Sunday Post - 09/13/26

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 the kids got to spend a little time with their cousins before they went back to Georgia. Tuesday, we made some changes to our school schedule, so we didn't go to my parent's house. Plus Big Girl started getting sick on Monday/Tuesday. She missed softball practice that night. Husband took the boys to their ball practices. Wednesday was a good school day. I took Little Boy to batting practice. Thursday, Big Girl was feeling better so we went to band. The boys had to go with us this week, but they did well. Thursday night, I had the boys at baseball and Husband had Big Girl. The older two both had scrimmage games. Big Boy got to pitch to his first ever live batter. He did strike out his first batter. Friday was a normal, full school day. Saturday, the league has a opening practice tournament. Big Girl's team came in second place. The coaches of the opposite team vote for an MVP on the other team and she got the award for her team. I was so proud of her. Big Boy's team won their age bracket. He didn't get to pitch in the tournament, but that's okay. I'm sure he will have opportunity throughout the season. Little Boy's team won their first game, but got put out in their second game. It was quite hectic trying to get to all the games, but we had overcast skies and a slight breeze off and on which helped with the temperature. I am still wiped out though.

THE PAST WEEK

Monday: Review of When Calls the Heart (Canadian West, # 1) by Janette Oke (4 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Trust Issues by Kasie West
Friday: Homeschool Friday - Darcy is Always First

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of Without a Clue by Melissa Ferguson
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday
Thursday: Review ?
Friday: Homeschool Friday - Tomas Looks Up and Out

NEW BOOKS:

Vale of Dreams (Fey Academy for Spies, # 2)

By: C.N. Crawford & Alex Rivers

Expected Publication: December 15, 2026 by Scarlett Press

400 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Fae, Romance, Romantasy

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--Acting as the mistress of a terrifying Fey prince known as the Dream Stalker was never on my wishlist. But that’s exactly what happens when I journey into Brocéliande to rescue my lover, Raphael. Sometimes, fate has a twisted sense of humor.

Captured by the prince, I quickly learn he’s a beautiful, living nightmare. He immediately discovers my hidden talent—mind control. He gives me no choice but to serve him. Avalon Tower thinks it’s a good idea, too. Now, I'm keeping secrets from everyone, and the Dream Stalker doesn’t know I'm a spy. His plan? Manipulate ministers, overthrow his father, and annihilate humanity.

Seductive and complex, he’ll get in my head if I let him. In the Fey palace, courtly intrigue reigns. If I can’t outsmart the prince, my neck will be the next one on the execution block, and he will crush humanity in his beautiful hands.

Lady of the Lake (Fey Academy for Spies, # 3)

By: C.N. Crawford & Alex Rivers

Expected Publication: March 16, 2027 by Scarlett Press

448 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Fae, Romance, Romantasy

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--Acting as the mistress of a terrifying Fey prince known as the Dream Stalker was never on my wishlist. But that’s exactly what happens when I journey into Brocéliande to rescue my lover, Raphael. Sometimes, fate has a twisted sense of humor.

Captured by the prince, I quickly learn he’s a beautiful, living nightmare. He immediately discovers my hidden talent—mind control. He gives me no choice but to serve him. Avalon Tower thinks it’s a good idea, too. Now, I'm keeping secrets from everyone, and the Dream Stalker doesn’t know I'm a spy. His plan? Manipulate ministers, overthrow his father, and annihilate humanity.

Seductive and complex, he’ll get in my head if I let him. In the Fey palace, courtly intrigue reigns. If I can’t outsmart the prince, my neck will be the next one on the execution block, and he will crush humanity in his beautiful hands.

The Realm Reaper (Reign of the Remnants, # 3)

By: Julie Johnson

Expected Publication: February 23, 2027 by Ace

592 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy

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--Four courts. Two kings. One Remnant whose choice could change the fate of the realm.

The final battle begins in this epic conclusion to the #1 Sunday Times bestselling series.

Captured and alone, Rhya Fleetwood is fighting not to sink into darkness. With each passing day, her mind unravels and her power slips away—until there may be no magic, no hope…no more Rhya.

Soren and Penn will flood, scorch, and destroy their way through Anwyvn to save the woman they love. But even if they succeed, the Rhya they find may not be the one they lost.

The realm needs all four fated Remnants—Earth, Fire, Water, and Air—to restore balance. As prophecy looms and deadly sorcery rises in the Southlands, time is running out.

Rhya must reclaim her rightful place before it’s too late. Her mind may be frayed, but some bonds cannot be broken—and some loves are so powerful, not even oblivion can erase them.

- Enemies-to-lovers
- High concept
- Fae courts
- Elemental magic
- Kingdoms at war
- Political intrigue

Of Frost and Feather (Flame Cursed Fae, # 2)

By: Eliza Raine

Expected Publication: February 16, 2027 by Scarlett Press

288 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Fae, Romance, Romantasy

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--Maddy used to think she knew what would end her life. Now, the list is too long to guess from. And possibly the most dangerous of them all? Kain.

Every day she spends at Featherblade, more secrets are revealed, and it will only be so long before one of them is hers. When Kain has what he wants from her… She fears it won’t just be those who wronged him who will feel his wrath.

She must be strong. She must earn her wings. She must resist the promise in his flaming eyes.
She must not fall for the villain of Featherblade.

Fae Vikings meets fantasy romance in this enemies-to-lovers series in an academy/war college setting. If you love villain-gets-the-girl stories and obsessive burn-the-world-down-for-her MMCs, then this is for you. The spice is deliciously slow-burn and builds with each book.

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 - Darcy is Always First

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.

Darcy is Always First (Good News for Little Hearts)

By: Lauren Whitman

Illustrated By: Jo Hox

Publication: September 9, 2024 by New Growth Press

32 pages

Genre: Children's, Animals, Picture Books, Christian, Manners

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--In Darcy Is Always First, children will learn how to show love and patience to their brothers and sisters, even when they annoy each other.

It doesn’t matter that Darcy Duck is only a few seconds older than Delia and Denny—Darcy thinks she should be first at everything. That means that the ducklings always end up fighting to get their turn. Hurt feelings and anger abound until one day when their grandparents fly in for a visit. That’s when Denny’s determination to be first, ahead of Darcy, almost ends in disaster.

Edited by counselor Lauren Whitman, Darcy Is Always First is part of the Good News for Little Hearts series that brings gospel wisdom and biblical counsel to families. Based on CCEF’s model of hope and help, each story focuses on an animal family’s real-life issues, encouraging young readers toward a growing relationship with Jesus during challenging circumstances.A special section at the end of the book guides parents in having meaningful conversations with their kids about putting others first and living at peace with one another.Children ages four to seven will be captivated by Joe Hox’s colorful, fun illustrations that bring the animal world to life. Teaches children and parents how to apply God’s Word to the inevitable occurrence of navigating sibling conflict.

I absolutely love the Good News for Little Hearts series. There's always a Scripture where a book dedication usually stands. Darcy is Always First features Romans 12:5, "In Christ we are one body. And each part of the body belongs to all the other parts." In my copy, this Scripture was toward the end instead of the beginning of the book. Darcy is Always First is 32 pages long, but of course, it isn't an AR book so finding an exact book level for reading purposes would just have to be a guess, but I would put these books on par with the Berenstain Bears which ranges from a level-2 to a level-4. Either way, this is a book that I've read to my kids, not a book that my kids have grabbed for supplemental reading purposes (at least so far).

The book starts with three duckling siblings swimming in Mulberry Pond. Darcy has a habit of pushing her way to the front of the line to be first at everything. A couple of examples are shown. Denny is the youngest sibling, and he seems to take Darcy's habit the hardest. That's not to say that Delia is immune to Darcy's behavior. As Denny gets fed up with Darcy's attempts to be first, he begins to fight her on the position, but his attempts only make things worse. Denny eventually takes his attemps to beat Darcy at being first so far that he puts himself and Gram and Gramps in danger. All three end up soaking wet. Mama and Papa finally take time to see what's really going on with Denny. And Mama and Papa have a discussion with all of their ducklings. Papa pulls a piece of paper from his hat that has Romans 12:5 on it. He talks to the ducklings about how important it is to take care of your siblings in the same way that you take care of your own body. If one sibling does well, all of them should be happy. If one sibling is hurting, everyone is supposed to care about that pain. Because we all belong to one another. And then he talks to them about how to make things right.

At the end of the book is a section for parents about helping children with navigating sibling conflict. And then finally, there are four "Back Pocket Bible Verses" that you can pull out and give to your child/children for when siblings fight. Mark 12:21, Romans 12:5, Psalm 133:1, and Ephesians 5:1-2.

Picture books that teach about Biblical character in a way that children can understand and apply in their lives are among my top favorite books. This entire series is great. Darcy is Always First gets 5 Stars. (Now if only solving sibling conflict went as smoothly in real life as it is presented in books, all of us parents would have a much easier job.) Have you or your child read Darcy is Always First? What did you think? Let me know!

P.S. As this blog post is publishing on September 11, 2026, I haven't forgotten this day 25 years ago. I honor those lost in my memory, and my prayers are with the family members of those who died as well as the survivors of that day. I recently listened to the audiobook I Survived: The Attacks of September 11, 2001 by Lauren Tarshis with my kids and had a visceral reaction that I wasn't expecting. I highly recommend that book and will have a full review coming to my blog in the future.

Can't Wait for Trust Issues

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.

Trust Issues

By: Kasie West

Expected Publication: April 27, 2027 by Saturday Books

368 pages

Genre: Adult, Contemporary

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--The perfect follow up to Kasie West’s duo of adult rom-coms, We Met Like This and Stranger Things Have Happened, Trust Issues will appeal to readers of Emily Henry and Ali Hazelwood.

While out of town on a work trip, Parker begins to question her boyfriend’s fidelity when she receives an anonymous text with a link to his profile on a dating app. Desperate to be proven wrong Parker hires a food delivery driver to deliver both food and information. But the driver, upon learning what he’s been hired for, ruins the surveillance mission by ratting her out to her boyfriend, effectively ending her 2-year relationship with one ten-piece wing order. Parker is angry at herself…and at the asshole food delivery driver. Too bad three months later he becomes the new hire at the newspaper where she writes.

Not only has he invaded her daily happy place, they are put on an assignment together, against both of their wills, investigating a local fire. Parker finds that he’s just as arrogant, condescending, and utterly infuriating as she initially thought. But he also has stunning blue eyes. And an annoyingly cute smirk. Are his mouth and intense stare starting to cloud her judgement? Crumble her well-earned trust issues?

Or is she discovering that loathing and lust aren’t actually as different as they seem and that maybe she wants to see which one of those emotions will come out on top.

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

When Calls the Heart - Review

When Calls the Heart (Canadian West, # 1)

By: Janette Oke

Publication: first published 1983

220 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

Source: Personal Ebook Library

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Nothing in her cultured East Coast upbringing prepared Elizabeth for a teaching position on the Canadian frontier. Yet, despite the constant hardships, she loves the children in her care. Determined to do the best job she can and fighting to survive the harsh land, Elizabeth is surprised to find her heart softening towards a certain member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Book 1 of the bestselling Canadian West series.

I remember my mom reading these books when I was little. And you know, it isn't possible that my mom and I would like the same books, right? But of course, I loved the Hallmark TV adaptation of this series. I know they changed a lot. But I've come to love historical fiction, and I got books 1-4 of this series for insanely cheap a while back on Google Books.

I don't remember a ton because I finished this book five months before writing my review of it. So you can imagine that I don't remember the details clearly. I do remember Elizabeth decides to go west, but she doesn't realize that she won't get to pick which town she will be a teacher in. She is assigned to a town that is even smaller and more remote than she imagined. And she isn't in constant contact with her brother like she hoped. She does, however, begin to make an impression on the students and their families, as well as a certain Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer.

I wouldn't say that romance is the majority of the plot for When Calls the Heart, but it was present enough that I didn't feel uninterested, as relationships are my preferred driving force to any story. I do want to continue the series, but I'm not dying to read book 2 immediately.

When Calls the Heart gets 4 Stars. Have you read When Calls the Heart? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 09/06/26

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 good day. Big Girl had pitching practice. Little Boy's team had batting practice. Tuesday, we spent most of the day with my parents after the kids did a little school. I tried Aldi pickup for the first time. I was really impressed overall. All of the kids had ball practice. I took the boys, and Husband took Big Girl. Wednesday, Big Boy asked Husband to take him to pitching practice instead of me. Then Big Girl and I went to church. The boys stayed home. Thursday, Big Girl had her first homeschool beginner band class. She's leaning towards choosing the trumpet right now. Big Boy had natural class. Then we went to the park for a picnic lunch and the kids played with their friends for a bit. Our friends were going to play in the creek, but I didn't have it in me to join that day due to our super busy day. All of the kids had ball practice. It was my turn to take Big Girl to her practice. They actually did a scrimmage game this time. She did really well. Friday was our only slow day with no activities. Big Girl and I rode with my parents to north Alabama to my nephew and niece-in-law's baby shower on Saturday.

THE PAST WEEK

Monday: Review of A Carol for Mrs. Dickens by Rebecca Connolly (3 Stars)
Tuesday: August 2026 EOM Wrap Up
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Night Tide by Lexi Ryan
Friday: Homeschool Friday - Tori Comes Out of Her Shell

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of When Calls the Heart (Candaian West, # 1) by Janette Oke
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday
Thursday: Review ?
Friday: Homeschool Friday - Darcy is Always First

NEW BOOKS:

Always, Elsie

By: Katie Steward Stone

Expected Publication: June 30, 2026 by Absolutely Austen

323 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Regency, Romance, Clean Romance

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--Elsie Findlay has been waiting three years to marry Graham Anderson, despite his promise to return from the West Indies in one. To make matters worse, she hasn’t heard from him in two years and doesn’t know if he is alive or dead. Finally, a letter arrives, delivered by Graham’s business partner, Arthur Ashby. Graham writes that the business has failed and as he feels he can no longer provide for Elsie, he ends their engagement. Shocked and angry, Elsie decides to confront him in person. She enlists Arthur to help her cross the sea to where Graham was last seen.

Along the way, Elsie finds herself depending on Arthur to navigate life on a ship while enduring storms, a disgruntled crew, and even pirates. Their challenges–which don’t end after finding Graham–push Elsie’s resolve and Arthur’s honor to their limits. Where will Elsie’s heart lead her when loyalty and longing pull her toward different shores?

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!