Sassy: A Novel

Valerie A. Howard
Lulu.com (2008)
ISBN 9781435708679
Reviewed by Wendy Cleveland for Reader Views (6/08)


Cecilia Richards is a single, confident, marketing executive who goes by the nickname “Sassy” in Valerie A. Howard’s short, but heartwarming novel.  Sassy is not only smart and sophisticated; she is also “saved.”  She thinks that being “Miss Perfect,” as her friend Amber calls her, gives her the right to be unapologetic and judge other people.  Like Amber, a fitness club owner, who is having an affair with a married plastic surgeon (whose wife eventually seeks revenge);  her neighbor and other friend Jayna is keeping a deep, dark secret from her past (and present) from her husband David; and her boyfriend Darnell is becoming a fast and famous aspiring musician. 

Sassy tries her best to keep her “perfect” world from falling apart when she finds her relationship with Darnell compromised when he is tempted by his leading music video lady, Enchantra.  She also finds herself in a predicament with the owners of her company over which junior executive will help her with the new multi-million dollar Christmas Coca-Cola advertising campaign. The good news is Sassy manages to keep her cool, and her faith, throughout all of these trials and tribulations.

Even though this novel was short (only about 150 pages), it was a great tale of faith, friendship, and love.  Sassy was always trying to make sure that everyone in her life was living up to her standards even though they weren’t.  She tries to understand the importance of being there for someone even though you don’t necessarily believe in how they are living their lives.  I loved the fact, that Sassy did not comprise her morals when it came to Darnell.  She was willing to let him go when he became more involved in the fame and fortune aspect of the music business.  He had to realize for himself what he was missing out on in Sassy.  The storyline involving Jayne and David was heart-wrenching and right out of today’s headlines.  “Sassy: A Novel” is definitely recommended reading to women as Ms. Howard provides Godly solutions and principles to issues we face.  I look forward to reading her next novel.

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