Book Reviews – Page 34 – Sassy Reviews

February 16, 2025

Celebration of Sisters

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Celebration of Sisters 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Judy Lipson ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Judy Lipson’s Celebration of Sisters: It Is Never Too Late to Grieve is a poignant and deeply personal memoir that delves into loss, resilience, and healing. The book recounts Judy’s journey after losing both of her beloved sisters, Jane and Margie. Jane, her younger sister, tragically passed away in a car accident in 1981. Nine years later, Margie lost her long battle with anorexia and bulimia.

As the only surviving daughter, Judy felt the weight of responsibility—to stay strong for her grieving parents and her own children. For thirty years, she buried her pain, navigating the waves of grief that ebbed and flowed over time. One thing that remained constant in her life was ice-skating, an activity she had shared with her sisters. It became a source of solace and a way to reconnect with their memory.

In honor of Jane and Margie, Judy established Celebration of Sisters, an annual ice-skating fundraiser supporting Massachusetts General Hospital. Through this event, she found a path toward healing, transforming her sorrow into a powerful tribute to the sisters she lost.

The book is beautifully written, with an engaging narrative that draws readers in from the first page. The cover is striking, capturing the essence of the story. This memoir is an emotional yet inspiring read, offering a heartfelt exploration of grief, love, and sisterhood. If you appreciate stories about personal loss and resilience, this book is one you won’t want to miss.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

February 16, 2025

The Cul-de-sac

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Cul-de-sac 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Christopher Null ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
If you love chilling murder thrillers, The Cul-de-sac by Christopher Null is a gripping pick. The story revolves around Klaus Fischer, a seasoned serial killer who has already taken six lives. He convinces himself that six is enough—but his dark urges refuse to fade. His victims remain buried on his quiet suburban cul-de-sac property in California, their secrets hidden beneath the surface.

Peg Jurgensen is a widower living in a cul-de-sac for the past fifteen years. She is tired of staying home for so long and is now ready to do something new. Eliza and her family have just moved in, hoping for a fresh start, while Alex, a neighbor battling health issues, finds himself reluctantly roped into Eliza’s academic struggles.

As these lives intertwine, danger lurks in the shadows. With Klaus so close, who will be his next target? Packed with tension, unexpected twists, and a well-paced narrative, this thriller keeps you hooked from start to finish. The author’s writing style is immersive, and the story delivers a perfect blend of action and suspense. If you’re a fan of serial killer stories with layered characters, this book is a must-read!

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

February 16, 2025

The Drop

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Drop 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Iohamil Navarro Cuesta ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Drop” by Iohamil Navarro Cuesta delivers a high-stakes, politically charged thriller that will captivate fans of espionage fiction.

At the heart of the story is Tino, an undercover agent for the Cuban Intelligence Service, who finds himself at a dangerous crossroads. While vacationing in Ronda, Spain, with his wife and children, he plans to leak explosive information that could tarnish the reputation of the controversial U.S. president. However, his mission takes a perilous turn when an intruder tries to break into his place, forcing Tino to send his family away for their safety.

With the guidance of his trusted mentor, Tino returns to Cuba, determined to uncover who exposed his plans. As he navigates a web of deception and political intrigue, the stakes rise, and danger lurks at every corner.

This novel masterfully combines fast-paced action, suspenseful twists, and rich world-building. The detailed settings enhance the immersive experience, and the well-developed characters bring depth to the gripping narrative. If you enjoy stories woven with espionage, politics, and high-stakes tension, The Drop is a must-read.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

February 16, 2025

Not For Boys

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Not For Boys 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Joseph N. Wdowski ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Not for Boys” by Joseph N. Wdowski is a captivating tale that blends mystery, history, and suspense. The story follows twelve-year-old Nathaniel, who has just relocated to New England with his father and stepmother. Their new home is an aging, eerie building, and the landlord gives Nathaniel a strange warning—he must never enter the south wing or the top floor.

Soon, Nathaniel befriends Michelle, another newcomer to the area. She shares a chilling local legend: the building was once a factory where only young girls worked. One of them fell in love with a church organist, but when the factory owner learned of the romance, he imprisoned the girl in a room. A year later, heartbroken upon discovering that her love had married someone else, she ended her life at the waterwheel. Ever since, on the anniversary of her death, the haunting sound of the pipe organ can still be heard even though the guy himself wasn’t alive.

Nathaniel and Michelle dig deeper into the legend. What will they discover about the building’s past? With an engaging plot, a well-crafted mystery, and an eerie atmosphere, this book is hard to put down. Wdowski’s storytelling keeps readers hooked until the very last page. The cover is intriguing, and the title fits the tone of the novel perfectly.

If you enjoy spine-tingling mysteries with a touch of history, this book is a must-read!

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

February 15, 2025

For Our Friends the Animals

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: For Our Friends the Animals 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Robert Echols ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Robert Echols’ For Our Friends the Animals is a compelling book that sheds light on the mistreatment of animals by humans. The author urges readers to acknowledge this injustice rather than ignore it. More than just raising awareness, the book calls for action—reminding us that it is our duty to prevent cruelty and protect the lives of innocent creatures.

Echols emphasizes compassion as a way of life, highlighting that animals, like humans, deserve kindness and respect. He portrays them as beings created by God, deserving of a life free from unnecessary human interference. The message is clear: animals have their own desires, and we must respect their right to live freely.

This book serves as a wake-up call, encouraging readers to reflect on their own actions and how they may inadvertently contribute to animal suffering. Echols’ writing is engaging, and the book’s cover is visually striking. Reading it was an eye-opening experience, and I highly recommend it to anyone who cares about animal welfare. If you’re looking for a book that will challenge your perspective and inspire you to make a difference, this one is worth picking up.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

February 10, 2025

The Heiress

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Heiress 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Kisane Slaney ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Set in 1970s London, Kisane Slaney’s The Heiress is an engaging novel that follows Tiana, a young heiress navigating love, grief, and self-discovery. As a child, Tiana found a lifelong friend in Veronica, but her closest bond was always with her father.

One fateful day, her mother introduced her to Father Gagnon, a man whose striking looks left a lasting impression on young Tiana. Despite his position in the church, she found herself drawn to him, harboring secret feelings. However, her world shattered with the loss of her beloved father. While grieving, she also found her emotions for Bishop Gagnon reigniting. When Bishop Gagnon had to leave for Australia, will Tiana’s feelings remain unspoken, or will fate intervene?

This novel is an absorbing read with well-developed characters and a gripping storyline. Tiana’s character is beautifully crafted. The pacing keeps the reader engaged, with no slow moments, and the author’s writing style is fluid and compelling. The book’s cover is visually appealing, and the title fits the story perfectly. Overall, this is a well-written novel that delivers an immersive reading experience.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book is available here

February 10, 2025

Waterbearer

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Waterbearer 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: C.M. Brown ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
If you’re a fan of fast-paced fantasy, this book is a must-read. The story follows Elenor, a teenager whose life takes a bizarre turn after her sixteenth birthday. First came the fur, then the horns—until she no longer looked human. Branded as The Baltimore Monster Girl, she becomes a figure of fear and fascination.

With only her parents and a boy named Mateo standing by her side, Elenor feels the world closing in. To protect her family, she flees, taking refuge in abandoned subway tunnels. But her solitude is shattered when a mysterious woman and her daughter, Thia, stumble upon her hiding place. Who are they? And why are they seeking her?

C.M. Brown masterfully crafts an engaging narrative filled with intrigue and adventure. The world-building is immersive, the pacing relentless, and Elenor’s journey is both emotional and exhilarating. The striking cover draws you in, and the compelling storytelling keeps you hooked. If you’re looking for an unforgettable fantasy read, this one is worth picking up!

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

February 9, 2025

It’s All In The Lyrics

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: It’s All In The Lyrics 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Tony Kessel ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“It’s All In The Lyrics: How Music Helped Me Heal and Find My Voice” is a must-read for memoir enthusiasts. This book beautifully illustrates how music became a lifeline for the author, shaping his path through pain and healing.

Tony’s story begins with hardship—his parents divorced before his first birthday, leaving him to process difficult emotions from an early age. Music became his solace, helping him navigate the confusion of his fractured family. When his father remarried, Tony was placed in foster care, a turning point that deepened his connection to certain songs. Dan Seals’ ‘Meet Me in Montana’ song could be related to the moment when Tony’s foster parents’ adult kids traveled in a separate vehicle during the trips. Among the many songs referenced in the book, my personal favorite is Tim McGraw’s Please Remember Me.

As Tony matured, music remained his guide through love, loss, and self-discovery. His storytelling is engaging, and his writing style makes the emotions in his journey feel real and relatable. The book’s title is fitting, and the cover design complements its theme beautifully. Reading this memoir reinforced my belief in the transformative power of music—it’s not just sound; it’s a force that can shape and heal lives.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

February 7, 2025

City Zoo: An Unfairy Story

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: City Zoo: An Unfairy Story 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Jeff Pedigo ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Jeff Pedigo’s City Zoo: An Unfairy Story transports readers into a fascinating world where animals have taken control. In this zoo-turned-kingdom, the animals see humans as “The Most Dangerous Animals In The World.” Following a successful revolution, they have ousted humans and established a society governed entirely by animals, where every creature reigns as its own ruler.

At the heart of this tale is Gus, a gilded elephant who fondly remembers his days in the circus, enjoying the company of people—an opinion that makes him unpopular among his fellow zoo inhabitants. Meanwhile, the donkeys and monkeys are plotting to replace the leadership in the upcoming elections. But what is the true plan of the monkeys?

This book offers a compelling narrative with a fresh and imaginative storyline. Pedigo’s writing keeps readers engaged, eager to uncover the next twist. The cover design complements the story well, and the title perfectly captures its essence. If you’re looking for a unique and thought-provoking read, City Zoo is a book worth picking up.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

February 7, 2025

Anne Boleyn: A History in Portraits

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Anne Boleyn: A History in Portraits 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Elizabeth LaVasse ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Elizabeth LaVasse’s Anne Boleyn: A History in Portraits offers a fresh perspective on Anne Boleyn’s life by examining her depictions in art. This book delves into how her image evolved over time, reflecting shifts in power, identity, and historical memory from the Tudor era to the reign of her daughter, Queen Elizabeth I.

Anne’s downfall was swift—after just three years as Henry VIII’s queen, she was arrested on charges of treason, adultery, and incest with her brother, George Boleyn. Imprisoned in the Tower of London, she was tried, convicted, had her marriage annulled, and was ultimately executed on May 19, 1536. Yet, her legacy endured. Decades later, as Elizabeth I solidified her rule, Anne’s image was rehabilitated, with new portraits crafted to honor her memory.

Among the surviving depictions, the Hever Rose Portrait captures a youthful Anne in her prime, while the Lumley Portrait—once displayed in her childhood home, Hever Castle—presents a regal interpretation of the queen.

For those fascinated by art, portraiture, or historical biographies, this book is a compelling read. It not only sheds light on Anne Boleyn’s life but also explores how art shapes historical narratives. A thought-provoking and well-researched work, it deepens our understanding of Anne’s enduring influence.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon