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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Alison Risher

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As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I felt like I was reading a book about me! As a Kentucky girl myself, I loved reading a story set in Kentucky. As an educator, I enjoyed reading from the perspective of an educator. Bonus- we both teach high school!. All right that’s where my similarities with the heroine stopped. The nods to far flung, often-forgotten parts of western Kentucky made me feel at home. I relished reading about close-knit families as well as the intermingling of cultures.

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The Day the Librarian Saved the Galaxy by Stephanie Wilson Peterson – Review by Alison Risher

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The Day the Librarian Saved the GalaxyThe Day the Librarian Saved the Galaxy by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am howling with laughter! Finally, I now know the meaning behind school lunches that are called something like “cafeteria manager’s surprise” and what they are truly used for! As a teacher who eats the cafeteria lunch at least once a week, I am grateful for my newfound knowledge. As a book lover, I am pleased to find a book that features a librarian. As an educator, I now have a new must-have for my classroom.

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Phoenix’s Ascent (Hera Force Book 2) by Winter Austin – Review by Alison Risher

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Phoenix's Ascent (Hera Force: #2)Phoenix’s Ascent by Winter Austin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow, what a page turner! You have international intrigue, a crazy mad scientist, and a wonderful group of friends who have chosen to be a family. Our protagonists battle mental illness and character assassination, as well as betrayals. Loyalty is a strong theme in this tale. Although part of a series, this book is wonderful as a stand-alone.

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The True Purpose of Vines (The Winemakers Book 1) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by Alison Risher

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The True Purpose of VinesThe True Purpose of Vines by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Readers are immersed in the world of winemaking. The rich history of Portugal, often overlooked in historical fiction, comes to life. Cultures and ethnic groups collide in this tale of a woman defining her own destiny amid a rich backdrop. Interesting characters come to life under the author’s talented blending. Another treat is the substory of legitimate versus illegitimate children.

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Toby: The (Mostly) True Story of a Former Bad Dog by Stephanie Wilson Peterson – Review by Alison Risher

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Toby: The (Mostly) True Story of a Former Bad DogToby: The (Mostly) True Story of a Former Bad Dog by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A heartwarming story about a dog, from the dog’s perspective. I now look at my scamp of a dog with new understanding. This poor little dog! All he wants is to be good. This is the type of dog that thighs simply happen to. Come along for the joyride!

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The Scent of Gardenias by Lorraine Haas – Review by Alison Risher

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The Scent of GardeniasThe Scent of Gardenias by Lorraine Haas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My absolute favorite era of historical fiction is that which surrounds World War Two! This book juxtaposes strong characters with the stereotypical gender-based roles expected of women in this time period. The postwar years bring tumult of a different kind. Our heroine comes full circle, learning to appreciate the family she was born into, yet still maintain her independence. This is a story about a girl who becomes a woman, and along the way learns some valuable life lessons.

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The Last Cabin Girl (Detective Josie Thompson Series) by Tom Swyers – Review by Alison Risher

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The Last Cabin Girl: A totally gripping thriller full of twistsThe Last Cabin Girl: A totally gripping thriller full of twists by Tom Swyers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book has it all. Suspense abounds as a mother attempts to extricate herself from an abusive marriage. A character grapples with mental illness, and paranoia is juxtaposed with the impending COVID-19 pandemic. The existence of family secrets is acknowledged. A new romance blooms. Family members learn that they can count on one another, even as devastating long-kept secrets come to light.

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Everwood Plantation by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Alison Risher

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Everwood County Plantation: BWWM Enemies-to-Lovers Billionaire RomanceEverwood County Plantation: BWWM Enemies-to-Lovers Billionaire Romance by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What an amazingly sweet story. The characters are imperfect when we meet them, and they are imperfect when we leave them, but, oh!- what an amazing journey of personal growth they embark on. I especially liked how the two main characters each learned to view situations from the other’s perspective, and ultimately each decided to do what was best for the other. Readers are treated to historical backdrops. Characters wrestle with some of today’s hot-button issues.

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The-Know-It-All-Pencil (Invisible Magic Wand Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review By Alison Risher

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The Know-It-All PencilThe Know-It-All Pencil by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a story about a boy. It is also about a special gift his grandfather gave him. This is a story about adventure and family. It is also a story about going about your day while treating others with respect, dignity, and consideration. I will certainly be adding this one to my classroom library!

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Until There Was You by G. Colgrove – Review by Alison Risher

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Until there was youUntil there was you by G. Colgrove
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a good story, with amazing character development throughout the novel. I enjoyed the character growth throughout the novel. A novel about making your way in this world, and finding love along the way. This is a story about family relationships- both broken and healing. Characters must come to grips with their own inner demons. You don’t want to miss this one!

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My Valentine’s Day Cookie Match (Welcome to Cupid’s Cove) by C.A. King – Review by Alison Risher

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My Valentine's Day Cookie Match: Welcome to Cupid's CoveMy Valentine’s Day Cookie Match: Welcome to Cupid’s Cove by C a King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Squeal! What a treat! This book has characters who reluctantly fall in love, and are willing to do what is best for one another. We see family members looking out for one another, without being intrusive. We glimpse the tourism industry from the perspective of a small town. We also have characters in the periphery of the story, who have a story of their own unfold throughout the tale

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Reunion in the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction Book 4) by Nicole Flockton – Review by Alison Risher

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Reunion in the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction, #4)Reunion in the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a treat to revisit Bunya Junction! I loved the family dynamics among the adult siblings. Readers encounter main characters who love each other but have experienced a tragedy. Their tragedy was followed by poor interpersonal communication. Will they make their way back to one another? Will the siblings learn to relate to one another as grown adults? Read to find out!

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Love’s Full Circle by Cherry Christensen – Review by Alison Risher

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Love's Full CircleLove’s Full Circle by Cherry Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a sweet story. High school sweethearts break up in high school, and are unexpectedly reunited 15 years later. The author gives readers glimpses from the perspectives of both our lovebirds. It is interesting to watch the personal growth that has taken place through the intervening years. I found myself rooting for the characters to find their way back to one another, yet I also would have understood if they hadn’t been able to do so.

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Seven Strengths: A Tale from Turaset (The Industrial Age) by P.L. Tavormina – Review by Alison Risher

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Seven Strengths: A Tale from TurasetSeven Strengths: A Tale from Turaset by P.L. Tavormina
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book had such a flow to it, that I couldn’t put it down! The title alludes to a children’s song in the book, and characters harken back to it periodically through the novel. Who can’t relate to the heroine, a reluctantly dutiful daughter who wants the freedom to make her own decisions about her life? Readers confront the effects of technology. So-called civilization is juxtaposed against rural life. Ultimately, the protagonist must decide how she wants to live her life, something we all must do at some point.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges (Notebook Mysteries Book 3) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Alison Risher

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and ChallengesNotebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love a good mystery. I enjoyed the fact that the female characters were making important life decisions for themselves, such as employment, romantic entanglements, and whether or not to marry. In a time period where women were beginning to assert themselves, it is interesting to read a story where characters actually do things that women of today take for granted. I liked the fact that most of the male characters were supportive and encouraging of their female counterparts. The author brings varied themes to her tale.

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Journeys Through Collection: Volumes 1-3 by James Talisman – Review by Alison Risher

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Journeys Through Collection: Volume 1-3Journeys Through Collection: Volume 1-3 by James Talisman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The author delivers a sci-fi saga of epic proportions! At first I wasn’t invested in the different story arcs, but as they wove together, I was hooked! I enjoyed the box set since I was able to binge read all three volumes consecutively. I found it interesting how the author used his characters in order to promote different religious ideas. The scientific parts did not overreach, and this nonscientific gal was able to follow along, from rural America to outer space, for the journey of a lifetime.

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Juliet’s Journey to Love (Great Smoky Mountain Getaways Book 1) by Elsie Davis – Review by Alison Risher

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Juliet's Journey to Love (Great Smoky Mountain Getaways, #4)Juliet’s Journey to Love by Elsie Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The author delivers a unique love story. Readers are treated to a heroine who yearns for a family of her own, yet is willing to wait on God’s timing. The hero is a man who finds his way back to his own faith, as well as faith in the healing power of love. Characters put the well-being of others ahead of their own wants and desires, which is a pleasant alternative to the typical love story. All in all, this is an enchanting tale that sells itself, and does not require explicit details in order to do so. It is rare to find authors who can create quality storylines without resorting to bedroom details.

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Doctor in the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction, Book 3) by Nicole Flockton – Review by Alison Risher

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Doctor in the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction, #3)Doctor in the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh, what a sweet story! Characters face the realities of living in the Australian Outback- a rural area lacking some modern amenities we all seem to take for granted. Topics unique to rural medical care are explored. The bond between adult fraternal twins is visited. The main characters must both face and overcome past betrayals, and take a chance on each other, as well as love. This is a stand-alone story, but also part of a series centering around four adult siblings.

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Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young – Review by Alison Risher

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Divine VintageDivine Vintage by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great story! I love the characters, and the story within a story. A hundred-year mistaken belief becomes corrected. Characters take chances on new business ventures, as well as on love. Estranged family members overcome differences and reunite.

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The Worry Knot by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Alison Risher

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The Worry KnotThe Worry Knot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the best book I have read this year! As a special educator, I think we in the education field often overlook the siblings of special needs students. I am blown away with the insights gained from having read this book. The main character learns that everyone has differences, and differing abilities, not only his brother, but perhaps everyone in his world. This is a book every adult should read, for we all encounter people in our lives with differing abilities.

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A Bride for Noah (Brides of Broken Arrow) by Cheryl Wright – Review by Alison Risher

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A Bride for Noah (Brides of Broken Arrow #1)A Bride for Noah by Cheryl Wright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you have been searching for a love story that you could pick for the book club that meets in your church’s basement, this is it! A clean romance is one that you can discuss with your grandpa, your great-aunt Charlotte, your pastor, or your best friend- no embarrassing parts to edit out. A romantic story for all ages. The characters are wonderful, and they face issues that many of us face today. The author proves that she can write a wonderful story without having to add unnecessary details. I will certainly look forward to reading more from this author!

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Midnight Masquerade (The Brightly Sisters Book 1) by Halley Larkin – Review by Alison Risher

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Midnight Masquerade (The Brightley Sisters #1)Midnight Masquerade by Halley Larkin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Set in Victorian England, the oldest of three sisters chafes against the bonds that society has placed around her. As she tries to honor her mother’s last wish to care for her younger sibs, the heroine engages in a dangerous parody of Robin Hood. As one family spies on another family, readers face the possibility of international intrigue. We see characters learning to set boundaries for themselves with toxic people in their lives. Ultimately, we encounter hope, redemption and new beginnings.

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A Hundred Wishes (Band of Sisters) by Marianne Rice – Review by Alison Risher

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A Hundred Wishes (Band of Sisters)A Hundred Wishes by Marianne Rice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a modern romance with diverse characters. Readers are immersed into a family that chose each other. This family is often contrasted with families that characters are born into. We learn about physical healing as well as emotional healing. While rooting for our protagonists to make it, readers are guided to the idea that it may be impossible. A nice allusion to the well-known fact that we must all make choices throughout our lives, and sometimes the consequences of our choices are not pleasant.

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The Clockwork Solution (The Clockwork Chronicles Book 2) by Michelle D. Sonnier – Review by Alison Risher

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The Clockwork Solution (The Clockwork Chronicles Book 2)The Clockwork Solution by Michelle D. Sonnier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As a sequel, this book is much better than its predecessor. Readers are introduced to more of the protagonist’s family members. We glimpse into a marriage between two people who love one another, but cannot dwell together. We meet characters from all walks of life. Readers are exposed to prejudices and discriminations. This book begins to definitively answer the question: Can magic and science work together in harmony for the good of all mankind?

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The Clockwork Witch (The Clockwork Chronicles Book 1) by Michelle D. Sonnier – Review by Alison Risher

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The Clockwork WitchThe Clockwork Witch by Michelle D. Sonnier
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Welcome to Victorian England. Delve into the paranormal. There are witches, and family dynamics. There are societal groups run by women, and matriarchal family patterns. The emergence of technology as we know it begins to collide with the magical world. Is there a way for magic and science to work together?

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The Bear at Midnight (Orkneyinga Murders Book 4) by Lexie Conyngham – Review by Alison Risher

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The Bear at Midnight (Orkneyinga Murders #4)The Bear at Midnight by Lexie Conyngham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am thrilled to revisit my friends from the Viking times of Scotland’s history! When a community leader fades away to his death, a new leader must be appointed. All is not as it seems, though, and our favorite detective duo is on the hunt. A killer must be found, and our friends must solve the mysteries surrounding these strange occurrences. A dog with a bone to pick is a surprising twist.

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Tomb for an Eagle (Orkneyinga Murders Book 1) by Lexie Conyngham – Review by Alison Risher

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Tomb for an Eagle (Orkneyinga Murders #1)Tomb for an Eagle by Lexie Conyngham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in a mystery series set during the time of the Vikings on the islands of Scotland. Characters grapple with who to trust. Communities wrestle with their “old” traditional rites, versus the “new” beliefs of Christianity. Readers are thrust into a captivating world, and left with no choice but to seek out the next book in the series. I can’t wait until I come across these characters again!

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Rebecca Steele Living the Dream (Rebecca Steele series Book 3) by Joanne Patterson – Review by Alison Risher

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Rebecca Steele Living The Dream (The Rebecca Steele series Book 3)Rebecca Steele Living The Dream by Joanne Patterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I spent my teens and twenties living in the Nashville area, so being able to revisit some of my old haunts was a treat! I loved this book from the very beginning, yet it surprised me. There are amazing characters as well as facts and tidbits about country music. The author throws in some family dynamics that show readers how to honor the family they were born into, as well as choose the family they make. A page turner to the very end!

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ConQuest: The Art of Selling at Cons by Megan Mackie – Review by Alison Risher

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ConQuest: The Art of Selling At ConsConQuest: The Art of Selling At Cons by Megan Mackie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The cover grabbed my attention. As my first non-fiction read of 2022, I can say that this book is captivating, as well as informing. The author gives witty tongue-in-cheek advice to her audience. I learned about selling to cons (which are conventions, typically sci-fi or fantasy conventions), and how to set up a vendor booth. This is information which can actually be applied to anything you sell, or even display. I find myself re-thinking some of my classroom displays now.

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Exiled South by Harriet Cannon – Review by Alison Risher

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Exiled SouthExiled South by Harriet Cannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is not an easy read, but it is lovely, fascinating, and rings of truth. As an adult, our heroine has chosen to distance herself from her southern roots. After two decades of living the good life, all the trappings of her “good life” disappear when her husband dies, enslaved to gambling, leaving her feeling betrayed as well as financially ruined. Having no choice but to return to extended family in the south, she discovers a generations-long family mystery. Working through her grief and her tumult, our protagonist accepts a short-term job in Brazil and finds courage, family roots, and herself along the way.

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