Can't Wait for Like You Love Me

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released as well. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. Find out more here.

Like You Love Me

By: Adriana Locke

Expected Publication: February 16th 2021 by Montlake

288 pages

Genre: Adult, Contemporary

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Two childhood friends are playing house—and maybe playing for keeps—in USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke’s funny, sexy, and unpredictable marriage-of-convenience romance.

To save her Tennessee bed-and-breakfast, Sophie Bates needs a fast-cash miracle. Holden McKenzie, her childhood best friend, needs to prove to a prospective employer that he’s a committed man. Their fortunes on the line, Holden proposes…a solution.

He’ll take care of Sophie’s bills if she agrees to a temporary marriage of convenience. And why not? They’re comfortable together, they have fun, and they trust each other. It’s as simple as saying “I do.” But the off-the-cuff wedding has all of Honey Creek talking—and Sophie and Holden realizing that their perfect arrangement is working too well. If they’re not careful, this marriage could turn into a love story.

What are you guys waiting on this week? Let me know!

Ten Books I Didn't Get to in 2020

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together. This week's topic is Top Ten Books I Didn't Get to in 2020.

1. Hooked on You (A Maple Falls Romance, # 1) by Kathleen Fuller
2. A Wild Hope (Wild Swan Trilogy, # 1) by Celeste de Blasis
3. The Thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep
4. The Other Side of the Sky (The Other Side of the Sky, # 1) by Aime Kaufman & Meagan Spooner
5. The Seventh Sun (The Age of the Seventh Sun, # 1) by Lani Forbes
6. The Beauty of the Moment by Tanaz Bhathena
7. Fireborn (The Aurelian Cycle, # 1) by Rosaria Mundo
8. The Hive by Barry Lyga
9. Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass, # 7) by Sarah J Maas
10. Throw Like a Girl by Sarah Henning

Which books did you not get around to in 2020? Let me know!

The Vanishing at Loxby Manor - Review

The Vanishing at Loxby Manor

By: Abigail Wilson

Expected Publication: January 26th 2021 by Thomas Nelson

336 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Christian Fiction

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Disappearances, strange activities in the night, and secret organizations abound in this mysterious Regency romance.

Haunted by the assault she’s kept hidden over the past four years, Charity Halliwell finally has a chance to return home to the quaint village she left more than five years before and the happy life she wants so badly to reclaim. All she needs is good conversation with her old friend and an opportunity to find a governess position, and she can leave the fear and guilt behind. But the family who agrees to her yearlong visit turns out to be a far cry from the one she thought she knew, particularly when her friend disappears and the one man she made certain would not be at the house is forced to return. How can she possibly heal and claim her independence when day in, day out she must face the only gentleman who ever held a piece of her heart?

Piers Cavanagh was branded a coward when he failed to show up for a duel he arranged. He had his reasons, of course, but disclosing them would hurt far more than continuing life as an outcast. And worse, with the mysterious departure of his sister, the strange nightly occurrences in the ruins of an old abbey, and the uncomfortable whispers of a secret organization, Piers must overcome his aversion to society and work with the last person he ever thought he would get the chance to speak to again—the girl whose heart he had no choice but to break.

I don't typically read a lot of Mystery books. I don't necessarily dislike them, but I just don't typically seek them out. My brain is the type that can't help but try to read into every piece of a story and so I often find myself disappointed that I figured something out too quickly or that there isn't enough information given to be able to figure the twists out. That being said, I read Abigail Wilson's prior book, Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey, and thoroughly enjoyed it. So much so that I knew I wanted to check out other books by her.

The thing with Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey that worked so well for me was that the mystery felt second in importance to the romance building between the two main characters. And for me, relationships are always more important. However, in The Vanishing at Loxby Manor I felt the opposite was true. The relationship between Charity and Piers was definitely second to solving the mystery of Piers' sister's disappearance. Thankfully, the relationship-building was present enough that it didn't feel like an afterthought, but I also didn't feel like the relationship between these two was the driving force behind the novel.

Piers and Charity have history. They grew up together, and five years before the majority of the story takes place, they'd begun a romance. But things happened rather quickly it seems. Charity's parents took her and left the area, and Piers was branded a coward when he didn't show up for a duel. From there their lives take them in different directions which leaves them both dealing with a lot of shame they each think they cannot personally overcome, much less condemn another person to experience beside them. Piers and Charity are the only two who think Seline's disappearance is more than meets the eye. And they team up to investigate. Being together so frequently causes them to experience the familiarity and the butterflies they once felt.

I don't want to discuss the actual mystery too much since so much of the plot revolved around it. I will say that I didn't put things together until probably later than I should have, yet still before the truth was revealed. Even what I did have pieced together didn't fully make sense to me until the end. I didn't feel particularly impressed or particularly disappointed by this as I might under other circumstances.

Favorite quotes:

-"...love can be a tricky thing, my dear. Sometimes it clouds our vision, when other times it allows us to see."

-"I'm not certain anyone can go back, not really. It's more about finding a way to go on, to move forward, to trust God will take something bad that has happened and work it for good."

I can easily say that I enjoy The Vanishing at Loxby Manor. I wanted to keep reading and did read a large portion in one day. However, I would say that this falls into the category of mystery and plot first and then relationships second. I always, always prefer relationships to come first in importance. I enjoyed it, but it didn't spur me on to find other mysteries that are similar. Although, I do still plan to read more by Abigail Wilson. Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey would still be my favorite of the two I've read by her thus far. The Vanishing at Loxby Manor gets 3.5 Stars. Have you read The Vanishing at Loxby Manor? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 01/17/21

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.

Well a teacher at the kids' school tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday. This isn't a teacher that either of my kids have direct contact with, but the school closed for cleaning and quarantine until next week. That meant the kids were home with me all week. I had been planning to work on freezer meal prep while they were at school, but I just tried to look at this like an opportunity for me to soak up the last little bit of time I have with just the two of them before Baby Boy takes up so much of my attention. The weather was cold and rainy Monday so we were stuck inside. Tuesday, the kids were a bit stir crazy. It's just been too cold for us to get out most days. Wednesday, my mom came to watch the kids while I worked on my freezer meals. She was able to get them outside which was much needed. Thursday, I had my last ultrasound and doctor's appointment. Friday, Grammy came over to watch the kids while I finished up my freezer meal prep. Saturday, we moved some things to our storage unit that we've gotten for during our home rennovation and we have to empty the main living areas of our house. I can't believe we're only down to 4 days until Baby Boy's arrival! I said before, but I have just a few posts scheduled through the end of January and then I'm taking a break the entire month of February. I already have some posts scheduled for March, so I'll be back. I just don't know how active I'll be during all of this time. We'll have a newborn as well as a house renovation project going on.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of The Knockout by Sajni Patel (4 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Cast in Firelight (Wickery, # 1) by Dana Swift
Thursday: Review of Dreams of Savannah by Roseanna M White
Friday: 2020 EOY Book Survey

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of The Vanishing at Loxby Manor by Abigail Wilson
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday

Don’t forget to link up for the 2021 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2021 to sign up. Each month there will be a giveaway for those participating with an end of the year giveaway too! Click on the picture below or the link above to find out more!

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!

2020 Book Survey

Jamie, The Perpetual Page Turner created this EOY Book Survey. I've participated several years (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019). I enjoy the survey so much that I am here again for 2020. I've discussed in the past how difficult narrowing down these are for me, but I'm going to try to do better keeping each category to one selection. Some of these get out of hand. Oh and feel free to join in and do your own survey. Just link back to Jamie.

2020 Reading Stats

88 books read so far (including a few children's books)
4 book re-read
Genre Read the Most From? Adult & Historical fiction (which is a new record for my blog)

Books

1. Best book you read?

Midnight Sun (Twilight, # 5) by Stephenie Meyer (the only book--besides a re-read--that I rated 5 Stars)

2. Book you were excited about & thought you were going to love more but didn’t?

The Map From Here to There (The Start of You and Me, # 2) by Emery Lord
The Betrothed (The Betrothed, # 1) by Kiera Cass
Maybe This Time by Kasie West
More Than Maybe by Erin Hahn
The Glittering Court (The Glittering Court, # 1) by Richelle Mead

3. Most surprising (in a good or bad way) book you read?

Midnight Sun (Twilight, # 5) by Stephenie Meyer

4. Book you read that you recommended to people the most?

Fable (Fable, # 1) by Adrienne Young

5. Best series discovered? Best Sequel? Best series ender?

Series:

A Bad Day for Sunshine (Sunshine Vicram, # 1) by Darynda Jones

Sequel:

A Proper Charade by Esther Hatch

Ender:

A Portrait of Loyalty (The Codebreakers, # 3) by Roseanna M White

6. Favorite new author you discovered?

Megan Walker, Sara Desai, Sarah Hogle, Sajni Patel

7. Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?

The Marriage Game by Sara Desai

8. Most thrilling, unputdownable book?

A Convenient Fiction (Parish Orphans of Devon, # 3) by Mimi Matthews
Moment of Truth by Kasie West
Fable (Fable, # 1) by Adrienne Young

9. Book you read that you are most likely to re-read next year?

Hardly any time for re-reads. I do have one in mind that I might try re-reading in 2021, but it isn't a book that I read in 2020.

10. Favorite cover of a book you read?

Igniting Darkness (Courting Darkness, # 2) by Robin LaFevers

11. Most memorable character?

Fable from Fable by Adrienne Young

12. Most beautifully written book read?

On Wings of Devotion (The Codebreakers, # 2) by Roseanna M White

13. Book that had the greatest impact on you?

Colors of Truth (Carnton, # 2) by Tamera Alexander

14. Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL this year to finally read?

Thorn Queen (Dark Swan, # 2) by Richelle Mead (because I read book 1 years ago and because she was a favorite author for so long)

15. Favorite passage/quote from a book you read?

Top Ten Book Quotes from 2020

16. Shortest and longest book you read?

Longest: A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses, # 3) by Sarah J Maas (re-read) 705 pages
Shortest (not including children's books): Transforming Emma (Lockets & Lace, # 20) by Linda Carroll-Bradd 136 pages

17. Book that had a scene in it that had you reeling and dying to talk to somebody about it? (Updated to: Book that shocked you the most?)

Thorn Queen (Dark Swan, # 2) by Richelle Mead

18. Favorite relationship from a book you read (romantic)?

Naomi & Nicholas from You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle

19. Favorite relationship (non-romantic) from a book you read?

Defiance & Annette from Betwixt & Between by Darynda Jones

20. Favorite book you read from an author you’ve read previously?

Midnight Sun (Twilight, # 5) by Stephenie Meyers

21. Best book you read that you read based solely on a recommendation from somebody else?

From Blood and Ash (Blood and Ash, # 1) by Jennifer L Armentrout

22. Newest fictional crush from a book you read?

Roane from Betwixt & Between by Darynda Jones

23. Best debut you read?

I can't ever tell (keep up with) what's a debut and what isn't.

24. Most vivid world/imagery in a book you read?

Fable by Adrienne Young

25. Book that was the most fun to read?

The Marriage Game by Sara Desai

26. Book that made you cry or nearly cry?

You Have a Match by Emma Lord

27. Book you read that you think got overlooked this year or when it came out?

Meet Me at Midnight by Jessica Pennington

28. Book That Crushed Your Soul?

Where the Lost Wander by Amy Harmon

29. Most Unique Book You Read?

In Five Years by Rebecca Serle

30. Book That Made You The Most Mad (doesn’t necessarily mean you didn’t like it)?

The Betrothed (The Betrothed, # 1) by Kiera Cass
The Glittering Court (The Glittering Court, # 1) by Richelle Mead
Four Days of You and Me by Miranda Kenneally
Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon
The White Coat Diaries by Madi Sinha
Thorn Queen (Dark Swan, # 2) by Richelle Mead

Blogging

1. New favorite book blog you discovered?

Honestly, I haven't had the time I'd like to visit other blogs. Again, it's the stage of life that I'm in. Perhaps soon, I'll have a new favorite blog to share with you guys.

2. Favorite review you wrote?

A Bad Day for Sunshine (Sunshine Vicram, # 1) by Darynda Jones
The Betrothed by Kiera Cass
Four Days of You and Me by Miranda Kenneally
Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon
You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle
Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer
Colors of Truth by Tamera Alexander
Fable by Adrienne Young
The Evil Queen by Gena Showalter

3. Best discussion you had on your blog?

4. Best event that you participated in (author signing, festivals, virtual events, meme’s, etc)

N/A

5. Best moment of book blogging/your book life this year?

Exceeding my reading goal is always a good thing. I've been trying to keep things on kind of an even-kill until I move into a different season of life that allows for more focus on reading and blogging.

6. Most challenging thing about blogging or your reading life this year?

This year was kind of balanced. My kids are old enough to be a little more independent than the baby stage. However, that is changing again this coming year with the addition of a new baby. So I'm kind of back to that space of just trying to survive and keep blogging and reading when I can.

7. Most popular post this year on your blog (views or comments)?

Blogger's latest update has made this harder to determine. And for the sake of getting this post done, I'm going to skip this one.

8. Post you wished got a little more love?

Any of them? Reviews especially.

9. Best bookish discovery (book related sites, stores)?

N/A

10. Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of the year?

My Goodreads challenge (88 books of 52), Series Enders Reading Challenge (10 of 5-10 books), Reading the Bible in a Year (Succeeded)

Looking ahead…

1. One book you didn’t get to this year but will be your number 1 priority next year?

Layla by Colleen Hoover
Kingdom of Flesh and Fire (Blood and Ash, # 2) by Jennifer L Armentrout
(and I've already read both)

2. Book you are most anticipating next year (non-debut)?

A Court of Silver Flames (A Court of Thorns and Roses, # 4) by Sarah J Maas

3. Debut from next year you are most anticipating?

No debuts are currently on my radar I don't think. Or they might be, but I really don't make note of that when I'm adding to my TBR list.

4. Series ending you are more anticipating next year? Sequel?

Sequel: A Good Day for Chardonnay (Sunshine Vicram, # 2) by Darynda Jones

Ender: Honestly, I'm not even sure which series are ending in 2021. I've been tricked before thinking that a series was done when the author ended up continuing it. And I've found it really difficult to find information on my on-going series as to how many books are planned.

5. One thing you hope to accomplish or do in your reading/blogging next year?

This has been my main goal for the last six years...Just keep going. With dwindling time to read and blog I'm hoping to just hang tight and keep doing the best that I can until another season in life comes that will allow me more time to do both.

6. A Release from Next Year You’ve Already Read & Recommend To Everyone:

A Captain for Caroline Gray by Julie Wright

What would your answers be to the 2020 EOY Book Survey? Leave me your link so I can check out your post. Or just leave me a comment! Let me know!