#Bookreview of Freedom Pancakes for Ukraine

By: Dr. Janice Cohn

Illustrated by: Yana Holubiatnikova

Publisher: Le Chambon Press

Publication Date: October 31, 2024

ISBN: 979-8989163588

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: April 17, 2025

Freedom Pancakes for Ukraine, authored by Dr. Janice Cohn and drawn by Yana Holubiatnikova, is a moving and deeply informative children's book that highlights how young people can make a significant impact in the lives of those facing injustice and hardships in the society and beyond. It narrates the story of a little boy fleeing his war-torn nation and an American girl who is ready to lend a hand as news of the conflict in Ukraine floods her mind.

With tears in his eyes, Artem embraces his father, who has volunteered to stay in Ukraine and protect the country from its invaders. Leaving everything familiar behind, he and his mother board a train to the Polish town of Przemysl, eager to see what the new nation holds. The sight of so many dejected women and children running from their homes on the train is unlike anything he has seen before. However, despite the new nation's promises of peace and security, memories of home and his father, as well as uncertainty about his and his mother's future, persist.

The story's second part centers on Hannah, an inquisitive little girl living in America. She worries a great deal about whether there is enough food for the kids in war-torn Ukraine. A conversation with her mother about it motivates her to make a daring step. She chooses to support World Central Kitchen by baking deruny, a Ukrainian delicacy that she dubs "freedom pancakes." Surprisingly, the decision yields far more than she hoped for, and she is able to take an action that allows her to perform at a level above her age while also impacting in her a revolutionary insight.

The terrible reality of war is abundantly evident in this story. The terror, bewilderment, and longing that accompany it have been deeply depicted through the eyes of the young characters. The reader can readily sense the seriousness of the situation with the boy, as well as the feelings of loneliness and alienation. His strength and drive to maintain optimism are evident despite his seeming helplessness. Cohn has also done a fantastic job with the little girl in emphasizing the value of compassion and kindness in everyday life, as well as the power these two values can wield.

The book is replete with themes of support, hope, and resilience. They are effectively written to leave the reader with worthwhile lessons and a lasting impression. With a clear call to action for children and young people to step up and contribute in meaningful ways, the book has been presented in a kind and emotionally stirring manner. It features colorful and breathtaking graphics created by an illustrator who was stationed in the most unexpected setting. She has skillfully water-colored them in vivid hues inspired by the Ukrainian flag.

Quill says: This is the ideal children's book if you are searching for one that is packed with meaningful concepts that will motivate your child to be helpful, resilient, kind, compassionate and loving. Notably, it effectively talks to both youngsters and adults which means that its lessons are ageless. The author has taken considerable effort to ensure that even readers as young as seven years old would not find the book's main theme—the effects of war—to be too overpowering.

For more information about Freedom Pancakes for Ukraine, please visit the author’s website at: www.freedompancakesforukraine.com.

 #Bookreview of Silken Dragons: Book Three of the Seafourthe Saga

By: Daniel McKenzie

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: June 10, 2025

ISBN: 979-8891326538

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: April 15, 2025

If you’re the kind of reader who loves a good sea-faring adventure packed with emotion, grit, and surprises, Silken Dragons: Book Three of the Seafourthe Saga by Daniel McKenzie should be on your list. This book doesn't waste any time diving straight into deep waters—both literally and thematically. It has everything from pirates and politics to love, loss, and a fierce drive for justice. McKenzie doesn’t just tell a story; he builds a world full of people you can feel—flawed, loyal, vengeful, romantic, and brave in the most human ways.

The story opens with the crew of The Vengeance, captained by Lucien—aka “the Wolf”—rescuing Azumah, an African warrior who’s barely alive after escaping from slavers. From that moment, things take off. Azumah’s tragic past becomes the heartbeat of a mission that pulls this crew across oceans and into the thick of political unrest, pirate alliances, and ancient cities. We’re talking everything from jungle raids in Africa to shady dealings in the Philippines, royal encounters in China, and even a spiritual trek through the Himalayas. Along the way, there are alliances with Wokou pirates, tense standoffs with colonizers, and quiet, tender moments with the women aboard the ship—especially Lucien’s love, Lady Seafourthe. What could easily have been a predictable action story instead becomes something much deeper—part revenge tale, part spiritual journey, part historical epic account.

