandfather also lived with PTSD, he eventually decides to get help, with the support of his wife, his grandmother, and his young son. The author weaves in real stories of PTSD from real people, as well as some examples of what group therapy might look like. Set against a backdrop of climate change and electromagnetic changes, the author skillfully draws the reader into his amazing story. This book is excellent as a stand-alone, but I was thrilled to learn that it is also the first in a series!
Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse (The Forerunner Saga Book 1) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review By Alison Risher
Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Original and compelling, the author draws readers into a rich tapestry that is quite skillfully woven. The main character is mentioned in the title. Various strands of the story come together beautifully. Rich in detail, this is a must-read: readers are entertained, as well as enlightened. I can hardly wait for the sequel!
