Sassy Reviews

March 5, 2025

The Boiling Toad

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Boiling Toad 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Phillip Leighton-Daly ✍️
.
.

🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Boiling Toad” by Phillip Leighton-Daly offers a thought-provoking reading experience. Set on the planet Fossil, it explores the civilization of Soot, where a small community known as Coke resides. In this world, coal reigns supreme, serving as the primary source of power for the entire planet. Meanwhile, the neighboring planets had long transitioned to renewable energy sources, leaving Fossil behind in its dependence on fossil fuels.

At the heart of the story is Lucidia, a young woman who grew up in the rural outskirts of Coke. She possesses a unique gift—telepathy—that becomes significantly stronger when the three spirits of her family find harmony in the surrounding woodlands. However, Lucidia is plagued by harrowing nightmares, visions of the planet’s future. Through her telepathic abilities, she witnesses the rising oceans swallowing islands and coastal regions, a forewarning of an impending environmental catastrophe.

As Lucidia struggles with these terrifying premonitions, she takes a bold step—she sends a message to the people of Soot, alerting them to the dire consequences of their negligence toward the environment. But how will the citizens react when confronted with the truth? Will they acknowledge their role in environmental destruction, or will they continue down the same path?

The title, The Boiling Toad, is fitting, symbolizing the gradual yet perilous nature of environmental decline. The book’s cover design complements its theme effectively. With its concise yet impactful narrative, this short story can be completed in a single sitting. More than just a work of fiction, it serves as a wake-up call, urging readers to reflect on their relationship with nature and the importance of sustainability.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

March 5, 2025

Hard Headed Woman

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Hard Headed Woman 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Howard Gimple ✍️
.
.

🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Hard Headed Woman by Howard Gimple is a captivating and suspenseful novel that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The story follows Hannah, the daughter of Axel, a man who dedicated his life to establishing the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. However, Hannah has recently been experiencing unexplained fainting spells. During one such episode, she collapsed onto her father, and tragically, he suffered a fatal stroke shortly afterward and passed away.

Phil, Hannah’s cousin, begins to suspect foul play and wonders if Axel may have been poisoned. As they anxiously await the results of his blood tests, the mystery surrounding his death deepens. Axel had always wished to be cremated, with his ashes scattered in the East Pond of the wildlife refuge. When Hannah sets out to fulfill this promise, she is shocked to find the once-familiar refuge transformed into an ominous, prison-like compound—completely fenced off and guarded by an armed man. Determined to uncover the truth, she enlists the help of Phil and her close friend Bette to investigate what is really happening at the refuge and whether it has any connection to her father’s death.

Howard Gimple’s writing is both immersive and gripping, with a well-paced narrative that never lags. The vivid descriptions of the setting bring the story to life, making it easy to lose oneself in the book’s suspenseful atmosphere. The mystery unfolds seamlessly, maintaining intrigue at every turn. Hannah and Phil stood out as my favorite characters, their determination and depth adding to the novel’s appeal. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this book and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a compelling read. Don’t hesitate—this is a novel worth diving into!

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

March 5, 2025March 5, 2025

A Reluctant Spy

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: A Reluctant Spy 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Roselyn Teukolsky ✍️
.
.

🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
A Reluctant Spy: A Novel of Suspense by Roselyn Teukolsky is an enthralling read. The story follows Madeline Geiger, a young computer scientist, who finds herself entangled in a dangerous investigation.

Detective Mahoney informs Madeline that she is treating Mike’s death as a homicide. To piece together the truth, Mahoney questions her extensively about their marriage. Mahoney explains that Mike’s parachute failed due to real knots in his chute—his rig had been tampered with.

Meanwhile, Joe Shelmann reveals that someone at Cornell is supplying encryption software to illegal pornographers. Since Mike was working undercover, Joe suspects the encryption expert may have played a role in his death. Now, it’s Madeline’s turn to go undercover. As she begins hacking into computers, she races against time to uncover the truth about Mike and her colleagues before leaving Cornell.

The gripping storyline kept me on edge from start to finish. The characters are well-developed, with Madeline’s intelligence and wit standing out. The book is well-paced, with no dull moments, making it impossible to put down once you start reading. The cover design is also appealing.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

March 3, 2025

Interview with author Howard Gimple

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

A1. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and spent my twenties and early thirties living and working in Manhattan. Then fell in love with a woman who lived on Long Island and moved out there when we got married. We moved to Southern California a few years ago to be closer to my daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter. Every job I’ve ever had involved writing in one form or another, whether it was ad copy, press releases, book and movie reviews, cartoon dialogue, sports stories, documentaries, videos or web content. I believe that all writing tells a story, and writing fiction is the ultimate in storytelling. That’s why I devoted the past few years to writing novels full time.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Hard Headed Woman”?

A2. Hannah, the main character, as well as many of the other major characters in the story, are women. Keeping ‘in character’ and not letting my masculine biases influence the writing was both challenging and invigorating.

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

A3. My mother loved reading mysteries and there were always many books by Agatha Christie, Rex Stout, Ellery Queen and other great mystery writers of the day scattered around the house. Those were the first ‘grown-up’ books that I read and it led to my lifelong love of that genre. Other writers who have influenced me include Mark Twain, Ernest Hemingway, Philip Roth, Jack Higgins, Donald E. Westlake and Lawrence Block.

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

A4. I love the beach. Walking on the sand, inhaling the sea air, listening the rhythm of the waves crashing on the shore, knowing that for thousands of years before and for thousands more to come, that rhythm, like the beating heart of the earth, will endure. That’s why the beach, any beach, is my go-to spot.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Hard Headed Woman’?

A5. It was actually the location that sparked my inspiration. Much of the action in Hard Headed Woman takes place at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, a large wilderness area devoted to the preservation of birds and nature, located across the bay from JFK Airport. The juxtaposition of that oasis of tranquility and one of the world’s busiest and most frenetic transportation and commercial hubs presents a lot of interesting dramatic possibilities. Also, the main character, Hannah, is very loosely based on my wife, who grew up on the Jamaica Bay Refuge when her father was the superintendent there.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Hard Headed Woman’?

A6. The concept for the book had been mulling around in my head from the first time I visited the Jamaica Bay Refuge many years ago. The actual time from my first scribbled notes to the final draft was a little over two years.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Google Books and Kobo.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Hard Headed Woman’?

A8. One of my closest friends is an accomplished artist. After he read the book we worked together brainstorming visual concepts for the cover. Like me, Hannah loves the beach and several important scenes take place there. Though the scene is dark, there is a sliver of light in the distance. As for the title, Hannah keeps doggedly pushing forward to find that light in spite of many dangerour and even lige-threatening obstacles in her path, and everyone in her life telling her to stop. Also as a lifelong rock & roll fan, I knew there were two hit songs titled Hard Headed Woman, one by Elvis portraying her in a negative light, the other by Cat Stevens who views hardheadedness very positively. Throughout the novel, Hannah embodies aspects of both songs.

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

A9. I’ve found that as a book progresses and characters develop, they say and do things, that actually surprise me. There were several times in Hard Headed Woman where something happened and I thought, ‘Wow, I didn’t see that coming.’ I figure that if I could surprise myself, it would also be pretty surprising for readers.

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

A10. It’s actually something I read by the great historical novelist Robert Graves. ‘There is no such thing as good writing, only good rewriting.’

Buy Hard Headed Woman on Amazon

March 3, 2025March 3, 2025

Ghost Stories 2

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Ghost Stories 2 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Lisa Anne Rooney ✍️
.
.

🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Ghost Stories 2: A Medium’s Interactions with The Afterlife” by Lisa Anne Rooney is a compelling collection of the author’s personal encounters with spirits, ghosts, and supernatural entities.

As a child, Lisa was often home alone when her mother worked a weekly night shift once a month. During these nights, she was visited by the spirits of her grandparents, her uncle John, and others. Though she eventually realized they meant no harm, their presence still terrified her. Taking no chances, Lisa made it a habit to spray holy water once a week.

One of the most chilling chapters, “Bad Things,” left me deeply unsettled. Lisa woke to a crushing pressure on her chest and instinctively searched her home for something connected to the letter “D.” To shield herself and her family, she reached out to loved ones on the other side for protection. If you’re curious about what she uncovered, you’ll have to read the book yourself.

As a medium, Lisa must always be prepared for the unexpected. No amount of research can truly prepare one for the reality of communicating with spirits, and her experiences prove just that. This book had me hooked from start to finish. Lisa’s courage is truly commendable, and her real-life encounters sent chills down my spine. Reading this at night, I found myself too scared to close my eyes. If you’re a fan of ghost stories, this is a must-read!

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

March 3, 2025

Pieces of Me

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Pieces of Me 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Mary Beth Eversole ✍️
.
.

🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Pieces of Me” by Mary Beth Eversole is a compelling and unique read. The story follows Katie, an award-winning journalist whose life has been in turmoil since the heartbreaking loss of her son, who was born at just twenty-three weeks and survived for only ten minutes. Struggling to cope, she finds herself unable to focus on her writing and navigating life with her fiancé, Chad.

Haunted by vivid dreams, Katie repeatedly envisions women from different time periods—Sarah, Anya, and Roseamund—experiencing their lives as if they were her own. At the same time, she becomes deeply intrigued by Jenice, a homeless young girl desperate to reunite with her mother.

In search of answers, Katie turns to Janet Everwood, a world-renowned hypnotherapist and Eastern medicine expert. As she delves deeper into her past-life connections, she uncovers revelations that could change everything.

The book’s cover is beautifully designed, the pacing is well-balanced, and the narration flows effortlessly. From the very first page, I was completely absorbed—I simply couldn’t put it down. Mary has done fantastic work in this book. I am definitely interested in reading more books by her in the future.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

February 28, 2025

Love in Abstract

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Love in Abstract 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Esma Heart ✍️
.
.

🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Love in Abstract: A Second Chance Forced Proximity Romance by Esma Heart is a captivating read. The story revolves around two main characters, Jake Matthews and Rachel. Jake, a struggling artist with a creative block. His paintings are being sold in an auction. Cait is his publicity manager. At the auction, Jake mentioned his upcoming new collection even though there wasn’t any.

When Cait travels to Fairbanks, Alaska, for her brother’s Christmas wedding, Jake ends up accompanying her. Meanwhile, Rachel arrives in Alaska for her sister Sarah’s wedding to Cole. Fate brings her face-to-face with Jake, the man she has secretly admired for years. However, being in such close proximity to him is something she never anticipated. Rachel, a cancer survivor, is also navigating the aftermath of a breakup with Derrick—a man who despised her fascination with Jake Matthews.

Will Jake and Rachel’s unexpected meeting lead to something more? This engaging romance kept me hooked with every page. The book’s cover is visually striking, and the author does a fantastic job setting the scene. The chemistry between the characters is well-developed, making this an enjoyable and heartfelt read.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

February 27, 2025

The Tub

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Tub 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Paplu ✍️
.
.

🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The Tub by Paplu is a compelling and unconventional read. Its protagonist remains nameless and immobile, confined to a hospital bed, entirely dependent on Nurse Marie. For him, life feels more terrifying than death. He believes that society abandons the disabled and that families eventually forget them.

His condition is irreversible, and the absence of death feels like an ongoing torment. He despairs over his inability to perform even the simplest tasks. However, his roommate, Greg, brings warmth into his life with kindness and companionship. They share stories and laughter, making the bleak hospital days more bearable. With his own family long gone, Greg becomes the closest thing to one. But what happens when a new roommate arrives? And should he warn him about Ryan, the male nurse?

This novel is a must-read for those interested in disability fiction. The characters are well-developed, the setting is thoughtfully crafted, and the writing is accessible. The story maintains a steady sense of intrigue, keeping readers engaged with each turn of the page.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

February 26, 2025

Bedtime on the Moon

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Bedtime on the Moon 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Victoria Wintersberger ✍️
.
.

🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Bedtime on the Moon, written by Victoria Wintersberger and beautifully illustrated by Eleonora D’Amico, is a captivating children’s book. It follows a young boy named Luke, who, one evening, gazes at the glowing moon from his window and wonders what it would be like to sleep there.

With a bit of imagination, Luke’s parents construct the tallest ladder he has ever seen, allowing him to climb all the way to the moon. His loyal dog, Max, and his curious cat, Luna, eagerly follow him on this magical journey. But what will it feel like for Luke to finally live his dream? Read the book to find out!

Perfect for children aged 4-9, this book features stunning illustrations that instantly capture young readers’ attention. The eye-catching cover and simple, engaging language make it an enjoyable read, ensuring kids have a delightful time exploring Luke’s adventure.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

February 26, 2025

Interview with author Phil Leighton-Daly

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

I am Phil Leighton-Daly. I have taught primary school and survival swimming for the NSW Education Department for 45 years.

I have been writing books for the last 25 years, roughly one for each year. I have 13 local histories and 12 young adult fiction. Wednesdays Child is my most renowned non-fiction. It details the sad plight of an asylum or as it was later known, a mental hospital. Sixteen of my books are featured on Goodreads. My most well known fiction is the Fisherman and his Foundlings (4000 words) This Foundlings and the Fisherman is a larger revision of the above (18000 words). The 4000-word version has received dozens of 4-star commendations from the Online Book Club.

My wife and I have been married for 45 years. We have two children and a wolf hound. My son teaches law, my daughter is a school teacher. I taught both my children for seven years in small schools.

I am actively involved in bushwalking tennis, kayaking and swimming. Karaoke and singing in a choir are enjoyable. I attend a small Christian church and assist with the morale of the less fortunate.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “The Foundlings and the Fisherman from Tumby”?

The writing of my original 4000- word Fisherman story was largely a reflection of my philosophy on life, to help others. My writing emanates primarily from my experiences in the bush, in the ocean and on the rivers and lakes.
Difficulties arose when I thought publishers could do a better job than me. Cost was a restraint, dishonesty, proximity to publishers, and classification (young adult). They marketed my work as a nursery rhyme because of the illustrations!

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

Oscar Wilde, Ernest Hemmingway and Mark Twain were literary giants for me. My extensive experiences in the rugged mountains, extensive waterways and with a range of different personalities have shaped the excitement. My earnest interest in history has added to that.

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

I spent much time in isolated little schools nearby historic waterways and treacherous mountainous ranges. The mighty Hawkesbury River, near Sydney, so rich and resplendent with flora and fauna is featured in my story along with the desolate Bungonia Recreation Area near Goulburn in NSW.

Q5. How long did it take you to write your book ‘The Foundlings and the Fisherman from Tumby’?

One year altogether for both books. It was truly a labour of love. I accompanied my characters through their successes and tragedies.

Q6. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

Barnes and Noble, Amazon and a plethora of book sellers advertise the book. It is largely overpriced. I have had nil control over that. If interested I suggest you research around.

Q7. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Foundlings and the Fisherman from Tumby’?

ExLibris did a great job with the cover and illustrations. Not so in several other areas however. I was meticulous in prompting them with the details for each illustration. The same illustrations were used in both books The Foundlings and The Fisherman was printed by Prime Seven Media in 2024, the shorter version, 5 years before. An hour documentary on the Fisherman and his Foundlings is available on the internet. I was interviewed by the renowned American actor and interviewer, Logan Crawford.

Q8. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

Here are several ways I maintained interest throughout. A plethora of life experiences woven into the storyline. The regular introduction of peculiar characters exhibiting a range of curious behaviour.

Consistent behaviour in protagonists and antagonists. An immediate complication (reason to keep reading) in the first few paragraphs. Each new chapter, and there are about 40 short chapters, readers are faced with further complications. These fester into a final escalation followed by a final resolution. The book is rich in figurative speech, irony, karma, humour, and moral orientations.

Q9. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

Patience, modelling, imagination, lateral thought, utilize life’s experiences and look for characters for your books wherever you go.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my 25 years writing, so much so, I don’t know where those years have gone. But then I glance up on my bookshelves and I proudly note my 25 publications. My time has not been wasted. Thank you for your time and happy writing.

Buy The Foundlings and the Fisherman from Tumby