Feathered Quill #BookAwards

Time is running out to take advantage of our "early bird" discounted nomination rate for the Feathered Quill Book Awards. Nominate before Sept. 1 to enjoy the reduced rate (and give our judges a nice start on reading all the books!). Learn more at: 

www.featheredquill.com/awardprogram.shtml

#BookReview - Donna

Donna (The Girls of Spindrift Book 2)

By: V.C. Andrews
Publisher: Pocket Star Books
Publication Date: August 2017
ASIN: B01MFEYUJP
Review by: Jennifer Rearick
Review date: August 29, 2017

A prequel to Bittersweet Dreams, this e-novella gives the reader needed background on one of the main characters from Bittersweet Dreams, and also makes for a very good read.

Donna isn't your typical high school student. While she goes to school like any other teen, her life is anything but normal. Donna is what some would call a genius. She knows just about everything there is to know about any given subject. Although she goes to school, and has to take the same tests as everyone else, her schooling is very different. She keeps to herself. Since she already knows what the teachers are teaching, she spends her time digging deeper into subjects and trying to learn something new.

Whether she is in school or at home, she always thinks about things factually instead of with emotion. Whenever she is asked a question, she always has to think about the facts and logistics of the question or situation before answering.

Although she is trying to get out of her own head, it's a daily struggle. While she is hanging out with one of her only friends, Greg, he asks if she would be interested in going to the beach with him and some of his friends. He thinks it would be a great way for her to interact with some of his friends and since they both kind of like each other, it's a plus for them both. Donna immediately tells him that she will think about it. While she is in her classroom she contemplates the good and the bad of going with him. Then, as she is walking the hall between classes, she sees Greg with another girl. Seeing this makes Donna a little jealous and she tells Greg that she would love to go to the beach with him. Although Donna is still nervous about hanging out with Greg and his friends, she is also a little excited.

Finally the anticipated day has arrived. At first when they get to the beach they are having a fun time. As the day goes on, and Greg's friends have been drinking, they do not take well to Donna. When Greg and Donna decide to leave, everything spirals out of control. Donna and Greg soon find themselves in a situation that will change their lives forever.

Donna is one of the e-novella prequels for Bittersweet Dreams (see also Corliss, book 1 of The Girls of Spindrift prequels.) This book gives the reader some background information on one of the main characters, Donna, and will help guide the reader into the main book. It is very well written and not only gives you the information you need, but draws you into the main novel, Bittersweet Dreams. It is definitely a page-turner. Through each page it will leave you guessing and wondering how and why Donna ended up where she did.

Quill says: If you are looking for a book about a group of talented individuals, check out this new series, and be sure to read Donna before digging into Bittersweet Dreams.

#BookReview - The Inside Story

The Inside Story

By: William LeRoy
Publisher: Mossik Press
Publication Date: November 2014
ISBN: 978-0991448036
Reviewed by: Anita Lock
Date: August 28, 2017

Tricksters, archenemies, and unveiled secrets abound as the plot thickens in author William LeRoy’s sequel to The Same Old Story.

It is Christmas 1998, nearly two months since the mysterious death of Johnny D’Agostino on Halloween night. The story opens with a televised news show reporting on an altercation that goes awry between people closely connected with JohnnyD. As a result, a person is supposedly dead, and Captain Patrick Riley arrests one of his men, Peter Angelo, charging him with the murder. Regardless of the arrest, Peter, who investigated JohnnyD’s case, is confident that Matt Finley—one of the people caught up in the mysterious love triangle with JohnnyD—is JohnnyD’s murderer. Further investigation into JohnnyD reveals that Johnny wasn’t a “he” as many believed, but a “she.” Even more noteworthy is the fact that Johnny is the niece of the notorious local gangster—as well as Riley’s longtime nemesis—Bruno Giordano.

But in the “new universe of virtual [or cyber] reality,” which seems to have been “created overnight,” JohnnyD is not the only person with a dual identity. Captain Riley determines to find out the truth about JohnnyD’s case. But the more he investigates, the more the facts become convoluted. It doesn’t help that it appears that “the devious head of Internal Affairs” is waging psychological warfare against him to undermine his standing as police chief. In fact, Riley feels as though he is “trapped in a boardwalk fun house at the beach, surrounded by chaotic reflections from warped mirrors.” It’s not until he studies the cryptic text messages leading up to JohnnyD’s death that Riley feels challenged to not only re-evaluate his stance on the case but also does a bit of introspection in the process. Amid all the confusion, more twists and turns ensue as the case draws to its outcome.

Readers who thought The Same Old Story was replete with multiple plot twists are in for a big surprise when they get started with LeRoy’s sequel, The Inside Story. LeRoy shifts gears from alternating viewpoints between Peter and Matt to take his audience through behind-the-scene situations connected to JohnnyD's case. A bit dizzying but fascinating, LeRoy's plot will keep readers hopping as he introduces a plethora of new and multifaceted characters, many of which are used as red herrings.

Over the course of three days beginning with Christmas 1998, LeRoy packs his story with seemingly out-of-the-blue people and accounts that tightly tie to JohnnyD's life. One would think that with additional clues, there would be more clarity to the mysterious case. Not necessarily so. With each new situation comes added confusion, especially when many of the new characters become shifty. That said, it is easy to throw them into the mix of possible murder suspects.

In the midst of plot perplexity, LeRoy jabs at religion (primarily the Catholic Church since there are plenty of Irish overtones), conservative religious views, politics, and sex. The latter continues with the nostalgic romance stories, operas, and movies from The Same Old Story with additional nuances. He also includes some Bostonian history connections with Irish immigrants. Of particular interest is the way LeRoy coincides dual identities with the advent of the Internet and chat rooms. In reality, the new form of communication provided many opportunities for people to disguise their true personalities.

Quill says: The Inside Story will keep mystery and melodrama aficionados hopping until the very end.

#BookReview - Shadow Girl

Shadow Girl (An Afton Tangler Thriller)

By: Gerry Schmitt
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: August 2017
ISBN: 978-0425281789
Reviewed by: Ellen Feld
Review Date: August 22, 2017

Author Gerry Schmitt is at it again in her second "Afton Tangler" thriller, creating a tense, gripping story that will have you hanging on every word.

Shadow Girl gets a quick start with a helicopter crash within the first few pages. The helicopter was just minutes from arriving at the University of Minnesota Hospital, transporting not people, but medical cargo, when it gets hit with a surface-to-air missile. Immediately called to the scene are Detective Max Montgomery and Family Liaison Officer Afton Tangler, both of the Minneapolis Police Department. The two are at a loss to explain why somebody would want to shoot down a helicopter that was only carrying medical cargo - a heart.

As Afton and Max begin their investigation, they learn that the heart was meant for Leland Odin, a very sick, but also very wealthy, millionaire who is the founder of a bustling home shopping network. In fact, he was actually "on the table," with his surgeons prepping him, when the helicopter was shot down. Afton and Max initially suspect that the attack has something to do with Leland's business, or his wife, or maybe that really beautiful host who is probably responsible for selling more on Leland's shopping network than any other personality.

The future for Leland isn't very bright unless he gets another heart and that looks unlikely. Wasting away in the hospital, Leland is attacked - and killed. Why would somebody want the man dead? Afton, who dreams of one day moving beyond the "Family Liaison Officer" title and becoming a detective, works the case harder than anyone, taking a few more chances than she should. And with those risks, come several dangerous people who want to get Afton off their tail, and are willing to go through her children - and dog - if necessary. But beware, if you go after Afton's family, you might be the one in danger.

Shadow Girl is the first Afton Tangler book that I've read and I have to say that I'm hooked. The dialog is spot-on and the action is well-paced to keep the reader turning the page. This is not your typical "who-dunnit" mystery as we know early on who the culprit(s) is, although it does take a little while to figure out the "why." However, there is definitely a sense of urgency as the bad guys plot and plan their next move and whether Afton and Max will come out safe in the end. And kudos to Afton's French bulldog, Bonaparte - the little dog with a big attitude. I look forward to seeing where the author takes Afton Tangler next.

Quill says: Another great thriller in the Afton Tangler series. I'm looking forward to the next in this series, and think that Afton certainly deserves a promotion to detective after this case!

#BookReview - Soaring Soren

Soaring Soren: When French Bulldogs Fly

By: Deborah Stevenson
Illustrated by: Morgan Spicer
Publisher: Aperture Press
Publication Date: October 2016
ISBN: 978-0997302059
Reviewed by: Holly Connors
Review Date: August 2017

Soren is an adorable French Bulldog who is on a mission - to prove that dreams can come true, especially if you work hard to obtain them. And he wants to take your child along with him on his adventure.

Soaring Soren is based on the true story of Soren, a little French Bulldog who traveled all the way from Denmark to the United States to become a top-notch show dog for his owner Deborah Stevenson. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans for Soren because as he grew, he grew a little too much. He was too tall for the strict showing standards required of French Bulldogs. What would Soren do? There was no doubt that Deb truly loved and adored him so maybe Soren was destined to simply become a lap dog.

One day while Deb was outside watching her beloved dog play, she noticed that Soren loved to run fast and jump quite high. Hmmm....maybe Soren would make a good agility dog. But everybody knows that French Bulldogs are too slow, too heavy, their legs are too short, and, well, they just can't do agility. But they didn't know Soren. He adored Deb and would do anything for her. He also loved the fast-paced training required for agility, and soon he loved participating in agility trials too. Soren was about to change the minds of those who doubted him but would he be good enough to earn an agility championship? Dreams do come true if you work hard and never give up...

Soaring Soren is a totally delightful story of one dog's efforts to make his, and his owner's, dream come true. With a positive message of working hard, and never giving up, children will be inspired to reach for their dreams too. The illustrations are quite nice, and fit well with the happy mood set by the story. In addition, with Soren's happy face and big, brown eyes appearing in almost every drawing, the artwork really brings out the personality of Soren. At 37 pages, there's a bit more text than restless 4 or 5 year olds may sit through, so for the youngest readers, you may need to break the story up into 2 or 3 bedtime readings.

Quill says: Soaring Soren helps teach children that with a little hard work, if they can dream it, they can achieve it. A wonderful message and a delightful book.

For more information on Soaring Soren: When French Bulldogs Fly please visit the publisher's website at: www.FrogPrinceBooks.net

#BookReview - Piece By Piece

Piece By Piece

By: Stephanie Shaw
Illustrated by: Sylvie Daigneault
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
Publication Date: July 2017
ISBN: 978-1585369997
Reviewed by: Holly Connors
Review Date: August 22, 2017

A talented weaver, beautiful memories, a dream to better the lives of her children and a cruel shopkeeper all come together in the wonderful new children's book, Piece By Piece.

As the story opens, we meet a weaver who is collecting memories along a beach while her three children play near the water's edge. The weaver puts the memories - "the crunch of leaves, the springiness of moss, the leap and splash of a fish" - into her collection basket. That night, as her children sleep, the weaver sits at her loom and weaves the day's memories into her fabric.
The next day, the children ask their mother about the different fabrics she has made:

"Tell us where this came from."

The weaver held a piece of fabric to her nose. "Ah." She smiled. "The sweetness of a puppy!"

"What else?"

"The breath of a hot air balloon as it floats against a morning sky, and the squish of mud between your toes."


The weaver soon has a beautiful dress she's made from the "memory" fabrics and she is hopeful that the shopkeeper in the village will pay a good price for the dress. With that money, she plans to buy food, shoes, and perhaps even a few treats for her three children. Unfortunately, the shopkeeper is a curmudgeon who does not appreciate the beautiful memories woven into the lovely dress. First he demands that the weaver remove the top that has "starlight and candle glow," woven into it, and when the weaver returns the next day, he, and his wife, say that other parts of the dress must be removed if they are to sell it. They're convinced that the memories woven into the dress are utter nonsense. Soon, there is nothing left but a small piece of fabric that holds "...the wishes from a dandelion on a summer's day." Heartbroken, the weaver leaves the shop, as her dreams seem to float away...

Piece By Piece is a lovely children's fairy tale (with a happy ending) about reaching for your dreams. With just a little bit of magical flair thrown in to capture the imagination of young readers, the story moves along at a perfect pace. I've included more quotes from the story than I typically do to show the reader that the author has a real talent for writing descriptive lines that truly bring the magic of the story to life. Add in the truly beautiful illustrations and you have the makings of a new classic fairy tale.

Quill says: I loved everything about this book. Borrowing a few lines from the story that the author used to describe the weaver's fabrics, I'd like to use them here to describe this book: "It was rich. Exquisite. Unique."

#AuthorInterview with Lisa Stauder

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Amy Lignor is talking with Lisa Stauder, author of Imprint

FQ: Imprint is based on very real experiences in your life. Can you tell readers a bit about your gifts and how they’ve grown to become acceptable/easier to live with in this day and age?

STAUDER: Well, Imprint is a Fiction book with a mix of real it in. I do see and hear spirits and learn more and more every day how to listen to the messages that are coming through. People are more and more open to the idea that we can communicate with loved ones who have passed so, the messages are easier to share compared to 30 years ago, at least for me...

FQ: Do you feel in the 21st century that the sphere of everything from angels to spirits to seeing those who have passed, etc., have become part of the norm?

STAUDER: Certainly there are far more books, as well as TV series that touch upon these subjects. Absolutely! People are more and more open to the idea that we can communicate with loved ones who have passed so, the messages are easier to share compared to 30 years ago, at least for me... When you tell someone a message and validate the information in a way that there is no explanation HOW I would know that - it's powerful.

FQ: When and why did you decide to write this book? Was it therapeutic for you in a way?

STAUDER: A few years ago, I was a single mom who just got laid off. I had always said I was going to get back to writing. So, instead of saying I was unemployed, I declared that I was a writer. Then, one night I woke up at 3am and started writing. The following 31 days after that, each night at the same time, I woke up with another chapter coming out... It was very therapeutic as well as a little scary. I was announcing to the world that I see and hear spirits and not everyone knew that about me. I feel very liberated now that it is out! I originally wrote it for my kids. Then others started reading it... Two years ago our 21 year old son passed away. The cliche' "LIFE IS SHORT" became a harsh reality for me. So, publishing my book was one of my "someday I am going to do that" things and I realized I had to stop living that way. Life IS short - do what you love NOW! Just go for it! So, that is why I published the book.

FQ: Looking into the future and, after having this writing experience, do you see yourself delving into writing more books? And would you be interested in writing in other genres to reach out to more readers?

STAUDER: I have many books in the works now and I am enjoying traveling around and speaking to groups as well. There are so many of us who have experienced similar gifts and it is fun to talk with them. It is also great to have open discussions as to WHY certain things happen in life. Is there a deeper meaning, what is the bigger picture, is there a soul agreement for whatever happened? It is great to explore the why's.

FQ: You speak about the Pequot Indians and various historical events that played out in the Eastern half of the U.S. Do you like doing research?

STAUDER: I do! However, that information was unknown to me as I was writing the book. The information came to me - I later double checked to see if it was somewhat accurate but again - it is a fiction book so some of it might not be historically accurate.

FQ: Do you have a favorite author? If so, who would that be and why?

STAUDER: I am a book nerd so I read everything! I love self help books. I have 5 kids so I also read what they are reading. I have read every Harry Potter book (Yup - I was the parent with the kids at midnight at the book store when they released a new book!) I read the Twilight series, The divergent series, Hunger Games series etc.... It is a great way to keep up with what the kids are in to and great fun as a family! I have to say that I love the stories of HOW people came to write their story. I love reading author bios!

FQ: Can you tell readers a bit about your public/motivational speaking? Is there a particular story that you can relay in regards to a memorable meet you had at one of your events?

STAUDER: I love connecting with people. My goal is to help people through tough situations and heal... Sometimes you plan for what you are going to cover and then it goes a completely different direction. The energy in the room sometimes determines what topics we will uncover. I was at an event and a young woman came up to me to introduce herself. When she was a child she came to some of my speaking engagements with her mom so it was great fun getting to hear her journey and validating for me that I am on the right path to helping people heal as they move through life situations.

FQ: If you had to pick, what would be the one thing/lesson/point you’d like readers to take away from Imprint?

STAUDER: BE TRUE TO YOURSELF. I spent so many years trying to "fit in" and have approval from others that I was not living my authentic self. Now, I am not only empowered to BE ME but, I am able to help others be accepting of who they are and make an impact in other people's lives.

FQ: If people wish to speak to you further about their own gifts, is there a place they can reach you with questions?

STAUDER: Yes! I am on Facebook and love to get messages and videos from readers. I also answer emails at ImprintByLisa@gmail.com

To learn more about Imprint please read the review at: Feathered Quill Book Reviews.