Bible Journaling for the Fine Artist - Review

Bible Journaling for the Fine Artist

By: Melissa Fischer & Kate Peiffer

Publication: March 26th 2019 by Walter Foster Publishing

144 pages

Genre: Non-fiction, Arts & Crafts

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--Explore your faith artistically with Bible Journaling for the Fine Artist—a guide that goes beyond doodling and lettering to teach you to make fine art prayer journals, daily devotionals, and more.

Beginning with a brief introduction to Bible journaling, this valuable guide explores various media, including colored pencils, pen and ink, brush pens, and watercolor paint, and how to use them. You will find dozens of step-by-step tutorials for drawing and painting beautiful artwork related to meaningful Bible passages, as well as plenty of ideas and techniques for applying lettering, flourishes, icons, and embellishments to your artwork for maximum impact.

There are tips for creating compelling layouts, reworking and embracing mistakes, and several step-by-step projects for you to incorporate into your own Bible or prayer journal. Two talented and dynamic artists show how they integrate their own style and artistry with their faith through a variety of art journaling projects, from full-page masterpieces to smaller artwork in the margins and on the covers of their journals.

I believe I've read and reviewed three or four books about Bible Art Journaling at this point. I was drawn into Bible Journaling for the Fine Artist because of the "fine artist" part. The illustrations included in this book from the two authors, Melissa Fischer and Kate Peiffer, were indeed fine. Yet the tutorials included seemed fairly basic to me. That's ideal for teaching a concept to students who may not be familiar with it that can be applied in a more complex way in the future.

In terms of the supplies, techniques, and general information included in Bible Journaling for the Fine Artist, I didn't find anything new to me. Granted, I've watched hours of YouTube videos and read a few books on the subject already.

The best thing I felt like Bible Journaling for the Fine Artist had going for it was the art included. But even then, I felt like I'd seen quite a number of the pages on Pinterest already. So even that didn't feel completely new or unique.

Bible Journaling for the Fine Artist is fine if this is the only book you get on the subject or if you're new to the concept of Bible Art Journaling. But I didn't feel it brought anything new or unique to the table. Bible Journaling for the Fine Artist gets 3.5 Stars. Have you read Bible Journaling for the Fine Artist? What did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for Say You Still Love Me

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.

Say You Still Love Me

By: KA Tucker

Expected Publication: August 6th 2019 by Atria Books

320 pages

Genre: 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--Life is a mixed bag for Piper Calloway.

On the one hand, she’s a twenty-nine-year-old VP at her dad’s multibillion-dollar real estate development firm, and living the high single life with her two best friends in a swanky downtown penthouse. On the other hand, she’s considered a pair of sexy legs in a male-dominated world and constantly has to prove her worth. Plus, she’s stuck seeing her narcissistic ex-fiancé—a fellow VP—on the other side of her glass office wall every day.

Things get exponentially more complicated for Piper when she runs into Kyle Miller—the handsome new security guard at Calloway Group Industries, and coincidentally the first love of her life.

The guy she hasn’t seen or heard from since they were summer camp counsellors together. The guy from the wrong side of the tracks. The guy who apparently doesn’t even remember her name.

Piper may be a high-powered businesswoman now, but she soon realizes that her schoolgirl crush is not only alive but stronger than ever, and crippling her concentration. What’s more, despite Kyle’s distant attitude, she’s convinced their reunion isn’t at all coincidental, and that his feelings for her still run deep. And she’s determined to make him admit to them, no matter the consequences.

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

Spring 2019 TBR List

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. Last week's topic was Top Ten Spring 2019 TBR List but I didn't get around to posting last week.

1. Beyond the Point by Claire Gibson
2. Don't Date Rosa Santos by Nina Moreno
3. The Beholder by Anna Bright
4. Storm and Fury (The Harbinger, # 1) by Jennifer L Armentrout
5. Say You Still Love Me by KA Tucker
6. Daughters of the Northern Shores (Sons of Blackbird Mountain, # 2) by Joanne Bischof
7. Sherwood by Meagan Spooner
8. Last of Her Name by Jessica Khoury
9. Iron Gold (Red Rising, # 4) by Pierce Brown
10. Beneath a Prairie Moon by Kim Vogel Sawyer

I'm already getting a backlog of review books that I'm late on or getting close to the publication date. Which books are on your Spring 2019 TBR list? Let me know!

2019 Series Enders Reading Challenge - March Wrap Up

Time for our Monthly Wrap Up for the 2019 Series Enders Reading Challenge hosted by Sandy @ Somewhere Only We Know and Holly @ Words Fueled by Love!

Neither Sandy nor Holly finished any series enders this month.

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 March giveaway runs from March 25th - April 25th. On April 25th we will use random.org and the linky entries to pull a winner.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

This is the Day - Review

This is the Day: Reclaim Your Dream. Ignite Your Passion. Live Your Purpose.

By: Tim Tebow with AJ Gregory

Publication: September 25th 2018 by Waterbrook Press

244 pages

Genre: Christian, Non-fiction

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--The New York Times best-selling sports star and media icon motivates readers to stop postponing dreams and start making them happen now because--this is the day.

Beyond Tim Tebow's exploits as a Heisman-winning football player, he is widely known and respected for his exemplary character and personal excellence, which have made him a role model for millions. When Tim interacts with the public, he often encounters people who feel "stuck"--unable to take action on matters ranging from daily life to pursuing lifelong dreams. In response, Tim often identifies a crippling fear or lack of courage, to which he advises: "now is the time to take some risks, to quiet the voices of defeat, to step forward and make a mark, because this is the day." In this inspiring, motivational book, readers will receive the advice and encouragement to daily move from "pause" to "play" in finding deeper meaning and success. Tim illustrates the book's themes with stories from his personal life that will delight all readers, including his an update on his dream pursuit of a baseball career

I read Tim Tebow's last book Shaken and was so impressed with him. His constant use of his platform to glorify God, his constant work to keep himself humble, and his foundation work are the biggest things that impressed me about him. Before Shaken I only knew him as the quarterback who wore scripture on his blackouts and took a knee in prayer for scoring a touchdown. But that book showed me there was much more to him than I expected. So when I saw he had a new book available for review I decided to check it out.

This is the Day is a different sort of book than Shaken. This is a call to action and what Tim decides to write about and share is all designed to ignite a spark in the reader a desire to get up and do something. Shaken was more of a call to faith, to trust God even if the path He leads us down isn't one we could have predicted and calls our identity (or who we think we are) into question. Personally, I preferred Shaken.

I enjoyed getting more of Tim's personal story, specifically, his thoughts about transitioning from football to baseball and how the struggles that go along with that change have affected his faith and lessons he's learned from God. But it's always the personal stories of people he's met and those he's taken his personal time to affect for good that has the biggest impact. A few of those stories had me tearing up.

My biggest frustration with Tim's message is the "watered down" message about how to be saved that he shares in every book. If you read the entire Bible or even the New Testament Scripture or even just the words of Christ, you will not find "the sinner's prayer" anywhere within. I believe this prayer came about in an attempt to combat the theory that good works can earn you salvation. That is not taught within the entire Bible, the New Testament, or the words of Christ either. But we are taught that our actions matter. While we can never be perfect enough to earn heaven and there is no scale weighing your good deeds against your sins, you cannot read the Scripture and come away thinking that God doesn't care what we do. He cares deeply about what we do. And He's outlined in His Word what he wants us to do in order for us to be in a covenant relationship with Him. And certainly, He wants us to pray to Him. Certainly, He would love for us to ask Him into our hearts and call Him our personal Savior. But things don't end there. If you're curious as to what more Jesus has called us to, I'd love to discuss this with you, but more importantly, I'd direct your attention to God's Word where He can tell you Himself what His plan is.

This is the Day wasn't quite as good as Shaken for me, but it did motivate me to continue making the steps forward on starting my Etsy shop. This is the Day gets 3.5 Stars. Have you read This is the Day? What did you think? Let me know.

Sunday Post - 03/24/19

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.

We're still working on our dining room floor remodel. I've just not been in the mood to read lately. Every time I sit down to try I fall asleep. I really feel like I just don't have the right book for my current mood even though I have so many books that I do want to read and am excited about. I'm just not quite in the mood for any of them. Any recommendations from you guys? My blogoversary giveaway ended this week. The kids are both well which is a huge blessing. Little Girl will be on Spring Break from school this week so that will be fun.

THIS PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of The Keto All Day Cookbook by Martina Šlajerová (4 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez
Thursday: Review of In Another Life by CC Hunter (3.5 Stars)

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of This is the Day by Tim Tebow & AJ Gregory & 2019 Series Enders Reading Challenge - March Wrap Up
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday
Thursday: Review of Bible Journaling for the Fine Artist by Melissa Fischer & Kate Peiffer

Don’t forget to link up for the 2019 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2019 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!

In Another Life - Review

In Another Life

By: CC Hunter

Expected Publication: March 26th 2019 by Wednesday Books

320 pages

Genre: Young 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--Chloe was three years old when she became Chloe Holden, but her adoption didn’t scar her, and she’s had a great life. Now, fourteen years later, her loving parents’ marriage has fallen apart and her mom has moved them to Joyful, Texas. Starting twelfth grade as the new kid at school, everything Chloe loved about her life is gone. And feelings of déjà vu from her early childhood start haunting her.

When Chloe meets Cash Colton she feels drawn to him, as though they're kindred spirits. Until Cash tells her the real reason he sought her out: Chloe looks exactly like the daughter his foster parents lost years ago, and he’s determined to figure out the truth.

As Chloe and Cash delve deeper into her adoption, the more things don’t add up, and the more strange things start happening. Why is Chloe’s adoption a secret that people would kill for?

CC Hunter has taken such an interesting topic with In Another Life. There are so many questions to be answered. Is it even possible for Chloe Holden to be Emily Fuller? Was she kidnapped? Given away? Did her birth parents give her up willingly or was she stolen from them leaving them heartbroken? Were her adoptive parents in on the kidnapping? Did they kidnap her themselves? If they weren't, who did kidnap Chloe? What happens when you find out that you have two sets of parents who love you? A topic such as this immediately piques the interest of the reader, and I wanted to know the answer to all of these questions and more.

I had a few moments where I felt like things happening in In Another Life were unrealistic. The thing is, all of these events could happen, but the likelihood of any of them happening, much less all of them together, does make the story a little unrealistic. But you know what, I didn't mind too much because I was enjoying finding out the answers to all of my questions above. I will say that my enthusiasm lessened as we truly began to find out the ins and outs of Chloe's history--what really happened with the potential kidnapping. And then even a little bit more so as everything comes together and characters are forced to face decisions they made fifteen years ago.

I appreciated that Cash didn't keep his suspicions a secret from Chloe for too long. He did have to hold his tongue for a little while, but he approached her with his thoughts before too much time passed.

Most of my unresolved questions are about Cash. His history was touched on and described throughout the book, but there were a lot of gaps for Cash and the reader to fill with guesses. I mean in some ways I guess this is realistic. Cash wouldn't even know all of his own history, but I wish I was knew more. Even some of the potential for Cash's future was vague. I mean he wasn't the main character or storyline, but I still would have liked to have known. Regardless, this didn't change my feelings of the book.

In Another Life is going to get 3.5 Stars from me. It would have been 4, but the events I mentioned above surrounding Chloe's potential kidnapping did lessen my enthusiasm. Other than that, I read In Another Life quickly and was excited to get back to it if I had to put it down. Have you read In Another Life? What did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for The Friend Zone

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.

The Friend Zone

By: Abby Jimenez

Expected Publication: July 9th 2019 by Forever Romance

384 pages

Genre: 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--Kristen Petersen doesn't do drama, will fight to the death for her friends, and has no room in her life for guys who just don't get her. She's also keeping a big secret: facing a medically necessary procedure that will make it impossible for her to have children.

Planning her best friend's wedding is bittersweet for Kristen--especially when she meets the best man, Josh Copeland. He's funny, sexy, never offended by her mile-wide streak of sarcasm, and always one chicken enchilada ahead of her hangry. Even her dog, Stuntman Mike, adores him. The only catch: Josh wants a big family someday. Kristen knows he'd be better off with someone else, but as their attraction grows, it's harder and harder to keep him at arm's length.

The Friend Zone will have you laughing one moment and grabbing for tissues the next as it tackles the realities of infertility and loss with wit, heart, and a lot of sass.

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

The Keto All Day Cookbook - Review

The Keto All Day Cookbook: More Than 100 Low-Carb Recipes That Let You Stay Keto for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

By: Martina Šlajerová

Publication: January 22nd 2019 by Fair Winds Press

176 pages

Genre: Cookbook, Non-fiction, Health, Keto

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--In The Keto All Day Cookbook, best-selling author and creator of the KetoDiet blog Martina Slajerova compiles her best recipes for every meal of the day (even snacks)—plus 17 new ones, accompanied by nearly 40 gorgeous new photos—to help you stay the keto course, deliciously!

Keto is the top-trending supportive diet. Bolstering its reputation is research that strongly suggests that a keto diet may help reverse diabetes, obesity, cancer, and the effects of aging. However, in order to reap the benefits, you need to stick to the keto plan at every meal. That can be challenging when eating breakfast during your commute or figuring out what to eat for dinner after a long day. And what to do about lunch? Especially when your lunch "hour" may be 10 minutes at your desk. With Keto All Day you won't be tempted to blow your keto diet on a carb-filled snack or a processed convenience meal simply because you are tired, rushed, or just don't know what to prepare.

Enjoy tasty, flavorful recipes for snacks and meals, such Breakfast Egg Muffins, Pizza Waffles, Carrot Cake Oatmeal, Southern Duck Deviled Eggs, Eggplant Parma Ham Rolls, and Taco Frittata. Keto All Day even has recipes for delicious drinks and desserts, including Cookie Dough Mousse, Boston Cream Pie, and Raspberry Lime Electrolyte Cooler.

Reap the benefits of the amazing keto diet in a delicious way with Keto All Day.

First let me say that I've never reviewed a cookbook before. I hope that I do a good job on this one. And I honestly don't plan to review many (or any) other cookbooks on my blog at this time.

Next I want to talk a bit about keto. Keto isn't just a diet that you put yourself on. Now I'm no expert and I highly recommend to anyone interested in starting keto do your research first. This is not a "diet" that you can just wing. See "keto" is actually a process within the body--ketosis. Our brains typically use glucose (from carbs) as fuel, but when carbs are deprived the brain has to find a way to be fed and so there's a process that happens within your body where your liver turns fat (consumed fat or existing body fat) into ketones which your brain can then use as fuel in the place of glucose. Therefore, keto is a HIGH fat, MODERATE protein, and LOW carb diet necessary to maintain the process of ketosis within the body. I wouldn't recommend starting keto without at the bare minimum, this basic knowledge.

That being said, my husband did keto last year after he researched extensively. He started January of 2018 and lost just shy of 50 pounds by June. From June until October he maintained his weight loss. October is a busy month for us with 5 family members having birthdays. Then there's Thanksgiving and Christmas in November and December, so he decided to take those months off. He gained back 20 pounds within that time period and felt miserable. I was breastfeeding at the time and it isn't recommended to limit carbs so strictly while breastfeeding so I decided to wait until I weaned my son to start. December 26th I started my keto journey. Where I was losing one pound every 3-4 weeks while breastfeeding and postpartum, I've lost 15 pounds in 10 weeks. There's not really any negatives for me with doing keto. Sure I love carbs and sugar as much as the next person, but the food is actually delicious on keto. I stay full and not constantly hungry like previous times in my life when I've tried to "diet". And you can still have bread-like dishes by substituting almond flour or dessert by using sugar alternatives like Swerve (erythritol).

Enter The Keto All-Day Cookbook. I'd already meal-planned 3 months worth of dinners before I received this cookbook so I did have to make some adjustments to that plan in order to actually try some of these dishes before reviewing the book. (If you're interested in hearing how I meal-plan so far in advance let me know and maybe I'll do a post about it.) My immediate reaction to the cookbook is that these recipes are a bit intensive and complicated, and some of the ingredients are odd and not ones that I either have on hand or am interested in buying (psyllium husk anyone?). I'm sure those ingredients are necessary and have been tested with and without them to ensure the best recipes. So I found myself skipping several recipes that I would have otherwise been interested in trying. I thought about making the recipes and just leaving those ingredients out, but I assumed that they were there for a reason that I didn't need to mess with.

I do particularly like the layout of each recipe. There's a picture with almost every single dish--which is always a pet peeve of mine with cookbooks (not having pictures). There's a section with easily identifiable icons for things like allergies or vegetarian dishes. She's included a tips section or just general information about each recipe. There's the recipe itself. Sometimes there will be additional notes. Nutrition facts are listed--exactly the things you need to know most when on a keto diet.

My biggest negative to The Keto All-Day Cookbook is the complexity of the recipes. I need fast, simple, easy. I like to provide my family with delicious meals, but with two children three and under, I need quick and easy. And while the recipes that I did try from the cookbook were all delicious, I just prefer simple overall, and I've found that more from just searching Pinterest. (Check out my Keto Board where I make comments on the pins I've tried with how they've worked for me or any adjustments I've made.) The Keto All-Day Cookbook gets 4 Stars. Have you read The Keto All-Day Cookbook? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post & Stacking the Shelves - 03/17/19

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.

On man you guys! This week has been the worst. First of all, we started working on ripping up the carpet, repainting, and redoing the floor in our dining room. This is actually the second largest room in our house and was originally a formal living room/dining room combo, but we use it for an office/play room and dining room combo. That being said, there's furniture and boxes all over the rest of our house that just makes everything crowded and chaos. Well Monday morning about 4 am, Little Girl woke up running a fever. I gave her Tylenol and put her back to bed. Well she threw up a few minutes later. She proceeded to run fever until Thursday, sometimes as high as 104.7. She had body aches, a sore throat, a cough, and a few other symptoms. Yet she tested negative for the flu (twice) and strep. Yes that means we took two trips in two days to the doctor's office. On the second day while I was snuggling with her, Little Boy was running around and fell and busted his lip on a magazine rack that's not normally where it was. On the way home from our second doctor's appointment, Little Girl asked for a Happy Meal and since she hadn't had an appetite since Sunday dinner I jumped on the opportunity. Well McDonald's left out the chicken nuggets, and I didn't realize until I got home. I didn't realize because they gave us double drinks. I had to cancel a hair appointment because I didn't have a baby sitter. Husband came home early Thursday so that I could run to the doctor (just an annual check up). We did manage to get all of the tac strips up, but the week was so off what we expected with Little Girl getting sick that we didn't get near as much done during the week as we wanted. My mom offered to take the kids again this weekend to let us finish up the dining room, but we didn't feel like Little Girl needed to go with her having been so sick so recently. But she did still take Little Boy this weekend and that allowed us to get a good bit done. We still didn't get the actual floor done because there was an issue with ordering the flooring itself.

THIS PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of The Sound of Drowning by Katherine Fleet (4.5 Stars)
Can't Wait for Beyond the Point by Claire Gibson

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of The Keto All-Day Cookbook by Martina Šlajerová
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday
Thursday: Review of In Another Life by CC Hunter

Don’t forget to link up for the 2019 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2019 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.

Don't Date Rosa Santos

By: Nina Moreno

Expected Publication: May 14th 2019 by Disney-Hyperion

336 pages

Genre: Young 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--For fans of GILMORE GIRLS and TO ALL THE BOYS I'VE LOVED BEFORE, this effervescent love story from debut author Nina Moreno will sweep you away.

Rosa Santos is cursed by the sea-at least, that's what they say. Dating her is bad news, especially if you're a boy with a boat. But Rosa feels more caught than cursed. Caught between cultures and choices. Between her abuela, a beloved healer and pillar of their community, and her mother, an artist who crashes in and out of her life like a hurricane. Between Port Coral, the quirky South Florida town they call home, and Cuba, the island her abuela refuses to talk about. As her college decision looms, Rosa collides-literally-with Alex Aquino, the mysterious boy with tattoos of the ocean whose family owns the marina. With her heart, her family, and her future on the line, can Rosa break a curse and find her place beyond the horizon?

Beyond the Point

By: Claire Gibson

Expected Publication: April 2nd 2019 by William Morrow Paperbacks

528 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

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 this powerful debut novel set at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, three women—a nationally-ranked point guard, the granddaughter of an Army general, and a rebellious Homecoming Queen—are brought together in an enthralling story of friendship, heartbreak, and resilience.

Duty. Honor. Country. That’s West Point’s motto, and every cadet who passes through its stone gates vows to live it. But on the eve of 9/11, as Dani, Hannah and Avery face four grueling years ahead, they realize they’ll only survive if they do it together.

Everyone knows Dani is going places. With athletic talent and a brilliant mind, she navigates West Point’s predominantly male environment with wit and confidence, breaking stereotypes and embracing new friends.

Hannah’s grandfather, a legendary Army general, offers a stark warning about the dangers that lie ahead, but she moves forward anyway, letting faith guide her path. When she meets her soul mate at West Point, the future looks perfect, just as planned.

Wild child Avery moves fast and doesn’t mind breaking a few rules (and hearts) along the way. But she can’t outpace her self-doubt, and the harder she tries, the further it leads her down a treacherous path.

The world—of business, of love, and of war—awaits Dani, Hannah, and Avery beyond the gates of West Point. These three women know that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. But soon, that adage no longer rings true—for their future, or their friendship. As they’re pulled in different directions, will their hard-forged bond prevail or shatter?

Beyond the Point is a heartfelt look at how our closest friends can become our fiercest battle buddies. After all, the greatest battles we fight rarely require a uniform.

Say You Still Love Me

By: KA Tucker

Expected Publication: August 6th 2019 by Atria 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--Life is a mixed bag for Piper Calloway.

On the one hand, she’s a twenty-nine-year-old VP at her dad’s multibillion-dollar real estate development firm, and living the high single life with her two best friends in a swanky downtown penthouse. On the other hand, she’s considered a pair of sexy legs in a male-dominated world and constantly has to prove her worth. Plus, she’s stuck seeing her narcissistic ex-fiancé—a fellow VP—on the other side of her glass office wall every day.

Things get exponentially more complicated for Piper when she runs into Kyle Miller—the handsome new security guard at Calloway Group Industries, and coincidentally the first love of her life.

The guy she hasn’t seen or heard from since they were summer camp counsellors together. The guy from the wrong side of the tracks. The guy who apparently doesn’t even remember her name.

Piper may be a high-powered businesswoman now, but she soon realizes that her schoolgirl crush is not only alive but stronger than ever, and crippling her concentration. What’s more, despite Kyle’s distant attitude, she’s convinced their reunion isn’t at all coincidental, and that his feelings for her still run deep. And she’s determined to make him admit to them, no matter the consequences.

Last of Her Name

By: Jessica Khoury

Expected Publication: February 26th 2019 by Scholastic

400 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Retelling

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--Sixteen years ago, rebellion swept the galaxy known as the Belt of Jewels. Every member of the royal family was murdered--down to their youngest child, Princess Anya--and the Union government rose in its place. But Stacia doesn't think much about politics. She spends her days half-wild, rambling her father's vineyard with her closest friends, Clio and Pol.

That all changes the day a Union ship appears in town, carrying the leader of the Belt himself, the Direktor Eminent. The Direktor claims that Princess Anya is alive, and that Stacia's sleepy village is a den of empire loyalists, intent on hiding her. When Stacia is identified as the lost princess, her provincial home explodes into a nightmare.

Pol smuggles her away to a hidden escape ship in the chaos, leaving Clio in the hands of the Union. With everything she knows threading away into stars, Stacia sets her heart on a single mission. She will find and rescue Clio, even with the whole galaxy on her trail.

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!

Can't Wait for Beyond the Point

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.

Beyond the Point

By: Claire Gibson

Expected Publication: April 2nd 2019 by William Morrow Paperbacks

528 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

( 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 this powerful debut novel set at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, three women—a nationally-ranked point guard, the granddaughter of an Army general, and a rebellious Homecoming Queen—are brought together in an enthralling story of friendship, heartbreak, and resilience.

Duty. Honor. Country. That’s West Point’s motto, and every cadet who passes through its stone gates vows to live it. But on the eve of 9/11, as Dani, Hannah and Avery face four grueling years ahead, they realize they’ll only survive if they do it together.

Everyone knows Dani is going places. With athletic talent and a brilliant mind, she navigates West Point’s predominantly male environment with wit and confidence, breaking stereotypes and embracing new friends.

Hannah’s grandfather, a legendary Army general, offers a stark warning about the dangers that lie ahead, but she moves forward anyway, letting faith guide her path. When she meets her soul mate at West Point, the future looks perfect, just as planned.

Wild child Avery moves fast and doesn’t mind breaking a few rules (and hearts) along the way. But she can’t outpace her self-doubt, and the harder she tries, the further it leads her down a treacherous path.

The world—of business, of love, and of war—awaits Dani, Hannah, and Avery beyond the gates of West Point. These three women know that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. But soon, that adage no longer rings true—for their future, or their friendship. As they’re pulled in different directions, will their hard-forged bond prevail or shatter?

Beyond the Point is a heartfelt look at how our closest friends can become our fiercest battle buddies. After all, the greatest battles we fight rarely require a uniform.

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

The Sound of Drowning - Review

The Sound of Drowning

By: Katherine Fleet

Publication: March 12th 2019 by Page Street Kids

384 pages

Genre: Young 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--Meredith Hall has a secret. Every night she takes the ferry to meet Ben, her best friend and first love. Though their relationship must remain a secret, they’ve been given a second chance, and Mer's determined to make it work. She lost Ben once before and discovered the awful reality: she doesn't know how to be happy without him…

Until Wyatt washes ashore―a brash new guy with a Texas twang and a personality bigger than his home state. He makes her feel reckless, excited, and alive in ways that cut through her perpetual gloom. The deeper they delve into each other’s pasts, the more Wyatt’s charms become impossible to ignore.

But a storm is brewing in the Outer Banks. When it hits, Mer finds her heart tearing in half and her carefully constructed reality slipping back into the surf. As she discovers that even the most deeply buried secrets have a way of surfacing, she’ll have to learn that nothing is forever―especially second chances.

You guys my expectations for this book were so low. I've read some good books this year (2018 when writing this review), but overall I haven't read too many that knocked my socks off. More than anything most of the books I've read have just been okay. I've been in a bit of a slump since like August. Not a full slump, but enough of a slump to lower my expectations on just about every book I pick up. I've not read Katherine Fleet before. And I almost passed on this book due to the description. I'm so glad that I picked this up. The Sound of Drowning was probably the most surprising (in a good way) book that I've read in 2018--in large part because my expectations were so low.

It did take me about 10% to get into the story, but I was interested by that point, hooked by 30%, devouring by 50%, and unfortunately, I had to put it down at 90% which totally ruined my momentum as far as the emotion that I was feeling. The last 10% was still good for me, but I wish I'd been in a position to finish it while I was on a role. Real life folks.

I mentioned that I almost passed on The Sound of Drowning because of the description. That's because I have a fine line of preferences between enjoying books that are about characters moving from an unhealthy or immature relationship to a better fitting, healthier, more mature relationship and also hating cheating books. And sometimes it's hard to tell from a description which was which. I won't specifically mention which of these The Sound of Drowning was but I assume you can guess based upon my enjoyment of the book.

The Sound of Drowning is told in the present but also sections of flashbacks or memories Meredith has--usually revolving around Ben and their history together. Early in the story, Meredith alludes to lying to Ben that caused some damage to their relationship. The two have moved forward, but you can tell that the lie has caused damage between them. Figuring out what the lie was about was the biggest driving force for the first 50% of the book. I had the fleeting thought that we'd been given the information too soon in the story because it felt like this piece of information must have been linked to the biggest story conflict--and it was. Just not at all in the way I expected it to be. So my expectations of the major conflict and how it would be resolved changed. And then (I don't know what % because I began devouring so quickly that I didn't have a chance to look at my progress) a big old stinking plot twist happened that I didn't see coming at all. And you know what, even that plot twist wasn't the last of the twists to come. I think there were at least two more after that one. I'm trying to be vague but also show that The Sound of Drowning certainly kept me on my toes and ended up being completely different than I expected.

At the 55% mark my heart broke. But this wasn't so much for Meredith exactly. My heart broke for Meredith's mother. See Meredith and her mother don't have the closest relationship. Usually, I'd see this from the daughter's perspective, but since becoming a mother, I can't help but view things from that perspective as well--often times my primary perspective. My heart broke knowing that Meredith's mother likely wanted a better relationship with her daughter but didn't know how to achieve it. Meredith always had a great relationship with her father. And I know my daughter is only three but this is currently how things are with us. My daughter all but worships her father. And I don't begrudge them that relationship, but it wouldn't break my heart if she and I had a better relationship as well. All of that to say that I felt like I could relate to Meredith's mother. And then Meredith drops this bomb on her and I couldn't help but think how I would feel if my daughter were Meredith and she came to me about a similar situation. Oh, I got teary during this section. And this wasn't the last time that I felt for her mother just as much if not more than Meredith.

Aside from putting myself in Meredith's mother's shoes, Meredith herself has a heartbreaking situation and her decision would spark much debate. Oh, the things I want to say but can't because of spoilers. And then Meredith's sweet little sister, Rachel, too. Hugs to her also.

Favorite quotes:

-"I know it because I see how strong and amazing you are. And even if you get too tired to keep trying, I won't let you go under."

-"...before I talk to you, I go over every conversation a million times in my mind I evaluate different approaches, come up with contingencies, and you still surprise me. Every time, you leave me feeling unprepared and unequipped. I feel like I fail more times than I succeed."

I also want to say that there was one part that I was shocked with one of the twists and thinking that it meant my hopes for the ending might not be possible. But then when they still were possible it almost felt too cheesy. I couldn't decide if I was fully happy that I still got the ending I was rooting for or if I was disappointed. In the end, I decided not to overthink it.

The Sound of Drowning ended up being such an unexpected and pleasant surprise. It was emotional. It was fun. It was gripping. I related to multiple characters. I want to say more, but I really think you should just check it out for yourselves. The Sound of Drowning gets 4.5 Stars. Have you read The Sound of Drowning? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post & Stacking the Shelves - 03/10/19

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.

We've had the extreme of weather here in Alabama over the last week. We had tornadoes last Sunday. Monday through Thursday we had freezing temperatures. But then by Thursday noon it was warm enough for the kids to play outside and Friday it was back in the 70s. Friday I had to run some errands. Then we went to my mom's to hang out. The kids spent the weekend with my parents so Husband and I could get some work done on the house. I finished book 8 in the Charley Davidson series. That's the last one I'd gotten for review last year. I'm still enjoying the series, but I certainly need a break in genre and to get caught up on my other review books.

THIS PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of First Grave on the Right (Charley Davidson, # 1) by Darynda Jones (4 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim
Friday: Happy 8th Blogoversary Giveaway

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of The Sound of Drowning by Katherine Fleet
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday

Don’t forget to link up for the 2019 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2019 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.

The Highest of Hopes (Canadian Crossings, # 2)

By: Susan Anne Mason

Expected Publication: March 5th 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

384 pages

Genre: Adult, Christian, Historical Fiction

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--After her beloved grandfather's death, Emmaline Moore is shocked to discover that her "deceased" father is actually living in Canada. Having no other family, Emma decides she must find him, and so embarks on a journey across the ocean, accompanied by her best friend, Jonathan. Unfortunately, Randall Moore and his well-to-do family aren't thrilled by her arrival, fearing her sudden appearance will hinder his chance at becoming mayor of Toronto in 1919. Despite everything, Emma remains determined to earn their affection.

Jonathan Rowe has secretly loved Emma for years and hopes that during their trip he can win her heart. Concerned that Randall might reject her, Jonathan is ready to console Emma and bring her home. When she informs him that she has no intention of returning to England, Jonathan begins to despair. Can he convince Emma to find value within herself rather than seeking it from a virtual stranger? And will she ever come to see that Jonathan is her true home?

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!

Happy 8th Blogoversary Giveaway

Somewhere Only We Know is 8 years old (as of yesterday)! I am happy to announce that I'm still enjoying reading and blogging as much as the day I started. I don't stress about it as much as I once did. But by now Somewhere Only We Know is so much a part of my routine and daily live that I don't even really wonder when I'll fit it into my schedule. Since I'm still enjoying it, and we're still going strong we're here to celebrate my 8th blogiversary! As always, I love celebrating this accomplishment by giving back to you guys. I'm happy to give away one (1) e-book of your choice up to $10 USD. Might I offer some suggestions for some of my favorite reads over the last few years?

First Grave on the Right (Charley Davidson, # 1) by Darynda Jones
Second Grave on the Left (Charley Davidson, # 2) by Darynda Jones
Third Grave Dead Ahead (Charley Davidson, # 3) by Darynda Jones
Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet (Charley Davidson, # 4) by Darynda Jones
Fifth Grave Past the Light (Charley Davidson, # 5) by Darynda Jones
Sixth Grave on the Edge (Charley Davidson, # 6) by Darynda Jones
Seventh Grave and No Body (Charley Davidson, # 7) by Darynda Jones
Eighth Grave After Dark (Charley Davidson, # 8) by Darynda Jones
The Sound of Drowning by Katherine Fleet
Bright Down the Stars (Beautiful Hearts Duet, # 1) by Emma Scott
Long Live the Beautiful Hearts (Beautiful Hearts Duet, # 2) by Emma Scott
Dance of Thieves (Dance of Thieves, # 1) by Mary E Pearson
Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett
Always and Forever, Lara Jean (To All the Boys I've Loved Before, # 3) by Jenny Han

Also don't forget to check out my Giveaway Policy (open internationally).

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