Book Reviews – Page 21 – Sassy Reviews

July 29, 2025

A Broken Nail

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: A Broken Nail 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Alex Wolfe ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“A Broken Nail” by Alex Wolfe is an engaging and emotionally stirring read. The story revolves around 38-year-old Kate Collins. One cold, rainy night, she finds herself stranded with a flat tire. Sam, noticing her alone in the bad weather, offers to help. After Sam fixes the tire, Kate makes it home safely. Fate brings them together again in Brighton.

Kate and Sam begin spending time together over coffee. Having gone through a string of failed relationships, Kate’s daughter Emily urges her to be cautious with Sam. Despite the past, Kate finds herself drawn to him. Their conversations deepen, and they meet more frequently. Sam makes Kate feel appreciated—but can she really trust him? Is Sam truly who he claims to be?

This story captivated me right from the first page. The title fits perfectly, and the cover is striking. Alex Wolfe’s writing style is smooth and compelling. The characters are well-developed, and the fast-paced narrative kept me hooked throughout. It’s a story that lingers in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

July 29, 2025July 29, 2025

Utopia

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: UTOPIA 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Jenny Ahmed ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Utopia, written by Jenny Ahmed, is a captivating tale set in a future where humanity reaches beyond Earth. Dr. Delilah Dweck, a mission specialist, physician, and geneticist, is part of an elite crew handpicked by NASA and Celestia for the Magellan mission. After months of travel through space, the crew finally steps onto the Martian surface—a moment of immense historical importance.

As the colonists began to adapt to life on Mars, their bodies slowly adjusted to the planet’s reduced gravity. Though the low gravity initially felt exhilarating, it brought with it unexpected challenges. Delilah took the lead in developing a sustainable medical infrastructure for Utopia. The team began assessing both the obstacles and the possibilities of creating a permanent human presence on Mars.

The story takes a dramatic turn when the colonists encounter the Xan’tari—a meeting that unveils mysteries and truths previously unknown to humankind. As the narrative unfolds, each astronaut faces a crucial decision: to contribute to the future of the colony, whether through natural reproduction or artificial means.

Jenny Ahmed’s vivid imagination shines throughout the book. Her world-building is richly detailed, and her writing style is both engaging and fast-paced. The story held my attention from start to finish—I simply couldn’t put it down. If you’re fascinated by the idea of life on other planets, this book is a must-read.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

July 29, 2025July 29, 2025

Heartland Retribution

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Heartland Retribution 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Michael Williams ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Heartland Retribution” penned by the author Michael Williams is a gripping read. The story features a CIA Agent Sophia Evans. Sophia and her team have been chasing Senator Roy Stone. Sophia failed to get her hands on the Senator during the shootout in Washington D.C.

Stone somehow manages to stay ahead of her. Sophia suspects a leak in a team but the team was handpicked by herself or Owens. For the fourth time the former Senator had struck them out. When Sophia received news about Stone and Hasan (one of the most wanted terrorists), she wanted to get both simultaneously. Stone is holed up in Tangier, and Hasan is in Sana’a. They seek help of Mike’s team so half of the team could go after Stone and the other half after Hasan Althani. Read this book to find out if Sophia’s team received the correct information or was it a false one.

The writing style of the author is nice. The cover photo is well designed. The tension was high throughout the plot as I kept wondering what will happen next. The storyline is gripping. It’s a fast paced read and you won’t be bored anytime while reading it. Go ahead with this without any second thoughts.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

July 28, 2025

Accidental Ukrainians: Part Two – February 2023 to February 2024: Missile Mania

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Accidental Ukrainians: Part Two – February 2023 to February 2024: Missile Mania 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: John and Natasha Sennett ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Accidental Ukrainians: Part Two – February 2023 to February 2024: Missile Mania” by John and Natasha Sennett offers a compelling and eye-opening account. The book chronicles the experiences of two American citizens living in Kyiv and Chernivtsi during an intense year of war and uncertainty.

The authors describe The Battle of Kyiv as their first true test—one they faced with unshaken faith. Once the battle subsided, autumn arrived, and with it came a new wave of terror: relentless missile strikes. Power and internet outages became the norm, forcing them to leave Kyiv—though they remained in Ukraine.

On October 24, 2022, the couple relocated to Chernivtsi so that one could continue working while the other pursued prerequisite courses for a master’s program at a U.S. university. After four months, they returned to Kyiv. The authors have mentioned about acceptance of death. That way, they started living more. Natasha also reflects on her teaching career so a job would keep her productive.

If you’re looking for a firsthand account of how missile and drone attacks escalated in Kyiv, this book is for you. I can’t begin to imagine what it was like in their shoes, but I deeply admire their courage and resilience. I look forward to reading more from the Sennetts. Definitely add this book to your TBR!

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

July 28, 2025July 28, 2025

A Tale of Dreams and Demons

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: A Tale of Dreams and Demons 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Elizabeth Hernandez ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“A Tale of Dreams and Demons” by Elizabeth Hernandez is a captivating Teen & Young Adult Coming-of-Age fantasy. The story follows a curious and imaginative teen named Melosia, who finds her ordinary life dull. She dreams of magic being real and longs for an epic adventure like the ones she watches with her sister, Alma.

On a recent family camping trip, Mel is suddenly attacked by a monster—only to be rescued just in time by her Uncle Lupus. However, her mother is wary of Lupus and doesn’t want him near her daughters. Later, Mel learns from her uncle that they share a special heritage, one that sets them apart from her mother and sister. One night, Uncle Lupus takes Mel into another world. What awaits her there? Will she find new friends? How will she adjust to this strange, magical place?

This book reminded me of the Harry Potter series. I truly enjoyed reading it. The storyline kept me hooked from the very first page, and I couldn’t put it down. The pacing was perfect, and the characters have definitely left a lasting impression on me. Elizabeth Hernandez has crafted a truly enchanting tale.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

July 28, 2025

Trennen: The Southern War

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Trennen: The Southern War 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: M.C. Bradley ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Trennen: The Southern War” by M.C. Bradley is a compelling and well-crafted story that draws you in from the very first page. At its center is Princess Sophia, a sharp-tongued and intelligent woman from Rike, the capital of the powerful kingdom of Rosmaria—known to be superior in every way to its neighboring lands, Madotia and Nosmad.

In a bid to prevent Madotia from falling into the hands of barbarians, Princess Sophia journeys there as an advisor, tasked with helping strategize a defense. During her time in Madotia, she meets Prince Koa, who insists she learn to defend herself—a notion Sophia initially rejects. She relies entirely on her royal guard, Dame Lilith, for protection and firmly believes that war is no place for women.

However, as she and Prince Koa spend more time together, a deeper connection begins to form. Will this bond grow into something more? And how will Sophia influence the fate of Madotia?

This book stands out for its well-developed characters—I especially loved Sophia and Koa—and its fast-paced, engaging plot. There isn’t a single dull moment. The cover design is eye-catching, and M.C. Bradley’s writing is captivating from start to finish. I’m thrilled to have picked up this latest release and eagerly look forward to reading more from the author.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

July 28, 2025

Farewell to Old England Forever

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Farewell to Old England Forever 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Doug Limbrick ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Farewell to Old England Forever” by Doug Limbrick is a compelling and insightful read. The author vividly captures the experiences of those who left their homeland to journey by sea as emigrants to the Australian colonies.

In 1844 and early 1845, more than 4,000 immigrants arrived in the colonies under new bounty schemes. One of the most effective ways of encouraging emigration was through personal letters and support from family and friends who had already made the move.

By 1888, Australia had seen a century of migration and settlement. Despite the greater distance, higher costs, and challenges compared to North America, many still chose the Australian colonies as their destination.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Doug Limbrick’s extensive research is evident throughout. The inclusion of photographs enriched the narrative and helped me connect more deeply with the subject. His writing style is engaging and accessible, and the cover design is striking. The book gave me a deeper understanding of the various government migration schemes of the time.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

July 26, 2025

The Puppet

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Puppet 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: M.C. Bradley ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The Puppet by M.C. Bradley is a Teen & Young Adult fiction novel centered around a puppet named Marionette. She was created by the cruel Master Mary, who forced her to perform despite her foot being damaged from practice the previous day. When the performance fell apart because of this, Master Mary lashed out at Marionette, calling her useless and saying unkind things.

One day, Marionette overheard Master Mary planning to sell her. Determined to escape, she fled and soon crossed paths with an elderly woman named Ruth. Ruth offered Marionette a job, but things didn’t go smoothly at first—Marionette made several mistakes and feared she would be punished. However, Ruth proved to be kind and understanding, encouraging Marionette to learn from her failures and view life from a different perspective.

Marionette’s journey of healing made this book a truly enjoyable read. The story felt fresh and original. This was my first time reading a book by M.C. Bradley, and I was thoroughly impressed by her writing. The narrative was so immersive, I felt as though I was right there with Marionette, experiencing everything alongside her.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

July 25, 2025

Taming Your Money Monster

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Taming Your Money Monster 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Doug Lynam ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Taming Your Money Monster: 9 Paths to Money Mastery with the Enneagram” by Doug Lynam is an insightful and thought-provoking read. The author emphasizes how our relationship with money is closely linked to our personality type.

I resonate with the author’s point that financial trauma can significantly influence how we relate to money. He outlines practical steps toward becoming a master of our finances, and by applying these strategies, we can fast-track our path to financial freedom.

This book offers powerful insights that can help readers heal their money mindset on a deeper, more spiritual level. I’m truly grateful to the author for sharing such wisdom, which empowers us to break free from harmful financial habits and build a more prosperous and balanced future.

Doug Lynam’s wisdom in this book is truly commendable. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking to elevate their personal development and achieve lasting financial independence.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

July 25, 2025

Accidental Ukrainians

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Accidental Ukrainians 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: John & Natasha Sennett ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Accidental Ukrainians offer a powerful glimpse into the Russo-Ukrainian war through the eyes of American civilians who were living in Ukraine when the full-scale invasion began. This is the first book in a series, and it gripped me from the very first page.

John and Natasha Sennett share their personal journey—how they initially planned to settle in Belarus and even bought a house there. However, due to the political conditions of Belarus, they decided to move to Kyiv, Ukraine, which was just a six-hour drive away. When Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, the couple made the bold decision to remain in Kyiv.

As the war unfolded, Kyiv quickly transformed into a ghost town. For the first time, the authors experienced life in a city emptied of people. Hospitals, cafes, clinics, and businesses shut down. Their beloved dog Sammi passed away from cancer shortly after the Battle of Kyiv. Embassies were evacuating, and foreigners were fleeing the country. The memoir includes personal letters, including one John wrote on the evening of the full-scale invasion. Read this book to find out will they eventually leave Kyiv?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It captures moments of joy and heartbreak, and some passages are truly chilling. The authors opened my eyes to what it’s like to live in a country under invasion. I felt a deeper emotional connection to this book than anything I’ve seen on the news about the Russo-Ukrainian War.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon