Book Reviews – Page 45 – Sassy Reviews

April 1, 2025

Lunch Tales: Suellen

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Lunch Tales: Suellen 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Lucille Guarino ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Lunch Tales: Suellen by Lucille Guarino is an engaging and immersive novel that captivates readers from the very beginning. The story follows Suellen, a 28-year-old attorney who has grown up in luxury, thanks to her family’s immense wealth. Her great-grandfather made strategic investments in Manhattan’s tenant properties, passing down a fortune that Suellen now enjoys.

Suellen’s love life is complicated—her relationship with Steve has been tumultuous, marked by frequent breakups and reconciliations. Their most recent split, however, comes as a relief to her father, who never approved of Steve as a potential husband. Soon after she reconnects with Adam, a childhood friend from her elementary school days. Both of them find themselves single, raising the question of whether their renewed friendship will blossom into something deeper.

As Suellen’s story unfolds, she is confronted with an unexpected and life-changing event—she discovers a lump in her breast. This moment introduces a profound and emotional turning point in her life. How will she handle this new reality, and what impact will it have on her relationships?

Lucille Guarino’s writing is smooth and engaging, making this novel an enjoyable and effortless read. Suellen is a well-developed and likable character, drawing readers into her world with ease. The pacing of the story is well-balanced, ensuring that there are no dull moments. The book’s cover is visually striking, and the title is fitting for the narrative.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

March 31, 2025

The Crinkling on a Poisonous Pie

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Crinkling on a Poisonous Pie 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Phillip Leighton-Daly ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Crinkling on a Poisonous Pie,” authored by Phillip Leighton-Daly, offers a distinctive and thought-provoking read. It follows the colonization of two planets, Kaire and Greyce. Over time, the inhabitants of Greyce altered their religious beliefs to align with their newfound prosperity, embracing the idea that “We are all sinners, and we are all forgiven.”

As wealth, pleasure, and power took center stage in Greycian society, intelligence became secondary to physical appearance. Their leader, the self-proclaimed prophet known as The Anointed One, guided them down a path of indulgence, while the planet’s once-rich wildlife was quickly driven to extinction.

In stark contrast, life on Kaire is built on a different principle—here, a person’s legacy is defined by their contributions to the world.

What fate awaits Greyce as greed and excess consume its people? This compelling story serves as a mirror to our own world, reminding readers of the powerful influence of wealth and ambition. With its unique storyline, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

March 31, 2025

Fragile Souls: The Japanese Room

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Fragile Souls: The Japanese Room 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Alex Woodking ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Fragile Souls: The Japanese Room” by Alex Woodking is a captivating read. At the heart of the story lies Villa Aurora, once owned by Matteo’s grandfather. The villa holds countless childhood memories for Matteo, and this summer, he returns with his friends—Andrea, Mileva, Piero, Giulia, Luca, and Eleonora—to spend time there.

However, what starts as a nostalgic retreat soon takes a sinister turn. Matteo falls down the stairs, but he insists he was pushed—by someone or something unseen. His claim gains weight when Giulia’s dog, Sissi, bolts away in fear, and Piero, an autistic boy, senses an eerie presence. While Matteo is shaken, Andrea dismisses the incident as amusing.

Stranger occurrences follow. Andrea, Eleonora, and Matteo glimpse a rocking chair moving in a mirror—while in reality, it remains still. As the unsettling events pile up, the group revisits an old rumor: is Villa Aurora truly haunted? To uncover what the Canelli family’s past holds, you’ll have to read the book.

This novel kept me on edge from start to finish. The author masterfully crafts a chilling atmosphere within the villa, making the setting come alive. The characters are well-developed, and the suspense kept me curious till the last page. The title itself is a perfect fit for this hauntingly memorable story.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

March 31, 2025

Half-Truths

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Half-Truths 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Carol Baldwin ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Half-Truths” by Carol Baldwin is a historical fiction novel for teens and young adults, set in the 1950s. The story follows fifteen-year-old Kate Dinsmore, who dreams of becoming a journalist and often plays the role, even in her teenage years.

Determined to fund her college education, Kate has worked tirelessly since childhood. When she discovers that her grandparents are wealthy, she decides to move in with them, hoping for financial support. To convince her parents, she claims that Charlotte offers better educational opportunities.

However, Kate’s father warns her that her grandmother is a private person and advises her not to dig into family secrets. He urges her to leave the past alone. But as Kate settles into her new home, she uncovers hidden truths. Read this story to find out who Lillian is.

If you enjoy historical fiction, this book is a must-read. The cover design is appealing, and the title fits perfectly. The suspenseful storyline kept me engaged until the very last page, and the well-developed characters made the reading experience even more enjoyable. Be sure to add this book to your collection!

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

March 30, 2025

The Lightworker’s Journey & Speaking of Dreams

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Lightworker’s Journey & Speaking of Dreams 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Chris Buffamante ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The Lightworker’s Journey & Speaking of Dreams by Chris Buffamante is a compelling read. The story follows Charles Heartsong, whose life has been marked by hardship from the start—his mother died during childbirth, and his father, lost in his own struggles, never allowed Charles to embrace his true self.

Home never felt like home to Charles due to his father’s presence. At the restaurant where he worked, he met Holly, a new employee under his supervision. At first, she seemed out of his league, but as their interactions grew, Charles began to see himself differently. He started to believe he might have a chance with her, realizing he wasn’t as unattractive as he once thought.

When Charles shared a dream with Holly, she introduced him to the concept of spiritual awakening. With her guidance, he embarked on a transformative journey of self-discovery. This book is a must-read for anyone struggling with insecurities and low self-esteem, as Charles’ growth is truly inspiring.

Chris Buffamante has crafted an engaging and thought-provoking narrative with a smooth and powerful storytelling style. This book is a testament to the author’s ability to inspire readers to explore their spiritual path. Don’t hesitate—dive into this book without a second thought!

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

March 26, 2025

Is It Ever Enough?

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Is It Ever Enough? 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Sarah Pachter ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Is It Ever Enough: A Journey Toward Joyful Living” by Sarah Pachter is an essential read for boosting self-confidence. The author emphasizes that life doesn’t have to be perfect—true joy comes from embracing the belief that I am enough. She shares strategies to eliminate jealousy and cultivate greater satisfaction.

I resonate with Sarah’s perspective: “When we give without anticipating anything in return, we always receive more in the end.” She views challenges as hidden opportunities for growth. Readers can apply SMART goals for meaningful rewards, and parents can nurture positive behavior in their children using the 5C techniques.

This book offers valuable insights and practical strategies to help readers thrive in life. Written in a clear, accessible style, its title perfectly reflects its message. An insightful and empowering read, it provides actionable steps to enhance both self-confidence and overall well-being. I thoroughly enjoyed it—highly recommended!

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

March 21, 2025

Special Occult and Witchcraft Investigations Unit 14

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Special Occult and Witchcraft Investigations Unit 14 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: F. Charles Maree ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Special Occult and Witchcraft Investigations Unit 14” by F. Charles Maree is a gripping read. The story follows Jack Venter, who has just been promoted to junior finance investigator. To secure his position, he must stay in the good graces of Mr. Engelstein.

Meanwhile, Jaco faces a tough decision—he must determine whether two out of three units in the South African Police Department should be disbanded. His assignment is to assess whether police funds are being used efficiently. During his investigation, he meets Lieutenant Victor Price, the lead investigator of the South African Police Service Special Occult Investigation Unit, also known as Unit 14. Price is joined by fellow investigator Louw.

Together, Louw and Price set out to investigate three kidnappings with the same MO. Their search leads them to an elderly village woman, Gogo Ghama. As the trio delves deeper, they find themselves entangled in a world of paranormal events and witchcraft. But can they survive the dark entity that begins to torment them?

This novel is a unique and thrilling experience that kept me on the edge of my seat. The title perfectly matches the book’s content, and the characters are well-crafted. The pacing is excellent, making for an engaging read with no dull moments. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

March 18, 2025

The Harmless Necessary Cat

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Harmless Necessary Cat 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Sepehr Haddad ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The Harmless Necessary Cat – A World War II Family Saga in Allied-Occupied Iran by Sepehr Haddad is a gripping historical novel.

Sohrab Ahangar was born in Tehran, growing up under the guidance of his beloved father. However, at the age of thirteen, his world shattered when his father suddenly passed away from pneumonia, leaving an irreplaceable void in his life.

Following their father’s death, Sohrab’s older brother, Arash, returned from Germany to take over the family business, bringing along his German wife, Krista.

Meanwhile, Franz Mayer, a skilled German engineer, was invited by the Iranian government to help develop the country. Seizing this opportunity, he embarked on a new journey with his son, Karl. Upon arriving in Iran, Karl quickly befriended Sohrab. Before his passing, Sohrab’s father had warned him about the British and Russian interests in Iran. With the Iranian forces unprepared, what will happen when the country faces invasion by the combined might of the British and Russian armies?

If you’re drawn to stories of love, loss, and resilience, this book is a must-read. Richly detailed and deeply immersive, it offers valuable insights into Iran’s history. I found it impossible to put down until the very last page.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

March 16, 2025

The Murmur of Everything Moving

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Murmur of Everything Moving 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Maureen Stanton ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Murmur of Everything Moving: A Memoir” by Maureen Stanton takes readers on an emotional journey of love, resilience, and the unpredictability of life. The story begins in Wappingers Falls, New York, where Maureen, then working at the Hitching Post bar, first crosses paths with Steve. Determined to chase her dreams, she saved diligently and embarked on a backpacking adventure through Europe, where fate brought them together again.

Steve’s life was already complex when he met Maureen—he was navigating the aftermath of an eight-year marriage and fatherhood to three children. Having decided to finalize his divorce, meeting Maureen brought an unexpected spark. For Steve, their relationship became a revelation of what love could truly be. Together, they navigated the highs and lows of building a life, including making sacrifices for their bond over professional aspirations.

However, their journey took a devastating turn when Steve was diagnosed with Stage IV terminal cancer. Maureen’s memoir details the profound challenges they faced, her unwavering care for Steve, and the heartache of confronting mortality. Through her vivid storytelling, Maureen reflects on how her vision of adulthood transformed in ways she never anticipated.

This beautifully written book is deeply moving and relatable, offering readers insights into resilience, love, and the fragility of life. The pacing keeps you engaged from start to finish, and Maureen’s reflections resonate long after the final page. It’s a heartfelt narrative that stays with you, reminding us that life often unfolds in unexpected ways.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

March 14, 2025

Get Gribnitz

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Get Gribnitz 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Howard Gimple ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The story follows Stew Gribnitz, an advertising copywriter at a Madison Avenue firm. When the new creative director, James G. Persons, arrives and belittles everyone’s work, Stew, frustrated, fires back with an insult in front of the entire office. The next day, Persons is found dead, and all fingers point to Stew as the prime suspect.

Barnett Boyce, however, refuses to believe that Stew is a murderer. Though Stew loses his job, Boyce helps him secure a new position under Edward Rivette. But soon after, Rivette also turns up dead. Now, the real question remains—who is the actual killer? Can Stew prove his innocence before it’s too late?

This story reinforced an important lesson: sometimes, it’s best to keep our mouths shut. Stew’s impulsive words got him into trouble he never intended. The author’s writing style is engaging, and the cover design is striking. The suspenseful storyline kept me hooked, and Stew quickly became my favorite character. This book will linger in your mind long after you turn the last page.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon