Book Reviews – Page 5 – Sassy Reviews

May 15, 2026

Death on the Rocks

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Death on the Rocks 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Erik D’Souza ✍️
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The novel opens with the suspicious death of Wilbur Ghostkeeper, whose body is discovered on slippery shoreline rocks under seemingly accidental circumstances. From the start, the story creates an atmosphere of uncertainty, pulling readers into a layered mystery where nearly everyone seems to have secrets, motives, or something to hide.

One of the book’s strengths is its character-driven storytelling, especially through Suzanne Rickson, who quickly emerges as a strong central figure. Suzanne’s analytical mind, social awareness, and determination to uncover the truth make her an interesting amateur sleuth. Her interactions with her husband Charles, the police, and the community reveal complex relationships that go beyond a simple murder investigation. The dialogue feels natural, and the cast kept me invested.

Death on the Rocks is a satisfying mystery novel. Erik D’Souza does a good job balancing clues, red herrings, and emotional stakes while also expanding the story beyond just a suspicious death. The book’s mix of suspense, family tensions, and community intrigue keeps the pages turning, making it an enjoyable read for fans of cozy crime fiction and character-focused mysteries.

• 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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May 15, 2026

It Came From the Trees and Other Violent Aberrations

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: It Came From the Trees and Other Violent Aberrations 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Joel McKay ✍️
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“It Came From the Trees and Other Violent Aberrations” is a gripping collection of dark fiction that blends horror, science fiction, and fantasy into a fast-paced and unsettling reading experience. From the very first story, “It Came From the Trees,” McKay establishes a tense atmosphere with vivid descriptions, grotesque imagery, and a strong sense of isolation. The setting deep in the forests of British Columbia makes the horror feel immediate and believable.

The anthology includes original stories that explore fear, violence, and human vulnerability through different genres and scenarios. McKay’s writing style is immersive, with sharp dialogue, well-paced action, and a knack for building dread before unleashing chaos. The inclusion of author commentaries after each story is a thoughtful touch, offering readers insight into his creative process, inspirations, and storytelling decisions.

This collection is a strong choice for readers who enjoy horror with imaginative concepts. Fans of creature horror, survival narratives, and eerie speculative fiction will likely find this anthology memorable. I had a great time reading this book. I am definitely interested in reading more books by the author in the near future.

• 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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May 13, 2026

The Journey, Not the Destination

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Journey, Not the Destination 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Dr. Steve Hudgins ✍️
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In this book, the author shares his personal journey along with the lessons he learned along the way. With promotions, achievements, and stability, Steve once believed his life was leading him toward a clear destination. Over time, however, he realized that the places and experiences that shaped him the most were never the ones he had planned to reach.

As readers go through this book, they are encouraged to let go of emotional burdens and create space for clarity, peace, and freedom. It beautifully reminds us that broken families are not always the end of the story, sometimes, they mark the beginning of a new mosaic.

The chapter Unexpected Detours highlights an important truth: life does not always unfold according to our plans. Unexpected turns often challenge our understanding of family, faith, and perseverance, ultimately helping us grow in ways we never anticipated.

This book reminds readers that the journey matters more than the destination. Both the broken and beautiful moments in life play an essential role in shaping who we become. The wisdom shared throughout these pages inspires readers to reflect on their own journeys and consider how their experiences are molding them into the people they are today.

I truly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to exploring more of the author’s work in the future.

• 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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May 12, 2026

Nuggets of Hope

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Nuggets of Hope: Cultivate Kindness 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Kim Lengling ✍️
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Nuggets of Hope: Cultivate Kindness by Kim Lengling is a warm and uplifting book that reminds readers of the extraordinary power hidden in ordinary acts of kindness. Through personal stories, reflections, and practical advice, the author shows how even the smallest gesture: a smile, a kind word, or a thoughtful act can create a ripple effect in someone’s life. The concept of “Nuggets of Hope,” represented by small stones shared with strangers, gives the book a memorable and heartwarming theme.

Lengling shares real-life encounters with people facing grief, loneliness, illness, and hardship, illustrating how compassion can become a source of healing and connection. These stories allow readers to see kindness not as a grand ideal, but as a daily practice accessible to anyone. The inclusion of practical tips, conversation etiquette, self-kindness, and ways to teach compassion to children adds extra value.

Nuggets of Hope is an encouraging read for anyone seeking positivity in a chaotic world. Its message is simple yet impactful: kindness matters, not only for others, but for our own emotional and physical well-being too. While the themes are straightforward and repetitive at times, that repetition reinforces the book’s purpose of making kindness a conscious habit.

• 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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May 12, 2026

The Founder’s Treadmill

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Founder’s Treadmill 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: David Grau Sr. ✍️
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The Founder’s Treadmill is a highly practical book that addresses one of entrepreneurship’s biggest hidden struggles: burnout caused by over-involvement. David Grau Sr. clearly understands the mindset and habits that keep founders stuck, and he presents these challenges in a relatable and straightforward way.

The book stands out because it combines mindset shifts with operational strategies. Readers are encouraged not only to rethink their role within the company but also to implement processes, hire intentionally, and establish accountability systems. The included reflection prompts and checklists make the learning experience interactive and easy to apply.

This is more than just a business book, it’s a roadmap for founders who want to escape constant hustle and create healthier, more scalable companies. Whether you’re an early-stage entrepreneur or managing a growing business, The Founder’s Treadmill offers valuable lessons that can transform how you lead and operate.

• 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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May 7, 2026

A Tree Frog’s Eyes: Haiku

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: A Tree Frog’s Eyes: Haiku 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: David E Navarro ✍️
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A Tree Frog’s Eyes: Haiku by David E. Navarro is a thoughtful and meditative collection that beautifully captures the quiet wonders of nature and everyday life. Through carefully crafted haiku and occasional senryu, Navarro invites readers to slow down and observe the subtle details often overlooked in daily routines. From winter snowfalls to blooming spring flowers, mountain landscapes to ocean shores, each poem reflects a deep appreciation for the natural world and the fleeting moments that make life meaningful.

The poems are organized around seasons, landscapes, flora, fauna, and human experiences, creating a journey that feels both personal and universal. Navarro also offers valuable insight into haiku traditions, Zen influences, and his own poetic philosophy, helping readers better understand the depth and intentionality behind his work. This makes the book not only a poetry collection but also an educational exploration of haiku as an art form.

A Tree Frog’s Eyes is an enjoyable read for poetry lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking moments of stillness in a busy world. The collection succeeds in honoring traditional haiku sensibilities while adding the author’s personal voice, making it a rewarding experience for both newcomers to haiku and longtime admirers of the genre.

• 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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May 7, 2026

The Trauma-Informed You

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Trauma-Informed You 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Dr. Jeremy Henderson-Teelucksingh ✍️
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This is a practical guide for readers seeking to understand how trauma shapes their inner world and daily behaviors. Rather than focusing solely on what happened in the past, the book thoughtfully shifts attention toward the relationship individuals have with themselves as a result of those experiences. This perspective feels empowering, inviting readers to move beyond survival mode and begin rebuilding self-trust, safety, and emotional awareness.

The author has translated complex psychological concepts such as nervous system responses, trauma adaptations, boundaries, and self-abandonment into language that feels clear, relatable, and actionable. The framework built around trauma-informed principles like safety, trustworthiness, peer support, empowerment, and self-authority gives the book both structure and depth. Readers are not only encouraged to reflect on their own patterns but are also provided with practical tools to begin meaningful internal change.

The Trauma-Informed You is a valuable resource for anyone navigating the long-term effects of trauma, emotional neglect, or unhealthy relationship patterns. Its tone is validating, making it approachable for both mental health professionals and general readers. By emphasizing healing through a stronger connection with oneself, this book stands out as a thoughtful contribution to the trauma and personal growth space, leaving readers with both insight and hope for deeper self-renewal.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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May 5, 2026

Two Minutes to Everything

Book: Two Minutes to Everything

Author: H. W. Cumming

Two Minutes to Everything is a deeply introspective novel that traces the emotional architecture of one man’s life. The book opens with Daniel standing alone under a Queen West streetlight, reflecting on a life that feels both full and fractured. From the beginning, readers are introduced to a protagonist who is thoughtful, ambitious, and emotionally observant, yet often disconnected from his own needs. This opening sets the tone for a story centered not on plot twists, but on personal reckoning and self-discovery.

I loved the way the novel builds Daniel’s character through his earlier identities. As a young hockey goalie, Daniel learns discipline, responsibility, and the instinct to protect. Later, his teenage dream of becoming a rockstar adds another layer to his identity, revealing his creative side. These chapters are especially engaging because they show Daniel before adulthood hardens him into someone defined by achievement and control.

The novel becomes even richer as Daniel evolves into a builder and entrepreneur, creating software companies and chasing ambitious ideas with relentless focus. Two Minutes to Everything is ultimately a moving portrait of a man who has succeeded in building companies and careers, but must learn how to rebuild himself. Thoughtful, honest, and emotionally resonant, this is a gripping read about ambition, love, and identity.

Rating: 5/5

April 20, 2026

Broken Realm

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Broken Realm 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Jenna Greene ✍️
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The story features Keely Thompkins, a reserved and introspective young woman whose internal struggles with anxiety are portrayed with remarkable sensitivity. The early chapters immerse readers in a village setting, where small, everyday moments like preparing for a town celebration carry emotional weight. Keely’s perspective, filled with hesitation and quiet courage, creates an immediate emotional connection that draws readers into her world.

The narrative gains momentum with the introduction of Briggs Ray, whose rough-edged charm and survival-driven mindset provide a strong contrast to Keely’s cautious nature. When a mysterious phenomenon transports them into a barren, altered version of their world, the story shifts from gentle character study to gripping survival fantasy.

Themes of resilience, trust, and personal growth are woven well into the unfolding mystery, as both characters are forced to confront their limitations and adapt to an unforgiving environment. This novel offers a thoughtful and immersive fantasy experience, appealing to readers who enjoy character-driven stories.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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April 20, 2026

The New Empire

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The New Empire 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Alison McBain ✍️
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The New Empire by Alison McBain is a powerful historical novel that immerses readers in a story of survival, identity, and transformation. The story follows Jiangxi, a young boy torn from his homeland and thrust into the horrors of slavery, beginning with a harrowing journey that strips him of both freedom and memory.

As the story unfolds, the novel shifts into a more introspective exploration of culture and belonging. Jiangxi’s relationship with Onas, his master and spiritual guide, becomes the emotional and thematic core of the book. Through this dynamic, McBain explores the intersection of different worlds: Chinese heritage, Indigenous traditions, and colonial tensions creating a layered narrative about identity in a fractured world.

The slow evolution of Jiangxi’s character, from a broken child to someone navigating complex loyalties and beliefs, is handled with nuance. The inclusion of spiritual elements, particularly the mysterious role of the kuksui, adds a haunting, almost mystical dimension to the story.

McBain skillfully balances historical detail with emotional depth. The book is well paced. I am impressed by the world building and the character development. Readers who appreciate historical fiction with strong cultural themes and morally complex characters will find this novel worth reading.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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