Sassy Reviews

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

November 8, 2023

King Kenny and the Fox’s Cape

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: King Kenny and the Fox’s Cape 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Debbie A. Thomas ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“King Kenny and the Fox’s Cape” is an interesting Children’s book written by the author Debbie A. Thomas and illustrated by Jobin Daniel. The main character of the story is King Kenny. King Kenny was Chief Lion and the ruler in the wild. The time when he ruled was of peace and harmony.

One day the King’s leaders came to read books written by previous kings. King Kenny saw the cape that Commander Corby was wearing. He loved the cape so much that he wanted it at any cost. Read this book to know what King Kenny will do to get it.

This book teaches us to practice gratitude. It tells us to count our blessings and thank the Lord for them. Many times we only see the things that we don’t have and therefore we forget to count our blessings. A grateful heart always attracts abundance. This is a wonderful storybook that teaches an important lesson to the kids. The pages of the book are colorful. Go ahead with this book without any second thoughts.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

November 7, 2023

Midnight on Fireworks Island

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Midnight on Fireworks Island 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Christopher N. Ciko ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Midnight on Fireworks Island” written by the author Christopher N. Ciko is an intriguing read. It is a gripping story of two mischievous boys Joey and Figueroa sent to Rockweiler Academy for boys. Rockweiler is a correctional institute for kids too young to be in the main prison system.

Joey has heard reports of the school’s mysterious Headmaster’s ability to read people’s minds and giving severe punishments. When Joey’s parents dropped him at the school, his dad gave an advice to him “Don’t let anyone pick on you or talk down to you son”

At Rockweiler, Joey observed that most boys had tattoos and facial hair. They looked like bullies. Joey was just a boy who listened to the wrong voice. Will he be able to survive amongst thugs and beasts? Will Joey make it to the Fireworks Island?

I appreciate the humor in this book. The character’s development is done well by the author. Those who enjoy hilarious stories should definitely get their hands on this book. It was interesting to read about the companionship of Joey and Figgy. Go ahead with this book without any second thoughts.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

November 7, 2023November 7, 2023

Interview with author Christopher Nicholas Ciko

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

My name is Christopher N. Ciko. Although I am educated with a Law Degree and a Master’s Degree, my greatest gift is creativity. I have created art, video games, characters and worlds.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Midnight on Fireworks Island”?

The biggest challenge I faced writing this book was that it was my first novel. I have written many screenplays. Each took me about 4 months to write. This book took me 17 years.

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

My favorite book of all time is Illusions by Richard Bach. It is a book that both entertains and will change your life.

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

I love to visit any creek or stream in a forest.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Midnight on Fireworks Island’?

Teen suicide. I saw how kids beat themselves up for so many reasons, it spirals until they see no way out. I wanted to write a book that never talks about specific problems but gives a solution to ALL problems.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Midnight on Fireworks Island’?

It took me 17 years to write Midnight on Fireworks Island. It was like a long journey where I put provisions along the side of the road, forgot about them, and found them years later.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

Midnight on Fireworks Island can be bought from my website https://www.fireworksisland.com/ or Amazon. https://a.co/d/4q87reY

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Midnight on Fireworks Island’?

The boy in the story loves fireworks. I think everyone loves fireworks.

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

I keep my writing fresh by passing it by my 5 kids and their friends. Then we talk about it, or I have my kids ask them privately what they thought.

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

The most important advice to give about writing is to know your audience.

Buy Midnight on Fireworks Island on Amazon

November 7, 2023

Interview with author Deborah Kent

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

My name is Deborah, I am married to a retired farm worker and live in a farmhouse in North Essex.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Cabbages in the Smoke”?

The challenges are being disciplined enough to keep the routine. If you have one bad day don’t carry it through the night. The first draft isn’t the final result.

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

Books that have influenced me are The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho, The Occult, and Mysteries, both written by Colin Wilson. I loved The Exorcist William Peter Blatty. I also enjoy any true crime stories not to mention my love to soak up anything regarding conspiracy theories. I believe in magic both the dark and the light, and very open minded to its power we are able to tap into.

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

I have two favourite places, although they are complete polar opposites really. I adore Covent Garden, London. The shops, the buskers, people watching, occult shops nearby in the side streets and the general quirkiness. With wonderful creative energy, which is great for people watching.

The other is Suffolk, a beautiful county not too far away from where I live. My husband and I go at least once a year. Last time we found a very and I mean very secluded adult tree house. Deer were playing in the woods, adder swimming in the lake, buzzards flying overhead. It’s where we recharge and switch off from life. Breathe deep and watch mother nature going about its business.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Cabbages in the Smoke’?

Cabbages In The Smoke seeded very quickly. Rewind my job London Probation working on community service projects all over North London. My job was extremely edgy and thick on your feet. Gangs are a huge problem, and the seed planting was the office ringing to inform me I was to expect a gang member needing his hours to be completed quickly.For our own safety noone was to leave the project or go outside for any reason, adding plain clothed police officers would be circling the perimeter in unmarked cars. A young man entered, polite, and smart. As I looked into his blood shot eyes I saw further than the huge trouble he was in. Where material ruled his world and danger cash was his bread and butter. I wanted to write about a spiritual journey he didn’t know he was on. A chance to change his journey for the better. To turn things around, brushing shoulders with the darkness, and nothing is coincidence.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Cabbages in the Smoke’?

All in all the book took seven years and many re-writes. I enjoyed every moment. Heading into my world, my characters.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

The book is available on Amazon.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Cabbages in the Smoke’?

The title funnily enough was the first name I thought of. Cabbages In The Smoke. An unlikely setting of a cabbage farm. The smoke part is both spiritual, and the connection to spirit, and London used to be nicknamed as The Smoke because of the coal fired homes made everywhere smoky and foggy.

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

I keep things fresh by watching everything and everyone, youth what they are doing and communication on the internet. The trends and understanding it isn’t easy growing up.

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

The most valuable piece of information that has been rubber stamped for me is write what you know. I have never forgotten that, forgot who wrote it and voiced it though!!

Buy Cabbages in the Smoke on Amazon

November 6, 2023

Covered in Flour

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Covered in Flour 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Charles Presti ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Covered in Flour: 1968: A Young Boy’s Perspective on School, Family, and Changing Times” is an intriguing read. The story begins from the year 1968. Carl was in third grade. His teacher Miss Veezi welcomed all the students to third grade. Carl had a 3-ring notebook with him and he was ready to fill it with the homework assignment.

His teacher gave the students an interesting homework assignment to watch a TV series called Julia. The show stars a Negro woman as a nurse. Carl was named after his grandpa Carlos Pozzi on his dad’s side. His mother and father met during a dance practice. They married and started their family. Carl is the only brother to three sisters. His one brother passed away just after he was born and Carl never got to meet him.

This is a coming-of-age story. Throughout the book, we read about Carl’s growing up years and the constantly changing world.

Through this book, the readers would get to know about the complexity of growing up in a rapidly changing America. Even though this is the debut work of the author, the writing style is amazing. I enjoyed reading this book.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

November 6, 2023

Three Weeks in Winter

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Three Weeks in Winter 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Joseph LeValley ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Three Weeks in Winter” written by the author Joseph LeValley is an interesting read. It is a chilling mystery thriller that would send chills down your spine. Deputy Sheriff Tim Jebron was in Chicago when he died. On Tony Harrington’s birthday, Sheriff George Mackey from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation visited him to tell him that his deputy sheriff Tim Jebron had died. George asked Tony to keep this investigation request as a secret. He wanted Tony to go to Chicago and find out what exactly happened to Tim.

According to George, Tim was afraid of heights. He wouldn’t climb the top of a twelve-story building to do suicide. Chicago PD was going to release that Tim committed suicide but George knew that it was not in Tim’s to take his own life. Soon, Tony started the investigation and he started by asking Tim’s wife Melissa about what happened on Saturday evening. Before Tim died, he had an argument with his wife Melissa and he sent a suicide text to her. Melissa is sure that the text wasn’t written by Tim. Soon, Tony went to Windy City to continue his investigation along with Darcy. Tony and Darcy know that Chicago PD has been ignoring evidence. They didn’t even interview the bartender. Through the investigation, they soon found out about ‘Patriots of Victory One’.

This is a gripping story full of suspense. With every turning page, I was curious to know what happened to Tim. The writing style of the author is nice. The backdrop setting is impressive. The characters are written well by the author. The cover photo of the book is nice. This book is full of suspense. Go for it without any second thoughts.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

November 6, 2023

My House

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: My House 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: M. Marie Walker ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
My House penned by the author M. Marie Walker is a melodramatic story. The story features three siblings: Mike, Marlon and MyIesha. Mike is the eldest one. He was supposed to set a good example for his siblings. When he was fourteen, he remembers how his father Don wasn’t a loving father. In fact, he was violent.

Jakyra is the youngest among her siblings Johnee and Jermaine. It has been a year since Jakyra separated from Mike. Now, she wants to return to him. Her four-year marriage to Mike ended on bad terms. Mike couldn’t handle him well when his marriage broke up with Jakyra. Seeing his brother in a terrible condition, Marlon and MyIesha don’t want Jakyra and Mike to reunite. Arguments started happening between Mike and MyIesha. Will Mike listen to his sister or will give another chance to his marriage?

This is a captivating story that one would enjoy reading in a single sitting. The cover photo of the book is well designed with a suitable title. The writing style of the author is nice. The story is well paced and there weren’t any dull moments in this book. If you love drama stories then go ahead with this book.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon