April 2019 EOM Wrap Up

I have read 5 books (not including children's books). *These qualify for the 2019 Series Enders Reading Challenge.
Beneath a Prairie Moon by Kim Vogel Sawyer
*The Artful Match (London Beginnings, # 3) by Jennifer Delamere
Brentwood's Ward (The Bow Street Runners, # 1) by Michelle Griep
The Matrimonial Advertisement (Parish Orphans of Devon, # 1) by Mimi Matthews
A Modest Independence (Parish Orphans of Devon, # 2) by Mimi Matthews

I have reviewed 5 books. *These qualify for the 2018 Series Enders Reading Challenge.
You'd Be Mine by Erin Hahn
Shadow Among Sheaves by Naomi Stephens
Beneath a Prairie Moon by Kim Vogel Sawyer
*The Artful Match (London Beginnings, # 3) by Jennifer Delamere
Second Grave on the Left (Charley Davidson, # 2) by Darynda Jones

Other Posts:
Sunday Post & Stacking the Shelves- 04/07/19
Sunday Post & Stacking the Shelves - 04/14/19
Sunday Post & Stacking the Shelves - 04/21/19
Sunday Post & Staking the Shelves - 04/28/19
First Ten Books I Ever Reviewed
Can't Wait for Call It What You Want by Brigid Kemmerer
Can't Wait for Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane
Can't Wait for A Modest Independence (Parish Orphans of Devon, # 2) by Mimi Matthews
Can't Wait for Ninth House (Alex Stern, # 1) by Leigh Bardugo
2019 Series Enders Reading Challenge - April Wrap Up
March 2019 EOM Wrap Up

Goals:
I'm 4 days behind schedule with my Bible-in-a-year plan.
I've read 35 out of 52 books (including children's books).
I've read 2 out of 5-10 series enders.

Second Grave on the Left - Review

Second Grave on the Left (Charley Davidson, # 2)

By: Darynda Jones

Publication: August 16th 2011 by St. Martin's Press

307 pages

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Mystery

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--If you hang around with dead people, life can get pretty complicated. Take it from Charley Davidson, part-time private investigator and full-time Grim Reaper. Complicated is her middle name. The deceased find her very sparkly. Demons find her irresistible. And one entity in particular wants to seduce her in every way possible. When Charley and Cookie (her best friend/receptionist) have to track down a missing woman, the case is not quite as open and shut as they anticipate. Cookie's friend Mimi disappeared five days earlier. Mimi then sends Cookie a cryptic message telling Cookie to meet her at an nearby coffee shop. The coffee is brewing, but Mimi's still missing. There is, however, a clue Mimi left on the bathroom wall: a woman's name. Mimi's husband explains to them that his wife had been acting strange since she found out an old high school friend had been murdered. The same woman whose name Mimi had scribbled on the bathroom wall.

Meanwhile, Reyes Alexander Farrow (otherwise known as the Son of Satan. Yes. Literally) has left his corporeal body and is haunting Charley. He's left his body because he's being tortured by demons who want to lure Charley closer. But Reyes can't let that happen. Because if the demons get to Charley, they'll have a portal to heaven...well, let's just say it wouldn't be pretty.

Can Charley handle hot nights with Reyes and even hotter days tracking down a missing woman? Can she keep those she loves out of harm's way? And is there enough coffee and chocolate in the world to fuel her as she does?

Here is your signpost for the most hilarious read of the year: Second Grave on the Left.

Charley Davidson and her entire crew pulled me in with First Grave on the Right. Charley, Cookie, Reyes, Garrett, Uncle Bob, Angel, and more. I love that I'm only two books into the series and I'm connecting to so many of the characters. I like them all. I'm intrigued by some more than others. But I look forward to these books and want more. Specifically, Cookie is a lot more involved in this one as her friend is missing and is Charley's main PI case.

The writing is spot on in this series. I love how witty and funny Darynda Jones writes Charley. She's not really laugh-out-loud funny but smart and witty (I already said that)--sometimes sarcastic. She's quick. I love it. Occasionally, there were some comments from other characters that sounded more like Charley than themselves, but hey maybe she's rubbing off on them.

I wanted more Reyes in this book. The times when he was present were usually short encounters. It drove me mad in a good way. I wanted more and that caused me to devour pages hoping to see if Charley would find him in time or not. I feel like there's so much to explore between Charley and Reyes yet I wonder how it will stretch out through the entire series in a satisfying way...not too fast and not too slow. So far, two books in I'm satisfied in a dying-to-know-more kind of way.

I also enjoyed the dynamic that was explored toward the end of the book surrounding Charley's family.

If you're in the market for a new fantasy series, I highly recommend this one. There's enough romance to satisfy my heart, but it's held back to a level that has me on pins and needles in the best kind of way hoping for more soon. The writing is close to perfect. I love the quick wit. And there's so much more. All of the characters are dynamic and complex. I'm looking forward to more and will probably dive into book 3 immediately. Second Grave on the Left gets 4.5 Stars. Have you read Second Grave on the Left? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post & Stacking the Shelves - 04/28/19

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.

It's been a good, normal week. Not too much to report. I had a hair appointment Monday, and Grammy kept the kids ALL DAY! And you know what I did? I READ! ALL DAY! I can't tell you the last time I did that. I have no complaints about this week as it was pretty uneventful. Husband got the sandbox built for the kids this weekend. They're going to love it.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of The Artful Match (London Beginnings, # 3) by Jennifer Delamere (4 Stars)
Wednesday:Can't Wait for Ninth House (Alex Stern, # 1) by Leigh Bardugo

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of Second Grave on the Left (Charley Davidson, # 2) by Darynda Jones
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday
Thursday: Review of The Matrimonial Advertisement (Parish Orphans of Devon, # 1) by Mimi Matthews

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.

A Reluctant Bride (Bride Ships, # 1)

By: Jody Hedlund

Publication: June 4th 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

384 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Christian 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 facing desperate heartache and loss, Mercy agrees to escape a bleak future in London and join a bride ship. Wealthy and titled, Joseph leaves home and takes to the sea as the ships surgeon to escape the pain of losing his family. He has no intention of settling down, but when Mercy becomes his assistant, they must fight against a forbidden love.

The Number of Love (Codebreakers, # 1)

By: Roseanna M. White

Expected Publication: June 4th 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

400 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Christian 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--Three years into the Great War, England’s greatest asset is their intelligence network—field agents risking their lives to gather information, and codebreakers able to crack every German telegram. Margot De Wilde thrives in the environment of the secretive Room 40, where she spends her days deciphering intercepted messages. But when her world is turned upside down by an unexpected loss, for the first time in her life numbers aren’t enough.

Drake Elton returns wounded from the field, followed by an enemy that just won’t give up. He’s smitten quickly by the too-intelligent Margot, but how to convince a girl who lives entirely in her mind that sometimes life’s answers lie in the heart?

Amidst biological warfare, encrypted letters, and a German spy who wants to destroy not just them, but others they love, Margot and Drake will have to work together to save them all from the very secrets that brought them together.

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!

2019 Series Enders Reading Challenge - April 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!

Sandy finished The Artful Match (London Beginnings, # 3) by Jennifer Delamere.

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 April giveaway runs from April 25th - May 25th. On May 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

Jessica wins the April wrap up giveaway by default.

Can't Wait for Ninth House

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.

Ninth House (Alex Stern, # 1)

By: Leigh Bardugo

Expected Publication: October 1st 2019 by Flatiron Books

448 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--The mesmerizing adult debut from #1 New York Times bestselling author Leigh Bardugo

Galaxy “Alex” Stern is the most unlikely member of Yale’s freshman class. Raised in the Los Angeles hinterlands by a hippie mom, Alex dropped out of school early and into a world of shady drug dealer boyfriends, dead-end jobs, and much, much worse. By age twenty, in fact, she is the sole survivor of a horrific, unsolved multiple homicide. Some might say she’s thrown her life away. But at her hospital bed, Alex is offered a second chance: to attend one of the world’s most elite universities on a full ride. What’s the catch, and why her?

Still searching for answers to this herself, Alex arrives in New Haven tasked by her mysterious benefactors with monitoring the activities of Yale’s secret societies. These eight windowless “tombs” are well-known to be haunts of the future rich and powerful, from high-ranking politicos to Wall Street and Hollywood’s biggest players. But their occult activities are revealed to be more sinister and more extraordinary than any paranoid imagination might conceive.

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

First Ten Books I Ever Reviewed

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 First Ten Books I Ever Reviewed.

