Book Reviews – Page 14 – Sassy Reviews

October 8, 2025

All Our Yesterdays

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: All Our Yesterdays 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Kerry Edwards ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“All Our Yesterdays” by Kerry Edwards is a captivating and deeply engaging read. Set in 1990s New York, it follows a twenty-three-year-old woman trying to find her footing in a new job, a new city, and a new country.

Living on a modest income in midtown Manhattan without family connections made life financially challenging. Her closest companion, a gay friend named Ali, encouraged her to embrace her true self. She also went on a date with a Frenchman named Giles, though she longed for the familiarity of native English speakers. Her boss, Susan, had a kind and intelligent husband, a beautiful home outside the city, and an art studio in Soho filled with her personal collection—an image of the stability the narrator quietly aspired to.

This beautifully written book reminds us of the importance of letting go of the past at the right time. It encourages readers to free themselves from the weight of hidden memories and unspoken secrets. The narrator’s journey shows how the past can shape—and sometimes haunt—our present. I truly enjoyed this book and found the title “All Our Yesterdays” perfectly fitting for its themes.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 5, 2025

At Least I’m Trying

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: At Least I’m Trying 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Tara Hodgson ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“At Least I’m Trying” by Tara Hodgson is a gripping and emotionally charged read. The story centers around Reese, who has been passionate about volleyball since she was ten. Her best friend is Willow, and Gabe has been in love with her. But after a devastating mistake during a game, Reese not only loses her confidence—she also sees her dreams crumble before her eyes.

Among her teammates is Cassie, who, despite being more focused on sexting than sports, manages to stay on the team because of her personal connections. As the story progresses, Reese meets Liam, and from that moment, her life begins to change. I could deeply relate to Reese when she overlooked the warning signs in her relationship with him. The question lingers—what dangers await her next?

This is an engaging and relatable story for teenagers, adults, and parents alike. It highlights how easily someone can be influenced when their bond with their parents is strained. Tara Hodgson’s book serves as an eye-opening reminder for parents to stay connected and aware of what’s happening in their children’s lives.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon for Pre-order

October 5, 2025

The Night Girl

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Night Girl 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: James Bow ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The Night Girl by James Bow is a captivating read. The story follows Perpetua, who arrives in Toronto with just $500 in her pocket, determined to start a new life. On her first day in the city, she meets Fergus, a kind taxi driver who offers her a discounted (or even free) ride to help her get started.

Perpetua urgently needs to find a job—otherwise, she’ll have to return to her overbearing mother. Luckily, Fergus points her toward a potential opportunity that seems perfectly suited to her skills. But when she goes for the interview, she’s astonished to discover that her interviewer is a goblin and the position is far from ordinary. The agency she’s applying to specializes in job placements for goblins and trolls. What will happen when the veil between worlds begins to lift?

This is a refreshing story that kept me hooked throughout. The title fits perfectly, and the cover design complements the tone of the book beautifully. The pacing is excellent, and Perpetua’s character is thoughtfully developed. I especially enjoyed reading Fergus’s journal entries—they added warmth and depth to the narrative.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend The Night Girl to fellow readers.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 4, 2025

Citizen’s Awakening

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Citizen’s Awakening 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Canyon Holgate ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Citizen’s Awakening, written by Canyon Holgate, is the first installment in the Citizen’s Trilogy. The story centers around Kat Holt, an identical twin who is married to her best friend, Damon Holt. During a gender reveal party, Kat accidentally cuts her hand with a pair of scissors—but moments later, the wound mysteriously disappears, completely healed.

Kat later approaches Senator Rockford, seeking a waiver or some form of exemption from the mandatory genetic marker testing. She is adamant about not participating. However, the Senator insists the test is necessary, as officials are eager to understand how Kat is expecting triplets in a time when many women struggle with infertility.

As Kat hides her extraordinary ability to heal herself, the suspense builds—will anyone uncover her secret?

The storyline kept me on edge throughout, constantly wondering what would happen next. It’s a gripping, fast-paced read that I couldn’t put down once I started. The author’s world-building is vivid, and the pacing adds to the book’s intensity. Overall, Citizen’s Awakening is an engaging and thoroughly enjoyable read.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon for Pre-order

October 4, 2025

Once A King, Now A Prince

𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀, 𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗹.

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Once A King, Now A Prince 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Ira Blacker ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Once A King, Now A Prince is a raw and powerful true story about family dysfunction, the mob, sex, drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll. It chronicles the life of the author, Ira, who endured and survived a deeply troubled childhood. From a young age, he suffered abuse from his father and emotional neglect, especially after his father brought his daughter from a previous marriage into their home.

Ira’s journey took a darker turn when he was admitted to the Psychiatric Ward at Kings County Hospital — an experience so terrifying that it affected him physically. Yet, it was in that place that Ira began learning hard-earned lessons about survival. Later, on the recommendation of psychiatrists, he was sent to Hawthorne to escape his abusive home environment. After spending more than three years in isolation at Hawthorne Cedar Knolls, returning home felt like stepping back into a war zone.

This memoir is not just about trauma — it’s about resilience, recovery, and growth. Ira’s story spans from his tumultuous youth to his later ventures in business and investment, offering readers insight into his remarkable transformation.

I binge-read this book; it’s an emotional rollercoaster and a testament to human endurance. I deeply admire the author’s courage in sharing his story and his determination to rise above a painful past.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

Book not available yet, but more info on website https://onceakingnowaprince.com along with sample chapters.

October 4, 2025

Welcome Home

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Welcome Home 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Gina Romero ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Welcome Home: A Guide to Homemaking, From the Heart” by Gina Romero is a truly special read. This heartfelt guide offers practical and inspiring tips for creating a home filled with purpose, peace, and style.

Gina’s insights on landscaping and gardening are particularly impressive, and her advice on home and physical organization is both useful and easy to follow. She beautifully explains the true essence of interior design and how to craft a space that reflects one’s personal style.

I especially enjoyed her recipe for Mediterranean Orzo Pasta—it took me just 20 minutes to prepare, and my family absolutely loved it! The author’s approach to homemaking has genuinely inspired me to keep my home more organized and thoughtfully designed.

I highly recommend this book to Christian women, as it offers valuable, faith-rooted guidance on homemaking. Gina has truly done a wonderful job with this book.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

September 30, 2025

I Thought the Shame Would Kill Me: But Grace Set Me Free

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: I Thought the Shame Would Kill Me: But Grace Set Me Free
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Rev. Dr. Tarasa B. Lovick ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
I Thought the Shame Would Kill Me: But Grace Set Me Free by Rev. Dr. Tarasa B. Lovick is a poetry memoir that traces the author’s powerful journey of transformation—from being crushed under the weight of shame to discovering the liberating power of grace. She also reflects on her divine calling to travel to India, a pull from deep within that guided her toward something greater than herself.

Through her poetry, the author beautifully shares the experience of encountering divine love. This collection serves as a map for healing, remembrance, and love.

One standout poem, But Now “I Am” Found, captures the clarity that comes from aligning with God’s will. In it, the author writes of moving beyond doubt and loneliness, finding herself at home in sacred light.

This memoir encourages readers to turn inward, peel back layers of pain, conditioning, and fear, and rediscover the authentic self rooted in love. The photographs of India included in the book add depth and connection to her journey, making the reading experience even more intimate and meaningful. Poetry and memoir lovers would have a great time reading this book.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

September 28, 2025

The Search for Melvin

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Search for Melvin 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Jo-Ann E. Jennings ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The Search for Melvin by Jo-Ann E. Jennings is an engaging and suspenseful read set in a small town in Missouri. The story follows teenager Joe Baker MacGregor and his friend Melvin, who is close to him in both age and height. When Sheriff Doolin announces the suspected kidnapping of Melvin Beasley, Joe is shaken—he had just been with Melvin earlier that day at the MacGregor family’s annual Thanksgiving feast and birthday celebration.

Joe grows frustrated that the search party is not searching for Melvin properly, overlooking how easily it could have been him instead. Dr. Knox suggests hiring a private investigator, someone discreet and experienced, to help track Melvin down. Those who know Melvin believe he could manage anywhere as long as he’s being fed, and they hold onto hope that he’s somewhere safe with decent food.

The novel kept me hooked from start to finish. The mystery surrounding Melvin pushed me to keep turning the pages, eager for answers. Elements of black magic, family conflict, murder, humor, and more add rich layers to the story, while the vivid small-town setting enhances the atmosphere. Jennings crafts a tale that is gripping, entertaining, and thoroughly enjoyable—I loved every bit of it.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

September 28, 2025

The Heart of Valor

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Heart of Valor 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Connie Y Harris ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The Heart of Valor by Connie Y Harris was my weekend binge-read, and it didn’t disappoint. At the heart of the story is Kacie O’Shea, a recently retired Marine sergeant who has traded Southern California for Colorado. Her years in the Corps instilled discipline and resilience, qualities that shape her new chapter in life.

Kacie begins working at Bolton’s Valor Security and Investigations, where her boss, Vince Samuels, assigns her first case—recovering Freya, the missing dog of Trevor Marlowe, a former British SAS soldier and single father to young Emma. Kacie proves her skills by successfully reuniting Freya with Trevor.

Though her contract strictly forbids personal relationships with clients, sparks begin to fly between Kacie and Trevor. Wanting to protect his daughter, Trevor hires Kacie as Emma’s bodyguard. While she dedicates herself to keeping Emma safe, the undeniable chemistry between her and Trevor leads Kacie to step away from the job. But soon after, Emma is kidnapped. The question remains—can Kacie bring her back?

What made the novel stand out for me was the electric chemistry between Kacie and Trevor, paired with the suspenseful twists. Kacie is a strong, compelling protagonist, and readers who enjoy stories with resilient female leads will find much to admire in her character. The writing is clear and accessible, while the author does a wonderful job creating a vivid backdrop for the story.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

September 22, 2025

Eternity’s Well

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Eternity’s Well 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Zachary Hagen ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Elior and his twin brother, Eliam, work as search and rescue operatives. On their very first day, a major disaster strikes. They must save as many people as possible before the research facility collapses. Together, Elior and Eliam manage to pull several unconscious researchers out until the building is cleared. But when Eliam hears a faint cry for help from inside, he rushes back in despite Elior’s warning to stay out.

Moments later, an explosion reduces the site to an empty plot of land. Detective Jones questions Elior about Eliam’s appearance, suggesting that the magitechnology involved may have transported the entire building—and everyone inside it—elsewhere. When Elior learns that the official search will be called off, he is devastated. At his lowest point, he encounters Nyx, a cursed merman, who tells him about the mysterious Well of Eternity.

Meanwhile, Princess Opal is forced onto the throne earlier than expected after her father’s sudden death. When Elior, Nyx, and Opal’s paths intertwine, the story gains momentum. The author’s world-building is immersive, and the many subplots are handled skillfully. I look forward to reading more from this writer. Go ahead with this book without any second thoughts.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon