November 2025 EOM Wrap Up

I read 5 books (not including children's books).
The House Saphir by Marissa Meyer
We Who Will Die (Empire of Blood, # 1) by Stacia Stark
If You'll Have Me by Esther Hatch
The Duke's Sacred Vow (Brides of the Regency, # 1) by Isabel Jacobs
The Wicked and the Damned (Dark Inheritance Trilogy, # 2) by Rebecca Robinson

I have reviewed 5 books (not including mini reviews of children's books).
Against a Crescent Storm (The Balkan Legends, # 3) by AL Sowards
Lacey's Story by W. Bruce Cameron
Threaded Lies (Tangled Hearts, # 2) by K. Bromberg
Secret Nights and Northern Lights (A Fire in the Sky, # 2) by Sophie Jordan
The Marriage Method (The Crinoline Academy, # 2) by Mimi Matthews

Other Posts:
Sunday Post - 11/02/25
Sunday Post - 11/09/25
Sunday Post - 11/16/25
Sunday Post - 10/26/25
Ten Random Books On My TBR List
Can't Wait for The Last Page by Katie Holt
Can't Wait for Go and Do Likewise by John Hendrix
Can't Wait for Without a Clue by Melissa Ferguson
Homeschool Friday - Juniper's Christmas
Homeschool Friday - Jesus and the Lions' Den
September & October 2025 EOM Wrap Ups

Goals:
I'm a few days ahead in my Bible-in-a-year plan.
I've read 150 out of 75 books (including children's books).

Sunday Post - 11/30/25

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ The Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~this meme was inspired in part by ~ In My Mailbox~ It's a chance to share News. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up for the week on our blog.

Monday we decorated the house for Christmas. Big Girl had pitching practice. And then both big kids went to martial arts. Tuesday, we ran to Walmart for the boys to spend some money that was burning a hole in their pockets. Then we went to my parent's house. We went back to Walmart for my grocery pickup on the way home. Tuesday night, they also had martial arts. Wednesday was a pretty normal day. I got a huge amount of Christmas shopping done online. I'm actually done shopping for my kids except stockings. Thursday morning, I got my Thanksgiving cooking done. The kids went to Grammy's early. We got there a little after 11. Thankfully, lunch was almost ready so we didn't have to wait long to eat. We hung out at Grammy's all day and had dinner there before we came home. Friday, we went to my cousin's house in Troy. Every Black Friday she has a family reunion at her house. It was a smaller crowd this year, but we always have a good time seeing family that we only see about once a year. Saturday, I was so glad to have a nothing day. I read some. I worked on my Christmas puzzle. I was generally lazy and rested which was much needed. I can't believe tomorrow is December.

THE PAST WEEK

Monday: Review of The Marriage Method (The Crinoline Academy, # 2) by Mimi Matthews (4 Stars)

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: November 2025 EOM Wrap Up
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait Wednesday?
Thursday: Review of Better Than the Movies (Better Than the Movies, # 1) by Lynn Painter
Friday: Homeschool Friday - Courageous World Changes

NEW BOOKS:

No new books this week.

That's it for my shelves and recaps of my past and upcoming week. What did you add to your shelves this week? Any bookish news you want to talk about? Let me know!

The Marriage Method - Review

The Marriage Method (The Crinoline Academy, # 2)

By: Mimi Matthews

Expected Publication: November 25, 2025 by Berkley

416 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--The Academy always comes first . . . which makes marriage to its most formidable adversary an exceedingly inconvenient arrangement.

Well removed from London’s more curious eyes, the Benevolent Academy for the Betterment of Young Ladies strives toward one clandestine to distract, disrupt, and discredit men in power who would seek to harm the advancement of women—by appropriate means, of course.

When intrepid newspaper editor Miles Quincy starts to question the school’s intentions, the Academy appoints Penelope “Nell” Trewlove, one of their brightest graduates, to put this nuisance to rest. An easy enough mission, she supposes. Or it would be, if Miles wasn’t so fascinating—too fascinating to resist—and if Nell’s visit to London didn’t perfectly coincide with the murder of one of Miles’s reporters.

When the inexorable claws of fate trap Nell and Miles in a compromising situation, they agree to an arrangement that will save their reputations while enabling them to investigate the story that led to a man’s death, as well as the surprising chemistry between them . . .

The Crinoline Academy borders on mystery. I struggle with mysteries because they often allow the plot to overtake the relationships. Relationships are what I read for. A good story is important too, but if the plot/mystery takes a higher priority over the relationships between the characters I can get bored. That wasn't really the case with The Marriage Method. Despite the many Mimi Matthews books that I've read, I worried that would be the case. I'm thankful that it wasn't.

We met Nell (Penelope) and Miles in the previous book, Rules for Ruin. Nell grew up at the orphanage and is now a teacher and deputy headmistress of the school. She has been sent to London for a couple of reasons. The first is to get reporter, Miles, off the scent of the Academy. Miles first picked up the scent of the Academy when he met Effie and published a story about a corrupt Lord. Nell and Miles have a meeting to discuss Miles's questions about the Academy. Nell's job is to steer his interests away. But Miles's cat gets caught in her crinoline tape and he has to remove it. A clergyman who supports the school walks into his office at the exact time Miles is under Nell's skirt to remove the cat. Of course, a scandal ensues, and Nell and Miles are forced into a marriage to preserve the respectability of the school and the paper Miles runs.

Miles and Nell have a couple of stories they are following. One is a young girl who was transferring from a workhouse to the Academy but has gone missing. The other is a murdered reporter. Can the two have anything in common?

I do love forced marriages. Nell and Miles were both easy to root for. They were complex characters, and I enjoyed their story from start to finish. I had a few moments when I wanted to put the book down just for the sake of anticipating negative events or conflict on the horizon. This past week in the real world has been heavy, and when I got to any potential danger for these characters I instinctively put the book down and walked away for a bit. I do anticipate that Garrick and Gemma will be the leading characters for the next book in the series. I'm not sure if Flora will get her own book or not, but even her short part in this book had me wanting more from her--I especially want to see a happily-ever-after for her.

I will give readers a heads up that the husband and wife do have on-page sex. But it is so tastefully done and not physically descriptive. Most of Mimi Matthews's books do not get close to on page physical scenes, but I don't think you will find much to complain about if this bothers you.

The Marriage Method gets 4 Stars. I enjoyed it from start to finish. I really don't have any complaints. I can't wait to continue the series. Have you read The Marriage Method ? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 11/23/25

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ The Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~this meme was inspired in part by ~ In My Mailbox~ It's a chance to share News. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up for the week on our blog.

Husband got a jury duty summons for Monday. He ended up getting selected for a criminal SA case of a minor that was going to include pictures, video, and testimony from the minor. Thankfully on Tuesday, the defendant changed his plea the guilty once he realized that he could get life if convicted by a jury. So they didn't have to try the case. I know someone has to be the one to convict criminals in cases like this, but I'm so thankful that he didn't have to have those images, videos, and testimony in his head. Monday, Big Girl had pitching lessons. We got on and week and off a week it seems with mean girls. It's the same kids every week, but one of them just seems to struggle with her heart. The big kids went to martial arts after pitching practice. Big Girl got a little behind when her toe was broken and belt testing is coming up, so she wants to make sure she doesn't get passed by her brother. Tuesday, we didn't get to go to my parent's house because my mom was going to be gone. Tuesday night the big kids went to martial arts again. Wednesday was a normal day. Thursday, Scout had a grooming appointment. After dropping him off, the kids and I went to Hobby Lobby. We had to get ornaments for our upcoming family reunion in a couple of weeks where we play Dirty Santa. Thursday night, they had martial arts again. Friday was a normal day. Saturday, I spent all day cleaning and taking down our fall decorations. Big Girl asked me to sell a horse barn playset that she didn't play with anymore. So we had to meet up with the buyer for that (someone I know bought it).

THE PAST WEEK

Monday: Review of Secret Nights and Northern Lights by Megan Oliver (3 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Without a Clue by Melissa Ferguson
Friday: Homeschool Friday - Jesus and the Lions' Den by Alison Mitchell (5 Stars)

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of The Marriage Method (The Crinoline Academy, # 2) by Mimi Matthews
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait Wednesday?
Thursday: Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Friday: Happy Black Friday!

NEW BOOKS:

Her Hidden Fire

By: Cliodhna O'Sullivan

Publication: March 3, 2026 by Viking Books for Young Readers

448 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Magic, Dragons

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--The first book in a searing new romantasy trilogy, perfect for fans of POWERLESS

If he has the ability to wield magical powers, everyone will rejoice – especially the girl who loves him.
But what happens when they realize she has the gift?

In a world where dragons stalk the skies and magical abilities are an elite privilege, the ruling family of Ailm’s Keep is on a knife can Ionain, the heir apparent, channel magic, or will the family be cast out and replaced by a cruel master from a neighbouring land?

So when Éadha, a servant girl who loves Ionain, discovers that she can draw power, she finds herself in grave danger. It’s extremely rare for a girl to have this talent, and certainly never outside the great families. At Ionain’s moment of truth, Éadha makes a desperate gamble to save him, Ailm’s Keep, and ultimately herself.

As Éadha and Ionain enter a whirlwind of patriarchy, class, heartache and jealousy, they learn about power’s terrible cost – a price others willingly pay to maintain theirs.

How far would you go to empower the one you love?

Brimstome (Fae & Alchemy, # 2)

By: Callie Hart

Expected Publication: November 18, 2025 by Forever

672 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Fae, Romantasy Source: Personal Kindle Library

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Duty. Blood. Honour. Power.

Saeris Fane doesn't want power. The very last thing she needs is her name whispered on an entire court's lips, but now that she's been crowned queen of the Blood Court, she's discovering that a queen's life is not her own. A heavy weight rests upon her shoulders.

Her ward - and her brother - need her back in her homeland . . . but the changes that have strengthened Saeris have also made her weak. Born under blazing suns, Saeris will surely die if she makes her way home through the Quicksilver. Which means that, once again, she must send someone else in her stead . . .

'Keep your mouth shut. Stick to the shadows. And for the love of all seven Gods, do NOT crack any jokes.'

Kingfisher of the Ajun Gate has defeated armies and survived all manner of horrors, but traveling back to Zilvaren with Carrion Swift might just be the death of him. The male just will not shut up. Hidden dangers await them down the narrow alleyways of the Silver City. Unfolding secrets pose impossible threats. Fisher must wrangle the smuggler and accomplish his goals quickly if he wants to see his mate again.

A darkness falls across Yvelia. The realm and their friends are in danger. Together, Saeris and Fisher will pass through fire and brimstone to save them.

That's it for my shelves and recaps of my past and upcoming week. What did you add to your shelves this week? Any bookish news you want to talk about? Let me know!

Homeschool Friday - Jesus and the Lions' Den

Homeschool Friday is a feature here at Somewhere Only We Know that showcases books my family reads during homeschool and provides a mini-review/review for each.

Jesus and the Lions' Den

By: Alison Mitchell

Illustrated By: Catalina Echeverri

Publication: September 1, 2019 by The Good Book Company

31 pages

Genre: Children, Picture Books, Christian

Source: Own/Personal Library

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate link. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--An illustrated retelling of Daniel and the lions' den that helps children to see Jesus in the story of Daniel.

We've all heard of Daniel and the lions' den. But many probably haven't heard of Jesus and the lions' den. This book tells the Biblical story of Daniel as an Israelite captive in Babylon, where he has gained favor from King Darius. Yet many would love to see Daniel brought low. The beginning of the book talks about how we can often spot "Jesus moments" in the Bible, specifically the Old Testament stories. So it warns readers to look out for a specific symbol to be found throughout the story, where a character is behaving like Jesus or a situation is similar to one Jesus faced.

Next, the book details Daniel's habit of prayer and how nothing could be found about Daniel to bring to the king against him, except his faithful prayer habit. Because the law of the Medes and Persians could not be changed once made, Darius had to enforce the law he was tricked into making, that no one could pray to anyone but him for 30 days. Daniel would be thrown into the lions' den. Even though Darius could not find a way to save Daniel himself, he hoped that Daniel's God would be able to. The next morning, Darius rushed to the lions' den and found Daniel safe. God had saved him. King Darius made a new law that Daniel's God would be recognized as the real king of all people.

The book then directs the reader to stop and make sure they have located all four symbols for Jesus moments in the story. And then proceeds to point out each moment and what those moments mean.

I love that after the story, there is a section dedicated to "how do we know about Daniel and the Lions' Den." It focuses on Biblical truths along with historical information. And it directs the reader to other Old Testament stories that also have Jesus moments in them. Truly, the entire Bible is about Jesus and His redemption of man.

Jesus and the Lions' Den is about as good as you can get for a children's picture book in my opinion. I love bringing in picture books that focus on Biblical stories. Kids really remember the pictures that go with the stories. My kids all love this book. And I love that the Biblical teaching isn't just surface-level. There is depth here as well. Jesus and the Lions' Den gets 5 Stars. Have you or your child read Jesus and the Lions' Den? What did you think? Let me know!