#Authorinterview with Tracy Carter

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Ephantus Muriuki is talking with Tracy Carter, author of Can't Run with the Big Dogs.

FQ: What was it like bringing this long-running antagonist's storyline to a close after four books? 

CARTER: Unbelievably satisfying! Veronica, my main character, moved to Colorado far away from her past and a devastating workplace incident perpetrated by the savage defendant in a domestic violence case, Tommy Arnett. Veronica is traumatized, but tough, relying on the steadfast love and close bond she shares with her dog to forge a new career as a dog trainer despite repeated efforts by an incarcerated Tommy to seek revenge against her. Her testimony in court helped imprison him for life … until he escaped. The tension surrounding Tommy’s relentless pursuit of retribution against Veronica builds throughout the first four books in the series, culminating in an explosive final showdown which I thoroughly enjoyed writing. Veronica and Leda battle together to save each other from the evil which has shadowed them for years.

FQ: How did you balance multiple threat threads without losing the reader? 

CARTER: That was a challenge in this book as I wanted to escalate the anxiety over the possible threat from Veronica’s past, while additionally introducing new perils surrounding her in the present. Because Veronica and Leda are always on call for search and rescue situations, I wove in the stories of those searches with progress toward solving the central mystery at the thoroughbred racetrack—while also giving hints throughout the book about the danger that Veronica still faces from her long-time nemesis.

FQ: Which villain between Drake, Green and Tommy, was the most unsettling to write? 

CARTER: My initial reaction to this great question was to answer that Tommy was the most unsettling. After all, he has undertaken his ruthless vendetta against Veronica over the course of four books! But I actually find the notion of Drake Finnley the most disturbing in retrospect. A serial killer who has flown under the radar of law enforcement for years and snatches young women off the street with awful intentions is both alarming, and unfortunately, not unheard of. I really liked the idea of Leda saving that bad guy’s last and final target from certain death.

FQ: What kind of research did you do to accurately portray Veronica and Leda's work, from trailing scents to the logistics of mountain rescues? 

CARTER: In my 20s, I began working as an assistant trainer for a highly-respected dog obedience school, and then added training in rally and agility to the mix. My goal for the series expanded once I extensively researched the varied ways dogs can be of service to people. These are not simply mysteries in which the protagonist owns a dog. The featured dogs are never on the sidelines, but interwoven through every facet of their humans’ lives. In each book, Veronica trains several service dogs— from 911 call center support dogs to conservation canines. I do online research about each new dog “profession” and also speak with several accomplished dog trainers I know. I am also fortunate enough to have friends who are search and rescue team members, attorneys, magistrates, assistant prosecutors, medical professionals, environmental scientists, veterinarians, and are in law enforcement. Thus, I have beta readers—and handy resources whenever I have a procedural question! The answer is usually just a text or phone call away.

FQ: How did you approach balancing the romance with the high-stakes action and mystery elements? 

CARTER: Veronica and Ricardo have moved from friendship into a relationship gradually throughout the series and Can’t Run with the Big Dogs represents the organic next step in highlighting the strong bond they have developed with each other. Ricardo is ardently supportive of Veronica’s career, but does not (so far) participate in the high-stakes action she and Leda often face. I love the fact that he respects and admires her commitment to helping her community and her sense of girl power. He is a wonderful reflection of the healing and growth Veronica has attained since moving to Colorado.

FQ: You've trained dogs in real life and clearly have a deep understanding of canine behavior. How much of Leda's abilities and personality are based on real dogs you've known or maybe worked with?

CARTER: Like the fictional dog, my Leda was a Chesapeake Bay Retriever—an abuse and neglect case who had been seized by the county dog warden in horrible physical condition. I adopted her for a whopping $19 on the very day she was scheduled for euthanasia and set about restoring her to good health and building her confidence. Leda grew into a gorgeous, strapping, self-assured girl who repaid my devotion to her by saving me from an attempted middle of the night home invasion just weeks after I moved to a cabin in Colorado. Most of the dogs who appear in my books draw from personality traits and skills of dogs owned by my friends, my family, or me over the years—especially Leda.

FQ: What do you hope readers take away from this book, particularly regarding the themes of resilience and the bond between humans and dogs?

CARTER: I sought to pull readers into the world of a relatable, tenacious female character—who has a heartwarming relationship with her father—and is bolstered at every turn by the love of a phenomenal dog. At its core, Can’t Run with the Big Dogs is the story of the powerful relationship and impressive teamwork between Leda, a mistreated former rescue dog, and her traumatized but healing owner. Leda gives Veronica affection, hope, courage, and sometimes—most importantly—back-up! And I hope readers see such a relationship is real and look at their own dogs with greater understanding for their potential.

FQ: Lastly, you mention that a portion of proceeds go to organizations like Red Rover and the Purple Leash Project. Why is this cause important to you? 

CARTER: Having worked as a legal assistant for two different county prosecutors, I have firsthand knowledge of the sad fact that many victims delay leaving their abusers because they cannot find a shelter that will accept them plus their pets. Many times they refuse to get themselves to safety if it means leaving their pets behind with the abusive member of their household. Red Rover and the Purple Leash Project have led the push to make more domestic violence shelters pet-friendly. This is a cause I feel quite strongly about and I am very pleased that Veronica and Leda can help in this mission.

Thank you very much for interviewing me!

 #Bookreview of Smiling Faceless Woman

By: Thomas J. Gebhardt III

Publisher: Publisher Ghoti

Publication Date: August 8, 2025

ISBN: 979-8985716054

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: July 30, 2026

Smiling Faceless Woman by Thomas J. Gebhardt III presents a nostalgic, spooky ride through college life and the question of whether the dead are really gone, all wrapped up in a thriller that will make the reader sleep with the lights on.

At the start of the novel, we are taken two years back to meet Alex, a student who is about to graduate. He has his eyes on the prize and is willing to work for it. He gets tired but still pushes himself to the limit. Behind all that ambition and exhaustion, something is lurking. It waits for him to fall asleep, and just when he is conveniently vulnerable, it strikes, not with a bang but a whisper. It is smart: “almost with a certain level of intelligence… like a voice, a whisper or a mumble, a footstep…” His brain fights it. He begins to think he is paranoid. But the reader knows better; the darkness has already chosen him, and it is only getting started.

The darkness is not just something haunting but an entity that attaches itself to its victims, feeds on their fears and pain, growing stronger the more it stays. Alex has what it feeds on. It is patient and is willing to wait until he has everything to lose. In part two of the story, we see him thinking that his biggest problem is balancing school and his crush, April. She has become important to him, important enough that losing her would break him. But little does she know that he desperately needs help. When he finally finds the help, events will lead to April being unknowingly set up for a collision with something that will turn her world upside down.

Quill says: Smiling Faceless Woman is not a fast thriller but a “creeping” one, not like a shadow you can see but like a breath you feel but never really get to hear. Its suspense doesn’t come from what happens, but from the dread of when the next tragedy will happen. Its tension isn’t in its main protagonist’s entrapment but in the fact that he can’t escape even if he wants to. Gebhardt makes sure that every case is worse than the last and that the twists are not the “gasp-and-drop-the-book” kind, but those that make you go back and reread the earlier chapters only to realize that the story was giving you clues all along. Smiling Faceless Woman is one of those stories that takes the supernatural seriously, not by telling you that a place is haunted, but by showing you. The supernatural has its own headquarters, case files, protocol, and its elements are informed by real expertise. If you enjoy books that make you check your closet before bed or stories whose locations feel like silent characters with their own agendas, waiting for you to walk through the door, then you should consider yourself warned. This novel is already watching your back!

For more information about Smiling Faceless Woman, please visit the author's website at: tjgiii.com/

 #Bookreview of Callisto

By: Steve Niles

Publisher: The Lab Press

Publication Date: October 6, 2026

ISBN: 978-1964226255

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: July 29, 2026

Steve Niles’ Callisto is a gripping science fiction mystery that blends frontier survival, noir investigation, and unsettling horror into a compelling graphic novel.

Set in the year 2525, the story unfolds on Callisto, Jupiter’s second-largest moon, first discovered in 1610 and renowned for having the most heavily cratered surface in our solar system. For over a century, Callisto has been humanity’s industrial treasure trove, a world rich in minerals where generations of settlers have built lives around mining and commerce. The story begins when Aaron Santoro and a friend are driving across the bleak mining landscape beyond the industrial towers. In a remote clearing, they discover an ancient pilgrim ship that has lain untouched for nearly one hundred years. The pilgrims, who once journeyed from Earth carrying silver, gold, and hope for a new beginning, have long since vanished into history. Among the eerie relics is something Santoro has never seen before, a printed book bearing the pilgrims’ distinctive cross. After reporting what appears to be an accident, the discovery seems destined to become another footnote in Callisto’s history. However, one year later, in Elm City, the moon’s largest settlement, Detective Becca Ramos gives Rusty a lift as they search for Santoro, now wanted for kidnapping. As the investigation unfolds, they recover the mysterious pilgrim book alongside Santoro’s belongings and discover Dave Hollis imprisoned in a cage. Each new clue points back to Santoro, yet everyone connected to him is either dead or has disappeared, transforming the investigation into an increasingly sinister puzzle.

Steve Niles masterfully constructs a mystery in which every revelation deepens the intrigue instead of providing easy answers. Aaron Santoro serves as the enigmatic center of the narrative, shifting from an ordinary surveyor to the focal point of an investigation that raises more questions than it answers. Becca and Rusty become determined investigators whose persistence drives the story forward, while Dave Hollis’ shocking discovery adds urgency and emotional weight. The novel explores themes of greed, isolation, faith, and humanity’s relentless pursuit of wealth, suggesting that some discoveries are far more dangerous than the fortunes they promise. Callisto itself becomes more than a backdrop; its desolate mining colonies, abandoned relics, and endless craters create an atmosphere of loneliness and unease that perfectly complements the unfolding mystery. Niles balances science fiction with supernatural overtones, allowing suspense to build steadily without sacrificing character development or emotional investment.

Andrea Mutti’s artwork is exceptional, capturing both the immense scale of the moon’s harsh landscape and the intimate moments of fear and uncertainty experienced by the characters. The expressive illustrations lend cinematic intensity to every page, while Lee Loughridge’s color palette reinforces the cold, industrial environment through muted tones punctuated by moments of striking visual contrast. Marshall Dillon’s lettering deserves equal praise, guiding the reader effortlessly through dialogue, narration, and tense action sequences while enhancing the story’s rhythm. Together, the creative team crafts a visually immersive experience that perfectly complements Niles’ measured pacing. Although the mystery deliberately withholds many answers until later in the narrative, the gradual unveiling of secrets creates sustained tension that encourages readers to continue turning pages.

Quill says: Callisto is a haunting and beautifully crafted science fiction thriller that successfully combines space exploration, detective fiction, and horror into a richly atmospheric reading experience. Readers who appreciate slow-burning suspense, eerie science fiction, and mysteries where every discovery uncovers an even darker secret will find Callisto an engrossing and rewarding graphic novel well worth exploring.

For more information about Callisto, please visit the publisher's website at: thelabpress.com

 #Bookreview of So You Want To Be An Astronaut

By: Linda Soules

Publication Date: April 13, 2026

ISBN: 978-1972766019

Reviewed by: Diana Coyle

Review Date: July 29, 2026

Do you have dreams of becoming an astronaut? If you do, the career guide So You Want To Be An Astronaut by Linda Soules is the perfect book for young readers to start learning what it takes to become an astronaut. Within these pages, you will learn all the steps a future astronaut needs to take to earn the opportunity to fly on a mission into outer space.

Linda Soules has penned another informative career guide that young readers will relish. This book is jammed packed with information that presents the pros and cons of training to become an astronaut. One thing that was interesting was the fact that astronauts do many years of study before even being considered to go on a space mission. I never knew they must learn to scuba dive, handle emergencies, or even learn Russian. This book explained all those and more. They go through rigorous training because if they are chosen to go on a space mission, it is only them and the crew that will handle any situation that presents itself. Their training and the training of the other astronauts could potentially save their lives while in outer space.

Another interesting fact this reviewer learned was that the International Space Station is the size of a football field and it orbits 250 miles above Earth. The ISS conducts hundreds of experiments there because of the microgravity needed to obtain the correct and accurate results they need. It’s fascinating to think that a laboratory the size of a football field is orbiting above us.

The illustrations were created by the author using AI, and it is clear that Soules worked painstakingly on them to ensure that each image accurately complemented the accompanying written words. The illustrations are superb enough that the book requires a second, or even a third, reading, just to fully appreciate all of them!

Before turning to writing and publishing for children, Linda Soules spent twenty-five years in law and finance. In devoting that time to those fields, she has mastered how to present intricate topics in language that anyone can understand. This experience has helped her create the “So You Want To Be A…” series, and there are over 50+ books in this series to date.

Quill says: So You Want To Be An Astronaut by Linda Soules is a career manual that children will relish reading again and again. They will learn the pros and cons of what it takes to become an astronaut and they will be able to decide if this career choice is the right one for them as they get older. There are plenty of facts to learn, suggested books for further reading, and even potential valuable training that children can begin doing now if they want to become astronauts in their future.

For more information about So You Want To Be An Astronaut, please visit the author’s website at: lindasoules.com

 #Bookreview of So You Want To Be A Video Game Designer

By: Linda Soules

Publication Date: April 13, 2026

ISBN: 978-1972766040

Reviewed by: Nellie Calanni

Review Date: July 27, 2026

In So You Want To Be A Video Game Designer, author Linda Soules invites middle-grade readers into the creative, highly collaborative world behind the screens of their favorite digital adventures.

Moving past the common childhood misconception that game design is simply playing games all day, Soules unpacks the actual craft: asking foundational "What if?" questions, writing design documents, building prototypes, and tuning fine mechanics until an interactive experience feels completely natural. From the high-energy environment of a game studio to the subtle art of playtesting and sound design, the book offers a transparent, eye-opening tour of what it truly takes to build virtual worlds from scratch.

What works beautifully in this book is how it treats game design as an accessible blend of logic, storytelling, and empathy. Soules’s approach shows children that great design isn't about having a single genius idea, but about understanding human psychology – anticipating how players feel, how they learn without explicit tutorials, and why they choose to keep playing. The book demystifies complex concepts like systems thinking and math-driven mechanics (such as probability and loot drop balancing) by linking them directly to player experience. This gives the guide real weight and makes it approachable for young readers who might be curious about how their own favorite games function under the hood.

The accompanying visual elements are a strong companion to the narrative. The detailed scenes – depicting vibrant development studios, focused playtest sessions, and playful representations of iconic mechanics – feel alive and colorful, keeping the layout inviting for young eyes. There are moments where you pause on the art just to take in the details: cozy desk setups with multiple monitors, sound designers smashing watermelons to create impact audio, and creative teams brainstorming around whiteboards. It creates an inspiring, welcoming mood that reinforces the book's core message: game design is an art form rooted in community and human connection.

So You Want To Be A Video Game Designer is neither too short nor too busy. It strikes a good balance for independent readers or for family discussion, pacing its insights smoothly through structured sections like "A Day in the Life," "The Hardest Parts of the Job," and "Things You Might Not Expect To Need." The inclusion of a clear glossary, fun historical trivia (like how Pac-Man and Tetris were created), and practical steps kids can take right now – such as designing paper board games or trying Scratch – ensures the book stays actionable rather than purely theoretical.

The idea of career guides for kids is not new, as many books explore modern technology professions. But what sets this apart is Soules's candor about iteration and failure; she emphasizes that early game versions are often disasters and that "cut content" is a normal, necessary part of the creative process. That gives the book authenticity and makes it more likely that kids will feel empowered when their own early projects or paper prototypes don't turn out perfectly on the first try.

Quill says: So You Want To Be A Video Game Designer is an encouraging, highly informative guide that reminds young readers that every game they love was built by curious minds who started just like them. With rich illustrations and an empowering message about the value of creativity and iteration, it’s a book young creators will want to return to again and again.

For more information about So You Want To Be A Video Game Designer, please visit the author's website at: lindasoules.com/

 #Bookreview of Sammy and Comet Spark the Sky

By: Peaches Murphy

Publisher: Masked Bandit Press

Publication Date: June 20, 2022

ISBN: 978-1739628703

Reviewed by: Shrubaboti Bose

Review Date: July 24, 2026

Sammy and Comet Spark the Sky by Peaches Murphy is a tender and endearing story about friendship, courage, and the power of faith when things seem impossible.

The story revolves around a young boy named Sammy, who lives with his mother at the foot of the Arctic mountains. One night, he notices that the sky is completely dark outside and wonders what happened to the Northern Lights. When he asks his mother about it, she explains that only foxes can create sparks against the sky with their tails, but during cold winters they often run away, taking all the light with them. Without foxes, there can be no “sky fires.”

Sammy loved the Northern Lights so much that he frequently dreamed of catching a fox and bringing back the sky fires. One day, he meets a small, injured fox in the wilderness, who has become separated from his family. Sammy befriends him and names him Comet. The two of them start playing together and as they help one another overcome fear and uncertainty, they discover that the brightest kind of light actually comes from within, in the form of kindness, hope, and friendship.

The story unfolds slowly, allowing young readers to fully immerse themselves in its beautiful, wintry setting. The author masterfully balances moments of quiet reflection with small enchanting events, creating an atmosphere that feels both comforting and magical. Rather than relying on fast-paced action, the narrative invites readers to appreciate compassion, patience, and the joy of helping others.

The illustrations are undoubtedly one of the book's greatest strengths. The glowing aurora stretching across the sky, the snow-covered forests, and the soft silhouette of characters create a visually captivating experience that perfectly complements the story's gentle tone. The vibrant colors of the Northern Lights contrast beautifully with the pale Arctic landscape, evoking a sense of wonder that mirrors Sammy's dream. Each page feels like a painting, encouraging children to pause and appreciate the beauty of nature alongside the unfolding narrative.

Apart from the engaging plot, the book also has some educational value, as it introduces young readers to the extraordinary phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis and helps them develop a sincere appreciation for wildlife, nurturing their sense of wonder, curiosity and interest about the natural world. More importantly, it highlights universal themes of empathy, faith, friendship, perseverance, and selflessness. Sammy's willingness to care for Comet despite his own disappointment teaches children that acts of kindness often lead to unexpected rewards. The story gently reminds readers that dreams may come true, but sometimes only after we choose to help someone else first.

Quill says: Sammy and Comet Spark the Sky is a beautifully illustrated and heartfelt story that celebrates friendship, kindness, and the quiet magic found in nature, leaving young readers with a lasting sense of wonder and hope.

For more information about Sammy and Comet Spark the Sky, please visit the author's website at: peachesmurphy.com/

 #Bookreview of Can't Run with the Big Dogs

By: Tracy Carter

Publication Date: July 7, 2026

ISBN: 979-8317843557

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: July 23, 2026

Can't Run with the Big Dogs by Tracy Carter follows Veronica Kildare, the owner of Dogged Pursuit K-9, a dog training facility on the outskirts of Boulder, Colorado, and Leda, her six-year-old Chesapeake Bay Retriever and standout search and rescue/drug detection dog.

The reader meets Veronica and Leda as they try to trace a student from a local university who is seen being abducted while walking down a sidewalk on the outskirts of Boulder. The reader is introduced to a criminal named Finnley, who is playing mind games using riddles, while claiming to have hidden the victim in the wilderness. The reader is made to understand that the search is a battle of wits between a human monster and a canine's natural talent, the latter of whom is framed as an infallible sensor. The reader can't wait for Leda to hit the trail and prove that the kidnapper's arrogance is no match for her nose.

The story then introduces Tommy Arnett, Veronica's lethal antagonist and the cause of indescribable trauma and grief in her life. Veronica recalls her previous career as a legal assistant for a county prosecutor in Ohio. Tommy was served with a restraining order but chose to kill the prosecutor, several of Veronica's co-workers, and her fiancé. But thanks to Leda, Veronica survived a gunshot wound and became the principal witness against him in his trial. Tommy recently broke out of the Ohio State Penitentiary and has killed even more people along his path to Veronica. Unlike Finnley, Tommy is a mass murderer, and he is cunning to the level where he even stages his own death. The reader knows that every moment Veronica and Leda spend on a search or a rescue mission is borrowed time, and that when Tommy finally strikes, he will be aiming at her very soul.

Carter emerges as a master in foreshadowing. For example, she makes repeated references to Tommy's survival, planting seeds for a possible return in later chapters of the book. And by stating that Veronica felt her insides churning with "the same pent-up anxiety that comes right before the roller coaster car plunges from its lofty peak to the bottom of the sickeningly steep hill," she effectively transforms Veronica's dread into a universally recognized physical experience, making the reader feel her helplessness and stomach-dropping plunge. Carter's world is not small; rather, it encompasses multiple threats operating simultaneously. By so doing, she shows that the protagonist's work never ends, ensures that her professional reputation is established through action, and that her assistant, Michael's skills, like Leda's, are not limited to a single domain. Readers will appreciate the power, the detail, and the significance she gives to small moments, such as in a chase where she doesn't just mention the chase, but also the gravel, which scatters like buckshot from beneath speeding tires. This great storytelling aspect mirrors the difference between reading about a meal and tasting it. That detail, among others, pulls readers deeper into the emotional experience while making them feel they are in the able hands of a writer who knows exactly what she is doing.

It is remarkable how Veronica's world is populated with a rich cast of supporting characters--each of whom is carefully crafted with distinct personalities, motivations, and roles. They include the aforementioned Michael, whose criminal justice training makes him effective in crisis, and Bob, Veronica's father, a thinker whose methodical approach readers will appreciate. Others include Tim, Ricardo, and Jenna, who do not emerge as mere decoration but as able pillars upon which the novel's resolution rests.

Quill says: With this story, readers will understand that multiple plot lines, full character arcs, and thematic development need space. The book's length helps develop all of these elements, while allowing it to deliver everything it promised at the beginning, including compelling mystery and thrilling action. The words by the protagonist, "Good riddance and burn in hell," point to a story that leaves readers satisfied after a journey that ends with hard-earned peace for a heroine and well-deserved judgement for a villain. This book is a must-read for fans of character-driven mysteries, especially those who love stories about the unbreakable bond between humans and their dogs.

For more information about Can't Run with the Big Dogs, please visit the author's website at: tracycarterbooks.com/

 #Bookreview of So You Want To Be A Firefighter

By: Linda Soules

Publication Date: April 13, 2026

ISBN: 978-1-972766-00-2

Reviewed by: Shrubaboti Bose

Review Date: July 22, 2026

So You Want To Be A Firefighter by Linda Soules is an informative picture book that provides young readers with a glimpse of the actual challenges faced by firefighters on a daily basis.

This book serves as a useful career guide for children aspiring to become firefighters. Through its straightforward narrative style and simple illustrations, the book captures the true essence of this dangerous, yet rewarding profession. The author carefully portrays the kind of rigorous training, physical fitness, courage, compassion and teamwork that goes into every single rescue operation, while maintaining a realistic depiction of the job instead of painting firefighters in an overly cinematic manner.

The book is very well organized, presenting information in a way that is easy for children to understand without oversimplifying the responsibilities of the job. Each section explores a different aspect of firefighting, including: emergency rescues, fire prevention, specialized equipment, and the importance of working together under pressure. By combining factual information with real life scenarios, the author keeps readers engaged while offering a genuine appreciation of the profession.

The illustrations are particularly noteworthy, as they capture the dynamic action and high stakes involved in the job by painting both the excitement and seriousness of firefighting. From blazing house fires to medical emergencies and rescue operations, the pictures highlight diverse situations that firefighters might have to encounter while maintaining an encouraging and reassuring tone. These visuals not only enhance the reading experience but also help children better understand concepts that may otherwise seem too complex.

What makes this book especially remarkable is the way it highlights the various qualities that define a firefighter beyond bravery. Readers learn that success in this profession depends on discipline, preparation, teamwork, empathy, and a willingness to help others. The inclusion of interesting facts and behind-the-scenes details enriches children's understanding of emergency services and may even inspire them to consider the profession as a career option. Rather than glorifying danger, the book respectfully acknowledges the risks involved, while honoring and celebrating the dedication of those who choose to serve their communities.

Quill says: So You Want To Be A Firefighter is an engaging and educational introduction to one of the world's most respected professions, inspiring young readers to appreciate the courage, dedication, and selflessness of the men and women who keep our communities safe.

For more information about So You Want To Be A Firefighter, please visit the author's website at: lindasoules.com/

 #Authorinterview with Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Lily Andrews is talking with Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra, author of A Flower from Keanu: A Town of Hidden Glen Novella.

FQ: What drew you to write a protagonist whose healing feels so hard-won?

ALONSO-SIERRA: I wanted to create a character that felt real, that struggled with real emotions and trauma. Who juggled many things at a time, and who refused to drown in bitterness and regret.

FQ: What was the inspiration behind using the Nativitas germens flower as a major metaphor in the book?

ALONSO-SIERRA: I wanted to use imagery that linked the rarity of the flower to how rare Cassandra, as a woman, is. It also linked her future to the blossoming of the flower—rare, miraculous, and beautiful.

FQ: How important was it for you to show that Cassandra's journey wasn't just about finding new love, but about confronting and healing from specific, deep-seated wounds, especially one caused by her biological father?

ALONSO-SIERRA: Super important, because you can only truly heal if you confront your pain and surpass it.

FQ: What was your goal in making the primary conflict be against a biological father rather than a classic villain?

ALONSO-SIERRA: My goal was to make the conflict more personal and possibly devastating if Cassandra had been another type of person. Readers would be more invested, especially when, from the beginning, readers know her father had abandoned her mother, and her, practically from birth. And by pitting those two together, it showed how she would never give in to adversity or personal pain.

FQ: Was the arson on the protagonist's home something you intended to show as a necessary step in her journey toward a new future, like a clearing of the past to make way for the new?

ALONSO-SIERRA: I didn’t see it that way, but you can interpret it as such, too. The arson was simply an extension of what was happening in the town, which paralleled a bit what was happening to her. It also posed the question, before the final chapter, of whether her father was truly such a nasty man as to go to those lengths in order to get what he wanted.

FQ: How did your own experiences with different settings and communities influence the creation of Hidden Glen?

ALONSO-SIERRA: Throughout my life, I’ve lived in many, many small villages and have seen the workings of small towns, the changes from chaotic growth, and the political juggling that affects all members of the community.

FQ: How did you balance the expected emotional beats of a romance with the "welcome dash of danger and suspense" that adds tension to this story?

ALONSO-SIERRA: Carefully. I didn’t want melodrama, or constant tension between Cassandra and Keanu. The town could offer that without drowning the reader with too much danger and suspense. I picked and developed the ones that could be linked to her and affect her business, as well as her friends’, and Keanu.

FQ: Was your goal from the outset to write a story about healing and finding happiness after trauma, or did those themes emerge organically as you wrote Cassandra's character?

ALONSO-SIERRA: Yes. From the get go I wanted to write a story about healing, about friendship, family, and true love after trauma. When someone like Cassandra experiences what she did, it always seems as though there will never be a light at the end of the tunnel. You function, and you exist through routine. And giving her a few, hand-picked, albeit eclectic, friends, who have her back, plus Keanu’s family and his love, it was the perfect recipe for finding true and lasting happiness.

FQ: What was the most challenging part of writing this book?

ALONSO-SIERRA: Showing her pain. How traumatic memories can blindside you when you least expect it. And to show how she dealt with every blow without making her a victim.

FQ: What is the greatest takeaway you hope your book leaves with the readers?

ALONSO-SIERRA: To enjoy the novella for what it is—a beautiful, sweet romance where love is shown to flourish in the most unexpected way. And maybe to show that despite trauma, pain, and heart-break, there is always a brighter future if you stay the course.

 #Authorinterview with Adam Kervale

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Alma Boucher is talking with Adam Kervale, author of Outside Eden's Gate: A Shadow Falls.

FQ: The title is intriguing. What does "Outside Eden's Gate" symbolize?

KERVALE: It references the infamous Gate of Eden; the mythical beginning of humankind in Abrahamic faiths and the subsequent Fall of Man. The idea of fallen angels is echoed in the subtitle, A Shadow Falls. One passage describes the gate as guarded by flaming swords moving back and forth. One interpretation of that image is that the moving swords are an ancient oral account of the Northern Lights, suggesting Eden lies somewhere to the north, but more importantly, something out of reach. In this book, Eden remains a magical place, but the central question is: which side of the gate are we on and who has the power to go through it? The world is beautiful, and it is what we make of it, are we already in Eden?

FQ: Why did you choose Ava as your central protagonist, and what qualities make her the right person to face the novel's challenges?

KERVALE: When I first started the book, the central characters were Theo and Kurt as brothers, which could have worked. As the author, however, I was more familiar with the dynamic between a male and female sibling, so that relationship felt stronger and served the story better. Choosing Ava as the protagonist also allowed for a more powerful confrontation with the antagonist and helped steer the novel toward a hopeful conclusion.

FQ: Your novel explores the intersection of technology, faith, and power. Why do these themes resonate with you?

KERVALE: Technology has been my life’s work, and I’ve watched it change dramatically. Lately we’ve seen powerful actors use technology to shape people’s psyches quickly, and many of those influenced are people of faith. The world used to move more slowly: we read a newspaper in the evening to learn what was happening. Then television arrived, and now news comes in small chunks—short paragraphs and video clips—not unlike verses of scripture. I incorporated that rhythm into the book: byte‑sized information packets followed by narrative and storytelling. Each chapter opens with a news sound bite, often tweets from the President in the novel, which set the tone for the power struggles surrounding the characters. The story also features a wealthy individual whose resources give him enormous influence.

FQ: Ancient prophecy plays a significant role in the novel. What drew you to incorporating fictional scripture into a modern thriller?

KERVALE: I’m drawn to mystery and the unknown, and prophecy introduces the compelling “what if.” It invites speculation and forces us to examine what we actually believe, whether those beliefs are more or less credible, and what we truly know. Prophecy exposes how many convictions are inherited or programmed rather than examined.

FQ:  Ava and her brother approach the mystery from very different perspectives. What interested you about that dynamic?

KERVALE: This is  a known phenomenon of two siblings who take very different paths in life. I enjoyed setting up a clash between evidence and prophecy, facts and hidden secrets, and watching those forces collide. That tension was part of the fun of writing the novel. We see similar dynamics in everyday life but often hesitate to admit that unseen forces might be at work. In that sense, the sibling contrast deepens the book’s mystery about what it means to be alive.

FQ: How do you create believable characters in such a high-stakes, fast-paced story?

KERVALE: I give readers glimpses into what characters are thinking, not just what they do. I expose their doubts and curiosities and let them think out loud at times. Those interior moments; small, honest reactions and conflicting impulses make characters feel real even when the plot moves quickly.

FQ: This is your debut novel. What was the biggest challenge in writing your first book?

KERVALE: I felt compelled to write this story. I began highly motivated and pushed past 50,000 words with only a vague idea of how the novel would fully unfold. I rewrote many sections before I could move beyond that point. Eventually, somehow, I reached the end. It was a real challenge, and I now have a new respect for every author who finishes a story.

FQ: The novel has been described as "chillingly relevant." Was that intentional from the beginning?

KERVALE: Yes. I wanted readers to think seriously about the power struggles shaping our world and to ask who is steering us toward outcomes that should be unacceptable to humanity. I also wanted the book to prompt a deeper question: is evil real, and are we witnessing its consequences? Those concerns about influence, responsibility, and moral consequence shaped the story from an early stage.

FQ: Is Outside Eden's Gate: A Shadow Falls intended as a standalone novel or the beginning of a series?

KERVALE: Another has been started, with some overlapping characters. It jumps back to the 90's for things that may happen in our future. So I guess that means it could be a series!

FQ: What do you hope readers are still thinking about days or even weeks after they finish Outside Eden's Gate: A Shadow Falls?

KERVALE: I want readers to keep asking what is happening around us and, more importantly, what we are going to do about it. I hope they consider who is best suited to lead that charge and what responsibilities we each bear in shaping the future. Those questions about awareness, action, and leadership should linger long after the last page.

 #Bookreview of Two Tickets to Love

By: Kathleen Allen & Kelli Mascaron

Publisher: Warrington Publishing

Publication Date: July 21, 2026

ISBN: 978-1969359293

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: July 17, 2026

In Two Tickets to Love by Kathleen Allen and Kelli Mascaron, we meet Ethan, a former Marine and a man haunted by the memory of his ex-wife's heartbreaking declaration that she doesn’t want him anymore.

Ethan is later confronted by his friend Mark, who believes that Ethan allowed his ex to make him believe he doesn't deserve to enjoy life. This is in light of a Pinnacle cruise aboard its newest vessel, Gem of the Seas, which Mark and his wife have organized for him alongside themselves, in the hope that he comes back with a renewed sense of purpose. When readers meet Ethan on the cruise ship, he is wearing a casual shirt and jeans, which shows us that he no longer cares about his appearance. He feels disconnected from everyone and believes that the ship will have nothing to offer except the gourmet meals and breathtaking scenery. But then he meets Clarissa, a woman who learned the hard way that love stories lie after she came home early eight months ago only to find her fiancé cheating on her with another woman. Clarissa is the maid of honor for her best friend Maddie, who is getting married in a week. When readers meet Clarissa, though she is still raw from the betrayal, her eyes are looking brighter and her shoulders are unburdened as she celebrates Maddie's bachelorette party. But when her gaze lands on a man seated at a grand piano, something in her carefully guarded heart begins to shift.

As the reader delves deeper into the story, questions emerge of whether two people carrying such deep emotional wounds can ever risk loving again, and whether music, shared experiences, and conversations can actually be the bridge that heals these wounds. But the answers aren't offered easily; instead, the book intentionally delays them, prolonging the tension through self-judgments, misinterpretations, and escalations that seem to keep the characters at continued odds. The authors use references such as the celebrated Top Gun scene where Maverick sings “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” to allow readers to recognize the significance and weight of key moments and tap into familiar emotions. Readers will appreciate the book's dual narration, which aims at making them know more long before either character does, as well as witnessing the characters' parallel healing and recovery, and how differently they interpret the same events and situations.

Quill says: In Two Tickets to Love, Kathleen Allen and Kelli Mascaron have used twists and turns effectively. In particular, the story features one major twist which readers will find chilling, leaving them gasping in horror and wondering if the characters were ever in control of their own stories. The authors have utilized a cone of honesty approach in that they refuse to resolve the romance misunderstandings too easily; they delve into the survivor's guilt theme with real depth; and lastly, they use friends as antagonists in the final act. These authors know the beats, the tropes, and the emotional realism required to make the romance feel earned. Two Tickets to Love is a story about trust as much as about love, and will leave readers reflecting on their own walls and whether they are brave enough to let someone past their defenses.

For more information about Two Tickets to Love, please visit the author's website at: kathleenallenromance.com/

 #Bookreview of Toby's Trip

By: Charles Weeden

Publication Date: June 8, 2021

ISBN: 979-8517567383

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: July 13, 2026

Toby's Trip by Charles Weeden, a coming-of-age tale, emerges as a thoughtful, deeply engaging, and funny story.

We are first introduced to Toby as the kind of kid everyone likes. Toby is the catcher for his baseball team, even though he struggles to squat as low as a catcher should. Interestingly, his inability to crouch helps the team more than if he were a flexible catcher. Toby is not your typical young character, as we quickly discover. This is seen, for instance, when he and the narrator stop at an ice cream store where Toby ends up sending the store clerk's temper through the roof as he samples too many ice cream flavors before he makes a choice. When he transfers to a new school, he sneaks into the computer room and alters his friend's results before flashing his deep dimples as if nothing happened. This he does on his first day at school, sending the signal that with him now around, things were going to be very different.

The story also captures the magic of the two friends' reconnection years later, years after they had drifted apart and survived what felt like apocalyptic disasters. Among them, one of them narrowly escaped death after being involved in a police chase while in a car that had drugs in it, while the other found himself watching his dad unravel into an unemployed, whiskey-soaked mess. These dark moments, marked by physical trauma, a broken family, and failed dreams, are made bearable and manageable by the narrator's sense of humor, which in this book feels like his secret weapon. Phrases like "adults do things backwards," "a doctor enters with a look indicating my life span should be measured in hours," and "Pipes is now doing eternal time" (he had just died) make both boys feel like lovable menaces--our menaces. We can't help but smile, especially because of how they look at disasters with straight faces and crack jokes out of them.

In what feels like Weeden's deliberate decision to focus on transformation instead of just the events happening in his characters' lives, he includes significant jumps between sections, masterfully skipping the over-in-between moments. This is a sign of mature craft, making us focus on what matters. He starts with a relaxed pace in the first pages where the stakes are still low, accelerates it during the baseball training moments with Toby, and then takes a sharp turn when adult expectations enter the picture. He makes the narrator feel like he is sitting right across from us, talking to us and working things out with us. His voice makes us appreciate the characters' growth, which feels earned because we have lived through the struggles with them.

Quill says: This book for young adults is definitely made for them because it speaks their language and celebrates their passions. It also addresses things that keep teenagers up at night, from identity issues to the terror of failure, parental expectations, financial anxiety, and the terrifying uncertainty of the future. If you want a book that will open conversations about resilience and the often unfamiliar path to becoming, Toby's Trip by Charles Weeden is your go-to.

 #Bookreview of Outside Eden's Gate: A Shadow Falls

By: Adam Kervale

Publisher: Enochian Stone Press

Publication Date: April 11, 2026

ISBN: 979-8995722304

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: July 13, 2026

Outside Eden’s Gate: A Shadow Falls blends political intrigue, biblical prophecy, and speculative fiction as Adam Kervale crafts a story that moves between earthly power struggles and ancient spiritual mysteries.

At the heart of the novel is Ava Trudeau. She is a senior intelligence analyst specializing in pattern recognition and extremism. The current president’s social media posts fuel growing unrest, and nationalist and hate-driven ideologies begin replacing older political movements. Ava notices troubling shifts in online behavior, suggesting coordinated manipulation rather than organic public discourse. Ava follows encrypted directives and hidden speech patterns that point towards a covert network seeking to influence and destabilize the political landscape. Meanwhile, her brother, Kurt, investigates long-anticipated revelations through rare scrolls that may hold the key to understanding the larger conflict unfolding behind the scenes.

Kervale succeeds in making both Ava and Kurt compelling protagonists whose contrasting perspectives strengthen the narrative. Ava approaches every mystery through data, intelligence analysis, and observable patterns. Kurt seeks answers within centuries-old prophecies and sacred texts. Their separate investigations gradually converge, creating an engaging balance between modern political suspense and theological exploration. Ava’s analytical mindset lends credibility to the unfolding conspiracy, while Kurt’s spiritual journey provides the novel with its deeper philosophical and prophetic dimensions. Supporting political figures adds further tension as questions arise over whether their changing behavior stems from ideology, manipulation, or something even more sinister. Character development unfolds steadily, allowing readers to appreciate not only the siblings’ personal growth but also their evolving understanding of the forces shaping the world around them.

The novel explores timely themes of misinformation, political polarization, manipulation, faith, free will, and humanity’s search for truth. Rather than presenting simple answers, Kervale encourages readers to examine how technology, propaganda, belief systems, and power intersect in an increasingly fractured society. His writing is descriptive without becoming overly dense, balancing action sequences with reflective passages that invite readers to consider the broader implications of the story. The prophetic discussions ultimately enrich the narrative by giving greater context to the larger conflict. The pacing builds methodically before accelerating into increasingly suspenseful revelations, rewarding readers willing to invest in both the political and spiritual aspects of the plot.

Quill says: Outside Eden’s Gate: A Shadow Falls is an ambitious and thought-provoking blend of conspiracy thriller, political drama, and biblical speculation. The novel’s engaging characters, timely subject matter, and steadily escalating mystery create a memorable reading experience that lingers well beyond the final chapter.

For more information about Outside Eden's Gate: A Shadow Falls, please visit the author's website at: adamkervale.com/

 #Bookreview of At Liberty: Reconciling to a Life Worthy of the Calling

By: Christina Nordstrom

Publication Date: June 3, 2026

ISBN: 979-8240465307

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: July 6, 2026

In her introduction of At Liberty: Reconciling to a Life Worthy of the Calling, Christina Nordstrom describes herself as a lifelong learner, a position that makes the reader feel invited as a companion into her ongoing journey of understanding.

What follows in the first chapter is a deeply moving moment of her confession and awakening where she shares a dream in which she encountered her seven-year-old self, who was angry and wounded from years of being silenced by an oppressor, none other than her now-grown self. For Nordstrom, that dream marked her turning point, where amends with her inner self and confronting that which was still unresolved inside of her felt not only necessary, but urgent.

Next, Nordstrom, after finally deciding to take action, turns her attention to the deeply rooted bias against women in her cultural environment where male dominance was prevalent. The oppression, she states, ran deep, and for the longest time contributed its version of trauma to many women, herself included. This was a culture in which many parents visibly got disappointed when they gave birth to a girl instead of a boy, and worse still, children's books and television shows displayed a clear male preference by making sure that the main characters, sometimes up to 95 percent, were male. Looking at herself, Nordstrom feels that many of the beliefs she held growing up were simply not from her own convictions, but that they were unconsciously inherited from that culture.

In the book, she engages with a number of thinkers who have boldly questioned deeply embedded concerns and assumptions about women's roles in both society and intellectual life. They include Irene Stiver and Professor Manning, Professors Mary Frank Fox and Sharlene Biber-Hesse, among others. She uses their findings to bring on board a cumulative argument especially about how the bias was, and is, still woven into the very frameworks through which knowledge is produced, validated and circulated. Beyond that, these voices push a greater idea: that what we often treat as normal knowledge is actually shaped by relationship and institutional habits that go unquestioned for a long time.

As you read this book, you realize that instead of moving fast in a conventional narrative sense, it actually circles around the same ideas but from different angles. This helps you, as the reader, absorb the ideas slowly and more deeply. Additionally, what you encounter through a deliberate pacing is a deeply researched exposition whose weight lies in the author's ongoing observations, questions, reflections and realizations, many of which are lived-in. Step-by-step, she reveals how she arrives at certain conclusions, revealing the mark of a great author, one who is willing to let meaning develop gradually. The question of the actual source of what we call 'choice' in life is what really makes the book feel current, in a world where as of today, the patterns haven't really disappeared but simply become subtler.

Quill says: At Liberty: Reconciling to a Life Worthy of the Calling is, without a doubt, a book that will continue to echo in the background of how its target audience sees themselves and the world around them. It is especially outstanding for how it treats knowledge as something you unlearn as much as you learn. This rare approach contributes deeply to its depth. The intellectual frameworks that helped the author understand her experience, including Liberation Theology and the Pedagogy of the Oppressed, are brilliant. It is a meaningful work to gift a friend or to yourself, especially if you are drawn to thoughtful, reflective works that linger long after the final page is turned.

For more information about At Liberty: Reconciling to a Life Worthy of the Calling, please visit the author's website at: christinanordstrom.com/

 #Bookreview of A Flower from Keanu: A Town of Hidden Glen Novella

By: Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra

Publication Date: June 12, 2026

ISBN: 979-8989985821

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: July 2, 2026

A Flower from Keanu: A Town of Hidden Glen Novella by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra follows Cassandra Finlay, a woman who embodies profound loneliness as seen in Sacred Heart Catholic Church where she is all alone, apart from two extra people praying in the pew. It's her mother's burial day at Hidden Glen, a town where people always avoid the uncomfortable as demonstrated by the arrival of one of Cassandra's flower shop customers, who bows, then leaves as quickly as she arrives. And as she awaits the priest's arrival, Cassandra confesses to a deep feeling of relief following her mother's death, especially because of the brutality the disease had inflicted on her mother's character and personality, and indirectly, on Cassandra's emotions.

The story later introduces Ken Rivers a.k.a. Keanu Rivers, a chef who arrives in Hidden Glen from New York after thirteen long years. He is well known to Cassandra since he worked at her mother's flower shop when he was a teenager. His comeback feels like the best move he would ever make, a move that will give him significant growth and success that will surpass the restaurant he created in the city.

Woven into the story is a development scheme involving a land venture capitalist Lucas Finlay, who is Cassandra's biological father. Many years ago, he left her mother with a lot of debt and a toddler to raise. Now, he is wealthy and is hunting for various real estate deals upstate for his investors back in Nevada. Working with him is the former mayor, an opportunist who's disappointed that Rivers recently bought a property he was also interested in. The story captures Cassandra's shock at the mention of her father, as well as her strange relief that she cannot recognize herself in any feature on his face.

This story invites the reader to witness the protagonist's healing and rise from trauma and emotional wounds that are seated right at the core of her soul. She is drawn as a survivor who takes small, hesitant steps, and whose redemption feels outweighed by the weight of her past as well as the fear of repeating it. Her response early in the novel to Rivers when he asks whether she is okay confirms this, while further revealing the wall she has built around herself from years of betrayal and loneliness. Most remarkable is how, through her, the story weaves in the power of memory and symbolism. The latter includes the rare Nativitas germens flower that is said to bloom once in ten years. The Nativitas germens doesn't emerge as a mere plot device, but rather, as a living symbol of the protagonist's lived experience with love and hope. Among the other themes she beautifully propels is the question of whether vulnerability is a weakness or a strength. The reader evaluates this as events pass, following her decision to trust again while at the very edge of her despair.

Quill says: A Flower from Keanu: A Town of Hidden Glen Novella by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra, though it follows familiar genre conventions, is emotionally satisfying, and rewards the reader with the happiness one of the main characters has long been denied. It doesn't break new ground; instead, it follows the usual tropes of the romance genre with a welcome dash of danger and suspense. However, it finds its uniqueness in its emotional impact and thematic coherence, executed through steady pacing that smoothly leads to a renewal and a restoration of magnificent proportions. This novel is undoubtedly a memorable work that speaks right to the often invisible resilience of the human spirit.

For more information about A Flower from Keanu: A Town of Hidden Glen Novella, please visit the author's website at: mariaelenawrites.com/