Sassy Reviews

April 28, 2024

The Difference

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Difference 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: S.A. Blair ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
I love reading memoirs. This time, I got my hands on S.A. Blair’s book “The Difference”. The author has shared her story in this book. Growing up, she has seen her parents screaming at each other. Her father was calm and cool but underneath there was a war going on inside him. Her mother was her hero as she was intelligent, funny and ambitious.

Many times Blair felt unseen and unheard. This fueled her emotional detachment from the world. Blair is her mother’s miracle child but while growing up, the way she perceived herself changed. Whenever Sarah’s father comes home as a drunken man, the charismatic man turns into a broken soul who expresses his hurt in the form of a rage.

Sarah’s self-destruction journey continued with suicide attempts, drinking herself into a black out and taking drugs. Read her journey to know will she find light and healing.

I am grateful to the author for sharing her story with us. Through this book, the author wants to give hope to those who feel unheard or unseen. Those who are in the dark would realize that there is light and one can turn their life around no matter how much it’s surrounded by darkness. Go ahead with this memoir without any second thoughts.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

April 28, 2024

Interview with author Jô Zanardini

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

A1. Hi! My name is Jô Zanardini and I’m a Municipal Attorney and have been working since 2011. I have a postgraduate degree in Contemporary Law and training in Leadership from Harvard University.

In addition to my legal career, I am a Writer and Researcher, passionate about topics related to personal and professional development, spirituality and Christianity.

I published the “Transformation” series, which received several recommendations from literary critics and influencers.

Book 1 : 📚Transform your life and inspire people

Book 2 : 📚How to maintain stable and lasting relationships

Book 3: 📚 Principles for a life with more happiness and love

Volume I was a finalist for the Book Brazil award in the 2021 – non-fiction category.

It also received reading recommendations from magazines such as Exame magazine, which chose the book as one of the bedside books to inspire entrepreneurs.

My goal is to contribute to the positive transformation of people and society, through law, writing and research.

I believe that knowledge, ethics and faith are powerful tools to achieve this purpose.

And finally, I live in Curitiba with my husband and son and love traveling and connecting with people.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “How to maintain stable and lasting relationships”?

A2. One of the biggest challenges I faced when writing my book was balancing time to dedicate to writing and work, family and other responsibilities such as speaking engagements and events. It really wasn’t easy to find consistent moments to focus on my project.

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

A3. Many authors influenced me in my writing, but to name the main ones I can say that C S Lewis and his excellent books and, of course, the Holy Bible, as well as several scientists such as John Carson Lennox.

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

A4. I love the cities of Santa Catarina for various reasons: beaches, sunshine, lots of nature.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘How to maintain stable and lasting relationships’?

A5. I sought to create an informative, inspiring and practical book. So, my inspirations went beyond personal experiences, and observation of everyday life and surroundings, I focused a lot on research and academic studies to understand how to build a solid foundation of fundamental principles that support healthy relationships, seeking empirical evidence and practical strategies to maintain stability in relationships and also in success stories that worked for many people.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘How to maintain stable and lasting relationships’?

A6. Between writing and revising it took about 12 months.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Amazon

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘How to maintain stable and lasting relationships’?

A8. As the book is part of a series, the first concern was to have a connection with the first book.

I thought about adding people in deep connection and seeking to convey a feeling of peace around them.

As for the title, before I even started the book I already knew that I wanted the title to represent the essence of the book’s content.

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

A9. Each author has their way, but I always tried to take notes, and always reread the text so that things were fresh in my mind.

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

A10. The advice that I consider most valuable was that we should love what we do and always be practicing, this way we can overcome any creative block, or desire to give up on the project.

Buy How to maintain stable and lasting relationships on Amazon

April 28, 2024

How to maintain stable and lasting relationships

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: How to maintain stable and lasting relationships 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Jô Zanardini ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“How to maintain stable and lasting relationships” penned by the author Jô Zanardini is the second installment in the transformation series. Through this book, the author wants to bring permanent transformation in the relationships of the readers and change their life perspective.

This book is a great guide to build perfect relationships in different areas of life. Jô has mentioned how the quality of our relationships impact our physical and mental health. Not demanding perfection from others plays an important role in having healthy relationships. Jô has mentioned increasing our tolerance. This reminded me of an incident when because of less tolerance, my relationships were affected.

Exaggerated expectations also impact the success of any relationship. The exercise to write down 10 ways we can improve our relationships will help the readers a lot. I appreciate Jô’s guidance on building fruitful friendships.

This is a must read book by every adult, professional, etc. I appreciate the insights shared by the author in this book. The title of the book is suitable according to the contents of the book. It is an engaging read and I am glad to get my hands on this self-help guide.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

April 18, 2024

The Well of Hope: Bloodlines

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Well of Hope: Bloodlines 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Angel Mercado ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Well of Hope: Bloodlines” penned by the author Angel Mercado is a gripping read. The main character of the story is Caleb Lobo, son of Puerto Rican parents. While growing up, Caleb tolerated the hurtful comments as people called him a weirdo or idiot. Caleb’s father Joseph was in construction and he worked hard to support his family. His mother Nati spent her time at home raising her three kids.

Caleb and his siblings had tried to ask their parents about their life before coming to New York. But they never received a proper answer. Daniel, Mark and Caleb have been friends for the past seventeen years. Surprisingly, their families are also friends. The parents are keeping a secret from the kids. The three families lived as if they were hiding from someone. Once the entire complex was blacked out as the entities were taking out the white diamonds. Daniel and his sister were shocked to see a sword in their mother’s hand and she was attacking a shadow figure. Read this book to know more about this secret. Why does Caleb’s mom always stay so careful?

Readers would have a great time finding out what Caleb will stumble upon. The writing style of the author is nice. The storyline is unique and interesting. The story was slow paced in the first few pages but then it picked pace. The character of Caleb is my favorite from the book. The twists would keep you on the edge of your seat. The world building is done nicely and I am impressed by the vivid imagination of the author. Go ahead with this book without any second thoughts.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

April 16, 2024

Covidian Tales

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Covidian Tales 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Joe Kangau ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Covidian Tales penned by the author Joe Kangau is a gripping read. This book is a collection of stories with a mix of happy and tragic endings.

Dreamy Picnic is a short story about a couple Cathy and Colin who were on a picnic. Cathy was careful all the time so the wasps won’t be near her. She supported Colin in his business ventures. Colin finally paid all the debt but will he enjoy the fruits of his labour?

Rachel’s Dog is another interesting story which you may not believe so easily but miracles happen in life. It is about a time when she was a kid and was drowning. A scary dog came and saved her life. When Rachel talked about what happened to her family, nobody believed it. Everyone thought it was just a dream.

These stories are well written. I had a great time reading them. The narration is smooth and the writing style of the author is amazing. A few stories would make you feel nostalgic. The title of the book is suitable. The author has done great work in this book. The plots of all the stories are engaging and well written.

I would definitely be interested in reading more such story collections by the author.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

April 16, 2024

Interview with author Kathleen Welton

Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.

A1. I advocate for beaches, birds, and wildlife and write picture books and screenplays. I began my book publishing career as a college textbook sales rep. Since then, I have served as senior editor for Dow Jones-Irwin, publisher for Dearborn Trade, vice president and publisher for IDG Books, director for H&R Block, and director of book publishing for the American Bar Association. As publisher of aka Associates, I collaborate with authors and organizations on book and writing projects. After serving as a book publishing professional for many years, I am excited to begin the next chapter of my career as a writer. I am especially grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with amazing editors and illustrators on the publication and debut of my first picture books. When I am not writing, I enjoy meditating, reading, and exploring the Lake Michigan shoreline.

What is your inspiration behind your book “The Magic Sea Turtle”?

A2. I love sea turtles. I got more involved with them when I first “adopted” a sea turtle nest from Outer Banks Forever. Sea turtles are an endangered species and their habitats are threatened. I wanted to write a book that celebrates the majesty of these creatures and hopefully helps support them. A portion of the revenue from the sales of “The Magic Sea Turtle” go to SEE Turtles to help protect sea turtle habitats around the world.

When did you realize you want to be an author?

A3. It wasn’t until a few years that I truly believed in my own ability to be a writer of my own work. In addition to the support and encouragement that I received in my writing classes at UCLA Extension, a friend of mine kept asking to read my stories and then suggested that I write books for kids. So…I reached out to a couple of picture book publishers and while some rejected me outright there were two who loved my ideas and gave me the opportunity to move forward. I was fortunate to find great editors and publishing pros to project manage the entire publishing process including choosing illustrators and providing wonderful ideas throughout every step of the way. While it was a long time coming for me to be a writer, I finally feel like I have found my true purpose!

Please tell us something about your book “The Magic Sea Turtle”?

A4. In The Magic Sea Turtle young Myrtle, who, like so many youngsters, dreams of being a queen in her world, tumbles into the sea, and is rescued via a magic carpet to their friends in the ocean. There, she meets dolphins, swordfish, an otter, flying fish, swans, and a magic sea turtle. Myrtle feels so welcome and at home in the sea that she decides she would like to stay and play. Myrtle learns that sometimes you can find an even better place than you first imagined and that everything is possible if we believe in ourselves.

For which age group is your book “The Magic Sea Turtle” suitable for?

A5. My publisher, Bookfox Press has chosen the age range of 4-9. I wrote it for anyone who wants their wishes and dream to come true.

What is your favorite Quote?

A6. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” –Eleanor Roosevelt

What do you like the most about your country?

A7 The beauty of the USA is amazing. I was lucky to grow up near the beaches in Southern California. I love beaches, birds, and wildlife and support organizations that have a passion for sustainability and work to keep “America the Beautiful” the best it can be for today and for future generations.

What suggestion do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?

A8. Start early. One of my first memories is reading books. My mother gave me a copy of “A Friend is Someone Who Likes You” by Joan Walsh Anglund. That book is still one of my favorites and inspired my love of books at a very early age. I have a picture of myself as a young child holding a book upside down in the back of the family station wagon while I slept. So having a book in a child’s hands has always been vitally important to me.

What does literary success look like to you?

A9. Literary success to me is enjoying the journey. I love to learn new things and the world of picture books is a big world filled with wonderful people. I am happy to be a part of everything. My dream is to have a feature film made based on one of my books one day,

Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?

A10. Women writers including Eleanor Roosevelt. Emily Dickinson. Joan Walsh Anglund, Mary Oliver, and Kay Ryan. All these writers worked diligently at their creative craft. Eleanor Roosevelt was dedicated to writing 500 words a day at times in her life. Joan Walsh Anglund wrote and illustrated her books in her kitchen while she cared for her children. The poet including Mary Oliver, Kay Ryan, and Emily Dickinson were also dedicated to their craft for many years as well as the joy of sharing the wonder of words and wisdom.

Buy The Magic Sea Turtle on Amazon

April 16, 2024

Sun Tzu’s Café

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Sun Tzu’s Café 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Eric Bornstein ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Sun Tzu’s Café penned by the author Eric Bornstein is an espionage thriller. As part of the project JAVA-WAR, the Chinese government secretly built and franchised a chain of nouveau-riche cafés next to public universities in states that had legalized recreational marijuana. The Chinese government is pouring THC compounds and hallucinogenic drugs into the coffee of the best students from the universities across the States.

Chinese covert MSS agents are working at the cafés as baristas. Under the effect of drugs, American brightest minds would open up about the technology opportunities in America. By doing this the Communist Party of China would gain knowledge and possession of the technology before the US prohibits it. When some students had psychotic episodes because of the drugs, the CPC’s plan was under threat. However, the CPC won’t stop at anything.

Read this story to know what will happen next. This is a unique storyline thereby making it an engaging read. The plot of the story is refreshing and it kept me on the edge of my seat as I read this book. The characters are written well by the author. The language used in the book is easy to follow. I had a great time reading this book.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

April 15, 2024

The Magic Sea Turtle

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Magic Sea Turtle 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Kathleen Welton ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Discover the enchanting tale of ‘The Magic Sea Turtle’ a captivating children’s story penned by Kathleen Welton and brought to life through the delightful illustrations of Chau Pham. Follow the journey of a young girl named Myrtle. One day, out of nowhere she was about to fall in the deep blue sea, only to be rescued by a flock of gallant gulls.

Myrtle wishes to be a queen in her kingdom. Now, she is at a different place. Will she find acceptance among the creatures of this new world? Read this story to know will Myrtle’s dreams come true.

With its engaging narrative and captivating imagery, this book promises to captivate young readers and ignite their imagination. I found myself enchanted by every page of this delightful adventure. Great work done by the author-illustrator duo in this book.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

April 14, 2024April 14, 2024

Interview with author M Thomas Apple

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

A1. My name is M Thomas Apple. I’m originally from Troy, New York, but my family moved around a lot when I was a kid. We ended up in a small village in the Adirondack Mountains, and I still have a strong love of forests and mountains, hiking and camping, everything Nature. After college, I also moved around a lot, trying to find my way (Michigan, Indiana, Massachusetts…). I ended up teaching English in Japan, where I fell in love and started a family and living, you guessed it, in the mountains.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Bringer of Light”?

A2. Trying to stay motivated despite a busy work schedule! I’m not a full time writer, but a full time teacher. Also, the original story idea and concepts came from a friend whose background was much more science-oriented than mine. So I had to do a lot of research to make sure things made sense.

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

A3. I’ve read most of the work by the “Big Three” of science fiction (Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, Robert Heinlein), but Ray Bradbury’s Martian Chronicles and Frank Herbert’s Dune are probably the most influential.

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

A4. I love taking my family to visit Natural Stone Bridge & Caves, in Pottersville, New York. It’s a massive natural cavern with a walking trail along a small creek with loads of outdoor activities for kids. And the handmade ice cream store nearby is the proverbial icing on the cake!

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Bringer of Light’?

A5. An old friend of mine and I came up with the idea after reading about the possibilities of mining asteroids for rare and valuable metals. But we wondered what would happen to the people who actually went looking for the asteroids, how others would react to changes to the way they viewed the universe and their place in it. And naturally how this would affect the politics that inevitably wind up tangled together with space exploration and settlement.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Bringer of Light’?

A6. From start to finish, nearly ten years! It was slow going in the beginning, since it was originally a joint project, and when my friend gave me everything, I needed to start over to make the characters my own.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Nearly everywhere! It’s of course on Amazon, in paperback/hardcover and Kindle, and the ePub is available through multiple online platforms such as Smashwords and the Apple Store. Just visit Books2Read.com (https://books2read.com/b/bp1yqE)

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Bringer of Light’?

A8. I went through many iterations of the book cover — most of them way too complicated — before settling on a simple photo of Mars, which, after all, is where most of the characters end up and whose water needs to drive the plot. The book title is a reference to the Greek god Apollo, who brings both light and pestilence. However, many other mythologies feature a light bringer and thus the title draws together beliefs from multiple cultures.

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

A9. I read constantly — especially things of a mythical, mystical, and scientific nature. Keeping up to date with NASA, ESA, JAXA etc discoveries means I can make sure my writing stays as accurate as possible, and maintaining a mystical connection to nature means (I hope) I can continue to maintain a sense of wonder in my writing.

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

A10. “Just do it.” At some point, more outline or plotting or character backgrounds just keeps you from doing what is necessary — just write, and let the words flow.

Book is available on Amazon

April 10, 2024April 11, 2024

Exploring Wine Regions – Bordeaux France

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Exploring Wine Regions – Bordeaux France 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Michael C. Higgins ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The author provides a captivating narrative drawn from personal encounters and journeys through Bordeaux, delving into its wine culture and heritage. Through this book, readers are enlightened on Bordeaux’s rich tapestry, encompassing its wines, vineyards, and picturesque estates.

Bordeaux is predominantly renowned for its red wines. The author calls it “The Mini Paris.” Bordeaux is steeped in history and charm. The book highlights the alchemy of Bordeaux wines, attributing their allure to the unique interplay of soil, grapes, and climate. The city pulsates with youthful energy, beckoning travelers to immerse themselves in its vibrant ambiance. Enthralled by the vivid portrayal of Bordeaux, I am enticed to embark on a journey to savor its culinary delights, wines, and architectural marvels, including the allure of dining in a medieval castle.

The prospect of experiencing the tranquility of a private chartreuse adds to the allure of Bordeaux. This literary journey has been an eye-opener, as it unraveled the mystique of Bordeaux, previously unknown to me. Gratitude is extended to the author for sharing these enriching anecdotes.

This insightful narrative serves as a catalyst for pursuing one’s passions and embracing life to the fullest. Michael’s myriad adventures inspire a thirst for exploration, be it sampling global cuisines or indulging in fine wines.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon