Old Flames and New Fortunes - Review

Old Flames and New Fortunes

By: Sarah Hogle

Publication: April 2, 2024 by G.P. Putnam's Sons

384 pages

Genre: Adult, Contemporary

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--From the celebrated author of You Deserve Each Other and Just Like Magic , a steamy second-chance romance about a magical florist’s unexpected reunion with her high school sweetheart as she fake dates his soon-to-be stepbrother.

A small, magical town tucked away in rural Ohio, Moonville is the perfect place for flora fortunist Romina Tempest to expand her shop, where she uses the language of flowers to help the hopeful manifest their love lives. After giving up on her own big romance eleven years ago, at least she can bask in the promise of others’.

So, when the shop’s potential financier shares news of his wedding, Romina jumps on the opportunity to discuss buying the business. What better place to negotiate a deal than at a wedding, even if she has to fake-date her chaotic colleague Trevor to get an invitation? But all hell breaks loose when she discovers Trevor’s soon-to-be stepbrother is none other than Alex her high school sweetheart. Her greatest love. The boy who, eleven years ago, broke her heart, and who now thinks she and Trevor are dating.

What starts as an innocent misunderstanding becomes a week-long fake dating scheme, as Romina resolves to make Alex pay for breaking her heart. The only issue? She can’t deny their still-burning connection. Caught between proving to Alex what he lost, and coming clean and risking her business, Romina must decide whether giving Alex another chance means going back on herself, or finally releasing her hold on the past.

I wasn't sure about Old Flames and New Fortures when I first started. I don't always enjoy magical realism. Magic that happens in a magical world I have no problem with, but magic that happens in the real world stumps me. So when I tried to classify this book I got confused. Does Romina think she's actually a witch? Or is this supposed to be a magical world? Once I decided to stop trying to figure it out and just enjoy the story, things got better for me.

Romina and her sisters own a shop in town and they want to expand to the building next door, but they need some additional funding to renovate the space. Trevor's dad is just the investor they need. But Trevor doesn't have the best relationship with his dad. When they think his dad has finally agreed to meet with them about the loan, they come to find out that Trevor's dad is just trying to tell him that he's getting married. 

I can't remember if the fake-dating scheme came before or after running into Alex. I feel like it came before. If I remember correctly, Romina tries to jump to Trevor's rescue when his cousin or a girl he likes cousin starts putting him down. And then Alex kind of witnessed or overheard Romina's declaration. Romina and Trevor decide to roll with it in hopes of making the girl that Trevor actually likes see what she's missing and for Alex to see that Romina has moved on with her life.

If there's one thing Sarah Hogle knows how to write, it is relationships that have gone bad and are restored again. The tension between Alex and Romina was so strong and intoxicating. Alex was so obviously still into Romina. Romina was trying so hard not to be still affected by Alex that it was comical. As a matter of fact, I think I did laugh out loud at least once. But man, the steps that Alex took to prove himself were so attractive. How could anyone not be won over by actions such as that?

Favorite quotes:

-We are a vast population of hurting hearts that miss people who haven't come into our lives yet.

-...it feels as if he takes something; as if, every time I meet his gaze, he siphons off a little piece of me to keep.

-"We'd be a lot further ahead right now if you'd just been honest."

-Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.

-"Romina, I would've picked up the sun with my bare hands and moved it if you didn't like the position of your shadow..."

-I don't get to be part of what happens next, who she becomes. But I can take heart in knowing I did my very best in the short time we had together.

That last quote reminded me of a particularly emotional piece of the book that I don't want to say anything more about so I don't give anything away. Given my cousin had an experience that reminded me very much of the one that Romina experienced makes it even more so for me. 

Old Flames and New Fortunes was so much better than I thought it was going to be when I first started it. Keep pushing forward if the beginning is a little confusing or off-putting for you like it was for me. Old Flames and New Fortunes gets 4 Stars. Have you read Old Flames and New Fortunes? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 04/21/24

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 the kids had dentist appointments. All had a good report. Big Boy had a baseball game Monday night. They lost, but it was a good game. We were a little slow batting, but just when the kids started hitting better we ran out of time. Tuesday, we went with some friends to the u-pick strawberry farm nearby. We got two buckets of strawberries. We ate one bucket there. They have a nice play area, and the kids had a blast. We'll definitely go back another time. After that, we grabbed Chick-fil-a and picked up groceries. Wednesday was a normal school day for us. Thursday, we went to the zoo with another friend of ours. We had a great time there. We brought Big Girl's friend home with us while her mom ran some errands. Then Big Girl went over to her friend's house before their softball game. Both big kids had games Thursday night. I went with Big Boy and his team pulled out a win on a very close game. There was a little drama from the other team. I just don't understand 6U baseball being that serious. Anyway, Big Girl's team won their game too. Friday, we had a normal school day also. Saturday morning, Big Boy's team had practice. We went for a short walk and just hung around the house the rest of the day. I did finish a book this week and also DNF'd one. I won't be reviewing the DNF on my blog, but I did give a mini-DNF-review on Goodreads.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of Queen of Roses (Blood of a Fae, # 1) by Briar Boleyn (4 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for The Muse of Maiden Lane (Belles of London, # 4) by Mimi Matthews
Friday: Homeschool Friday - Baby Moses and the Princess (4 Stars)

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of Old Flames, New Fortunes by Sarah Hogle
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday?
Thursday: 2024 Series Enders Reading Challenge - April Wrap Up

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:

These Twisted Bonds (These Hollow Vows, # 2)

By: Lexi Ryan

Publication: July 19, 2022 by HarperTeen

481 pages

Genre: New Adult, Fantasy

Source: Personal Kindle Library - On sale this week!

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--Brie finds herself caught between two princes and two destinies while the future of the fae realm hangs in the balance.

After Abriella's sister was sold to the fae, she thought life couldn't get any worse. But when she suddenly finds herself caught in a web of lies of her own making ­- loving two princes and trusting neither - things are not quite as clear as she once thought.

As civil war wages in the Court of Darkness, Brie finds herself unable to choose a side. How can she know where she stands when she doesn't even know herself anymore? In this darkly romantic thrill ride, the more Faerie is torn apart from the inside, the clearer it becomes that prophecies don't lie and Brie has a role to play in the fate of this magical realm - whether she likes it or not.

The Four Tendencies

By: Gretchen Rubin

Publication: September 12, 2017 by Harmony

273 pages

Genre: Adult, Non-Fiction, Self-Help

Source: Personal Kindle Library - On sale this week!

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--In this groundbreaking analysis of personality type, bestselling author of Better Than Before and The Happiness Project, Gretchen Rubin reveals the one simple question that will transform what you do at home, at work, and in life.

During her multibook investigation into understanding human nature, Gretchen Rubin realized that by asking the seemingly dry question "How do I respond to expectations?" we gain explosive self-knowledge. She discovered that based on their answer, people fit into Four Tendencies: Upholders, Questioners, Obligers, and Rebels. Our Tendency shapes every aspect of our behavior, so using this framework allows us to make better decisions, meet deadlines, suffer less stress, and engage more effectively.

More than 600,000 people have taken her online quiz, and managers, doctors, teachers, spouses, and parents already use the framework to help people make significant, lasting change.

The Four Tendencies hold practical answers if you've ever thought...

· People can rely on me, but I can't rely on myself.
· How can I help someone to follow good advice?
· People say I ask too many questions.
· How do I work with someone who refuses to do what I ask or who keeps telling me what to do?

With sharp insight, compelling research, and hilarious examples, The Four Tendencies will help you get happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative. It's far easier to succeed when you know what works for you.

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 - Baby Moses and the Princess

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.

The Beginner's Bible Baby Moses and the Princess

By: Kelly Pulley & Mission City Press Inc.

Publication: August 30, 2009 by Zonderkidz

33 pages

Genre: Children's, Bible, My First Readers

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--Mom must give up Miriam’s baby brother, Moses. She puts him in a basket on the river. But Miriam is worried. Will anyone discover him? This My First I Can Read! book, with basic language, word repetition, and great illustrations, is perfect for shared reading with a child. It aligns with guided reading level E and will be of interest to children Pre-K to 2 nd grade.

Baby Moses and the Princess was pretty good. It's written in a way that young children should be able to understand the gist of the story. Of course, there are some pretty scary parts of the real Biblical story that were left out. Ex: Pharoh's command to kill all the Jewish baby boys is changed into "the mean king want's to take baby Moses away." Much of this is understandable. I do sometimes question why pieces are altered in the storytelling process that seem unnecessary. Like the Princess finding Moses in the basket before he cried. The truth can stand up for itself and doesn't need to be altered in this way. Not a huge deal, but unnecessary if you ask me.

I suppose since this is a "shared reader" level that means the parent is mostly reading to the child. I originally requested these books thinking that my son who is 6 and learning to read would be able to read this on his own. I didn't actually ask him to try, but there were words that I know he hasn't been exposed to either the phonics rules or the words themselves. That is no fault of the book. I just didn't pay close enough attention when I requested it. Overall, I give The Beginner's Bible Baby Moses and the Princess 4 Stars. Have you read this book? What did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for The Muse of Maiden Lane

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

By: Mimi Matthews

Expected Publication: November 19, 2024 by Berkley

384 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

( 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….

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

Queen of Roses - Review

Queen of Roses (Blood of a Fae, # 1)

By: Briar Boleyn

Publication: April 15, 2023 by Starwater Press

361 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy

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 doomed love, a dangerous mission, and a kingdom on the brink of war...
A cast-off princess…

Born into a life of duty and sacrifice, Morgan Pendragon’s destiny has never been her own. Rumored to carry the tainted blood of the fae in her veins, her birthright is stolen from her when she is a mere child. Growing up in the shadow of her brother the king, she has been promised to the goddesses when she comes of age. So, when her brother commands that she seek out a fae weapon of legendary power, Morgan seizes the chance to break free from the chains of her fate.

A dangerous temptation…

As she travels, Morgan finds herself drawn into a strange group of outcasts, led by a dark and enigmatic warrior whose sharp wit and fierce beauty set her heart ablaze. But while Morgan struggles to reconcile her desires with her duty, she and her new comrades discover dangers that await them beyond anything in their wildest nightmares.

A slumbering kingdom awoken by blood…

Believed to have vanished generations ago, a fae kingdom dreaded by mortals is ascending once more, bound to reclaim what was lost by violence and bloodshed. As the fae world, with its intricate web of lies and mysteries, is slowly revealed to Morgan, she is led to the terrible realization that the secrets she carries in her blood make her a greater threat than she could ever have imagined.

The first in an action-packed new series brimming with magic, danger, and spellbinding slow-burn romance, Queen of Roses is perfect for fans of Holly Black, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Sarah J. Maas.

Morgan is the firstborn child of the king of Pendrath. Her mother was fae...either full-blooded or part, she isn't quite sure. Her mother used to take medication to suppress any fae traits, and Morgan has taken the same medication all her life. Morgan is traumatized by her childhood--specifically the death of her mother. Her father went on to have two more marriages, and she has a half-brother from each marriage. Because her father came to hate the fae blood in both her mother and herself, he changed the line of succession from Morgan to her brother Arthur. Morgan loves her brothers, but Arthur has steadily followed in their father's footsteps, which has led him further and further away from her.

The world is loosely based on Camelot, King Arthur, and that mythology. Briar Boleyn changes almost everything, so that's why I say loosely based. Arthur is evil (or at least seems to be), Lancelet is a girl, Galahad is going into service to the temple, and Merlin is a girl and is said to be mostly powerless despite being the head priestess over their religion. Lancelet and Galahad are both gay. The LGBTQ pieces were mentioned repeatedly but not dwelled on continually, and I didn't feel like the author was trying to preach, even if she was trying to present this version of the world as she would like it to be when it comes to this topic.

I felt terrible for Morgan. She has witnessed so much--at the hands of her father, Florian, and even Arthur himself. Yet she was generally pretty naive. She ignored so many red flags from Arthur. I guess we do sometimes get blinded by those we love. And, of course, the entire Vesper storyline was so obvious to me. I suppose her naivete is necessary for the storyline, but if you ever want to shake a heroine into common sense, you'd probably want to do so with Morgan.

Draven is assigned to take Morgan on a mission for her brother to retrieve Excalibur. Morgan doesn't trust Draven, but he's never done anything to make her mistrust him...other than perhaps being a little bit of a jerk when they first met. Obviously, the reader can see he is keeping secrets. Morgan knows he's likely keeping secrets, too, but she doesn't push him to reveal those secrets either.

The only highlights I made were of things I thought might come back in the future. So I have no quotes to share with you today.

Queen of Roses was a solid first book in a new series for me. I was hooked early on. I wanted to keep reading when I needed to stop for real life, which is always a good sign that things are going well. I like Morgan and want to see her succeed, even though I want to shake her a few times to have her wake up from her naivete. I didn't mention earlier that I don't like when book descriptions compare a book to others I've loved because it can feel like expectations build up too much. Time will tell whether this series stands up to the likes of Sarah J Maas or Jennifer L Armentrout. For now, Queen of Roses gets 4 Stars. Have you read Queen of Roses? What did you think? Let me know!