#BookReview - Life in the Hollywood Lane @ann_crawford1

Life in the Hollywood Lane

By: Ann Crawford
Publisher: Lightscapes Publishing
Publication Date: May 2018
ISBN: 978-0982169025
Reviewed by: Holly Connors
Review Date: January 10, 2019

At first glance, Life in the Hollywood Lane appears to be just another fictional account of the life and times of an actress in and around the famous city. But this story is so much more - it's a story of a woman discovering the innermost truths about herself and taking the reader along for the journey.

Trish is an actress who has had some success in Hollywood, and while she hasn't made it big, she's "...made it medium." Originally from the Midwest, Trish moved to Hollywood as soon as she was old enough to make the trek and got busy going to auditions. It was at an audition that she met Cyndi, her soon-to-be BFF - "...the bestest of bestest friends in the history of bestest..." Cyn was bright, beautiful and had that special something that drew people to her. Together, the BFFs made a life in Hollywood, doing commercials and nabbing an occasional role in a movie. Trish and Cyn were able to pay their bills, but they always felt as if they hadn't quite "made it." 

As the two friends continued to work on their careers, time passed and suddenly it was twenty years later. In a town that judges a person in large part on their looks, reaching the age of 40 can be a big deal. For Trish, the event passed without much fanfare, but for Cyn, it was a much bigger deal. The night before her fortieth birthday, she killed herself.

The events up to and including Cyn's suicide happen within the first 20 pages and then the focus shifts to Trish's journey after her best friend's death. Dealing with the pain, the emptiness, the family, all these and more determine what Trish does. She questions so many things about her life, and her best friend. What could she have done differently? Was is something she said? Didn't say? The numbness and guilt could be overwhelming. Slowly, with the help of friends, such as her very funny agent Cara, Trish is able to get back to living.

While a book about an actress dealing with her best friend's death may sound like a real "downer," Life in the Hollywood Lane is actually a very uplifting read. Author Ann Crawford has a knack for setting a heartfelt, and yet, at times lighthearted, atmosphere to her stories. This is the second of her books that I've read, the other was Angels on Overtime, and both books had many, many funny moments, as well as deep, thought-provoking ideas. One moment you'll feel yourself tearing up as you read, and then a minute later you're laughing. As Life in the Hollywood Lane progresses, Trish begins to find herself, and find new relationships too. The author, an award-winning documentary filmmaker, shares snippets of what it's really like behind the curtain of fame in Hollywood, getting ready for the Red Carpet, the hurry-up-and-wait aspects of movie making, that add a bit of realism to the story. Most importantly, however, is the journey of discovery the Trish goes on and with which she takes the reader along. "...we can't truly be destroyed...only transformed...no matter what path we take." Words to live by, Trish, thanks for sharing.

Quill says: Life in the Hollywood Lane is a heartfelt, uplifting, and at times funny story about one woman's journey to finding herself that will linger with you long after you've finished reading.

For more information on Life in the Hollywood Lane, please visit the author's website at: anncrawford.net

#AuthorInterview with Katie Keridan

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Anita Lock is talking with Katie Keridan, the author of Once Upon A Girl

FQ: You mention in the book’s bio that you’ve wanted to be a writer “ever since I can remember.” Can you recall that turning point?

KERIDAN: For me, writing has always been a way to make sense of things. Slowing down and reproducing experiences one letter at a time has helped me better understand the world around me, as well as the ever-changing landscape inside my own head. As a child, writing initially allowed me to describe things that were important to me, validating them and giving them a permanence at a time when things seemed to change so fast. It then allowed me to control things – specifically, to make sure that the ending would be happy – at a time when I felt unable to control much of what was happening in my life.

FQ: Again, from your bio, you mention: “The stories and poems I read as a child shaped me into the person I am today.” Which writers (authors/poets) inspired you over the years, and how?

KERIDAN: I grew up loving John R. Erikson, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Beatrix Potter, Thornton W. Burgess, Bonnie Bryant, and Ann M. Martin. Many of the authors used animals to teach “life lessons,” and I liked learning vicariously without having to make all the same mistakes for myself. I also liked stories with strong female characters who valued family, friends, and actively solving problems.

FQ: What are some favorite book titles, and why did these books make an impression on you growing up?

KERIDAN: This list could be pages long, so I’m limiting myself to three:

The first is a series, rather than one single book – the Hank the Cowdogbook series by John R. Erikson. I read those books over and over again, and I also wore out the audiotapes I’d borrow from the library, listening to them as I fell asleep. Hank was such an endearing character…he made so many mistakes, but his heart was always in the right place. The books felt familiar (they took place on a ranch, I grew up on a ranch), and they were filled with humor. They taught me that, even when things seem terrible, there is always a reason to laugh.

The second book is Sabriel, by Garth Nix, the story of a young woman with magical powers who leaves behind the world she knows to fulfill her destiny as a necromancer called the Abhorsen. I was immediately captivated by the mixture of strength and vulnerability in the character. She was simultaneously mysterious and relatable, and I just love that she failed and grew and learned and fought for what was important to her.

The third book is The Book Thief,by Markus Zusak. That book broke my heart in all the right ways. It taught me that, no matter the circumstances, there is always beauty to be found. It always made me dream of one day writing something even a fraction as beautiful…something that settles into your bones and acts as a demarcation between before I read thisand after I read this.

FQ: Your main purpose for writing Once Upon a Girl is to raise awareness to low self-esteem and provide hope for those who feel hopeless. You mention in your bio that what you read as a child made you “feel strong and smart and hopeful.” Obviously, an accumulation of events that took place in your life, left you high and dry and misdirected before you had to reinvent yourself. What words of hope would you offer to those who have lost their way and have bought into hopelessness?
KERIDAN: Reinvention is always possible. You are never too far gone to get where you want to go. That doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy, only that it’s possible.

FQ: You paint metaphors throughout Once Upon a Girl. Name one metaphor you hope readers will find relatable and hopeful?

KERIDAN: I hope readers relate to the metaphor of being their own rescuer – don’t sit inside the castle, bemoaning the fact that you’re trapped, waiting for someone to save you. Save yourself! Leave the castle, find a dragon to help you burn it down, if need be, make your way through the woods, and make your own happily ever after.

FQ: One strong theme inferenced in your poems is codependency. While the term is often related to alcohol or drug addiction, the reality is that it works with relationships, too. A vicious love-hate (often passive-aggressive) cycle develops among people of low self-esteem who develop a false sense of love. What words of advice would you offer to those who find themselves going from one codependent relationship to the next?

KERIDAN: In looking at my own life, my co-dependency was classic “looking for love in all the wrong places,” to borrow a line from the country song. Humans are created for connection, and sometimes we become so desperate for it that we’re willing to do anything to have it. Real relationships never involve desperation! They involve choice and respect. Ask yourself the hard questions and answer honestly (perhaps with the help of a professional therapist or someone you trust)…does this person make me feel good about myself? What have I changed in order to stay with this person? What will happen if I stand up for myself? Why do I fear not being in a relationship? Until you address the root of your co-dependency, you’re very unlikely to change it.

FQ: You incorporate more storytelling in your poetry, which allows readers to join you on your personal journey to reinvention. Do you see yourself continuing in this style, or delving into novel writing?

KERIDAN: I hope to do both! I want to continue writing poetry and using it as a vehicle to connect with others and remind them that they aren’t alone. At the same time, I love the style of a novel, where you can work in a longer time frame and have the freedom to bring in different perspectives.

FQ: If there is one thing you hope readers will take away from your book, what would that be?

KERIDAN: It would be the unwavering belief that they, too, can reinvent themselves.

FQ: Do you envision yourself doing counseling, volunteer or otherwise?

KERIDAN: When I’m not writing, I’m actually a pediatric neuropsychologist. I specialize in cognitive testing with children and adolescents, many of whom have a chronic medical condition or have experienced a brain injury. I identify their unique learning strengths and challenges, and this helps them receive the support they need, both at home and at school. It also helps them realize that they aren’t “stupid” or “bad.” I’m especially passionate about identifying dyslexia, as no child should ever miss out on the joys of reading simply because of how their brain is wired.

FQ: Do you have any project in the works? If so, can you give your audience a peek into your new writing venture?

KERIDAN: I’m currently working on a fantasy novel that’s a coming-of-age story involving (surprise, surprise) a female protagonist who learns to stand up for what she believes in, even when doing so means making very hard choices. At the same time, she also discovers that some of the things she believes in are not as infallible as she’s been told, and this will require change on her part. The book is currently with my editor, and I hope to have it finished and published this year.

#BookReview - Tiny Tim and the Ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge

Tiny Tim and the Ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge By: Norman Whaler
Publisher: Beneath Another Sky Books
Publication Date: October 2017
ISBN: 978-1948131025
Reviewed by: Holly Connors
Date: December 2018

Did you ever wonder what happened to Ebenezer Scrooge after that fateful Christmas day when he discovers the true meaning of the holiday? Did he keep his promise? Did he truly become a changed man? In this sequel to A Christmas Carol, author Norman Whaler creates a believable and enjoyable story that tells us what might have happened.

As the story opens, we learn that Scrooge has just died. Alas, everybody is quite sad because Scrooge did indeed become a changed man and they all dearly loved him. While all are saddened, Tiny Tim is particularly grief stricken because Scrooge had become like a second father to him.

The Cratchit family attends Scrooge's funeral and then tries to return to their everyday, normal lives. Tim now works with his father at Scrooge's company, "Scrooge & Marley & Cratchit," but with so many memories of Scrooge within the walls of the office, Tim just can't concentrate on his job. Sadness and grief overcome him, he loses his faith, and he becomes a truly lost young man.

Next, the reader is introduced to Becky, a young woman who had been Tim's school sweetheart. Becky was from a wealthy family and they had determined that Tim was not a suitable match for the girl. Instead, she was forced into a loveless marriage with a wealthy but cruel man, where her sole joy was caring for her son Jimmy. But when her husband started showing his violent side, Becky made the bold decision to leave the comforts her husband provided in the hopes of keeping Jimmy safe from his beatings. The two found themselves living in the poorest section of London, struggling to find enough food to eat. When Becky's health began to suffer, it appeared all might be lost for her and her little boy.

When all seems lost, Tim is visited by the ghost of Ebenezer. Like the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future in The Christmas Carol, the ghost of Ebenezer tries to show Tim how blessed he truly is, and that life has meaning. The question is, will Tim be able to get over the death of his friend, find purpose, and perhaps reunite with Becky?

 Attempting to write a sequel to a classic such as A Christmas Carol is a bold move and one not many authors would attempt. Norman Whaler, however, does an admirable job of bringing the beloved characters that Charles Dickens created back to life. Like the original, this book is divided into 5 "Staves" (a term Dickens used to denote each chapter - a musical notation). Whaler also sprinkles his text with language that Dickens might have used to help set the mood and includes numerous illustrations, some with a definite Victorian feel, others more modern (clip art). At the back of the book are numerous Christmas carols that are mentioned within the pages of the story. While it is unlikely that any author could match the beauty of Dickens' classic, Tiny Tim and the Ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge does a good job of taking the reader back to old London. Throughout the story, there's a strong Christian message that Ebenezer brings of love and hope for the future, that both fans of Dickens and those who are looking for a good family story can enjoy.

 Quill says: Looking for a family Christmas story with a strong message of love and hope? If so, you should definitely take a look at Tiny Tim and the Ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge.

#BookReview - Bulwark @CarolePRoman

Bulwark

By: Brit Lunden
Publisher: Chelshire, Inc.
Publication Date: January 2018
ISBN: 978-1947188907
Reviewed by: Holly Connors
Review Date: January 6, 2019

A sleepy little town in Georgia is the perfect setting for a paranormal thriller that amps up the "creepy" factor in a story with more twists and turns than an old country road.

Clay Finnes is the sheriff of Bulwark, Georgia, a small town where nothing much happens. He's got a slightly annoying deputy, Owen Bishop, who means well but just isn't the brightest light bulb in the pack. As the story opens, Clay and Owen are at the scene of an accident where an out-of-town couple got their car stuck in a big green pond of muck. The accident happened at the outskirts of town, a place where there are remnants of an old road, but nothing else. Where were they coming from and where did that pond of bad smelling water come from?

After finishing the investigation at the scene of the accident, Clay goes to interview the couple. They're staying nearby at a hunter's cabin, with the owner there to keep an eye on them, while they wait for the ambulance. The husband is motionless on the couch, and the wife isn't much better, babbling about a witch in the woods. When she spots a picture on the mantle of the hunter's dead wife and claims, "...she's the witch that took my children," the hunter is understandably upset. That's when Dayna Dalton, an annoying local reporter, shows up at the door. Fortunately, Clay is right behind her and he forces her out of the way as he goes in the house. Clay doesn't have much luck interviewing the couple who are soon hustled off to the hospital.

At the hospital, Clay runs into his wife Jenna. Unfortunately, they are separated...things fell apart shortly after their young daughter Claire went missing the previous year. Clay still loves Jenna and hopes she feels the same, but with a hot doctor making the moves on her, things don't look too promising. Meanwhile, the wife from the accident is still babbling, telling anyone who will listen that they need to find the gingerbread house, which is where her children were taken. When wolves are mentioned too, Clay has had just about enough. What is going on?

Bulwark is one of those fun stories that grabs you quickly and doesn't let go until the very end. At just 109 pages, it won't take long to read and with short chapters that keep tempting you to read just one more, you'll likely finish the book in one sitting. The story has witches, werewolves, a town with a long-hidden history, and a very determined sheriff, who not only is intent on solving the mystery but also getting his wife back. Don't think you've figured this one out as you read, and don't assume you know who is good, or bad...you'll likely be wrong, which is what makes this story so enjoyable. The only thing the book needs is a careful review by an editor as there are numerous editorial errors - not enough to ruin the story but they do get annoying. Beyond that, however, this is a very good story that will leave you quite satisfied.

Quill says: If you like your thrillers with lots of twists, plenty of "creepy," some paranormal events, and a fast-moving plot, check out Bulwark. You might just be afraid to turn off the lights after reading the last page.

For more information on Bulwark, please visit the author's website at: caroleproman.com

#BookReview - Angels on Overtime

Angels on Overtime: A Divine Romantic Comedy

By: Ann Crawford
Publisher: Lightscapes Publishing
Publication Date: July 2018
ISBN: 978-1948543200
Reviewed by: Holly Connors
Review Date: January 1, 2019

Do we have guardian angels watching over us as we go about our daily lives? In this lighthearted, and at times very "deep" romantic comedy, author Ann Crawford has imagined a world of guardian angels that will stay with you long after you've read the last page.

As the story opens, we meet Brooke, an angel who has requested the "hardest job in the universe," which just happens to be an Earth assignment. Henry, a somewhat overweight, balding angel, is a manager of "Angelic Affairs." He's questioning Brooke about her desire to go to Earth, but she convinces him that it's what she truly wants. Soon, Brooke is on Earth, Southern California to be exact, getting to know Jack, the human she's been assigned to help. Jack already has three angels watching over him - as does every human. Each has a different job, such as whispering positive messages in their charge's ear, while another keeps track on a computer of what's going on. When a human is ready to "wake up," to find true joy and love, they get a fourth angel because of course, the workload increases. That's where Brooke comes in - if Jack is ever going to enjoy life to the fullest, he will need Brooke's help. The problem is that while Jack adores his children, his wife, and her lover, definitely put a kink in his finding true happiness.

Next, we meet David, another angel, who is in another office, talking with another angelic affairs manager, about going to Earth. His manager, too, gives in and sends David to Earth to watch over his assignment. Meet Emily, a sweet woman, who is wandering aimlessly through life and a loveless marriage.

Brooke and David quickly learn what's required to help their respective humans, thanks in large part to the other angels watching over Emily and Jack. When Jack is arrested for having drugs in his car, and Emily is truly lost after her beloved mother dies, it appears as if Brooke and David have a heck of a lot of work ahead of them. As their work continues, the two angels start to spend more and more time together and "things" start to happen. Perhaps a couple of angels might also find true love and joy...

When I began reading Angels on Overtime, I wasn't quite sure what kind of story it was, but I quickly decided it was a lighthearted tale of guardian angels. But as I read further, I began to realize that there is a lot more to this story than simply a fun angel adventure. This was especially true in a chapter where Brooke and David were shown the lives of several people in despair, people whose tragic lives lingered over the pages. I paused and re-read those pages a few times to get the full meaning of each person's experience - it was deeply moving. While the story was initially about Jack and Emily, and the choices they made/would make, the way the author slowly brought about the relationship between Brooke and David was truly enjoyable. Finally, there are many words of wisdom throughout the story, ideas such as "At bottom, everything is a choice...absolutely everything," (pg. 35) that will cause the reader to reflect on his/her own life.

Quill says: Angels on Overtime is a truly unique tale, filled with humor, a great cast of characters, and a comforting premise of how we each have angels watching over us. The story will surely linger with the reader in a satisfying way, long after the last page has been read.

For more information on Angels on Overtime: A Divine Romantic Comedy, please visit the author's website at: anncrawford.net

#AuthorInterview with John Fennell

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Barbara Bamberger Scott is talking with John Fennell, the author of of Raven and the Panther

FQ: You say in your biography that much of what you write links directly to events in your life – can you give a specific example in Raven and the Panther? 

FENNELL: Raven's upbringing in the book is almost identical to the real Raven Anderson (who is my wife Barbara Ann). Barbara was raised by her grandmother and uncle, as was described in the book. Raven's personality is almost like Barbara's, although embellished for reader enjoyment. This connection I had in real life drove me to develop Raven Anderson's character.

FQ: Did you make a conscious decision to highlight heroines more than heroes in this book? 

FENNELL: Absolutely, I was the youngest of four children, the other three were girls ranging from 5 to 15 years older. Each one of my sisters were very successful in life, even as young teens/adults, they were highly motivated and driven. I guess that must have had a tremendous influence on me. Even early on in my life, they were spaced apart enough in age to show me a different perspective of life from their point of view, because of this, I somehow picked up on their life experiences. With that being said, I have the upmost respect for heroines due to the environment I grew up around. They were three unique individuals with different personalities.who played a big part of my childhood.

FQ: In your experience, is it typical for people in mining communities to want to stay near home, as Raven insists on initially, and to be involved in the production of coal?

FENNELL: Yes, I was involved in coal mining and worked shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of men and woman. Coal miners is a very high paying profession often out-pacing the average mining engineer's salary due to the danger and hard physical work. It doesn't matter if its underground or surface mining, I don't know of very many who have moved and left mining as their source of income.

FQ: By the end of the book, Raven has decided to leave home, leave the US – does this suggest a sequel that will reveal a change of heart?

FENNELL: Yes, the second book, Raven Gone Rogue is out and the third book, Raven and the Code Book is finished and ready to be released. In these two books I focused on developing Raven's character along with additional characters to provide more exciting adventures in both Europe and the Caribbean.

FQ: Does your interest in brain technology have some connection with latest scientific advances (such as the idea of living forever)?

FENNELL: The human brain has always interested me. The idea that we only use a small percentage of our brain fascinates me. This brings me to my other series, John Vacara. John was injured during WWII and captured by the Nazi's who preformed an unprecedented operation on his brain, enhancing his gift he was born with. Actually both series intertwine one another. I often use characters in the Raven Anderson books that originated in the John Vacara series. The Panther is a main character from the John Vacara series The Diary.

FQ: The character Naci seems to have special protection from you as the author as well as from other characters, including Raven. Is he being saved for something special in a future volume of this series?

FENNELL: Actually Naci is me, so yes he loves Raven, but at the same time understands where she is coming from. Naci was planted in Raven's home town for one purpose only, to persuade her to become an agent for The Foundation. The problem was, he fell in love with her which set up unusual situations in the book to add reader interest. Another reason I give special interest to Naci is he will have his own series in the future.

FQ: What in your West Virginia upbringing has the strongest influence on this novel? 

FENNELL: Born and raised in West Virginia, I always wanted to travel and explore the world. Yes, I was one of the very few miners who gave up the coal mining life to move onto other things. I still have a strong desire to become a better writer and provide enjoyment to those who read my novels. Not moving from West Virginia, it would have been very difficult to develop these stories. I think that was the biggest influence for both series, particularly Raven and the Panther. I have traveled to almost every location described in my novels. This alone, has helped develop stories in my mind.

FQ: Besides Raven, who is your own favorite person in this story?

FENNELL: Without a doubt, The Panther. I liked the way the Panther directed the flow of the story and the influence the Panther had over Raven. She couldn't figure out who the Panther was until the end of the book. The Panther held all the cards to her life then Raven did something, even Naci couldn't believe, at the end of the book.

#BookReview - Raven and the Panther

Raven and the Panther

By: John Fennell
Publisher: CreateSpace
Publication Date: October 2017
ISBN: 978-1979001151
Reviewed by: Barbara Bamberger Scott
Review Date: December 29, 2018

A twisted thriller of international proportions, Raven and the Panther begins down home among kinfolk and ends with kindred souls facing a new world together.

Author John Fennell II began his life, and begins this book, in West Virginia. His central character is a teenaged girl whose wild and wily ways earn her the nickname Raven. As the book opens, she is living a quiet life at home with her aging but steely-minded mother Stella and her hardworking Uncle Bill. Her relationship with a boyfriend, Naci, has begun to heat up considerably, but when he insists he’ll leave West Virginia after high school to see the wider world, she feels she has lost him already. Then Stella passes, and she’d be totally alone if it weren’t for her kindly uncle. When he is killed, shot down in a public place while Raven is with him, Raven suddenly transforms into huntress, then spy, determined to figure out who killed her uncle and why.

The more Raven learns, the more she finds herself embroiled in a multi-level network of warring factions in her home territory and well beyond. Bill, she discovers, had a secret life as an operative for an organization dedicated to upholding politically conservative ideals against the evils of rapidly spreading liberalism. As Raven follows in Bill’s footsteps to infiltrate the enemy’s hierarchy and get revenge, she becomes a self-activated deadly weapon. Then she meets a man who is her equal, and together they go in for the final kill.

Fennell has constructed his book with episode upon episode of mounting tension and increasing violence. Set within what is apparently meant to mirror current trends, he uses the metaphor of “draining the swamp” and at one point, depicts Raven and her allies tracking down a former Secretary of State named “Hillary Benton” and giving her such a pounding that she will be ineffective in any future traitorous plans. The pauses between bloody hits and deep intrigue often involve highly erotic sexual encounters, some starring Raven, some merely casual occasions between other characters. Fennell is as skilled at painting sensuous scenes as in creating moments of raw violence. He also includes in the mix a bizarre sci-fi twist adding to the mystery: some of his characters are infused with a brain serum that gives them special, superhuman powers of cognition.

Though at times the rapid segues may prove confusing and the sex somewhat gratuitous, the author is to be commended for focusing on Raven and other admirably authoritative women as prime movers in this drama, and for keeping the action rolling on every page.

Quill says: Raven and the Panther deals with contentious, up-to-the-minute issues by highlighting powerful virtues of fearlessness and tenderness within the psyche of a resolute, uncompromising young female.

For more information on Raven and the Panther, please visit the author's website at: johnfennell.com