Book Reviews – Page 34 – Sassy Reviews

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

April 21, 2025

Popstars in the Backyard

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Popstars in the Backyard 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: J.A. Johnson ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Popstars in the Backyard” by J.A. Johnson is a captivating read featuring two compelling main characters, Andi Cooper and Ryker Thomas. Six years ago, Andi confessed her feelings to Ryker. However, Ryker prioritized his two band friends over her and failed to stand by her when she needed him most. That betrayal left a deep scar, and Andi has never been able to trust and forgive him.

Ryker, on the other hand, has carried the weight of guilt ever since. Before his final move to LA, he returns home to make amends. But things are far from simple—Andi and her family still resent him and his friends. To complicate matters, Andi suffers a head injury after a pool accident, causing her to lose crucial memories from her past, including the events that led to their falling out.

While Andi is hospitalized, Ryker opens up to her emotionally. Their private moment is caught on camera and quickly becomes internet gossip. As Andi battles disturbing hallucinations, the pressure of Ryker’s fame makes it nearly impossible to keep their lives out of the public eye. What will happen next?

This story is filled with unexpected twists and emotional depth. The characters of Ryker and Andi are thoughtfully developed, and the title suits the narrative perfectly. With its clear and accessible language, this novel is an engaging choice for fans of teen and young adult fiction.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

April 20, 2025

Olive Borden: The Life and Films of Hollywood’s “Joy Girl”

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Olive Borden: The Life and Films of Hollywood’s “Joy Girl” 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Michelle Vogel ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
I first learned about Olive Borden through this book, a biography and filmography devoted to Hollywood’s “Joy Girl.” Her story serves as a poignant reminder of how fleeting fame can be, how unpredictable the film industry is, and how devastating life can become when the wrong path is taken.

When Olive set her sights on a career in film, her only assets were her beauty and figure—she had no acting experience and very little money. Her first audition ended in harsh rejection, and she faced many more before landing small roles in three Jack White shorts. Her breakthrough finally came with The Happy Warrior, after many uncredited and background parts.

Starring in two consecutive Tom Mix films gave Olive the visibility her career needed. She was ambitious and believed that nothing was out of reach. Under contract with Fox Studios, she experienced significant success and financial prosperity. She was even engaged to George O’Brien, one of Hollywood’s most sought-after leading men. But by the mid-1930s, Olive’s career had faded, and by the early 1940s, she was bankrupt, having squandered her fortune on alcohol. Sadly, her Hollywood peers offered little support.

The filmography included in this book deepened my interest in Olive Borden. The author also sheds light on the concept of “lost” films, enhancing the reader’s understanding of Hollywood’s golden era. This book gave me valuable insights into the entertainment industry and the fragile nature of stardom.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

April 19, 2025

At the Gates of Walhalla

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: At the Gates of Walhalla 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Justen Forge ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“At the Gates of Walhalla” by Justen Forge is a compelling and original read. The story centers around Kurt Sorensen, a man with striking Nordic features and a deep sense of duty. His wife, Guadalupe, originally from Mexico, had settled in El Paso, where the couple raised their fraternal twin boys. Kurt had a long and respected career as a United States Border Patrol Officer, having served nearly two decades. His mission was clear: to eliminate drug smugglers and human traffickers.

Tragedy strikes when Kurt’s family is caught in a drive-by shooting while out shopping—an attack targeting a law enforcement vehicle. The loss of his wife and children, compounded by the earlier deaths of his parents, leaves Kurt utterly alone. Seeking a peaceful life, he requests a transfer and returns to his quiet hometown of North Walhalla.

Meanwhile, in Northern Mexico, a ruthless drug lord named El Cabrón rises to power, ruling through fear. Back in Walhalla, crime is on the rise, with heroin “zombies” haunting the playgrounds at dawn and dusk. What will Kurt uncover as he gets involved in a battle with El Cabrón?

This gripping novel brought to mind the intensity of the TV series Breaking Bad. The plot is fast-paced, the narration smooth, and the character of Kurt is particularly well-developed. It’s a hard book to put down once you start, and I’m excited to read more from Justen Forge in the future.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon