Book Reviews – Page 30 – Sassy Reviews

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

April 28, 2025

Olive Thomas: The Life and Death of a Silent Film Beauty

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Olive Thomas: The Life and Death of a Silent Film Beauty 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Michelle Vogel ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Olive Thomas: The Life and Death of a Silent Film Beauty” by Michelle Vogel is a fascinating read. At just sixteen, Olive married Bernard Krug Thomas, but she soon realized the marriage was a mistake. In New York, her life changed dramatically when she entered and won the “Most Beautiful Girl in New York City” competition, quickly becoming a sought-after model.

Olive’s success blossomed as she became a celebrated Ziegfeld girl, admired by men for her beauty, charm, and wit. Her first leading role came in Madcap Madge, and with every success, Olive’s ambitions grew. Her marriage to film star Jack Pickford boosted her fame even further, as the two shared a lively and adventurous spirit. Olive’s combination of acting talent, intelligence, and stunning looks helped her rise quickly in the film world. Sadly, many of her films are now considered lost.

Olive’s life was tragically cut short by mercurial poisoning in Paris, a shocking event that made major headlines in American newspapers. She had tasted fame at a young age, but her story ended far too soon.

The book’s detailed filmography and numerous photos offered a comprehensive look into Olive’s life and career. This well-written biography gives readers an in-depth understanding of Olive Thomas, honoring her brief but brilliant time in the spotlight.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

April 22, 2025

Losing Austin

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Losing Austin 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Michael J. Bowler ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Losing Austin” by Michael J. Bowler is a captivating read that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. The story centers around fifteen-year-old Austin Bowman and his younger brother, Colton. Austin has always been different—doctors described his behavior as exhibiting “autism-like” traits. One fateful day, Colton lost a friend after the boy heard Austin screeching.

Overwhelmed with frustration, Colton lashed out at Austin, telling him he hated him and wished he would just disappear. To his shock, Austin actually did vanish—and Colton has been searching for his older brother ever since. While the police believe Austin was abducted before entering the woods, Colton is convinced something mysterious happened in those woods. Their father even hired private detectives to search across the country.

In his quest for answers, Colton stumbles upon a girl named Keilani, whose brother Kumaka also went missing the very same day as Austin. She believes the rain took them. What could she mean by that? You’ll have to read the book to find out.

Full of suspense and emotional depth, this novel is packed with twists and turns that make it hard to put down. I especially loved Colton’s character—his determination and emotional journey truly stand out. Michael J. Bowler has done an excellent job with this story.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

April 21, 2025

Pacer Coulee Chronicles

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Pacer Coulee Chronicles 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Wayne Edwards ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Pacer Coulee Chronicles” by Wayne Edwards is an engaging and enjoyable read. Set in the small town of Pacer Coulee, Montana, the story revolves around the local high school’s need for coaches for their football and girls’ basketball teams. Edna Coffman, the School Board Chairperson, tasked Lester Brewster with finding the right coaches for the job.

Luke Carter is brought in as the new football coach. Having only visited Montana once before, Luke is seeking a fresh start after a painful divorce caused by his wife’s infidelity.

Meanwhile, Madison Danielsen, who grew up in the tiny northeastern town of Whitewater, Montana, interviews for the girls’ basketball coaching role. Determined to secure a better-paying job to support her daughter—especially with uncertain child support from her ex—Madison sees this opportunity as a crucial turning point.

What happens when Luke and Madison’s paths cross? You’ll have to read the book to find out!

I couldn’t put this book down—it was a total binge read. The author’s writing style is smooth and engaging, the title fits perfectly, and the cover is eye-catching. As someone who loves stories centered around sports and high school life, I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it. Wayne Edwards has crafted a compelling narrative that kept me hooked from start to finish.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

April 21, 2025April 21, 2025

The Secret of Surviving In The Sea

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Secret of Surviving In The Sea 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Louise Hurd ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Secret of Surviving In The Sea” by Louise Hurd is a captivating novel that kept me hooked until the very end. The story revolves around two central characters—Adam Balthazar Castleton and Tracy Jane Crocker.

Adam was childhood friends with Diana. After the tragic loss of his parents, he moved in with his grandfather. Sadly, when his grandfather passed away, Adam was placed in foster care. His godfather, Uncle Hank, chose not to take responsibility for him, leaving Adam without support during his most vulnerable years.

As a troubled youth, Adam engaged in various illegal activities, which led Diana’s parents to forbid her from seeing him. At just fourteen, Diana became pregnant with Adam’s child, but her parents intervened and terminated the pregnancy. Whenever Diana asked Adam if he loved her, his response was always that they were best friends.

Tracy Jane Crocker, on the other hand, is a dreamer and a romantic at heart. Fascinated by the vibrant colors of the ocean, she pursued her passion as an artist. At sixteen, she once swam too far into the sea and had to be rescued. Her deep love for the ever-moving waves kept drawing her back. When she met Adam at a party in Wisconsin, she felt he was way out of her league—but he noticed her. The two began dating and eventually fell in love. Adam found Tracy intriguing and appreciated her natural beauty, even without makeup.

This heartwarming romance is beautifully written, with Adam and Tracy’s chemistry shining throughout. The title is fitting, and I absolutely love the cover image. It’s a light, engaging read—perfect for fans of romantic stories.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

Author’s website