Book Reviews – Page 43 – Sassy Reviews

November 2, 2024

What a Beautiful Struggle: Thoughts from the Heart

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: What a Beautiful Struggle: Thoughts from the Heart 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Opio ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“What a Beautiful Struggle: Thoughts from the Heart” by Opio offers a deeply insightful perspective on turning life’s struggles into a meaningful and transformative journey. Through a collection of daily reflections, the author shares personal thoughts and meditations that encourage readers to find beauty and purpose in their challenges.

One thought, “Always Live by a particular “Creed” in life,” inspires us to focus only on what we can control.

“How do you do?” prompts readers to reflect on what they allow into their minds and hearts, understanding that these influences shape our actions and outlook.

Meanwhile, “Time to Get Motivated” serves as a call to make the most of our time, helping us avoid regrets about missed opportunities.

For anyone interested in personal growth and self-discovery, this book offers valuable insights. I plan to read a passage daily to help stay inspired and positive. The themes of character-building and introspection in Opio’s writing resonate deeply with me, and I’m grateful for his honest reflections. This is a truly worthwhile read for anyone on a journey of self-improvement.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

November 1, 2024

Jeff – Trust Me

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Jeff – Trust Me 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Barbara Eckhoff ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Jeff – Trust Me” by Barbara Eckhoff delivers a captivating tale with twists and turns that keep readers hooked. The story follows Jeff, a man seeking solace after a troubling final case in Washington that pushed him to resign and escape his old life. Haunted by nightmares, he checks into a cozy inn in Lexington, hoping for a quiet reprieve. But things take an intriguing turn when he meets Raven, the innkeeper’s daughter. Skeptical of Jeff’s intentions, she secretly investigates him, believing there’s more to his story.

Raven has her own complicated past, having left her modeling career to pursue a role as an FBI profiler. But as mysterious and disturbing news starts surfacing around her, she’s unsure if Jeff’s presence is a coincidence or if there’s a deeper connection between him and the recent events. Is Jeff a charming stranger simply looking to heal, or is there a darker truth beneath his arrival?

This book was an absolute page-turner. The chemistry between Jeff and Raven unfolds against a well-crafted, atmospheric setting, making the suspense even more intense. The writing is straightforward and accessible, while the plot’s pace and unexpected developments had me hooked from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey and found it impossible to put down!

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 31, 2024

The Ghost Ship Fire

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Ghost Ship Fire 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Colleen Dolan ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Ghost Ship Fire” by Colleen Dolan is a profoundly moving memoir about loss, resilience, and accountability. On December 2, 2016, Colleen’s life changed forever with a phone call from her daughter Chelsea’s boyfriend, David, who informed her that a fire had broken out at the Ghost Ship warehouse in Oakland where Chelsea was.

As Colleen arrived at the site, she was met with a devastating scene—the warehouse engulfed in flames and her daughter unaccounted for. Chelsea, an enthusiastic supporter of the Bay Area music scene, was there with others musicians when the tragedy struck. Soon, the parents of other victims began to arrive, sharing in the horror and grief. Colleen’s heart shattered as she learned of her daughter’s fate, her vibrant spirit lost to the flames.

Haunted by nightmares and unrelenting sorrow, Colleen sought to understand the events that led to the fire. Her search revealed details about the building’s tenant, Derick Almena, and other figures involved. Through her pain, she reflects on memories of Chelsea, bringing the past into sharp focus amid her grief.

Colleen’s memoir reaches out to other parents enduring similar anguish, reminding them that they aren’t alone. The raw honesty and depth of emotion in this book offer a glimpse into a mother’s unimaginable heartache, but also her strength. Reading this story, I was struck by the profound impact of the tragedy and the resilience shown by Colleen and other families. The composite images of those lost serve as a poignant reminder of the lives cut short and the parents left behind, searching for answers and justice.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 29, 2024

Long Term Damage

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Long Term Damage 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Billy Hanson ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
If you’re a fan of horror stories, you should definitely check out Billy Hanson’s book Long Term Damage.

In “Fresh Hell,” we follow a man named Curtis Booker who finds himself in an eerie, unfamiliar place. Standing before him is a Devil who demands that Curtis recall his memories. Slowly, fragments of Curtis’s past sins come flooding back, but despite the Devil’s attempts to terrify him, Curtis remains unfazed. What plans does the Devil have for him?

Another short story, “It’ll Grow Back,” brings humor to the mix. It centers around a man with a meticulously kept beard. His girlfriend, a lawyer named Carla, asks him to shave it off. Torn between his commitment to maintaining his beard and his desire to please Carla, he struggles with the decision.

Each story in this collection is distinct and captivating. The narratives kept me hooked from beginning to end, and I couldn’t stop reading until I reached the last page. This collection features stories that are spooky, thought-provoking, and will linger in your mind long after you’ve finished. I’m thrilled I picked up this book—it’s well worth a read!

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 29, 2024

Play It In Reverse

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Play It In Reverse 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Victoria Angelique ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
For fans of gripping, fast-paced mysteries, Play It In Reverse by Victoria Angelique is a must-read. The story revolves around Addison, a burnt-out critical care nurse who feels deeply about helping her patients. When a mysterious John Doe arrives in her ICU suffering from septic shock, his final words to her are cryptic: “Darkside must die.” He asks her to keep his belongings safe. Addison thought that she couldn’t save his life but she could honor his dying request.

After discovering an old tape among John’s things, Addison listens with her friend Chris and realizes the recording was purposely made backward. When they play it in reverse, a chilling message from John emerges, warning that dangerous people are after him and hinting at a path Addison must follow, symbolized by the “yellow brick road.” With intrigue and uncertainty pulling her forward, Addison embarks on a journey to reveal secrets concealed in music and navigate a hidden danger.

Angelique’s storytelling shines with its brisk pace, and her vivid character development brings Addison to life as an unforgettable protagonist. The captivating cover design and suspenseful twists kept me glued to every page, and the story’s surprises were thoroughly engaging. If you’re looking for a mystery with suspense, dynamic characters, and a plot that keeps you guessing, Play It In Reverse won’t disappoint.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 29, 2024

The Rostrum

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Rostrum 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: W.T. Sanders ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
If you’re a fan of political thrillers, The Rostrum by W.T. Sanders is a must-read. The story follows Special Agent Stanley Thompson, stationed at the FBI’s Little Rock office, who encounters Matthew McKinley Foster. Foster’s family has a unique legacy tied to President William McKinley, dating back to his great-great-grandfather George Foster, a Secret Service agent who was assigned to protect the President. Unfortunately , the president was assassinated. In memory of the tragedy, each firstborn male in the family is named McKinley.

As the Secret Service ramps up security for election season, they collaborate with Smithson Integrated Engineering, Inc. on the Rostrum Project, developing blast-resistant podiums for public addresses. Driven by a vision for ultimate security, the Secret Service Director demands a podium capable of withstanding a moderate blast within close range.

Meanwhile, Thompson is determined to join the Joint Terrorism Task Force but finds his requests denied time and again. When he stumbles upon a connection between local gang activity and the enigmatic initials “KGC,” he begins looking into a figure named Kenneth Günter Collins, setting off a complex investigation. To find out whether Matthew Foster can redeem his family’s tarnished honor and what decisions Thompson will make, you’ll need to dive into this suspenseful story.

The plot’s unpredictable twists kept me glued to each page, and the pacing made it impossible to put down. The cover design and title are fitting, adding to the appeal of this compelling read. Incorporating historical elements, the novel feels authentic and immersive. Don’t miss out on this exciting read!

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 28, 2024October 28, 2024

Cry of the Kestrel

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Cry of the Kestrel 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Marla Himeda ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Marla Himeda’s Cry of the Kestrel, the second book in The Bardic Isles Series, draws readers back into Kaelin’s journey as he takes on new challenges. Now thirteen, Kaelin leaves his home on Kestrel Island to study under four distinguished Masters, dedicating three months to each, starting with Master Talan on Eyrie Island. Urged on by his mentors, Master Bergid and Darryk, Kaelin sets out to deepen his skills and broaden his perspective.

With Master Talan, he learns the intricate craft of making a complete set of seventeen pipes. This experience sparks an understanding in Kaelin of how each Master offers unique insights and abilities. But Kaelin’s journey is complicated by a wrongful accusation of stealing a tuning fork, adding suspense and tension to his path.

Himeda’s narrative is both captivating and easy to follow, creating a world where readers are pulled into Kaelin’s experiences. The author’s fluid style and vivid storytelling make Kaelin’s growth and learning journey feel immersive, leaving readers eager for what lies ahead.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 27, 2024

The Electric God and Other Shorts

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Electric God and Other Shorts 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Michael Thomas Perone ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Electric God and Other Shorts” by Michael Thomas Perone is an enthralling anthology.

In “The Electric God,” set in the quiet town of Drake, Illinois, young Teddy struggles with the overbearing presence of television in his life. Teddy feels overshadowed by the screen’s hold on his mother, who hardly notices him—even when he comes home with burns. When she installs a TV in the bathroom, Teddy suffers a dangerous electric shock that leaves him unconscious. Meanwhile, his friend Will is similarly drawn in, taking on TV-inspired challenges at school. Will Teddy be able to come to terms with this overpowering wave of modern technology?

Another standout, “Paper Language,” follows writer Jonathan Zucker after he purchases paper from Skylark Press. He discovers an eerie message—”HELP ME” scrawled in deep red ink. Jonathan decided to use his discovery to his advantage. The cryptic message powered his storytelling.

This book is a page-turner. Each story holds a unique premise, keeping me fully engaged and eager to see what came next. The language is accessible, the storytelling fluid and powerful. Michael Thomas Perone demonstrates incredible creativity in this collection. If you’re looking for something that keeps you hooked from start to finish, this book is a great choice.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 21, 2024

ENDURE: To Suffer with Patience

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: ENDURE: To Suffer with Patience 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Dakotah Sanders ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“ENDURE: To Suffer with Patience” by Dakotah Sanders is a powerful and emotional memoir. The author shares a deeply personal account of his painful childhood, growing up with an abusive father. From his earliest memories, Dakotah witnessed the trauma inflicted on his family, recalling moments like hearing his mother’s cries behind closed doors when he was only four years old.

As a child, Dakotah often felt a strong desire to protect his mother and sisters but was overwhelmed by the helplessness of his youth. His father would demand that Dakotah “be the man” and take responsibility for their safety, which left him questioning how he could defend them from the very person he was told to follow. He found solace only in the moments when his father was away or during visits to his grandmother’s house.

This memoir stirred deep emotions in me, showcasing the resilience Dakotah developed in the face of such adversity. It’s a heartbreaking yet inspiring story that highlights the impact of abuse on children. I believe this book holds a vital lesson for parents, offering insight into the devastating effects of toxic behavior and urging them to act with greater love and responsibility toward their children.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available here

October 21, 2024

What a Tale My Thoughts Will Tell: Words Not to Be Forgotten

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: What a Tale My Thoughts Will Tell: Words Not to Be Forgotten 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: John Edwards ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“What a Tale My Thoughts Will Tell: Words Not to Be Forgotten” by John Edwards is an engaging memoir that delves into the complexities of human emotions and relationships. Edwards explores how cultural, psychological, and social factors shape our joys and sorrows, interweaving these themes with the narrative of his own life journey.

The memoir recounts John’s relationship with Robbin, from their instant connection to their eventual marriage after a year and three months of dating. Despite their deep bond, John struggled with expressing his feelings about the lack of intimacy in their relationship. As life progressed and they welcomed a child, the couple found it increasingly difficult to find time for themselves. As they planned for second children, John started feeling emotionally distant from his spouse. He became focused on starting a new management career path.

After 18 years of marriage, John’s world was shattered when Robbin asked for a divorce. John’s ideal of lifelong commitment, inspired by his father, clashed with the painful reality of their separation. Through his story, Edwards reflects on the lasting ache of lost love and emphasizes that the true essence of life lies in love and connection.

This memoir serves as a guide for readers facing their own emotional upheavals, encouraging them to seek meaning and healing through life’s trials. “Reflections of a Life Unspoken” left a profound impact on me, prompting introspection about my own life’s purpose. I highly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates thought-provoking memoirs and is searching for deeper insights into love and relationships.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon