Sunday Post & Stacking the Shelves - 03/29/20

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.

This week has been better than last. My kids seem to be rolling with the flow on our self-quarantine. They did wonder why I did a grocery pick up order instead of going into the store, but they don't usually go grocery shopping with me anyway. We've been able to get outside and play every day. The weather has been wonderful. Signs of Spring are everywhere we look. Some bulbs we planted are really blooming. The bees and mosquitoes are out in full force. The grass is growing and trees are full of green leaves again. Pollen is in the air and on every surface outside. But truth be told, none of that is complaints. We have much to be thankful for. Even in the midst of this huge shut down (world wide just about), we are still fed. My family is still healthy (although I know that isn't the case for many). And we are working to strengthen our family connections all around. I do have a giveaway coming up for a book I received a duplicate of, but I also have two that publishers sent me unrequested that I've decided to giveaway. I originally thought I might read them eventually, but both are in the middle of a series and just aren't at the top of my priority list. So I hope to bless someone else with them during this time of quarantine. Be on the look out for those giveaways coming soon.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of Shadow Knights (Knights of the Realm, # 2) by Jennifer Anne Davis (4.5 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for A Proper Charade by Esther Hatch & 2020 Series Enders Reading Challenge - March Wrap Up

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review & Giveaway of A Bad Day for Sunshine (Sunshine Vicram, # 1) by Darynda Jones
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday & March EOM Wrap Up
Thursday: Review of Selah (The Sugar Baron's Daughters, # 3) by Lisa T Bergren

Don’t forget to link up for the 2020 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2020 to sing 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!

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

At Love's Command (Hanger's Horsemen, # 1)

By: Karen Witemeyer

Expected Publication: June 2nd 2020 by Bethany House Publishers

384 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (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--Haunted by the horrors of war, ex-cavalry officer Matthew Hanger leads a band of mercenaries known as Hanger's Horsemen who have become legends in 1890s Texas. They defend the innocent and obtain justice for the oppressed. But when a rustler's bullet leaves one of them at death's door, they're the ones in need of saving.

Dr. Josephine Burkett is used to men taking one look at her skirts and discounting her medical skills. What she's not used to is having a man change his mind in a heartbeat and offer to assist her in surgery. Matthew Hanger's dedication to his friend during recovery earns Josephine's respect, and when she hears of her brother's abduction, he becomes her only hope for rescue.

Matt has stared down ruthless outlaws, betrayal, and injury, but when a bossy lady doctor crawls under his skin, his heart is tempted to surrender. And when she is caught in the crossfire, he may have to sacrifice everything--even his team--to save her.

A Gilded Lady (Hope and Glory, # 2)

By: Elizabeth Camden

Expected Publication: June 2nd 2020 by Bethany House Publishers

352 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (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--Secretary to the first lady of the United States, Caroline Delacroix is at the pinnacle of high society--but is hiding a terrible secret. Immediately suspicious of Caroline, but also attracted to her, secret service agent Nathaniel Trask must battle his growing love for her as the threat to the president rises and they face adventure, heartbreak, and danger.

A Single Spark

By: Judith McCoy Miller

Expected Publication: June 2nd 2020 by Bethany House Publishers

384 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (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--Wanting to do her part in the Civil War effort, Clara McBride goes to work in the cartridge room at the Washington Arsenal. Her supervisor, Lieutenant Joseph Brady, is drawn to Clara but must focus on preventing explosions in the factory. When multiple shipments of cartridges fail to fire and everyone is suspect, can the spark of love between them survive?

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 Series Enders Reading Challenge - March Wrap Up

Time for our Monthly Wrap Up for the 2020 Series Enders Reading Challenge hosted by Sandy @ Somewhere Only We Know and Holly @ Words Fueled by Love!

Sandy finished Hidden Knights (Knights of the Realm, # 3) by Jennifer Anne Davis. Holly hasn't finished any series enders this month.

Which series enders did you finish? Link the up below. Don't forget to include the title, your name, & your blog name (Ex: Requiem - Sandy @ Somewhere Only We Know) Also, the March giveaway runs from March 25th - April 25th. On April 25th we will use random.org and the linky entries to pull a winner.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Can't Wait for A Proper Charade

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.

A Proper Charade

By: Esther Hatch

Expected Publication: May 1st 2020 by Covenant Communications

224 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction, Adult

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--Lady Patience Kendrick was born to a life of privilege, and with the London Season looming, she finds herself facing unprecedented pressure to adhere to the rules of society. Unfortunately, the free-spirited young woman is anything but proper. Patience's elder brother, a former military man, bemoans his sister's antics - but when he accuses her of incurable frivolity, it is simply more than she can bear. Determined to prove her brother wrong, Patience undertakes a drastic experiment: she will disguise herself as a maid and demonstrate her ability to work as hard as anyone.

Taken on as household staff by her brother's former general, Patience soon learns that willingness and ability are two very different things. While her plan sounded promising in theory, the reality is that she is out of her depth - and the irresistibly charming son of the house isn't helping matters. Patience soon finds herself embroiled in a charade far more complicated that she imagined. With both her pride and her heart at stake, she is determined to prove her brother wrong - even as her plans spiral delightfully out of control.

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

Shadow Knights - Review

Shadow Knights (Knights of the Realm, # 2)

By: Jennifer Anne Davis

Publication: December 10th 2019 by Reign Publishing

302 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy,

Source: Personal Kindle Library (Christmas gift)

( 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--As a member of the Knights of the Realm, Reid swore an oath to protect her king only to discover he harbors a traitorous agenda.

Being a woman raised in a man’s world, Reid thought becoming a Knight would give her purpose and strength. So far, it has done nothing but give her trouble. The king ordered her to spy on the Axian royal family while she prepares for her marriage—a marriage neither she nor Price Dexter wants. Once in Axian, Reid realizes she’s being used as a pawn in a decades-old political match. With the king and Knights seemingly at odds, Reid’s allegiances are torn, especially when she finds friendship in the unlikeliest of places.

As the kingdom of Marsden teeters on the brink of civil war, Reid must decide whose side she’s on—even if that means betraying her king in order to save the kingdom.

I was so excited when I read the end of Realm of Knights and saw that we were moving from a forbidden romance to a hate-to-love possibility. I couldn't quite put my finger on my issue with Gordon, but I was immediately excited about the possibility of Dexter.

Reid was excited about moving to Axian because of their views on women's equality. So different from Marsden where she had to be raised as a boy. She's happy to be able to live as she feels. But that's not what she arrives to find waiting for her in Axian. She has a role to play and it isn't being herself completely. However, the good thing for Reid is that she's being put into a position where her voice can be heard where it can make an impact...as long as she and Dexter can find a way to work together.

Dexter has a heart for his people. For doing the right thing. I wasn't always sure that his ideas or plans were what is best... but time will really tell how things play out in the future.

I enjoyed every single sentence of the journey between Reid and Dexter's journey thus far. They have to find a way to trust each other which involves shared experiences and shared love for certain people--those closest to them as well as the general public.

I feel like there is much to say about this book and story, but I don't want to spoil anything.

I really enjoyed Colbert, Gytha, Henrick, and Nara. I worry a little about Colbert and some things that I see as a possibility for the future. Gytha...I hated initially, but I grew to appreciate her and felt bad for her through the story as well. Even though, Gytha is perfectly capable in the physical realm. Henrick is one of those people who sees the best in others to a fault. He won't listen to sound counsel because he is so sure in his faith in others. Nara is just likable all around. I want to be her when I grow up.

If Hidden Knights was already published I would have bought it immediately upon finishing Shadow Knights. I got sucked in and read this story in less than 24 hours... even staying up late at night to read (which is truly rare since having kids). Shadow Knights gets 4.5 Stars. Have you read Shadow Knights? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post & Stacking the Shelves - 03/22/20

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.

This week has sucked. That is all. Hope you all have had better ones and are staying safe.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of Regretting You by Colleen Hoover (4 Stars)
Tuesday: Top Ten Spring 2020 TBR List
Wednesday: Can't Wait for If I Never Met You by Mhairi McFarlane & Can't Wait for A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow by Laura Taylor Namey

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of Shadow Knights (Knights of the Realm, # 2) by Jennifer Anne Davis
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday

Don’t forget to link up for the 2020 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2020 to sing 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!

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

Igniting Darkness (Courting Darkness, # 2)

By: Robin LaFevers

Expected Publication: June 2nd 2020 by HMH Books for Young Readers

496 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Historical Fiction

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (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--From New York Times best-selling author Robin LaFevers comes the follow up to “sharp and breathless” (Kirkus Reviews) historical fantasy Courting Darkness. Set in the world of the beloved His Fair Assassin series, this is perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Game of Thrones.

When you count Death as a friend, who can stand as your enemy?

Sybella, novitiate of the convent of Saint Mortain and Death’s vengeance on earth, is still reeling from her God’s own passing, and along with him a guiding hand in her bloody work. But with her sisters on the run from their evil brother and under the watchful eye of her one true friend (and love) at court, the soldier known as Beast, Sybella stands alone as the Duchess of Brittany’s protector.

After months of seeking her out, Sybella has finally made contact with a fellow novitiate of the convent, Genevieve, a mole in the French court. But when Genevieve mistakenly draws the attention of the French king to the convent of Saint Mortain and its deadly arts, she may do her sisters (and herself) more harm than good. Sybella, having already drawn the ire of the French regent, may not be able to depend on her sister and ally as much as she hoped. Still, Death always finds a way, even if it’s not what one expects.

No one can be trusted and the wolves are always waiting in this thrilling conclusion to the Courting Darkness duology, set in the world of Robin’s beloved His Fair Assassins trilogy.

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!