An Empty House Doesn't Sneeze, (Paperback)

"Richardson's characters leap off the page and will capture the hearts of all who enjoy a fast-paced historical war story about a struggling family and the boy who helps save his neighborhood."-Chanticleer Book Reviews

"Richardson masterfully portrays the day-to-day life of a teenager in 1943, blending humor and warmth with the serious issues of the era."-Literary Titan

"Richardson has a knack for just the right word."-Kirkus Reviews

"An adorable little romp...up all night until I finished..."-Virginia Adair

"...most remarkable are the novel's nuanced responses to the war, from heroic to pacifist, delivered in a non-judgmental and empathetic way, providing its intended young audience with a means of forming their own opinions."-BookLife

"Richardson vividly delivers a stirring coming-of-age tale set in a time period preserved only in history books, handed-down family stories, and fictional tales. Family dynamics feel authentic, capturing a slice of life in all its mundane glory."-R.C. Gibson for Indies Today

"...an absolute must-read for all who cherish nostalgia of ancient times and historical fiction..."-Wajeeha Bashir for Book Nerdection

"...Richardson skillfully navigates themes of loyalty, trust, and the moral complexities faced by adolescents thrust into adult dilemmas..."-Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

"...filled with both danger and self-discovery...a thought-provoking reflection on the consequences of war and how it can tear apart communities and individuals in unexpected ways. But ultimately, it is a story about hope and resilience, showing that even in the darkest times, there is always a glimmer of light and goodness to be found."-James B. for Authors Reading

"A well-researched novel that captures an era really well...emotional enough to bring tears..."-DJ McCready

Seattle, 1943. Fifteen-year-old Scotty Johannsen knows the war is everywhere-ration books on the kitchen table, blackout curtains drawn tight, and his father's stern voice calling for lights out. But when a string of fires erupts during the nightly blackouts, fear creeps into the quiet streets of Ravenna Park. Rumors swirl: saboteurs, spies, and traitors lurk among the neighbors. Scotty's older brother Erik, already haunted by the draft and the forced internment of his girlfriend's family, becomes the target of a bully's accusation: Erik is the firebug.

Torn between loyalty to his brother and the duty pressed on him by his father, the local air raid warden, Scotty is thrust into a world of suspi