Thursday, January 8, 2026
I Want to Trust You But I Don't - Review
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I Want to Trust You, but I Don't: Moving Forward When You’re Skeptical of Others, Afraid of What God Will Allow, and Doubtful of Your Own Discernment
By: Lysa TerKeurst
Publication: October 8, 2024 by Thomas Nelson
256 pages
Genre: Non-Fiction, Self-Help, Christian
Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)
*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.
Goodreads description--New York Times bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst shows you what to do with your skepticism and distrust so you can heal from past betrayals and move forward with strength and resilience.Trust is the oxygen of all human relationships. But it's also what trips you up after you've been burned. Maybe a friend constantly lets you down. A leader or organization you respect turns out to be different than they portray themselves to be. A spouse cheats on you. A family member betrays you. You're exhausted by other people's choices and starting to question your own discernment. And you're wondering, If God let this happen, can he even be trusted?
How can you live well and step into the future when you keep stumbling over trust issues? Lysa TerKeurst says it's not simply about finding better people to walk with. It's about developing the stability you long for within yourself and with God, so you don't become cynical and carry a broken belief system into every new relationship.
In I Want to Trust You, But I Don't, Lysa shows you how to identify which of the eleven relational red flags are stirring up distrust, so you can pinpoint why you're feeling uneasy;stop having more faith in your fears coming true than God coming through for you by asking crucial "what if" questions to better process your doubts;recognize when a fractured relationship can be repaired by considering a reasonable list of characteristics necessary for rebuilding trust; andunderstand the physical, emotional, and neurological impact of the betrayals you've experienced and start healing from the inside out.
In a world where so many things feel alarming, this book will give you a peace that isn't dependent on unpredictable people, circumstances, and experiences. Instead, it offers practical and biblical ways to make real progress toward healthier perspectives, relationships, and a future you can authentically look forward to.
I've read several books by Lysa TerKeurst, but I've not read them all. The last one I read was Forgiving What You Can't Forget which was about the healing and restoration of her marriage. I don't follow her so I was surprised when I dove into this book to find out that her marriage didn't survive afterall. I hate it for her. This book was written from a place where her hurt and trauma could be felt. I felt so bad for her, while also being able to relate on some levels. Of course, none of us have experienced exactly the same hurts and betrayals.
I have to say that while I have come a long way from a lot of my own truama and personal betrayals, I still find myself struggling to trust at times. And I still find myself trying to control all the things I have no business trying to control. This book brought some of those experiences back to the forefront of my mind, which I didn't want. I do want to move forward, truly forgive fullly, and move on. So bringing some of these memories back to the surface was a painful experience for me. And I had to proceed slowly through this book. I couldn't just plow through it. I ended up putting it down for quite a long time before returning and finishing it.
If you have been betrayed and you hope to regain some of the trust that was lost, I would recommend this book as a resource for you. I think Lysa has some good tips. It's always helpful to know that we aren't alone and that we haven't experienced something that no one else in the world has experienced. So comisserating and seeing how someone else processed their pain can be helpful. I appreciate her attempts to always be learning from God during her life no matter if that's from pain or joy. I strive to do the same in my own.
I always appreciate that Lysa often narrates her own books. I switched back and forth between listening to this on audio and reading it. Both are equally good. I didn't find myself rating this as 5 Stars probably for a couple of reasons 1) my trauma and betrayal isn't new and these aren't feelings I'm actively working through, 2) I had to put this book down for a long time and having a big gap in the reading experience caused continuity issues for me. This is solely my fault and no fault of the book itself, but it does affect my experience reading it. Either way, I'm giving I Want to Trust You But I Don't 4.5 Stars. Have you read or listened to I Want to Trust You But I Don't? What did you think? Let me know!
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Can't Wait for A Novel Engagement
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 Novel Engagement (The Gentlemen's Gamble, # ?)
By: Anneka R Walker
Expected Publication: March 19, 2026 by Anneka R. Walker
? pages
Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction
*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.
Goodreads description--A reckless wager. A forgotten promise. Two enemies in a race to the altar.With an arranged marriage looming, Rowan Ashworth and Arabella Delafield cannot get past their vexing history—or their growing attraction. He has a vow to keep, and she’s determined to wed anyone but him. Old hurts, mistaken identities, and surprise chemistry turn a childhood promise into a second chance neither expected—and a love neither can outrun.
***The Gentlemen's Gamble is a series about seven men racing to the altar in order to avoid losing a wager. Starting January, the books will release in surprise order so as not to give away who the final bachelor and loser of the wager is.
What are you guys waiting on this week? Let me know!
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Top Ten Books I Read in 2025
Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together. This week's topic is Top Ten Books I Read in 2025
- Courageous World Changers by Shirley Raye Redmond
- The Children's Book of Virtues edited by William J. Bennett
- The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis (review coming soon)
- Shadow & Storms (The Legends of Thezmarr, # 4) by Helen Scheuerer
- The Duke's Sacred Vow (Brides of the Regency, # 1) by Isabel Jacobs (review coming soon)
- We Met Like This by Kasie West (review coming soon)
- I Want to Trust You, But I Don't by Lysa TerKeurst (review coming soon)
- Onyx Storm (The Empyrean, # 3) by Rebecca Yarros
- The Last Wish of Bristol Keats (The Courting of Bristol Keats, # 2) by Mary E Pearson (review coming soon)
- Brimstone (Fae & Alchemy, # 2) by Callie Hart (review coming soon)
*Not including re-reads.
Have you read any of these? Which books were your favorite reads from 2025? Let me know!
Monday, January 5, 2026
Drive Me Crazy - Review
Drive Me Crazy
By: Lizzy Dent
Expected Publication: January 6, 2026 by G.P. Putnam's Sons
368 pages
Genre: Adult, Contemporary
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss (Thank you!!)
*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.
Goodreads description--Can they navigate the twists and turns of love without crashing and burning?As one of the first female team principles in Formula 1, Chloe Coleman is determined to prove herself and transform her failing team from underdogs to champions. Nothing can ruin her strategy—except maybe the surprising new addition of a cocky, top-tier driver who’s lost his edge. And he just so happens to be her estranged childhood crush who still sends her heart racing.
Matt Warner needs a comeback. A former champion, he hasn’t won a race since the disastrous crash that landed his best friend and teammate in the hospital. If there’s a silver lining to this scandalous demotion, it’s his fierce and familiar new boss, Chloe. But as the competition heats up, so does an unexpected spark that turns dangerously and passionately hot. With the world watching and pressures of the season mounting, will their chemistry lead them to victory, or spin them out of control?
Drive Me Crazy is the first book I've read that featured the racing industry. I know nothing about Formula 1 racing, so I can't comment on any accuracy, but the author seems highly connected to the sport. The love of the sport did shine through even if I know nothing of it myself. I applaud this.
Chloe has been hired as one of the first ever female team principles in formula one racing. She has her work cut out for her from a world that is predominately men. Many wonder how she made it this far, and many doubt her ability simply based upon her gender. It doesn't help that the owner of the team hired her almost as a publicity stunt trying to drum up last minute sponsorships and at the very least publicity to his near bankrupt team. Unknown to her, the owner also hires someone from Chloe's past that she wouldn't have chosen to work with for anything.
Matt used to be at the top of his game, but a wreck involving a teammate has shaken him and his ability to take risks on the track. Since then, he's having panic attacks and flashbacks while driving which has caused him to be unpredictable at best, and a wreck at worst. He isn't even sure if he wants to keep driving or if it's time for him to retire. But he wants to help Chloe succeed.
Chloe and Matt have history. They grew up friends, and Chloe even gave Matt some pointers to improve his driving back in the day. She was in love with him long ago, but he never seemed to register her in that way. Now Chloe feels like she has to protect her heart from being broken by Matt again, even if he's unaware that he broke it in the first place. Mostly, Matt began to see success in his career, and he left Chloe behind. She was younger than him afterall, and he was only concerned with his own success at the time.
I enjoyed their story. The tension between them that Matt didn't even understand. I can do without the on-page spice. That just isn't what I read for. But I do love relationships. I wish there were more clean romance writers for adults. But I know that isn't where the money is in the industry these days.
Apparently, I highlighted exactly zero times. So I have no quotes to share with you. Which tells me this might be a fun read, but not necessarily a must read book.
Drive Me Crazy was an quick and easy read for me. I enjoyed the story of the main characters. I rooted for them. I do wish for no on-page spicy scenes. That's a personal reading preference for me. But I'm able to skim ahead. Drive Me Crazy gets 4 Stars. Have you read Drive Me Crazy? What did you think? Let me know!
Sunday, January 4, 2026
Sunday Post - 01/04/26
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.
We normally hang out with my parents on Tuesday, but I had plans to meet up with a friend from Texas who was visiting her family for Christmas. My parents watched the kids on Monday while we met up for lunch at McAllister's, and then ran by Target. All of our extracurricular activities are out of session for the week. So Tuesday we hung out at home. I took a little Christmas down each day. Husband was off a little early on Wednesday. Thursday, we had a nice day. My mother-in-law cooked a traditional new year's meal for us and we went to her house for a few hours. I finished getting my Christmas decorations down that day. I barely remember Friday. Saturday, we had a nice lazy morning. We watched the news about the Venuzula attack, and then we all worked in the yard cleaning up and doing various tasks. I had an audiobook going in my ear at the same time.
Monday: Review of The House Saphir by Marissa Meyer (3 Stars)
Tuesday: Last Ten Books I Added to My TBR List
Wednesday: December 2025 EOM Wrap Up
Friday: 2025 EOY Wrap Up
Saturday: 2025 EOY Book Survey
Monday: Reivew of Drive Me Crazy by Lizzy Dent
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday
Thursday: Review of I Want to Trust You But I Don't by Lysa TerKeurst
Friday: Homeschool Friday - This Book Is On Fire!
Rebel Witch (Crimson Moth, # 2)
By: Kristen Ciccarelli
Publication: February 18, 2025 by Wednesday Books
464 pages
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Magic
Source: Borrowed from the e-library
*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.
Goodreads description--A WITCH...
Rune Winters is on the run. Ever since the boy she loved, Gideon Sharpe, revealed who she was and delivered her into enemy hands, everyone wants her dead. If Rune hopes to survive, she must ally herself with the cruel and dangerous Cressida Roseblood, who’s planning to take back the Republic and reinstate a Reign of Witches—something Cressida needs Rune to accomplish.A WITCH HUNTER...
Apparently it wasn’t enough for Rune to deceive Gideon; she’s now betrayed him by joining forces with the witch who made his life a living hell. Gideon won’t allow the Republic to fall to the witches and be plunged back into the nightmares of the past. In order to protect this new world he fought for, every last witch must die—especially Rune Winters.AN IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE...
When Rune makes Gideon an offer he can’t refuse, the two must pair up to accomplish dangerous goals. The more they’re forced into each other’s company, the more Gideon realizes the feelings he had for Rune aren’t as dead and buried as he thought. Now he’s faced with a terrible choice: sacrifice the girl he loves to stop a monster taking back power, or let Rune live and watch the world he fought so hard for burn.In Kristen Ciccarelli's Rebel Witch, the exciting conclusion to The Crimson Moth duology, love has never been so deadly.
Toxic Empathy
By: Allie Beth Stuckey
Publication: October 15, 2024 by Sentinel
224 pages
Genre: Non-fiction, Christian, Politics,
Source: Borrowed from the e-library
*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.
Goodreads description--A sharp Christian voice makes a bold when politics are driven by empathy rather than truth, innocent people pay the price.We are told that empathy is the highest virtue—the key to being a good person. Is that true? Or has “empathy,” like so many other words of our day— “tolerance,” “justice,” “acceptance”—been hijacked by bad actors who exploit compassion for their own political ends? In Toxic Empathy, Allie Beth Stuckey argues that empathy has become a tool of manipulation by left-wing activists who bully people into believing that they must adopt progressive positions to be loving. She explores the five most heated issues through which toxic empathy is abortion, gender, sexuality, immigration, and social justice. Progressives use catchy mantras to present their perspective as empathetic, like “abortion is healthcare,” “love is love,” or “no human being is illegal,” but in each case, they ignore the other side of the moral equation. For example, abortion is presented as compassionate for the woman, but what about the human life the procedure kills?This book isn’t about killing empathy; it’s about submitting our empathy to God’s definitions of love, goodness, and justice. Stuckey exposes the logical pitfalls and moral consequences of toxic empathy, equipping Christians with research-backed, Biblical truths to dismantle the progressive lies that have permeated our culture— and our church.
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!
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