Book Reviews – Page 38 – Sassy Reviews

May 23, 2025

Ghost Stories & Love Notes

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Ghost Stories & Love Notes 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Courtney Mulholland ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Courtney Mulholland’s Ghost Stories & Love Notes is a deeply relatable collection. In it, the author candidly shares her emotions and reflections drawn from heartbreaks, breakdowns, lonely days, and intoxicated moments.

Through these pages, she reveals how, in just two decades, she has endured what feels like a lifetime of pain. Haunted by the persistent voices in her head, she describes being trapped in an endless internal struggle.

In one of the poems, she longs for her past, carefree self—the girl who dressed as she pleased, unbothered by the stares of others. Now, that version feels distant, as if she has forgotten how to truly flourish.

This book is a balm for those who feel at odds with themselves. Readers navigating their own struggles will find solace and strength in Mulholland’s words. Her journey reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we have the power to rise. Her decision to stop living in fear and shame inspires readers to reclaim their authenticity. Ghost Stories & Love Notes is a beautifully written and empowering read.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 23, 2025

Skyline

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Skyline 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: J.K. Pennerman ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Skyline, written by J.K. Pennerman, marks the beginning of an intriguing series. The tale unfolds in the quiet town of Nordeskye, where we meet Anna, the daughter of Arthur Valor. One night, a villager arrives with news of lycan sightings. In response, Arthur sets out to defend his village from the threat.

Later, Anna finds herself beside her father’s lifeless body. It is then she learns that Arthur was the greatest forgemaster Skye had ever known. Her thoughts spiral—was her father betrayed? Arthur’s deep love for the people of Skye was no secret, and Anna becomes resolute in her quest for vengeance.

She believes Maurdis, the mysterious leader of the lycans, is responsible for her father’s death—and for that, he must pay. Together with her companion Siff, Anna leaves behind the safety of the village walls, venturing into the vast and enigmatic forest of Skye. What lies ahead for Anna and Siff? You’ll have to read the book to find out.

This story kept me hooked from beginning to end. The language is clear and engaging. I especially admired the author’s vivid imagination and skillful world-building. The cover is striking, and the title fits the story perfectly. Fast-paced and action-packed, this book is a thrilling read.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 23, 2025

God Spark

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: God Spark 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Rachel Elizabeth Schaf ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
GOD SPARK: Channeled Messages of Love and Awakening by Rachel Elizabeth Schaf is a captivating and inspiring read. Through this collection, the author encourages readers to break free from limiting beliefs and embrace the transformative power of love in every area of life. Love, as she beautifully conveys, is our greatest strength and most sacred gift.

In the poem Shift, Schaf illustrates how a simple change in perspective can turn even our worst day into something meaningful. It’s all about how we choose to see things—whether the glass is half empty or half full. With this shift, we move from a mindset of victimhood to one of empowerment, becoming the authors of a new story.

One of the standout poems for me was My Knight in Shining Armor. The narrator expresses her enduring love for her husband, highlighting the deep trust and connection they share. With him by her side, life feels beautiful and fulfilling.

The author’s writing style is both heartfelt and lyrical, with many poems featuring delightful rhymes. This collection offers a sense of hope and comfort, inviting readers to explore the freedom of the subconscious mind. It’s a short yet powerful book that I found hard to put down. If you’re looking for something uplifting and thought-provoking, don’t hesitate to pick this one up. The lessons it imparts are truly unforgettable.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 22, 2025

Stolen Valor

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Stolen Valor 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Jake Greco ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Wout is a seasoned veteran, armed with the formidable McMillan TAC-338 sniper rifle—an elite weapon designed to eliminate threats before they ever hear the shot. A highly decorated former Tier-1 operator, Wout now works alongside his trusted teammates, Peter and Odie. Odie wields a Benelli M4, a masterpiece of Italian engineering, making their team a deadly and efficient unit.

Meanwhile, Abu al Mouadan is advancing Operation Valley Central. He looked like a normal person and nobody would guess his true identity when they saw him. Among his recruits is Ahmed Wilson, an American-born man disillusioned with his country and desperate to prove himself. Abu has manipulated him, drawing him into this dangerous mission. Abu al Mouadan has built a vast network and understands America’s greatest vulnerability—its internal divisions.

But when the mission begins to unravel, it’s up to Peter, Wout, and Odie to rise to the occasion. Bound by loyalty and forged through shared battles, the trio stands ready to face the chaos together.

This novel showcases the author’s deep knowledge of military weaponry and tactics. Fans of action thrillers will find this a gripping read, packed with tension and suspense that kept me on edge from start to finish.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 22, 2025

The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Jim Carlough ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
If you’re someone who enjoys reading transformative books, Jim Carlough’s The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership is a must-read. In this insightful work, Jim dismantles the myth that leaders are born, and instead presents the empowering idea that leaders are made. This book is particularly valuable for aspiring leaders and managers, offering a practical and actionable roadmap to building more productive, engaged, and loyal teams.

Carlough delves into the key qualities required for successful leadership, placing strong emphasis on integrity and focus—both of which are crucial for effective leadership.

For anyone looking to unlock their leadership potential and make a meaningful impact, this book is a powerful guide. Before reading it, I believed leadership was an innate trait. But Jim’s perspective shifted my mindset and equipped me with the tools needed to grow into a strong leader.

I highly recommend this book to all working professionals.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 21, 2025May 21, 2025

John Quincy Adams, Reluctant Abolitionist

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: John Quincy Adams, Reluctant Abolitionist 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Jeffrey A. Denman ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“John Quincy Adams, Reluctant Abolitionist” by Jeffrey A. Denman is a compelling and insightful read. The book presents a powerful narrative of John Quincy Adams’ complex struggle with the institution of slavery. His formative years were deeply influenced by his parents, John and Abigail Adams, who were unwavering in their condemnation of slavery.

In 1779, Adams began keeping a diary—a practice he continued until his death in 1848. This diary remains one of the most valuable historical resources in American history. His first recorded mention of African slavery appeared on May 4, 1785.

Although Adams is often remembered for his presidency, it was a period marked by relative silence on slavery, largely due to political pressures and the need to secure support for his broader agenda. The title of this book has a great significance. I understood the meaning behind it after reading this book.

The book’s cover image captures the essence of Adams’ personality, while the depth of historical detail reveals the extensive research behind Denman’s work. Before reading this, I had little knowledge of John Quincy Adams—but this book changed that.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 21, 2025May 21, 2025

The Love That Lingers

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Love That Lingers 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Maya ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Love That Lingers” by Maya is a heartfelt romance narrated from the perspective of a female protagonist. For her, driving served as a personal escape—a symbol of the independence she had carefully built over the years. Once, her friend Urmi shared Yash’s number, suggesting they meet over tea.

Yash is a charming, younger man—honest and direct. From their first meeting, she sensed his calm and grounded nature. Though she had long guarded her heart, a part of her yearned to be seen, to be desired. Yash’s presence stirred something within her. She began enjoying his company and even shared her feelings about him with her friend Tina. Having spent years managing her expectations to avoid pain, she now found herself drawn in again.

Is Yash just another chapter in her life—or the beginning of something lasting?

Maya’s writing is engaging and warm, and the cover design is beautifully done. Each page kept me eager to know what came next. For anyone who enjoys romance stories, this one is not to be missed.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 20, 2025

Dreamscape Journeys

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Dreamscape Journeys 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Jakob Brønnum ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Dreamscape Journeys by Jakob Brønnum is a captivating poetry collection inspired by dreams and surrealist imagery. The poems revolve around familiar themes, allowing readers to find a sense of connection in the content.

In “Wardreaming,” the author reflects that his dreams aren’t about logistical concerns, like how food reaches soldiers behind enemy lines. Instead, they center on the looming threat of bombers. The only response left is to hide or run.

In “Parallel Souls (Dream Meetings): The First Step on the Moon,” the author imagines a dream where everyone becomes the first person to set foot on the moon. Gradually, more and more people arrive—until everyone is there.

“Lost in the City” portrays a dream in which the author wanders through an unfamiliar city, only to realize it’s the same one he recently moved to. People pass him by, and when he wakes, the dream replays itself.

These poems resonate with readers because the themes echo everyday experiences and thoughts. The language is simple and accessible, making the poems easy to follow. I particularly appreciated the author’s choice of title for the collection. Poetry lovers are sure to enjoy this dream-inspired journey.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 19, 2025

Timeaous Spark: And the Luck Curse

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Timeaous Spark: And the Luck Curse 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: E.K. Kidwell ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Timeaous Spark: And the Luck Curse” by E.K. Kidwell is a captivating addition to the Teen & Young Adult Magical Realism genre. The story follows Timeaous Spark, labeled a Non-Crea—someone without any special abilities. Longing for powers of his own, Timeaous dreams of standing up to bullies like Banthos and breaking free from a life of servitude. Raised in a household that serves a prestigious Angel Blood family, Timeaous is expected to follow the same path—either in service to a Dragon Blood or Angel Blood lineage.

However, Timeaous has aspirations beyond servitude. His acceptance into Mythica High marks a turning point, offering him a chance to change his destiny. There, he resides in the Non-Crea dormitory. Soon, he meets Ralph, another Non-Crea student and becomes friends with him.

Mr. Phix, one of the mentors at Mythica High, recognizes a hidden potential in Timeaous that others overlook. He promises to help Timeaous unlock his powers—on the condition that he keeps them secret, as such abilities could attract dangerous attention.

The book gave me strong Harry Potter vibes. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it—the plot was gripping, and I found it hard to put down until the very last page. Timeaous is a truly endearing character, and his journey kept me fully engaged.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 19, 2025

Life of a Leaf

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Life Of A Leaf 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Juliana Baker ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Life of a Leaf” penned by the author Juliana Baker is the debut book of the author. This book is about a falling leaf Leif that travels across the world becoming a better version of himself. Leif had to go through sunny days, rainy days and stormy days but luck had saved him every time. When he awakens, he finds himself in the fields of grass. The grass was full of fallen leaves who were just like him.

Now, Leif has two options. He can either be the leaf he has always dreamed to be or miss what he had lost. He realized how he was a rude, cruel and an ungrateful leaf but now he can shed his new light on others and he can see new worlds.

The character of Cecilia is also heart touching. This is a unique book that helps us to understand the journey of a falling leaf. The young author has a creative mind. The way she has written about such an amazing and transformational journey of a leaf is impressive. It will be amazing to read another book by Juliana in the near future.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Barnes & Noble