#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.

 #Bookreview of The Mouse Who Couldn't Eat Cheese

By: M.B. Mooney

Illustrated by: Ekaterina Mironova

Publisher: Yorkshire Publishing

Publication Date: June 24, 2025

ISBN: 978-0881440669

Reviewed by: Diana Coyle

Review Date: April 1, 2025

Alex the Owl loves playing and making new friends. So, when she sees a new mouse family move into the forest, she can’t wait to introduce herself in The Mouse Who Couldn’t Eat Cheese by M.B. Mooney.

She takes some cheese with her as a gift and heads over to meet the girl mouse, Maya. When she arrives, she offers Maya her gift, but is surprised when Maya doesn’t immediately eat it since, she assumes, that all mice love cheese. Alex asks if Maya would like to spend some time together and Maya agrees. They have lots of fun together that day. They even decide to meet again tomorrow for another playdate.

The next day, Alex is waiting for Maya at the designated cottonwood tree in the forest, but Maya doesn’t show up. Alex waits and waits, but Maya still doesn’t show up. So, Alex goes to Maya’s house to see what happened. Alex learns that Maya isn’t well and she can’t come out to play. Alex asks if Maya would like to make a new playdate for the next day. Again, they make plans, but Maya is so sick, she has to go to the doctor. Alex is upset to hear this and confused as to why Maya keeps breaking playdates with her. Then, Alex finds out that Maya suffers from Crohn’s disease. Once Alex finds out what that means, how does she react to Maya’s news? What does this mean for their new-found friendship?

This is a wonderful story allowing children to learn what Crohn’s disease is and teaching them to be compassionate to someone suffering from this serious stomach disease. Mr. Mooney shares in detail why Maya couldn’t keep her playdates and why she didn’t eat the cheese that Alex gifted her when they first met. Knowledge is power for anyone reading this, but it truly helps children understand, at an early age, that this disease is serious and can affect others close to them. The key is teaching the children that they should display empathy toward the person experiencing this illness, while also showing how the power of friendship can mean so much to a person who is chronically ill such as Maya. The author even included a page at the end of the book dedicated to explaining what Crohn’s disease is and offering resources that can help a child deal with this disease.

The illustrations provided by Ekaterina Mironova were charming to look at and can be found on every page of this informative children’s book. They were vibrantly colored and engaging to the reader’s eye. Each illustration was the perfect complement to the written story. Ms. Mironova is a painter, illustrator, and an AI-artist.

M.B. Mooney is an award-winning author of both fiction and nonfiction books. He dedicated this story to Alex Davidson, a young woman who passed away from Crohn’s disease. Her mom, Lori, and a friend contributed in developing this story to raise awareness and support for kids with this disease.

Quill says: The Mouse Who Couldn’t Eat Cheese by M.B. Mooney will not only entertain readers of all ages, but also educate them about what Crohn’s disease is and how you can support someone who suffers from this disease.

 #Bookreview of La Ballona Creek

By: Brant Vickers

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: May 6, 2025

ISBN: 979-8891324534

Reviewed by: Nellie Calanni

Review Date: March 31, 2025

In La Ballona Creek, Brant Vickers delivers a poignant and immersive journey through time, weaving a narrative that captures the spirit of adventure, friendship, and the ever-changing landscapes of youth and history. With lyrical prose and richly drawn characters, Vickers brings to life a compelling story set against the backdrop of Culver City, California in 1970 and Tongva’s ancestral lands, their homeland, in 1770.

The story follows a close-knit group of friends: Jorma, Yogi, and Sonny, as they navigate the trials and triumphs of growing up in a world shaped by both personal struggles and larger historical forces. Through a series of interconnected events, they experience the highs and lows of adolescence, discovering the true meaning of resilience, loyalty, and the power of memory.

Vickers masterfully crafts a tale that balances humor and heartache, blending historical depth with the intimate moments that define coming-of-age narratives. His ability to create a vivid sense of place allows readers to step into the world of La Ballona Creek with ease, experiencing its beauty and challenges alongside the characters.

The novel’s themes of nostalgia, transformation, and the passage of time resonate deeply, making it a story that lingers in the minds of readers long after the final page. Vickers’ storytelling is both evocative and heartfelt, capturing the universal longing for connection and understanding.

At its core, La Ballona Creek is a tribute to the bonds of friendship and the enduring impact of the places we call home. As the characters confront the uncertainties of the future, they find solace in their shared history and the lessons learned along the way.

Quill says: Brant Vickers’ La Ballona Creek is a beautifully written exploration of youth, change, and the ties that bind us to our past. With its captivating narrative and memorable characters, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers of all ages.

For more information about La Ballona Creek, please visit the publisher's website at: www.atmospherepress.com/books/la-ballona-creek-by-brant-vickers

 #Bookreview of The Soap Maker

By: Terrence Pershall

Publisher: Evolved Publishing LLC

Publication Date: May 26, 2025

ISBN: 979-8890251459

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: March 26, 2025

In The Soap Maker by Terrence Pershall, the pressing need to make a decision, similar to an ant confronting a lion, initiates this intriguing narrative. Here, an innocent young man who becomes one of the Nazis' biggest adversaries is caught up in a quest for liberation that his nation sorely needs following the brutal deaths of his loved ones.

As a young boy of 13, Anton spent all of his free time with his favorite grandpa, Papy Philippe, watching him make soap. He would assist with tending the garden area where Papy cultivated the plants from which he extracted the oils that he used to make the soap because of their aroma and therapeutic properties. Over time, Anton mastered the technique and was thrilled when Papy complimented him on his efforts. Papy was troubled to see that the Germans, commanded by Hitler, were pushing into France, implying a future war that, as a veteran, he thought would be worse than the last one. Unfortunately, his fears soon came to pass when a Nazi officer killed his daughter, Anton's mother. With promptness but caution, Papy advised Anton to try to use his grief as a strength to fight against the people who had taken his mother away.

In the days that followed, he handed Anton "special soaps" to present to several "customers." Anton was astute enough to realize that Papy and his father were up to something, particularly after a bombing by a resistance group was reported on the news. Curfews were enforced, and Anton almost got arrested before being rescued by a young woman who was fleeing due to the Germans' cruel murder of her parents. With predictions of a large invasion circulating, his task became critical to the resistance group's covert plans. The worst happened, however, when a German soldier one day picked the "wrong" soap from his basket, followed by unthinkable personal tragedies striking close to home.

Pershall leads readers on a harrowing familial journey packed with grief and wounds caused by painful losses amid a tumultuous historical period. He conveys the main characters' tenacity, fortitude, and belief that liberation was achievable despite all the evidence to the contrary. He has given readers the opportunity to experience the grim political atmosphere as they become engrossed in the richly drawn locale and tense family dynamics amid alarming news and rumors.

Rays of optimism for victory over the enemy are briefly displayed before being swiftly and violently smashed, which heightens the plot's depth and intensity in a real war scenario where the unpredictable takes center stage. Themes of kidnapping, cold-blooded death of women and children, rape, barbaric treatment, and torture have been interwoven to accurately depict the antagonist's brutality. Notable are the protagonist's survival tactics and accomplishments, victories and tragedies, and his ability to emerge neither arrogant nor bitter.

This is a tale that teaches and amuses while exploring an unconventional approach to pursuing justice. It skillfully allows readers to draw their own assumptions before taking completely unexpected turns. Using characters that transform this historical narrative into a fantastically entertaining one, along with a dash of humor and affection, the Nazi Invasion and the Resistance efforts have been masterfully crafted. What is required to pursue justice against powerful officials and what it would take to shatter a strong heart are the central themes of the finale.

Quill says: The Soap Maker by Terrence Pershall is a one-of-a-kind historical book that seamlessly combines a contemporary narrative and a historical account. Each character is wonderfully depicted, with their own motivations and intricacies. Readers who value sophisticated weaving will find this story compelling and delightful.

For more information about The Soap Maker, please visit the publisher's website at: www.evolvedpub.com/books/the-soap-maker

 #Bookreview of The Assassin, the Traitor, and the Prophecy

By: Jeff Altabef

Publication Date: May 26, 2025

Publisher: Evolved Publishing

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: March 26, 2025

The captivating fantasy novel The Assassin, the Traitor, and the Prophecy: A Four Kingdom Fantasy by Jeff Altabef narrates the experiences of a young Magic Shaper who must become friends with the "broken son" of her kingdom's adversary in order to gather vital information. However, in what may be considered the biggest atrocity ever, she eventually falls in love with him. Will this work to her advantage, or will it result in betrayal of her and her people?

Before the Wingots struck an agreement with the malevolent Shadow Creatures more than a millennium ago to banish magic from the earth, Cassara's kingdom was ruled by sorcerers. The sorcerers were vanquished, and the Wingots eventually seized their land. Without the sorcerer's protection, the Wingless were easily enslaved. Recently admitted to the exclusive ranks of the Master Assassins, Cassara feels that the Wingots made a crucial mistake: they forgot that magic cannot be completely defeated. Now that it is gradually returning, she envisages reclaiming their due land, or perhaps die trying.

Saving his uncle Gideon from the Wingots Royal Palace prison is her first task. She must battle her way past guards, including some Blood Traitors and Wingots, who are especially skilled at controlling wind. Her veins flush with adrenaline as she battles her way through, eventually opening a magic portal that transports her and Gideon to the Black Forest. Later, Prince Darren, who saw her do the magic, worries the Order, a group led by her mentor, her uncle, Nero. Shortly after, a seer in their land gets a vision in which Wingot's "Broken Prince," Prince Darren's younger brother, is being led to his death. She believes that since he will "play a part in future events," it is imperative that they save him. Just how, she doesn't know. In the following events, Cassara learn the true cause of the resurgence of magic. She is startled by what happens next, though, especially when Prince Darren shows up with a proposition that might easily paint her and her colleagues as traitors.

The story explores the protagonist's life in great detail, exposing her thoughts, triumphs, and nightmares. Because she must keep everything a secret in her new position, one can sense how worn out she is by all of these. With each new mission she is asked to do, the reader is given clues that enable them to examine how her skills develop. With each subsequent page, the novel stresses her inner turmoil and dilemma in following her true feelings while despising her people's oppressors, all while demonstrating a great sense of willpower, tenacity, and resolve.

Jeff Altabef's The Assassin, the Traitor, and the Prophecy is full of secrets; everyone appears to have some. It takes great satisfaction in its unexpected twists and turns that totally deviates from the predicted course. Its unexpected partnerships, perplexing maneuvers, and unusual proposals all contribute to a satisfying and incredibly rewarding ending. Thrilling action takes center stage as each decision and action appears to reveal fresh information that raises the stakes, even as it becomes critical to acquire a key resource that promises to profoundly alter the course of events.

Quill says: As this story progresses and unfathomable mysteries are exposed, you will gasp and wonder what will happen next. Prophecies that are coming true abound in it, and its captivating, mysterious plot line will both inspire wonder and evoke your greatest anxieties. Fantasy readers should not miss this work, which is a masterpiece in its own right.

For more information on The Assassin, the Traitor, and the Prophecy, please visit the publisher's website at: www.evolvedpub.com/books/tattatp

 #Bookreview of Bridget Kimble Learns Self-Control

By: Brandon Moore

Illustrated by: Mick Edrick M. Marcellana

Publisher: Moore

Publication Date: September 23, 2024

ISBN: 979-8991167901

Reviewed by: Diana Coyle

Review Date: March 21, 2025

Bridget Kimble is so excited to start her first day at EnMotion Elementary school in Bridget Kimble Learns Self-Control by Brandon Moore.

She doesn’t want to miss anything, so she makes sure she takes the first seat on the school bus and also in her classroom. Her teacher, Ms. Widget, hands out a list of expectations and rules of the classroom that each student is to follow. Afterward, they begin introductions so all the students can get to know each other. When it is Bridget’s turn, just as she’s about to start introducing herself, another student jumps up and starts his introduction instead. Bridget can’t help but express herself by saying that it is her turn, not that boy’s turn. Ms. Widget speaks to both students, but allows the boy to continue speaking, which doesn’t make Bridget too happy. She can’t understand why Ms. Widget allows the boy to continue speaking even though it is her turn to share. Little did the class know that Ms. Widget was planning to use this situation as a learning tool. What was Ms. Widget’s lesson to be learned from this situation? Will Bridget finally understand why Ms. Widget allowed the boy to continue speaking even though it wasn’t his turn?

This children’s story exemplified the perfect lesson of teaching children how to learn self-control and remain in control of their emotions when an unexpected situation arises. Bridget wasn’t happy when her classmate stepped out of turn to introduce himself to everyone. But once Ms. Widget finished hearing all the students’ introductions, she explained how this situation could became a life lesson for all of them. Instead of acting out her emotions abruptly, even though Bridget was correct that it was her turn, she showed self-control by expressing calmly to the other student that it wasn’t his turn. She displayed a maturity in the classroom that Ms. Widget wanted all the students to learn from.

At the end of the story, the book provided fun pages for readers to further enjoy. The section was called Creation Snippets and showed the drafts of the major characters’ rough sketches, colorized pallets used for the characters, how the backgrounds of each illustration became detailed and even how the text and chat bubbles were added to the story.

The illustrations provided by Mick Edrick M. Marcellana were vibrantly colored and presented similarly to a comic book format for the readers to enjoy. There were pictures displayed on every page for readers to follow along with the written word. The illustrations were the perfect complement to this children’s book storyline.

Quill says: Bridget Kimble Learns Self-Control by Brandon Moore will teach young readers that executing self-control of their emotions is a sign of maturity. The book is presented in somewhat of a comic book format, which makes it extremely unique in presentation, and will surely entertain the readers both verbally and visually.

For more information about Bridget Kimble Learns Self-Control, please visit the author's website at: bridgetkimble.shop/

 #Bookreview of Animals Feeling Like Us

By: R.M. Smith

Illustrated by: R.M. Smith

Publisher: Clarence-Henry Books

Publication Date: February 27, 2025

ISBN: 978-0988290983

Reviewed by: Diana Coyle

Review Date: March 18, 2025

In Animals Feeling Like Us by R.M. Smith, we are presented with different animals teaching us what certain emotions mean and look like. We are introduced to such animal characters as Happy Hippo, who loves smiling from ear to ear, and Silly Sloth, who loves to clown around and act kind of funny. We also meet Grumpy Goat, who isn’t happy about anything, and Confused Camel, who is so perplexed he isn’t sure what to do next. In total, there are thirteen lovable characters that readers can get to know through their different emotions they share with us.

This reviewer found this children’s book unique because Mr. Smith provided thirteen different characters and allowed each character to share different emotions through his written word. This teaches children not only about different emotions they might feel, but also how skillfully the animals go about teaching the child what each emotion meant. After each emotion is mentioned, the author defines what each feels like and gives an example of a situation that can cause that particular emotion to happen. He cleverly uses rhymes to enhance and explain each feeling, which in turn captivates his readers into wanting to turn the page to see what animal and feeling is on the next page.

The illustrations, also provided by the author, can be found on every page for readers to look at while reading along. Each one encompassed the full page and were done in muted tones that were pleasing to the eye. The illustrations perfectly matched the written word that was expressed.

R.M. Smith is a children’s author and illustrator of educational picture books. He has a background in graphic design and illustration. Combining both talents, he has been creating children’s books since 2008.

Quill says: Animals Feeling Like Us by R.M. Smith will not only teach children about different emotions and what they feel like, but will also entertain its readers with all the silly characters that can be found on each page.

For more information about Animals Feeling Like Us, please visit the publisher's website at: clarencehenrybooks.com/