Book Reviews – Page 90 – Sassy Reviews

May 11, 2023

Winter Hearts

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Winter Hearts 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Barbara P. McNannie ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Winter Hearts written by the author Barbara P. McNannie is a great read. It is a collection of poems, musings and letters on themes of love, loss, betrayal, friendship, etc.

Some of my favorite poems from the collection are: Mother, Red Roses, Sisters, Empty Words, etc. Below lines are from the poem Mother and would remind the readers to appreciate their mom:

What do you tell
The person that made you,
Molded you from clay,
Shaped your curves and edges?
What do you say
To the one that taught you
How to laugh and dream,
Retreat and spar?
Too many words crowd my mind,
Jostling, fighting for attention.
Is “I love you” enough?

“Have you ever missed someone even before they left?”

I could very well relate to the above lines but sometimes we don’t have the right to stop someone. These poems, musings and letters are relatable and would touch the reader’s heart. I had a great time reading this book while having a coffee. The author has used lucid language so even non-avid readers could follow this book easily.

Those who appreciate musings would enjoy this book for sure. Great work done by the author in this one.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 11, 2023

Spirit Warrior

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Spirit Warrior 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Swami Don ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Spirit Warrior written by the author Swami Don is a veteran’s guide: True Stories from a Spiritual Journey. In this book, the author has mentioned that the child’s first influence is mom. Then comes the influence of Dad, siblings, extended family, etc. The template of a person is set in the first seven years of life.

The author’s birth story is interesting. When he was born, nurses called him a miracle baby and thought they saw a spiritual light around him. The author has mentioned that one can win after knowing their purpose but it’s possible only after an individual frees themselves from the Matrix. The author has shared about his near-death experiences and how he was pulled back from death. The author has mentioned the importance of saying things in inner dialog which attracts Seeker’s spirit to him.

This book is a perfect guide to a new life and it encourages you to let magic happen in your life. The author has used simple language in this book. The title of the book is nice. After reading this book, readers’ eyes would be opened to the fact that spirits exist and influence our lives.

If you are ready to explore your inner self and love reading spiritual books then get your hands on this one. This book has inspired me to embark on my own hero’s journey.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 11, 2023

Arc of the Poet

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Arc of the Poet 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Roger Darnell ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Arc of the Poet written by the author Roger Darnell is a poetic memoir. The book begins with the author’s upbringing. He was exposed to poetry early in life as his mother used to write poems. By the age of thirteen, Roger started having ideas about personal values, poetry, writing, etc. Below lines from the poem “Brother” shows Roger’s connection with his brother Scott. It feels good to know that your sibling is there for you no matter how much we fight with each other:

we have somehow fallen short.
Yet, we gather our support
from the confidence we share
simply knowing other’s there.

When Roger was tracing his career path, he was supported and encouraged by his mother, Beth’s mom, step-dad, etc. Very few people get the support of their partner and their family. Roger’s confidence and self-respect was built from the great support he received.

This book teaches us perseverance, being strong, determined, etc in life. It was interesting to know that Roger worked hard and in the summer of 1993, he became a home-owner, husband of his sweetheart Beth Darnell. The writing style of the author is amazing and I appreciate the various life experiences the author has shared in this poetic memoir. The narration is smooth and I couldn’t put this book down until I finished it. This book opens our eyes to the struggles artists face. I had a great time reading Roger’s journey.

Those who love reading poetic memoirs should get their hands on this book for sure.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 10, 2023

The Forming of the Diamond

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Forming of the Diamond 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Keith H. Adkins ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The Forming of the Diamond written by the author Keith Adkins is the first installment in the “Jim Caldwell” book series. The story begins in the summer of 1881 in Phoenix, in the middle of the Arizona Territory. The main character of the story is Jim Caldwell. He wanted to make Arizona a better place and gained some followers for his idea. In 1870, Russians invaded the Western part of America.

People had to deal with heavy taxation from Russia and America. Jim’s cousin ‘The Dipper’ also joined him. Major General Sergey Popov, the Russian overlord for Prescott, was frustrated with The Dipper’s popularity. He got him arrested and then hanged him to death. Some of the other followers include: Pedro, Andrés, Jimbo, Johnny, etc and were called ‘The Twelve’. Jim’s popularity increased and the trouble too. He traveled to various places. Will his followers support him or not?

This is an intriguing story that kept me on the edge of my seat. The story is well paced and the narration is smooth so I was able to understand the story easily. The characters are written well by the author and Jim’s character is immediately likable.

Fans of historical fiction shouldn’t miss to get their hands on this book. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 9, 2023

Your Frown is Upside Down

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Your Frown is Upside Down 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Sharon Moore ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Your Frown is Upside Down” written by the author Sharon Moore is a collection of poems that inspires the readers to see the world in new ways. A few of my favorite poems from the collection are: Taken Back in Time, Thank you Mom, Giver of Love, etc.

“Taken Back in Time” is a nice poem that would take readers down the memory lane to their childhood days. This book reminds kids about the time when they used to visit their grandparents as a little one to spend a week or two with them.

Below are the lines from the poem “Thank You Mom”. With Mother’s Day coming Sunday, you could read this poem aloud to your mother:

But most of all I just want to say,
That I love you in every way.
You have showered me with love
Beyond what could be measured.
Thank you, Mom for giving me
A life of endless pleasure.

“Giver of Love” is a beautiful poem. It inspires us to be a giver of love. We should spread love and kindness to those around us.

The author has used lucid language so more readers could understand these poems. The cover photo of the book is nice and the title is suitable. One could read this book in a single sitting. Enjoy this collection with a cup of coffee while sitting on a front porch. If you are a fan of poetry then get your hands on this book.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 4, 2023May 4, 2023

Mornings are Magenta

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Mornings are Magenta 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Murray Pura ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
I love reading poetry. Recently I got my hands on Murray Pura’s book “Mornings are Magenta”. It is the seventh installment in The Zoya Septet Book Series. This book is about the Ukrainian people, Russia-Ukraine war and the longing of Ukrainians for freedom and peace.

“Texts to Gods and neighbors” is a heart touching poem in which the narrator wants to stop the Russia-Ukraine war but there is nothing in his hands. It is depressing to see on television about so many people dying in Ukraine.

“War house 2022” is a wonderful poem that tells the readers about the situation and silence around the post-war house. No women could be seen in a beautiful dress, children are not playing around, etc.

These poems touch the reader’s heart. In these poems, the author has expressed his empathy for the people of Ukraine. His emotions are raw and these poems have made me feel the situation of those living in a war country. This book is written well by the author in a lucid language so more and more readers could understand it. Go ahead with this poetry book without any second thoughts.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 3, 2023

Maggie and the Mountain of Light

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Maggie and the Mountain of Light 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Mark Snoad ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Maggie and the Mountain of Light” written by the author Mark Snoad is a middle grade fantasy story. The main character of the story is a girl named Maggie. She registered to attend an “apocalypse” training camp. It’s a fun camp run by the Wayfinder Girls at Dux Manor. Maggie’s best friend Anahira Waititi also registered to attend the camp with her.

There, Maggie saw a green-skinned person who looked as if it belonged to a different world. The weird thing is only Maggie could see this green-skinned watcher. At the camp, the girls were welcomed by Lady Marie. When the first day of challenges ended, Maggie realised she wouldn’t survive an apocalypse as she failed in different challenges. Later Maggie saw the green-skinned watcher again and the same was mentioned to Lady Marie also.

This story is full of adventures and I had a great time reading it. Mark has done great work as a debut author. The cover photo of the book is eye-catching and the title of the book couldn’t have been better than this. This is a well written book and I like to recommend it to middle grade fantasy lovers.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 3, 2023

Reaper Beginnings

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Reaper Beginnings 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Alan Wolfsie ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Reaper Beginnings written by the author Alan Wolfsie is a gripping fantasy novel. The story features the new “Angel of Death”, the grim reaper, the one that guides spirits to the afterlife. Apart from guiding spirits, the grim reaper has other tasks too.

The grim reaper has to keep the worst of spirits away from destroying the world or the best of spirits from bringing too much good in the world. This important job is given to the grim reaper so earth must remain neutral in order to maintain the balance that lies between all good and evil. The grim reaper opens the portal to train tracks and the spirits should follow the train tracks in the direction they want based on their instincts. The grim reaper is given so much power that he can destroy himself too.

This is a gripping tale that sent shivers down my spine. Since I read it at night, I was terrified while reading it but I enjoyed the storyline. The author has created a great fantasy world that will pull you in as you read this book. Alan has done great work in this book. I am interested in reading more books by him in the future.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 2, 2023

Volcanic Adventures in Tonga

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Volcanic Adventures in Tonga 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Ann Göth ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Volcanic Adventures in Tonga – Species Conservation on Tin Can Island” written by the author Ann Göth is an intriguing read. As an undergraduate student of Biology, Ann always wanted to contribute to the conservation of endangered animals. When her boyfriend Ivo from Germany called to ask whether she wanted to join him on a two-year conservation mission to help save an endangered bird, Ann jumped at the opportunity.

Ivo and Ann have been in a relationship for only seven months but they get along well. Ann knew that she can extend into a two-year expedition with Ivo easily. Having a one-way ticket to Tonga, the danger of volcanic eruption, lack of proper medical service, and many other challenges are involved in this expedition.

Read this story to get to know more about Tonga culture and the adventure Ann, Ivo had on their expedition. I enjoy reading travel memoirs and this book fits perfectly according to my reading taste. Being a traveler, I am highly inspired by this book to have some new adventures in my life. However, I also appreciate the comfort and safety that our home offers us.

Those who love reading stories involving adventure, romance, challenges, danger, discovery, etc should get their hands on this one. The writing style of the author is amazing and the cover photo is nice. Ann has shared about her journey in a detailed manner. Go ahead with this book.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 1, 2023

If My Mother Never Left

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: If My Mother Never Left 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Burak Yilmaz ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“If My Mother Never Left” introduces the readers to the life of Burak Yilmaz. The book takes us through his childhood as he grows up. Burak was born in Turkey. In the 1980s men could avoid being called gay by marrying a woman. Burak’s father was involved in gambling, making false promises to his family. He was so occupied with his work, his self-being that he could only offer money to his family.

When Burak’s father was overseas, his mother got involved with different men and one day she ran away leaving Burak behind. But Burak’s mother did a good thing by paying his five years fees in advance so he could study in private school. When Burak’s father remarried, his step-mother used to treat him badly. She used to order take outs and gave Burak only leftovers. His step-mother brothers who used to sexually abuse Burak also gave him money with which he was able to buy school supplies and good food.

Will Burak find the courage to leave the abusive home and create a life on his own for himself? What will happen to the scars left by his family? Will he heal from them? This book takes the readers on the rollercoaster ride full of emotions. I am glad to read this story of Burak and I appreciate his resilience. This book involves sensitive and mature content so I like to recommend it to adult readers only.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon