Can't Wait for Threshing Day

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.

Threshing Day (The Empyrean, # 3.5)

By: Rebecca Yarros

Expected Publication: September 29, 2026 by Entangled: Red Tower Books

224 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Dragons, Romantasy

( 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 next book in the blockbuster Empyrean series, Threshing Day contains thirteen stories starring your favorite characters and their dragons. The deluxe first edition includes sixteen beautiful original full-color illustrations by artist Joe Requeza. This breathtaking collectible is available only in the US and Canada while supplies last. Full blurb to be revealed soon!

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

The Wind Weaver - Review

The Wind Weaver (Reign of Remnants, # 1)

By: Julie Johnson

Publication: April 8, 2025 by Ace

544 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Romance

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--Magic and adventure swirl through this spellbinding romantasy where a young woman reignites the embers of an ancient prophecy, unleashing a storm that could save her realm or doom them all.

Fear of maegic plagues war-torn Anwyvn. Halflings like Rhya Fleetwood are killed on sight. But Rhya’s execution is interrupted by an unexpected savior—one far more terrifying than her would-be killers. The mysterious and mercenary Commander Scythe. In the clutches of this new enemy, Rhya finds herself fighting for her life in the barren reaches of the Northlands. Yet the farther she gets from home, the more she learns that nothing is as it seems—not her fearsome captor, not the blight that ravages her dying realm, not even herself.

For Rhya is no ordinary halfling. The strange birthmark on her chest and the wind she instinctively calls forth means she is a Remnant, one of four souls scattered across Anwyvn, fated to restore the balance of maegic…or die trying.

But mastering the power inside her is only the beginning. Desire for the Commander—a man she can never trust, a man with plans of his own—burns just as fiercely as the tempests beating against her rib cage for release. Rhya must choose: smother the flames…or let them consume her.

I dont really know why but I didnt have high expectations for The Wind Weaver, but I found myself pleasantly surprised and enjoying it. At the same time, I did notice early on that plot points of The Wind Weaver reminded me of other books I've read.

Rhya is a halfling fae. I don't know how she knows that considering she's never met her parents and have been raised by a human instead. Her human father for all intents and purposes was a healer who taught her the trade but also taught her to hide the parts of her that are fae, well except for her ears she cant hide. Her human father is dead, and Rhya is alone. The book starts with her having already been captured by an army squad that is determined to execute her. She is saved by an unlikely person, Scythe. But he keeps her bound and doesn't treat her very well as they run from another enemy army that seems to be chasing them for some reason Rhya doesn't know.

Scythe is actually an alias and his real name is Pendfyre. I won't tell you too much about him as that would be a spoiler. But he is taking Rhya against her will north. He won't explain anything to her. He barely talks to her at all. Yet time and again he saves her life. To him that seems to cover a multitude of sins. Or at least normal decency and behavior. When Rhya still has trouble trusting him, he's annoyed that his protection from harm or death ought to be enough to reveal his character to her. I'm sorry, I'm with Rhya on this one. It's obvious he's kidnapped her with a purpose but he won't share that purpose with her.

The misunderstood, morally grey but not really MMC, the long journey with one horse, the shared bedroom at the inn, the lack of communication because then what would the plot conflict actually be...all of these felt very familiar to other fantasy novels I've read. They did feel unique enough without a deeper dive to say they don't mimick any one book too closely.

After I felt hooked, I did begin to feel like things were being too predictable. I have my suspicions for what is to come with the next book. Also, I skimmed more than I wanted towards the end of the book.

Favorite quotes:

-The heart makes you soft. The stomach makes you weak. Ignore their fleeting impulses. It is your mind you must mind.

-Physical contact is something I took for granted in all the years of my youth.

-For what is hate but love turned poison?

-“It is only lately, for the first time in seventy years, that I have felt my first bit of respite from those pointless longings. For if she were still here . . . you would not be.”

-Skies, everything was so much simpler when we were at each other’s throats instead of under each other’s skin.

The Wind Weaver was better than I expected it to be. Yet it was also predictable. The Wind Weaver gets 4 Stars. Have you read The Wind Weaver? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 07/12/26

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.

Monday was a rough parenting day. Big Girl got a break from pitching practice, but the kids went to martial arts instead since belt testing is coming up. Tuesday, we went to a funeral visitation for a friend's grandmother. Then we did grocery pickup. Tuesday after lunch, we had some friends come to swim. The Big Kids did martial arts. Wednesday was a chill day. Thursday, we had another swim playdate with a friend. The Big Kids did martial arts again. Friday, we had another chill day. I try to balance being active with resting during the summer. I'm so thankful to get to do both. Saturday, our dog turned 2. We took him to get a pup-cup.

THE PAST WEEK

Monday: Review of An Honorable Love (The Gentlemen's Gamble, # ?) by Audra Wells (3 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Throne of the Heavens (The King's Men, # 4) by Connilyn Cossette
Friday: Homeschool Friday - Jake Plays Ball (5 Stars)

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of The Wind Weaver (Reign of Remnants, # 2) by Julie Johnson
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday
Thursday: Book Review?
Friday: Homeschool Friday - ?

NEW BOOKS:

Web of Vows and Vengeance (The Hirathean Path, # 1)

By: Aria Ashbrook

Publication: February 27, 2026 by Hellhound Press Limited

542 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Romantasy

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--Stripped of power. Fuelled by vengeance.

She lost everything because of his lie. Now the only way to save her sister is to win a deadly competition that could cost her the only thing she has left: her life.

When Prince Kyor twisted the truth about his mother’s death, Rose paid the price. Her family was stripped of their magic, cast into the slums, and abandoned by the kingdom they once served. Now her parents are gone, and her younger sister’s future hangs in the balance.

Rose’s only hope is the Tournament of the Gifting, a brutal competition held once a century, where the victor earns a blessing from the Goddess of Life. The catch? Every other contender wields the very power she was robbed of.

And Prince Kyor is among them. Commander of the armies. Rider of a bonded dire wolf. Wielder of lightning. He doesn’t just want to win for vanity – he wants the gift for himself. But what could a man who has it all possibly want?

Thrown into a world of magic, monsters, and merciless trials, Rose must fight not only for survival but for the chance to reclaim her future. Along the way, she’ll find unlikely allies, ruthless rivals, and a dangerous connection with her greatest enemy – one that could ruin or remake her.

Web of Vows and Vengeance is a dark, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romantasy, set in a Nordic-inspired world, featuring deadly trials, found family, gods and goddesses, political intrigue, and an underdog heroine who refuses to stay broken.

This is a story of heartbreak, vengeance, and the kind of power that can never be taken.

Theo of Golden

By: Allen Levi

Publication: October 3, 2025 by Atria Books

387 pages

Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Christian

Source: Borrowed from the e-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--One spring morning, a stranger arrives in the small southern city of Golden. No one knows where he has come from…or why…

His name is Theo. And he asks a lot more questions than he answers.

Theo visits the local coffeehouse, where ninety-two pencil portraits hang on the walls, portraits of the people of Golden done by a local artist. He begins purchasing them, one at a time, and putting them back in the hands of their “rightful owners.” With each exchange, a story is told, a friendship born, and a life altered.

A story of giving and receiving, of seeing and being seen, Theo of Golden is a beautifully crafted novel about the power of creative generosity, the importance of wonder to a purposeful life, and the invisible threads of kindness that bind us to one another.

That's it for my shelves and recaps of my past and upcoming week. What did you add to your shelves this week? Any bookish news you want to talk about? Let me know!

Homeschool Friday - Jake Plays Ball

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

Jake Plays Ball

By: Crystal Bowman

Publication: June 10, 2007 by Zonderkidz

32 pages

Genre: Children's, Early Reader, Level-2, Picture Books

Source: Personal Library

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--Jake’s friend Jason comes over to play with Jake and wants to play baseball. After Jason hits the ball several times, Jake wants a turn to bat. Jake keeps striking out, so Jason gets frustrated and goes home. Jake is discouraged at his inability to play baseball. Mother assures Jake that with patience, practice, and God’s help, he will learn to hit the ball too. Grandma comes over for a visit and Jake asks her to play baseball with him. Grandma has the time, patience, and encouragement Jake needs to learn how to hit the ball.

Jake Plays Ball is a Zonderkidz Level 2 reader. A friend gave us this book, and my son read it at 7 years old and in the 2nd grade. To be honest, I was a little distracted while he was reading it to me because my younger son was acting up. But I didn't notice him having any trouble with the words. It is 32 pages, which is the average page count for most level-1 and level-2 readers in my experience.

As for the content, I loved the story behind Jake Plays Ball. Jake's friend Dan comes over and wants to play baseball. Dan is good at baseball and hits the ball over Jake's head each time. When Jake takes a turn, he doesn't do well and misses the ball every time. I loved that Jake's mom tells him that God made him good at other things, and she names a few of those things. Then she goes on to tell Jake that he can be good at baseball, too, if he practices. Jake asks his grandma to play with him. She helps him, and he's able to hit the ball. I love that God is incorporated. These younger level readers don't have to be stories that are all fluff just because they are at an easier level. The stories can still incorporate God and morals. Working hard, praying for help, understanding that we are all different and have different talents given to us by God. All of those are great lessons that I want my children to learn.

Jake Plays Ball gets 5 Stars from me. If you can have a leveled reader that can help my child with reading fluency as well as present good morals, lessons, and include God then that book is a winner in my opinion. I'd recommend this book to any child reading at level-2. Have you or your child read Jake Plays Ball? What did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for Throne of the Heavens

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.

Throne of the Heavens (The King's Men, # 4)

By: Connilyn Cossette

Expected Publication: October 6, 2026 by Bethany House Publishers

352 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--Flashes of a forgotten life are all Mattaniel remembers from before his freedom was stripped away. When a shocking revelation forces him into the service of a foreign king, he finds himself entangled in a world of political intrigue and captivated by a woman far beyond his reach.

As the daughter of a king, Elissa knows her duty is to secure her father's ambitions with an advantageous marriage. Yet when her brilliant and enigmatic tutor uncovers a conspiracy that drags them both into a deadly game of treachery, her privileged world begins to crumble. As more fragments of Mattaniel's past are uncovered, enemies close in, loyalties fracture, and their forbidden bond will ignite a chain of events that could reshape the destiny of nations.

The early years of King Saul's reign come to life in bestselling and award-winning author Connilyn Cossette's compelling, biblical-inspired tale.

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