Book Reviews – Sassy Reviews

April 3, 2026

The Strength Within You

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Strength Within You 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Jay Setchell ✍️
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In this book, Jay Setchell has shared his life story. Setchell chronicles a life marked by extreme adversity: devastating injuries, life-threatening illnesses, and moments where hope seemed almost impossible. Yet, what defines the book is not the hardship itself, but the author’s refusal to surrender. His journey illustrates that true strength is not physical, but mental and emotional, built through persistence, faith, and a relentless belief in moving forward.

Setchell doesn’t just share experiences; he highlights the importance of discipline, integrity, and continuous self-improvement. Whether leading a struggling business team to success or pushing through painful rehabilitation, he demonstrates that growth comes from taking responsibility and embracing challenges.

This is a thought provoking book that encourages readers to rethink their limits and recognize that setbacks are often setups for transformation. For readers seeking inspiration grounded in real-life struggle and triumph, this book offers a powerful reminder that strength truly comes from within. It’s the first book by the author that I have read. I am looking forward to reading more books by him in the near future.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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April 1, 2026

Piece by Piece

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Piece by Piece 📚

𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Dr. Steve Hudgins ✍️

This is the first book I’ve read by Steve Hudgins, and it was absolutely worth my time. It offers meaningful insights into mosaic families and provides readers with practical tools to recognize and appreciate the unique beauty within their own family dynamics.

Each member of a mosaic family contributes their own personal history, role, and relationships. Steve emphasizes that the beauty of a mosaic life lies not in perfect alignment, but in the intentional way each piece is placed. His guidance on building and understanding these connections is both thoughtful and valuable.

The author also encourages readers to move beyond traditional labels like “blended” or “step” families. The Mosaic Truths shared throughout the book are inspiring and promote self-discovery for individuals and families alike. This is a book best read slowly, allowing time to reflect on its insights. I’m truly glad I came across it and would love to explore more of Steve’s work.

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March 29, 2026

Sisters in Dust

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Sisters in Dust 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Janet Sweeney ✍️
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The story follows Sarah who returns to her childhood home, the Worthington farmhouse with her husband, Charles, after years away. Through vivid descriptions and a reflective tone, the narrative immerses readers in a haunting atmosphere where the past feels almost alive. As she revisits memories of her parents, Margaret and John, and her strong-willed sister Elizabeth, the story slowly reveals that beneath the surface of a seemingly ordinary rural life lies something far more unsettling.

Margaret is portrayed as a gentle, selfless figure, while John’s eccentric personality adds both warmth and unpredictability to the family dynamic. Elizabeth, on the other hand, stands out as a dominant presence, shaping much of the narrator’s emotional world. The author builds tension by blending nostalgia with unease, gradually uncovering buried secrets that challenge the narrator’s understanding of her past.

Sisters in Dust is a thought-provoking read that balances sensitivity with suspense. The book is especially impactful for readers who appreciate character-driven narratives and explorations of family complexities, leaving a lingering impression long after the final page.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

March 25, 2026

The ReRooting

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The ReRooting 📚

𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Betty Norwood Chaney✍️

Set in rural Mississippi during Christmas 2016, the story revolves around energetic Effie Raye, the heart of her family and the steady force behind Mama Ida’s Bed and Breakfast. As her grandchildren and unexpected guests arrive, the house fills with both joy and unease. Old conflicts particularly surrounding inheritance and strained relationships resurface, while the disappearance of a local woman adds an intriguing layer of suspense that keeps the narrative engaging beyond a typical family drama.

One of the most compelling aspects of the play is Chaney’s use of regional dialect, which brings authenticity and depth to the characters. Effie Raye stands out as a nurturing yet resilient matriarch, holding her family together despite emotional strain. Characters like Jeffrey Lee reveal layers of humanity that make them feel real.

While the story initially presents itself as a conventional holiday gathering, it gradually unfolds into something far more complex. Themes of racism, family loyalty, suspicion, and reconciliation are woven seamlessly into the narrative, giving the play a deeper resonance. The Christmas setting enhances both the warmth and the conflict, creating a contrast that feels genuine and impactful.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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March 21, 2026

Reprisal Road

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Reprisal Road 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Lynn-Steven Johanson ✍️
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A seemingly ordinary flower delivery quickly turns into a brutal crime. The murder of Amber Engstrom sets the tone for a gripping procedural mystery, pulling readers into a dark and methodical investigation led by Detective Joe Erickson. The author wastes no time establishing tension, making the first chapter alone enough to captivate fans of crime fiction.

The procedural elements from crime scene analysis to autopsy details and digital forensics are handled with precision and authenticity. Joe Erickson is portrayed as a thoughtful and experienced detective, balancing logic with instinct, while his interactions with colleagues and witnesses add layers to both the case and his character. The psychological angle, especially the exploration of motive and behavioral patterns, enriches the narrative.

The novel delivers a compelling blend of suspense, realism, and character-driven storytelling. The pacing remains steady, with each clue deepening the mystery rather than resolving it too quickly. Those who are fans of detective fiction will have a great time reading this book.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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March 20, 2026

Sins Revealed

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Sins Revealed 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Lynn-Steven Johanson ✍️
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Sins Revealed is a gripping novel that immediately pulls the reader into a dark and unsettling crime. The first chapter alone sets a chilling tone, introducing a brutal act that lingers in the reader’s mind. The pacing is swift, and the writing is clean and direct, making it easy to follow while still maintaining suspense.

What stands out most is the investigative depth. Detective Joe Erickson is portrayed as a thoughtful and methodical character, and the procedural elements feel authentic. The gradual uncovering of clues especially through interviews and forensic details adds layers to the mystery and keeps the reader engaged.

This is a solid police procedural with strong storytelling and a compelling central mystery. It will appeal to readers who enjoy crime fiction that balances action with psychological intrigue. The novel promises a complex web of motives, making it hard to put down.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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March 20, 2026

One of Ours

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: One of Ours 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Lynn-Steven Johanson ✍️
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The story begins with a shocking act of violence, the murder of a respected police captain which sets the tone for a tense and emotionally charged narrative. Detective Joe Erickson, already dealing with personal trauma, must navigate both grief and duty as he takes on the case of his former mentor’s death.

I loved the layered storytelling in this book. The investigation is not just about solving a murder, it opens the door to a complex web of corruption, old secrets, and a cold case that refuses to stay buried. The author balances action with character development, especially through Joe, whose vulnerability and determination make him feel real. His partnership with Sam Renaldo adds a grounded dynamic, blending intuition with logic.

The story has enough twists to keep readers invested without feeling overwhelming. Johanson’s attention to procedural detail enhances authenticity, making it appealing for fans of crime fiction. One of Ours is a great read that combines emotional depth with a tightly woven mystery.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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March 12, 2026

The Amazing Octopus

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Amazing Octopus 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Michael Zanetti ✍️
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The Amazing Octopus is a charming story set in the colorful world of a coral reef. The book introduces readers to Ozzie, a clever and entertaining octopus who loves performing tricks for his fellow sea creatures. Through juggling acts, incredible disguises, and daring stunts, Ozzie quickly becomes a beloved figure among the reef’s inhabitants. The author blends factual information about octopuses with playful storytelling, making the underwater setting feel lively and educational at the same time.

Ozzie’s friendship with Delphia the dolphin and his relationship with his younger brother Reggie add emotional depth to the story. The “Great Eight Arms of Life” advice provides simple but thoughtful lessons about bravery, kindness, and making the most of life. These ideas are presented in a lighthearted way that makes them easy for younger readers to understand and appreciate.

The adventures of Ozzie from performing in front of sharks to facing unexpected challenges keep readers engaged while also reminding them about the beauty and fragility of ocean life. The Amazing Octopus is a fun and inspiring read that celebrates creativity, courage, and the wonders of the sea.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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March 11, 2026

Killer With Three Heads

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Killer With Three Heads 📚

𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: J.L. Hill ✍️

From the very beginning, the book sets a serious tone, hinting at themes of survival, justice, and the consequences of human actions. The narrative shows how the personal struggles, beliefs, and past experiences of the characters shape the paths they take. The author builds a story that is both dramatic and thought-provoking, encouraging readers to reflect on the thin line between right and wrong.

The plot unfolds steadily, revealing secrets and motivations that keep the reader engaged. Characters are portrayed with depth, making them feel realistic rather than simply good or evil. The title itself hints at the multiple sides of conflict present throughout the story, and the author does an effective job of weaving together different perspectives and tensions.

Killer with Three Heads is a compelling read for those who enjoy suspenseful and morally complex stories. The writing carries a reflective tone that adds depth to the unfolding events, while the themes of choice, consequence, and human nature leave a lasting impression. The author has done an amazing job in this book.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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March 11, 2026

Once Bitten

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Once Bitten 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Mark Leslie ✍️
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The novel follows Michael Andrews, a Canadian living in New York who struggles with the dangerous consequences of lycanthropy. Leslie crafts a compelling narrative that balances the supernatural elements of werewolf lore with the realistic emotional conflicts of a man trying to maintain control over his life while dealing with a powerful and unpredictable curse.

Rather than focusing only on action or horror, Leslie explores the psychological toll of living with a secret that could destroy relationships and endanger lives. The author’s vivid descriptions of New York City provide a rich backdrop that contrasts the normal rhythm of city life with the hidden dangers Michael faces. As the plot unfolds, readers experience suspense, moments of vulnerability, and a sense of urgency as Michael tries to manage the consequences of being once bitten.

Mark Leslie’s storytelling keeps readers invested in both the mystery and the protagonist’s emotional journey. Fans of urban fantasy and werewolf fiction will appreciate the balance of action, character development, and atmospheric setting.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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