Sassy Reviews

November 11, 2023

Interview with author Tom B. Stone

Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

A1. Hello world. For the sake of honesty I should admit that Tom B Stone isn’t my real name. A close look will reveal that the letters spell Tomb Stone which is an homage to my upbringing in a funeral home. That off center environment has left me with a bit of an off center sense of humor that sometimes shows through in my writing. I’ve done some traveling including 2 years in Argentina, which is a beautiful country, as well as Scotland. As the land of my forbears and with the general ‘sit on it and rotate England’ attitude, it was probably my favorite.

These days I practice medicine in the rural, southern Midwest (culturally the south but geographically the Midwest. If you don’t live in the United States it’s a bit hard to explain. Think of it like a redneck colony west of the Mississippi River). What little spare time I have is split between a wife and five kids, two cats, writing, house maintenance, Bee Keeping, house maintenance, exploring nature, and house maintenance.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Do No Harm”?

A2. For me it was finding the time. I continued to work full time all through the pandemic including when I caught Covid. As a result spare time was, and still is, at a premium. Do No Harm was a project that came together in small pieces.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

A3. Tom Clancy for sure. Our style of story telling isn’t that similar but the type of stories we want to tell are very similar. This was actually my third novel length project with the first two actually inspired by the National Treasure movie franchise. I hope to have those ready for the public soon.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

A4. I would have to say the San Rafael Swell and Buckhorn Draw areas of Utah are my favorite. I grew up crawling all over those rocks and cliffs. I even guided the Army Corps of Engineers through the area before I could even legally drive. Watching the glowing crimson sun come up over frozen waves of Navajo sandstone rock formations is one of nature’s exquisite wonders. A close second would be the misty fall mornings where I live now.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Do No Harm’?

A5. A fairly remarkable man I used to work with had been a United States Green Beret in another life before getting into medicine. He told me several stories of his exploits both in the service and after working as a medic in the mountains of Guatemala. He’s so much larger than life that his traits had to be split into two separate characters just to be believable. A lot of myself went into the main character as well, mostly the emotionally burned out/ PTSD parts not so much the heroic bits.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Do No Harm’?

A6. I started in the summer of 2019 after my youngest son was born and finished in the late summer of 2022.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Do No Harm is currently available as an E Book and Paperback which can be found on a few sites including Amazon and my publisher’s web page Austin Macauley. Sometime after the new year it is slated to come out as an audiobook as well.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Do No Harm’?

A8. I went through a number of ideas before settling on this cover. In the end I wanted to go for a vintage ‘Who done it?’ look. Since doctors aren’t culturally associated with violence, I felt like the stethoscope and bloody knife has good shock value that draws the eye.

As for the title, it was an easy choice. The general goal of a physician is to ‘do no harm’ which is included in the oath taken by every MD graduate. Being forced into direct conflict with that moral expectation is part of the internal struggle that molds the main character. The idea of that title wasn’t as original as I’d thought. Author Jack Jordan has published a thriller under the same title that was released shortly before mine. That’s life I guess.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

A9. Switching points of view between characters keeps the story moving without having enough time to get bored with any single character.

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

A10. Take a writing course. Between reading a few books on fiction writing and taking a course I feel like it really upped my game.

Buy Do No Harm on Amazon

November 11, 2023

Goobletygok

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Goobletygok 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Richard Bird ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Goobletygok is an interesting Children’s Book written by the author Richard Bird. The main characters of the story are Poppy and his grandson Freddy. Through this book, Poppy and Freddy take us on a word-game adventure that inspires the readers to invent their own words so they can show their loved ones how much they care.

One day when Freddy was eating grapes, his grandfather Poppy tapped Freddy’s shoulder and said “Buckadoodle.” Freddy has never heard this word and he asked Poppy what it means. Poppy started making up things saying Buckadoodle loves poodles that eat noodles. He came up with many rhyming words. Freddy and Poppy enjoyed each other’s company making up new words.

Read this book to know what all words Poppy and Freddy would make. The illustrations are pretty and the cover photo of the book is nice. This is a unique book and I loved the idea of making up new words for fun. This book inspires the readers to spend quality time with their loved ones. I enjoyed this book by Richard. Looking forward to reading more such books by the author.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

November 11, 2023

Interview with author Kristin Lillywhite

Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

A1. My name is Kristin Lillywhite. I’m a full-time single mother, abuse, survivor, teacher, and cat owner when I’m not writing, I enjoy hiking and playing my guitar..

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Feeling the Feelings”?

A2. I wrote it during a Traumatic period of my life. One of the biggest challenges was having the confidence to feel like my book would be accepted for publication.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

A3. My favorite poet is Emma Lou Thayne. She wrote my favorite him, “Where Can I Turn for Peace?” I would love it if someone read her poem, “Packed and Ready” at my funeral.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

A4. My favorite spot to visit is Kona, Hawaii. It’s special to me because I have family there and it is a very healing place.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Feeling the Feelings’?

A5. Surviving to abusive relationships was the inspiration for my poetry for this book. I was also influenced by my experiences as a teacher and a mother.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Feeling the Feelings’?

A6. I first published these poems on my blog. It took me about six months to write all the poems in the book.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iBooks. The book is available in hardcopy or digital format. I will soon have a Spanish edition, but it’s not yet available.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Feeling the Feelings’?

A8. The title of the book was inspired by conversations I had with my friend Whitney. We both have days after our divorces where we just have to feel what we feel and be okay with it.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

A9. I still publish my poems on my Facebook blog. My main sources of inspiration are my experiences, my students, my faith, and my children.

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

A10. Read books by Ann Lamont and Elizabeth Gilbert. Write every day, even if you don’t feel like it. Even if it’s just a few sentences, or a to-do list, or a letter, or a random page of whatever is in your head.

Buy Feeling the Feelings on Amazon

November 10, 2023

Legacy: Wisdom of African Traditions and the Bible

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Legacy: Wisdom of African Traditions and the Bible 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Chris Morehouse ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Legacy: Wisdom of African Traditions and the Bible” written by the author Chris Morehouse is a unique read. This book is rich in African and Biblical wisdom. In this book, readers would discover African expressions of the golden rule and welcoming the stranger.

The author has mentioned how African proverbs do not represent a single tradition. They are diverse and rich just like the continent of Africa. Proverbs encapsulate insights that can sink deep into your soul. The author has shared the golden rule:
If you know what hurts yourself, you know what hurts others. —Malagasy (Madagascar)

This golden rule exists in beautiful variations across several African cultures. I learned this golden rule recently in my life.

The Following proverb tells us to tell God whatever we are seeking.
God spoke, “Ask me and I’ll give you.”—Swahili (Kenya & Tanzania)

The Commentary and Study Guide section is thought provoking. It will help us to study and explore more wisdom. The comparison between African and Christian teachings is done well. I am glad to read the book. The proverbs are full of wisdom.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

November 10, 2023

Bentley’s Fantabulous idea

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Bentley’s fantabulous idea 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Miki Taylor ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Bentley’s Fantabulous Idea” is an interesting Children’s book written by the author Miki Taylor and illustrated by Eunhye Shin. The story features Bentley, the cutest, fluffiest, black and white puppy. Bentley has two bestest friends, a human named Betty and a bumble bee Mr. Bee.

The three of them enjoy playing outside but one day Betty seemed miles away. Betty told Bentley and Mr. Bee that she has a project that will take much of her time and she wouldn’t be able to play all day. Bentley came up with a fantabulous idea. With the help of it, Betty can play and complete her project too. Read this book to know will Betty be able to finish her project.

The title of the book is perfect according to the story. The character of Bentley is my favorite from the book. He teaches us to be a problem solver, do teamwork, help a friend, etc. This book tells us that we can do our assignments in a fun way without getting tensed about them.

The story is interesting and is written well by the author. Parents should definitely buy it for their little ones.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

November 10, 2023

Interview with author Erin Nichols

Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

A1. Erin Nichols grew up and still resides in the Sacramento area of Northern California. She loves the natural world, spending time outdoors, and is always looking forward to her next adventure. She graduated from California State University, Sacramento with a Masters in Speech-Language Pathology. Erin works as a health coach and believes in always striving to learn and grow.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “No Matter What”?

A2. My biggest challenge was moving beyond recounting the events and digging into the emotions. Some of the events themselves were highly emotional, and had me typing through tears, others I had to dig deep to unearth my deeper experience and let the reader into my thoughts ad feelings.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

A3. I found a great deal of help from reading Stephen King’s On Writing. I in no way write like him, but his writing process and tips in the book informed my own writing. While writing the book I read Long Litt Woon’s The Way Through the Woods, which inspired me to explore my own grief and how I was moving through it.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

A4. I absolutely love the Marin Headlands, on the other side of the Golden Gate bridge from San Francisco. We spent a year there in Marin County at a hospital at the base of Mt. Tamalpais. I’ve returned over and over to explore the various terrains and views of the ocean, the bay, and the forest.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘No Matter What’?

A5. People had been asking me to write a book for years, but I didn’t know what my angle was. It hit me one night when I awoke at 3am, it’s a memoir telling the whole story in a series of short stories. I wanted not only to immortalize Sam and our story but share my experience of moving through an incredibly difficult set of circumstances while striving to be positive and growing relentlessly.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘No Matter What’?

A6. Writing the book spanned over four years in total, but most of the writing took place over about nine months in 2022.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. The book will be available on Amazon and in Sacramento, Ca area bookstores.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘No Matter What’?

A8. Originally, I’d crafted a cover on Canva with a black, red, and white color palette, featuring a bloody heart. When we got serious about needing a cover design, I knew I didn’t want to be on the cover myself, then I stumbled upon the graffiti picture from Fallujah. Sam looks amazing, and the love note says it all. As soon as I saw the picture, I knew that was the cover image. The Red Cliff team did an amazing of transferring a snapshot into a cover I’m in love with, and it just happens to be in the same color palette as my original design.

The title changed a couple of times. The original title was Let’s Stay Together, our song. It then became Our Promise, referencing a promise we made to each other as teenagers that reflects the central theme of the book. we (my publisher and I) wanted something a bit more intriguing though, and she came up with No Matter What. I loved it instantly.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

A9. Writing in different environments helped me. I had my regular routine, but I also took a couple weekend writing retreats where I stayed in an Airbnb in the woods and hiked and wrote. After the second draft I sent it out to a handful of beta readers to get their feedback which turned out to be invaluable.

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

Just write. Even when you don’t feel like it, be disciplined to your scheduled writing times and get something down. You can always edit and polish later.

Buy No Matter What on Amazon

November 10, 2023

The Power of a Positive Mindset

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Power of a Positive Mindset 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Jason Wolbers ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Power of a Positive Mindset: Transform Your Mind Transform Your Life” written by the author Jason Wolbers is a must read book. This book motivates the readers to take a ninety day challenge to improve your life and mind. The author has included various inspiring quotes and positive affirmation of the day at the end of each chapter.

This book is guiding us by sharing practical successful principles with us. The author has talked about the power of positive affirmations and how they help in building us. PMA i.e. Positive Mental Attitude is something that can be learned. The Golden Rule shared by the author would help a lot. This book is full of amazing topics picked by the author. Each of these topics would contribute greatly in transforming our mind and life.

The writing style of the author is nice. I appreciate the content shared in this book. Jason has amazing knowledge and I am grateful to the author for the wisdom he has shared in this book. If you want to transform your life then take this ninety day challenge. I am sure you will find this book worth your time.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

November 9, 2023November 9, 2023

Interview with author Debbie A. Thomas

Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.

My name is Debbie and I am a wife of a hard-working and patient husband and a mother of two amazing little girls. When I’m not working my full-time job, chasing my ever-energetic children, or maintaining every nook and cranny of my home, I can be found jotting down creative stories or songs.

What is your inspiration behind your book “King Kenny and the Fox’s Cape”?

As a Christian and a mom, I find deep meaning in the ability to share my faith and important life lessons with my kids. This story was created from the principles used in teaching my children about the Biblical story of David and Bathsheba. Outside of the adult-relatable content lies a tale about a discontent heart that sought after something because of envy. I felt this concept at its core would be easy for kids to understand and quite relatable, which is how the book was born.

When did you realize you wanted to be an author?

After spending years writing short stories, songs, and poems, I finally decided about a year ago (2022) that I wanted my children to be able to hold and pass down my books.

Please tell us something about your book “King Kenny and the Fox’s Cape”?

Through captivating illustrations and an engaging plot, this book simply portrays what happens when we choose to not be grateful. While being grateful and content are the overarching themes of the story, it is also a tale sprinkled with the virtues of forgiveness, humility, and redemption. It is a children’s book wrapped with timeless lessons.

For which age group is your book “King Kenny and the Fox’s Cape” suitable?

Ages 4-9

What is your favorite Quote?

“Yet, with your power must come gratefulness. For a thankless heart is a heart always looking for something and is never satisfied.”

What do you like the most about your country?

The core of America was founded upon principles that understood our rights are Creator-endowed.

What suggestion do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?

Make reading a daily habit because it is important for vocabulary and overall literary fluency. However, you should also make reading a regular hobby for fun! Reading for fun will let the literature expand your imagination, build upon your bank of knowledge, and internalize what you’re learning.

What does literary success look like to you?

My ultimate goal would be to see my stories become staples of people’s childhood. I’d love to hear young readers tell me years down the road that my stories helped them understand important lessons at a young age.

Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?

My husband inspires me to pursue being the best version of myself. My children inspire me to dream big. My faith in Jesus inspires me to live beyond myself and seek to serve others and honor Him.

Buy King Kenny & The Fox’s Cape on Amazon

November 9, 2023

The Playgroup

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Playgroup 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Jami Worthington ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
I love reading thrillers. This time, I got my hands on Jami Worthington’s book ‘The Playgroup’. It is a captivating story that hooked me from the first page itself. In Oak Valley, things aren’t exactly as they look. When Cleo moved to Oak Valley with her daughter Izzy, she was invited to Alex’s Playgroup. Cleo liked Alex and her daughter Izzy liked Alex’s daughter Ava’s boots. Like a mother, like a daughter.

Jenna Carver and Morgan Lambert are Alex’s best friends and members of the Playgroup. When Alex started opening up to Cleo, she shared secrets that could bring chaos to her life. Alex told Cleo about the difficulties she faced in conceiving her first child and how it could impact her husband Ethan’s ego. Will Cleo be a good secret keeper or will she betray Alex and use her secrets against her? Cleo already envied the life of Alex as she is rich, beautiful, and has a handsome and charismatic husband.

Those who enjoy stories of friendship, lies, betrayal, revenge, and jealousy should definitely read this one. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t put it down. The storyline is interesting. This story taught me to be careful about whom I share my secrets with. It opened my eyes to not share my deepest secrets with anyone. All the characters are written well by the author. Looking forward to reading more books by the author in the future.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

November 8, 2023

Silenced

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Silenced 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Vivian Ireton ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Silenced written by the author Vivian Ireton is the first book in The PSV Series. The story features social worker Cassandra Welton and Detective Logan Trenton working together to find the killer. A body of a woman naked from the waist down was laying in the shadow of a tree. The perpetrator had painted a big clown smile around the victim’s gaping mouth. The woman on the ground in front of her had been a recipient of the HOPE Center’s services two weeks ago. She had been brought there after being beaten and raped.

Victoria Tanner was 28 years old and lived at 3182 S. Dearborn. When Cassie was trying to interview her, she found out that Vicky was mute. One day Vicky used the restroom by the Shakespeare Theater. When she came out, she saw a clown face in front of her. The attacker removed her pants and raped her. He ran away after that. One man saw Vicky needed help and he called 911. EMTs took her to Hope Center where she met Cassie. Read this story to find out what Cassie and detective Logan would find out.

The story is gripping. The book is well paced and there were no dull moments in it. The title of the book is suitable and the cover photo is designed very well. This book kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. Great work done by the author in this book.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon