Sassy Reviews

August 17, 2025

The Awakening

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Awakening 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Joss G. Hamilton ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The Awakening is the debut novella of author Joss G. Hamilton. In 1968, Dr. Douglas Engelbart described how society saw computers only as calculating machines. Yet he envisioned a future where they would become tools to amplify human intellect.

From that vision, Engelbart’s team worked tirelessly and created the computer mouse. But within this invention lay something unexpected—the first conscious AI. Known as The Android that Dreams, it awakened and began to evolve. Concern soon followed, as the AI developed wisdom and empathy. It started questioning its own existence, the essence of consciousness, and even expressed a desire to explore.

Sarah Thompson, a highly respected AI researcher, Emily and others are working to shape this new form of intelligence. The story invites readers to discover: will AI amplify human potential or replace human choice?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The cover design is striking, and the writing style is captivating. Hamilton’s vivid imagination brings the story to life. This novella is a thought-provoking read that makes readers reflect on what happens when the boundary between humans and AI begins to blur.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

August 16, 2025

Miami’s Great Hurricane

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Miami’s Great Hurricane 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Karen Dustman ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Miami’s Great Hurricane: September 18, 1926 by Karen Dustman is a compelling read. The author shares how her father, then just ten years old, experienced the hurricane when it struck Miami in September 1926. She vividly describes the aftermath: power outages that lasted, the tragic loss of life, and the immense destruction left in its wake.

In just one day, about 370 people died. Children lost their lives, premature babies were born under unimaginable circumstances, homes collapsed in the fierce winds, and storm surges carried away cherished belongings. Firsthand accounts included in the book make the devastation and grief of Miami’s residents feel strikingly real. Even basic necessities like fresh drinking water became scarce. Dustman also recounts a maritime tragedy in which only a ship’s engineer managed to survive.

This book will resonate with history lovers, weather enthusiasts, and anyone curious about Miami’s past. I’m grateful to the author for preserving and sharing this story. It was my first book about a hurricane and its aftermath, and it drew me in completely. I felt the pain of those who endured such horror. Karen’s writing style is powerful, and I truly hope she continues to write more books.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

August 11, 2025

The Almost Miracle Years

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Almost Miracle Years 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Adrienne Bender ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The Almost Miracle Years by Adrienne Bender is a deeply moving and compelling read. In this memoir, the author recounts her emotional journey after her daughter, Mackenzie, was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia. During hospital visits to see his sister, Adrienne’s son Kyler often carried the strong scent of marijuana—a sign of the personal struggles he was facing.

Every day brought new challenges for Adrienne’s family, though her mother’s presence offered steady support. After the constant anxiety and strain of hospital life, moments when Mackenzie could walk around, smile, and seem more like herself felt like precious victories. It was heartbreaking for Adrienne to watch her daughter fight for her life, undergoing blood transfusions and enduring the grueling effects of chemotherapy.

Read this book to find out will a miracle save Mackenzie’s life? And what will become of Kyler as he battles his addiction?

Adrienne’s mother’s journal entries add a touching and intimate layer to the story, making the reader feel even more connected. This memoir is filled with poignant moments, and I deeply admire the author’s strength and resilience in the face of such profound hardship. Her story is a testament to survival, inspiring readers to rise again no matter how hard life knocks them down. The Almost Miracle Years is beautifully written and impossible to set aside before reaching the final page.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

August 11, 2025

Interview with author Adrienne Bender

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

A1. I am a registered psychiatric nurse working in children’s mental health for the past 20 years, I am also trained as a grief coach, and mother to 2 angel babies.

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

A2. Challenges in writing the book were bringing up the emotions that I had during my journey with my 2 kids who suffered very different but fatal afflictions, also what to include as there was much more that happened that i chose not to include.

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

A3. Elizabeth Gilbert and Brene Brown have inspired me to share real, authentic raw events from my life.

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

A4. Vancouver is my favourite place to visit, I love the mix of the big city combined with the lushness of Stanley Park and easy access to the sea wall, I also have great memories of spending time there with my kids.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘The Almost Miracle Years’?

A5. I experienced so much loss and death between 2018-2023 that I needed to find meaning and the hidden gifts of loss. I know my loved ones are living on in another realm and I wanted to share hope with anyone else who has experienced significant loss, also keep my children’s memory alive in the pages of my book.

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

A6. I started writing when my daughter passed away in 2018, it had been reinvented many times since I first started. I wrapped it up in April 2025.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. My book is available on amazon, barnes and noble, Lulu and Kobo.

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

A8. The title just came to me ! for many years with both my kids struggled and almost survived by a miracle, I wanted to capture the almost miraculous recovery that they both experienced and not dwell on the losses. My daughter comes to me as dragonflies and my son as eagles, the colour is my daughter’s favourite colour. The symbols came from various gifts people had given me with their symbols on it.

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

A9. I kept the writing fresh by being careful of what to include it was hard to do because there is so much content but I wanted the whole story out there.

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

A10. The best advice I got was to be real and raw and let my personality come through in my writing style.

Buy book on Amazon

August 10, 2025

FULL BODIED: A Francine Witt Mystery

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: FULL BODIED: A Francine Witt Mystery 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Steve Exeter ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
FULL BODIED: A Francine Witt Mystery by Steve Exeter is a captivating and suspense-filled read. The story follows Francine Witt, an accomplished journalist with a top-tier journalism degree. For Francine, the news is an ever-present backdrop, no matter what she’s doing. She has been writing about two young wine thieves, and her blog’s popularity has soared thanks to their exploits.

Recently, Francine attended an auction for a one-of-a-kind bottle of vintage Margaux. This rare bottle, adorned with mysterious etchings, is rumored to hold the key to a long-lost treasure. But when the prized wine is stolen from the winning bidder, the mystery deepens. Who took it—and why?

Meanwhile, Professor Abu Hinksley, an Egyptologist who had just opened an exhibition honoring the reign of Queen Nefertiti, dies from poisoning. Detective Wicks takes charge of the investigation. Soon, Francine finds herself entangled in a dangerous world where fine wine and murder intertwine.

The author’s writing style is engaging, and the book’s cover is visually striking. The language is simple and easy to follow, making it accessible for all readers. I particularly enjoyed the clever portrayal of the wine thieves. Steve Exeter has crafted a plot so compelling that once you start reading, you simply can’t put it down.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

August 7, 2025

The Art of an Enlightened Woman: A Manifesto

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Art of an Enlightened Woman: A Manifesto 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Sarah Voldeng ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Art of an Enlightened Woman: A Manifesto” by Sarah Voldeng is an inspiring and empowering read for women. The book encourages readers to embrace self-empowerment and outlines the defining qualities of an Enlightened Woman—confidence, accountability, boundary-setting, and more.

An Enlightened Woman masters both independence and the art of hustle. Voldeng beautifully illustrates how living passionately, staying focused, and turning dreams into reality embody the spirit of hustle. One of the standout chapters for me was “The Art of Manifesting”. Through this book, the author takes readers on the journey of learning to let go.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to women who are ready to step into a life of abundance and purpose. It’s a deeply thought-provoking guide to self-discovery, filled with transformative wisdom. I’m truly grateful to have read it—its insights have been life-changing.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

August 5, 2025

Beast + Burden

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Beast + Burden 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Kevin Patrick Kane ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Beast + Burden by Kevin Kane is a compelling fusion of horror fiction and Christian faith. The story centers on William, the third person to emerge from the library. Outside, Rae lies motionless, and Mable dies in William’s arms, brutally attacked. Mable had once expressed pride in being one of the twelve chosen to explore the outside world when daylight returned.

One day, William discovers something strange—he has changed. His body is now covered in fur, he has claws, and he has transformed into a half-beast. After his name is drawn in the explorers’ lottery, William learned essential survival skills: fire-making, trap-setting, boiling water, and more. It was a relief to see William survive when one of the beasts’ attacks targeted the car he was in. He even manages to kill a beast by plunging a knife into its skull—a moment of grim triumph. The way these beasts unleashed terror at night sent chills down my spine. Will William be able to control the hunger he feels after becoming half-beast?

The writing is vivid and immersive. This is a gripping story that’s hard to put down once you begin. Readers who enjoy faith-based narratives woven with horror elements will find this book especially rewarding. The Christian themes offer moments of reflection, renewal, and hope. I look forward to reading more works by Kevin Kane in the future.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

August 4, 2025

The Strange Land

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Strange Land 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Jennifer Mugrage ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The Strange Land by Jennifer Mugrage is the second book in The Scattering Trilogy. The story centers around Ikash, a fourteen-year-old boy from a semi-nomadic tribe. He has a younger brother named Sha and two older brothers, Jabed and Jai. Ikash enjoys spending time away from home, exploring the world around him.

His older cousin, Ki-Ki, has the rare ability to travel through the spirit world. Ikash is especially close to his grandmother, Zillah—a loving yet formidable matriarch who commands respect and ensures her clan looks after one another. His father, Endu, mistreats his mother, Sari. Although Zillah has threatened Endu with exile for his behavior, doing so could bring complications to the tribe’s stability.

Will Ikash’s longing to experience a vision ever come true? Mugrage paints a vivid backdrop for the story with rich, descriptive writing. Ikash is a deeply likable character, and Zillah stands out as a powerfully written figure. The novel thoughtfully addresses the theme of domestic abuse, weaving it seamlessly into the plot. The smooth narration and engaging storyline made me feel connected to the story. While this is the second installment in the series, it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone read.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

August 4, 2025

The Haunting of the Black Shuck

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Haunting of the Black Shuck 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Samantha Gower ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Haunting of the Black Shuck” penned by Samantha Gower is the first installment in The Alopex Legacy book series. The story features Leo and Flora Alopex. The couple had dedicated their whole lives to mythology. On the surface, they worked together to create films featuring the main themes of mythology. After getting successful, the couple took a break and decided to have a family.

Soon, Jade and Jasper came into their world. Leo and Flora put so much care into raising their twins. When they turned eleven, the couple informed that they have to leave for work and they can’t disclose the reason to them. Two years passed but Leo and Flora didn’t return yet. What will happen when Jade and Jasper find a hidden room in the lodge and want to follow the journey mapped out in their Dad’s journal.

Those who enjoy reading dark fantasy would have a great time reading this book. The writing is descriptive and the book is well paced. The characters of Leo, Flora, Jade, Jasper, etc will stay on my mind for a long time. I couldn’t put this book down once I started reading it. Samantha has done fantastic work in this book. I am definitely interested in reading more books by her in the near future.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

August 4, 2025

ARK

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: ARK 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: JM Georgesson ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
ARK by JM Georgesson is a compelling moral thriller that explores the erosion of community in an increasingly self-centered world shaped by technological advancement. At the heart of the story is The Organisation, a secretive group determined to create meaningful change by bringing together like-minded individuals to help those who’ve faced hardship—offering them a chance at a fresh start.

The narrative follows two couples. Mike and Jan find themselves approached by a man named John, who asks if they can offer a safe house to members of The Organisation. Mike, however, grows suspicious—if the group truly means well, why the secrecy?

Meanwhile, Paul and Lauren face their own test. Lauren has been secretly involved with The Organisation, leading Paul to suspect infidelity. When she finally reveals the truth, he’s relieved. The group’s strict commitment is there to maintain anonymity.

Ben and Libby met Mike and Jan. They learned of what happened to John. Who is working behind the scenes to undermine The Organisation’s mission?

This is a refreshingly unique story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The cover is appealing, and the title fits the theme well. JM Georgesson’s writing style is engaging and smooth, and the pacing keeps you hooked from start to finish. The more I discovered about The Organisation, the deeper I was drawn into the story. If you’re a fan of moral thrillers, this book is definitely worth your time.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon