Thursday, May 31, 2018

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Can't Wait for Save the Date

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.

Save the Date

By: Morgan Matson

Expected Publication: June 5th 2018 by Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers

432 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

( 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--Charlie Grant’s older sister is getting married this weekend at their family home, and Charlie can’t wait—for the first time in years, all four of her older siblings will be under one roof. Charlie is desperate for one last perfect weekend, before the house is sold and everything changes. The house will be filled with jokes and games and laughs again. Making decisions about things like what college to attend and reuniting with longstanding crush Jesse Foster—all that can wait. She wants to focus on making the weekend perfect.

The only problem? The weekend is shaping up to be an absolute disaster.

There’s the unexpected dog with a penchant for howling, house alarm that won’t stop going off, and a papergirl with a grudge.

There are the relatives who aren’t speaking, the (awful) girl her favorite brother brought home unannounced, and a missing tuxedo.

Not to mention the neighbor who seems to be bent on sabotage and a storm that is bent on drenching everything. The justice of the peace is missing. The band will only play covers. The guests are all crazy. And the wedding planner’s nephew is unexpectedly, distractingly…cute.

Over the course of three ridiculously chaotic days, Charlie will learn more than she ever expected about the family she thought she knew by heart. And she’ll realize that sometimes, trying to keep everything like it was in the past means missing out on the future.

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

Sunday, May 27, 2018

Sunday Post & Stacking the Shelves - 05/27/18

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.

Another busy week. Monday was the last day we had to visit with Husband's friend from Japan. He was here half of the day and then Husband had to drive him to the airport. We sold my old car Monday night. That was the first car that I ever bought myself. It was everything I needed it to be, and I hope that the fifteen year old girl who will be receiving it for a birthday present will be just as excited about it as I was. Tuesday was our Spring AC check up. Our unit was working, but temps would get up to 76/77 in the house during the day and Husband was afraid that it was going out. The tech that came told me that the outside unit was incredibly dirty. That's not really a surprise to me as Little Girl had developed a habit of digging in the dirt by the unit. I didn't particularly notice her dumping dirt into the unit, but apparently I missed quite a lot. Wednesday was a normal day for us. Thursday I had to run Baby Boy to get another weight check. This time he gained 10 ounces in a week and 2 days. I'm no longer concerned about his weight gain. And that's a load off. Friday Husband got off work early and we headed to Georgia to see our niece graduate from high school. It is hard to believe that she's old enough for that. Mind blowing really. We spent the night with his sister and family and came home Saturday afternoon. Memorial Day is tomorrow for the US so no new posts here tomorrow.

THIS PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of All the Little Lights by Jamie McGuir (4 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Heart of Thorns (Heart of Thorns, # 1) by Bree Barton
Friday: 2018 Series Enders Reading Challenge - May Wrap Up

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Happy Memorial Day (US) - No blog posts
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday
Thursday: May 2018 EOM Wrap Up

Don’t forget to link up for the 2018 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2018 to sing up. Each month there will be a giveaway for those participating with an end of the year giveaway too! Click on the picture below or the link above to find out more!

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

Heart Land

By: Kimberly Stuart

Expected Publication: July 17th 2018 by Howard Books

320 pages

Genre: Adult, Contemporary

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( 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--A story of reconnection, lost love, and the power of faith, Heart Land follows a struggling fashion designer back to her small Iowa hometown as she tries to follow her dreams of success and finding true love.

Grace Klaren has finally made her dream of living in the Big Apple and working in the fashion industry a reality. But when she’s unexpectedly fired and can’t afford the next month’s rent, Grace does something she never thought she’d do: she moves back home.

Back in Silver Creek, Iowa, Grace is determined to hate it. She rails against the quiet of her small town, where everything closes early, where there’s no nightlife, where everyone knows each other. She’s saving her pennies and plotting her return to New York when she almost runs over a man who’s not paying attention at a crosswalk. It turns out to be Tucker, her high school sweetheart whose heart she broke when she left ten years ago. They reconnect, and Grace remembers why she fell for him in the first place.

And her career begins to turn around when she finds a gorgeous but tattered vintage dress at a flea market. She buys it, rips it apart seam by seam, and re-creates it with new fabric, updating the look with some of her own design ideas. She snaps a picture and lists the dress online, and within a day, it sells for nearly $200. Suddenly, Grace has her ticket out of here.

But Grace can’t fight her growing feelings for Tucker. Sometimes when they’re together, Tucker paints a picture of what their future could be like, and it feels so real. And when she finally gains the funding to move her new business back to New York, Grace must decide where home really is—will she chase her long-held New York dream, or find a new dream here in the heartland?

Heart of Thorns (Heart of Thorns, # 1)

By: Bree Barton

Expected Publication: July 31st 2018 by Katherine Tegen Books

464 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss (Thank you!!)

( 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--In the ancient river kingdom, touch is a battlefield, bodies the instruments of war. Seventeen-year-old Mia Rose has pledged her life to hunting Gwyrach: women who can manipulate flesh, bones, breath, and blood.

Not women. Demons. The same demons who killed her mother without a single scratch.

But when Mia's father suddenly announces her marriage to the prince, she is forced to trade in her knives and trousers for a sumptuous silk gown. Only after the wedding goes disastrously wrong does she discover she has dark, forbidden magic—the very magic she has sworn to destroy.

96 Words for Love

By: Rachel Roy & Ava Dash

Expected Publication: January 15th 2019 by Jimmy Patterson

320 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Retellings

Source: Publisher (Thank you!!)

( 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--James Patterson Presents a modern retelling of a classic Indian legend, 96 Words for Love is a touching coming-of-age story that reads like Eat, Pray, Love for teens.

Ever since her acceptance to UCLA, 17-year-old Raya Liston has been quietly freaking out. She feels simultaneously lost and trapped by a future already mapped out for her.

Then her beloved grandmother dies, and Raya jumps at the chance to spend her last free summer at the ashram in India where her grandmother met and fell in love with her grandfather. Raya hopes to find her center and her true path. But she didn't expect to fall in love... with a country of beautiful contradictions, her fiercely loyal cousin, a local girl with a passion for reading, and a boy who teaches her that in Sanskrit, there are 96 different ways to say the word "love."

A modern retelling of the classic Indian legend of Shakuntala and Dushyanta, 96 Words for Love is a coming-of-age story about finding yourself in unexpected places.

Before I Let You Go: Stories for My Grown Son

By: Kirsten Wreggitt

Expected Publication: November 27th 2017 by Bloomscript Inc.

184 pages

Genre: Non-fiction, Memoir, Biography

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( 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--“I was petrified we would have a girl. Everything about having a girl was horrible to me—the princess parties, the fear for her safety, and the emotional roller coaster ride. But mostly I was afraid she would be like me: suicidal, unable to make brave choices, and trapped inside a body she didn’t love. I was terrified I would have to face that mirror in two places every day.”

“Before I Let You Go” is a journey of Kirsten Wreggitt’s life through motherhood and marriage, and her self-discovery along the way. It is a collection of stories she wanted to share with her grown son about her life’s greatest lessons. These were stories she could not talk about with him because they were too uncomfortable or raw. As she says “In here, I can say the things that catch in my throat. I can say the things that make your eyes roll. In here, I can safely share what I have always wanted to tell you but the time was just never right.”

Among the many stories in this book, Kirsten shares stories of the difficulty of marriage, the struggle to love herself and her body, the triumph of facing her fears, the pain of loving a child, the regret of decisions, and the freedom of knowing yourself. She discusses these with a rare honesty and sometimes offers up surprising advice as a result.

Before I Let You Go is a woman’s reflection on the halfway point of her life and the journey to get there. She shares the joy of the journey and being in the moment: “I am not anticipating the next stop—I am here paying attention, and loving what I see.” She shares the struggle with finding her purpose: “And what if I still never really know why I am here? I still must eat. I still must drink. I still must sleep. And I must love. And love? Even if that is all there is, that changes everything.” And she shares her most difficult question of all: “I am face to face with my mortality, and though I have loved others and was loved by others, the only question that remains is “Did I love me?””

The Brave Art of Motherhood: Fight Fear, Gain Confidence, and Find Yourself Again

By: Rachel Marie Martin

Expected Publication: October 9th 2018 by Waterbrook Press

208 pages

Genre: Non-fiction, Self-Help

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( 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--Full-time FindingJoy.net blogger, speaker, marketer, podcaster, and single mom of seven, Rachel Martin presents a pivotal book for moms to spark the hope they need to overcome self-doubt, fear, pressure, and isolation.

This book is part encouragement and part rally cry for moms everywhere who have gotten lost within the pages of their own story, undervaluing all they do every day and exchanging the beauty of who they are for a Pinterest-perfect illusion. It gives you the tools you need to overcome fear, loneliness, and inaction. By drawing on anecdotes and lessons from her own life, Rachel empowers moms to forget their past mistakes, celebrate what they've already accomplished, and dare to be real about their struggles. She teaches them to cheer each other on toward better days, so that "alone" is replaced with "comradeship" and "fear" is replaced with "courage." You can make changes. You can overcome fear and doubt. You can pursue dreams, find yourself, and live a life of deep happiness and uncontainable joy.

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!

Friday, May 25, 2018

2018 Series Enders Reading Challenge - May Wrap Up

Time for our fifth Monthly Wrap Up for the 2018 Series Enders Reading Challenge hosted by Sandy @ Somewhere Only We Know and Holly @ Words Fueled by Love!

Since the April Wrap Up, neither Sandy nor Holly have finished any series enders.

Which series enders did you finish? Link the up below. Don't forget to include the title, your name, & your blog name (Ex: Requiem - Sandy @ Somewhere Only We Know) Also, the May giveaway runs from May 25th - June 25th. On June 25th we will use random.org and the linky entries to pull a winner.

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Can't Wait for Heart of Thorns

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.

Heart of Thorns (Heart of Thorns, # 1)

By: Bree Barton

Expected Publication: July 31st 2018 by Katherine Tegen Books

464 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

( 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--In the ancient river kingdom, touch is a battlefield, bodies the instruments of war. Seventeen-year-old Mia Rose has pledged her life to hunting Gwyrach: women who can manipulate flesh, bones, breath, and blood.

Not women. Demons. The same demons who killed her mother without a single scratch.

But when Mia's father suddenly announces her marriage to the prince, she is forced to trade in her knives and trousers for a sumptuous silk gown. Only after the wedding goes disastrously wrong does she discover she has dark, forbidden magic—the very magic she has sworn to destroy.

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

Monday, May 21, 2018

All the Little Lights - Review

All the Little Lights

By: Jamie McGuire

Expected Publication: May 29th 2018 by Montlake Romance

pages

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Mystery

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss (Thank you!!)

( 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--From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jamie McGuire comes a riveting tale of first love that starts young but runs deep.

The first time Elliott Youngblood spots Catherine Calhoun, he’s just a boy with a camera, and he’s never seen a sadder and more beautiful sight. Both Elliott and Catherine feel like outcasts, yet they find an easy friendship with each other. But when Catherine needs him most, Elliott is forced to leave town.

Elliott finally returns, but he and Catherine are now different people. He’s a star high school athlete, and she spends all her free time working at her mother’s mysterious bed-and-breakfast. Catherine hasn’t forgiven Elliott for abandoning her, but he’s determined to win back her friendship…and her heart.

Just when Catherine is ready to fully trust Elliott, he becomes the prime suspect in a local tragedy. Despite the town’s growing suspicions, Catherine clings to her love for Elliott. But a devastating secret that Catherine has buried could destroy whatever chance of happiness they have left.

I've read several of Jamie McGuire's New Adult books, but to see her publish something young adult was really exciting for me because I tend to like her writing in general and her stories, but I don't really enjoy the descriptive scenes that come with the New Adult genre.

The description of All the Little Lights reminded me of Tillie Cole's A Thousand Boy Kisses. While the two certainly have pieces in common (a friendship from youth that has an undertone of the potential for more, the boy has to leave, and the betrayal of being apart that needs to be reconciled once the two find their way back to each other), plenty was certainly there to separate the two books.

While reading All the Little Lights, I had a lot of questions. Things didn't make a ton of sense in several areas. I wondered if Catherine's big secret would turn out to be something trivial. I didn't understand the guests of the Juniper or their motivations and how they played into the story. Catherine at times mentioned being afraid of certain guests but then at times said there was nothing to be afraid of. She also seemed to like other guests but would at time respond to them with bitterness. I wondered if Jamie McGuire could pull off answering all of my questions in a way that would satisfy me without feeling like a letdown. She really, really did. I was genuinely surprised and enjoyed how everything worked out and revealed itself.

I will say that I had two questions at the end of the book that were left unanswered. I didn't understand Tess as a character really and I wish there'd been some more information concerning her and how she fit in. She felt like either she didn't fully belong in the story or she was left out of a major plot point that she was maybe originally designed to be. Either way, I felt a disconnect there. And then my other question revolved around Catherine's future. I can't go into detail without spoiling certain parts of the book.

Of course, I really enjoyed the romance between Catherine and Elliot. I did roll my eyes at Catherine's "maybe you're better off without me" attitude at times. But overall the two really clung to each other in a way that I loved.

I particularly loved Mrs. Mason and as an adult found the side story between her and Mr. Mason particularly enjoyable and complex.

Favorite quotes:

-"My Uncle John says people can only make us angry if we let them, and if we let them, we give them power."

-You are in control of your emotions. You're in control of your reaction. You can, at any time, change the way you feel.

-It's good, you know, for things not to come easy.

-"You can't get someone out of quicksand if you're stuck in it, too," I said.

All the Little Lights was more than I expected it to be. Maybe I should have seen the big surprise coming, but I totally didn't. I really enjoyed the romance between Elliot and Catherine. I read this one really quickly which is always good. And I was ultimately happy with the way that Jamie McGuire wrapped up this puzzle leaving me with only a couple of questions. All the Little Lights gets 4 Stars. Have you read All the Little Lights? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday, May 20, 2018

Sunday Post & Stacking the Shelves - 5/20/18

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.

Took Little Boy for a weight check on Tuesday. He gained 8 ounces in a week which exceeded our goal for him. Wednesday we made a quick run to the pharmacy. The rest of the week was spent cleaning house to get ready for some company. Husband's friend from Japan came yesterday and will be staying until tomorrow. He works for a company out of Detroit and travels to the States a lot so a couple of times a year he tries to come visit. Not much else to report here. Every time I start reading I fall asleep lately. Hopefully I can put some more reading time in soon.

THIS PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of Rebel of the Sands (Rebel of the Sands, # 1) by Alwyn Hamilton (4 Stars)
Tuesday: Ten Books I Disliked But Am Glad I Read
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of All the Little Lights by Jamie McGuire
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday

Don’t forget to link up for the 2018 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2018 to sing up. Each month there will be a giveaway for those participating with an end of the year giveaway too! Click on the picture below or the link above to find out more!

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

That Night

By: Amy Giles

Expected Publication: October 23rd 2018 by HarperTeen

320 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss (Thank you!!)

( 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--One night in March, a terrible tragedy shakes the Queens neighborhood where Jessica Nolan and Lucas Rossi live.

The year since the shooting has played out differently for Jess and Lucas, both of whom were affected by that night in eerily similar, and deeply personal, ways. Lucas has taken up boxing and lives under the ever-watchful eye of his overprotective parents, while trying to put good into the world through random acts of kindness—to pay back a debt he feels he owes the universe for taking the wrong brother.

Jess struggles to take care of her depressed mother, with the help of her elderly next-door neighbor, and tries to make ends meet. Without her best friend, who’s across the country at a special post-trauma boarding school, and her brother, who died that night, Jess feels totally alone in the world.

When Jess and Lucas's paths cross at their shared after-school job, they start to become friends…and then more.

Their community—and their families—were irrevocably changed by a senseless act of violence. But as Jess and Lucas fall in love, they'll learn to help each other heal and move forward—together.

That Night is an emotional and ultimately hopeful story about tragedy, love, and learning to heal.

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!

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Can't Wait for Jar of Hearts

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.

Jar of Hearts

By: Jennifer Hillier

Expected Publication: June 12th 2018 by Minotaur Books

320 pages

Genre: Adult, Mystery, Thriller

( 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--"Jar of Hearts grabs you by the throat! The perfect blend of riveting characters, chilling details, and gasping twists in this standout thriller will keep you frantically reading until the explosive end.” – Lisa Gardner, New York Times bestselling author of Right Behind You

This is the story of three best friends: one who was murdered, one who went to prison, and one who's been searching for the truth all these years . . .

When she was sixteen years old, Angela Wong—one of the most popular girls in school—disappeared without a trace. Nobody ever suspected that her best friend, Georgina Shaw, now an executive and rising star at her Seattle pharmaceutical company, was involved in any way. Certainly not Kaiser Brody, who was close with both girls back in high school.

But fourteen years later, Angela Wong's remains are discovered in the woods near Geo's childhood home. And Kaiser—now a detective with Seattle PD—finally learns the truth: Angela was a victim of Calvin James. The same Calvin James who murdered at least three other women.

To the authorities, Calvin is a serial killer. But to Geo, he's something else entirely. Back in high school, Calvin was Geo's first love. Turbulent and often volatile, their relationship bordered on obsession from the moment they met right up until the night Angela was killed.

For fourteen years, Geo knew what happened to Angela and told no one. For fourteen years, she carried the secret of Angela's death until Geo was arrested and sent to prison.

While everyone thinks they finally know the truth, there are dark secrets buried deep. And what happened that fateful night is more complex and more chilling than anyone really knows. Now the obsessive past catches up with the deadly present when new bodies begin to turn up, killed in the exact same manner as Angela Wong.

How far will someone go to bury her secrets and hide her grief? How long can you get away with a lie? How long can you live with it?

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

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Top Ten Books I Disliked But Am Glad that I Read

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together. This week's topic is Top Ten Books I Disliked But Am Glad that I Read.

  1. Lies We Believe About God by William Paul Young - Since The Shack was so popular I'm glad to know that this man doesn't quite have an accurate understanding of the God of the Bible.
  2. Mr. President by Katy Evans - This book helped me realize what types of books I enjoy reading and which ones I don't want to waste my time on.
  3. The Sin Eater's Daughter by Melinda Salisbury - This cover is so beautiful that had I not read this book I think I would always be drawn to it. This way I'm glad that my curiosity was settled.
  4. Stealing Parker (Hundred Oaks, # 2) by Miranda Kenneally
  5. The Summer of Chasing Mermaids by Sarah Ockler - This was so highly rated, as are some of Sarah Ockler's other books. This one put her on the list of authors that I'll probably just not bother trying to read.
  6. This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales - I hated the main character of this book, but it helped me think about some things going on in today's youth.
  7. Of Triton (The Syrena Legacy, # 2) by Anna Banks - Helped me to realize that while I like mermaids, I just don't enjoy reading about them too much.
  8. Incarceron (Incarceron, # 1) by Catherine Fisher - Another one where the cover and description would have kept drawing me in until I read it. Curiosity satisfied.
  9. Entice (Need, # 3) by Carrie Jones - This series just didn't work for me, yet the covers are so so beautiful. And I'm apparently not a huge fan of pixies.
  10. Vanish (Firelight, # 2) by Sophie Jordan - I really enjoyed books 1 and 3 but sometimes you've got to trudge through the middle to get to the good stuff.

Which books did you not enjoy but are glad that you read anyway? Let me know!

Monday, May 14, 2018

Rebel of the Sands - Review

Rebel of the Sands (Rebel of the Sands, # 1)

By: Alwyn Hamilton

Publication: March 8th 2016 by Viking Books for Young Readers

314 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Magic

Source: Borrowed from the e-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--She’s more gunpowder than girl—and the fate of the desert lies in her hands.

Mortals rule the desert nation of Miraji, but mystical beasts still roam the wild and barren wastes, and rumor has it that somewhere, djinni still practice their magic. But there's nothing mystical or magical about Dustwalk, the dead-end town that Amani can't wait to escape from.

Destined to wind up "wed or dead," Amani’s counting on her sharpshooting skills to get her out of Dustwalk. When she meets Jin, a mysterious and devastatingly handsome foreigner, in a shooting contest, she figures he’s the perfect escape route. But in all her years spent dreaming of leaving home, she never imagined she'd gallop away on a mythical horse, fleeing the murderous Sultan's army, with a fugitive who's wanted for treason. And she'd never have predicted she'd fall in love with him... or that he'd help her unlock the powerful truth of who she really is.

I remember seeing Rebel of the Sands available for review on NetGalley when it originally released, but the cover didn't appeal to me at all. I mean so much so that I didn't even read the book description until the re-released covers came out. These new covers are so much better to me and intrigued me to the point of checking out the description. And of course reading the description made me add this to my TBR list. So much for not judging a book by it's cover, but let's be real, with as many books as pass my line of sight for potential reading I HAVE to first evaluate the cover to see if it appears to fit my reading preferences before I read the description. It would be impossible to read the description to every book that I'm exposed to. So book covers are my first opportunity to say "yay or nay."

I've only read one and a half books that feature a dessert setting. I never thought that I would enjoy this setting. Yet I did in the previous books that I read, and it was also true for Rebel of the Sands. Potentially this is exactly because I've not read many other books in this setting so it feels unique. Alwyn Hamilton did a wonderful job creating a world that I could picture and even though it seems quite complex, I never really felt like I was overwhelmed by her creation. There are unique mythical beings, lore, and history. It was beautifully crafted and explored in just the right places to avoid information dumps.

Amani and Jin meet early in the book which for me added the desire to keep reading and see where their relationship would go from the very beginning. These two have an antagonistic relationship at first. They have similar desires which cause them team up as allies temporarily and then they ultimately have to decide how to proceed. I wouldn't exactly say they have a love/hate relationship, but I really enjoyed the development of their need to help each other out for their own causes in the beginning to being indebted to each other to then wanting to help the other and beyond.

Rebel of the Sands has a rather large cast of characters. Not all of them are constant throughout the entire book, and I felt like they were each introduced (for the most part) slowly enough not to get too confused. Well that is until we meet the rebels and several characters are introduced at one time, even a few that have similar names. Speaking of name, so many of the characters have names that I'm utterly unsure how to pronounce. While I don't mind this with a character here or there, I do find it a bit annoying when I don't know how to pronounce so many characters' names.

Considering I read Rebel of the Sands while nursing a newborn, I'm highly impressed with the speed that I read this one. Of course, when you're nursing at 2 am there's not much else to do besides browse Facebook or pick up a book. Regardless, I can't say that I felt feverish with trying to get this one read, but I certainly wanted to keep reading. I connected to Amani and her desire to escape her dreaded fate. And the early connection to Jin gave me something to look forward to. Rebel of the Sands gets 4 Stars. Have you read Rebel of the Sands? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday, May 13, 2018

Sunday Post - 5/13/18

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.

This week has been quite crazy. I took Baby Boy to get his 6 month pictures made Monday morning. Of course he chose not to nap before pictures, but thankfully he's a typically a happy baby. I can't wait to see how they turned out. I've seen a sneak peak from our photographer and they look so good. Tuesday I ran by the lactation consultant for a weighed feeding. As I was getting Baby Boy out of the car seat Little Girl threw up in the parking lot. The feeding went well even though he was quite distracted. On the way home, I was trying to keep Little Girl awake so she wouldn't ruin her nap. Unfortunately, she threw up again in the car on the way home. Wednesday my sister and niece came to hang out with us for half the day. The rest of the week was pretty normal and low key. My sister moved this weekend. She's about 2 1/2 - 3 hours away now. I'm sad that she won't live right down the road anymore, but I hope they'll settle into the new place and love it. No new books this week.

THIS PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of If There's No Tomorrow by Jennifer L Armentrout (4 Stars)
Tuesday: Reading & Blogging Prefernces Survey Results
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Trail of Lightning (The Sixth World, # 1) by Rebecca Roanhorse

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of Rebel of the Sands (Rebel of the Sands, # 1) by Alwyn Hamilton
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday

Don’t forget to link up for the 2018 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2018 to sing up. Each month there will be a giveaway for those participating with an end of the year giveaway too! Click on the picture below or the link above to find out more!

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!

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Can't Wait for Trail of Lightning

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.

Trail of Lightning (The Sixth World, # 1)

By: Rebecca Roanhorse

Expected Publication: June 26th 2018 by Saga Press

304 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Post Apocalyptic

( 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--While most of the world has drowned beneath the sudden rising waters of a climate apocalypse, Dinétah (formerly the Navajo reservation) has been reborn. The gods and heroes of legend walk the land, but so do monsters.

Maggie Hoskie is a Dinétah monster hunter, a supernaturally gifted killer. When a small town needs help finding a missing girl, Maggie is their last—and best—hope. But what Maggie uncovers about the monster is much larger and more terrifying than anything she could imagine.

Maggie reluctantly enlists the aid of Kai Arviso, an unconventional medicine man, and together they travel to the rez to unravel clues from ancient legends, trade favors with tricksters, and battle dark witchcraft in a patchwork world of deteriorating technology.

As Maggie discovers the truth behind the disappearances, she will have to confront her past—if she wants to survive.

Welcome to the Sixth World.

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

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Reading & Blogging Preferences Survey Results

Thank you to everyone who participated and took my reading and blogging preferences survey last month. I had some ideas about potential content for Somewhere Only We Know, but before I made any changes I wanted to see what my readers and followers thought about a few questions. Plus I just wanted to get to know you guys a little bit better as well. I do have to say though that some of these answers were confusing or contradictory. Without further ado, here are the results from the survey and a few things I learned/took away from the information gathered.

Apparently more than 80% are 30 years old or older. This surprised me even though I fall into this category myself.

What country do you live in?

Out of 34 responses:

  • 2 didn't answer this question (it wasn't required)
  • 2 from Canada
  • 1 from Mexico
  • 1 from the Philippines
  • 1 from UK/France/Spain
  • 1 other UK
  • and the remaining 26 are from the United States
  • Thanks for following guys! Much love!

    If you follow Somewhere Only We Know, what method do you use to follow the blog?

  • 19 via Email for 55%
  • 14 via Google Friend Connect for 41.2%
  • 12 via Bloglovin' for 35.3%
  • 5 via Goodreads for 14.7%
  • 5 via Facebook for 14.7%
  • 4 via Twitter for 11.8%
  • 4 via Pinterest for 11.8%
  • 2 via Feedly for 5.8%
  • 2 do not follow Somewhere Only We Know for 5.8%
  • (See what I mean there? -- This question only shows 2 reads who do not follow Somewhere Only We Know, but the previous question shows twice as many.) However, I was surprised to see such a large number of email followers. That's my personal preferred method of following my favorite blogs, but I wasn't expecting that to be the same for others. Makes me smile!

    Again, THANKS guys!

    Considering over 80% of the survey participants are 30 years old or older, I'm not surprised that most of us like adult books. I'm also not surprised to see young adult take second place.

    Which genres do you enjoy reading?

  • 22 - Romance - 71%
  • 20 - Contemporary - 64.5%
  • 20 - Fantasy - 64.5%
  • 17 - Mystery/Thriller - 54.8%
  • 15 - Historical Fiction - 48.4%
  • 12 - Suspense - 38.7%
  • 12 - Humor - 38.7%
  • 11 - Science Fiction - 35.5%
  • 10 - Dystopian - 32.3%
  • 9 - Post Apocalyptic - 29%
  • 8 - Biography - 25.8%
  • 7 - Horror - 22.6%
  • 5 - Self-Help - 16.1%
  • 5 - Poetry - 16.1%
  • 3 - Graphic Novel - 9.7%
  • 3 - Christian Fiction - 9.7%
  • 1 - Anime - 3.2%
  • 1 - Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance - 3.2%
  • 1 - Romantic Suspense - 3.2%
  • Fantasy and contemporary tied. That's great to me because I really enjoy both genres. And it appears that almost everyone loves a good romance.

    Are there any genres that you really dislike/refuse to read?

  • Horror - 9
  • Erotica - 4
  • Romance - 3
  • Christian/Religion - 2
  • Historical
  • High Fantasy
  • Dark Psychological Suspense
  • Political
  • Dystopian
  • Paranormal
  • Anime
  • Not surprised to see erotica make this list, but the amount of dislike for horror was a bit surprising to me.

    (1 - VERY IMPORTANT to 5 - NOT IMPORTANT AT ALL)

    We love our book covers, right? They're not the most important thing, but they certainly are important!

    Though I'm not surprised that plenty of people still read hardcopy books, I am a little surprised at how much they beat out other editions. One thing I just realized that I left off the survey was AUDIOBOOKS? Do any of you listen to audiobooks? Let me know in the comments below!

    I was a bit surprised to see almost as many people don't read ebooks at all as those who use their smartphones. While I love my kindles (yes, plural), I wouldn't get much reading done at all these days without my phone.

    This one surprised me also. I personally try not to read book reviews unless I've already written my own review of a book or unless I don't plan on reading a particular book. I don't want to be influenced. But I have to say that I'm glad to see so many of you do read book reviews.

    Which types of posts do you enjoy reading that are currently featured on Somewhere Only We Know

  • Book Reviews - 29 - 85.3%
  • Giveaways - 20 - 58.8%
  • Book Hauls - 13 - 38.2%
  • Can't Wait Wednesday - 13 - 38.2%
  • Weekly Recaps - 12 - 35.3%
  • Top Ten Posts - 12 - 35.3%
  • End of Month Recaps - 10 - 29.4%
  • DNF Reviews - 10 - 29.4%
  • Problems Only We Know - 9 - 26.5%
  • Discussions Only We Know - 7 - 20.6%
  • From the Ashes - 7 - 20.6%
  • Cover Doubles - 6 - 17.6%
  • Upon Further Review - 5 - 14.7%
  • Series DNF - 4 - 11.8%
  • All Things Halloween - 3 - 8.8%
  • Mountains Out of Molehills - 2 - 5.9%
  • I have to say that giveaways being so high confused me a little because my last few giveaways haven't had as much participation as years passed. I don't do them as much as I used to because of the monthly giveaway for the series enders reading challenge. And do you guys not like Halloween as much as I do??? Just kidding.

    Which types of posts currently featured on Somewhere Only We Know do you not enjoy?

  • N/A - 15 - 44.1%
  • Mountains Out of Molehills - 8 - 23.5%
  • Weekly Recaps - 6 - 17.6%
  • Book Reviews - 4 - 11.8%
  • Cover Doubles - 4 - 11.8%
  • End of Month Recaps - 4 - 11.8%
  • Book Hauls - 3 - 8.8%
  • Discussions Only We Know - 3 - 8.8%
  • Giveaways - 3 - 8.8%
  • Top Ten Posts - 2 - 5.9%
  • Can't Wait Wednesday - 2 - 5.9%
  • Series DNF - 2 - 5.9%
  • From the Ashes - 2 - 5.9%
  • Upon Further Review - 2 - 5.9%
  • All Things Halloween - 1 -2.9%
  • So I guess this was another confusing one as some people answered the same for both posts they enjoy reading and posts they do not enjoy reading. Thankful to see such a high percentage of you guys that are okay with all of these posts. I'm not surprised to see Mountains Out of Molehills as a least favorite feature even though it's new. Politics and touchy subjects. I get it.

    YAY for following other types of blogs. I, too, follow other blogs that aren't book related.

    Food and lifestyle are where it's at I guess.

    What types of posts would you enjoy reading that are not currently featured on Somewhere Only We Know?

  • TV/Movies - 12 - 29.4%
  • Behind the Blogger - 10 - 29.4%
  • Recipes/Cooking - 10 - 29.4%
  • Blogging Tips/Tricks - 10 - 29.4%
  • Arts/Crafts - 8 - 23.5%
  • I'd Prefer to Only Read Book Related Content - 7 - 20.6%
  • Home & Family - 3 - 8.8%
  • Current Events Commentary - 3 - 8.8%
  • Spiritual/Religion/Inspirational - 3 - 8.8%
  • Mommy Tips & Tricks - 2 - 5.9%
  • Health & Fitness - 2 - 5.9%
  • Financial - 2 - 5.9%
  • I do occasionally do movie reviews when a book I've read has been turned into a movie. It has been a LONG time since I've done that though. I might consider some behind the blogger posts and potentially even some blogging tips/tricks posts--although I really don't feel hugely qualified for that one. Despite recipes and cooking getting some good results in this survey, I don't have current plans to do any of these types of posts. The answers to this question were extremely interesting to me.

    What types of posts not currently featured on Somewhere Only We Know would you not enjoy reading?

  • Scriptural/Religious/Inspirational - 15 - 44.1%
  • Current Events Commentary - 14 - 41.2%
  • Financial - 10 - 29.4%
  • Mommy Tips & Tricks - 9 - 26.5%
  • Health & Fitness - 8 - 23.5%
  • N/A - 8 - 23.5%
  • Recipes/Cooking - 6 - 17.6%
  • Home & Family - 4 - 11.8%
  • TV/Movies - 4 - 11.8%
  • Blogging Tips & Tricks - 3 - 8.8%
  • Behind the Blogger - 1 - 2.9%
  • Again, with the confusion. This one is totally warranted though because the wording of the question is quite confusing itself. I wasn't sure how else to say what I was trying to ask. You guys are obviously against religious posts. I don't see myself doing any current events commentary except where related to what I'm reading. But religious posts...well being a Christian is who I am at my core. This leaks into every aspect of my life and it does here on the blog too.

    Even though I do have some ideas about potential content for Somewhere Only We Know I don't see myself changing things up too much here. I might mix in a few different types of posts in the coming months and years, but if I decide to branch out with topics too far away from books I'll probably just create a new blog entirely. So no worries about Somewhere Only We Know being turned into some political and religious post central or anything like that. Again, I want to thank each and every one of you who participated in my survey. It meant a lot and it gave me some things to think about going forward.

    Total side note: Happy 9th Anniversary to my wonderful Husband. You make life so much better. You're still my favorite person. You're still my best friend. I'm in awe of the wonderful Dad that you are. You're a wonderful example to me and the kids as well. I can't wait to see Asher modeling himself after your Christian example of what a man should be and Ever comparing every boyfriend to her awesome Dad. And I look forward to all of the many more years to come. I love you.