Book Reviews – Page 26 – Sassy Reviews

May 6, 2025

Greenville: A Collection of Short Stories

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Greenville: A Collection of Short Stories 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Jayla Hall Cabrera ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Greenville: A Collection of Short Stories” by Jayla Hall Cabrera is an engaging and emotionally resonant read. The stories explore a range of experiences, from the innocence of childhood to the complexities of adult life.

One standout piece, “A Kid Again, but Being the Eldest,” delves into the challenges of being the oldest sibling. The narrator reflects on the weight of responsibilities often placed on the eldest, poignantly captured in the line: “The Eldest doesn’t drink the elixir; they give it.” This sentiment strikes a chord with anyone who has shouldered that role.

In another touching story, “Even Mama Forgets to Listen,” the narrator reminisces about sharing school-day tales with her mother, who once listened with care and attention. As time passes and her mother grows older and frailer, she begins to forget to listen—and the narrator, in turn, stops sharing the details of her day.

These stories are deeply relatable, mirroring the emotional transitions we all experience as we grow from childhood into adulthood. The writing is accessible and heartfelt, with a bittersweet tone that lingers. I found myself immersed, finishing several stories in one sitting. It’s a memorable collection that offers both comfort and reflection.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 5, 2025May 6, 2025

Aspirational Goals

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Aspirational Goals 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Eric Scott Grand ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Aspirational Goals” by Eric Scott Grand is a powerful and thought-provoking read. The author beautifully conveys that aspirational goals are those we list for future accomplishment—goals that require consistent effort and dedication to achieve.

In the poem Optimism, Grand emphasizes how a positive mindset can transform our circumstances. The poem inspires readers to bounce back stronger, instilling a sense of confidence even before the final outcome is known.

I particularly enjoyed the poem Smart, which offers a clear and simple definition of what it means to be smart. According to the poem, being smart is about finding solutions with clarity and ease—tackling challenges smoothly and completing tasks without complications.

These poems are deeply relatable, especially for those striving to grow in their careers. Qualities like optimism, intelligence, and ambition are thoughtfully woven throughout the book, encouraging readers to aim high and stay motivated. This book reminded me of my own school and college days, and I highly recommend it to anyone chasing their goals. Don’t think twice—just dive in!

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 5, 2025

The Consequence of Stars

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Consequence of Stars 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: David W. Berner ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Consequence of Stars: A Memoir of Home” by David W. Berner is a compelling and heartfelt read. Presented as a memoir-in-essays, the book forms a mosaic of experiences centered around the universal quest for belonging. Berner, who grew up in Western Pennsylvania, faced familial expectations to stay local, find work, and start a family. However, his mother encouraged him to pursue higher education—a decision that set him on a life-changing path.

He soon found himself living in cramped dorm rooms and apartments in Pittsburgh’s South Hills, becoming the first in his family to venture beyond their hometown. Later, after losing a job, he moved to a small studio apartment in Chicago to start anew. Through these transitions, Berner came to realize that “home” isn’t a fixed place, but something we carry within ourselves.

The memoir also includes touching stories, such as that of Gloria and Norman, whose love endured the distance while Norman served in the army. They married during his brief Memorial Day leave, adding a poignant layer to the narrative.

Berner’s journey is rich with spiritual reflection, and his search for a true sense of home is both moving and relatable. His life of movement and introspection left a lasting impression on me. The writing is accessible and sincere—ideal for anyone who enjoys memoirs or is seeking a deeper understanding of what it means to find one’s place in the world.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 5, 2025

Portals of Realms

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Portals of Realms 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Ailed De La Torre ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The Moon Goddess, Cerridwen, devised a plan to create something truly extraordinary. She proposed the creation of a new realm where magical beings and mortals could coexist in harmony. Together, they summoned powerful magic to open portals into this new world.
Kieran, a brother to the gods, was invited to help shape the future of the mortals. However, he felt alienated, as though his purpose had been diminished to just being a legend. Consumed by envy, he failed to recognize the strength and potential within himself. In response to his growing threats, the gods created glowing portals and powerful guardians to protect the mortals. Over time, these guardians managed to uphold peace and order in the realm.

One day, guardians Eamon and Aithne began to question their purpose, yearning for something beyond their assigned roles. Will Kieran sense this stirring of change—and use it to his advantage?

The creation of the new realm was especially captivating. The narrative is immersive, with a richly developed setting. For anyone looking to escape the mundane and dive into a fantastical world, this book is a must-read.

Overall, it’s a compelling story with a strong plot and surprising twists.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 5, 2025

Bless Your Heart

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Bless Your Heart 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Susann Camus ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
After finishing See Me by Susann Camus, I found myself eagerly anticipating the author’s next release. Bless Your Heart: A Jeannie Johal Thriller did not disappoint—it was absolutely worth the wait. The story picks up with Jeannie Johnson being suddenly pulled from her current assignment and sent on an urgent mission to Greenville, North Carolina. Her role there is to serve as a researcher, but it’s clear from the start that her real task goes much deeper.

Jeannie arrives in Greenville at the behest of Beatrix Bach, a trusted figure who has spoken highly of her. Because of Bach’s strong recommendation, Dr. Dunn, the lead on a critical medical research project, places considerable trust in Jeannie. The project, however, is under serious threat. Someone from within the research team is deliberately undermining the work, and it’s up to Jeannie to uncover who is behind the sabotage.

Set against the backdrop of a correctional facility perched at the end of New Hope Road, the assignment is laced with tension and danger. Despite the risks, Jeannie is determined to uncover the truth and protect the integrity of the research. Her resolve and intelligence shine through, making her a compelling and admirable protagonist.

The narrative is fast-paced and tightly woven, keeping me thoroughly engaged from beginning to end.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 4, 2025

Goodbye, Sweetberry Park

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Goodbye, Sweetberry Park 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Josh Green ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Goodbye, Sweetberry Park” by Josh Green is a compelling and suspenseful read.

God Johnson, a seasoned journalist from Atlanta, inherits a Victorian house from his late white grandfather. But his life takes a dramatic turn when he learns that Sweetberry Park—his now favorite neighborhood is under threat.

The city council is considering a historic preservation project in Sweetberry Park. Fifteen homes are currently part of the proposal, and owners have already accepted generous above-market offers. The developers claim it’s a preservation effort, but in reality, they need a cleared stretch of land to move forward—leaving the community at risk of erasure.

Meanwhile, another strange and chilling subplot unfolds: Gerald McCaffrey, a zookeeper, has gone rogue, stealing seventeen of the world’s most venomous snakes—including the infamous black mamba and the giant anaconda. When Johnson calls The Atlanta Beacon, he’s told the black mamba poses the most serious threat.

Can the snakes be captured before they wreak havoc? And what will Johnson do to protect his neighborhood?

The plot is riveting. Just imagining the terror of living blocks away from such deadly creatures sent shivers down my spine. The story is fast-paced, tense, and deeply engaging—I couldn’t put it down. Josh Green delivers a fantastic read. Don’t hesitate—this book is absolutely worth your time.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 2, 2025

Lonely No More: The Astonishing Power of Inner Bonding

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Lonely No More: The Astonishing Power of Inner Bonding 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Margaret Paul, PhD ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Lonely No More: The Astonishing Power of Inner Bonding” is a deeply insightful read that offers a transformative path to spiritual connection. The author explains how we develop a wounded ego as a survival mechanism—an aspect of ourselves that needs healing. Through the practice of Inner Bonding, we are taught to cultivate self-love and connect with a higher source of guidance.

The book emphasizes that prayers rooted in gratitude, love, and faith hold the greatest power. By choosing to be led by the divine love that is God, rather than our controlling and resistant wounded self, we can unlock our true personal power and integrity.

The author introduces the Six Steps of Inner Bonding—a healing process that helps us replace limiting false beliefs with liberating truths. She also shares her personal journey and how Inner Bonding profoundly impacted her life. Central to the message is the importance of taking loving action based on these truths.

This approach allows us to break free from fear and self-imposed limitations. The book highlights the transformative power of gratitude and offers valuable lessons in self-awareness, personal responsibility, and inner healing.

Clear, descriptive, and empowering, this book equips readers with practical tools for living their best lives. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking emotional and spiritual growth.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 2, 2025

Hearts on the Line

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Hearts on the Line 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: R. Katze ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Hearts on the Line” by R. Katze is a romance novel centered around Jennifer Blakely and Adam Thompson. Jennifer truly found herself in the charming town of Shoreton Point, where she embraces her passion for teaching. Adam, her childhood best friend, drifted apart from her during college despite their promise to stay close.

Now back in Shoreton Point, Adam learns that Jennifer has been facing threats from her ex-boyfriend, Eric—the mayor’s influential son. Despite Jennifer’s attempts to seek help from the police, Eric’s power has shielded him from consequences. He still claims Jennifer as his girlfriend, but Adam steps in and declares that she’s now with him, and they’ve been together for several months. What will Eric do after hearing this?

This emotionally engaging story weaves together themes of romance, friendship, football, and teaching. The writing is simple and accessible, making it an enjoyable read. If you love heartfelt stories, this book is worth picking up. The author has done great work in it and I am definitely interested in reading more books by Katze in the future.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 2, 2025

Maria’s Shadow

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Maria’s Shadow 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: D.L. Cary ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Maria’s Shadow by D.L. Cary is a compelling thriller that grips you from the start. The story centers on Maria Hernández, who, at just nineteen, chased a Hollywood dream—only to fall into the clutches of Saffron Veil. Trapped in a California mansion, Maria managed to escape when she was barely two months pregnant.

To stay out of Grayson’s reach, Maria constantly moved, living under the radar. At nine months pregnant, she gave birth to Mateo and survived on cash jobs. But when her life was threatened, she reached out to Detective John Jefferson, pleading with him to protect Mateo from the monsters chasing them. Maria didn’t survive—but Jefferson is now resolute in keeping her son safe. He even faked Mateo’s death to shield him from danger.

This is a fast-paced, suspense-filled read with vivid writing and a tightly woven plot. Maria’s character is particularly well developed, and the setting adds an immersive depth to the story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book—it kept me hooked right until the very end.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 1, 2025

What Other People Think of You: Is None of Your Business

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: What Other People Think of You: Is None of Your Business 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: J.D. Moórea and Dan Shearin ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“What Other People Think of You: Is None of Your Business” by J.D. Moórea and Dan Shearin is one of those rare books that I genuinely wish I had come across years ago. It’s the kind of read that doesn’t just offer insight—it offers freedom. Freedom from the invisible chains we wrap around ourselves in the name of seeking approval, fearing judgment, and placing our self-worth in the hands of others.

From the very first pages, the book urges readers to examine how deeply we allow other people’s opinions, words, and actions to influence the way we live our lives.

The book also offers profound lessons on emotional resilience. One of the most empowering ideas it presents is that what others say or do often has little to do with us—and everything to do with their own inner battles and projections. This is a truth that took me years of pain and reflection to fully grasp. Understanding this can be incredibly healing. It allows us to stop internalizing criticism and start seeing it for what it really is: a reflection of someone else’s story, not our own.

Another standout concept in the book is the importance of replacing disempowering thoughts with empowering ones. The author encourages us not to view ourselves as victims of circumstance or opinion. Instead, he advocates for conscious living—choosing how we respond, how we think, and ultimately how we feel. We may not control what others do, but we absolutely have the power to shape our inner world.

This book is especially valuable for anyone struggling with feelings of inadequacy, past bullying, or emotional wounds inflicted by others. If you’ve ever allowed someone else’s words or actions to define you, this book is your wake-up call. It gently invites you to take your power back, to stop seeking external validation, and to start living a life rooted in self-respect and authenticity.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon