Book Review - Lawyer for the Dog

Lawyer for the Dog

By: Lee Robinson
Illustrated By: Young Gin Lin
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Publication Date: July 2015
ISBN: 978-1-250-05241-4
Reviewed By: Kristi Benedict
Review Date: August 7, 2015

There were many things in Sally Baynard's life that she did not look back fondly upon such as her divorce from her husband, her mother’s disappointment over that divorce, and her failed love life. However, she was the owner of her own law firm which she started after the divorce. She also realized that the person she became while she was married was not the person she wanted to be. She was never going to be the high society wife that her ex-husband Judge Joe Baynard wanted her to be, and she was perfectly fine with that until he calls her to represent a client in the case he is overseeing.

Unknowing to Sally this client turns out to be none other than a dog and instantly Sally is furious with her ex-husband for getting her into such a mess. He claims that he needs a lawyer to represent the dog individually as the husband and wife cannot agree on who should take the dog, Sherman, after the divorce, as both parties furiously want to keep him. Now Sally finds herself in the middle of a dispute that she has never encountered before, as she is instantly put in charge of determining which party is better suited to take care of Sherman. It has been years since Sally has even had a dog let alone taken care of one on a daily basis, so it is a stretch to say that she can give an accurate decision but having no choice she takes the job as Lawyer for the Dog.

Of course it does not take long for this case to become quite complicated as neither the wife or husband are reasonable in their dealings with one another, Joe seems to be digging up old feelings for Sally, and on top of that Sherman’s veterinarian turns out to be quite handsome, a fact not lost on Sally every time she sees him. In addition, Sherman also finds his way into Sally’s heart as she finds that she may be making this more of an emotional decision that one based on facts, which as a lawyer usually leads to trouble.

The main character of Sally was easy for me to cheer on from the very beginning as I am drawn to a strong but still relatable female character. The hilarious situations Sally finds herself in while dealing with Sherman had me laughing through each chapter. No one knows exactly what to expect when dealing with animals and author Lee Robinson brings together this interesting case and funny dog antics in a perfect way. It was neat to read a book centered on law written by a former lawyer as I could see the influence of Robinson’s law experience and for me that made the story even more interesting as the reader was able to see the day to day feelings of the lawyer.

Quill says: This is a quirky and fun story that had me laughing out loud the whole way through.

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Book Review - Give Me Your Answer True

Give Me Your Answer True

By: Suanne Laqueur
Publisher: CreateSpace
Publication Date: June 2015
ISBN: 978-1508985211
Reviewed by: Diane LunsfordM
Review Date: August 3, 2015

Suanne Laqueur delivers Give Me Your Answer True; her much anticipated (and quite delicious) sequel to her debut novel, The Man I Love.

It’s been three years since Daisy Bianco's unforgivable betrayal of Erik Fiskare (a.k.a. Fish). Daisy’s daemons pay their daily respects—a constant reminder of her lapse in judgment. She slept with David. She betrayed her true love Fish. The fact that Fish was witness to the moment is torture. She reflects upon her time in the hospital after the shooting—when Fish was by her side every day. He promised he would always be there...but he’s gone. He won’t return her calls and has disappeared from her life. How long is long enough for her to pay her penance? When does she get her chance to explain the ‘why’? She doesn’t get to blame her choice on ecstasy or coke. They both knew their relationship changed long before that day—they all changed.

College is a distant memory for Daisy. The once inseparable dance company has scattered to the winds. Embers are the remnants that smolder from the union of former dance partner Will and best friend Lucky. Will returned to Canada. Lucky was still around but he wasn’t dancing anymore. Daisy hadn’t seen David since their one-night encounter; not that she cared to. Daisy is lost. She is a shell of a life walking through the haze of day-to-day existence. She feels nothing. No matter how much she pines for Fish, he remains gone. When Daisy discovers cutting herself breathes feeling, she finds relief. She is still a dancer and must be careful. She must hide her dark secret to make sure her self-inflicted scars remain invisible—at least to everyone but her. On a dangerous spiral and a few therapists later, Daisy happens upon someone from her past—someone who also lived another day beyond the Lancaster shooting. Enter John (Opie). There are no coincidences in life, but perhaps there are angels to carry hope when it is needed most. Such was the case for Opie and Daisy—at least until he discovered her dark secret of cutting herself...

When approached by Feathered Quill to consider Suanne Laqueur’s compelling sequel to her fantastic debut novel, The Man I Love, there wasn’t a second’s hesitation in doing so. Within the first couple of pages of Give Me your Answer True, I knew I was reading yet another grand slam book from this gifted writer. Once I finished the 488 page memory of a book (in less than a day’s time), I was faced with an incredible challenge: ‘Is it even possible for me to gather my thoughts and write the exceptional review Laqueur is so worthy of receiving?’ Her phraseology and scenarios are terrific. Character description such as: ‘He was the most gigantic person Daisy ever encountered. His tall frame and broad shoulders gobbled up the studio floors. He moved like a hurricane...He ate life and spit out the bones...’ is a definitive example of how this author merely opens the door into her word pantry and purposefully selects the perfect word in order to create superb movement in the story. Laqueur insists on creating feeling and compassion throughout her work. Her success of achieving such measure replicates time and again across the pages of Give Me Your Answer True. She manages instantaneous attention and engagement from her audience because she can see and hear them as she writes. She is confident in her delivery and knowledge of the art of dance. One can sense the orchestration of the arabesque as much as feel the barre work in the warm up which complements and breathes credibility into the essence of main character Daisy. Bravo Ms. Laqueur! You have done it again and I have a request: May I have another, please?

Quill says: Give Me Your Answer True is further affirmation that Suanne Laqueur is a truly gifted writer and knows how to create lasting memory through her superb storytelling ability!

For more information on Give Me Your Answer True, please visit the author's website at: www.suannelaqueur.com

Lessons from Tara

Lessons from Tara: Life Advice from the World's Most Brilliant Dog

By: David Rosenfelt
Illustrated By: Young Jin Lim
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Publication Date: July 2015
ISBN: 978-1-250-06576-6
Reviewed By: Kristi Benedict
Review Date: August 2, 2015

There are many people who center their lives on animals and then there are some whose lives become completely consumed by them. David Rosenfelt and his wife Debbie are two such people who have chosen to open their home to thousands of animals over many years. After falling in love with a golden retriever named Tara and giving her all the attention she deserved, their passion to help dogs began. After Tara passed away David and Debbie decided to start the Tara Foundation that would help find homes for dogs that would otherwise be forgotten. Senior dogs were the main focus as of course they are the most unlikely to be adopted from shelters, for most people go in looking for a puppy.

So, the Tara Foundation was born and the dogs started to slowly take over the household with all of their barking, quirky personalities, slobbering tongues, and unconditional love. Even though both David and Debbie love the life they have chosen there is also no end to the challenges they face while taking care of these animals. With the majority of their dogs being older there is an endless number of veterinary visits, medications, and care that needs to be done for each animal to ensure their quality of life is the absolute best. David Rosenfelt does not hold back at all when talking about all of the messy situations he has run into, such as trying to pile one too many dogs into the car, cleaning up the endless supply of poop in the backyard with special trash bags, and the trips to the vet that happen at all hours of the day and night. In the midst of all of this he finds an endless supply of inspiration for his books as each one usually includes a canine character that steals the show, for that is usually who he gets the most emails about. All kidding aside, the best thing this couple has learned from caring for these dogs is that every day is special and life should be lived to the fullest.

When I first started reading this book I thought this would just simply be a heartwarming read full of fun stories told within each chapter. Some of the chapters definitely fit that bill but I found that most of them had me absolutely laughing out loud as the author David Rosenfelt shares all experiences including the rough and messy ones. For me these are the stories I enjoy the most because it paints a picture of reality instead of looking through everything with rose colored glasses. In fact, especially in dealing with animals, the actual true story is probably better than anything you could possibly imagine and I found myself laughing hysterically at so many points in this book that my face started to hurt a little from smiling so much. This turned out to be a fun read for me and I hope to read more of David Rosenfelt’s books.

Quill says: An absolutely hilarious book that will have you laughing and smiling until the very end.

Book Review - The Last Summer at Chelsea Beach

The Last Summer at Chelsea Beach

By: Pam Jenoff
Publisher: MIRA Books
Publication Date: July 2015
ISBN: 978-0-7783-1754-8
Reviewed by: Amy Lignor
Review Date: August 2, 2015

Readers know that, every once in a great while, stories appear which are retained forever because of their capacity to overwhelm and delve into a person’s heart so deeply, that the tale becomes a part of them. Upon saying this, it will come as no surprise to learn that behind the power, suspense, romance and history found in this one amazing creation, is author Pam Jenoff.

When we begin, Adelia Monteforte is put on a ship bound for America by her parents. The tide is turning and the end is near for their family in fascist Italy, and her parents want nothing more than for Adelia to be safe and have a shot at a life. This brave young girl arrives on America’s shores and ends up living with her aunt and uncle. Although they are a nice couple, they seem to be more than awkward when it comes to raising their niece. What they do for her, however, is head every summer to a place called Chelsea Beach. And here is where Adelia runs into her destiny. An incredible Irish-Catholic family, consisting of four boys who each have their own attitudes and emotions, envelop Adelia and bring her ‘in’ as part of their family. They all grow up, experiencing emotions from anger to envy to love; yet, even as they are having fun, the fear of WWII going on across the ocean hangs over them like a veil of darkness.

Adelia falls in love with the eldest boy, Charlie, but their hopes for a lovely life are dashed when Japan bombs Pearl Harbor and America enters the frightening battle. Pain occurs on Chelsea Beach which sends Adelia running straight into, and not away from, the war. Her job on a newspaper, helping children in an orphanage, dealing with the youthful emotions that have strengthened over time – all of these cause Adelia to find herself stuck in tragedies. The Germans seem almost easier to deal with, considering the fact that every time Adelia turns around, the past comes back to haunt her.
The Kommandant’s Girl was the first amazing novel by this author that dove into readers’ hearts and stayed there. With this new story, readers will once again be in awe of the power and beauty of these characters that will never let them go.

Quill says: Pam Jenoff has yet to make one mistake when it comes to delivering the best of the best in literature.

Book Review - Terrible Typhoid Mary

Terrible Typhoid Mary: A True Story of the Deadliest Cook in America

By: Susan Campbell Bartoletti
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: August 2015
ISBN: 978-0544313675
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: August 2, 2015

Mary Mallon was a well-kept, attractive Irishwoman who was not averse to working and that she did. Mary's skills at as a cook served her well and her "fourteen-hour days" would make her well off in comparison to many servants in 1906. Next stop for her was Mr. Charles Elliot Warren's summer residence on Oyster Bay. Mr. Stricker's Servants' Agency had found her a good position, but little did she know that this position would change her life forever. Mary began to cook, "preparing elaborate meals for the Warren family and less elaborate and less expensive meals for the servants." Unbeknownst to Mary, or anyone for that matter, her hands had been stirring up a recipe for disaster.

Little nine-year-old Margaret was the first to fall ill, but not to worry, children often came down with things. It soon became evident that this was no ordinary illness when "her fever persisted, spiking as high as 105 degrees." Delirium was certainly not something to be taken lightly nor was bloody diarrhea. The verdict of course, was that little Margaret, with her "telltale skin rash," had typhoid fever. The disease was contagious and five more people in the household contracted it. Certainly it was something in the water so the house soon became vacant and Mary Mallon would need to find yet another place of employment.

Mr. and Mrs. George Thompson, owner of the house in Oyster Bay, were alarmed at the prospect that they had a sick house. Something had to be done and they hired Dr. George A. Soper, "a sanitary engineer who was considered an expert epidemiologist." If anyone could solve the mystery of the typhoid-ridden household, it would be Soper. His tenacity and excellent detective skills soon sent him on the trail of Mary Mallon. By process of elimination the only source of the "Salmonelli typhi" was the thirty-seven-year-old cook. Mary was seemingly the epitome of good, robust health, but she was one of those lethal "healthy carriers." Would he be able to stop her before her hands infected and possibly killed someone else?

Most young readers have at least had a glimpse at Mary's life, most likely in a science text. There are many aspects of her life that they don't know about, especially how she was captured by the the New York City Department of Health. In addition to Dr. Soper, we also meet another doctor, the inimitable Dr. (Sara) Jospephine Baker, Dr. Joe. I found the journey to be a fascinating one, bringing to life a character I'd heard so much about, but knew practically nothing about. In the back of the book is a timeline of Mary's life (1845 to 1939), source notes, and an expansive bibliography. Many of these book and website resources would make excellent stepping stones for further research in many areas.

Quill says: This is a very well-written historical overview of "Typhoid Mary," Mary Mallon.

Book Review - Gollywood, Here I Come!

Gollywood, Here I Come!

By: Terry John Barto
Illustrated by: Mattia Cerato
Publisher: AuthorHouse
Publication Date: August 2014
ISBN: 978-1496935090
Reviewed by: Holly Connors
Review Date: August 2015

Anamazie Marie LaBelle is a turkey! No, not that kind of turkey – she’s a real, live, clucking turkey and she also happens to be one of the best, if not THE best majorettes that has ever performed in her small town of Gobbleville. Anamazie loves the spotlight and she hopes that one day it will lead her right to Gollywood, home of famous celebrities and the movies they make. Will her dream come true?

Anamazie’s talent as a majorette has propelled her all the way to the finals of "Gobbleville’s Got Talent" (an homage, no doubt, to "America’s Got Talent"). Arriving with her mom Henrietta Pearl to cheer her on, Anamazie has her makeup done and then struts on stage. She performs a medley of patriotic songs as she dances around. The audience loves her but when the winner is announced Anamazie is heartbroken to hear another turkey’s name called. With tears in her eyes, she heads backstage to get some hugs from her mother.

While it might seem that Anamazie’s dreams are dashed, things take a drastic turn for the better when a man, er...turkey, from the audience approaches. It seems Mr. Albright is a talent scout and he thinks Anamazie just might be the perfect girl for his boss’s next movie. Will Anamazie’s dream of stardom come true?

This is the second book by author Terry John Barto that I’ve reviewed (see Nickerbacher: The Funniest Dragon) and it's just as enjoyable as Nickerbacher. While Gollywood, Here I Come! is Barto's first book, it has the same upbeat, fun, 'go for your dream!' message as Nickerbacher. In that story, a lovable dragon takes center stage and in this tale, I have to say that Anamazie’s mother, Henrietta, had me laughing throughout. She keeps a watchful eye out for her daughter and also manages to keep the reader smiling by doing such things as fainting at good news and falling out of a tree when hearing more good news. Beyond that, however, this tale of working hard for your dream and having it come true will resonate with many. It also teaches children that they too, should always go for their dreams. In addition, the illustrator, Mattia Cerato, is to be commended because his bright, colorful and lively drawings really bring this tale to life. Gollywood, Here I Come! is a 5-Star winner that your kids will love.

Quill says: A star is born and her name is Anamazie Marie LaBelle – don’t miss her debut!

For more information on Gollywood, Here I Come!, please visit the book's website at: gollywoodhereicome.com