Sassy Reviews

August 22, 2023

Interview with author N.H. King

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

Yes, sure. My name is Neil and I grew up in Penzance, where the book is set. I’ve lived all over the UK, but my home is currently in Torquay, Devon. I live with my long-term girlfriend, two teenage children (one boy, one girl) and two black cats!

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “The Imagining Wall”?

The main challenge was fitting in writing with all the demands of working and raising a family. In fact, I started writing the Imagining Wall decades ago and the manuscript has been heavily edited since those early days.

In terms of writing itself, the biggest challenge has been dealing with pov changes. It is tough to switch pov within a scene, and I try to do it as little as possible. I’ve had to learn how to achieve this without disorienting the reader. I hope I’ve managed it!

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

That’s a tough question because I am a really eclectic reader. I can read absolutely anything and enjoy it. I also like to think that life and the creative energy of the universe influence me more than anything I’ve read.

Having said that, the way the ‘Celestine Prophecy’, by James Redfield, straddled the boundary between the mundane world and spiritual reality had a powerful influence. However, the Imagining Wall is definitely more plot-driven and covers more diverse traditions than many Visionary Fiction titles. Another influence would be Philip Pullman’s ‘His Dark Materials’ trilogy. Again, it’s that blending of the familiar world with something much bigger. Will’s Oxford is similar to Amber’s Penzance in that way.

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

Anywhere remote where the connection with the spiritual is most tangible. The Imagining Wall is set in West Penwith which includes magical places like Lamorna and St. Buryan. Further north you have Bodmin Moor, Boscastle and other places where the veil between the worlds seems thin.

Aside from Cornwall, the Yorkshire Dales are beautiful, and then there’s North Wales and the Brecon Beacons in South Wales. I’ve been to Ireland once, another place steeped in Celtic history, and I really must get to Scotland one day!

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘The Imagining Wall’?

I have always been fascinated with the intersection of belief systems. Having grown up in a place with a rich folklore, and having had so many numinous experiences throughout my life, paganism, witchcraft and shamanism have always fascinated me. On the other hand, I studied science and achieved a Psychology degree, so I understand the workings of the mind and how we experience the world around us from a scientific angle too. Then we have the patriarchal religions, occult traditions, etc., all with their own angles. I wanted to write a story that could make sense through any of the characters’ unique lenses. I also wanted to inspire readers to explore different traditions, so there are hints of all sorts of belief systems scattered throughout it.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘The Imagining Wall’?

Put it this way: if I knew how long it would take me to get it published, I would never have picked up the pen! I started the Imagining Wall before my eldest was born, so that’s over 18 years at least.

I joined a peer review group after finishing my first draft and it was an eye-opener. Some people loved the story as it was, which was a great confidence booster! But most had constructive criticism. The amazing thing about peer review groups is that they pick up on the same issues. For me, it was a tendency to over-describe and to flit between pov. I then spent many years squeezing editing into a very busy life. Two years ago, I decided to knuckle down and finally get the book finished.

Readers shouldn’t worry though. The second book won’t take nearly as long to create. It’s called ‘Eight’ and I’m really excited to get my teeth into it.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

That’s easy – Amazon! At the moment, I’m exclusively selling via Amazon. You can get the Imagining Wall in paperback format or on Kindle. It’s also available via Kindle Unlimited for readers familiar with that programme.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Imagining Wall’?

Readers will have to get the book to understand where the title comes from. Suffice to say, it’s a central part of the story. The cover was designed by Kate Turner, a fantastic artist with lots of experience in cover design and typesetting. I wanted to represent the kingfisher – which plays an important part in the trilogy – as an energetic field while still making it recognisable. That’s where the mirror image concept came from. I also love what Kate’s done with the pillars on the back cover and the colour scheme itself is amazing. The concept was a pure collaboration but the execution is all Kate’s work!

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

Great question! My main source of inspiration is the creative source that comes directly from the universe, so I’m always tapping into fresh ideas. I structure the plot as I go, so I’m never tied into a formulaic pattern. I treat the characters as real people and think about how they would react to a situation, and I even ask them as if they were real people. Sometimes their answers surprise me, so I hope the reader feels that ‘aliveness’ too.

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

Be consistent with pov. If you jump from one character’s head into another’s without somehow indicating that switch, you will confuse them and that will break their engagement with the story. I’ve learned how to use ‘anchor objects’ and other literary devices to subtly say, ‘Hey, we’re moving from Amber’s headspace to Michael’s now, OK?’ Staying in pov also helps you to ‘method act’ your characters a lot better because you’re no longer half in one perspective and half in another.

Buy The Imagining Wall on Amazon

August 21, 2023

Interview with author Thomas Lubben

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

My name is Tom Lubben. I am a man in my 80s who has been married three times, twice to the same woman. I have an extended family of 31 people living in 6 states. I am beginning my 60^th year in Education- and continue teaching in college. I swallow 19 vitamins, in 4 gulps, every morning before my morning devotion. Between the age of 60 and 75, I opened 4 Artistic Focused charter schools that today serve a combined 2,000 students and employ over 200 employees. I began seriously writing in my 70’s and published three books (fiction and non-fiction) over the past three months. My mystery series features amateur detective, BJ Gleeson. Two have been published (Death on the Pines- 2022) (Death on the Bayou) with three more yet to come … and God’s not finished with me just yet. My non-fiction, spiritual works include “A Year’s Journey” (A journal) and “The Eyewitnesses”, (An account of 10 major miracles of Jesus as observed by Bystanders and Eyewitnesses.)

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

None really, my faith in the Lord helped me through the process.

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

Actually, the Holy Bible was the major influence on my newest book. Michael Connelly and David Baldacci are my favorite Mystery writers. I also love the classics, Agatha Christie, and Sherlock Holmes.

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

I love visiting “water”, particularly the Jersey Shore. I sense God’s power there.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘The Eyewitnesses’?

I was inspired to lead more people to reading about Jesus. People today are falling away from that belief.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘The Eyewitnesses’?

From start to finish took about 6 months.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

It is available on Amazon, Lighthouse Christian Publishing, and will soon be available in multiple book stores.

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

The title was easy, Jesus didn’t just do his miracles alone, he was always around “regular people”. These are their views of his miracles. The cover was developed by the publisher. I like it because is makes you wonder, “what is that person eye witnessing?

Also, a unique part of this particular book, I sent the preliminary chapters out to a wide variety of people for comments and suggestions. They were members of my Friday morning bible group, several area pastors, and family members. I utilized many of their suggestions in the final version.

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

At 82 I am still a lifelong learner, I am always reading, watching tv, and meeting with others. This keeps me fresh. I also enjoy public speaking. I make myself available to a variety of community groups.

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

Writing can keep your mind engaged; it allows you to capture memories for others to see. Also, just keep writing, even now, with 5 books published and three more ready to go, I am simultaneously working on three additional writing projects: another mystery for my series (#6), another spiritual book, and a semi-autobiographical work.

Tom Lubben’s website: https://www.authors-lehigh-valley.com/

August 21, 2023

Urban Sparrow

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Urban Sparrow 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Corinthians Ann Williams ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Urban Sparrow written by Mrs Corinthians Ann Williams is a gripping story. The story features Corinthians Ann Davenport. Corinthians lived with her family in Newark, New Jersey. Her father was a handsome man. He doesn’t come home from work for days which turn into weeks. Corinthians’ family moved often but she wanted to stay put. Her mother was raising all her kids on whatever salary she was earning.

Corinthians’ family moved to Montclair. She was teased there by the other kids. Her father easily tracks them down wherever they move. After being intoxicated, Corinthians’ father mistreats her mother. The family moved again to Newark. Corinthians didn’t know that the world is full of deceptive people. She fell for the sweet words of Allen Richardson and ended up being pregnant.

Corinthians became a Christian at an early age. Read this story to know how she deals with the world as she grows up. The story feels relatable. As teenagers, we fell for people’s words without noticing their actions. Corinthians’ character is my favorite from the book. The storyline is interesting. My favorite part from the book is “A Little Wisdom will go a long way”. These tips would definitely help readers in their life. It’s a book worth reading. I had a great time reading this story that took me on a rollercoaster ride full of emotions.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

August 20, 2023

Labeled: Miss Popular

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Labeled: Miss Popular 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Alyssa Milani ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Labeled: Miss Popular: The Story Of Paxton Chase” written by the author Alyssa Milani is a gripping read. Paxton Chase is a pretty, popular and rich girl. She is with Mr. Popular Jack who doesn’t treat her right. When they were fifteen years old, Paxton ended up getting pregnant after being involved with Jack.

Jack threatens her using this secret. If Paxton tries to leave Jack, he would tell everyone about it. Paxton has rich parents but they are busy with their own lives. They don’t give much of their time and attention to Paxton.

Grayson Beckett is a nerd and a handsome man. At school, the history teacher asked Grayson to tutor Paxton after school so she could graduate. During their study sessions, Paxton and Grayson opened up to each other and got close. They shared secrets with each other. How would the others at school react to seeing them together? What would Jack do?

The story is gripping. I binge read it on the weekend and I had a great time reading it. The backdrop setting is impressive. The cover photo of the book is nice and the language used in the book is lucid. The characters are written well by the author. Alyssa has used good vocabulary in her novels. This book fits my reading taste well. I strongly recommend it to my fellow readers.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

August 20, 2023

Nora Kinkaid wants her life back

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Nora Kinkaid wants her life back 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Julia Macmillan ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Nora Kinkaid wants her life back” written by the author Julia Macmillan is an interesting read. The main character of the story is Nora Kinkaid. She can see things that aren’t in the physical realm. She can hear, sense and receive visions of things that don’t exist in the physical realm.

Dealing with two realms isn’t an easy thing. Nora doesn’t like vulnerability. But her soul’s journey is to get comfortable with vulnerability. She is in a fight with a non-light being. She doesn’t like darkness at all. Her ex-boyfriend Oliver’s new girlfriend has started irritating Nora. Nora never got migraines until she was twenty-five. Now, she is in bed unable to move her body.

Nora is tired of migraines. She has to beat the non-light being but the problem is she has to do it from bed. These non-light beings are like dementors from Harry Potter. You can imagine how hard Nora’s life must be because of non-light beings. Read this story to know more about what happens in Nora Kinkaid’s life.

This is an interesting story that I binge read. The story kept me on the edge of my seat until the last page. The plot of the story is unique and intriguing. The writing style of the author is nice and I enjoyed every bit of this book. Looking forward to reading more books by the author.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

August 18, 2023

Interview with author Ryan McKinney

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

As you know, my name is Ryan. I went to undergrad for English Literature and Language, and completed my master’s degree in Cybersecurity earlier this year. I am married to a beautiful and supportive wife, Abigail, and have two cats that I would love to say are angels, but cats do be cats.

I’ve been writing essentially ever since I was able to comprehend a basic story structure. I was six when I wrote Finbur and the Lilly, a tight ten pages with full illustration about a scientist whose family was abducted so he used a flower to make a smoke bomb so he could save them. Riveting, really. After that, I wrote The Black Samurai and the Alien Invasion. I was a prodigy. If the sarcasm wasn’t evident, I will say that I have come a long way since my early attempts, but I lost the goal that I had back then: to enjoy what I wrote.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Neon Nothing”?

The primary challenge I faced was the impostor syndrome. Every writer faces it for different reasons; my reason was writing in the Cyberpunk genre.

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

I don’t think that there is a Cyberpunk author that can say they didn’t draw from Neuromancer – indirectly or not.

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

My favorite spot is, unfortunately, one I don’t get to visit often anymore, the Shakespeare Garden in Central Park West, right around 83rd street. From my little spot, I could see Belvedere Castle and the Turtle Pond. I had this very romantic notion of being a boy in Ireland, looking over the fields of my ancestors, and those things they built. So, having a place, in the middle of New York City, where I could sit and stare across a field at a castle was the greatest thing ever to me.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Neon Nothing’?

Dogs: Bullets and Carnage. In the manga, one of the main characters has a collar that is part of a “Spine of Kerberos”. I latched onto the concept and, over time, took that campaign and turned it into a story. That story went through three iterations before I arrived at something I can actually refer to as Neon Nothing.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Neon Nothing’?

I can give three different answers to this question that I feel are all true, however, I think the truest answer is twenty-one years. I was not born able to write like this. I was not this good of a writer when I was six, thirteen, or even twenty. I had to develop my skills over the course of a lifetime. So, in order for Neon Nothing – in order for anything I write from here forward – to come into being, those years were a part of that process.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

Amazon or Barnes & Noble! Some others may come up, but those are the primary two that my publisher, Acorn, partners with.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Neon Nothing’?

I took inspiration for my cover from the likes of Akira, Altered Carbon, and the falling up scene from Into the Spiderverse. What brought this particular cover into being was the two main characters of the story, Key and Shio. On the cover, it is Key that is facing away. You can’t see his face because he can’t. He doesn’t know who he is, so we can’t see him. Shio, meanwhile, knows who he is, but is coming to be someone else over the course of the narrative. We can see his face, we know him, but he’s moving away – he’s moving into something new.

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

Plagiarism. I joke, but only kind of. I spent a lot of time trying to be “original” before I realized that it’s much more important to write the story your way. I didn’t invent Cyberpunk. I didn’t invent a lot of the core concepts my book deals with. What is completely me – and always fresh – is how I put those things together and progress a narrative. The perspective I have and the story I choose to tell is all my own.

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

Write. Just write.

August 17, 2023

If It’s Not One Thing It’s a Mother

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: If It’s Not One Thing It’s a Mother 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Sabrina Ciceri ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“If It’s Not One Thing It’s a Mother” written by the author Sabrina Ciceri is a must read book. In this book, the author tells the readers that what we inherit from our mother impacts our life. The way we are raised by our mother impacts us. The author has shared her journey as a daughter, mother and a grandmother.

Sabrina was thirteen-years-old when her mother ran off with her boyfriend. This made her think how her mother and best friend could do this to her. Sabrina soon realized that her mother is self-centered. With Jesus’ support, it was easy for Sabrina to go through the trying times. She was not just a mother to her children but a mother to her mother too.

In this book, the author has mentioned about self-care and putting your own self first. If our cup is full then only we can pour it into someone else’s cup. The author has shared many lessons too in this life. For example, controlling parenting only leads to rebellion.

The writing style of the author is nice. The narrative is smooth and strong. The title of the book is suitable with a nice cover photo. I appreciate the insights the author has shared in this book from her own journey. It’s a book worth reading.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

August 17, 2023August 17, 2023

Dream Up Now

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Dream Up Now 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Rayne Lacko ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Dream Up Now: The Teen Journal for Creative Self-Discovery” by Rayne Lacko is a great read. This journal is for teenagers and it helps them to explore emotions, create art and envision life’s possibilities. This guided journal consists of various activities. The author is telling readers that every emotion is valid so they should explore their emotions freely.

By reading this journal, teens would be inspired to take help when needed. This book takes them on the path to improve their grades, self-image and friendships. Readers need to be honest with themselves while reading this journal so they can heal better.

For instance: the emotion “I Feel..Tired” helps readers to have a night routine that could help them to relax and have a good night sleep. The thought provoking questions at the end of each emotion chapter are helpful. This is an amazing journal that helps us to be more aware of our emotions.

Through this journal, the author is guiding readers to move from dark to light. What are you waiting for teens? Get your hands on this journal and create the life you want to live. I am really inspired after reading this journal. Great work by the author in this one. Looking forward to reading more books by Rayne.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

August 17, 2023

Interview with author Joe Woodley

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

Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself to your audience and my new book, The Great Christmas Heist, which is illustrated by Syd Hutchison. My name is Joe Woodley. I am a husband and a father. I was a single-dad for nearly twenty years and my wife and I have five children in common. I have been a public speaker for nearly fifteen years and authored more than sixteen books for children and adults on topics that promote positive messages on character, family, faith and community. I am passionate about inspiring and equipping people to reach their fullest potential.

What is your inspiration behind your book “The Great Christmas Heist”?

I wrote the draft for The Great Christmas Heist nearly ten years ago and felt strongly that this was the time to partner with an illustrator and publish this story. The themes interwoven throughout this book are more relevant than ever. There is a massive hope deficit in the world today. Our children and families are fearful, confused and more anxious about the challenges they face in the world that exists today. At the center of this story is a message about the value, hope and love that comes from family. The stories I read as a young child from authors like Dr. Seuss, and Roald Dahl celebrated those themes in unique ways. This book honors the great authors of the past in a colorful and joy filled way, It is inspired by what family was, is and can be. I believe the world is increasingly hungry for these sorts of messages.

When did you realize you want to be an author?

I wrote my first book in my late 20s. I am not sure if I ever considered myself an author. My high school English teacher, Mr. Valenti encouraged me to look into writing as a career. I am highly observant and I love to inspire people, regardless of their age, race or economic status to dream bigger, live a little bit more, and fulfill their God-given potential. I share my experiences and what I see in the world and about the world using various genres to speak to diverse groups. Someway and somehow along the way it impacts people’s lives for the better.

Please tell us something about your book “The Great Christmas Heist”?

“Thomas and Claire devise a diabolical scheme that leads to a fantastical adventure discovering the Christmas spirit.” In the story, the spoiled children come to believe that Christmas is all about what they can get because their parents never say “no” to their ever increasing requests. They value things over family and relationships. They believe that the more they have the happier they will be. So, they come up with a plan to get more and end up on a fantastical journey. This book has a great message for the entire family, any time of the year.

The book can be found at http://www.agreatchristmasbook.com and Barnes and Nobles.

For which age group is your book “The Great Christmas Heist” suitable for?

The Great Christmas Heist is written primarily for children ages 3 -11, although there have been many adults who read the story and loved it as well.

What is your favorite Quote?

“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”
― Frederick Douglass

What do you like the most about your country?

The freedom to express our thoughts, feelings and beliefs is what I value most about the United States. Without that freedom every other right in the Constitution falls.

What does literary success look like to you?

Literary success looks like the people that come up to me and share how one of my books positively impacted their lives. Make no mistake about it, I would love for this book to become an international best-seller. But what is most important to me is that someone is a bit more hopeful, a bit more gracious, giving, loving and caring. It is important that someone is inspired to pursue greats and their life is changed for the better.

Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?

Parents inspire me. They face a lot of challenges raising children in a very unpredictable world. Children inspire me. They still have hope.

Buy The Great Christmas Heist on BarnesandNoble.com and www.agreatchristmasbook.com

August 16, 2023

Maggie the Cat Who Came Home for Christmas

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Maggie the Cat Who Came Home for Christmas 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Julia Russo ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Maggie the Cat Who Came Home for Christmas” is a Children’s Book written by the author Julia Russo and illustrated by Grace Metzger-Forrest. The main characters of the story are a little girl named Wilhelmina Olive Blessing and her cat Maggie. Wilhelmina, her dad and Maggie went to her Grandpa Charlie’s home for the Christmas holidays.

At Grandpa’s farmhouse, while playing, Maggie was lost. Wilhelmina searches for Maggie and calls out loud for her but couldn’t find her cat anywhere. Without Maggie, Christmas is not joyful for Wilhelmina. Read this story to know if Maggie will come back home.

The language used in the book is lucid and kids would have a great time reading this book. The cover photo of the book is eye-catching. The illustrations are pretty and would attract kids’ attention on the first look. This is a great storybook for the holiday season.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon