#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/

 #Bookreview of Cruise Crush

By: Kathleen Allen

Publisher: Warrington Publishing

Publication Date: April 1, 2025

ISBN: 978-1-944972-51-6

Reviewed by: Shrubaboti Bose

Review Date: March 17, 2025

Kathleen Allen’s debut novel Cruise Crush is not your usual romance story. Of course, like the title suggests, it involves Delaney - the main character, developing a crush on a handsome young man on the cruise ship, but there is more to the story than meets the eye.

Their first encounter is simultaneously hilarious and memorable. He accidentally bumps into Delaney, spilling cocktail sauce all over her clothes. But without making a big deal out of it, she simply lets it pass. During the brief exchange that follows, as she turns her head up, she is immediately mesmerized by the genuine look of concern reflected in his dark brown eyes. From the young man’s point of view, who we come to know as AJ later on, he is equally enchanted by Delaney’s dazzling blue eyes, which exuded both calmness and confidence despite the mess he had made.

By this point of the story, it is clear that Allen has a gift for describing things and using little details to bring a scene into life. Her sharp observation skills help to portray characters in a realistic light, allowing us to connect with them at a deeper level. For instance, when Andi (AJ’s elder sister) talks to AJ and refers to Greg (her long lost husband) while doing the dishes, we can sense her longing and grief for her partner. When their family gets together for any reason, be it to share a dinner or to bid each other goodbye at the porch before leaving, we can feel the warmth in their hugs. It might be possible to even assume that due to such a detailed narration, the story is able to maintain its element of suspense while consistently contributing to the slow build-up of an intense chemistry between the protagonists.

Therefore, it is no surprise that when it comes to steamy details too, the author undoubtedly delivers. It is certainly difficult to mold sexual attraction in a fashion which keeps it sensual without making it seem like objectification of the other party. But in this regard, Allen does a good job by giving both characters an equal standing, subjecting both of them to a similar gendered gaze and more importantly, making sure that they are characters who understand the meaning of consent. A big part of Delaney’s attraction to the mysterious young man onboard is also his thoughtful gestures and courteous behavior, apart from him being well-groomed and properly dressed, so what stays significant here is the establishment of his character as a gentleman.

One of the many aspects that makes this novel intriguing is how the author chose to keep the real identities of the characters hidden from one another. Although as readers we have the upper hand here and can see their every thought and emotion, they remain unknown to the characters themselves and we are left to anticipate the direction in which the plot would progress. In this context, the shifting point of view makes it easier for us to follow the gradual development of the storyline and to further trace character growth. In fact, within the span of seven and a few more days, the readers, along with the characters, are taken for a roller coaster ride, full of unpredictable events that eventually align perfectly once we come towards the end of the story.

Quill says: Cruise Crush is a journey worth taking, especially for those who love reading romance novels with an added bit of spice!

For more information on Cruise Crush, please visit the author's website at: kathleenallenromance.com

 #Bookreview of Strangers in Crime

By: Shana Frost

Publisher: Loch Fuar Publications

Publication Date: April 8, 2025

ISBN: 978-1-7384994-2-7

Reviewed by: Trix Lee-Rainwater

Review Date: March 17, 2025

What drives someone to take justice into their own hands when the system fails those who need protection? This is the central question in Shana Frost's gripping romantic thriller, Strangers in Crime.

The story follows Cheryl Spiers, a police detective in Glasgow, chasing down a suspect late at night. Later at a local pub, she encounters the charismatic owner Anthony intervening in a domestic dispute, and their instant attraction leads to a passionate night together. But the next morning, Cheryl discovers Anthony's connection to the notorious Ricci crime family and his vigilante operation helping abuse victims escape. This puts Cheryl’s career and principles in conflict with her growing feelings for him. Despite her initial anger at Anthony's deception, Cheryl finds herself drawn into the plight of Faith who is trying to escape her abusive husband, a close associate of the Ricci family. Cheryl witnesses firsthand how Anthony's underground network of resourceful women work to provide new identities and safe passage for abused women like Faith. As Cheryl and Anthony devise a plan to help Faith escape, with the network giving her a new identity while Anthony creates a distraction, they soon realize they've underestimated the ruthlessness of both Darryl and the Ricci family. Cheryl must make a choice between her duty as a police officer and her growing conviction that Anthony's methods, while illegal, might be necessary.

Strangers in Crime is a romantic, thrilling novella that weaves together themes of justice, morality, and the grey areas between right and wrong. The chemistry between Cheryl and Anthony sizzles from their first meeting, but it's their intellectual and moral sparring that truly drives their relationship as they navigate their conflicting approaches to justice. The author's handling of the Glasgow setting is equally impressive, bringing the city to life through vivid descriptions and authentic dialogue that ground the story in its Scottish context. However, the intimate scenes between Cheryl and Anthony, while fitting for their immediate attraction, would benefit from more sensual details and emotional depth to make them truly engaging and immersive.

Where the novella particularly shines though is in its nuanced exploration of domestic violence and the challenges victims face in seeking help through official channels. Through Faith's story and Anthony's tragic backstory about his female friend, Frost illuminates why some turn to underground networks for protection when the system fails them.

Quill says: Strangers in Crime is a romantic thriller that explores justice, morality and redemption while delivering heart-pounding action and steamy romance.

For more information on Strangers in Crime, please visit the author's website at: shanafrost.com

 #Bookreview of The Vatican Deal: A Marty and Bo Thriller

By: Michael Balter

Publisher: Mission Point Press

Publication Date: May 15, 2025

ISBN: 978-1-965278444

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: March 3, 2025

The intriguing international criminal thriller The Vatican Deal: A Marty and Bo Thriller by Michael Balter centers on a dubious multi-million-dollar Vatican agreement with unexpected hazards.

In what seems to be the most significant investment they will ever make, two wealthy entrepreneurs, Bo and Marty, intend to buy the second-oldest foundry in Rome, Italy. The foundry, established in 1870, is the world's premier factory for casting and recreating classic three-dimensional art. Museums such as the Vatican, Louvre, and Uffizi commissioned the foundry to manufacture exact replicas of their most valuable statues as insurance against vandalism, earthquakes, war, or fire. It also made replicas for several of the most affluent families in history, such as the Windsors, the Romanovs, the Rockefellers, the Vanderbilts, the Carnegies, and the Gettys, as its collection expanded to over 1000 molds. Bo and Marty could legitimately reproduce all of the artwork in the Vatican Library if they purchased it.

With all of the important decisions and agreements completed, their journey to Rome is expected to be brief. Among their partners are Natalya and Dmitry, the sixth-richest oligarch in Russia, who initially assisted in reviving their failing company. They immediately discover, however, that purchasing the foundry is a risky decision after an individual is severely injured in an accident that undoubtedly intended to kill one of them. Details of an intangible presence- a pervasive and undeniable force- dubbed the 'il sistema' emerge, and next thing they know, their rooms are vandalized. They are also left with a message that reads, "Go home or die." With threats coming from all sides, the question remains whether they will relinquish the acquisition or fight on.

This narrative is set against a very detailed historical backdrop, and the subject of the church's quest for religion and reward provides early clues as to the plot's course. A number of shocking developments drastically change the storyline, such as the foundry acquisition, which is shown to be a sophisticated and deliberate operation, covertly carried out by one unwitting character while other parties appear with quite conflicting interests. The author has created an unusual circumstance in which the characters are stuck between threats against purchasing the aforementioned asset and threats if they do not acquire it. Until much later in the narrative, the path they choose is unknown, which keeps the readers on edge about what the characters should do.

The elements of treachery in this story will make the reader cringe with each new development. Balter breaks down typical mystery barriers by fusing imagination and reality. His closing remarks offer a compelling backdrop that reveals the inclusion of real persons, as well as his business-related activities in Rome that served as the inspiration for the novel. These Italian experiences, which he characterizes as "fertile ground for many fantastic novels over the years," have not let his audience down in this one.

Quill says: The Vatican Deal: A Marty and Bo Thriller is a fast-paced, action-packed crime thriller that will have its readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Balter excels at combining danger and treachery with unexpected developments throughout, ultimately culminating in an explosive finale.

For more information on The Vatican Deal: A Marty and Bo Thriller, please visit the author’s website at: www.mbalter.com.

 #Bookreview of Sunday Jenks by Nellie Hill

By: Nellie Hill

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: September 10, 2024

ISBN: 979-8-89132-345-2

Reviewed by: Tripti Kandari

Review Date: March 3, 2025

Sunday Jenks by Nellie Hill hinges on Sara Dencott, a hopeful and idealistic artist treading a fine line between creative aspirations and practical life.

The story of Sara ignites with Sara's new career in San Francisco at a wig-dyeing company. From New York to San Francisco, her journey takes a turn when she ventures into a shadowy workplace run by a shifty, charismatic businessman, Al Jackson. Initially cautious, flexible hours and good pay compel her to accept the job. The journey accelerates, sweeping Sara in an emotional tide—where deception follows her, the path to self-awareness unfolds, and relationships take her on a whirlwind of experiences. Ignoring the preliminary signs and ominous and foreboding cues, Sara jumps into her new role at the company, but at what cost?

The story stops at a threshold where Al and Sara's professional relationship turns into a personal affair. But what else Sara finds herself in is the circle of manipulation and opportunism, not only in business, but also in her personal life. What's more, Sara and Al's journey from one city to another—Nevada Desert, Las Vegas, and Atlanta—serves as an eye-opener for Sara. Sneak previews of Al's dubious business, reckless decisions, new identities, and unstable lifestyle drowns Sara ever into the dark reality of toxic relationships.

Fleeting pleasures, moral ambiguity, and a mix of love, control, and emotional dependency embody Sara's complicated relationship. Emotional dependency and vulnerability lurk, positioning any moment to ensnare the young artist in their web. In Sara's search for identity and independence, will she understand Al's garb of a charming personality working its manipulation on her, twisting emotions and influencing every core of her life?

The narrative is deeply psychological and introspective. The realistic presentation of character psychology and emotions makes one feel Sara's dilemmas. The descriptions are poetic and symbolic—be it the emptiness of the desert, the snowstorm, and the cabin as symbols of isolation and entrapment or metaphors of desire and control—holding deeper meanings. There is a gradual build-up of the narrative, which leads to a wandering yet impactful exploration of the character's arc.

A psychological realism, the ideas of complex relationships and self-discovery characterize Sunday Jenks, catering to readers seeking an insightful and inspiring tale of a woman's journey toward self-worth and emotional survival.

Quill says: Sunday Jenks by Nellie Hill unfolds a gripping and psychologically layered narrative of love, betrayal, and moral compromises blanketed in thrill, drama, and emotional tension.

For more information about Sunday Jenks, please visit the publisher's website at: atmospherepress.com/books/sunday-jenks-by-nellie-hill.