Book Reviews – Page 39 – Sassy Reviews

March 7, 2025

The Carpenter and the Apprentice

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Carpenter and The Apprentice 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Grace Zacaroli ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Carpenter and the Apprentice” by Grace Zacaroli is a captivating novel that takes readers on a profound spiritual journey. The story follows an elderly carpenter and a young man named Danat. Upon arriving in a small town, Danat seeks out the carpenter’s help to repair a young woman’s broken cart. Instead of simply assisting him, the carpenter offers Danat the opportunity to become his apprentice.

Spending the night at the carpenter’s home, Danat soon grows restless the next day. Frustrated, he accuses the carpenter of treating him like a servant rather than teaching him any valuable skills. However, when he leaves, the townspeople reveal that apprenticing under a carpenter is a path to learning far more than he realizes.

Danat is a war survivor, having lost his family in the conflict. His sister was taken prisoner, and he has no idea where she might be. The carpenter, however, recognizes Danat’s sharp perception and keen eye for detail. When the town faces the threat of an invasion, Danat returns to warn the carpenter. As he begins to assist the townspeople using his unique abilities, what fate awaits him?

Readers who appreciate themes of self-discovery, healing, growth, and spirituality will find this book deeply enriching. It reminded me of The Alchemist, as I enjoy stories about travelers and the challenges they encounter along their journey. If that resonates with you, don’t hesitate—this book is well worth your time.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

March 7, 2025

The Carpenter and The Apprentice

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Carpenter and The Apprentice 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Grace Zacaroli ✍️
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𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

March 6, 2025

Cerebral Body

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Cerebral Body 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Domenico Pisanti ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Cerebral Body: From Discord to Harmony: Rewiring Your Brain for Unrestrained Potential by Domenico Pisanti is a compelling and insightful exploration of the neurophysiological foundations of child development. This book serves as a comprehensive guide, presenting an innovative technique designed to harness the power of the brain’s adaptability. By combining scientific research with practical applications, Pisanti equips readers with effective tools and strategies to help children overcome developmental challenges and unlock their full potential.

The core of the book revolves around a structured, high-intensity three-phase approach that supports and enhances a child’s neurological development. The Cerebral Body Approach is meticulously designed to stimulate the brain, fostering improvements in both functional movement and sensory processing abilities. Pisanti emphasizes the crucial role of neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize and adapt—as well as the importance of synaptic pruning in refining neural connections. This makes the book not only an essential resource for parents but also for trainers, educators, and therapists seeking to deepen their understanding of the nervous system and its impact on a child’s growth.

Reading this book has significantly broadened my awareness of the intricate processes involved in a child’s neurological development. The depth of knowledge presented here is invaluable for parents striving to support their children’s progress and well-being. Through the transformative insights shared in this book, children can embark on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and fulfillment. I truly appreciate the opportunity to explore this work.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

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