Sassy Reviews

August 30, 2025August 30, 2025

Cupboard Love

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Cupboard Love: A Dictionary of Culinary Curiosities 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Mark Morton ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Cupboard Love: A Dictionary of Culinary Curiosities by Mark Morton is truly a distinctive read. This delightful book serves up a feast of fascinating stories behind both familiar and obscure gastronomic terms.

I was especially intrigued by the history of the word cook. The occupational title actually originated from the Latin verb coquere, meaning “to cook.” From coquere came the Latin noun cocus, which eventually evolved, by the eleventh century, into the English noun cook. The book also delves into the origins of words such as cookie, course, liquor, martini, and many more.

Morton takes readers on a journey across cultures and centuries to uncover the roots of some of our most beloved culinary words and phrases. Along the way, he answers those quirky food-related questions we’ve all wondered about but never quite asked.

Overall, this book is both insightful and engaging, packed with rich historical detail. I thoroughly enjoyed discovering the hidden stories behind culinary language. Morton has done a fantastic job in this book.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

August 30, 2025

A Fifth of the Story

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: A Fifth of the Story 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“A Fifth of the Story” by Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes is a gripping CIA thriller that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The story follows Brock O’Reilly, a dedicated CIA agent who has worked tirelessly alongside his two best friends to rise through the ranks. But upon returning from a major mission, Brock’s loyalty and friendships are put to the ultimate test.

As the plot unfolds, Brock uncovers a dangerous infiltration by a white supremacist organization. The security breach not only endangers national safety but also places Brock’s own life on the line. Determined to survive and protect his loved ones, he pushes forward despite the deadly stakes.

Fans of fast-paced, suspense-filled thrillers will find this book hard to put down. The narrative keeps readers on edge, with blurred lines between friend and foe making trust nearly impossible. Dr. Hutchinson-Hayes’s sharp attention to detail and deep understanding of espionage lend authenticity to the story, while the constant twists and turns heighten the tension and excitement.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

August 30, 2025

Death at a Wedding

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Death at a Wedding 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Marc Watson ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Death at a Wedding” by Marc Watson is an engaging and intriguing read. The title itself piqued my curiosity and drew me in. The story follows Ethan Dessier, who has been Death for nearly two years in his own time. His most recent task is to guide Derek into the afterlife. When Ethan arrives, Derek’s family is in the middle of a crisis. Instead of simply taking him away, Ethan helps Derek realize that his wife is strong enough to endure and carry on, even though the road ahead will not be easy.

As Ethan settles into his unusual role, he discovers a troubling truth: his predecessor left out one crucial detail—how to quit being Death. At times, Ethan suspects that his longing to stay alive may have disrupted the natural order, trapping him in a strange and endless cycle. But everything takes an unexpected turn when he receives a wedding invitation and encounters a woman named Victoria.

For readers who enjoy dark romantic comedies, this book is sure to entertain. Despite being a sequel, it works well as a standalone novel. The storyline feels fresh and original, the language is accessible, and the backdrop is vividly crafted. Marc Watson’s creativity truly shines in this work.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

August 30, 2025

Transgression of Magic

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Transgression of Magic 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: S.A. Schneider ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Transgression of Magic by S.A. Schneider is the second installment in the Town Magician series. The story follows Samual, the youngest Town Magician, accompanied by his trusted advisor, Rory. Together, their reputation continues to grow with every performance. Yet, despite the applause, Samual often struggles with self-doubt, wishing he could perfect his craft.

Recently, the duo thrilled audiences with a daring, death-defying table act. While the crowd was amazed, Samual remained discouraged, frustrated that he stumbled over even the simplest tricks. Rory reassures him not to be so critical of himself, but Samual is determined to master his magic, knowing the weight of responsibility that comes with being the Town Magician.

Readers who enjoy middle-grade fantasy will find this book an absolute treat. I thoroughly enjoyed it—S.A. Schneider has done a remarkable job. The cover is appealing, the title fitting, and the storyline engaging from start to finish. Of all the characters, Samual stood out to me the most. This is a captivating read that young fantasy fans will surely love.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

August 29, 2025

The Identity Lie

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Identity Lie 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Corinne Arrowood ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The Identity Lie is the second book in Corinne Arrowood’s Fit the Crime series. The story follows Babe, who is now living a civilian life after serving in The Corps. Chop, also known as Faraday, has saved Babe’s life more than once, and as a favor to him, Babe takes a day off work to help look for Chop’s wife, Hadley. Chop hints at Babe’s unusual abilities—being able to see what others can’t, hear the unheard, and sense things beyond normal perception.

When Babe arrives at Chop’s home in search of Hadley, he discovers a note with the impression of an address scribbled on a bedside pad. Following the lead, he finds Hadley hiding in a closet, while a dead man lies sprawled on the bed. Furious at being dragged into a drug situation, Babe learned of the reality: Hadley is addicted, her sister is raising her son Jagger, and she has been involved with other men in exchange for drugs—something Chop had feared to admit to Babe earlier. As the story unfolds, Babe is forced to confront haunting pieces of his past.

The New Orleans backdrop is vividly captured, adding richness to the narrative. Babe’s character is well-developed, and the book ends on a gripping note that left me eager to pick up the third installment soon.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

August 29, 2025

The Innocence Lie

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Innocence Lie 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Corinne Arrowood ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The Innocence Lie by Corinne Arrowood is the first installment in the Fit the Crime series. After serving as a Marine, Captain Vicarelli is adjusting to civilian life in New Orleans—a city where danger often lurks unseen.

At Louie’s Tap, Babe’s attention is instantly drawn to Trinity. With her caramel-toned skin and jet-black hair, she captivates him before a single word is spoken. Meanwhile, busser Sean Finnegan accepts an invitation to a woman’s hotel room. When he steps out to grab pizza, he returns to find her dead—and suddenly becomes the prime suspect. Convinced of Sean’s innocence, Babe steps in to vouch for him. But in New Orleans, crime hides around every corner, and the truth is never simple.

Fans of crime thrillers and steamy romance will thoroughly enjoy this fast-paced read. The cover is striking, the title fits perfectly, and Corinne Arrowood’s writing style is sharp and engaging. This gripping story kept me on edge from start to finish—I couldn’t put it down.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

August 28, 2025

Lost in the Reflecting Pool

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Lost in the Reflecting Pool 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Diane Pomerantz ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Lost in the Reflecting Pool is a powerful memoir by Diane Pomerantz. Diane first met Charles on a blind date—he was thirty-eight, a psychiatrist, while she was a psychologist. Charles quickly won her over with flowers, home-cooked meals, laughter, and even by bonding with her dog.

The two eventually married, celebrating with a beautiful wedding and honeymoon in California. Yet, small doubts crept in when Charles’s words or actions didn’t sit right with Diane. As they struggled with infertility, Diane was fine with taking all the responsibilities. Over time, she found her confidence waning. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer, the cracks in their marriage widened, and she began to see Charles’s lack of support and the troubling red flags in their relationship.

This memoir takes readers on Diane’s journey of pain, strength, and resilience. Will she find a way to move toward a better life? I admire the author’s courage in sharing such a personal story. For anyone in an abusive relationship, this book offers both insight and encouragement to find the strength to leave. The title could not be more fitting.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

August 27, 2025

Indy and the Deep Dug Hole

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Indy and the Deep Dug Hole 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Mike and Leanne Horobin ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Indy and the Deep Dug Hole, written by Mike and Leanne Horobin, is the first book in The Adventures of Indy series. When Mr. Jones takes his playful pup Indy to the beach, she notices a child digging with spades. Inspired, Indy sets her mind on creating the deepest hole in the world.

The very next day, Indy begins digging her own hole and soon vanishes into it. Along the way, she uncovers fascinating discoveries—an ancient Roman village, a pot filled with treasure, prehistoric bones, and more. But Indy doesn’t stop; her curiosity drives her to keep digging further. What happens when she suddenly realises she is far from home? You’ll have to read the book to find out!

The illustrations are vibrant and captivating, while the cover immediately grabs attention. Indy’s adventurous spirit encourages children to be curious, explore, and embrace new discoveries. The story also highlights the joy of achieving a goal. With Indy’s charming character brought to life by Horobin’s writing, this book is sure to delight young readers—and pet lovers especially will enjoy every page.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

August 27, 2025

A Journey to the Summit

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: A Journey to the Summit: Learning Life’s Peaks 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Jodie Bonville ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
A Journey to the Summit: Learning Life’s Peaks by Jodie Bonville, with illustrations by Isabella Schaefer, is a delightful children’s book. The story follows an adventurous girl named Molly who has a deep love for nature.

Molly’s greatest passion is climbing mountains. She feels a sense of pride and joy each time she reaches a summit. One day, she sets out to conquer the tallest peak in the land, Mount Serenity. Even when the climb becomes difficult, Molly refuses to give up and keeps moving forward.

This inspiring tale invites readers to discover the important lessons Molly learns on her challenging journey. The storytelling is engaging, and Bonville’s writing truly shines. She should certainly create more books for young readers. Filled with meaningful life lessons, this book is sure to leave a lasting impact on children.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

August 27, 2025

Starless Midnight

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Starless Midnight 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Lynn Garthwaite ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Lynn Garthwaite’s Starless Midnight is a captivating read.

The story follows Jadai Orion Evans, a twenty-eight-year-old woman who once left the small town of Twin Station with her mother after attending her grandmother’s funeral. Fourteen years later, Jadai returns to her grandmother’s house, now set on remodeling it, and reconnects with old friends—Katie, Doug, etc. She even met a charming officer Greg Dillanian.

As the story unfolds, Jadai, who is biracial, learns of a troubling mystery: people of color have been vanishing from Twin Station. Mrs. Sheridan reveals to Jadai her belief that Jadai’s grandmother was murdered while investigating these disappearances.

The author’s writing style is engaging, and the cover design is eye-catching. I especially loved Jadai’s character—she’s well-developed and compelling. The pacing kept me hooked from start to finish, and the unique plot paired with the small-town backdrop made for an immersive reading experience. I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon