Sassy Reviews

August 25, 2025

Rune of Destiny

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Rune of Destiny 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Bjorn Leesson ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Rune of Destiny by Bjorn Leesson is the third installment in the Outside the Thalsparr series. Margaret, Gould, Lisa, Yellowfeather, BlueMoon, Kalina, and Juan have just celebrated a hard-won victory in the South Atlantic. Meanwhile, Myrgjol’s granddaughters are finally coming into their own, learning to master their newfound powers.

Myrgjol was the heart that held everything together. Now she is gone. The Army has located what may be a gate, and though no Thule has discovered it yet, the team is preparing to reach the site and destroy it.

In the Otherworld, Myrgjol senses the looming clash. She witnesses two Valkyries. Both of them fall to the ground. She finds herself torn between inner conflict and a battle against dark entities.

Myrgjol has always been my favorite character, and I hope her story continues to unfold in future books. The struggle against these dark entities is fierce, but it’s a fight that must be won. This installment is gripping, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was hard to bid goodbye to Myrgjol. The storyline kept me at the edge of my seat from start to finish.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

August 25, 2025

Shadow and Stone

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Shadow and Stone 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Caryn Moya Block ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Shadow and Stone: A Shadow Walker Lycan Hybrid Second Generation Romance Novella is an enthralling tale centered on two compelling characters—Natasha Sokolov and Scott Stone. Having worked together for years, Scott often found himself drawn to Natasha, though she remained off-limits. He decided to wait for her to make the first move.

Natasha, on the other hand, was certain Scott was her destined mate. She only needed to wait for the heartmate bond to snap into place. Deep down, she wished with all her heart that he was the one. During a rescue mission, while saving a young girl, Scott was injured—an event that caused Natasha deep emotional pain. It was then she learned the truth: Scott was indeed her mate.

Scott had been waiting three long years for this revelation. Now, together, they felt truly blessed. Yet questions remain—who is the mysterious mailman stalking Natasha? And how will Scott react when he sees Natasha in her wolf form?

The story’s pacing is captivating, with smooth narration and vivid, descriptive writing that makes it nearly impossible to put down. The language is accessible, and the cover design is appealing. The passion between Scott and Natasha radiates through the author’s words, making their connection feel genuine. With well-developed characters and a memorable plot, this novella leaves a lasting impression.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

August 25, 2025August 25, 2025

How to Surf a Hurricane

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: How to Surf a Hurricane 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Todd Medema ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“How to Surf a Hurricane” by Todd Medema is an action-packed heist thriller. The story follows Moro, an engineer convinced that his lithium-sulfur battery invention has the power to change the world. His hopes are crushed when his uncle cuts off funding, declaring the project dead.

Determined not to give up, Moro devises a daring plan: to steal a shipment of batteries from a cargo ship right in the middle of a hurricane. He is joined by Victoria, a skilled sailor, and her daughter. Miki, a tough and dependable worker and a salt farmer also joined him. Some of them even demand payment in batteries instead of money. But can such a risky heist succeed against the raging storm?

I found myself wholeheartedly cheering for Moro throughout. The book’s language is simple and accessible, with a fast-paced plot and well-crafted characters. The narration flows smoothly, and the cover art is appealing. I thoroughly enjoyed the read. Todd Medema has done a fantastic job with this novel. If you’re considering it, dive in without hesitation.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

August 25, 2025August 25, 2025

Oscar the Ferry Cat

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Oscar the Ferry Cat 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Molly Arbuthnott ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Oscar the Ferry Cat is a delightful children’s book written by Molly Arbuthnott. The story follows Oscar, a Siamese cat who prefers the comfort of his ordinary life. Holidays are not his favorite—so much so that when he didn’t want to endure another long car ride, he decided to run away.

To his surprise, Oscar ends up on a ferry. Feeling lost and longing for home, he meets Sammy, a cheerful seagull who encourages him to enjoy ferry life and join in as a “ferry bird.” But Oscar quickly realizes it’s not that easy—he doesn’t quite fit in. As the journey unfolds, Oscar encounters different creatures and learns valuable lessons about belonging, adventure, and friendship.

Molly Arbuthnott tells this story with warmth and charm, while the vibrant illustrations bring Oscar’s world to life in a way that will instantly capture children’s attention. The book not only entertains but also imparts a meaningful message: even when you feel out of place, friendship can make anywhere feel like home.

This is a lovely read for kids and a wonderful addition to any family’s bookshelf.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

August 24, 2025

Leadership Lessons From Monty Python and the Holy Grail

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Leadership Lessons From Monty Python and the Holy Grail 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Richard D. Parker ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Leadership Lessons From Monty Python and the Holy Grail by Richard D. Parker is a thought-provoking and insightful read. In this book, the author draws valuable lessons from the classic film and shares them in a way that can genuinely impact readers’ lives.

One of the key takeaways is the importance of staying focused on our primary goals and not getting lost in trivial distractions during our interactions with others. Using the example of the Black Knight, Parker highlights that persistence for its own sake is foolish—sometimes the wisest decision is knowing when to quit.

The book also offers meaningful insights into conflict. While Parker acknowledges that conflict is an inevitable part of life, he emphasizes that it does not have to dominate our way of living. These lessons, drawn from the humorous yet insightful moments of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, make the book both engaging and practical.

By leadership, Parker refers not only to guiding others but also to leading ourselves. His writing style is clear and accessible, making the wisdom he shares easy to absorb. I found the book both enjoyable and enlightening, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to fellow readers.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

August 24, 2025

Estrangement

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Estrangement 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: John Edwards ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
In this courageous and heartfelt memoir, Edwards opens his soul to readers, recounting the painful reality of estrangement from his adult children. His story is one of love, regret, and relentless yearning to repair broken bonds—yet his efforts are often met with silence. When a rare message from his son read, “I don’t have time for you,” it became a turning point that led Edwards into deep self-reflection and prayer.

Estrangement, as Edwards portrays it, is not a passing wound but an enduring grief—comparable to losing someone dearly loved, yet without closure. The emotional emptiness seeps through every page, making this not just a memoir, but also a testament to the hidden anguish many parents silently endure. One of the most powerful moments is the open letter he wrote to his children—an outpouring of love, remorse, and sincerity that lingers long after the book is closed.

Beyond his personal story, Edwards gives voice to a broader and often unspoken reality: the painful unraveling of family ties. His candor sheds light on the psychological toll of being cut off, from spirals of self-doubt to the shattering of identity and trust. Yet, amid the anguish, what shines through is his unwavering commitment to reconciliation and his faith that healing—if not in family, then in spirit—remains possible.

This memoir is a moving, raw, and deeply human account of loss and longing. For anyone touched by family estrangement, Edwards’ story will resonate as both a mirror and a companion through the silence.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

August 24, 2025

The Tunnels of Buda

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Tunnels of Buda 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Don Sawyer ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The Tunnels of Buda is the second installment in the Soul Catcher series. One early morning, Barbara knocked on Zoltan’s door. He let her in, touched her, and revealed his true name—breaking the very rules that bound him. The Mester, meanwhile, has been left dead or gravely wounded.

Now, the Mester’s black stone rests with Zoltan and Barbara. In a bold move, Barbara severed his finger bearing the black-stoned ring and stuffed it into her jeans. But the Mester was only a fragment of something much larger—an ancient Order, a hidden cabal. And now, the slaves once controlled by them are turning their skills and knowledge into weapons of defiance. Zoltan and Barbara’s cunning shines as they rise to the challenge.

Together, they also hold the gems belonging to other gem makers. To settle matters, they’ve called a business meeting. But the question remains—will the other gem makers stand with Zoltan, or against him?

The twists and turns of this story made it impossible to put down. The plot is original, the writing gripping, and the cover beautifully designed. This is the second book I’ve read by the author, and I’m eager to dive into more of his work.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

August 24, 2025August 25, 2025

Life Strikes Back

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Life Strikes Back 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Candace MacPhie ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
For the author, life on the road feels like a double victory. Candace gets to explore far-off, exotic destinations while also easing the pain of her mother’s long struggle with cancer. Most recently, she left Moscow and journeyed by train to Estonia with Khadejah, a friend she had met in London through mutual acquaintances.

I found myself on edge while reading about Candace’s nerve-racking attempt to secure a visa for Estonia. Her letters to friends were captivating, and the small mishaps she encountered offered readers valuable insights into the realities of travel.

The story turned truly frightening when Candace felt she was about to be abducted. Her backpacking journey was nothing short of a rollercoaster. While she was in Poland, her mother’s fourth death anniversary passed, and the raw emotions she expressed drew me closer to her experience.

Having read the first book in the series, I was eager to dive into the second one—and it certainly lived up to the anticipation.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

August 23, 2025August 23, 2025

Interview with author James Snow

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

A1. I’m James Snow— I am a retired Sergeant from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department with over 28.5 years in law enforcement. I am a former SWAT sniper and Major Accident Investigation Team leader, and a guy who’s had to “pivot” more than once after injury, loss, and transition. I also spent over a decade as a college professor teaching criminal justice and running the extended police academy for the college. Today I build furniture and historic wood lighting in my small shop, Snow Woodworks, and I write and speak about how to move forward when the mission changes. My book, The Pivot, is a field guide for anyone who’s staring down a hard change and wondering what’s next.

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

A2. Three big ones:
Telling hard truths with respect. I had to protect people’s privacy while still being honest about the lessons learned.

Switching mindsets. After-action reports are one thing; writing a book people want to read is another. I learned to trade law enforcement jargon for plain English and story.

Indie publishing logistics. ISBNs, print specs, metadata, and distribution were a new world. Worth it—but a grind.

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

A3. Well I have been a voracious reader since I was a kid….I started on Louis L’Amour westerns and moved on to fiction (thrillers) Brad Thor, Vince Flynn, Jack Carr, etc. and non fiction – generally leadership stuff – Leaders Eat Last (Simon Sinek) for leadership strategies and the why, Extreme Ownership (Jocko Willink & Leif Babin) for accountability. Man’s Search for Meaning (Viktor Frankl) for purpose in suffering. The War of Art (Steven Pressfield) for beating resistance. And Jim Collins’ Good to Great—a reminder that excellence is a choice.

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

A4. Well with where I live in southern California, I can be in the mountains (Big Bear or Lake Arrowhead) in under an hour or I can drive to the beach within an hour. I grew up a couple miles from Huntington Beach and was able to ride my bike to surf before school every morning and that will always hold a special place for me.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book “The Pivot”?

A5. After decades in uniform and then a forced change, I watched too many good people stall out—isolated, angry, or stuck in the past and the final catalyst was when one of my friends stuck in this cycle with loss of purpose took his own life. It is a real thing in the world I come from – as well as other service related jobs and I wanted to do what I could to give people hope that there is more out there and their journey isn’t over just because a job ended. I wrote the book I needed: practical steps, straight talk, and stories that say, “You’re not done. Here’s how to re-aim your life.”

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book “The Pivot”?

A6. About a year of focused writing and revision—built on three decades of lived experience. The pages went faster once I treated it like training: daily reps, no excuses.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Hardback, Paperback and eBook are available on Amazon. You can also request it through your local bookstore via IngramSpark distribution. Easiest hub for links: my site, snow-woodworks.com.

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

A8. The title had to be simple and actionable—what you do when the path changes? When a lot of people think of a pivot, they think of basketball and pivoting back and forth to find the right direction to go….I liked that tie in and visual. The cover features a brass compass and woodworking tools—navigation and craftsmanship—because rebuilding a life is both: know where you’re headed and have the skill to make it. The subtitle, “A Guide to Moving Forward When the Mission Changes,” makes the promise clear.

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

A9. I pressure-tested every idea against the street: “Would this help someone at 2 a.m. on their worst day?” After I was basically done, I gave the manuscript to a few close friends who I trust – one of them a writer and filmmaker and then I rotated between story, step-by-step tools, and reflection prompts so the reader gets insight and action. For me, I reset in the woodshop—hands on tools keep the writing honest.

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

A10. “Serve the reader, not your ego.” Say it straight and cut what’s clever but not useful. Be honest, because you readers will see through B.S. My friend Chris Lee’s book is titled “The Story Comes First” and I think that is a great insight to have….serve the story – don’t try to steer it where you want it to go. Let it play out and just record it for others to read, see, and learn from and the rest will work itself out.

Buy book on Amazon

August 23, 2025

Ella and Her Neurosparkly Brain

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Ella and Her Neurosparkly Brain 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Lauren Gilbert ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Ella and Her Neurosparkly Brain” by Lauren Gilbert is a delightful children’s book. It tells the story of Ella, a young girl with a neurosparkly brain. At school, everyday tasks feel challenging for her—her thoughts race so quickly that focusing on just one thing becomes difficult.

Even simple activities, like tying her shoes, seem overwhelming. Ella often feels discouraged because no matter how hard she tries, things don’t always turn out right. But when her friend Mia explains how busy her brain feels, Ella begins to see her uniqueness in a new light. The story leaves us wondering—will Ella learn to embrace her differences and believe in herself?

The book’s vibrant illustrations make the reading experience even more enjoyable. The cover is appealing, and the title fits perfectly. While written for children, the story carries an important reminder for adults too: to embrace individuality. Young readers will learn that everyone is special in their own way.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon