Book Reviews – Page 7 – Sassy Reviews

October 4, 2025

Citizen’s Awakening

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Citizen’s Awakening 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Canyon Holgate ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Citizen’s Awakening, written by Canyon Holgate, is the first installment in the Citizen’s Trilogy. The story centers around Kat Holt, an identical twin who is married to her best friend, Damon Holt. During a gender reveal party, Kat accidentally cuts her hand with a pair of scissors—but moments later, the wound mysteriously disappears, completely healed.

Kat later approaches Senator Rockford, seeking a waiver or some form of exemption from the mandatory genetic marker testing. She is adamant about not participating. However, the Senator insists the test is necessary, as officials are eager to understand how Kat is expecting triplets in a time when many women struggle with infertility.

As Kat hides her extraordinary ability to heal herself, the suspense builds—will anyone uncover her secret?

The storyline kept me on edge throughout, constantly wondering what would happen next. It’s a gripping, fast-paced read that I couldn’t put down once I started. The author’s world-building is vivid, and the pacing adds to the book’s intensity. Overall, Citizen’s Awakening is an engaging and thoroughly enjoyable read.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon for Pre-order

October 4, 2025

Once A King, Now A Prince

𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀, 𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗹.

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Once A King, Now A Prince 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Ira Blacker ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Once A King, Now A Prince is a raw and powerful true story about family dysfunction, the mob, sex, drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll. It chronicles the life of the author, Ira, who endured and survived a deeply troubled childhood. From a young age, he suffered abuse from his father and emotional neglect, especially after his father brought his daughter from a previous marriage into their home.

Ira’s journey took a darker turn when he was admitted to the Psychiatric Ward at Kings County Hospital — an experience so terrifying that it affected him physically. Yet, it was in that place that Ira began learning hard-earned lessons about survival. Later, on the recommendation of psychiatrists, he was sent to Hawthorne to escape his abusive home environment. After spending more than three years in isolation at Hawthorne Cedar Knolls, returning home felt like stepping back into a war zone.

This memoir is not just about trauma — it’s about resilience, recovery, and growth. Ira’s story spans from his tumultuous youth to his later ventures in business and investment, offering readers insight into his remarkable transformation.

I binge-read this book; it’s an emotional rollercoaster and a testament to human endurance. I deeply admire the author’s courage in sharing his story and his determination to rise above a painful past.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

Book not available yet, but more info on website https://onceakingnowaprince.com along with sample chapters.

October 4, 2025

Welcome Home

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Welcome Home 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Gina Romero ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Welcome Home: A Guide to Homemaking, From the Heart” by Gina Romero is a truly special read. This heartfelt guide offers practical and inspiring tips for creating a home filled with purpose, peace, and style.

Gina’s insights on landscaping and gardening are particularly impressive, and her advice on home and physical organization is both useful and easy to follow. She beautifully explains the true essence of interior design and how to craft a space that reflects one’s personal style.

I especially enjoyed her recipe for Mediterranean Orzo Pasta—it took me just 20 minutes to prepare, and my family absolutely loved it! The author’s approach to homemaking has genuinely inspired me to keep my home more organized and thoughtfully designed.

I highly recommend this book to Christian women, as it offers valuable, faith-rooted guidance on homemaking. Gina has truly done a wonderful job with this book.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

September 30, 2025

I Thought the Shame Would Kill Me: But Grace Set Me Free

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: I Thought the Shame Would Kill Me: But Grace Set Me Free
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Rev. Dr. Tarasa B. Lovick ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
I Thought the Shame Would Kill Me: But Grace Set Me Free by Rev. Dr. Tarasa B. Lovick is a poetry memoir that traces the author’s powerful journey of transformation—from being crushed under the weight of shame to discovering the liberating power of grace. She also reflects on her divine calling to travel to India, a pull from deep within that guided her toward something greater than herself.

Through her poetry, the author beautifully shares the experience of encountering divine love. This collection serves as a map for healing, remembrance, and love.

One standout poem, But Now “I Am” Found, captures the clarity that comes from aligning with God’s will. In it, the author writes of moving beyond doubt and loneliness, finding herself at home in sacred light.

This memoir encourages readers to turn inward, peel back layers of pain, conditioning, and fear, and rediscover the authentic self rooted in love. The photographs of India included in the book add depth and connection to her journey, making the reading experience even more intimate and meaningful. Poetry and memoir lovers would have a great time reading this book.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

September 28, 2025

The Search for Melvin

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Search for Melvin 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Jo-Ann E. Jennings ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The Search for Melvin by Jo-Ann E. Jennings is an engaging and suspenseful read set in a small town in Missouri. The story follows teenager Joe Baker MacGregor and his friend Melvin, who is close to him in both age and height. When Sheriff Doolin announces the suspected kidnapping of Melvin Beasley, Joe is shaken—he had just been with Melvin earlier that day at the MacGregor family’s annual Thanksgiving feast and birthday celebration.

Joe grows frustrated that the search party is not searching for Melvin properly, overlooking how easily it could have been him instead. Dr. Knox suggests hiring a private investigator, someone discreet and experienced, to help track Melvin down. Those who know Melvin believe he could manage anywhere as long as he’s being fed, and they hold onto hope that he’s somewhere safe with decent food.

The novel kept me hooked from start to finish. The mystery surrounding Melvin pushed me to keep turning the pages, eager for answers. Elements of black magic, family conflict, murder, humor, and more add rich layers to the story, while the vivid small-town setting enhances the atmosphere. Jennings crafts a tale that is gripping, entertaining, and thoroughly enjoyable—I loved every bit of it.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

September 28, 2025

The Heart of Valor

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Heart of Valor 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Connie Y Harris ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The Heart of Valor by Connie Y Harris was my weekend binge-read, and it didn’t disappoint. At the heart of the story is Kacie O’Shea, a recently retired Marine sergeant who has traded Southern California for Colorado. Her years in the Corps instilled discipline and resilience, qualities that shape her new chapter in life.

Kacie begins working at Bolton’s Valor Security and Investigations, where her boss, Vince Samuels, assigns her first case—recovering Freya, the missing dog of Trevor Marlowe, a former British SAS soldier and single father to young Emma. Kacie proves her skills by successfully reuniting Freya with Trevor.

Though her contract strictly forbids personal relationships with clients, sparks begin to fly between Kacie and Trevor. Wanting to protect his daughter, Trevor hires Kacie as Emma’s bodyguard. While she dedicates herself to keeping Emma safe, the undeniable chemistry between her and Trevor leads Kacie to step away from the job. But soon after, Emma is kidnapped. The question remains—can Kacie bring her back?

What made the novel stand out for me was the electric chemistry between Kacie and Trevor, paired with the suspenseful twists. Kacie is a strong, compelling protagonist, and readers who enjoy stories with resilient female leads will find much to admire in her character. The writing is clear and accessible, while the author does a wonderful job creating a vivid backdrop for the story.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

September 22, 2025

Eternity’s Well

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Eternity’s Well 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Zachary Hagen ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Elior and his twin brother, Eliam, work as search and rescue operatives. On their very first day, a major disaster strikes. They must save as many people as possible before the research facility collapses. Together, Elior and Eliam manage to pull several unconscious researchers out until the building is cleared. But when Eliam hears a faint cry for help from inside, he rushes back in despite Elior’s warning to stay out.

Moments later, an explosion reduces the site to an empty plot of land. Detective Jones questions Elior about Eliam’s appearance, suggesting that the magitechnology involved may have transported the entire building—and everyone inside it—elsewhere. When Elior learns that the official search will be called off, he is devastated. At his lowest point, he encounters Nyx, a cursed merman, who tells him about the mysterious Well of Eternity.

Meanwhile, Princess Opal is forced onto the throne earlier than expected after her father’s sudden death. When Elior, Nyx, and Opal’s paths intertwine, the story gains momentum. The author’s world-building is immersive, and the many subplots are handled skillfully. I look forward to reading more from this writer. Go ahead with this book without any second thoughts.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

September 22, 2025

The Privacy Act

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Privacy Act 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Linda Jayne ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The Privacy Act by Linda Jayne is the first book in The Freedom Project Series. Jeremy, a skilled hacker, is recruited by the Department of Homeland Security to work as a Surveillance Technician. For the past four years, his assignment has been to monitor three individuals—briefly, each day—without ever knowing the reason behind it. His boss, John Dorgan, never revealed the purpose of this task.

Things take a darker turn when one of the subjects, Michael Ray Michtenbaum, is discovered dead. Jeremy is then reassigned to monitor his own boss, John Dorgan. To aid him, he can request resources through the Secretary of Homeland Security or her assistant, Heather Barnes.

Heather, the Secretary’s Executive Assistant, has her own ties to the intelligence world. Her father, Jacob Barnes, once worked for the CIA’s Intelligence Division, and she suspects he is involved in the mysterious experiment. Determined to uncover the truth, Heather is eager to learn what her father has been keeping from her.

This suspense thriller delivers plenty of intrigue, twists, and unexpected turns. The writing is richly descriptive, the plot is fast-paced, and the numerous characters add depth and complexity to the story. It’s a gripping read that kept me hooked from start to finish.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

September 22, 2025

Rune of Revenge

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Rune of Revenge 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Bjorn Leesson ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Rune of Revenge by Bjorn Leesson is the fourth installment in the Outside the Thalsparr series. The story opens with Ingrid Stone-Splitter forced to witness the bodies of her dearest friend, Myrgjol the Dokkrsdottir, and Myrgjol’s daughter Hildr, tossed carelessly into a pile.

Now in her late fifties, Ingrid longs to continue pursuing the peaceful life envisioned by Myrgjol—both for herself and in honor of her fallen friend. She is stunned to discover Myrgjol’s son, Hralf. Memories surface of her father, Harald, who once ruled Dyrhagi as Jarl alongside his brother Orin. Their lives changed when Halvar, a man from another part of Scandinavia, arrived—bringing with him an unsettling darkness that spread through their village. Harald was slain by unknown assailants, Orin was left blinded and crippled, and Halvar seized the throne.

Determined to find her own path, Ingrid considers traveling north. Her plan is to blend in with the Vikings and secure passage elsewhere. Hralf shares with her a striking revelation: on his deathbed, Brother Bildwyne spoke of Myrgjol living in another place and another time.

Leesson’s writing style is clear and engaging, making this book a joy to read. Ingrid’s character is beautifully developed, and the storyline kept me hooked from beginning to end. I am eager to see where the series goes next.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

September 22, 2025

The I Lie

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The I Lie 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Corinne Arrowood ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Babe’s life shifted dramatically—from feeling empty and purposeless to being caught up in one dramatic event after another. Trinity, however, is firm: she doesn’t want Babe bringing home any more children.

Lachlan Taylor had just graduated, and her father gifted her a celebratory week at the Isla Bella Resort in the Florida Keys. She was joined by her friend Chandler, who unfortunately had a knack for causing trouble and attracting danger with her reckless behavior.

When Lachlan’s family didn’t hear from her for two days during the trip, her uncle Jarvis grew deeply concerned about his niece. As night fell, Lachlan and Chandler found themselves lost at sea. Thankfully, with Babe’s help, Javier was able to bring Lachlan home safely. Still, many wondered how Lachlan could remain friends with someone like Chandler. Her worries only grew when Chandler disappeared with a man from the resort’s front desk.

The story truly gained momentum once children began going missing. The author’s descriptive style and smooth narration kept the tension high while introducing us to even more engaging characters. Through it all, Babe stood out as my favorite character in the series. The author has done a remarkable job—this series is well worth continuing without hesitation.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5