Homeschool Friday - Calling All Cars & Tell Time with Thomas

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

Calling All Cars!

By: Sonia Sander

Publication: February 28, 2017 by Scholastic Inc.

32 pages

Genre: Children's, Level-1, Early Reader

Source: Personal Library

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Description--Explore the world of LEGO City!

Sound the alarm! The bank is being robbed! Will the police solve the crime or will the bank robbers get away?

We're going through our collection of Step-1 or Level-1 readers with my now 7-year-old. He could probably advance to level-2 at this point, but I want to finish up the Level-1/Step-1 books that we have. He picked up Lego City: Calling All Cars. He played a Lego City game on the Switch so this book was right up his alley.

Lego City: Calling All Cars starts out with a bank robbery. The police are called and must solve the crime. Ultimately, they find the crooks but they still have to stop them. The good guys win in the end.

Lego City: Calling All Cars gets 3 Stars. It's fine. It's good. I liked the action aspect which is appealing to young boys. And Lego City being the setting when my son plays a Lego City game helps him to be interested in reading the book. Have you or your child read Lego City: Calling All Cars? What did you think? Let me know!

Tell the Time with Thomas

By: Christopher Awdry

Publication: July 25, 2006 by Random House Books for Young Readers

24 pages

Genre: Children's, Picture Book, Learning

Source: Personal Library

( Goodreads )

Description--The day passes quickly as Thomas, James, and all of the Really Useful Engines keep right on schedule. This book includes a large clock with movable hands. It is the perfect way to help all of Thomas’ friends stay right on time!

My son surprised me when he pulled out Tell the Time with Thomas for his book of the day. I haven't been able to find an AR level or reading level for this book, but my 7-year-old was able to read this with a little help from me on a couple of words. We've also been working on the clock in his math so being able to find the clock while reading is an added fun activity that helps the child relate the clock to real-life activities. Only hours were used in this book, but it does address the quarters of the clock at the beginning and ending if you want to go over those with your child as well.

I can't say that my son has been particularly into Thomas the Train at any point, but he has pulled different Thomas books the last two times he chose a book to read. And I like he enjoyed learning the names of the different engines and cars.

Tell the Time with Thomas is a fun activity book that can be used for your child's reading once they start. My son is still reading level-1 books, but he's starting to advance towards level-2. We both recommend Tell the Time with Thomas and give it 4 Stars. Have you or your child read Tell the Time with Thomas? What did you think? Let me know!

A Sea View Christmas - Review

A Sea View Christmas (On Devonshire Shores, # 4)

By: Julie Klassen

Expected Publication: September 2, 2025 by Bethany House Publishers

240 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Christian 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--With a promise to her youngest sister, Sarah Summers declares that this year's Christmas at Sea View will exceed all expectations. But the arrival of Callum Henshall--dashing Scottish widower and returning guest--blows a flurry of doubts into her mind. Sarah had discouraged his attentions before and is once again torn between attraction and duty. Yet even while she's busy managing the family's guest house, alluring thoughts of a second chance at love weave their way into her practical heart.

Meanwhile, seventeen-year-old Georgiana eagerly anticipates the exciting Christmas of her dreams after last year's dull, disappointing holiday filled with endless chores. She enjoys all the promised parties, music, and dancing, but is taken by surprise when young love comes knocking. Does the festive romance of a Sea View Christmas hold the key to a happily-ever-after for both sisters?

Return to Sidmouth for this highly anticipated holiday companion novella to the Summers sisters' lives and loves on the charming Devonshire shore.

I've never read Julie Klassen before, and I'm coming into this book at the end of the series. But the description pulled me in. I'm not always excited about holiday-themed books, but for some reason, I can tolerate them more in historical fiction than in modern times.

Even though this was the last book in a series, as most historical fiction series are, these are really companion novels that follow different sets of main characters. Sarah is our leading female character in A Sea View Christmas, and apparently, she was pretty front and center in the first book in this series, The Sisters of Sea View, but that book did mostly focus on Viola. Emily is the sister most focused on in book 2. Claire is the leading lady of book 3. And then book 4 returns to Sarah and her Scottish suitor. I hate that I missed out on the initial part of their story, but I enjoyed every moment of A Sea View Christmas.

Last Christmas wasn't a normal year, and Sarah has promised to do Christmas right this year for Georgiana. The inn that the family runs is always a good amount of work. Their mother isn't in the best of health, and so Sarah wonders if she can leave the inn for her own happiness. She isn't sure it's possible. Callum has been given reasons to hope that Sarah might return his regard. He wants to pursue every opportunity to spend time with Sarah to see if she might accept his proposal, since she essentially sent him away before. His intentions are obvious. It's just up to Sarah whether she feels like she can leave her mother and younger sisters behind.

This story was layered, and the side characters were often front and center just as much as the main couple. I did love Georgiana and Collin, and I hope that we'll get her/their story eventually as well. Shoot, I'd love to see Cora get a book, also.

Favorite quotes:

-Sarah thought for a moment, then confessed, "I have not often felt God's presence these last few years. I know He has not changed. I'm the one who has grown distant, busy trying to manage everything and everyone on my own." The truth of the admission pressed hard on her heart. "And yet, I have also seen God's provision in ways I never would have asked for or imagined. He is faithful, even when I am not."

-"Sarah Jane Summers. Do you hold my life in your hands, or does God?"

Initially, I thought I probably wouldn't go back and read the previous books in the series, but as I sit down to write this review, I find that I might. I will definitely check out more books by Julie Klassen in the future. I enjoyed every moment of Sarah and Callem's journey. And I look forward to seeing if Georgie or Cora get a book in the future as well. A Sea View Christmas gets 4 Stars. Have you read A Sea View Christmas? What did you think? Let me know!

Homeschool Friday - Voices Are Not for Yelling

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

Voices Are Not for Yelling

By: Elizabeth Verdick

Illustrated By: Marieka Heinlen

Publication: March 24, 2015 by Free Spirit Publishing

40 pages

Genre: Children's, Picture Books, Manners, Parenting

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.

Description--As parents and teachers know, yelling comes naturally to children. This friendly, encouraging book, geared to preschool and primary children, introduces and reinforces where and when to use an “indoor voice” or an “outdoor voice.” In classic Best Behavior style the author tells young readers, “Your voice is a powerful tool. How you use it is up to you.” Vivid illustrations show the times and places for an indoor voice, the ways people ask us to quiet our voices, and times when yelling might occur. “What happens if you’re mad or frustrated or really, really excited? Your voice gets louder and LOUDER.” But yelling hurts people’s ears and feelings. Children learn that they can quiet their voice and use their words to talk about a problem. “Think before you yell, and use your words well!” Includes a special section for parents and caregivers with activities and discussion starters.

The Best Behavior series uses simple words and delightful full-color illustrations to guide children to choose peaceful, positive behaviors. Select titles are available in two a durable board book for ages baby–preschool, and a longer, more in-depth paperback for ages 4–7. Kids, parents, and teach(more...)

Voices Are Not for Yelling starts off contrasting an inside voice which is quiet with an outside voice, which is loud. It offers up some reasons why one might want to use their outside voice while inside, such as excitement, anger, and when you really want to be heard. Then it tells us that voices aren't for yelling and the reasons why: 1) yelling hurts our ears and 2) yelling hurts our feelings. It tells the child that using your inside voice helps people to hear your words and not your yelling. Then the book goes through a series of steps to help you calm your voice: breathing slowly and deeply until your body calms down. Then it's time to use your words to state what you need or want. The adult in the book thanks the child for using their words and reassures the child that she's there to listen. The book then offers some good things we can use our voices for: laughing, talking, helping, and saying "I love you." The book ends with some additional tips and information for parents.

Yelling is a natural response to anger, excitement, and a desire to be heard, as the book mentions. All kids can easily find themselves yelling. We have at least one child in our house who struggles with emotional regulation and reacts with yelling when things become overwhelming to them. Books like this are great options to bring in information to the child in a way that doesn't feel like an attack on them or their character. But don't think if you have a child who struggles with regulating emotions, simply reading a book to them about not yelling is going to solve your problem. It's a tool to be used, not a solution.

Voices Are Not for Yelling is a great book, especially for younger kids. Any child who might struggle with yelling could benefit from this book as the way the book is laid out focuses on the benefits of not yelling and using one's voice properly. But this isn't a solution if you have a problem with yelling in your house. Voices Are Not for Yelling gets 4 Stars. Have you or your child read Voices Are Not for Yelling? What did you think? Let me know!

On Wings of Blood - Review

On Wings of Blood (Bloodwing Academy, # 1)

By: Briar Boleyn

Publication: October 25, 2024 by Starwater Press (Indie)

523 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Dragons, Vampires

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--I didn't sign up for this.

A half-fae in a school of highblood vampires? That's a recipe for torment.

I'm Medra Pendragon—last of the dragon riders, or so they tell me. Funny thing is, there are no dragons left. Not a single one. But somehow, that hasn't stopped the vampires from deciding I'm worth capturing. Now I'm stuck at Bloodwing Academy, where the highbloods run everything and blightborn like me? We're just blood in their veins, pawns in their games.

But that's not even the worst part. Enter Blake Drakharrow. Cold, arrogant, and way too gorgeous for his own good. He's been tormenting me since the moment we met, and now, thanks to some ancient ritual, we're betrothed. He acts like he owns me, but I'm not going down without a fight.

Bloodwing isn't just a school—it's a battlefield. Highbloods fight for power, and if you're weak? You're dead.

Between deadly competitions, lies that could get me executed, and a dragon-shaped secret looming over my head, all I have to do is survive. Easy, right? Except I'm starting to think the real danger isn't the academy—it's what I'm becoming in this twisted game of power.

And Blake? He might just be the one who pushes me over the edge.

They think they can control me. They think they can use me.

But they have no idea what they've awakened.

After feeling let down by the ending of Briar Boleyn's previous series, Blood of a Fae—especially the final book—I planned to skip her new series. But when On Wings of Blood kept appearing everywhere, my curiosity got the better of me. ***Spoilers for the Blood of a Fae series follow, as they are necessary to understand where Bloodwing Academy begins.***

That being said, Medra was a side character included in the last book in that series. She was born a half-fae, half-human. But she grew exponentially quickly, meaning years in the matter of months. She also grew up with all of the major people who loved her most being gone. Her father was dead. Her mother died giving birth to her. Her aunt and uncle were off fighting a war. She couldn't connect with the guardian left in charge of her. She did finally connect with Odessa, who also died before the end of that book. Then Medra sacrifices herself to the point of death to take out her grandfather, who needed to die. All of that is her backstory before she wakes up on a pile of corpses in On Wings of Blood. Yet, I felt like nearly none of this history was brought with her into On Wings of Blood. Some of it is mentioned, but I didn't see clues of these experiences in Medra's character. I didn't see her fear of losing people. I didn't see her fear of being alone. I didn't see her struggle to connect like she did in the previous series. I didn't see her inexperience and immaturity, which surely were present in the previous series but not in this one. I didn't see her trauma. In all honesty, she felt like an entirely different character.

But let's assume most people haven't read the previous series and just pick up with what we experience in On Wings of Blood. Medra is captured by a man who immediately takes her before the rulers of Sangratha. Even though this land has no king, there's obviously one man who holds the most power, and he chooses to bind Medra to his nephew, Blake. Blake isn't happy about this. Not to mention that he's already betrothed to another woman from his youth, whom he grew up with. Viktor Drakharrow believes that Medra might be a long-lost dragon rider. Her fae features (that he doesn't know are fae) mark her as such. The only issue is that dragons have long since died out. Medra uses this to her advantage. She is just trying to survive. She is told that she will attend Bloodwing Academy, where she might end up dead after all.

Some pieces of On Wings of Blood didn't make a lot of sense. Why couldn't Blake feed off Medra because their bond wasn't strong enough? How were they supposed to strengthen their bond? Did Blake want to strengthen their bond to make things work between them? Or was he determined to just let her die at some point in the school? We know that isn't entirely the case, because he stopped it from happening during sparring on their first day. His feelings weren't always clear, even though he narrates. Why did Medra think going to Theo's party was a good idea? She randomly gets bored and then goes off to a party where she knows no one who likes her will be there. And doesn't expect anything to go wrong? This felt like bad writing, honestly. It didn't feel authentic to anything Medra had thought or experienced up until that point. It felt like the author needed some conflict to happen, and so she needed Medra to go rather than Medra really wanting to go. Much less Florence. Having her go made even less sense than Medra going alone. There are a few other things, but I don't want to discuss them because I might spoil too much.

Favorite quotes:

-"Let it be known that this bond is unbreakable, as enduring as the strength of our realm. By my will and the power of our ancient rites, Blake Drakharrow and Medra Pendragon are now bound together in fate and duty, forever unyielding, irrevoably united. As the dragon flies and the blood endures, so shall your destinies be intertwined. Your bond is forged. Through fire and shadows, you shall be one. What is spoken in unbroken. What is bound cannot be unbound."

-"Blood is the beginning just as blood is the end. Blood will have blood. Your essence has not been shared completely. The mark is the first stage."

-"If there was a way, it would have involved blood magic. Blood magic is powerful because it can break bonds that other magic cannot."

-By blood and breath, by night and sky, The binding of souls I sever, Let what was trapped be freed to fly, No longer bound forever. From heart to soul, from blood to bone, Let life return where stone has grown. What's chained away shall now take flight, Awakened be the soul tonight.

I was worried about spice. There was one scene. It's easily skipped without missing too much. Language is high. The f-word abounds.

The relationship with Blake was both the driving force for me and one of the most confusing. Of course, I'm dying to know what's going to happen next, considering the cliffhanger ending. I also worry that as the series continues, I’ll find more and more things that don't make sense or writing that I find to be weak. That was what I struggled with in the previous series.

All things considered, I still give On Wings of Blood 4 Stars. Despite some issues that left me questioning as I read, and noticing some writing shortcuts, I found the book engaging enough to continue the series. While the push on diversity sometimes felt forced to me, the unanswered questions and the cliffhanger ending keep me invested. If you enjoy character-driven fantasy with plenty of twists, On Wings of Blood might be worth picking up. I’m curious to see how the story develops. Have you read On Wings of Blood? What did you think? Let me know!

Heart Marks the Spot - Review

Heart Marks the Spot

By: Libby Hubscher

Publication: July 22, 2025 by Berkley

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--A treasure hunter and the bestselling adventure novelist who broke her heart after one successful expedition reunite for a summer to search for lost riches.

Treasure hunter Stella Moore dreams of having it all—wealth, love, and a flourishing career—but knows she’ll never be that lucky. Every summer she and her childhood friends travel to search for hidden treasure, but she can barely manage her bills, let alone a relationship. Then, a chance encounter with alluring novelist Huck Sullivan during an expedition in Iceland has Stella thinking maybe her fortune has changed.

After his last book bombed, Huck hasn’t written a word. Joining Stella and her crew on an adventure seems like the perfect distraction from his problems, and when the crew finally uncovers hidden treasure, he is certain that he’s found more than just inspiration for his next novel. Huck and Stella’s undeniable connection gives way to an unforgettable night on a black sand beach.

After Huck disappears without a goodbye, Stella vows to put the heartbreak behind her—but that’s easier said than done when, a year later, every bookstore has a life-size cutout of her ex-lover next to stacks of his latest record-breaking bestseller. Good thing it’s time for another summer treasure hunt. Stella throws herself into mapping the path to a shipwreck off Key West, but the last thing she expects is an extra crew member showing up in search of material for a sequel and a second chance.

Stella and Huck are prepared for storms, sharks, sea sickness, even a tentative truce. But facing the feelings they buried and confronting the devastating truth about why Huck left is the only way to find what their hearts have been searching for all along.

Stella has abandonment issues. Her parents were treasure hunters, and she grew up following them on various hunts all over the world. Yet, treasure seeking tore her family apart. If I remember correctly, her mother left first. And then her father, shortly after, ended up abandoning Stella. Stella was a teenager at this point, and she was kind of adopted by a group of friends on a beach one day. Since then, she's worked hard to find a treasure that her mother was searching for. The exact treasure that broke her family apart. She thinks that if she locates it, her parents will realize that she is worth sticking around for. Her friends have been hunting with her every summer, but they do it for Stella and for fun, not the borderline fanatic way she searches. 

Huck is an author. His father has always talked down to him, basically telling him that he will amount to nothing, no matter how well he did. Turns out that Stella and Huck have a friend in common, Teddy. Teddy was friends with Huck in school...best friends in fact. Yet Teddy is the one who first adopted Stella into their friend group. Teddy spies Huck in Iceland on their treasure hunting adventure at a bar one night. They reconnect, and Huck is invited to tag along on some of the adventures. Huck has had writer's block for a while now. He had a successful book series, but the last book kind of tanked, and he hasn't been able to write a single word since. His dad's voice is playing on loop in his head, so having an adventure and meeting a beautiful woman that he connects with immediately sounds right up his alley. 

The side characters were easy to love. Teddy is a fun character, yet he annoyed me. And I know if I knew him in person, I wouldn't really want to hang out with him. The excessive drinking and sleeping around aren't things I can be supportive of. Zoe and Gus make up the last of their quad. Zoe is a lawyer and Stella's best friend. She and Gus have slowly turned into more, and Stella isn't quite sure how their changed relationship will affect their friend group and their adventures. I enjoyed seeing this aspect, as no matter how much we might want to freeze time in place and our friends in certain roles and physical proximity to us, life is always moving, always changing.

As the book description says (too much information if you ask me, but since it's out there, I'll discuss it), Huck leaves Stella after they've had a night together on the beach. There is so on-page action, but at this point, it isn't described in too much detail. Stella wakes up the next morning alone, abandoned again--triggering all of her previous childhood trauma. She does her best to move on, but that's not easy at all. Huck went on to write an adventure novel about treasure hunters, and he and Stella are the main characters. Stella would know that, but she can't bring herself to read his book.

Around a year later, the group is meeting up for another hunting session, and Teddy springs it on Stella that he's invited Huck. Stella is livid and determined to ignore Huck as much as possible. But their attraction is too strong. And they have to face the reason why Huck left in the first place.  Heart Marks the Spot was entirely predictable to me. I wasn't surprised by anything that happened. At all. But that doesn't mean it wasn't an enjoyable story or journey to go on. Even though the group didn't spend a large amount of time in Iceland compared to the entire story, I could picture the country and landmarks very well from the description. And even Key West--a little easier since I've actually been to Key West before. This book triggered a desire to travel in me. 

***A spoiler I am dying to discuss: (highlight for spoiler) Teddy tells Stella that he's been in love with her and that's why he told Huck to leave. I LOVE that Stella told him that he doesn't actually love her, because you don't treat someone you love like that. So often, especially in literature, we see characters or people doing things they claim to be spurred on by love, but really it's selfishness, a desire to be with someone. But when those actions are done to the detriment of the other party, that cannot be considered love. At all. I love that Stella called Teddy on this. And I appreciate the author not letting it fly. End spoiler****

Favorite quote:

-It's something precious and rare to be chosen.

Heart Marks the Spot was a fun read. I doubt I'll ever scuba dive or go to Iceland, so it was fun to live vicariously through the characters on these adventures. Nothing surprised me, but I did enjoy the journey. I'd recommend this one. Heart Marks the Spot gets 4 Stars. Have you read Heart Marks the Spot? What did you think? Let me know!

PS I will note coarse language and physical scenes are present. I skim these, but if that bothers you, now you know.

Homeschool Friday - Hands Are Not for Hitting

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

Hands Are Not for Hitting

By: Martine Agassi

Illustrated By: Marieka Heinlen

Publication: April 1, 2009 by Free Spirit Publishing

24 pages

Genre: Children's, Picture Books, Manners, Parenting

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.

Description--Little ones learn that hitting is never okay, hands can do many good things, and everyone is capable of positive, loving actions. Includes tips for parents and caregivers.

This series of books always starts with the positive. Hands are wonderful. And they come in all different shapes and sizes. Hands can do all kinds of amazing things. Waving is mentioned, but the page shows hands making symbols or ASL signs ("I love you" and "okay"), crossing fingers, shadow puppets, holding maracas, and even an animal paw. Hands are not for hitting is introduced early. And then some alternate uses for hands are listed: saying hello, drawing, playing, the itsy bitsy spider, and building. Repetition: hands are not for hitting. And then more proper uses of hands are listed: eating and drinking, dressing and undressing, keeping safe, taking care, and brushing teeth. Again: hands are not for hitting. Even more proper uses: helping, hugging, and waving goodbye.

The repetition is important for children. I do wish that addressing some of the reasons why a child might feel compelled to use their hands for hitting had been included and discussed.

This book was dual language, meaning that the English words were on the page, followed by the Spanish interpretation. This isn't super important for me. I am teaching my kids English only right now. Although I do plan for them to learn a second language at some point. I know enough Spanish to be able to read in Spanish if necessary--although my pronunciation probably needs some work. But if having this included is meaningful to you, then I thought you should know.

Hands Are Not for Hitting is a good option for very young kids. I liked the repetition of the concept, but I do wish some of the emotions behind wanting to hit were addressed. My children are a little old for this book, but the concept is timeless. Hands Are Not for Hitting gets 4 Stars. Have you or your child read Hands Are Not for Hitting? What did you think? Let me know!

Between These Broken Hearts

Between These Broken Hearts (These Hollow Vows, # 4)

By: Lexi Ryan

Publication: July 22, 2025 by Storytide

464 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Fae

Source: Publisher via NetGalley/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--Forbidden romance, mysterious prophecies, and the battle to save the fae realm come to a captivating conclusion in the #1 New York Times bestselling saga begun with Abriella in the These Hollow Vows duology and continued with Jas and Felicity in Beneath These Cursed Stars.

Princess Jasalyn has eleven days to live.

Jasalyn is facing the repercussions of a deadly bargain. Her life, and the future of the shadow court, are forfeit on her birthday unless she can stop the evil fae king Mordeus. She needs to face her greatest fears and find him before she runs out of time, but even after everything, Kendrick won’t let her face this alone.

Shape-shifter Felicity has vanished.

Felicity disappeared from King Misha’s dungeons, and her friends have been searching for her to no avail. But even if she’s found, Felicity will never be able to escape the oracle’s tragic prophecy for her and her family. In her lonely battle with fate, Misha is the last person she can ask to stand by her side, but the first one she’ll need.

The previous book, Beneath These Cursed Stars ended on a double cliffhanger. Jasalyn has discovered a betrayal. Kendrick isn't who she thought he was. Or at least, he's more than who she thought he was. This means she can't fully trust him, and she leaves him and his group to go off on her own after the sword of fire in hopes of killing Mordeus for good. Felicity's betrayal of Misha was discovered, and she was captured by her twin brother and trapped in an illusion of an alternate reality. 

Jasalyn has finally come to a place where she realizes that she wants to live, and she wants her bargain to be broken not just because she doesn't want Mordeus to use her for his resurrection, but also because she actually wants to live her own life even if it will be different from what she always imagined it to be. Her journey is dark and full of sadness. This is not a peppy story by any means. And I like that Lexi Ryan touched on the topics that she did in the way she did. 

Felicity has to come to terms with her deception and what that means. She's been fighting a prophecy that says she will succeed in killing her father, the evil King Erith of the mortal realm, but in doing so her brother in all the ways that matter, Kendrick, will die. She has no problem being the one to kill Erith, but she can't bring herself to do so at Kendrick's expense. 

There are many side stories and pieces that come into play. And Lexi Ryan does a great job of weaving them all together. I will say that I wasn't surprised by any twists or turns. There really weren't any. Things were pretty straightforward, even if you didn't fully know how the day was going to be saved, and they were going to save Jasalyn and everyone in the end. 

Between These Broken Hearts is two love stories in one. I do wish we had a few more glimpses of Brie and Finn, but it wasn't really their time to shine, and that's okay.

Language is present, and there is a small amount of spice. If I remember correctly, most of the action doesn't take place on the page. 

Favorite quotes:

-"A magic like this is hungry. It takes and takes. It will draw from you until there's nothing left."

-Fear isn't a measure of cowardice, and pain isn't a measure of weakness. You are brave and strong and anything but broken.

-"...if I've learned anything from having a seer in the family, it's that fate is a slimy thing. People like to think of it like a fixed point, but it's always changing."

-"Everyone in this world has a fate they would personally rearrange the stars to avoid." ..."Don't think I am so different."

-"Tell me what you want and I will bend the world to give it to you."

-I thought I knew loneliness in the depths of my despair, those years before I got the ring, but that can't compare to the loneliness of knowing nothing I say or do will be remembered.

-"You are so easy to love."

-"Do you know how I feel about you?" "You hate me."... "So that's a no?"

-"I look like something that crawled out of the Underworld." ..."I had no idea that place had so much to offer."

-I know my worth now. If I am lucky enough to see a life beyond my eighteenth birthday, I won't disgrace that gift by living in the shadows. I deserve a life in the sun.

-"It's easy to want the good days. ... It's the others that make the decision so hard. The bad and the painful and the gray and the numb. You can't just imagine a happy life and decide it's worth it; you have to choose all of it."

-Every existence has pain and joy and sacrifice...

-"No. They're mine. I endured."

Between These Broken Hearts is ultimately a story about overcoming, about enduring, about choosing to live and to love. It's about loving others, but ultimately about loving yourself. I love the deeper themes and takeaways from this book. While self-harm and ceasing to exist are not something I struggle with, I know that so many do. And I hope they can all find beauty in the scars, beauty in the pain, hope in the future. Between These Broken Hearts gets 4 Stars. Have you read Between These Broken Hearts? What did you think? Let me know!

Rules for Ruin - Review

Rules for Ruin (The Crinoline Academy, # 1)

By: Mimi Matthews

Publication: May 20, 2025 by Berkley

400 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Victorian

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--No one betrays the Academy. But now Euphemia must decide: break the rules for her enemy, or let the rules break her heart.

On the outskirts of London sits a seemingly innocuous institution with a secretive aim—train young women to distract, disrupt, and discredit the patriarchy. Outraged by a powerful politician’s systematic attack on women’s rights, the Academy summons its brightest—and most bitter—pupil to infiltrate the odious man’s inner circle. A deal is struck: bring down the viscount, and Miss Euphemia Flite will finally earn her freedom.

But betting shop owner Gabriel Royce has other plans. The viscount is the perfect pawn to insulate Gabriel’s underworld empire from government interference. He’s not about to let some crinoline-clad miss destroy his carefully constructed enterprise—no matter how captivating he finds her threats.

From the rookeries of St. Giles to the ballrooms of Mayfair, Euphemia and Gabriel engage in a battle of wits and wills that’s complicated by a blossoming desire. Soon Euphemia realizes it’s not the broken promises to her Academy sisters she should fear. . . . It’s the danger to her heart.

I've read 18 of Mimi Matthews' published books. I find her to be a consistent author who writes characters I can root for and stories that pull me in. Out of 18 I've read, I've only rated 5 less than 4 Stars. So I generally expect to like her books. Yet when I started Rules for Ruin, I had a hard time connecting to the beginning of it. I worried the story was going to stray more into a mystery than her books have in the past. All it took to change my mind was to make it to the part where Gabriel and Effie met. That was enough to hook me.

Effie has grown up in an orphanage for girls. But this wasn't a typical orphanage. The owner of the orphanage wasn't affectionate, and she and Effie often butted heads. Effie was eventually sent to Paris, and now she's returning for a mission that will, hopefully, earn her freedom. Mrs. Corvus has tasked her with ruining a man who stands in the way of laws to further women's rights--specifically protecting women's property that they bring into a marriage from being taken over by their husbands and leaving them completely dependent upon their spouses, who might not have their best interests in mind. Effie is hosted in society by a lady who owes a debt of some sort to Mrs. Corvus. This lady is frequently in the company of Lord Compton--the mark. Lord Compton has an impeccable reputation, but how he votes often sways his peers. 

When Effie meets Lord Compton, she also meets a man named Gabriel Royce. Gabriel runs a betting house in the Rookery. He is trying his best to grow his business and improve the Rookery. He has good intentions. But he uses Lord Compton as protection from the law. And he's recently been pressing him for introductions to more noblemen and businessmen, hoping to garner investors in his improvement ideas. But he has to do so using a bit of blackmail. Effie's goals run counterproductive to his own. And he lets her know up front that any plans she has against Lord Compton will be undermined by Royce himself. 

Effie and Gabriel have a fun journey. I liked seeing them work against each other and for each other. I liked seeing them bump heads as both tend to have a little temper and fire about them. I appreciated that Gabriel isn't a typical hero. Most wouldn't root for a man who owns a betting shop in the slums. But he was a good match for Effie. And I enjoyed their story. 

I did wonder a little at a few things. The Crinoline Academy is essentially raising spies. They are trained in unconventional arts. And Effie is supposed to be the prize student. Yet, I found her skills lacking several times. Maybe she's out of practice, having been in Paris and not necessarily on a mission. But a few things felt obvious to me that she missed. Even after being warned by Nell to assume she's being followed, her correspondence being read, and being spied on herself by keyholes, Effie is never as paranoid as I would assume she would be. 

Favorite quotes:

-"A finishing school in Paris, was it?" Gabriel inquired. "That's correct." Miss Flite returned her attention to the others. "And were you?" he asked. She glanced back at him again, distracted. "Was I what, sir?" "Finished?" Her mouth curved into a slow, feline smile. "On the contrary," she said. "I'm just getting started."

-"There you are," he said, with a husky scrape of triumph. "I see you now."

-"Fashion is fleeting, but a well-timed right cross is forever." She added wryly, "To paraphrase The Oracle of the Ring."

-"You're too bitter, that's the trouble. You persist in blaming Miss Corvus for the conditions that brought you here. And she's accepted the blame--foolishly, I feel--in the mistaken belief that your anger would fuel you. Instead, all it's done is cloud your judgment. It's made you suspicious of everything you've learned. Perpetually dissatisfied, imagining there's something better waiting just around the corner, if only you could be free of this place."

-"Never talk about other people. It is the mark of a small and common mind."

-"Don't be ridiculous," she said. "Blackmail is a loathsome business." She smoothed her gloves. "I intend to remove Compton from the board entirely."

-"Everyone must sleep eventually." "Some people sleep with one eye open." Effie gave him a thoughtful look. "Some people must be very tired." Gabriel's mouth hitched wryly. "Exhausted." "That's why it's important to have a true friend. Someone you trust with your life. You can sleep in turns."

-"When all the world desserts you, you will have no friend but yourself to rely on," Miss Corvus had told them. "See that you are a fierce and competent friend. A friend to be reckoned with."

Rules for Ruin is multifaceted, and I've barely scratched the surface in my review. Miss Corvus's backstory. Effie's backstory. I mentioned Nell, but I haven't described any of the side characters. Franc, the dog. I enjoyed it all. I'm so glad that I pressed on when things felt slow in the beginning. And I can't wait to continue the series with Nell's book next. Rules for Ruin gets 4 Stars. Have you read Rules for Ruin? What did you think? Let me know!

Look Before You Leap - Review

Look Before You Leap (Miss Prentice's Protegees, # 2)

By: Virginia Heath

Publication: June 24, 2025 by St. Martin's Griffin

320 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

Source: Personal Kindle 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--The second hilarious and heartwarming novel in the Miss Pretence’s Protégées Regency romp of a series

Nine years ago, Lord Guy Harrowby, Viscount of Wennington, was publicly humiliated when a reckless romantic gesture went very wrong. Despite that, his mother held tight to the promise he made her then: that she would have a house full of grandchildren by his thirtieth birthday. Still single, embittered, and swiftly approaching that milestone birthday, there’s not a grandchild in sight. His heart now lies with his land and work is his life. In desperation, his mother decides that if he refuses to venture back into society to find her future daughter-in-law, the only solution is to bring society to him via a weeklong houseparty so that she can find one for him. The first Guy knows about her plan is when her hand-picked gaggle of debutantes arrive at his estate, all competing to be his wife.

After failing miserably as a governess, Lottie Travers isn’t proving to be any better at being a lady’s companion. As the only girl in an all-male household growing up, she’s developed several bad habits she can’t shake and keep getting her dismissed. Even after years of Miss Prentice’s teachings, Lottie still climbs a tree better than she embroiders, and still cannot seem to curb the desire to gallop astride a horse in breeches whenever an opportunity arises. But with the family farm in trouble, and her father now in dire need of her wages to keep it afloat, she’s determined to conquer her wildness once and for all and concentrate on her career.

Even with his home full of eligible women, there is only one that catches Guy’s eye, as much as he tries to deny it. And succeeding in her new role is easier said than done for Lottie when the Wennington Estate is filled with horses and she can’t help but feel a spark around the grumpy Lord. By the end of the week, will the two of them remain stuck in their ways, or will they learn that they may just be the perfect match?

Lottie has been failing. She finds it so hard to tame herself. More than her manners, she finds it impossible not to sneak away and gallop on the back of a horse. The specific horse doesn't seem to matter. She just has to get away. Horseback riding is one of the ways she lets off steam and deals with anxiety. She's been let go from another position as a governess. She goes for a gallop in Hyde Park (Rotten Row), and she has an accident with Lord Guy Harrowby. After that, she gets hired as a companion to Guy's aunt, who is as spunky as Lottie--maybe more. And she needs to keep her job this time. Her father's farm is failing, and even though he wouldn't accept it if he knew the money was coming from her, Lottie sends every spare penny home to her family. 

Guy is jaded. He had his heart broken years ago, and he's hated London and society ever since. Yet he's promised his mother that he will give her grandchildren by his 30th birthday. Despite not having any prospects. He finally relents and allows his mother to plan a small birthday party for him, but she turns that into a house party full of ladies who are driving him crazy. Even more, the crazy woman who almost ran him over in London is among the guests as his aunt's companion. 

Favorite quotes:

-But then pride always came before a fall, and once fallen, pride was the only thing you had left to cling to that might get you through it.

-They instantly bunched up inside him and then seemed to sigh in unison as they immediately relaxed as if they had been waiting his entire life for this moment. For this woman. Even the muscles in his jaw gave way, and he felt it hanging in bemused wonderment. [...] but she was stunning!

-"He is adamant there is nothing else to be done for my...condition. Beyond reducing my motherly anxieties over you, of course. He is convinced my malaise is aggravated by stress." "I thought Dr. Arden said that it was your overindulgence of cheese that set it off?" "That is what I told him to tell you, dear, because I didn't want you upset."

Look Before You Leap is my 5th book by Virginia Heath, and I have complained about this in just about every book. Just because you write historical fiction romance doesn't mean that the main characters have to have sex before marriage. Of course, this happened. Life doesn't change that much. But would it be too much to ask that one of her couples abstain until marriage in keeping with the cultural expectations of the period? 

Look Before You Leap was a fast, fun book. It didn't take me long to read it at all. I have it marked as started and finished on the same day on Goodreads. I can't remember if that's accurate or if I just forgot to mark that I'd started reading it when I actually did. Either way, it was a fast read, which improved my enjoyment. I rooted for Guy and Lottie. They were both easy to like, even when I wanted them to behave differently at times. Look Before You Leap gets 4 Stars. Have you read Look Before You Leap? What did you think? Let me know!

Homeschool Friday - 180 Days of Spelling & Word Study for 2nd Grade

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

180 Days™: Spelling and Word Study for Second Grade

By: Shireen Pesez Rhoades

Publication: January 2, 2019 by Shell Education

240 pages

Genre: Education, Teaching, Subjects, Language Arts

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss (Thank you!!)

( Amazon )

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

Edelweiss Description--Help second grade students improve their spelling skills with fun and effective daily practice activities. Focusing on 10 words each week, students will learn spelling rules, patterns, and vocabulary.
Help second grade students improve their spelling skills with fun and effective daily practice activities.

180 Days™: Spelling and Word Study for Second Grade

Focuses on 10 words each week with memorable and repetitive daily activities
Builds students' confidence in spelling with independent learning activities focusing on spelling rules, patterns, and vocabulary
Makes at-home learning, whole class instruction, or small group support, quick and easy
Includes standards-based activities, easy to follow instructions, and an answer key to quickly assess student understanding
Parents appreciate the teacher-approved activity books that keep their child engaged and learning. Great for homeschooling, to reinforce learning at school, or prevent learning loss over summer.

Teachers rely on the daily practice workbooks to save them valuable time. The ready to implement activities are perfect for daily morning review or homework. The activities can also be used for intervention skill building to address learning gaps.

My 7-year-old son who is in 2nd grade struggles with spelling. The language arts curriculum we use includes spelling, but spelling is not a huge focus at this level. And when it is, the words are usually high-frequency words that do not always align with phonics principles. But I've learned through kindergarten and 1st grade that spelling isn't a strength of his. At this point, he tries to spell words without vowels a lot of the time. So I decided that to be effective, we needed to add some additional spelling resources. About the same time, I saw 180 Days of Spelling & Word Study for Second Grade available for review on Edelweiss. The only trouble with using this as an actual curriculum for him is that I can't print any of it for him to actually do the lessons. So I ended up purchasing a different curriculum to use. But in the process, I was able to compare the two. I won't divulge the other curriculum's name since that's not what this review is about.

First off, the difference I noticed between the two is that 180 Days of Spelling & Word Study for Second Grade is a 34-week program that has 10 words per day and is intended to be done 5 days a week. The other program I got was 30 weeks, 10 words per day, 5 days per week. These two curricula only share 47 words out of 340 & 300 words respectively. The difference in the level of words was obvious. 180 Days of Spelling & Word Study for Second Grade had harder words by far. The shortest word included in their list was three letters. The other curriculum had multiple 1-letter and 2-letter words. 180 Days of Spelling & Word Study for Second Grade also includes an entire week devoted to contractions, whereas the other curriculum included 1 contraction. I also noticed an increased level of words with phonics blends in this curriculum compared to the other. 

180 Days of Spelling & Word Study for Second Grade follows the same pattern for most weeks. Day 1 is using the spelling words in a sentence. Day 2 is synonyms and antonyms. Day 3 is to write a question, statement, and exclamation using one of the words. Day 4 is word endings/suffixes. Day 5 is analogies. There were a few variations, like word sorts, but mostly the weeks followed the same pattern. When compared to the other program I bought, 180 Days of Spelling & Word Study for Second Grade focused more on using the words correctly, grammar, verb tenses, and such. There wasn't as much emphasis on practicing spelling the words, except for using them within the worksheet page for that day. 180 Days of Spelling & Word Study for Second Grade also included a helpful hint for each week to help children. For example: The sc- blend shows up at the beginning of words but never at the end. Instead, use -sk at the end. 

Which is better for your child is going to depend on your child's needs. I haven't had the chance to use either curriculum with my child. But because of his struggles, I'm glad that I have the other curriculum to start with. I worry some of the spelling words in that one will be too easy, but I'd rather start off building confidence than immediately struggling. Although I do think most of the words in 180 Days of Spelling & Word Study for Second Grade could be spelled easily due to the phonetic principles used. Not many words would be confusing. Even still, I think if you have a child who is mid-level for this age range, this curriculum may be exactly what you need. And I like that it does work on grammar and thinking skills, and not just spelling. However, that's not exactly what I'm in the market for. 180 Days of Spelling & Word Study for Second Grade gets 4 Stars from me. Have you or your child used 180 Days of Spelling & Word Study for Second Grade? What did you think? Let me know!

Homeschool Friday - Feet Are Not For Kicking

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

Feet Are Not for Kicking

By: Elizabeth Verdick

Illustrated By: Marieka Heinlen

Publication: September 15, 2004 by Free Spirit Publishing

24 pages

Genre: Children's, Picture Books, Manners

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.

Description--“Look at those feet! Aren’t they sweet?” Yes—when they’re walking, standing, leaping and landing. And when they’re kicking balls or leaves. But not when they’re kicking people! In simple words and charming full-color illustrations, this book helps little ones learn to use their feet for fun, not in anger or frustration. It also includes tips for parents and caregivers on how to help toddlers be sweet with their feet.

We have been studying manners in our homeschool. So when I saw Feet Are Not for Kicking for review, I grabbed it. All of my children occasionally use their bodies to hurt each other. They know better, but sometimes their emotions get the better of them. However, the content in this book is best suited for smaller children.

I liked how the book starts off with how feet are sweet. This establishes that feet are good and used for a purpose. The purposes are then listed over several pages of one word per page. The title phrase is used in addition to the phrase "Ouch! Kicking people hurts." This phrase is used repetitively throughout the book to drive home this point. The book has a semi-rhyming scheme. Sometimes it rhymes and sometimes it doesn't. Options of things that can be kicked are offered. Then some advice is given in the event that someone kicks the child. And then the book returns to how feet are sweet and ultimately feet are for fun.

All in all, I think Feet Are Not for Kicking gets 4 Stars. Have you or your child read Feet Are Not for Kicking? What did you think? Let me know!

Risking It All - Review

Risking It All (Pushing the Limits: The Next Generation, # 1)

By: Katie McGarry

Publication: October 21, 2024 by Katie McGarry LLC

271 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Source: Personal Kindle 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--From Award Winning, Critically Acclaimed Author Katie McGarry comes the Next Generation of Pushing the Limits characters.

Her life has been shattered. His life was never whole. Can one summer change everything?

After a violent carjacking left her bleeding in the street, Macie Hutchins fears she’ll never be the same. She’s not the girl she once was—even if she puts up a good front.

Head down, she tries to survive the sweltering summer—and group therapy sessions—with secrets intact and scars hidden. Both those on the outside and inside.

But Relic Aslanov has always been trouble. Complicated trouble. Dangerous trouble. And his presence in therapy is making Macie’s plan to lie low and cope on her own trickier than her life has already become.

She can’t seem to hide from him, though. And he can’t seem to stay away from her—even when the long-standing rivalry between their families should keep them apart.

But as the summer simmers on, so do the looks, the touches—and the kisses that were never supposed to happen.

As things heat up between Macie and Relic, her white-picket-fence world collides with his wrong-side-of-the-tracks hell, and the truth about the carjacking bubbles to the surface.

When the dust settles and the truth is revealed, will the risk they took be worth it? Or have their pasts already doomed their future?

Katie McGarry sucked me in with her Pushing the Limits series many moons ago. I've been keeping my eyes out for more of her books, so when I saw a release featuring Noah & Echo's daughter as the FMC, I knew I wanted to get my hands on it. I didn't see it on NetGalley or Edelweiss, so I bought this with some Christmas gift cards that I got. 

Macie is Noah & Echo's daughter. And she has suffered a tragedy. She was carjacked and shot. Now she's in trauma group therapy, where no one wants to talk. As a matter of fact, Macie can't talk. Every time she tries to talk about the "accident," she triggers a panic attack. Since the attack, Macie hasn't been able to drive either. Being in the car triggers panic attacks as well. She only has two friends that she still talks to. One is her best friend, who lives next door, Isaiah and Rachel's daughter--Ariel. And Gianna is the other. Ariel spends most of the book out of the country otherwise, the story wouldn't have the conflict it needed in some areas. 

The MMC, Relic, is doing court-ordered group therapy as part of a plea deal after he got caught stealing money from a car. Relic has it rough. His mom left after he was born. His dad has just gotten out of prison. But he is right back in the clutches of a local drug dealer and gangster boss who happens to have ties to the previous series of books — specifically Chasing Impossible. Relic has an older sister who isn't all that reliable. And he has a younger sister that he's trying to protect at all costs. 

Group therapy is where we meet most of the side characters from this story. They are all in therapy because of the trauma they are trying to overcome, process, and deal with. I don't want to spoil their stories, but I will say that I was frustrated with the bisexual(?) character. Basically, a boy who likes to wear girls' clothes. I liked Lev, and I felt terrible for the situation he was in. Yet, I can't say that I support his decisions or choices either. You can disagree with someone without hating them. And you can feel the same about a book character, also. I wish this weren't included in the story, but I'm mentioning it in case it affects other readers' desire to pick up this book. 

Favorite quotes:

-"I'm not honest. I'm a survivalist. Those are two different traits. But here, tonight, I have no reason to lie."

-"You apologize for things that aren't your fault. Don't." "I'm not apologizing, I'm saying that I hurt for you."

Macie and Relic faced an incredibly difficult situation. I was thankful that Relic was as open with Macie as he was. So often, the MMC would try to hide everything he was going through if it were of the nature that Relic was. It was fun to see the old Pushing the Limits crew as adults and parents. 

Risking It All gets 4 Stars from me. I wasn't surprised by the pieces that were intended to be surprises. I liked Macie and Relic. They had a sweet relationship. I enjoyed seeing the old characters from the previous series as adults and parents. And even though I didn't enjoy the pro-LGBT included, I still liked the side characters. I'm curious if we'll get to read more of the children from the original series. Ariel, perhaps. Have you read Risking It All? What did you think? Let me know!

Onyx Storm - Review

Onyx Storm (The Empyrean, # 3)

By: Rebecca Yarros

Publication: January 21, 2025 by Entangled: Red Tower Books

779 pages

Genre: New Adult, Fantasy, Dragons

Source: Personal Kindle 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--THE STORM IS COMING . . .

Get ready to fly or die in the breathtaking follow-up to Fourth Wing and Iron Flame from #1 New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Yarros.

After nearly eighteen months at Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail knows there’s no more time for lessons.
No more time for uncertainty.
Because the battle has truly begun; and with enemies closing in from outside their walls and within their ranks, it’s impossible to know who to trust.
Now Violet must journey beyond the failing Aretian wards to seek allies from unfamiliar lands to stand with Navarre.
The trip will test every bit of her wit, luck, and strength, but she will do anything to save what she loves - her dragons, her family, her home, and him.
Even if it means keeping a secret so big, it could destroy everything.
They need an army.
They need power.
They need magic.
And they need the one thing only Violet can find—the truth.
But a storm is coming... and not everyone can survive its wrath.

Onyx Storm was one of my most anticipated releases for 2025. We all waited for over a year between Iron Flame, which had a killer cliffhanger, and Onyx Storm so there was a ton of build-up when it comes to expectations. I tried to stay away from podcasts, reels, shorts, or content that would speculate about Onyx Storm, the plot, the characters, etc. And I did fairly well with that. But all that to say, expectations were high. And unfortunately, I find when expectations are super-high, it's hard for any book to live up to the hype. Onyx Storm fell a little flat for me initially. Let me explain why. 

Iron Flame ends with that mega cliffhanger that I already mentioned. If you don't know what the cliffhanger is, you probably don't want to keep reading because there will be spoilers for the prior books included in this review. Xaden has drawn from the earth which has started the process of turning him venin. Because we didn't know much about the process of someone turning, we (I) falsely assumed that one pull and he'd be straight venin. Apparently, that's not how things work. But when a book ends in a negative cliffhanger (where a major event happens that leaves the characters in a negative place), I almost dread reading the next book because I know there are going to be more bad events to come before we can get to the good. And well, that's also to be expected from the 3rd book in a 5-book series. And of course, that is true for Onyx Storm. Thankfully, things weren't as bad as I worried they would be simply because Xaden isn't immediately evil.

Onyx Storm keeps you in perpetual fear of wondering if Xaden is going to draw power again, and if he does, at what point will he have crossed the line into too far gone. I guess this is probably a good thing because Violet is in the same place. No matter how much faith she has that Xaden would never hurt her, she can't say that he wouldn't channel again. And so you remain in the same anxious place as Violet. This creates the desire to keep reading.

A large portion of Onyx Storm's plot is the "Quest Squad" traveling to various islands south of "The Continent" in hopes of discovering Andarna's kin and the 7th dragon breed. I found this whole quest a little frustrating. I wasn't excited about any of the islands they visited. Too much time was spent trying to show how each island is different from each other. And yeah. I kept reading simply from a pressing desire to know what was going to happen, but if I look back on this portion of the book, I find it boring. And if I were re-reading the series, I would dread getting to this section. 

I found myself feeling like I was missing information a couple of times. Sometimes I wondered if that was because I hadn't re-read the previous two books before jumping into this one. Sometimes, I wondered if Rebecca Yarros was being mysterious intentionally. Sometimes I flat asked myself what in the world she was talking about. And sometimes I felt like I understood what was being said, but it didn't make any sense. More than anything, the more I've thought about Onyx Storm the more I've realized that Rebecca Yarros is writing much deeper than I realized, and she's one of those authors where nothing is said or done meaninglessly. So now, I need to go back and re-read all three books to see what foreshadowing I've missed*. Some authors aren't capable of making every detail mean something. I'm realizing she is one of the authors who can.

Many of the things I highlighted were only to help me write my book review. When I went back to re-read some of my highlights, I think I inadvertently highlighted some very important parts that will play into the future. I weeded through all of my highlights to find my favorite quotes:

I loved the dedication.

-To the ones who don't run with the popular crowd, the ones who get caught reading under their desks, the ones who feel like they never get invited, included, or represented. Get your leathers. We have dragons to ride.

Now for the book content:

-The only thing stronger than the power prowling within me is the resolve stiffening my spine.

-"But do not mistake my unflinching support of you, my mate, and Andarna for any form of faith in him."

-"Pain isn't a competition," I assure him. "There's always enough to go around."

-"Do not dehydrate on my account," he lectures.

-"Do you really think this is the only room where I've felt tormented? Pain isn't new to me, Jack. She's an old friend I spend most of my days with, so I don't mind if she sings to you. Honestly doesn't even look like the same chamber with how you've redecorated. It's a little monochromatic for me."

-"We live by the Codex--" I try again. "I live by you." ... "I am yours and you are mine, and there's no law or rule in this world or the next that will change that."

-"He didn't love me, not the way I deserved to be loved, and no amount of power is worth staying with someone who doesn't love you."

-"My loyalty is to Violet first above everything, everyone else," Xaden says. "Then Tyrrendor. Then Navarre in the moments it's worthy--usually when Violet is in residence."

-Do not mistake a dragon's bond for fealty. If you expect a dragon to choose their rider over the well-being of their own kind, prepare for two things: disappointment and death.

-"Don't barter it away," I beg as he stares at the sea, and the words spill out of me faster and faster as his eyes harden and he resurrects the defenses it took me a year to break past. "The pain. The mess. Give it to me. I'll hold it. I know that sounds ludicrous, but I'll find a way." I lace our fingers. "I will hold everything you don't want to feel because I love every part of you."

-"The best leaders are the ones who never want the job. This is your mission because Andarna chose you. Tairn chose you."

-"You're not a trigger. You're the only thing I can't fathom losing. Wielding to protect you has always been an instinct, but now it's...uncontrollable."

-"If he hurts me, then he's not him anymore."

-"Your inability to follow simple orders will get her killed, and I will not lose her as I did the one who came before!"

-"Am I not everything you wanted me to be? Am I not as fierce and courageous as he is? Is this not what I am supposed to do? Sharpen my claws on the scales of the enemy?

-"I love you and I want you to feel complete"...

-"I was whole and now I'm not"...

-"You've been breathing, and that's enough for me."

-"Acknowledging your fear for the lightning wielder does not compromise you." Feirge calls me out just like always. "Ignoring it does. Accept the emotion and move on."

-"You have been the gift of my life"...

I can't include any more quotes because even if I'm being vague, there's just too much to spoil. 

It's been 3 days between finishing Onyx Storm and writing this review. And the more time I have to sit with the events, the more my feelings on the book have changed. I still feel like not much happened to advance the overall plot of the book until the last 100 pages. A few key pieces here and there. And I still feel like (highlight for spoiler) the cliffhanger for Iron Flame is basically the same cliffhanger as Onyx Storm but with a few missing dragon riders, dragons, and eggs. But I'm beginning to see that this story is so much more complex than I ever gave credit, and I need to apologize to Rebecca Yarros for taking three books to realize how in-depth her writing really is. My initial rating might have fallen around the 3.5 Star range, but the more I think about it, Onyx Storm gets 4 Stars. Have you read Onyx Storm? What did you think? Let me know!

*Since writing this review, I have re-read Fourth Wing and may have an Upon Further Review post coming from that in the future. I also plan to re-read Iron Flame, but first-time reads have to come before re-reads.

**Also, I've accidentally plunged head-first into the world of theories for the remainder of the series. The sheer amount of videos dedicated to fan theories are insane and on a level I've never seen before. Just the fact that there is enough space for all of these videos means this series is deep and on another level. This would not be possible for just any series.

Homeschool Friday - Bears

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

Bears

By: Dona Herweck Rice

Publication: December 2, 2024 by Shell Education Pub

20 pages

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

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.

Amazon Description--You can tell a bear by what it has. You can tell a bear by what it does, too! Bears teaches young learners all about these majestic, furry creatures.

With full-page photographs and simple text, this engaging nonfiction book is sure to capture readers’ attention and spark their curiosity about the animal kingdom.

Bears is a Step-1/Level-1, early reader book. Each page opening has one sentence, each of very simple words. The sentences focus on the attributes of bears, including their eyes, claws, teeth, tails, and more. Each page has a zoomed-out picture and a zoomed-in picture of the topic of that page. Various bear types are used, from the commonly known polar, brown, and panda, but also some of the less commonly known bears, such as the sloth, are included.

If your child has any interest in bears, then this is the early reader book for them. I love finding books that fit my children's interests and reading level. It makes getting them to read easier and is more enjoyable for everyone.

Bears is a 4-Star Level-1 reader. There shouldn't be any words that your early reader would stumble over. There are repeated words as each sentence takes on the same pattern: A bear has... Have you or your child read Bears? What did you think? Let me know!

The Perfect Rom-Com - Review

The Perfect Rom-Com

By: Melissa Ferguson

Expected Publication: February 11, 2025 by Thomas Nelson

336 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--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.

The Perfect Rom-Com is the fifth book I've read by Melissa Ferguson. I won't say it was my favorite, but I have found that I've enjoyed the books where her characters are part of the publishing industry the best. 

Bryony is an aspiring author. She's been working as an ESL (English Second Language) teacher at a facility her grandmother founded. She's fallen in love with the people who come through her classes. But the facility is losing its funding, and Bryony wants to publish the book she's written about the facility and her grandmother to support it financially and raise awareness about it. The only problem is that Bryony keeps getting turned down by agents. She needs representation to get her book in front of different publishers.

After a disastrous meeting with agent Jack Sterling, Bryony leaves, not realizing that she left her manuscript on the table. Jack sees enough promise in her from reading what she left that he hunts her down to get her opinion on a new book being ghostwritten under a famous name. Jack convinces Bryony to sign on as a ghostwriter for Amelia in exchange for representation. 

The romance was SLOW building. So slow that tension wasn't even there until about 65% or more. Usually, that would bother me, but truthfully, I was enjoying the story just fine without a heavy romantic push. Bryony's struggle with writing for someone else was the heart of the story. And it's not even that she couldn't get credit for her work; the real issue was how resentful Amelia was toward Bryony, who was literally saving her. At the same time, Bryony is struggling to wait for her own book, continuing in limbo. Plus, there's the added pressure of the center she works for rapidly running out of funds and nearing closure. 

The big conflict resolution was entertaining but highly improbable in the real world. 

I didn't highlight much, but this quote does a good job of showing Bryony's struggles. 

-But the fact is, these books are meaningful to me. They’re meaningful to readers. And I sit by my computer, day in and day out, living on crumbs of news about my own story. When on earth will it be my turn to write under my name? When on earth will I get the chance to reach readers with words only influenced by my mind and not dampened by Amelia’s input?

Most of all, I enjoyed another look into publishing, writing, and all of the aspects of the industry that Melissa Ferguson highlighted. I find the whole industry so fascinating. And man, I know the waiting and not hearing back would drive me crazy. 

I also want to mention that I appreciated how the ESL topic was handled. She could have gone completely political over this topic. Even the funding being lost was handled well. I applaud this because most authors, when touching on subjects like this, can't help but be divisive. Good job, Melissa and the editors.

Also, on that note, this was a clean book. There's no on-page spice at all. And I don't remember any language used. Proof that those things are not necessary to write a good book. 

I read The Perfect Rom-Com quickly, especially given that I've been in a little reading slump. I liked the romance even though it wasn't at the forefront of the entire book. I loved the view inside the industry. And so much more. The Perfect Rom-Com gets 4 Stars. Have you read The Perfect Rom-Com ? What did you think? Let me know!

Quicksilver - Review

Quicksilver (Fae & Alchemy, # 1)

By: Callie Hart

Publication: September 10, 2024 by Forever

624 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Vampires, Magic, Fae

Source: Personal Kindle 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--The global phenomenon by Callie Hart--a highly addicting enemies-to-lovers Romantasy with razor-sharp banter, heart-stopping action, and blistering hot romance--now has an embossed cover, silver foiling, and an updated interior design.

Do not touch the sword. Do not turn the key. Do not open the gate.

Twenty-four-year-old Saeris Fane is good at keeping secrets. No one knows about the strange powers she possesses, or the fact that she has been picking pockets and stealing from the Undying Queen’s reservoirs for as long as she can remember. In the land of the unforgiving desert, there isn’t much a girl wouldn’t do for a glass of water. But a secret is like a knot. Sooner or later, it is bound to come undone.

When Saeris comes face-to-face with Death himself, she inadvertently reopens a gateway between realms and is transported to a land of ice and snow. The Fae have always been the stuff of myth, of legend, of nightmares…but it turns out they’re real, and Saeris has landed right in the middle of a centuries-long conflict that might just get her killed.

The first of her kind to tread the frozen mountains of Yvelia in over a thousand years, Saeris mistakenly binds herself to Kingfisher, a handsome Fae warrior, who has secrets and nefarious agendas of his own. He will use her Alchemist’s magic to protect his people, no matter what it costs him… or her. Death has a name. It is Kingfisher of the Ajun Gate. His past is murky. His attitude stinks. And he’s the only way Saeris is going to make it home.

Be careful of the deals you make, dear child. The devil is in the details...

The description is a little bit confusing. "Don't touch the sword. Do not turn the key. Do not open the gate." You might think those are rules that Saeris lives by. Or rules of the kingdom she lives in. But they are only things that come up in one instance. Also, when it says that no one knows of the strange powers she possesses, well that's true. Except Saeris herself barely knows about them as well. She only knows that metal vibrates around her. So it isn't like Saeris is keeping this big secret. What could she tell people about metal vibrating anyway?

I did like the idea of what people would do if water were rationed as it is in this book. And I love how when Saeris was transported to a realm where snow was falling from the sky, she was amazed at how easily accessible water was compared to where she lived. Saeris hasn't completely given her body over in all possible ways in order to get water. But she has stolen and bartered and fought for her survival and her brother's every single day.

Saeris doesn't exactly come face to face with Death in that Fisher isn't "Death". He does come to deliver a death blow the day she meets him. And while she is dying she believes that to be who he is. Saeris comes to learn that she opened a portal between the realms that has been closed for many years. And now she learns that she's not who she thought she was. And she has a part to play in changing the worlds for the better.

Saeris and Kingfisher have what's supposed to be an enemies-to-lovers trope. But it wasn't a true enemies-to-lovers situation. Fisher has information that Saeris doesn't have. And while he doesn't necessarily want a relationship with her from the beginning, I don't think he was a true enemy to her. Of course, he wasn't very nice either. There is on-page spicy scenes. And some of the dirty talk and descriptions were a little much for me. But I have a lower tolerance than I think most romantacy readers do. And while I'm mentioning things that might hinder readers from picking up the series, there was language. So many f-bombs to the point of being excessive in my mind.

Fisher himself has a bit of a tragic background. He's been through a lot. I really felt bad for him. He's nearly crazy from the effects of the quicksilver and essential torture that he's endured over the years. That's not to say that Saeris's history was squeaky clean or peachy. Because it most certainly wasn't. The histories make the characters real in a way that makes you hurt for them and connect to them.

Favorite quotes:

-"I hit him..." He thought about it. "Once. Maybe twice. That only qualifies as a light beating. And what's a light beating between friends?"

-"I never met a rule I didn't wanna break, Sunshine."

-Hayden refused to do what was asked of him, never paid attention, and then typically went and did the one thing you begged him not to.

Hey! I know someone just like that!

-The silence vibrated in my ears--an uncanny, unsettling feeling, like the moments after a scream, when the terrible sound tears the air in two, and for a split second afterward, the memory of it hangs there, determined to still be heard. I found myself straining, listening as hard as I could, searching for a voice that wasn't there.

-Rumors are next-door neighbors to gossip, and gossip always breaks bread with lies.

-Saeris Fane was twenty-four years of age when she died. Honestly, she should have died a lot sooner, but the girl never did know when to give up.

-"My concern is that a tool pushed to its limit is a tool that will probably break. And to be blunt, Saeris, you're a tool none of us can afford to let Fisher break."

-"Amazing isn't it? People prefer to acquiesce to a request rather than being forced to follow a command. Who'd have known?"

-I hated him, I did. But you couldn't hate something without caring about it just a little, too.

-"I'm not the type of person who keeps throwing herself at the things that hurt her."

-"I was wrong, y'know. You are a good thief." "What have I stolen?" But he smiled a small, sad smile, slowly shaking his head.

-"There are two kind of forever, Alchemist. One is heaven. The other is hell."

I do wish we could have had less on-page scenes and description and less cursing. Those things just aren't necessary to make a "good book." Good books come from plot and character development in my opinion. And Quicksilver had both of those in so much abundance. I do look forward to continuing the series, but I have to mention these things at the same time. My heart hurt for both Fisher and Saeris at different times, and I liked them as a couple. Qiuicksilver gets 4 Stars. Have you read Quicksilver? What did you think? Let me know!