November 2024 EOM Wrap Up

I read 10 books (not including children's books). *These qualify for the 2024 Series Enders Reading Challenge.
Is She Really Going Out with Him? by Sophie Cousens
Beyond the Crescent Sky (The Balkan Legends, # 2) by AL Sowards
Not In My Book by Katie Holt
Better Than Revenge by Kasie West
*Running Wild (Wild, # 4) by KA Tucker
Shield of the Mighty (The King's Men, # 2) by Connilyn Cossette
Let's Call a Truce by Amy Buchanan
Merriment and Mayhem (Under the Mistletoe, # 4) by Alexandria Bellefleur
Cruel Winter with You (Under the Mistletoe, # 1) by Ali Hazelwood
The Serpent and the Wolf (Dark Inheritance Trilogy, # 1) by Rebecca Robinson

I have reviewed 7 books (not including mini reviews of children's books). *These qualify for the 2024 Series Enders Reading Challenge.
The Gentleman's Confession (Matchmaking Mamams, # 3) by Anneka R Walker
Beneath a Crescent Shadow (The Balkan Legends, # 1) by AL Sowards
Twisted Knight (Tangled Hearts, # 1) by K. Bromberg
Lady Anna's Favor by Karen Tuft
*The Muse of Maiden Lane (Belles of London, # 4) by Mimi Matthews
The Art of Us by Julie Wright
Is She Really Going Out with Him? by Sophie Cousens

Other Posts:
Sunday Post - 11/03/24
Sunday Post - 11/10/24
Sunday Post - 11/17/24
Sunday Post - 11/24/24
Can't Wait for Onyx Storm (The Empyrean, # 3) by Rebecca Yarros
Can't Wait for Variation by Rebecca Yarros
Can't Wait for The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson
Can't Wait for Ex Marks the Spot by Gloria Chao
Homeschool Friday - Know and Follow Rules
Homeschool Friday - Biscuit Meets the Class Pet
Homeschool Friday - Ice Cream Everywhere!
2024 Series Enders Reading Challenge - November Wrap Up
October 2024 EOM Wrap Up

Goals:
I'm a few days ahead on my Bible-in-a-year plan.
I've read 92 out of 65 books (not including children's books).
I've read 8 out of 5-10 series enders.

Can't Wait for Ex Marks the Spot

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.

Ex Marks the Spot

By: Gloria Chao

Expected Publication: December 31, 2024 by Viking Books for Young Readers

384 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--A swoony rivals-to-lovers romance . . .

Family secrets that can't stay buried . . .

A globe-spanning treasure hunt with puzzles to solve . . .

This latest YA novel by acclaimed writer Gloria Chao takes readers on a soaring adventure through love, loss, and the lively streets of Taiwan.

For Gemma's whole life, it has always been her and her mom against the world. As far as she knew, all her grandparents—and thus her ties to Taiwanese culture—were dead. Until one day when a mysterious man shows up at her door with two shocking the news that her grandfather has just recently passed, and the first clue to a treasure hunt that Gemma hopes will lead to her inheritance.

There's just one major to complete the hunt, she has to go to her grandfather's home in Taiwan. And the only way she can get there is by asking her ex and biggest high-school rival, Xander, for help. But after swallowing her pride, Gemma finds herself halfway across the world, ready to unearth her life-changing prize. Soon Gemma discovers that the treasure hunt is about much more than money—it's about finally learning about her family, her cultural roots, and maybe even finding true love.

Filled with ingenious puzzles, a vibrant Taipei setting, and a delicious romance, Ex Marks the Spot is an exciting adventure by award-winning writer Gloria Chao, perfect for fans of Loveboat Taipei, The Inheritance Games, and Thirteen Little Blue Envelopes.

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

Is She Really Going Out With Him? - Review

Is She Really Going Out with Him?

By: Sophie Cousens

Publication: November 19, 2024 by G.P. Putnam's Sons

368 pages

Genre: Adult, Contemporary

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss (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--A hilarious love story about a disillusioned divorcée who agrees to let her children play matchmaker.

Columnist Anna Appleby has left her love life behind after a painful divorce. Who needs a man when she has two kids, a cat, and uncontested control of the TV remote? Besides, she’d rather be single than subject herself to the hell of online dating. But her office rival is vying for her column, and no column means no stable source of income. In a desperate attempt to keep her job, Anna finds herself pitching a unique angle: seven dates, all found offline, chosen by her children.

From awkward encounters to unexpected connections, Anna gamely begins to put herself out there, asking out waiters, the mailman, and even her celebrity crush. But when a romantic connection appears where she least expected it, will she be brave enough to take another chance on love?

Anna is struggling with the fallout from her divorce. She's hurt, angry, and bitter. She's putting all her energy into her kids to ensure they're okay. She is a columnist at a struggling magazine, and her column has been lacking in personal connection. But Will, her work nemesis, has been gunning for her column. And she can't figure out why he keeps trying to steal her spot or one-up her.

The magazine gets bought and new management is looking to see who to keep and who to let go. Anna has to prove her worth to the column because losing her job is the last thing she needs. The idea of a 10-edition column co-written by Anna and Will on dating will be the test for the two writers. Anna must date people she meets in real life, namely men her children pick out, and Will must find his dates online--such a fun concept. 

Anna has no interest in dating for real, but she can go on a few dates to keep her job, and she doesn't have to get her heart involved. Her column goes from distinctly impersonal and devoid of real emotion to funny and eventually deeply moving. 

Anna's kids seem so realistic as a mother. Her son is about the same age as my oldest two kids and her daughter is slightly older. Seeing them navigate the challenges of their parent's divorce and their dad's subsequent new girlfriend to even more changes feels realistic. And I think because divorce has become so common, people can blow over the trauma that kids experience as a result. I know that some divorces really are for the best, but as a Christian, I hate to see how commonplace it has become. And regardless of faith, I didn't love the story behind Anna's divorce. It was realistic, but also depressing at the lack of effort put in between the two. Her ex-husband was a punk even though I did enjoy seeing a glimpse of some good in him. He wasn't an evil character even though he was the source of much pain for Anna. Just an imperfect person for the most part. 

Anna has a range of experiences on her dates. She goes out with a dad from one of her kids' friends at school. He was also bitter about his divorce and seemed to need some anger management therapy. There was a much younger guy who Anna spent a very crazy night with. Thankfully, nothing too traumatic happened on that date. There's a guy whose world is Jane Austen--even to the point of dressing in period costume daily. There's a famous actor that she manages to score a date with and pretty much the only date she abandons early. There's a grumpy neighbor that she has been feuding with since before her divorce. The dates caused a range of emotions in Anna. I enjoyed seeing Anna find more and more of herself through the book. 

Of course, we can't leave out Will. Because Will seems to be constantly one-upping her at work, Anna is antagonistic towards him. He responds with banter, and you can tell that he has no animosity towards her so I don't know if Is She Really Going Out With Him? can be classified as enemies to lovers. Will's backstory was so well planned out. He was just such a good guy despite her initial estimation of him. 

Is She Really Going Out With Him? was surprisingly good to me. I've never read a book by Sophie Cousens before, but I would check out her other books based on this one. I am trying so hard not to spoil anything even though I wouldn't say there are huge twists. I liked that everything felt realistic like this story could really and truly have been written about real people. Is She Really Going Out With Him? gets 4.5 Stars. Have you read Is She Really Going Out With Him?? What did you think? Let me know!

2024 Series Enders Reading Challenge - November Wrap Up

Time for our Monthly Wrap Up for the 2024 Series Enders Reading Challenge hosted by Sandy @ Somewhere Only We Know and Holly @ Words Fueled by Love!

Sandy finished The Rules of Matrimony (Matchmaking Mamas, # 4) by Anneka R Walker and Running Wild (Simple Wild, # 4) by KA Tucker.

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 November giveaway runs from November 25th - December 23rd. On December 23rd we will use random.org and the linky entries from the entire year to pull a grand prize winner.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Sunday Post - 11/24/24

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 was a normal day until the afternoon when all three kids had dentist appointments. All were looking good. Big Boy has another loose tooth. Tuesday morning, I had to go drop Scout to get a booster shot and get groomed for the first time. He was so adoreable when I picked him up. I love his long fluffy fur, but he was so soft and the shorter (not buzzed) coat is much more manageable to keep brushed and he doesn't get soaked and filthy every time he goes outside in the morning with the dew on the ground. I got my grocery pickup on the way home. Unfortunately right before I got home, Big Girl had an accident. She and Big Boy were playing a game and she ran into the dinning room chair getting her pinky toe caught on the chair and it broke her toe. I got an appointment with an orthopedic doctor for that afternoon. It was fractured and had to be reset. She's having to use a special shoe and we go back Tuesday for a checkup. Wednesday was a normal day with school. Thursday we had co-op so that was a fast day. Friday was a normal school day also and started out with good behavior, but we had a meltdown in the afternoon. It's been about two weeks since we had a meltdown so I'm not surprised about it. Saturday, I took my mom and Big Girl to breakfast at Chickfila. I've been spending every moment cleaning house. And I did put the Christmas tree up and have lights on it, but it isn't decorated yet. Husband's friend is coming from out of town today and I haven't finished my house cleaning at all.

THE PAST WEEK

Monday: Review of The Muse of Maiden Lane (Belles of London, # 4) by Mimi Matthews (4 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson
Thursday: Review of The Art of Us by Julie Wright (4 Stars)
Friday: Homeschool Friday - Ice Cream Everywhere!

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of Is She Really Going Out With Him? by Sophie Cousens
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday?
Thursday: Happy Thanksgiving US!
Friday: Happy Black Friday

Don’t forget to link up for the 2024 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2024 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!

NEW BOOKS:

How to Take the Grrrr Out of Anger

By: Elizabeth Verdick and Marjorie Lisovskis

Publication: December 15, 2002 by Free Spirit Publishing

128 pages

Genre: Children, Parenting, Nonfiction, Emotion, Self-Help, Mental Health

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--Anger is a part of life. We can’t avoid it, we shouldn’t stuff it, and we can’t make it go away.

Kids need help learning how to manage their anger. This book speaks directly to them and offers strategies they can start using immediately.

Blending solid information and sound advice with jokes and funny cartoons, it guides kids to understand that anger is normal and can be expressed in many ways—some healthy, some not.

It teaches them how to recognize anger in themselves and others, how to handle situations and emotions (loneliness, guilt, frustration, fear) that lead to or mask anger, and how to deal with the anger they feel.

Young readers learn that violence is not acceptable and there are better, safer, more positive ways to resolve conflicts.

They also discover what to do when people around them are angry, how to get help, and how to locate other resources (books, hotlines, school groups) when they need more support.

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 - Ice Cream Everywhere!

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

Ice Cream Everywhere!

By: Marjorie Blain Parker

Publication: January 1, 2002 by Scholastic

? pages

Genre: Children's, Level-1 Readers, Early Reading

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss (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--Rhyming text describes different ways of eating ice cream and how to clean up afterwards.

This is a Rhyme Time Readers book from Scholastic. And as that category suggests, Ice Cream Everywhere! is a rhyming book about ice cream. It follows an ABAB rhyming sequence. Ice cream is always fun (unless you're allergic) so my son picked this one up without hesitation. Because it is a rhyming book, it focuses on repetitive words and phonetic principles. Good luck reading it without wanting ice cream when you're finished.

Ice Cream Everwhere! is basically a poem about ice cream presented in book style. I bet your child will be able to recognize ice cream out in the wild after finishing this book. I give Ice Cream Everywhere! 4 Stars. Have you or your child read Ice Cream Everywhere!? What did you think? Let me know!

The Art of Us - Review

The Art of Us

By: Julie Wright

Publication: November 5, 2024 by Shadow Mountain

272 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss (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--Falling in love is complicated when you’re both keeping secrets.

On the surface, everything seems perfect for high school senior Ireland Raine. She’s intelligent and artistically talented, and her natural beauty and quiet charm are enviable. However, Ireland harbors a secret she’ll guard at any cost—she’s homeless.

When her crush, Kal Ellis, invites her on a date, she seizes the opportunity. Ireland has never had a boyfriend before, and Kal is not just a guitarist for the local band, he’s also an artist. Their connection is instantaneous, and he suggests they collaborate on the school mural. Working and laughing alongside Kal, Ireland can momentarily forget her problems.

However, when someone exposes her secret, Ireland ends up in a foster home alongside her most despised adversary, Mara Washington. To make matters worse, Ireland discovers it was Kal who revealed her secret.

Furious, Ireland must decide if she has the strength to forgive the boy who stole her heart or if she is better off alone.

I have been seeing the cover for The Art of Us for months. And every time I passed it I wondered if I should pick it up. Well, I was going through NetGalley and Edelweiss requesting books one day, and I decided to finally check it out.

Ireland has had a rough childhood. Her mother left when she was little, and her father raised her. Except, he hasn't done much besides provide a roof over her head and feed her intermittently. They've moved around often because he was always scamming people and running. Well, he finally scammed someone and fled but didn't take Ireland with him. Because they've moved so frequently, Ireland never worked to make friends. Thus she has no support system. She has nowhere to go. So she ends up living in a public, but not often used, bathroom. She doesn't want to leave the school she's in because she's been making decent grades for the first time. She finally decides to start trying to talk to people and make friends. And that also includes talking to Kal who sits next to her in first period. 

Kal sings in a band that plays at a local pizza restaurant. Ireland has noticed that she can slip in and grab some leftover pizza unnoticed, or so she thought. Turns out that Kal has noticed her snagging pizza. He realizes there must be a reason behind her hunger. Kal follows her one night and sees her grab a bag she stashed in a tree. He watches her go into the bathroom and lock the door. He doesn't know what to do. Ireland has only just started talking to him and he can tell she's skittish. But he also knows he can't let her stay there. He decides to speak to his art teacher who has been a good adult mentor for him. 

Ireland is confronted by the school and told a family is willing to let her live with them until she turns 18 so that she doesn't have to get put into the system. She isn't happy about the situation at first but does begin to see the benefits and gets attached to the family. Only there's stuff going on with Mara who Ireland doesn't get along with initially. And Kal ends up spilling the beans again. Only word gets out of his involvement in both situations and many people get hurt. 

I liked Ireland and Kal's story. They were both good for each other. And both are just kids trying their best. But I felt like the description built up their relationship like they have an epic love story when it just isn't to that level--yet. Mara might have been the character I ended up feeling for the most. 

Favorite quotes:

-For the first time in weeks, Ireland let herself feel her feelings. It was okay to miss him. It was okay to hope he was okay. It was okay to be mad at him. It was okay to feel betrayed. It was all okay. And maybe it was all going to be okay.

-And for the first time ever, she felt grateful to have had her own experiences because she suspected that savagery lurked in her as well.

-"Keep howling until your voice can find a different melody."

The Art of Us was good. It wasn't exactly what I was expecting. That's the tricky thing about expectations. I did like Mara, Ireland, Kal, and the Washington family. The Art of Us gets 4 Stars. Have you read The Art of Us? What did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for The Perfect Rom-Com

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.

The Perfect Rom-Com

By: Melissa Ferguson

Expected Publication: February 11, 2025 by Thomas Nelson

336 pages

Genre: Adult, Contemporary

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--She's written dozens of smash hit novels as a ghostwriter. Too bad no one knows it.

Aspiring author Bryony Page attends her first writers conference bursting with optimism and ready to sell her manuscript with long-shot dreams of raising awareness for The Bridge, her grandmother's financially-struggling organization where she teaches ESL full-time. But after a disastrous pitching session, she stumbles into correcting another author's work in a last-ditch attempt to make a good impression with the agent. And she, as it turns out, is spot on.

No one is more surprised than Bryony when the agent offers her the opportunity to be a ghostwriter for Amelia Benedict, popular rom-com novelist. Bryony agrees on one she'll write books for this vain, demanding woman just as long as Jack Sterling, literary agent of the legendary Foundry Literary Agency, works to sell her own book too.

What nobody predicted, however, was that Bryony's books would turn Amelia Benedict into the Amelia Benedict, household name and bestselling author with millions of copies sold around the world.

And just like that, the Foundry Agency can't let her go.

But on a personal note, Jack is realizing he can't either.

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

The Muse of Maiden Lane - Review

The Muse of Maiden Lane (Belles of London, # 4)

By: Mimi Matthews

Publication: November 19, 2024 by Berkley

384 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--A silver-haired equestrienne and a charismatic artist turn a scandalous bargain into a vibrant portrait of love.

Stella Hobhouse is a brilliant rider, stalwart friend, skilled sketch artist—and completely overlooked. Her outmodish gray hair makes her invisible to London society. Combined with her brother’s pious restrictions and her dwindling inheritance, Stella is on the verge of a lifetime marooned in Derbyshire as a spinster. Unless she does something drastic…like posing for a daring new style of portrait by the only man who’s ever really seen her.

Aspiring painter Edward “Teddy” Hayes knows true beauty when he sees it. He would never ask Stella to risk her reputation as an artist’s model but in the five years since a virulent bout of scarlet fever left him partially paralyzed, Teddy has learned to heed good fortune when he finds it. He’ll do anything to persuade his muse to pose for him, even if he must offer her a marriage of convenience.

After all, though Teddy has yearned to trace Stella’s luminous beauty on canvas since their chance meeting, her heart is what he truly aches to capture….

I read the first chapter of The Muse of Maiden Lane at the end of The Lily of Ludgate Hill, and immediately, I felt secondhand embarrassment on behalf of Stella. She has naturally silver hair and has decided to dye it for a house party she's going to with Anne. No one there hardly knows her so she isn't worried about them knowing her hair is dyed. I wasn't aware it was culturally taboo to dye one's hair, but it makes sense that the only ones who would do so during this period would be people of questionable morals. But Stella is hoping for a connection that might turn into a marriage. And so it's obvious that she didn't quite think this through. Because even if she does find someone she connects with at the party, and she fools them into thinking she's someone who doesn't have silver hair, eventually dyes wash out. Thus she would be faced with either coming clean about her hair or attempting to maintain the ruse the rest of her life. Quite impossible. 

Stella, in fact, quickly runs into Teddy who already knows she has silver hair. Teddy is a crossover character from Mimi Matthew's Parish Orphans of Devon series. And I love that she's crossed these series. There is so much fan service. Tom Finchley already appears nearly every time she needs a solicitor. But now we have Archer and Laura crossing over with Teddy as is necessary. Teddy is now wheelchair-bound after having a bad case of scarlet fever when he was younger. He's an artist. Art is what has sustained and driven him through his challenges in life. And now he's met Stella. He feels a drive that he can't even explain to paint her. Another scandalous thing. Models in those days were usually loved ones, mistresses, or again, women of questionable morals. 

Because of Stella's choice to dye her hair, she spends time hiding from the other guests at the house party. And, she stumbles upon a drawing room that the host has allowed Teddy to use as his personal art studio during the stay. Stella and Teddy spend much of the book here getting to know one another. And Teddy spends much of that time begging her to let him paint her. 

Favoriote quotes:

-Of all the offensive masculine qualities that ladies detested, eagerness was one of the worst.

I can attest to this one. It's so offputting. 

-"Your face is the only reason I'd consider keeping it," he said frankly. "But  I don't need to." He tapped his forefinger to his temple. "You're etched up here, more indelibly than a pencil drawing. I won't easily forget you."

The Muse of Maiden Lane was probably my second favorite in the series. It's a hard tie for second place though. I had a clear favorite of the series and a clear least favorite. Stella and Teddy were both characters that I could feel for and root for a happily ever after. They had a non-traditional courtship and journey. And sometimes I balk when characters do things intentionally against the norms, but I didn't mind it in this book. It fits the characters and the story. I loved the crossovers from Mimi Matthew's previous series. I can always appreciate fan service. The Muse of Maiden Lane gets 4 Stars. Have you read The Muse of Maiden Lane? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 11/17/24

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 was an odd week. Monday we didn't have school for Veteran's Day. I took the kids to the park for a playdate with one of Big Girl's friends we haven't seen in a while. Then we went to Burger King because it's one of the only places around here with a playplace. Tuesday, we had grocery pickup. Normally we would spend the day with my parents, but they were on vacation. Wednesday was our first normal school day of the week. Our 2nd quarter seems to be a lot of disruptions, but thankfully, I planned for most of them. Thursday our co-op didn't have classes. Husband took the day off, and we went to the Alabama Safari Park with some gift certificates that Holly gave the kids last Christmas and I'm just now getting around to using. We had a good time. Friday, Husband's work computer crashed so he unexpectedly had the day off. He's been focused on some house projects that have been put off, and I'm so happy to have these done. Saturday, we went for a walk. The kids went to Grammy's a little earlier than normal so I got a good bit of cleaning done. I'm in a fall cleaning mood to clean all the things that don't get cleaned more regularly. I've got one more week before Husband's friend comes to visit so I'm trying to get everything done before then. I have gotten a good bit of reading done this week, too.

THE PAST WEEK

Monday: Review of Twisted Knight (Tangled Hearts, # 1) by K. Bromberg (3 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Variation by Rebecca Yarros
Thursday: Review of Lady Anna's Favor by Karen Tuft (3 Stars)
Friday: Homeschool Friday - Biscuit Meets the Class Pet

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of The Muse of Maiden Lane (Belles of London, # 4) by Mimi Matthews
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday?
Thursday: Review of The Art of Us by Julie Wright
Friday: Homeschool Friday - Ice Cream Everywhere!

Don’t forget to link up for the 2024 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2024 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!

NEW BOOKS:

Let's Call a Truce

By: Amy Buchanan

Publication: January 14, 2025 by St. Martin's Griffin

336 pages

Genre: Adult, Contemporary

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--LET’S CALL A TRUCE is a sexy contemporary romance about second chances at life and love, bursting with humor and a touch of angst from debut author, Amy Buchanan.

After Juliana Ryan's husband dies unexpectedly, leaving her with two grieving kids and a stunted career from years as a stay-at-home mom, she has no choice but to make it work all on her own. But her confidence crashes around her when she overhears her condescending but infuriatingly attractive new colleague, Ben Thomas, talking about how her kids and inexperience are a liability the company can’t afford. This sets off a feud between the two, as Juliana vows to prove him wrong.

Two years later, their feud rages on, but it may be charged with something they aren't willing to admit. When they are forced onto a career-making project together, Juliana has no choice but to call a truce. As their lives become more intertwined in and out of the office, Juliana finds it hard to ignore Ben’s perpetual smile and charming determination. What started as a truce grows into more, as boardroom-clearing arguments turn to desk-clearing kisses. Could the man she deemed her nemesis understand her life–her stress and responsibilities–better than anyone?

But just when Juliana decides to open her heart again, Ben’s past threatens their newfound bliss, and she has to figure out whether this second chance at love is worth it after all.

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 - Biscuit Meets the Class Pet

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

Biscuit Meets the Class Pet

By: Alyssa Satin Capucilli

Illustrated By: Pat Schories

Publication: December 22, 2009 by HarperCollins

32 pages

Genre: Children's, Picture Books, My First Reader, Level-1 Reader

Source: Personal 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--For fans of Clifford and Spot, welcome everybody’s favorite little yellow puppy, Biscuit, in an I Can Read adventure! Hop, hop! There's someone new at Biscuit's house--Nibbles, the class pet, has come for a visit. Nibbles likes exploring Biscuit's home and wants to play with all of Biscuit's toys. Biscuit isn't sure if he is ready to share with Nibbles, but soon Biscuit realizes that he likes having a visitor after all! Biscuit Meets the Class Pet , a My First I Can Read book, is carefully crafted using basic language, word repetition, sight words, and sweet illustrations—which means it's perfect for shared reading with emergent readers.

I feel like I'm running out of things to say for these level 1 readers. Biscuit Meets the Class Pet carries on with the character, Biscuit, which is a dog. In this story, the little girl gets to bring her class pet, a bunny named Nibbles, home for a visit. As Nibbles explores Biscuit's home, he finds all of Biscuit's belongings. Eventually, Nibbles goes missing and Biscuit must find him. It kind of amazes me how much story can come from a 32 page book with level 1 words.

Biscuit Meets the Class Pet doesn't rhyme, which is fine by me. It does use repetitive words and phrases to build fluency. There was a section of 6 pages where the same 2 words were used in various combinations. This was a little too much repetition for me, but my son didn't seem to mind.

Biscuit Meets the Class Pet uses repetitive words to build vocabulary fluency and mastery. This was a sweet, short story that any animal loving level-1 reader will enjoy. Biscuit Meets the Class Pet gets 4 Stars. Have you or your child read Biscuit Meets the Class Pet? What did you think? Let me know!

Lady Anna's Favor - Review

Lady Anna's Favor

By: Karen Tuft

Expected Publication: November 26, 2024 by Shadow Mountain

272 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss (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--London, England, 1814

Lady Anna Clifton will stop at nothing to find her missing brother—even if it means working alongside the dashingly handsome but sometimes infuriating Mr. Jennings, who just might steal her heart.

Lady Anna Clifton has arrived in London with a purpose known only to a few. Her soldier brother has been reported wounded and missing in France, and if he is dead, his title and their family’s estate will go to a horrible distant cousin, and Lady Anna will be homeless. Desperate to find her brother alive, she contacts old family friends, the Bledsoes, who vow to help her in any way they can. However, Lord Bledsoe’s efforts come up empty, except from the Duke of Aylesham, who offers his yacht to carry her to France when Anna decides she must look for her brother there herself.

James cannot board the Duke of Aylesham’s yacht to take him to France fast enough. After his sister’s rushed marriage to the duke himself, James wants nothing more than to enjoy a relaxing journey back to Paris before rejoining England’s diplomatic war efforts against Napoleon. When he boards the ship, he cannot deny his instant attraction to the strikingly beautiful young woman who will be joining him across the sea. But when he receives only a cold reception from her, James dismisses her outright—until he learns the tragic reason she has set out on such a perilous journey. As infuriating as Lady Anna’s brash behavior and indifference to him is, her search seems much too dangerous for a young lady of the ton to undertake alone, so James reluctantly offers to assist her in her quest.

Together, they embark on a search that will take them across the sea and through France to uncover the truth all while trying to reconcile their differences and the preconceived notions they have about each other. With every step, they come closer to solving the mystery surrounding Lady Anna’s brother’s disappearance—but each step also pushes their hearts closer together.

First, I wish this book was listed as at least 3rd in a series. There could be even more prior books that I'm unaware of. But I've read The Duke Meets His Match and An Accidental Romance. These books all have connecting characters. James is the lead male character in this story. His sister Rebecca was the leading female in An Accidental Romance. And then James's sister Susan married the Duke of Aylesham in The Duke Meets His Match. I'd at least like to know all of the books that are connected to these stories. 

I've read multiple historical fiction books where a character had a family member or loved one lost during the war. But I can't say that I've ever read any Regency books where the lead female character actually left the country in search of their lost, potentially dead, sibling. I almost couldn't believe that Lady Anna actually went so far as to search for her brother in a foreign country physically. But I'm thankful that even with the help of two male companions (one a servant and one a good-hearted gentleman) the road was filled with challenges and complications. 

Anna is kind-hearted, but she puts her poor servants through it sticking to her mission to hunt down her brother who was injured or killed in the line of duty. Thankfully, James sees that Lady Anna is completely outside her abilities and will face many obstacles and potential danger if she pursues her mission. He can't let her go alone, especially because neither she nor her two servants speak any French. James takes on the mission to help her find her brother. 

There were a lot of mishaps and misfortunes along the way, and I wasn't sure if her brother would be there when they reached their final destination. Wondering if he would be there propelled me even more than wondering if Anna and James would ever acknowledge the tension between themselves. 

Favorite quote:

-"But the sight of the rising sun fills me with awe and reminds me of good days in the past and better days to come."

I can't say that Lady Anna's Favor was my favorite book. Not by far. I did enjoy it. But I probably won't remember the details in the coming days, unfortunately. Sometimes the plot can drive me more than the romance, but those don't seem to be the books I love or the ones that stick with me. Lady Anna's Favor gets 3 Stars. Have you read Lady Anna's Favor? What did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for Variation

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.

Variation

By: Rebecca Yarros

Expected Publication: November 19, 2024 by Montlake

464 pages

Genre: Adult, Contemporary

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Fourth Wing comes a new contemporary romance about the summer a celebrated dancer returns home and unearths years of family secrets with the Coast Guard rescue swimmer she never forgot.

Elite ballerina Allie Rousseau is no stranger to pressure. With her mother’s eyes always watching, perfection was expected, no matter the cost. But when an injury jeopardizes all she’s sacrificed for, Allie returns to her summer home to heal and recover. But the memories she’s tried to forget rush in and threaten to take her under.

As a Coast Guard rescue swimmer, Hudson Ellis knows that hesitation can mean the difference between life and death. He’s always prided himself on being in the right place at the right time, especially when it came to Allie Rousseau…until the night he left for basic. After the biggest regret of his life, the secrets he keeps mean he can never be with the one woman he wants more than his next breath.

When Hudson’s niece shows up on Allie’s doorstep, desperate to find her birth mother, Allie finds herself in an unimaginable position. Allie and Hudson’s past and present might be endlessly complicated. The thread that tied them to each other all those years ago may have unraveled, but the truth could pull them back together, or drive them apart forever.

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

Twisted Knight - Review

Twisted Knight (Tangled Hearts, # 1)

By: K. Bromberg

Expected Publication: September 24, 2024 by Bramble

416 pages

Genre: Adult, Contemporary

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss (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--Kings of Sin meets It Ends With Us in a gritty, heated romance from New York Times bestselling author K. Bromberg.

Holden
They thought they’d managed to get rid of me once and for all. They thought I’d just forget what they did to my brother. But I’m going to make sure that they never forget. If only I can stop thinking about her.

Rowan
No one sees me. Behind my brother, I’m a ghost, managing the family business that he claims to run. But I’m tired of second fiddle. I’m tired of pretending. I’m going to take what’s mine. The only problem? Well, he just came back to town.

First, I mentally missed that this is the first book in a series, even though I listed it as book 1 in my Sunday Post and on my spreadsheet. Somehow my brain still thought this was a standalone book. So know that Twisted Knight is the first in a series. No idea how many books are intended for the series, but you need to know more than one. Otherwise, you might look up at 90% and realize there's too much left unresolved to be wrapped up in the last 10%. Another thing you should note if you're planning on going into this series is that language and sexual content is HIGH. I thought about DNFing many times based on these two issues alone. The good thing about an audiobook version is that you can click that little 10-second skip-ahead button and breeze through any content that might bother you. But you'd be breezing through such a large portion of this book. The dirty talk was just too much for me guys. I would have laughed in my husband's face if he said some of the stuff to me that Holden said to Rowen. Laughed and laughed and laughed. And then considering so many of the scenes were written from Holden's perspective, so the male narrator, Patrick Zeller, had to perform these scenes (and perform he did!) had me wondering what the narrator thought about these scenes which of course pulled me out of any kind of story. Honestly, I'm not a prude, but I prefer books not filled with so much explicit content. The language and the scenes. So many f-bombs. So so many GDs. I would have DNFd because of these things if I had known there would be a sequel. I thought I would push through and be done. 

Now the actual story content was interesting. Holden HATES the Rothschilds, specifically Rhett Rothschild. He has issues with Chad Williams, Rhett's best friend. And he seems to have a small place of anger toward Rowen but it's unclear why at first. You know that Rhett has somehow offended him in the past but the story is slowly leaked in flashbacks throughout the book. It all makes sense. And you know Holden plans to take down the entire Rothschild family because of this past. But his plan isn't entirely revealed either. 

Poor Rowen is caught up in everyone's games and manipulation. Her brother sells the family company without telling her. This devastates her because she promised her grandmother that she would keep the company in the family's hands and get it back on track. Her mother is trying to marry her off to Chad who she only feels friendship towards. Her grandmother left her money and a seat on the board in her will but only if Rowen meets certain conditions. And Holden is using her to enhance his destruction of the Rothschild family. She's the only one you can really root for in this story because despite who her family is, she's always wanted to be different and hated the role her family has wanted her to play. She isn't at all what Holden expected her to be. Yet I can't fully root for a character that pursues a path she knows she shouldn't just because it feels good. Morally this goes against everything I believe in. 

Ultimately, I liked the story. I wanted to know what happened to Holden for him to hate the Rothschilds so much. And I wanted to see how his plan would unfold. I wanted to see how Rowen fit into the entire story. Yet I found myself almost laughing out loud while cringing at the sex scenes. I debated DNFing especially over the content and language. But I pressed on not realizing until the last 10% that this book is only the first of a series I don't know if I'll continue. In the end, I'm giving this one 3 Stars. Have you read (or listened to) Twisted Knight ? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 11/10/24

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 this was probably the best week we've had in a while. Thankfully we weren't completely running around like a chicken with our heads cut off. Monday was a normal day. Tuesday, we went to hang out with my parents. We played bingo for a long time and then my dad pitched ping pong balls to the big kids to work on their batting. We got groceries on the way home. And then Tuesday night we started back martial arts. Wednesday was another normal day. Thursday, we had co-op and martial arts. We had a few rocky moments on Thursday that carried over into Friday morning. But Friday smoothed out and ended up being a really good day as well. I'm in a fall cleaning mood. We have a guest coming for Thanksgiving week and I want to get the house cleaned from top to bottom before I pull out any Christmas decorations. I have finally started listening to Christmas music. Some years I start early and other years I'm not in the mood. I think the cleaning is actually helping to get me into the spirit. We had planned to go to Fort Toulouse for Frontier Days Saturday morning, but it was raining. We ended up going to Hobby Lobby and Kirkland's instead. We always have to get ornaments to take with us to a Dirty Santa gift exchange family reunion in December. I haven't been impressed with the selections lately. I get the need for plastic, non-breakable ornaments, but they just seem so cheap. I love the real stuff. And it's hard to find without breaking the bank. We ran into some friends and made plans for tomorrow.

THE PAST WEEK

Monday: Review of The Gentleman's Confession (Matchmaking Mamas, # 3) by Anneka R Walker (4 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Onyx Storm (The Empyrean, # 3) by Rebecca Yarros
Thursday: Review of Beneath the Crescent Shadow (The Balkan Legends, # 1) by AL Sowards (4.5 Stars)
Friday: Homeschool Friday - Know and Follow Rules

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of Twisted Knight (Tangled Hearts, # 1) by K Bromberg
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday?
Thursday: Review of Lady Anna's Favor by Karen Tuft
Friday: Homeschool Friday - Biscuit Meets the Class Pet

Don’t forget to link up for the 2024 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2024 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!

NEW BOOKS:

Juniper's Christmas

By: Erin Colfer

Publication: October 31, 2023 by Roaring Brook Press

368 pages

Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Christmas

Source: Personal Kindle 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--From the acclaimed, mega-bestselling Eoin Colfer comes a heartwarming, adventurous Christmas the perfect gift for readers of all ages who believe in the power of hope, kindness, and holiday magic.

Eleven-year-old Juniper Lane is thrown into a Christmas adventure like no other when she seeks the help of a mysterious woodsman living in her local park, who she suspects is Santa himself, and accidentally gets exposed to North Pole magic. Join a boisterous cast of characters―including a neighbor who always believed in Santa, a young reindeer in training, and a cutthroat crime boss out to steal Santa’s magic―on an unpredictable journey bursting with Eoin Colfer’s signature exuberance and merriment. Complete with cheerful, festive illustrations, this is a beautifully packaged tale of wonder, sure to inspire the Christmas spirit in the whole family.

Celebrate the holidays with a story of hope, magic, and saving Santa Claus, from a celebrated author beloved for his spirited storytelling. Juniper’s Christmas is the perfect holiday read, year after year.

The World According to Mister Rogers: Important Things to Remember

By: Fred Rogers

Publication: May 14, 2019 by Hachette Books

197 pages

Genre: Non-fiction, Philosphy, Self-Help

Source: Personal Kindle 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--A timeless collection of wisdom on love, friendship, respect, individuality, and honesty from the beloved PBS series Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.

There are few personalities who evoke such universal feelings of warmth as Fred Rogers. An enduring presence in American homes for over 30 years, his plainspoken wisdom continues to guide and comfort many. The World According to Mister Rogers distills the legacy and singular worldview of this beloved American figure. An inspiring collection of stories, anecdotes, and insights--with sections devoted to love, friendship, respect, individuality, and honesty, The World According to Mister Rogers reminds us that there is much more in life that unites us than divides us.

Culled from Fred Rogers' speeches, program transcripts, books, letters, and interviews, along with some of his never-before-published writings, The World According to Mister Rogers is a testament to the legacy of a man who served and continues to serve as a role model to millions.

A Shadow in the Ember (Flesh and Fire, # 1)

By: Jennifer L Armentrout

Publication: October 19th 2021 by Blue Box Press

647 pages

Genre: New Adult, Fantasy

Source: Personal Kindle Library

( 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--Born shrouded in the veil of the Primals, a Maiden as the Fates promised, Seraphena Mierel’s future has never been hers. Chosen before birth to uphold the desperate deal her ancestor struck to save his people, Sera must leave behind her life and offer herself to the Primal of Death as his Consort.

However, Sera’s real destiny is the most closely guarded secret in all of Lasania—she’s not the well protected Maiden but an assassin with one mission—one target. Make the Primal of Death fall in love, become his weakness, and then…end him. If she fails, she dooms her kingdom to a slow demise at the hands of the Rot.

Sera has always known what she is. Chosen. Consort. Assassin. Weapon. A specter never fully formed yet drenched in blood. A monster. Until him. Until the Primal of Death’s unexpected words and deeds chase away the darkness gathering inside her. And his seductive touch ignites a passion she’s never allowed herself to feel and cannot feel for him. But Sera has never had a choice. Either way, her life is forfeit—it always has been, as she has been forever touched by Life and Death.

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 - Know and Follow Rules

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

Know and Follow Rules

By: Cheri J. Meiners M.Ed.

Publication: March 31, 2005 by Free Spirit Publishing

40 pages

Genre: Children's, Non-fiction, Teaching

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss (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--A child who can’t follow rules is a child who’s always in trouble. This book starts with simple reasons why we have to help us stay safe, learn, be fair, and get along. Then it presents just four basic “Listen,” “Best Work,” “Hands and Body to Myself,” and “Please and Thank You.” The focus throughout is on the positive sense of pride that comes with learning to follow rules. Includes questions and activities adults can use to reinforce the ideas and skills being taught. The Learning to Get Along® Series

The Learning to Get Along series helps children learn, understand, and practice basic social and emotional skills. Real-life situations, lots of diversity, and concrete examples make these read-aloud books appropriate for home and childcare settings, schools, and special education settings. Each book ends with a section of discussion questions, games, and activities adults can use to reinforce what children have learned. All titles are available in English-Spanish bilingual editions.

On the one hand, Know and Follow Rules looks a little outdated to me. The colors and illustrations remind me a little of the 1980s. At the same time, I like that the illustrations are very clear and detailed--even down to the little girl with her tongue sticking out as she's coloring. What the characters are intending to do is obvious. Their thoughts and feelings are quite clear. I like the diversity of characters included. 

The content of the book is beautifully well done. What I mean by that is that the information is presented so clearly. There's a reason we have rules: to know what to do. Rules are different depending on the situation or location: work, play, school classroom, cafeteria, playground, gym, library, etc. There are benefits to having rules: we're all able to learn, help us show respect, remind us to be polite, help make things fair for everyone, help keep everyone safe, when we use the rules things go better for us, help us have personal responsibility, and when everyone follows the rules it helps us get along. Examples of some rules are: listening while others are speaking, asking questions when we need help, following instructions, doing things the first time we're told, trying our best, thinking carefully, taking time to do a good job, keeping our hands and feet to ourselves, asking permission to use something that doesn't belong to us, saying "please" and "thank you," help others, waiting our turn, let everyone participate, walking in the hallway, use things carefully, This subject is just spelled out in such a simplistic way that it helps the reader see the benefits of following the rules. 

I have been doing a study on manners in our homeschool, and Know and Follow Rules is a perfect choice to add to my study for my kids. Most of this information is stuff the older ones already know, but presented in this way, helps to solidify why we follow rules. Showing the benefits of following rules is a way to help children get on board. Know and Follow Rules gets 5 Stars from me. Have you read Know and Follow Rules? What did you think? Let me know!

Beneath a Crescent Shadow - Review

Beneath a Crescent Shadow (The Balkan Legends, # 1)

By: A.L. Sowards

Publication: June 4, 2024 by Shadow Mountain

351 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--After an arranged marriage, Konstantin and Suzana must find a way to meet the demands of a conquering Ottoman sultan amid a torrent of setbacks and dangers much closer to their Balkan home.

The Balkans, 1373

A devastating battle claimed the lives of Konstantin's father, uncle, and most of their Serb army, leaving him to rule as a vassal of the Ottoman sultan, a role he is wholly unprepared for. Between war, famine, and a persistent band of brigands, Konstantin is nearly bankrupt. He will need to find a wealthy bride to marry if he is to have any hope of saving his lands and securing his future.

A betrothal to Suzana, the daughter of a prosperous merchant, is soon arranged, and upon meeting her, Konstantin immediately feels hope that their marriage could someday grow into love. Yet, from the moment of Konstantin and Suzana's betrothal, enemies threaten their lives, outlaws prey on their lands, and the terrors of Suzana's abusive past haunt their fragile new relationship. As this onslaught of threats closes in, the two face challenges that will test their love, their faith, and their hope to save their people and win their freedom from the heavy weight of Ottoman oppression.

I've gotten interested in historical fiction, but I've stuck to mostly one period while reading. I have watched a few TV shows that are historical fiction not in the same period. So that encouraged me to branch out and try reading about the Ottoman Empire and The Balkans as this book is set in 1373. I did struggle in the beginning with the language because there's so much I don't know or understand about what things are called. The clothes they wore. Their armor. It's an entire language on its own. I've learned much about Regency England through many many books, so I tried to give myself grace with all the new to me terms.

One thing I have no issues getting hooked into is arranged marriages or marriages of convenience. Konstantin needs to marry for money. He needs the dowry that a wife can bring to him to protect his lands and his people. Suzana doesn't necessarily need to marry, but she wants to get out of her father's household. At the same time, her relationship with her father hasn't set her up for much knowledge about how a healthy relationship should be between a husband and wife. Her father is a wealthy merchant, so providing a dowry for her isn't difficult. But Suzana has a secret that might keep away prospective husbands. 

Suzana is a timid mouse. She's not been treated well and finds it hard to trust Konstantin. Konstantin can't figure out why she is so scared of him. But they haven't even returned to Konstantin's home before Suzana is attacked. Konstantin is being attacked on all sides. Someone is out to get him. That much is obvious. 

Favorite quotes:

-...tragedy does not make happiness impossible.

-"As much as I want to, I can't take away your fear. You have to ask God if He can take it from you or help you bear it."

-Sometimes life was like that. Compromise. Balancing different wants and needs into something that would work, even if it wasn't perfect for anyone.

-"Death is not better than hardship."

-"Hope doesn't have to be practical in order to be real, in order to be just. The timing is not right, not now. Maybe not for years. But that doesn't mean we stop dreaming of it."

-"You do not have to be invincible to have my love. And you don't have to be without sin to have God's forgiveness."

-"I know what it is to be haunted by the past, but, Kostya, the past doesn't have to hold hostage your future."

I ended up really enjoying Beneath a Crescent Shadow. The Christian elements were so enjoyable. I love seeing characters that are real and that struggle. And I love it when books don't shy away from the hard questions or the difficult subjects. Sometimes we just don't have all the answers. Beneath a Crescent Shadow was so much better than I was expecting it to be. I loved the characters, main and secondary. And I can't wait to see what happens with Ivan's story next. Beneath a Crescent Shadow gets 4.5 Stars. Have you read Beneath a Crescent Shadow? What did you think? Let me know!