Sassy Reviews

June 20, 2025

Voices

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Voices 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Cheryl T. Campbell ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Voices: Stepping Out of the Darkness and Into the Light” by Cheryl T. Campbell is a deeply insightful and healing read. The book gently guides readers toward awakening the inner light that has always resided within them. Cheryl shares a profound experience during meditation, where she was visited by a coyote who brought her three transformative lessons.

Through her time with rescue dogs like Peach, Andy, Blu, Milly, and others, the author uncovered deep emotional truths—lessons that touched the core of her being and reminded her of the strength, joy, and boundless love we all possess. I was particularly moved by the compassion she and her husband showed in offering a safe and loving home to these animals.

The book outlines five stages of awakening that serve as a roadmap to deeper self-discovery and connection with one’s higher self. Drawing from her personal journey, Cheryl powerfully conveys that self-love is not a selfish act, but an essential one.

She encourages readers to come to this book just as they are. By the end, they’re likely to feel a renewed sense of clarity, courage, and spiritual alignment. The wisdom within these pages is truly valuable. One lesson that will stay with me is: “You are the light you have been waiting for.”

This book is beautifully written, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and reflecting on its insights in my journal.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

June 20, 2025

Joy Overcame Sorrow

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Joy Overcame Sorrow 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Jerry L. Woodbridge ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Joy Overcame Sorrow” by Jerry L. Woodbridge is a deeply moving and engaging story. The narrative centers around a young girl named Joy. One day, she visits the park with her best friend Bella. But upon returning home, her heart sinks when she notices a police car parked just a block away from her home. Soon after, her mother delivers the heartbreaking news—Joy’s father, Steve Carter, has died in a tragic multi-vehicle accident.

As condolences pour in from family, friends, and her father’s coworkers, Joy is consumed by grief. The pain of missing her dad is overwhelming, and she finds herself angry with God for not saving him. At the funeral service, the sorrow of Steve’s passing fills the church. Joy is haunted by the moment she sees her father’s casket being lowered into the ground. In the days that follow, she and her mother cling to one another for comfort, silently navigating their shared pain.

This book tells the poignant journey of how Joy slowly learns to live up to her name again, finding light in the aftermath of loss.

It’s a touching read that brought tears to my eyes, especially during the scene describing her father’s accident. Written in simple, heartfelt language, the story resonates deeply with readers. Anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one will find solace in these pages and the hopeful message that healing is possible—even after life’s most painful moments.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon, B&N, BAM, and Walmart.

June 18, 2025

From Brooklyn to Grace

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: From Brooklyn to Grace 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: LaLa Holmes ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
In this book, the author shares her experience of growing up as a young Black girl in a tough neighborhood. Surrounded by drug dealing, gang activity, and petty crime, the streets of Brooklyn played a powerful role in shaping her early life, influencing her decisions and strengthening her resolve to take a different path.

Amid the harsh environment, there were glimmers of hope—the unwavering support of neighbors and a strong sense of community offered comfort and encouragement. Her father, a hardworking man, instilled in her the values of diligence and integrity. Witnessing the people around her fall into cycles of violence, addiction, and despair only intensified her desire for a life free from suffering.

Her mother, too, played a crucial role, teaching her resilience, strength, and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. The author also speaks of surrendering to God and seeking His guidance—an act that, in her words, brought about a series of miraculous turns in her life.

The book’s language is raw and honest. For anyone feeling stuck or hopeless despite their efforts, this story encourages a deeper connection with God. It stands as a powerful testament to His grace, love, and mercy. I truly enjoyed reading it and would highly recommend it to others. For those lost in darkness, this story offers hope.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

June 18, 2025

Awakening the Mystic

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Awakening the Mystic 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Rob Dorgan ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Awakening the Mystic is a unique and enriching blend of yogic wisdom, personal storytelling, and metaphysical insight. It offers profound reflections on Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and introduces spiritual tools such as the Gayatri Mantra and Abhaya Mudra, all woven into a deeply personal journey of healing and love.

A pivotal moment occurs when Ren’s car hits a boy on a bicycle. The boy is initially lifeless but when Ren keeps a hand on his heart the boy miraculously rises and walks away unharmed. This extraordinary event marks a turning point in Ren’s life, awakening something within that can never be undone.

At the heart of the book is the tender love story between Ren and Sean, a grounding presence that keeps the book’s spiritual themes accessible and heartfelt. It’s a compelling read for seekers and soul-searchers alike. The writing is vivid and fluid, making the narrative easy to follow and deeply engaging.

The cover image is striking, and the book as a whole is thought-provoking and beautifully crafted. If you’re drawn to spiritual growth and personal transformation, don’t hesitate—this is a journey worth taking.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

June 18, 2025

Live Like a Guide Dog

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Live Like a Guide Dog 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Michael Hingson and Keri Wyatt Kent ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Live Like a Guide Dog: True Stories from a Blind Man and His Dogs About Being Brave, Overcoming Adversity, and Moving Forward in Faith” by Michael Hingson and Keri Wyatt Kent is a remarkable and inspiring read. Blind since birth, Michael never allowed his lack of sight to limit his potential or spirit while growing up.

One of the key insights Michael shares is how our emotional state affects those around us—especially guide dogs. He learned that if we are fearful or anxious, our guide dogs will sense it and get fearful too. While walking through the campus of Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB), Michael observed how trainers carefully evaluate and adjust training sessions to suit each student, ultimately working to match them with the ideal guide dog.

Michael emphasizes how awareness and preparation can significantly reduce fear. Throughout the book, he recounts impactful moments with his guide dog, Squire, and how their bond shaped his life. As Squire aged and slowed down, Michael eventually welcomed his next guide dog, Holland. He has walked with different guide dogs for decades.

This book is not only informative but deeply moving. I’m grateful to have read it. Michael’s journey with his guide dogs teaches us valuable life lessons—most notably, how fear can be transformed into courage. Rather than letting fear hold us back, we can harness it as a force for growth and strength. This is a well written book. I highly recommend it to my fellow readers.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

June 17, 2025

Little Money Makers

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Little Money Makers: 5-10 Year Olds 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Rebecca A. Young and Amanda Ragkousis ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
I love reading educational children’s books to my little ones. This time, I read “Little Money Makers: 5-10 Year Olds” to them. The story revolves around the four kids, Alex, Dax, Tor and Katerina. They started a discussion about money while playing soccer.

When Katerina asked the boys “What do you do with your money?” She received different answers. Tor likes to spend, Dax likes to invest and Alex likes to save. So, Katerina suggested that they invest a bit, save a bit and spend a bit. This made Tor wonder isn’t investing and saving the same thing?

Grab your hands on this educational read to find out what the boys will learn about money and from whom? This book inspired me to start the financial education of my kids at a young age. I loved the authors’ idea to start the young ones’ financial journey with a piggy bank.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

June 17, 2025

The Burning Gem

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Burning Gem 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Don Sawyer ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Burning Gem” by Don Sawyer is the first book in the Soul Catcher series. The story centers around Barbara, a woman trapped in an abusive marriage with her husband, David. Recently, Barbara got a part of her soul crystallized into a red ruby gem by a gem maker—a service mostly used by celebrities, CEOs of mid-level corporations, and other elite clients. The gem reflects the soul’s essence, capturing its color.

Determined to protect her soul fragment, Barbara requests an unbreakable chain and a custom setting for the gem. Her search for her gem maker, Zoltan, leads her to an abandoned train station, leaving her exhausted from the journey. Zoltan, however, is bound by strict rules set in a contract by Mester. He cannot touch another human or reveal his true name—violating these terms could be very dangerous for him. But as his bond with Barbara deepens, the question arises: will Zoltan risk it all for her?

Don Sawyer’s writing is engaging, and the storyline is refreshingly original. I was especially intrigued by the concept of soul crystallization. Zoltan’s enigmatic presence added an extra layer of mystery that kept me hooked. This book is a must-read!

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

June 16, 2025

Murder by Storm

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Murder by Storm 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Russell Little ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Murder by Storm” by Russell Little is a gripping crime thriller that keeps you on edge. Marilyn has committed numerous crimes over the years, changing her identity to evade capture. To shield her son from the dangerous world she inhabits, her mother Elizabeth is raising him, alongside Charlie, Marilyn’s stepfather.

O.C. Simms led the homicide division of the Houston Police Department for over a decade. Six months ago, he was shot by attorney Lamb—whom Marilyn later killed. Following the incident, Simms was suspended and eventually let go. His former captain, John Lemaster, refuses to believe Marilyn is responsible for Lamb’s death and advises Simms to leave her alone. But Simms can’t let it go. With a hurricane threatening to strike Houston, he learned that Marilyn has a mother and a son.

As the storm closes in, what will Marilyn do? And will Simms allow the chaos of the hurricane to stop him from tracking her down?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The twists and turns kept me hooked until the very end. The cover design is eye-catching, and the narration is both smooth and compelling. Marilyn and Simms are brilliantly developed characters, brought to life with skill by the author.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

June 15, 2025

Triumphs of Tenacity

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Triumphs of Tenacity 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Yusra Mariyam ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Triumphs of Tenacity” by Yusra Mariyam is a compelling and inspiring read. In this memoir, Yusra shares her remarkable journey from a young girl growing up in Bangladesh to a graduate in the UK. When she first moved to the UK, she spoke only Bengali and spent nearly a year in a language unit learning English. By the age of twenty, she was married and went on to become a mother of six.

Despite the demands of motherhood, Yusra was determined to be a nurturing and supportive parent, prioritizing education and personal growth for her children. At forty-three, she entered the workforce, starting out in sales. Later, she embarked on a new chapter by pursuing a degree in International Business Management, putting behind her any sense of past failure.

Through her story, Yusra conveys a powerful message: that each of us possesses the inner strength to overcome life’s greatest challenges. With resilience and tenacity, we can continue to move forward.

Yusra’s writing is engaging and accessible, making her journey both relatable and inspiring. Readers will come away with lessons in perseverance, self-belief, and determination. Those who have faced repeated setbacks will find strength in her example of rising after every fall.

If you enjoy heartfelt memoirs that celebrate resilience and personal growth, this is a book you won’t want to miss.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

June 15, 2025June 15, 2025

Sentinals Origins: Prequel Part One

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Sentinals Origins: Prequel Part One 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Helen Garraway ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
This is the first installment of the prequel to the award-winning Sentinal series. The story follows the goddess Leyandrii and Guerlaire, who is on his journey home. When the main river split into several branches, Guerlaire mistakenly took the wrong tributary. With unreliable maps and no clear path, Guerlaire’s arrival in Vesper was significantly delayed.

Upon finally reaching Vesper, Guerlaire is attacked—an act seemingly intended to harm Leyandrii. As the investigation unfolds, Leyandrii uncovers a disturbing truth: the memories of prisoners and guards have been tampered with.

Told from multiple perspectives, the narrative introduces us to rangers Birler, Tagerill, and Serill as they undergo training to become Sentinals.

The revelations in this book deepened my appreciation for the entire series. It was absolutely worth the wait. The writing is rich and descriptive, and I thoroughly enjoyed the read.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon