Sassy Reviews

April 8, 2024April 8, 2024

Interview with author Portia Y. Clare

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

A1. My name is Portia Y. Clare. I am a left-handed only child who loves spending time with family, bowling, singing, and writing children’s books. I am the author of three children’s books – Best Friends Forever: A Puppy’s Tale, His Name is My Daddy, and Life is More Than This Covington Pond. I am a citizen of the United States and The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. I am grateful to be in my 32nd year of teaching. Simply put, I teach because I love children. I believe that I was born to teach.

What is your inspiration behind your book “Life is More Than This Covington Pond”?

A2. My inspiration for writing Life is More Than This Covington Pond is two-fold. First, this story is inspired by true events in the life of My Mommy, Jane Ann Easterling Clare. It is her story. Second, it is a story that inspires children and adults to dream big, to see beyond their immediate surroundings, and to imagine the endless possibilities that are available to them and through them.

When did you realize you want to be an author?

A3. I realized at a young age that I enjoyed creative writing. My writing journey began in second grade when I wrote a story about my visit to The Statue of Liberty. The story won first prize in a writing contest, which made creative writing even more special, and helped to spark my genuine interest in becoming an author!

Please tell us something about your book “Life is More Than This Covington Pond”?

A4. Life is More Than This Covington Pond by Portia Y. Clare is a heart-warming story about a little girl named Nann who wonders and dreams with her eyes wide open, always imagining the possibilities. It is a story that sparks the imagination and motivates readers to dream big and believe that their dreams really can come true!

For which age group is your book “Life is More Than This Covington Pond” suitable for?

A5. I believe that Life is More Than This Covington Pond by Portia Y. Clare is suitable for children between the ages of six and ten. It is also truly inspirational for those who are children at heart!

What is your favorite Quote?

A6. My favorite quote is, “Choices are long-lasting and life-changing!”
– Episcopal Pastor John A. Cherry

What do you like the most about your country?

A7. What I like most about our country is that it is a melting pot of many cultures that come together to enhance and create a beautiful tapestry known around the world as the United States of America.

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

A8. My suggestion to parents is to begin to form the habit of reading in your children while they are in the womb. Reading encourages thinking, and everything begins with a thought. Make the habit of reading a family tradition that opens your children’s minds and that nurtures their abilities to dream and imagine and explore the wonder of it all!

What does literary success look like to you?

A9. Literary success looks like a child at play who becomes the main character of a story that was read or heard, and is now acting the part and expanding on that part in his or her dreams and imagination! It is a story that becomes a part of that child and that is requested and selected and recommended over and over again by that child.

Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?

A10. My inspiration for life and for beginning to write children’s books was My Daddy, Mr. Randolph George Clare, Jr. I clearly remember the afternoon when My Daddy asked, “Scoop, how is your writing coming along? I know that you said you want to write children’s books. Have you begun to write anything yet?” I told him that I had several ideas and stories in my head, but that I had not put them on paper yet. He responded, “Scoop, do it NOW. NOW is the acceptable time. TODAY is the day of salvation. You have so much on the inside of you that will help children to grow, develop, and learn. Begin to share that gift with them NOW.”
So, with My Daddy’s admonition, I began to write children’s books. My Daddy went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 14, 2020. My heart’s desire remains to honor My Daddy and My Mommy through my writing, through my teaching, and through my character.

Buy Life is More Than This Covington Pond on Amazon

April 8, 2024April 8, 2024

The Smart Travelista’s Guide : Turn travel plans into memories with ChatGPT

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Smart Travelista’s Guide : Turn travel plans into memories with ChatGPT 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Linda King ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Smart Travelista’s Guide : Turn travel plans into memories with ChatGPT” penned by the author Linda King is a unique read. In this book, the author has first explained what ChatGPT is and how we can get the best out of it. Linda has shared a few ChatGPT prompts that we can use to get travel inspiration ideas.

ChatGPT prompts to book flights would be of great help. I am definitely gonna use them next time whenever I book a flight for me or a family member. One can use ChatGPT to their advantage for accommodation, protecting their health, money and budgeting, etc.

I am not used to ChatGPT much but with the great prompts shared by Linda in this book, I will use it more often. With ChatGPT, we can save so much of our time when we plan our travel. I loved the Travel tips chapter the most.

The writing style of the author is nice. The cover photo is well designed. The author has done fantastic work in this book. It encourages us to travel, use ChatGPT in our travel planning, etc. The narration is smooth and I am delighted to read this unique book. Looking forward to getting my hands on the other books in the series.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

April 6, 2024April 6, 2024

Interview with author Robin L.R. Kellogg

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

A1. Hi everyone. I’m Robin Kellogg. I’m an author, business owner, copywriter, and course instructor residing in Los Angeles, CA. It All Began with a Goodbye is my third book but my first novel. In 2014, I published A Life Put on Hold: My Son’s Journey with a Brain Injury and the Lessons I’ve Learned Along the Way. Two years later, in 2016, I published an ebook, 12 Steps to Better Business Communications, which I updated in 2021. My most recent endeavor, It All Began with a Goodbye, is my first attempt at fiction.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “It All Began with a Goodbye”?

A2. The book is set in 1930s and 1940s America, so I had to be sure that all the technology, language, and behaviors reflected that era and that section of the USA. The country was on a roller coaster, first experiencing the Great Depression and then entering World War II. Against this backdrop, Sarah, born a year before the stock market crash in 1929, straddles two worlds: that of her immigrant family and being a young woman in the U.S. I thought about this book for several years before I wrote it, trying to figure out how I would weave Sarah’s adventures with a subplot that enhanced the story and somehow connected with her profession as a bookkeeper.

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

A3. There’s not one author or book that I can reference. The books I love to read are written by authors like Margaret Atwood, Toni Morrison, Charmaine Wilkerson, James Clavell, Viet Thanh Nguyen and so many others.

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

A4. I love the East Coast. I grew up in New Jersey, and the change of seasons is spectacular, especially during the fall. The tree leaves are a palette of colors—shades of burgundy, amber, and rose. I also enjoy visiting New Jersey because I miss having easy access to New York City and all that it has to offer.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘It All Began with a Goodbye’?

A5. My mother passed away in 2005. She had always talked about growing up in that era, which made me feel a connection to it. When I started writing the story, I tried to modernize the storyline, but it still felt like the characters were part of another era. So, I started over and wrote it for that period.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘It All Began with a Goodbye’?

A6. It took about four and a half years. I did a lot of research on that era in my country’s history and was focused on creating three-dimensional characters that resonated with my potential readers.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. A Life Put on Hold (pen name Evie Rosen) and 12 Steps to Better Business Communications are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. It All Began with a Goodbye can be purchased on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Reader House, and iTunes.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘It All Began with a Goodbye’?

A8. I struggled with the title for this book. Finally, one day I started writing down the themes in the book and one was that Sarah kept losing significant people in her life. Her mother died, her brother went off to war and her younger brother was taken from the family for two years. So that’s when It All Began with a Goodbye seemed like the perfect title for this book. Since the story is set in a specific era of U.S. history, I needed the cover to reflect it. The kitchen was the hearth of the home. It’s where all the action happened. Additionally, one of the themes in the book is making or having a cup of tea. It seemed natural to have two teacups set on a kitchen table. There is also a pile of mail on the table, reflecting how hand-written correspondence was a huge part of everyone’s life. And finally, I wanted a sepia tone in the image so that it looked old. I sent pictures and suggestions to the graphic designers at Newman Springs Publishing, and they produced the cover. I’m pleased with how it turned out and I believe that it helps transport the reader back in time.

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

A9. I read it aloud to myself over, and over again, and then pass it along to members of my writing group to get their feedback. When writing this book, I wanted to set each chapter up so the reader would be left guessing what would happen next.

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

A10. Read, read, read. Writers, at least decent writers, are also readers. Reading others’ works not only gives you a sense of how to develop your own style but also opens you to other storylines and writing approaches.

Buy book on Amazon

April 6, 2024

Did You Know?: Facts by Norah

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Did You Know?: Facts by Norah 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Norah Carminda Desy ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Did You Know?: Facts by Norah” written by the author Norah Carminda Desy is a book about animals, science, grammar, inspiration and funny quotes. One would be amazed by the interesting facts shared by the author in this book.

“Emperor penguins can hold their breath for 20 minutes.”

The above fact about emperor penguins is a fascinating one. Find out by reading this book how the black hole was made in space and why you should not pop pimples.

Norah inspires the readers to go against their fear sometimes and tells them that we can do anything we dream. This book is not just for kids. Many things mentioned in this book serve as a much needed reminder for adults too.

In the funny quotes section, Norah inspires us to try new things. This book is for readers of the age group 5-9 years. It is an insightful read. Parents should definitely add it to their children’s bookshelf. My nephew had a great time reading this book and he loved every bit of it. Norah has done a fantastic job in this book and she should definitely write more books for little readers. It is a unique read. The author is truly an inspiration for other kids to do great things in life even at a young age.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

April 6, 2024April 6, 2024

Laurel’s Marvelous Kingdom

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Laurel’s Marvelous Kingdom 📚𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Monique Roy ✍️..

🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Laurel’s Marvelous Kingdom” penned by the author Monique Roy is an interesting Children’s book. The main character of the story is a beautiful princess named Laurel. She has magical powers that could make trees grow, flowers blossom and plants flourish. Laurel has a younger sister named Astrid.

One day, when Princess Laurel returned to the castle, she couldn’t find Princess Astrid. Prince Falcon and Princess Laurel went towards the dark forest to search for Astrid. Read this book and find out if they will find her.

The author has written this book in a lucid language. The cover photo is well designed. The pages of the book are colorful and well illustrated. Monique has written a beautiful story that teaches kids not to be jealous of others. Kids would learn to embrace everything about themselves.

The ending of the story is beautiful and I had a great time reading this book. Monique should write more stories. Looking forward to getting my hands on more books by the author in the near future.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

April 5, 2024April 5, 2024

Interview with author Michael C. Higgins

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

A1. For more than twenty years, author, photographer and wine expert Michael C. Higgins has been the publisher of Flying Adventures, a lifestyle travel magazine for food and wine lovers who own and travel on private airplanes. As a private pilot, travel enthusiast and food and wine lover himself, Higgins continues to live the story he’s been sharing for decades.

Between the magazine and this book series, Higgins has participated in some of the most extraordinary experiences. He has virtually done it all: from pruning vines, picking grapes, working alongside winemakers, to participating in blind tastings, food and wine pairings, judging Cru Bourgeois wines, and sharing many meals with world-renowned winemakers over countless hours, discussing everything wine. His time in wine regions adds up to thousands of days and counting. And as an accomplished photographer, he has captured even more spectacular images of the wine world.

Higgins has participated in many unique wine experiences, indulged in the most exclusive culinary affairs, been pampered in highly luxurious destinations and jumped into the wildest of adventures. His goal is to inspire his readers to join him in exploring the wine regions of the world and experiencing the unimaginable. Higgins has a BA in Commercial Art, an MBA and a PhD in Business Administration. He is a California native and lives in Pasadena, California.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Exploring Wine Regions: Argentina”?

A2. Since this is my first book, I was faced with all the challenges of beginning a new business. I know a lot about print publishing from the publishing of my magazine Flying Adventures over 20 years. So, producing the Argentina book I completely understand creating a beautiful physical publication. However, the distribution is different. Fortunately, I was able to create a relationship with the largest book distributor in the world, Baker and Taylor Publisher Services, so this created a large distribution in small and large bookstores across the country.

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

A3. My books are unique. There is nothing else like them. Spending four years to create the content to produce a book makes them quite special and unique. And being a photographer, this is my favorite part of the book. Creating spectacular beautiful photographs unlike anything else you would ever see.

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

A4. The California Wine Regions are some of the best in the world. And with my current book being on the Central Coast of California, this is a very special place for me. The wines are extraordinary. The food is amazing. The tourism is awesome. And the landscapes are ever so beautiful. All types of wines are made here, so I can indulge in whatever I desire at the moment.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Exploring Wine Regions: California Central Coast’?

A5. After completing my first book on Argentina, my distributor and I looked at what would be the most important wine regions to produce books. The two that we decided on were Bordeaux France and California USA. Bordeaux became my second book and California became my third book. The reason for the Central Coast is simple. Napa Valley and Sonoma are very well-known and so the Central Coast gets lost in the shadow of their success. The Central Coast Wine Regions are amazing and they produce some of the best wines in California. So I wanted to show my readers what an amazing place this is to visit.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Exploring Wine Regions: Bordeaux France’?

A6. The Argentina trip took four years. Bordeaux France took another four years. The California Central Coast took three years. And fortunately, my next book on México is only one more year.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. My books can be found in physical bookstores, as well as ordering them online at all the major venues you can think of. The big ones like Barnes & Noble and Amazon, as well as the small local bookstores, which are very important to support. We also produce a Travel Edition e-book, which is available through Apple and Amazon.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Exploring Wine Regions: México’?

A8. The overall look, design and graphics of all the covers remain the same, including México. What is different on the México cover is the photograph, which is a beautiful hacienda in Valle de Guadalupe. It just felt very stylish México. The other difference on the México cover is the subhead: Exploring México’s Quality Wines And Phenomenal Cuisine. People think of Mexico for tequila as this is where the trademark tequila region exists in the world. People don’t normally think of México for wine. However, México produces high-quality wines and I have found those quality wineries and pointed them out in the books. The other great part of México is the food. And I’m not speaking of necessarily Mexican food. You can eat some of the best cuisine you’ll ever taste in the world.

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

A9. This is a very interesting question. I am often asked why write about different wineries because they are all the same. A winery makes wine and the process is the same from one winery to the next. To me, each winery is unique. I tell people to read my books and then I get the responses of wow, it’s amazing how different each winery can be. When visiting wineries, I only do one winery per day. This way I can focus on what makes that winery unique. I spend time with the winemaker, the vintner/owner, and the agronomist if they have one, and I explore their vineyards, winery, cellar, tasting room, and restaurant, and get involved with all of their activities, which collectively makes each winery it’s own unique special place. This is how things stay fresh for me. On every trip, I always learn something new.

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

A10. That I have a great voice. That I should keep this style of writing. I received this feedback from some of the judges who have judged my books and honored them with awards.

Author’s Profile on Amazon

April 4, 2024April 4, 2024

Life is More Than This Covington Pond

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Life is More Than This Covington Pond 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Portia Y. Clare ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Life is More Than This Covington Pond” written by the author Portia Y. Clare and illustrated by Lisa Alderson is an interesting Children’s book. The main character of the story is Nann, a little girl who lives on Covington Pond. Nann always wonders. She dreams and sees farther than her eyes could look.

Nann would explore different places that would inspire her to step out often. A little girl like Nann is a well written character. She would inspire readers to dream high and explore as much as possible.

This book is an amazing read. Adults also would realize that they should take off time from their work so they can explore. The language used in the book is lucid and the cover photo is well designed. Every parent should add this book to their children’s bookshelf. Kids would learn to dream. Go ahead with this book without any second thoughts.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

April 4, 2024April 4, 2024

Confronting Chaos: The Civility Crisis

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Confronting Chaos: The Civility Crisis 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Nelson R. Grimmett ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Confronting Chaos: The Civility Crisis” penned by the author Nelson R. Grimmett is a highly recommended read. Through this book, the author is bringing the reader’s attention to the lack of civility in contemporary America. The author has mentioned that we need to come together to build a culture of respect so we can bring back the values of civility. We need to bid goodbye to racism and the injustices.

Civility means treating others with respect, empathy and dignity even when we disagree with others. It inspires us for peaceful conflict resolution. Lack of empathy and understanding are the main reasons for lack of civility. There are many consequences of the lack of civility. Trust and respect has eroded from society and the lack of civility causes stress and depression, which further spoils an individual’s mental health.

This book is a wake up call for us to be more understanding and empathetic. It’s high time that we come forward together and treat everyone properly so people can trust anyone easily. The author has done great work in this book. For ourselves and our future generation, we should restore civility and make this society better again. The pace of the book is fine and I am glad to read it. Nelson has shared valuable information in this book in a lucid language so more people could come forward and make their contribution in building a civil society. The author’s narration is smooth and strong.

This book has inspired me to be more empathetic. I am delighted to read it. The ideas expressed in it are fantastic and the title is suitable. Go ahead with this book without any second thoughts.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

April 4, 2024April 4, 2024

Interview with author Deborah Threadgill Egerton

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

I describe myself as a matriarch, a mentor and a mystic.

As a Matriarch, I’ve cultivated a global sisterhood, providing a nurturing space for women from all walks of life to explore and celebrate their diverse cultures, customs, and values. I offer the gift of guidance and support, offering the wisdom I’ve obtained from my experience to women of varied backgrounds.In my role as Mentor, I’ve dedicated myself to shaping the future generations, not through wealth or power, but through the sturdy foundation of love, wisdom, and respect for humanity. I aim to leave behind shoulders strong enough for them to stand on, inspiring them to craft something truly extraordinary.

As a Mystic, I traverse the world with a heart filled with joy, embracing the beautiful tapestry of humanity. My faith is my anchor, guiding me to trust in the power of love as the ultimate source of strength.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Enneagram Made Easy”?

The key challenges were distilling the Enneagram down into understandable terms without losing its essence or power. I could easily have written hundreds of more pages!

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

I too am a voracious reader so my interests are very broad. In this vein of thought it would have to be. C. G.Jung, Richard Rohr, Pema Chodron, Russ Hudson and Beatrice Chestnut.

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

I was born there. It will always be home and the city energizes me.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Know Justice Know Peace’?

There is great power in looking at the way you are showing up in the world. I believe if people slow down and take a look at the consequences of their actions, they might change their behaviors. The Enneagram helps you to do that, and with all the ways that we marginalize people all over the world it’s important to have some tools in place that will help us to look at the way we are “othering“ people, as in treating them like objects. Kindness matters.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Enneagram Made Easy’?

About a year.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

My books are available everywhere books are sold. Amazon, Barnes and noble even target Walmart. The easiest way to access my books and audio books is to go to my website Deborahegerton.com. The links to the books take you directly to a purchasing option.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Know Justice Know Peace’?

The book cover, is really part of the creative genius of my co-author Lisi Mohandessi. Lisi is a graphic artist. We both wanted something that represented Beauty and strife at the same time. The colors of the book are beautiful and yet there is something somewhat twisted and tortured in the graphic depiction of the human terrain. It’s what we look like beneath the surface of the skin.

The title came quickly. We will never be able to elevate the consciousness of the human species if we do not understand Justice and Peace. We must take the time and get to Know Justice and Know Peace if we are to move forward.

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

I make sure that I remain very present. I don’t try to force words to come I actually let the words come through me. When the words are not there, I let it be until they come back and then I will resume the writing. Everything comes in its correct time and season I trust that,and that is how I write.

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

someone told me once, (and I don’t remember who) that anything that was meant to be written by me would come through me. I have found that to be true. Writing is something that I enjoy. I do not labor over it. I do not stress during the process of trying to allow a book to be born. A book cannot be born before it is ready, and I have the wisdom in this season of my life to recognize that.

Author’s profile on Amazon

April 4, 2024

Enneagram Made Easy

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Enneagram Made Easy 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Deborah Threadgill Egerton ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Enneagram Made Easy” is an intriguing read penned by the author Deborah Threadgill Egerton. This book introduced me to the concept of Enneagram. The Enneagram is an archetypal personality system that identifies nine distinct types. These nine points reflect nine different energies.

The author has discussed these nine points in detail. Reflections for each point is helpful. By gaining deeper insights about these points, one would be more aware and confident about their own self-growth instead of being insecure and judgemental. With the learnings from this book, you would develop a compassion for a fellow human being and could appreciate them more.

The author has done great work in this book. The knowledge shared in it is helpful. The title of the book is suitable. This powerful book helped me in having a better relationship with myself. Also, I developed a better understanding of certain behaviors of other people.

Go ahead with this book without any second thoughts. It’s a must read.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon