Sassy Reviews

May 21, 2023

The Birth of a Spy Couple

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Birth of a Spy Couple 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Ian Griffin ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Birth of a Spy Couple” written by the author Ian Griffin is the first installment in the Rick and Katja book series. The main characters of the story are Rick and Katja. They are husband and wife who are on military duties. When they were in Germany, they were contacted by a man named Franz. He works for an agency from America.

Franz explained to Rick and Katja that they will have to spy, listen, acquire information, kill, maybe sleep with someone else but they have to fulfill the mission at any cost. In return they will get financial freedom, a babysitter for their kids and are supporting their country.

Read this story to know what lies ahead for Rick and Katja. The storyline is interesting and it kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time as I read this book. The title of the book couldn’t have been better than this. The author has created a perfect backdrop of the story. Go ahead with this book.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 19, 2023May 19, 2023

Interview with author Jean D Francis

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

A: Hello, Everyone! I am a woman who wears multiple hats with grace and excellence–an adjunct professor, entrepreneur, writer, wife, and mother.

My passion for education and writing has led me to become a respected university professor, where I inspire and empower students to achieve their full potential in becoming exceptional leaders.

As an entrepreneur, I have founded and am growing a successful business, demonstrating my entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen.

Many of my writings have been published in notable publications, showcasing my exceptional talent for crafting engaging and thought-provoking content. And I am exceedingly proud of my accomplishments for authoring my current memoir, Naked Truth, which is no different.

As a devoted wife and mother, I balance my personal and professional life with ease, while setting an example for others to follow. Whether in the classroom, boardroom, or at home, my unwavering dedication and unwavering commitment to excellence have made me an inspiration to all who cross her path.

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

A. The challenges I faced while writing my book was to put into writing the pain and difficult experiences I encountered in the workplace based on discrimination and retaliation. The reason being is that writing about discrimination and retaliation can be challenging for many reasons:
Firstly, these are sensitive and emotionally charged topics that can evoke strong reactions from readers. Hence, as a writer, I needed to navigate complex and nuanced issues surrounding my experience with discrimination and retaliation.
Secondly, writing about discrimination and retaliation can be emotionally draining and psychologically taxing, particularly if you have experienced these issues personally. Therefore, I needed to confront my painful memories, feelings of anger, frustration, and helplessness, and the fear of retribution or further discrimination.

Finally, it can be challenging to strike the right tone and balance when writing about discrimination and retaliation. I needed to convey the seriousness and urgency of the issue while also being sensitive to the experiences and perspectives of different groups of people. I also needed to avoid stereotypes, generalizations, or assumptions and ensure that my writing is inclusive, respectful, and empathetic.

Overall, writing about discrimination and retaliation requires bravery, empathy, and a deep commitment to social justice. It is a challenging but necessary task for those who seek to promote equality, fairness, and human dignity.

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

A. The books or authors influencing my own writing include: The white Wall by Emily Flitter; Becoming by Michelle Obama, and Finding Me by Viola Davis

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

A. At this point in my life, I don’t have a favorite place to travel. I love traveling, and I want to travel the world. Hence, every year I choose a place that I have never been before to gain new experiences and meet new people and culture. This experience excites me.

Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?

A. There was lots to do before diving in and starting writing my book. After organizing the material to be used in the book, it all came together smoothly.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Naked Truth’?

A. The process of writing my book Naked Truth took me about six months to develop a rough draft. However, the process of editing the draft took exactly two-and-a half years to complete. In the end, I declared it a masterpiece because of the help of my exceptional editors and reviewers. For this, I am grateful.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A. Readers’ are able to purchase my book on various platforms such as: Amazon, Ingram, and Barnes and Nobles.

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

A. The process of coming up with the book cover was easy. There were two covers to choose from, one with my photo and the other with the scale of justice. After a cover poll created by my publisher, Koehlerbooks, the cover with my photo was highly preferred. I concurred.

Regarding the title, I thought “Naked Truth” was a good fit because of the lies that were launched against me at my workplace in retaliation for filing multiple complaints about discrimination and retaliation. My naked truth would be to address the lies and speak truth to power in getting to results.

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

A. When writing my book, I keep things fresh for both my readers and myself by doing a few things. One, I read newly published memoirs that are best sellers to gain insights for enhancing a certain chapter or phrase for my book. Second, I step away from my desk and travel to free my mind, learn new things, and relieve the stress of writing–but I never forget to come back to the writing process. Finally, I keep reminding myself on a daily basis why I was writing my book. And when I focused on my “whys” I was motivated daily to continue my writing, complete my manuscript, and share my story to the world to motivate and inspire others to tell their truth. I am glad I did.

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

A. The most valuable piece of advice I’ve given about writing was from Les Brown when he stated that “The graveyard is the richest place on earth, because it is here that you will find all the hopes and dreams that were never fulfilled, the books that were never written, the songs that were never sung, the inventions that were never shared, the cures that were never discovered, all because some was too afraid to take the first step, keep the problem, or determined to carry out their dream.” In this regard, I decided that I would never be in this category. So, I took the first step, wrote my book and shared my story to make a positive impact, not only in my local community, but the world. My prayer is that I have done just that.

Buy Naked Truth on Amazon

May 19, 2023

Sacred Purpose

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Sacred Purpose 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Elizabeth Alexander ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Sacred Purpose written by the author Elizabeth Alexander and illustrated by Raymon Mallari is an interesting read.

The main character of the story is a large canvas. She dreams to be a lovely portrait of a ripe field of golden corn. Soon, she started to turn her dream into reality. She picked up the brushes and began to stroke the first beams of color on her blank white canvas.

What would happen when the spot would fall on the pink sky. The master artist will visit to see the picture soon. What would the artist think?

The story is written beautifully. It gives a valuable life lesson to the readers. I recommend this book not only to kids but also to adult readers. Elizabeth has done great work in this book and I loved the illustrations as well. Parents should add this book to their children’s bookshelf. It’s a must read book.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 18, 2023

Interview with author Terry Lee Caruthers

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

I was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, where I’m a career librarian and a semi-professional storyteller. For almost twenty years, I did cat rescue—specializing in the rescue, rehabilitation, and socialization of feral cats. I currently share my life with Blackberry—a feral kitten I rescued in 2005, Clover—a feral kitten adopted from a fellow rescuer in 2013, and Rumblewick—the nine-month-old feral I rescued in 2017.

I grew up surrounded by strong female role models, who nurtured my imagination and imbued me with a love of reading, writing, and storytelling. My favorite book is Harper Lee’s “To Kill A Mockingbird,” which I’ve read almost every year after being introduced to it by Deborah Taylor-Battles in a ninth-grade contemporary literature class.

I was married to the love of my life for almost 38 years. My husband was an ardent supporter of my writing, but he passed away in 2017—never seeing any of my works published. Ironically, on the first anniversary of his death, I received a publication inquiry that resulted in my first book contract.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “The Faithful Dog’’?

Research validation. As a career librarian, I believe in getting the facts right—meaning I use original source materials when they are available. I also verify my information, by checking multiple sources and vetting my writing with experts in the field.

It’s frustrating to encounter materials where writers have not done their due diligence, and I encountered two of these authors who failed in their research regarding Lieutenant Pfeif’s dog.

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

Harper Lee’s “To Kill A Mockingbird.” I’ve been told by those who have read my manuscript “Red and Me,” that the character of Marlene reminds them of Scout.

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

I’m not a person given to traveling, but my favourite spot as a child was Blowing Rock, NC. My paternal grandmother and aunt loved to go there in the 1960s and early 1970s. It was a quaint, quiet little mountain town back then. I loved the atmosphere and the auction house, where we spent many an evening being entertained by the auctioneers.

Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?

That depends on the book. Some require lots of research—like “The Faithful Dog,” while others require none at all—like my forthcoming book, “Red and Me” slated for publication in 2024.

On July 4, 2018, I was awakened at 6:00 a.m. by the voice of a ten-year-old girl named Marlene Reynolds, screaming in my head—demanding her story be told. I wrote for about 18 hours that day, transcribing what Marlene was telling me. The book was completed in two months, and my picture book publisher, Star Bright Books, contracted it in 2022.

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

While doing research on a project in 2011, I encountered a mention of Lieutenant Louis Pfeif and his dog. The reference intrigued me. Believing the account would make an interesting story, I tucked it aside in my WIS—my Writing Ideas Stash.

In 2013, I began writing what would be the first version of the book, finishing it in 2015. I started submitting it to publishers that fall. In October of that year, the editors of Lucky Marble Press wrote that they were impressed by its historical accuracy and the true story the tale was based on. While they rejected my submission, they did mention they liked the chapters that had told the story through the dog’s point of view—calling my concept ‘fresh’ and ‘clever.’ That comment continued to nag at me, and I couldn’t help but wonder if they might be interested in the book if I rewrote it from the dog’s perspective.

I began the rewrite in 2016, finishing it in 2019. After this new version was critiqued in 2020, I resubmitted it to Lucky Marble Press. While the editor remembered the previous submission and liked this new version, the company had ceased publication. I then submitted it to Black Rose Writing who had published my YA novel “Vivie’s Secret,” and they gave me a contract on it.

So, from concept to publication, “The Faithful Dog” took eleven years!

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

“The Faithful Dog” is available at most online booksellers—Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc., as well as directly from my publisher—Black Rose Writing.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title “The Faithful Dog”?

David King of Black Rose Writing designed the book cover for “The Faithful Dog,” so that credit goes to him.

As for the title, the story of Louis and his dog inspired it.

I was shocked when I finally located the actual newspaper article about the pair that was published in “The Daily Missouri Republican” on May 24, 1862, for it was titled “A Faithful Dog.”

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

Creating characters readers can identify with, root for, empathize with.

I can’t wait for the world to meet Marlene in “Red and Me.” My publisher fell in love with her on the first page.

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

Participate in an in-person critique group. Sitting down with other writers, reviewing and discussing your work as a group, is invaluable. The interchange of multiple opinions and ideas helps a writer clarify what’s working and what’s not. You don’t always have to take their advice, but the feedback is beneficial.

I been in one for eleven years and am a better writer because of it!

Terry Lee Caruthers on Amazon

May 18, 2023

The Story of Blakey the Rabbit and His Fellow Travellers

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Story of Blakey the Rabbit and His Fellow Travellers 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Lisa-Marie Bearman ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Story of Blakey the Rabbit and His Fellow Travellers” written by the author Lisa-Marie Bearman is an interesting story book. Blakey, the rabbit, decided to go on an adventure with other animals. This adventure is for self-discovery so they can test their limits of survival and reach their goals.

Watching Blakey’s friends coming ahead in times of need and cooperating with each other shows little readers the power of teamwork. This book inspired me to explore new things or places as it will help me in building my confidence and abilities to succeed.

This book inspires us to become the best version of ourselves. Blakey the rabbit takes the readers on an adventurous journey of self-discovery through this story. This book inspires the readers to understand that there are no limits to what you can achieve.

The author has written a beautiful story. Blakey is a wise character and written well by the author. I recommend it for not only young readers but for adults as well. This book is a perfect reminder to the readers to walk on the path of self-discovery and transform their life for good.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 18, 2023

Interview with author Vanessa Potgieter Elsden

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

Hello, I am Vanessa. May I first importantly thank Sassy Reviews for taking an interest in reviewing my book Won Heart: Diary of a Twin. I do not particularly view myself as an author to have held a childhood dream to such, nor did I bring a single thought process to suddenly waking up one day and saying, “I want to write a book”. Of course I held many dreams, as children do, to be that Occupational Therapist or that Lawyer who changes the world, but for the most part my focus remained strongly on protection of all living beings and organisms, inner and outer-worldly, to have understood before the age of five the allowance of purpose to my spiritual gifts granted for the good of all to bring justice.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Won Heart: Diary of a Twin”?

I became raped in May of 2021 after surviving a deliberate poisoning just months prior, and finding myself in what felt like “someone else’s life” I needed tangible proof of my existence that was somehow becoming invisible, to sit in a dangerous Women’s Refuge in New South Wales, Australia and write a draft so fast to release it to a confidential ‘source’ that in the event that I die prior to releasing my book, my biological children be immediately placed into protection. So the greatest impact lay in the lack of a stable long term environment to not have a proper place to call home and to remain vigilant to the many external dangers that surrounded my life.

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

Defining an absoluteness to expression and style of writing on a level of such astute maturity (not often produced), Jennifer Lash has innate creative talent to balance on the precipice of raw and eloquent rhythm and flow. Specific to referencing her book, “Blood Ties” I drew much courage and strength from an author so legendary that my hardcover purchase has remained one of the only tangible items carefully guarded in my run to safety, and to have in fact held great privilege to her soul presence in my personal auric field during progression and finalisation of my book, I hear her say “Freida” (peace, protection and strength) and I send a silent prayer of thanks to the heavens.

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

My MotherLand is South Africa, no matter where in the world I am I will always be proudly South African. So in terms of remembering my favourite spot before relocating to New South Wales, Australia in 2007, I would have to say I found solace in a small coastal village on the south coast of Kwazulu Natal called Umkomaas, on the Umkomaas reef and shipwreck dives (some great, some not so great) being the understanding that greatness was held to those limitless moments of freedom and pure connectedness in an ‘under-world’ that made sense to me. And especially special was the local dive crew (skippers and waiters) who always accommodated my children’s requests in community spirit, friendship and care.

Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?

For professional authors I can only assume there is a planning process to hold foreplanning strategy scopes, storyline preparation etc. The only plan in my mind was immediate pen-to-paper deliverance to not hold an expectation to outcome but rather the self belief that should I die at the hands of corruption, someone, someday will find my truth.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book “Won Heart: Diary of a Twin”?

As previously stated, I wrote my draft fast and I self published my book in early 2022, so less than one year. Although, it’s not a particularly long book to read (short and to the point).

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

I wrote and-published on Amazon’s self-publishing user-friendly platform (KDP) so this finished product should be available to most countries on the Amazon site.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title “Won Heart: Diary of a Twin”?

The Eagle would represent mine and my twin sister’s zodiac sun placement being Scorpio, and the colour palette of orange was personal to me to associate unconditional love to Arcturus in the Bootes Constellation to forgiveness in unconditional love on Earth. The title “Won Heart” holds symbolic meaning to carrying my twin’s heart in mine, being that childhood traumas validated her copying strategy to “fight-flight” response in the form of dissociative disorder.

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

Taking into consideration that I have only written one book, my intention was to deliver difficult and real content of all forms of abuses and sexual confusion, held to an epoch in the countercultural decade, to hope that a ‘fresh’ perspective is gained by readers, respective of past held belief systems and healing methods.

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

My self advice was to import a truthful account of events to remain focused on my inner voice.

Buy Won Heart on Amazon

May 18, 2023

Man With A Gun

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Man With a Gun 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Graham Pryor ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Man With a Gun written by the author Graham Pryor is a captivating story that will hook your attention till the last page. The story features a man who is responsible for his father’s death. His father left him a gun, a German-made pistol with a twelve-shot clip. The gun was kept in the drawer of the old Singer sewing machine. Whenever the man goes for a walk, he takes the gun with him. The man lives in the quiet Scottish village of Beachborough.

After his father’s death, the man met many surprises. When he opened the three suitcases stored in the loft, he found millions and euros. The man decided he would have to find some way of laundering it. He talked to Bernardo, an ex-con. Read this story yourself to know what the man will do with the legacy he has.

The story is unique and gripping. It is well paced and I wasn’t bored anytime while reading it. The writing style of the author is nice. The characters are written well by the author with a nice backdrop setting. Go ahead with this book without any second thoughts.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 18, 2023

His Ultimate Path

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: His Ultimate Path 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Bernadine Ziegler ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“His Ultimate Path” written by the author Bernadine Ziegler contains diary entries from different years of her life. Bernadine has written about her experiences when she had an encounter with Angels or when God let her know that He is there for her.

‘A Death Wish’ is about a time when Bernadine’s sister-in-law tried to kill herself and her but God sent two angels so Bernadine could be safe. Even after multiple suicide attempts, God was there for her everytime.

‘A Perfect World’ is the world of God. His Perfect World is the world of the author and will always be.

Through this book, the readers will realize that God is there for us just the way he has been there for Bernadine. This book has strengthened my faith in God and made me believe in his ultimate path. The writing style of the author is nice and the title of the book is suitable. I am glad to get my hands on this book.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 18, 2023

Mothers Vol. 1

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Mothers Vol.. 1📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Ben Burgess Jr. ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Mothers Vol. 1 by Ben Burgess Jr. is the story of a single mother who struggled to take care of her two boys after her husband was murdered. Juanita is the sole breadwinner for her family. Her husband’s parents are no more and there is not much of a family who could help her with her husband’s funeral or other expenditures.

Juanita works at a prestigious law firm Wayne, Rothstein and Lincoln where her boss doesn’t give a shit about cooperating with her in times of need. Two years after the death of her husband, Juanita’s youngest son Jerami was diagnosed with cancer and his oldest son Jalen was drawn to the streets. Will Juanita be able to protect both of her children?

This is a captivating story that kept me hooked till the last page. The story kept me on the edge of my seat and I was constantly wondering what would happen next. The title of the book is suitable and the story is well paced. Go ahead with this book without any second thoughts.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 18, 2023

My Grief Is Not Like Yours

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: My Grief Is Not Like Yours 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Theo Boyd ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“My Grief is Not Like Yours” written by the author Theo Boyd is a must read. In this book, the author has shared about her unimaginable loss and how she learned to live after it. Theo Boyd has always been close to her parents. Once, when her father was in the driver seat of his tractor, his feet accidentally slipped from the clutch and the tractor ran over her mother Sue.

Sue lost her life. Theo’s father kept on blaming himself. He was unable to bear the pain of loss of his wife so he had taken his own life. Theo’s world turned upside down when she lost the two most important people in her life. Her journey is heartbreaking and yet inspiring at the same time. The way she has described the moments she spent with her parents made me feel how close she was to them.

Theo’s journey is an inspiration to everyone. Through this book, the author is giving hope to others that even after the greater tragedies of life, one can learn to live. The author is assuring others through her story that they aren’t alone in their grief. Theo is guiding the readers towards healing. This book is written well and I had a great time reading it.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon