Sunday Post - 02/22/26

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 so nice. Husband was off work, and we took the day off school. It was such a pleasant day. We did have a lot of activites in the evening. Big Girl had pitching practice. Big Boy went to martial arts. Then both Big Kids had ball practice. Tuesday, we normally spend the day with my parents, but the Big Kids woke up with sore throats. And since my dad has recently been diagnosed with COPD, we don't want to take any germs over to their house. So we stayed home. They ended up feeling fine and honestly it was a stressful day all day with behavior though. The Big Kids went to martial arts, and I took Little Boy to ball practice. Wednesday was had a short school day. A friend of ours was having a birthday celebration at the park so we got our school done early and went to the park to celebrate with her. Thursday, the Big Kids had their nature homeschool class, and I started work with Little Boy on Kindergarten Math and KinderPrep Language Arts. He did great and asked if we could do it every day. Then we did another picnic lunch at trip to a different park with friends from nature school. Thursday evening Big Girl went to martial arts and the boys went with me to Little Boy's practice. Then the Big Kids had ball practice after that. Friday was a normal day. We had a normal school day for once this week. And we didn't have any evening activities which was nice and much needed. Saturday, I taught a women's devotion class with the ladies from our church. That went well. Other than that, I spend time cleaning up and doing a little blog prep work.

THE PAST WEEK

Monday: Review of The Wicked and the Damned (Dark Inheritance Trilogy, # 2) by Rebecca Robinson (4 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Seek the Traitor's Son by Veronica Roth
Friday: Homeschool Friday - Caspian Crashes the Party by Edward T Welch

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Reivew of The Proposition of the Season by Michelle Kenney
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday
Friday: Homeschool Friday - Seth and Beth

NEW BOOKS:

The Wind Weaver (Reign of Remnants, # 1)

By: Julie Johnson

Publication: April 8, 2025 by Ace

544 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, 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--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.

A Novel Engagement (The Gentlemen's Gamble, # ?)

By: Anneka R Walker

Expected Publication: March 19, 2026 by Anneka R. Walker

238 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--A reckless wager. A forgotten promise. Two enemies in a race to the altar.

With an arranged marriage looming, Rowan Ashworth and Arabella Delafield cannot get past their vexing history—or their growing attraction. He has a vow to keep, and she’s determined to wed anyone but him. Old hurts, mistaken identities, and surprise chemistry turn a childhood promise into a second chance neither expected—and a love neither can outrun.

***The Gentlemen's Gamble is a series about seven men racing to the altar in order to avoid losing a wager. Starting January, the books will release in surprise order so as not to give away who the final bachelor and loser of the wager is.

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 - Caspian Crashes the Party

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.

Caspian Crashes the Party (Good News for Little Hearts)

Edited By: Edward T Welch

Illustrated By: Joe Hox

Publication: September 21, 2020 by New Growth Press

32 pages

Genre: Children's, Picture Books, Christian

Source: Personal 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--This colorful, beautifully illustrated children's book invites children ages three through eight into Caspian Squirrel's world to learn alongside him how to bring his jealousy to Jesus.

Caspian's brother, Jax, is having a birthday party, and Caspian is jealous of all the attention and presents Jax is getting. One thing leads to another until Caspian crashes into the tent his parents set up for Jax's birthday, bringing the whole party down with him. Caspian's parents talk with him about jealousy and its bad effects, and eventually peace is restored.

Parents and children will learn concrete, grace-based ways to deal with jealousy. Edited by Edward T. Welch, Caspian Crashes the Party ends with a special section that guides Christian parents in teaching their children to respond with faith when jealousy takes hold in their hearts.

Caspian Crashes the Party is part of the Good News for Little Hearts series, bringing gospel help 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 Christ in the midst of challenging circumstances. Each individual story guides parents toward meaningful conversations with their kids, based on what Christian scripture has to say about living by faith in everyday life.

By providing biblical help and hope to issues every child faces through vivid illustrations and a story based on a different animal family, even the youngest child will be engaged. Each story offers practical ways to follow Jesus in difficult situations. Instead of a moralistic message, young readers are encouraged to develop a real relationship with the God who cares for them.

Caspian Crashes the Party, along with all of the Good News for Little Hearts books, will become a lifelong gift for parents and children, as well as teachers, biblical counselors, and anyone hoping to provide concrete, grace-based help for young children. Caspian Crashes the Party is illustrated by Joe Hox and edited by Edward T. Welch

Good News for Little Hearts is a series that I absolutely adore. Caspian Crashes the Party is a book about being jealous. Jax is planning his birthday party. Caspian has already had a birthday party but it seems like his parents are doing more for his little brother's birthday party than they did for his. Everything about Jax's party Caspian compares to his. "I don't remember having this much stuff for my party." "I didn't have this many friends at my party." "My cake only had white icing with brown sprinkles." "I didn't get that many gifts..." And on and on he compared his party to his brother's, and in his mind, his party always came up short. Caspian even went so far as to unhook the air hose from the bounce house. Caspian's heart was hard. His father told him that he had no reason to be jealous and that he should apologize to his brother. But Caspian didn't want to apologize. And he didn't want to go to church.

But Caspian's ears perked up when the pastor talked about Paul knowing the secret to being content. Through hearing the message about Jesus's love being better than anything else, Caspian's heart softened, and he prayed to Jesus for help. The pastor went on to talk about how we can fight jealousy by running to God for help, or we can choose to hold tight to our anger and bitterness. "God helps us to love others and to want what's best for them." Caspian realized that he only wanted what was best for himself, not his brother. He asked for forgiveness and prayed for help to apologize to his brother.

Even though this book is only 32 pages, like many other children's books, the content is longer per page and opening. So it does feel like a much longer book when reading it. Of course, I couldn't find these books on AR Book Finder, which is the site I often use as a guide for reading level in my homeschool. So I can't guide you much on when your child might be able to read this book without you. I'd probably give it a Level 3 or Level 4 rating, just comparing it to some of the Berenstain Bears books in content. I love that the book starts with a Scripture where you often find a dedication. And then this book includes a large section for tips on helping your child with jealousy. My copy of the book also includes some "Back Pocket Bible Verses" intended to be torn out and carried around with the child or parent for quick Scriptural help in this topic. I also happen to love the illustration style. So often, I find with children's books that the illustrations aren't really to my liking, but I love these. Plus the hardcover copy with dust jacket that I have just feels like exceptional quality. The paper is thick and smooth. The binding is nice. The hardcover itself is great. And I love the patterned paper that covers the inside of the binding and opening.

I really and truly have zero complaints about Caspian Crashes the Party. I love everything from the story to the illustrations. I love the moral and the Scripture included in the text. And I love that everything in this story and book points back to Jesus. Caspian Crashes the Party gets 5 Stars. Have you or your child read Caspian Crashes the Party? If so, what did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for Seek the Traitor's Son

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.

Seek the Traitor's Son

By: Veronica Roth

Expected Publication: May 12, 2026 by Tor Books

432 pages

Genre: Adult, Dystopian, Fantasy, Science Fiction

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--A new epic romantic, dystopian fantasy begins in Seek the Traitor's Son, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth

Elegy Ahn did not ask for destiny to find her.

She is happy with her life as a soldier, defending her small country from the Talusar, a powerful nation who worships a deadly Fever. A fever that blesses half of its victims with mysterious gifts.

But then she’s summoned to hear a prophecy–her, and the most ruthless of Talusar generals, Rava Vidar. Brought face to face, they learn that one of them will lead their people to victory over the other…but they don’t know which. And at the center of both of their fates: a man. A man that, Elegy is told, she will fall in love with.

In just one day, Elegy’s old life–her job, her purpose, and her future–is over. She and Rava are destined to collide, with the fate of their nations hanging in the balance. And when they do, only one will be left standing.

Elegy intends to make sure it’s her.

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

The Wicked and the Damned - Review

The Wicked and the Damned (Dark Inheritance Trilogy, # 2)

By: Rebecca Robinson

Expected Publication: February 24, 2026 by Solstice Books

416 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--In the exhilarating second romantasy novel in Rebecca Robinson’s Dark Inheritance Trilogy, a fiery couple forced apart must navigate a deadly maze of politics and power to reunite across a continent at war.

Torn from her husband Reid’s arms and dragged back to her homeland in chains, Vaasa is no longer a ruler, but a political pawn. Now under the control of Ozik—a cunning Zetyr witch with a stranglehold on her magic—she faces annulment, forced betrothal, and a kingdom that no longer feels like her own. As Ozik’s machinations aim to install himself as the true power behind the Asteryan throne, Vaasa is forced to take part in his game.

Meanwhile, across the continent, Reid is done playing politics. But waging war is never simple, and a soldier’s fury cannot stand up against Icruria’s bureaucracy. With allies fading and time slipping away, Reid may have no choice but to infiltrate Asterya on his own to find the woman he loves and bring her home.

As Vaasa’s magic begins to flare, she desperately seeks control, even if Ozik is the only one who can offer it. She then finds a cryptic final message from her mother about a precious missing necklace that might just be the answer to finally freeing her magic from Ozik. Yet when a ghost from Vaasa’s past reemerges among the suitors vying for her hand, escape might be within reach—but will it demand a betrayal that real love may not survive?

The Wicked and the Damned was one of my most anticipated books of 2025. I can't understand why I never hear anything about The Serpent and the Wolf because it was so much better than I was expecting. That being said, The Serpent and the Wolf ended on a negative cliffhanger. What I mean is that the characters we've grown to love weren't in a good place. As a matter of fact, Vaasa has been captured by her brother and taken back to her home to be used as a political pawn. She's to be married off...again...despite her current husband still being alive. Ozik seems to be running things, and he's as evil as she's ever thought. Vaasa is tired of being used by others. She's come into her own power, but she has to hide that power. As a matter of fact, Ozik has basically chained her power to himself. She can only use it when he gives her leave to do so.

In the meantime, the only man Vaasa has ever loved before Reid, who she thought was dead, is now the captain of her personal guard. Can Vaasa trust him?

Reid is on the way. He has to get Vaasa back. Yet, he can't just storm into the palace and demand his wife back. He'd be killed on the spot. He has to hide who he is and Vaasa's connection to him, all the while Ozik is trying to set her up in another political marriage. He can't let that happen.

My only highlighted quote:

-"All questions have answers, but not all of those answers are known."

I didn't feel like any of the twists or turns in the plot were a surprise. Mostly, I felt like I could see them all coming from a long way off. I read The Wicked and the Damned in two days, which isn't bad for 416 pages. I won't say that I was disappointed at all, but it can be hard for a book to live up to what you hope when it's one of your most anticipated releases of the year. I don't think the physical scenes were as frequent in this book, which is a pro for me. When the main characters are separated for a large portion of the book, it's hard to get around to those. Cursing was still very present and excessive enough for me to feel the need to mention it. Even still, The Wicked and the Damned gets 4 Stars. Have you read The Wicked and the Damned? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 02/15/26

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.

Whelp...ball season has officially started, and we are crazy busy for a while. Monday we had a regular school day. Big Girl had pitching practice. We had to leave early from that to go home and get Little Boy. Husband took Big Boy to martial arts. Then Little Boy and Big Girl went to the ball fields with me. Little Boy had evaluations and then Big Girl had a practice. Husband brought Big Boy to the fields and I left Big Girl's practice early with the boys and drove them to my parent's house. They spent the night there because Big Girl had a dentist appointment on Tuesday morning. So we go there earlish. She had to have 4 teeth pulled because the permanent teeth were coming in below her baby teeth but she hadn't gotten the baby teeth out yet. We were worried if we left them longer the permanent teeth might start to get cavities from food being trapped between them and her unable to get in there with her toothbrush. We then spent the day with my parents. I got groceries and then had to do school with Big Boy after that. Tuesday, Big Girl went off to martial arts with Daddy and the boys went to the fields for Big Boy to have evaluations. Wednesday was a normal school day, and Big Boy cashed in his reward for a mommy/son date for reaching his reading goal. We went to get frozen yogurt. Thursday, we met at the park with some friends. We haven't been to the park since November. We've just been too busy. The kids decided they wanted to spend allowance money on Chickfila for lunch so we grabbed that. Thursday evening the big kids had martial arts and then Big Boy had baseball practice. Friday, Little Boy had a Valentine's Day party at school. Big Girl had a ball practice. And it was a rough day with behavior for Big Boy. Thankfully, he and I ended up having a good conversation which I think it going to benefit us going forward. Saturday, Little Boy had a ball practice, but the field got double booked so we just spent the time in the batting cages and having a coach roll some grounders to them. Husband's sister and family were in town to celebrate Little Boy and my sister-in-law's birthdays. We had a great day.

THE PAST WEEK

Monday: Review of The Last Wish of Bristol Keats (The Courting of Bristol Keats, # 2) by Mary E Pearson (4.5 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for A Bewildered Bachelor (The Gentlemen's Gamble, # ?) by Holli Jo Monroe
Friday: Homeschool Friday - The God Contest by Carl Laferton

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Reivew of The Wicked and the Damned (Dark Inheritance Trilogy, # 2) by Rebecca Robinson
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday
Friday: Homeschool Friday - Caspian Crashes the Party

NEW BOOKS:

Divine Rivals (Letters of Enchantment, # 1)

By: Rebecca Ross

Publication: April 4, 2023 by Wednesday Books

368 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, 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--After centuries of sleep, the gods are warring again…

All eighteen-year-old Iris Winnow wants to do is hold her family together. With a brother on the frontline forced to fight on behalf of the Gods now missing from the frontline and a mother drowning her sorrows, Iris’s best bet is winning the columnist promotion at the Oath Gazette.

But when Iris’s letters to her brother fall into the wrong hands – that of the handsome but cold Roman Kitt, her rival at the paper – an unlikely magical connection forms.

Expelled into the middle of a mystical war, magical typewriters in tow, can their bond withstand the fight for the fate of mankind and, most importantly, love?

An epic enemies-to-lovers fantasy novel filled with hope and heartbreak, and the unparalleled power of love.

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!