Book Reviews – Page 32 – Sassy Reviews

March 5, 2025

The Boiling Toad

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Boiling Toad 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Phillip Leighton-Daly ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Boiling Toad” by Phillip Leighton-Daly offers a thought-provoking reading experience. Set on the planet Fossil, it explores the civilization of Soot, where a small community known as Coke resides. In this world, coal reigns supreme, serving as the primary source of power for the entire planet. Meanwhile, the neighboring planets had long transitioned to renewable energy sources, leaving Fossil behind in its dependence on fossil fuels.

At the heart of the story is Lucidia, a young woman who grew up in the rural outskirts of Coke. She possesses a unique gift—telepathy—that becomes significantly stronger when the three spirits of her family find harmony in the surrounding woodlands. However, Lucidia is plagued by harrowing nightmares, visions of the planet’s future. Through her telepathic abilities, she witnesses the rising oceans swallowing islands and coastal regions, a forewarning of an impending environmental catastrophe.

As Lucidia struggles with these terrifying premonitions, she takes a bold step—she sends a message to the people of Soot, alerting them to the dire consequences of their negligence toward the environment. But how will the citizens react when confronted with the truth? Will they acknowledge their role in environmental destruction, or will they continue down the same path?

The title, The Boiling Toad, is fitting, symbolizing the gradual yet perilous nature of environmental decline. The book’s cover design complements its theme effectively. With its concise yet impactful narrative, this short story can be completed in a single sitting. More than just a work of fiction, it serves as a wake-up call, urging readers to reflect on their relationship with nature and the importance of sustainability.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

March 5, 2025

Hard Headed Woman

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Hard Headed Woman 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Howard Gimple ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Hard Headed Woman by Howard Gimple is a captivating and suspenseful novel that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The story follows Hannah, the daughter of Axel, a man who dedicated his life to establishing the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. However, Hannah has recently been experiencing unexplained fainting spells. During one such episode, she collapsed onto her father, and tragically, he suffered a fatal stroke shortly afterward and passed away.

Phil, Hannah’s cousin, begins to suspect foul play and wonders if Axel may have been poisoned. As they anxiously await the results of his blood tests, the mystery surrounding his death deepens. Axel had always wished to be cremated, with his ashes scattered in the East Pond of the wildlife refuge. When Hannah sets out to fulfill this promise, she is shocked to find the once-familiar refuge transformed into an ominous, prison-like compound—completely fenced off and guarded by an armed man. Determined to uncover the truth, she enlists the help of Phil and her close friend Bette to investigate what is really happening at the refuge and whether it has any connection to her father’s death.

Howard Gimple’s writing is both immersive and gripping, with a well-paced narrative that never lags. The vivid descriptions of the setting bring the story to life, making it easy to lose oneself in the book’s suspenseful atmosphere. The mystery unfolds seamlessly, maintaining intrigue at every turn. Hannah and Phil stood out as my favorite characters, their determination and depth adding to the novel’s appeal. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this book and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a compelling read. Don’t hesitate—this is a novel worth diving into!

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

March 5, 2025March 5, 2025

A Reluctant Spy

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: A Reluctant Spy 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Roselyn Teukolsky ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
A Reluctant Spy: A Novel of Suspense by Roselyn Teukolsky is an enthralling read. The story follows Madeline Geiger, a young computer scientist, who finds herself entangled in a dangerous investigation.

Detective Mahoney informs Madeline that she is treating Mike’s death as a homicide. To piece together the truth, Mahoney questions her extensively about their marriage. Mahoney explains that Mike’s parachute failed due to real knots in his chute—his rig had been tampered with.

Meanwhile, Joe Shelmann reveals that someone at Cornell is supplying encryption software to illegal pornographers. Since Mike was working undercover, Joe suspects the encryption expert may have played a role in his death. Now, it’s Madeline’s turn to go undercover. As she begins hacking into computers, she races against time to uncover the truth about Mike and her colleagues before leaving Cornell.

The gripping storyline kept me on edge from start to finish. The characters are well-developed, with Madeline’s intelligence and wit standing out. The book is well-paced, with no dull moments, making it impossible to put down once you start reading. The cover design is also appealing.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

March 3, 2025March 3, 2025

Ghost Stories 2

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Ghost Stories 2 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Lisa Anne Rooney ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Ghost Stories 2: A Medium’s Interactions with The Afterlife” by Lisa Anne Rooney is a compelling collection of the author’s personal encounters with spirits, ghosts, and supernatural entities.

As a child, Lisa was often home alone when her mother worked a weekly night shift once a month. During these nights, she was visited by the spirits of her grandparents, her uncle John, and others. Though she eventually realized they meant no harm, their presence still terrified her. Taking no chances, Lisa made it a habit to spray holy water once a week.

One of the most chilling chapters, “Bad Things,” left me deeply unsettled. Lisa woke to a crushing pressure on her chest and instinctively searched her home for something connected to the letter “D.” To shield herself and her family, she reached out to loved ones on the other side for protection. If you’re curious about what she uncovered, you’ll have to read the book yourself.

As a medium, Lisa must always be prepared for the unexpected. No amount of research can truly prepare one for the reality of communicating with spirits, and her experiences prove just that. This book had me hooked from start to finish. Lisa’s courage is truly commendable, and her real-life encounters sent chills down my spine. Reading this at night, I found myself too scared to close my eyes. If you’re a fan of ghost stories, this is a must-read!

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

March 3, 2025

Pieces of Me

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Pieces of Me 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Mary Beth Eversole ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Pieces of Me” by Mary Beth Eversole is a compelling and unique read. The story follows Katie, an award-winning journalist whose life has been in turmoil since the heartbreaking loss of her son, who was born at just twenty-three weeks and survived for only ten minutes. Struggling to cope, she finds herself unable to focus on her writing and navigating life with her fiancé, Chad.

Haunted by vivid dreams, Katie repeatedly envisions women from different time periods—Sarah, Anya, and Roseamund—experiencing their lives as if they were her own. At the same time, she becomes deeply intrigued by Jenice, a homeless young girl desperate to reunite with her mother.

In search of answers, Katie turns to Janet Everwood, a world-renowned hypnotherapist and Eastern medicine expert. As she delves deeper into her past-life connections, she uncovers revelations that could change everything.

The book’s cover is beautifully designed, the pacing is well-balanced, and the narration flows effortlessly. From the very first page, I was completely absorbed—I simply couldn’t put it down. Mary has done fantastic work in this book. I am definitely interested in reading more books by her in the future.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

February 28, 2025

Love in Abstract

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Love in Abstract 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Esma Heart ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Love in Abstract: A Second Chance Forced Proximity Romance by Esma Heart is a captivating read. The story revolves around two main characters, Jake Matthews and Rachel. Jake, a struggling artist with a creative block. His paintings are being sold in an auction. Cait is his publicity manager. At the auction, Jake mentioned his upcoming new collection even though there wasn’t any.

When Cait travels to Fairbanks, Alaska, for her brother’s Christmas wedding, Jake ends up accompanying her. Meanwhile, Rachel arrives in Alaska for her sister Sarah’s wedding to Cole. Fate brings her face-to-face with Jake, the man she has secretly admired for years. However, being in such close proximity to him is something she never anticipated. Rachel, a cancer survivor, is also navigating the aftermath of a breakup with Derrick—a man who despised her fascination with Jake Matthews.

Will Jake and Rachel’s unexpected meeting lead to something more? This engaging romance kept me hooked with every page. The book’s cover is visually striking, and the author does a fantastic job setting the scene. The chemistry between the characters is well-developed, making this an enjoyable and heartfelt read.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

February 27, 2025

The Tub

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Tub 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Paplu ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The Tub by Paplu is a compelling and unconventional read. Its protagonist remains nameless and immobile, confined to a hospital bed, entirely dependent on Nurse Marie. For him, life feels more terrifying than death. He believes that society abandons the disabled and that families eventually forget them.

His condition is irreversible, and the absence of death feels like an ongoing torment. He despairs over his inability to perform even the simplest tasks. However, his roommate, Greg, brings warmth into his life with kindness and companionship. They share stories and laughter, making the bleak hospital days more bearable. With his own family long gone, Greg becomes the closest thing to one. But what happens when a new roommate arrives? And should he warn him about Ryan, the male nurse?

This novel is a must-read for those interested in disability fiction. The characters are well-developed, the setting is thoughtfully crafted, and the writing is accessible. The story maintains a steady sense of intrigue, keeping readers engaged with each turn of the page.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

February 24, 2025

Acquittal

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Acquittal 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Christer Tholin ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Christer Tholin’s Acquittal is a gripping Swedish crime novel and the fifth book in the Stockholm Sleuth Series, though it can be read as a standalone. The story follows Willmar Björkman, a man convicted of murder five years ago. Despite his sentence, he has always insisted on his innocence. Now, with newly acquired funds, he is determined to reopen the case and prove himself innocent.

Private investigators Lars and Elin take on the challenge. The victim—a 34-year-old woman—was married to a police officer and was brutally beaten to death. A sum of money allegedly disappeared from the crime scene, adding another layer of mystery to the case.

Lars, meanwhile, struggles with his personal life. His dedication to detective work has put a strain on his marriage, as his wife worries about the dangers of his job. She wishes for him to take on a safer role, but Lars refuses to walk away from his passion. However, when she is diagnosed with cancer, the two find a way back to each other.

The case takes Lars and Elin to a small town near Umeå, where they must dig deep into old evidence and uncover hidden truths. But with so many unanswered questions, even they aren’t sure if Willmar is truly innocent. Can they crack the case and uncover the real killer?

Christer Tholin crafts a compelling mystery filled with unexpected twists. The well-developed characters, vivid setting, and fast-paced storytelling make this novel a must-read for crime fiction fans. From start to finish, Acquittal keeps readers on edge, eager to discover the truth.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

February 23, 2025

Tears to Joy: Finding God’s Love Through the Heartache

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Tears to Joy: Finding God’s Love Through the Heartache 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Mollie Ouellette ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Mollie Ouellette’s Tears to Joy: Finding God’s Love Through the Heartache is a deeply moving memoir of resilience and faith. From an early age, Mollie endured the pain of abuse, carrying those wounds into her teenage years. She fell in love with Michael, and they gave birth to a son. However, heartbreak followed when trust was broken, leading her into relationships with Andrew, Edward, William, and others—yet her heart always longed for Michael.

Life continued to test her strength. The loss of her beloved grandparents left a void, and the devastating news of her HIV/AIDS diagnosis added another layer of suffering. For over fifteen years, Mollie battled Full-Blown AIDS, yet through it all, she found solace in her unwavering faith. Her journey was not just about physical healing but also about spiritual restoration.

Against all odds, Mollie overcame cancer, and her doctor gave her the incredible news that she could still have children. Her story is a testament to the power of faith, reinforcing the belief that “With God, all things are possible.” Through hardship and heartache, she never wavered in her trust in God’s plan.

This book is a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, hope remains. Mollie’s story inspired me to hold on to my faith, even when doubt creeps in. I am truly grateful for her courage in sharing her journey, and I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a story of faith, perseverance, and divine healing.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

February 23, 2025

The Foundlings and the Fisherman from Tumby

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Foundlings and the Fisherman from Tumby 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Phillip Leighton-Daly ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Foundlings and the Fisherman from Tumby” by Phillip Leighton-Daly is a compelling historical novel that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
Jon and Margaret Treves, anti-slavery supporters, endure unimaginable tragedy when their hometown of Lawrence, Kansas, falls victim to Captain William Quantrill’s ruthless attack. In the aftermath, they lose their twin sons, Joseph and Jacob, and are forced to flee, leaving their home behind.

Seeking a fresh start, the couple sets sail for Australia, but their journey is anything but smooth. Their voyage aboard the Morning Mist is fraught with hardship, testing their resilience at every turn. What would happen when Margaret would contract leprosy, a disease she had chosen to treat. How will they navigate this new challenge? The answers lie within the pages of this gripping novel.

Told primarily from Jon’s first-person perspective before transitioning to third-person narration, the storytelling is immersive and emotionally charged. The prose is fluid and compelling, with striking imagery woven throughout the chapters, enriching the reading experience.

If you’re looking for a well-crafted historical tale of survival, sacrifice, and hope, this book is an excellent choice.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon