Book Reviews – Page 5 – Sassy Reviews

October 29, 2025

Like Water for Weary Souls

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Like Water for Weary Souls 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Liisa Kovala ✍️
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“Like Water for Weary Souls” by Liisa Kovala is a compelling tale of love, family, sisterhood, and the relentless search for truth. The novel follows Finnish immigrant sisters Hanna and Essi Kivi. One fateful night, Hanna doesn’t return home, and by morning, Essi learns from the police that her sister’s body has been discovered in Nolin Creek by a local man.

Essi has already endured the loss of her younger sister Martta. With Hanna’s death, she becomes the last surviving Kivi daughter. The police conclude that Hanna was attempting to cross Nolin Creek to reach Frood Road when the unstable ice gave way—but Essi knows her sister would never have taken such a risk. When she shares the tragic news with her parents, her mother cruelly blames her for failing to protect her sisters.

Determined to uncover the truth behind Hanna’s death—and perhaps to earn her mother’s forgiveness—Essi embarks on a journey of discovery and resilience. Kovala’s storytelling is engrossing, her prose beautifully crafted, and her characters deeply authentic. The twists and turns kept me captivated until the very last page. This novel is a testament to the author’s remarkable talent and emotional depth.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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October 29, 2025

A Pure Heart with No Boundaries

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: A Pure Heart with No Boundaries: A Journey of Healing, Dreams, and Self-Compassion 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Shechinahglory Tucker ✍️
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“A Pure Heart with No Boundaries: A Journey of Healing, Dreams, and Self-Compassion” by Shechinahglory Tucker is an inspiring and heartfelt memoir. The author opens up about her personal journey—one filled with giving, heartbreak, and ultimately, healing. Always someone who believed in giving more than she received, she found herself alone in a relationship. Yet through that pain, she discovered a powerful lesson: putting yourself first is not selfishness, but divine protection.

Tucker beautifully conveys that what often feels like rejection is, in fact, divine redirection. By honoring someone’s “no,” we honor God’s “yes” to our own healing. She encourages readers to let go, to make space for the person and purpose truly aligned with our hearts and destiny.

The author also shares her experience with psychic readings, which revealed the darkness affecting not only her twin flame journey but also her peace, clarity, and strength. Activities like the Heart Check-In help readers see the truth within their relationships, while the Release Ritual guides them toward emotional freedom.

Readers who enjoy raw, reflective memoirs will find deep resonance in this book. I especially loved the Self-Care Commitment Contract and plan to create one for myself. This memoir is packed with profound life lessons—it’s truly a must-read. I’m grateful to have come across it and highly recommend it without a second thought.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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October 28, 2025

Walking Spirit in a Native Way

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Walking Spirit in a Native Way: White Mocs on the Red Road 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: James B. Beard ✍️
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“Walking Spirit in a Native Way: White Mocs on the Red Road” by James B. Beard is a truly unique and insightful read. Through the voice of James, also known as Noodin, the author shares his transformative spiritual journey under the guidance of an elder from the Ojibwe tribe.

In this book, Noodin recounts his years of learning from Misho, a wise Native elder. During one of their early conversations, Misho asked him, “Who are you?” to which Noodin replied, “I am just a man.” This simple yet profound exchange sparked deep introspection in Noodin, setting him on a path of self-discovery and spiritual growth.

As he reflects on his life, Noodin shares how his faith in Christianity began to waver, leading him toward a more spiritual path. Under Misho’s mentorship, he embraced teachings rooted in Indigenous wisdom. One of Misho’s memorable lessons was: “Some things are shown to us that reveal the truth in time. Spirit knows what we need in order to walk our walk.”

The book also explores the Seven Grandfather Teachings, offering readers timeless guidance for living with balance and integrity. Overall, it’s an engaging and thought-provoking read. I’m glad to have come across it—the author’s storytelling is heartfelt, and his writing style is clear, smooth, and deeply resonant. Readers are glad to discover the trajectory of native/non-native relations.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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October 27, 2025

From Pass to Pass: Volume I & II

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: From Pass to Pass: Volume I & II 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Abby Ripley ✍️
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From Pass to Pass: Volume I & II feels like opening a window to two worlds that couldn’t be more different yet somehow connect through one woman’s spirit. Millie’s journey from the calm ranches of Wyoming to the wild, mystical land of Ladakh is full of heart and emotion. What makes this story truly special is how it captures the beauty of adventure while also exploring what it means to grow through life’s ups and downs. Abby Ripley writes with warmth and honesty, making it easy to feel every joy, fear, and heartbreak along the way.

As a reader, it’s hard not to admire Millie’s strength. She faces loss and uncertainty but keeps walking forward, guided by something deeper than just wanderlust. Through her, you see how travel can heal, how people can surprise you, and how every challenge teaches something new. The scenes in the Himalayas are written with such clarity that you can picture the snow peaks, hear the silence, and sense Millie’s awe and loneliness all at once.

This book is for anyone who has ever wanted to start over or find themselves in a new place. It’s full of emotion, reflection, and the quiet courage that comes from facing the unknown. Abby Ripley gives us a story that isn’t just about where you go, but who you become along the way. It’s a gentle yet powerful reminder that the journey itself often holds the answers we seek.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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October 26, 2025

Overcoming Attacks to My Fabulous Journey of Destiny

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Overcoming Attacks to My Fabulous Journey of Destiny 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Elizabeth Skeeter-Stephens ✍️
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Overcoming Attacks to My Fabulous Journey of Destiny” by Elizabeth Skeeter-Stephens is a deeply transformative and inspiring read. Elizabeth, the youngest among her siblings, looked different—fair-skinned compared to the rest of her family—and often felt like an outsider.

Throughout her life, she worked in several daycare centers and even ran her own. After her mother’s passing—the one person who truly loved and supported her—Elizabeth faced immense challenges. During these difficult times, Apostle Don Stewart became a guiding light, feeding her soul with the Word of God. Much of her life was also spent trying to secure custody of her nephew, a journey filled with persistence and faith.

It took Elizabeth decades to realize that childcare was not her true calling. Her connection with God deepened through her visits to church, where she felt His presence over her son, daughter, and herself. She recounts many instances where God’s divine hand protected her son’s life, reinforcing her faith in His grace.

Elizabeth’s journey stands as a powerful testament to God’s presence and guidance. Her story reminds us that when we release control and allow God to lead, our lives transform for the better. I am truly grateful to have read this book—it renews one’s faith and beautifully illustrates the blessings that come when we surrender to Him.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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October 26, 2025

The Ghostwriter

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Ghostwriter 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Kaira Lockwood ✍️
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Zetta Castellan was a prolific and highly regarded writer who meticulously documented her life in a personal journal. She was married to Phil, but as the years went by, their marriage slowly began to fall apart. When Jed Conley met her one New Year’s Eve, he sensed her unhappiness and realized something was deeply troubling her. In Jed’s presence, Zetta found the comfort and joy she had long been missing.

Isabel Vinson, a writer based in New York, was handed a binder containing a checklist for Zetta’s autobiography. To truly understand Zetta’s life, Isabel had to guard herself against others’ interpretations that might distort Zetta’s real story. Zetta lived only fifty-three years, and Isabel had to uncover what transpired between 1998 and her death in 2023. At first, Isabel believed documenting Zetta’s life would be straightforward—but the deeper she dug, the more complex and mysterious it became. Zetta’s story was too vast, too intricate to be contained in a single book. Read on to discover the dark family secret.

This is a captivating read. The book cover is beautifully designed, and the twists and turns keep you hooked until the very end. The pacing is excellent, and I enjoyed every moment of it. Zetta’s life brims with secrets, revelations, and unexpected turns. I couldn’t put it down and ended up binge-reading it over the weekend.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

Book is available on Amazon

October 22, 2025

Strange Shape of Love

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Strange Shape of Love 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Herta Feely ✍️
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Fans of suspenseful stories should definitely pick up Herta Feely’s Strange Shape of Love. The novel centers around Charlotte, a print journalist based in New York. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she learns that her magazine has been acquired by a powerful media magnate, forcing her to relocate to London.

Charlotte dreads the move—not because of the city itself, but because her ex-boyfriend Rafe, a sculptor, lives there. Once in London, she discovers that Rafe is still single and eager to reconnect. When they finally meet, Charlotte opens up about why she disappeared from his life years ago.

Things take a dark turn when Charlotte receives an envelope containing her nude photos. She’s left questioning whether her ex-boyfriend Russ is behind this or if Rafe is seeking revenge. Who sent the photos—and what do they want from her?

This gripping tale is filled with unexpected twists and turns that kept me hooked until the final page. The writing is clear and engaging, the pacing is spot-on, and the cover art is striking. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed every part of this book.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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October 21, 2025October 21, 2025

Last Train to Snarksville

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Last Train to Snarksville 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: James Robinson Jr. ✍️
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“Last Train to Snarksville” by James Robinson Jr. is a delightful collection of 15 humorous short stories.

In “The Road Less Traveled,” the author reflects on a realization he had after 50 years of driving. He recounts taking an unfamiliar route marked “62B,” and this detour becomes a metaphor for the deeper insight he shares in the story. Read it to discover the lesson behind his journey.

“What’s in a Name? Part 1” explores the author’s thoughts about names and how one feels when he is called by different names. As we go through life, friends, family, and acquaintances give us different names—some we cherish, others we tolerate. While certain names feel imposed, the ones given by loved ones become badges of affection and pride.

Each story in this collection is witty, original, and briskly paced. I found myself finishing a few in one sitting. James Robinson Jr. has done an excellent job weaving humor with relatable experiences. I highly recommend this book to all readers who enjoy sharp, clever storytelling.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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October 20, 2025

First Light, Last Light

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: First Light, Last Light 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Glen Sorestad ✍️
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“First Light, Last Light” is a poetry collection by Glen Sorestad that beautifully captures reflections on family, memories of youth and friendship, road trips, morning phone calls, and the often bittersweet experience of aging.

The poem “Stay in Touch” evokes the tenderness of parting words we offer to friends or family embarking on a journey. It reminds us of the deep desire to keep our loved ones close, even as we accept their departure.

In “Language Borders,” Sorestad explores those moments when words fail us—when silence feels safer than saying something that might wound or be impossible to take back. The poem is a thoughtful reflection on restraint and empathy in communication.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this collection. Each poem touched on themes that felt both personal and universal, making it easy to connect with the poet’s experiences. I know I’ll return to this book again, and I look forward to discovering more of Glen Sorestad’s work.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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October 16, 2025

Grythwood Chronicles

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Grythwood Chronicles 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Jeff Campos ✍️
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Jeffrey A. Campos has created a world that feels powerful and alive in Grythwood Chronicles. His storytelling has depth, imagination, and emotion, giving every chapter a sense of mystery and purpose. The balance between fantasy and real feelings makes it special.

The world he builds is full of detail and meaning. Every place, creature, and event has a story behind it. You can tell the author has poured years of creativity into shaping this universe.

What I enjoyed most is how each character has their own struggle and growth. Some moments are exciting, others are touching, and together they make the story complete.

If you love classic fantasy tales with strong world building and emotional depth, this book will easily become one of your favorites.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5