Riley Mae and the Ready Eddy Rapids

Gr 3–6—When the previous book in the series, Riley Mae and the Rock Shocker Trek, left off, the titular character and her family, along with Swiftriver Shoe Company owners Fawn and Flip, were going into hiding. The killers who murdered Flip and Fawn's father are now after the heirs to his fortune, and because Riley Mae is the company's face, she too is in danger. Riley Mae's family and the Swiftriver siblings head to a compound in Montana. Adventure and danger follow them and themes of forgiveness are woven throughout the story as prayers are answered, some with unintended consequences. Though contrived, the plot is fast paced as the villains continue to pursue everyone involved with Swiftriver. Jorjeana Marie's reading is expressive and adds appropriate tension. Even in the direst of times, the likable, somewhat idealized characters are able to invoke their strong Christian faith, using biblical quotes and references. Since the bad guys haven't been identified, the conclusion sets up the next installment as the group flees to another hideout, this time on another continent.—Maria Salvadore, formerly of the Washington, DC Public Library