The book moves at its own pace, which might throw off readers used to breakneck plots. But if you settle into it, you’ll notice how much intention there is behind every pause, every conversation, every step across the deck. Thoughtful and rich, McKenzie's writing has a poetic cadence with some chapters feeling like they’re lifted straight out of a classic stage play. Its dialogue is full of weight and personality. The structure doesn’t always follow a straight line, which actually works in the book’s favor—it mirrors the way a real-life voyage might unfold: unpredictable, chaotic, and reflective.

What really sticks, though, is the book’s heart. McKenzie doesn’t shy away from the harsh truths of history—slavery, colonialism, and greed. He does a remarkable job of balancing that weight with powerful characters who refuse to be crushed by them. His mastery in exposing Azumah's arc is noteworthy. His pain is real, and his growth feels earned. Lucien, too, isn’t your average hero. He’s strategic, a bit haunted, but driven by a kind of moral compass that’s messy but strong. And then there’s the romance—subtle, believable, and woven in without taking over. It’s that balance of sword and soul that makes Silken Dragons feel so rich.

Quill says: Silken Dragons: Book Three of the Seafourthe Saga by Daniel McKenzie isn’t a book for someone looking for a fast, easy read. It asks for your time—and your attention—but pays it back in full. If you’re into deeply drawn characters, poetic prose, and stories that aren’t afraid to wrestle with big ideas while still delivering adventure, this one’s worth the ride. It’s for readers who like their fiction with meaning behind the musket fire. McKenzie has built a world that feels lived-in and loved. By the final page, you might find yourself wishing there was just one more chapter.

For more information about Silken Dragons: Book Three of the Seafourthe Saga, please visit the publisher’s website at: atmospherepress.com/books/silken-dragons-book-three-of-the-seafourthe-saga-by-daniel-mckenzie

 #Bookreview of A Bollywood Romance

By: Anu Koduri

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: May 13, 2025

ISBN: 979-8-891325-51-7

Reviewed by: Shrubaboti Bose

Review Date: April 14, 2025

A Bollywood Romance by Anu Koduri is a captivating story about a young Indian girl named Paru and the various challenges she faces in her life after getting married.

Growing up in a well-reputed Brahmin family, she has led a relatively happy and sheltered life, enjoying the festival of Diwali and secretly admiring her handsome classmate Harsha, just like any other young girls her age. But everything changes when her two elder brothers choose to have unconventional marriages, defying traditional customs and practices, thus bringing shame to their family. As a result, members of the Brahmin community threaten to throw them out. The burden of salvaging her family from further harm to their reputation and regaining respect within their community, thus falls on Paru.

Soon enough, Paru is pushed into an arranged marriage with Samar, a medical professional who worked in the U.S. Although her mother tries to raise questions about the match, pointing out the financial situation of Samar’s family, Paru’s father and brother decide to overlook it. They believe as an educated man who works abroad, Samar would definitely make a good husband. Heartbroken after realizing Harsha was not in a position to marry her and finding her prospective husband agreeable, Paru reluctantly gives in to her fate and accepts the proposal, much to her family’s relief. As an aspiring medical professional herself, she decides to follow her mother’s advice and make the most of her opportunity to move abroad and pursue her academic interests. But during the wedding ceremony, one of the family members of the bride groom starts creating a scene by asking for more dowry. This was only the tip of the iceberg.

What follows is a psychological tussle between the two families with Paru caught in the crossfires. Later on, when she finally reunites with her husband in the U.S., she realizes things were going to be a lot different from what she had expected. Despite Paru’s continuous efforts to please Samar and mold herself into a person that he could be proud of, it becomes increasingly difficult to understand his volatile temper. She struggles to find an answer to her problems, conflicted between her patriarchal upbringing and her personal wish to be treated with some basic respect. Subjected to Samar’s constant verbal abuse at home, Paru finds comfort in pouring her soul into her work. When her agony threatens to engulf her, she draws strength from the memory of her mother as an educated woman and a successful lawyer. Above all, this is a story of love, friendship and the indefatigable nature of women.

Throughout the narrative, we come across several female characters who provide unwavering support to one another. Their candid conversations and shared sympathy makes the novel even more interesting. With Paru as the central character, the author encourages us to place ourselves in her shoes and accompany her on this journey of self-discovery. The depiction of her internal monologues and her desire to keep the marriage working for her children, even though it was clearly falling apart, is very realistic. It is often quite difficult for people to leave their abusive partners after living together for years. We can’t help but mentally cheer for Paru to break free from all the social conventions that are restricting her. There is no doubt that this story would deeply resonate with many readers as it deals with issues that unfortunately still persist in our society, irrespective of our class, race or nationality.

Quill says: A Bollywood Romance is a tender, nuanced love story about a woman who overcomes her conventional mindset, chases her dreams, attains professional success and finds true love by embracing her own identity with zest.

For more information about A Bollywood Romance, please visit the publisher’s website at: atmospherepress.com/books/a-bollywood-romance-by-anu-koduri.

 #Bookreview of The Gourmet Club

By: Michael Kahn

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: April 22, 2025

ISBN: 979-8-89132-608-8

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: April 11, 2025

The Gourmet Club by Michael Kahn is a masterfully written, emotionally charged story about second chances that follows the relationships, choices, career advancement, and personal lives of four attorneys and their spouses over a quarter of a century.

The story revolves around four young lawyers from the class of 1981—Gabe Pollack, Susan Baker, Norman Greenberg, and Eric Cameron—who are new associates at the "hot" law Chicago firm, Abbott & Windsor. The firm has a reputation for only accepting the best students from the most prestigious legal schools. The four are striving to surpass their family's accomplishments. Eric's great-grandfather established Vermont's oldest legal firm, and his uncle practices law in Rutland; Norman's family is in the plumbing business; and Susan's father, along with her three brothers, uncles, and cousins, all work as coal miners.

As they meet in the main conference room for the New Associate Orientation, they become close and immediately adopt the moniker Gourmet Club. They are all eager to earn the tremendous distinction and honor of becoming Abbott & Windsor partners at the end of their eighth year with the firm. Potluck dinners become a regular event, and hosting them by each of their families serves as the foundation for strengthening their friendship.

The pages that follow document a series of events that occur throughout their lives and careers. These include Norman's difficulty gaining clients in his third year while the other three careers are developing quickly, Susan's decision to leave her job amidst marital issues with her husband who claims her pregnancy is not his due to a prior vasectomy, Cameron's wife's pregnancy health issue for which there is no known cure, and Gabe who is struggling in finding motivation in his career.

The story's title and premise are remarkably based on a real-life incident when the author, three other first-year associates, and their wives planned a potluck supper that became a tradition in the years that followed. In addition to taking a prudent approach to long-term goals that are encapsulated and compressed across a number of years in the most concise manner feasible, it celebrates tenacity, bravery, and diligence. Its well-developed and rapidly evolving characters have been carefully chosen to show not only their brains and brilliance but also their struggles in the highly sought-after "big leagues."

Kahn has expertly crafted a tapestry in which a seemingly insignificant occurrence transforms into a lifeline. It creates a sacred tradition that acts as a calming influence among the chaos of life and the law. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that as professions flourish and fall and relationships blossom and fade, the table remains a silent character and witness to it all. In keeping with his amazing trailblazers, Kahn's most recent work is a moving portrayal of enduring friendships and the essential bonds that may keep one from plunging into the darkest abyss.

Quill says: Michael Kahn's The Gourmet Club is a touching, clear, and immensely relevant narrative with technical features that successfully enhance the flavor without making the reader uncomfortable or bored. Notably, it could stimulate the creation of new recipes and a revitalized yearning for new, enduring connections. It is a lovely work that is emotional, hilarious, and thoroughly engaging, and it will be most appealing to anybody who has ever found family in friends.

For more information about The Gourmet Club, please visit the publisher’s website at: atmospherepress.com/books/the-gourmet-club-by-michael-a-kahn.

 #AuthorInterview with Brandon Moore

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Diana Coyle is talking with Brandon Moore, author of Bridget Kimble Learns Self-Control.

FQ: One of the first things I do when I read a book by an author I’m unfamiliar with is read the author’s bio to get to know them better. Would you please tell us a few things about yourself so that new readers, like myself, can learn about you?

MOORE: Hello, my name is Brandon Moore, I am a retired Army Veteran from Wilson NC. I currently reside in Fayetteville, NC with my wife and two kids. Reading and writing have always been a hobby of mine. My love for storytelling, thanks to the military, my uncles, stepdad (RIP) and my Great Uncle Isaac (RIP), has given me the extra push to become an author. Teaching my kids lessons about life inspired me to write Bridget Kimble Learns Self-Control. I hope it inspires a generation of kids to become accountable for their actions and learn to control their emotions.

FQ: Can you please tell our readers a brief synopsis of your book, Bridget Kimble Learns Self-Control, and what specifically makes your book unique?

MOORE: Sure! Bridget Kimble Learns Self-Control is a fun and engaging children's book that follows Bridget, a young girl who learns a valuable lesson about how to manage her emotions and actions in a stressful situation. As she navigates the situation, she discovers how self-control can help her make a better decision, change the outcome of the situation, and achieve her goal. The book is designed to teach kids the importance of patience, thoughtfulness, and mindfulness in a way that is accessible and entertaining.

FQ: I loved how well-written Bridget Kimble Learns Self-Control was and how you decided to use the storyline to teach children about using self-control. What made you choose self-control as the central theme of this story?

MOORE: In 2021, my daughter was about to start Pre-K. During that time, I thought about some of the challenges she might face going to school during COVID. I created the character Bridget Kimble and thought about some lessons I would like my kids to learn. I thought of many titles and one really resonated with me, Bridget Kimble Learns Self-Control. I wrote the story and initially worked with my brother to develop the character Bridget. In 2024, I found an amazing illustrator who took the initial drawings of Bridget and made her into the character you see on the cover of the book. His vision took my words from black and white into color and the rest is history.

FQ: When can your anxious readers expect your next book to be available and can you give us a quick synopsis of it? 

MOORE: I'm so excited that readers are eager for the next book! This most definitely tells me that I am going in the right direction. At this moment I do not have a timeline for the next book,  but what I can tell you is I am considering writing a spin off using one of the characters from Bridget Kimble Learns Self-Control. Specifically Ryan Studdabaker, so continue to follow me for more updates.

FQ: Where did you look upon for inspiration for writing this book? 

MOORE: Great question and the answer is simple, from within. Everyone has a story inside lying in waiting to be evoked. Once the writer decides what genre the body of work falls in, you just start.

It's the why factor. My why, for wanting to write a book for my kids was all the inspiration I needed. Besides, I think that it's pretty cool to be able to provide my kids and the world, using my imagination and observation, a character and an actionable step to help manage one's impulses and emotions. It is a crucial skill for kids, so I wanted to find a way to make this lesson fun and relatable.

FQ: What made you want to be a published author?

MOORE: Becoming a published author has always been something I've dreamed of, but it wasn't until 2021 that I realized that it was something I really wanted to do. Now yes, it took me 3 years to publish my first book, but because I actually went through with it. I do not feel bad about the wait, everything happens exactly the way it is supposed to. I am a firm believer of that. Also leaving something behind that my kids can always remember and be proud of is important to me.

FQ: Please tell us what is your writing routine like?

MOORE: My writing routine has definitely evolved over time, but I’ve found a rhythm that works well for me. I like to keep things flexible, but there are a few key elements that help me stay focused and productive.

First, I usually set aside specific time blocks during the day to write. For me, mornings tend to be the most productive, so I try to get up early before the day gets busy. I’ll spend the first 30 minutes just brainstorming or reviewing what I’ve written so far. This is usually the time when I make sure I’m aligned with the message and theme of the book.

Once I’ve done a quick check-in, I dive into the writing. I typically aim for a set word count, but I don’t stress if I don’t hit it every single day. The most important thing for me is consistency, so even if I can only write for 30 minutes, I try to do something every day.

I also make sure to take breaks. Writing for long stretches without stepping away can lead to burnout or frustration, so I’ll take breaks to recharge—whether it’s a walk, reading, or even just grabbing a cup of coffee. The key is to not pressure myself into long hours of non-stop writing. Creativity flows better when there’s room to breathe.

Additionally, I like to review and revise as I go. I’m not one to write everything out and then come back to edit later. Instead, I prefer to tweak sections as I progress, which keeps me feeling engaged with the material and ensures the writing stays fresh and cohesive.

Overall, it’s about creating a routine that works with my natural energy levels and finding ways to stay connected to the story. Some days are more productive than others, and that’s okay—I’ve learned that writing is a journey, and it’s okay to pace myself as long as I keep moving forward.

FQ: To wrap up our interview, is there anything you would like to add to tell our readers? 

MOORE: Thank you so much for this opportunity to share a bit about Bridget Kimble Learns Self-Control and my journey as an author. To all the readers, I want to say that writing this book has been a labor of love, and my hope is that it provides both children and adults with valuable tools to foster personal growth and emotional intelligence.

For the parents and educators out there, I believe that teaching self-control is something we can all benefit from, and I hope the story of Bridget can spark meaningful conversations with kids about how they can manage their emotions and choices. The book isn't just about learning self-control -- it's about understanding that it's okay to make mistakes, as long as we take the time to reflect and improve.

And to everyone who has supported me along the way, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Writing is a journey, and I'm grateful to have the chance to share it with you. I'm excited for the future and the opportunity to continue creating stories that help young readers navigate the world with more confidence and kindness.

Stay tuned for more books, and keep nurturing that sense of curiosity and growth in the little ones in your life!

 #Bookreview of Hunting the Red Fox

By: W. Kenneth Tyler, Jr.

Publisher: The Peppertree Press

Publication Date: February 11, 2025

ISBN: 978-1965950050

Reviewed by: Douglas C. MacLeod, Jr.

Review Date: April 10, 2025

W. Kenneth Tyler’s debut novel Hunting the Red Fox primarily consists of what has been called by some as “a tale as old as time” from the standpoint of a shady, dying, professional spinner of yarns and competitive golfer, Perry Barnes, and his hapless pseudo-biographer, Roger Mace. The aforementioned tale is Perry’s last jewel heist, which was the stealing of the close-to-two-hundred carat Mecklenburg Diamond, back in 1957. Reminiscent of a 1940s film noir, where much of the narrative is told in flashback and Perry has the cadence of an old-timey ne’er-do-well from prior decades, the author produces a story that has a great deal of potential and appeal.

Hunting the Red Fox begins with an ever-so-familiar voice-over from Roger, who makes it known to his readers he was “about to embark on a book project, in which I was going to attempt to document interesting stories from ordinary people who have done fascinating-even extraordinary things” (2). While sitting down for lunch at the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club in Williamsburg, Virginia, by happenstance, like with some Alfred Hitchcock suspense-thrillers (for example, Strangers on a Train), Roger overhears a group of older gentlemen having a spirited conversation at an adjacent table. It is this chance meeting that leads the rather benign and skittish Roger on a figurative walk down memory lane with Perry, who learns to trust Roger with his deepest, darkest secret soon after a round of golf.

Perry’s narrative starts like most, from the beginning, with readers learning that Perry was born in Blackwater, Georgia in May of 1924 to working class but poor parents just trying to survive in a rural, peach-farming town prior to and during the Depression. Perry’s father, Harry, died violently when Perry was quite young, so Perry had to fend for himself, even though he was raised by his French grandmother, who survived multiple skirmishes and, ultimately, World War I. To get by, Perry would steal fruit and bread, which then “escalated into bigger and better things, still nominal in value” (29), which then led to jewels from a local jewelry store owner, which led to him getting caught and sentenced to “a stint in the Specially Trained Operations (STO) unit of the Army of the United States…for as long as the army deems necessary” (37). Much of the second part of Tyler’s novel is about Perry’s time in the Army, when he went through basic training, met an interesting cast of characters while in his troop, killed some enemy soldiers, and met Winston Churchill.

The rest of Hunting the Red Fox chronicles Perry as a courageous soldier while also becoming a professional golfer, who, much to Roger’s chagrin, happened to play in the Durham Open in 1945, whilst in the throes of war. After World War II, Perry toured around the world, found God after some self-assessment, had passionate long-lasting love affairs and eventually met his significant other, met stars like Elvis Presley, Jackie Gleason, and Dean Martin, became known as “The Red Fox,” and developed into an effective working entertainer and thief who heisted the Mecklenburg Diamond from a known gangster for the sake of love. By the time readers get to final scenes of Tyler’s novel, they recognize that the Mecklenburg Diamond is the MacGuffin, the object of desire that is not as significant as the romantic story surrounding the heist.

Quill says: Tyler’s debut novel Hunting the Red Fox has potential as a noir thriller, complete with a wide variety of intriguing characters, humor and romance.

 #Bookreview of Compost Happens: Growing a Flourishing Life After Childhood Abuse

By: Diana Morgan Dean

Publisher: Windsor River Press

Publication Date: April 8, 2025

ISBN: 979-8991324106

Reviewed by: Diana Coyle

Review Date: April 2, 2025

When thirteen-year-old Diana loses her mother in a car accident that was caused by her father’s road rage, she must now step in and be a mother figure to her four younger siblings in Compost Happens: Growing a Flourishing Life After Childhood Abuse by Diana Morgan Dean.

As if stepping into a mothering role wasn’t enough for Diana to endure, her father also mentally, emotionally and sexually abused her, even when her mother was alive. Soon after her mom died, her father began bringing home numerous women, a few being way too young for him to even have relations with, but that didn’t stop him from engaging in this destructive behavior. Eventually, he brought home an older woman named Ingrid. She was so hostile that she convinced him to give his kids away to people that were willing to take them.

Many years and plenty of emotional heartache later, all of the siblings were living in different places and separated from each other. It became so intolerable that they even stopped associating with their own siblings. Diana’s emotional wounds tainted every aspect of her life. She lacked self-respect and deemed herself not worthy of anything. Due to the years of torment, she entered into one failed relationship after another. The wounds she carried decades later took plenty of therapy and soul searching for her to finally accept who she was and try to find some happiness in her life. Was she ever able to find happiness and peace within herself? Did she ever confront her father over all those years of abuse?

This story will break readers’ hearts as they read about the years of torture Diana and her siblings endured. As if it wasn’t hard enough trying to adjust to their mother being taken from them while they were all young children, now add to it all the years of physical, mental and sexual abuse, and you have the perfect combination of these children growing up in an unhealthy environment. Readers will sympathize with Diana and her siblings as they all endure emotional and physical trauma at the hands of their father. Not to mention, when he brought a new female home, that person thought it was fine to abuse the children as well. All this abuse culminated into emotional problems for each one of them.

As Diana was growing up and jumping from one relationship into another, readers can’t help but feel intense empathy for her. The constant search for someone to nurture her because of the lack of nurturing she was exposed to growing up led to a few marriages failing throughout her adult years. Each marriage seemed the perfect fit at the time, but would quickly fall apart because she lacked a blueprint for nurture that was needed in order to have a healthy relationship. These failed marriages only added to the already broken past she had experienced throughout her life. Readers will hope that by the end of her story, Diana will find the peace she has been looking for throughout the years, so she can begin her journey towards healing and healthy interpersonal relationships.

Quill says: If you are looking for an inspiring story with plenty of emotions mixed within the pages, then look no further. In Compost Happens: Growing a Flourishing Life After Childhood Abuse by Diana Morgan Dean, you’ll find yourself crying, laughing and praying that Diana will finally find peace within her own heart to move on with her life.

For more information about Compost Happens: Growing a Flourishing Life After Childhood Abuse, please visit the author’s website at: dianamorgandean.com.