1. Hush, Hush (Hush, Hush, # 1) by Becca Fitzpatrick
2. Good to Great by Jim Collins
3. The Dark and Hollow Places (The Forest of Hands and Teeth, # 3) by Carrie Ryan
4. Crescendo (Hush, Hush, # 2) by Becca Fitzpatrick
5. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Harry Potter, # 4) by JK Rowling
6. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Harry Potter, # 5) by JK Rowling
7. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Harry Potter, # 6) by JK Rowling
8. City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments, # 4) by Cassandra Clare
9. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter, # 7) by JK Rowling - My only half decent review of the entire series.
10. Sea Change by Aimee Friedman

You guys it is almost embarrassing to even post these reviews. I had no idea what I was doing with reviewing a book. I didn't even know what I wanted my blog to be at that point. And I certainly didn't review ANY of the Harry Potter books (save MAYBE The Deathly Hallows) with any real skill or even worthy of the books or the series themselves. I've always intended to re-read and then update my reviews of the series but I just haven't yet. Which books were your first reviews? Let me know!

The Artful Match - Review

The Artful Match (London Beginnings, # 3)

By: Jennifer Delamere

Publication: April 2nd 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

368 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian 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--Cara Bernay has never fit in. At loose ends in 1881 London after a near tragedy costs her a job, she befriends a rising young artist. With his help, she begins planning a new life and developing her own artistic talent. But soon Cara finds herself at odds with the artist's brother--a handsome but arrogant earl forcing his brother back to a "respectable" life.

Henry Burke, the Earl of Morestowe, feels the weight of growing financial burdens. His profligate and emotionally unstable brother is making matters worse, and Henry needs him back home. Despite misgivings about Cara's mysterious background, Henry sees she's a positive influence on his brother and on Henry's unruly young ward, and he strikes a deal with her to return with them to their estate.

But the family has their own secrets, and when Cara, drawn ever closer to Henry, stumbles onto the truth, she must choose between following her heart and pursuing a bold plan that could bring disaster.

The time period that Jennifer Delamere has set for this series is right in the midst of some major cultural changes. Each of these books and main characters are tackling roles that are on the verge of taboo yet becoming acceptable. Rosalyn is a performer in the theater. Julia is becoming a doctor. And Cara is an aspiring artist. I enjoyed each of these career choices being outside of what I'm used to reading about from this or similar time periods.

I was really concerned about Cara. Her situation is unconventional to say the least. How she met Langham, her living arrangements, and her naivete all had me worried that she was going to put herself in a situation that isn't respected. Yet her relationship with God and determination to make good on a vow that she made to Him is what put her in a place above servitude.

Considering Langham had more in common with Cara, I wasn't excited to see the two of them get together. Of course, that's not the direction the book went at all and I loved seeing how it all played out. One of my criticisms of The Heart's Appeal was that Julia and Michael's relationship just sort of happened through a lot of telling and not as much showing. Jennifer Delamere rectified that with Cara and Henry. There was so much relationship building and I loved being a witness to it.

Henry, himself, was such an honorable character. He cares for his family even though they're imperfect (who among us isn't) and even though they often made things more difficult for him. He shoulders the burdens of his title and what all that entails while working very hard to put their family back into a stable financial situation and at the same time trying to right some of the wrongs done in the past.

As a mother, I particularly enjoyed Amelia's role in this story. Her behavior felt very genuine and in line with what one might expect from a child who has over and over been abandoned. I loved seeing Cara relate to her, and I feel like I may have even learned a few things that I can put into better practice in my own life with my children. Seeing Henry and Amelia's relationship grow and develop was heart warming as well. Ten years ago this part of the story probably wouldn't have appealed to me at all. It's so funny how much becoming a mother changes you.

The Artful Match was so enjoyable for me. It ticked all my boxes. It surpassed my somewhat disappointed reaction to The Heart's Appeal. My only complaint is that things wrapped up very quickly with Cara's siblings and family there at the end. All in, The Artful Match gets 4 Stars. Have you read The Artful Match? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post & Stacking the Shelves - 04/21/19

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.

PRAISE GOD!!! HE IS RISEN!

Happy Easter everyone. Husband was off work on Monday. We had some sand delivered to the house for a sandbox we're setting up for the kids. We also plan to fill in a puddle in our driveway and fill in various other holes and such around the property. Tuesday I had to run by the store to get some things for an Easter party at Little Girl's school on Thursday and a few things for a beach trip on Friday. Wednesday we just hung out like normal. Thursday was Little Girl's Easter party. It was the first day she's been excited about school in a few weeks. Friday Little Boy spent the day with Grammy while Little Girl and I went to the beach with Aunt Holly and Little Girl's cousins. Husband didn't want to miss Little Boy's first day at the beach and as he's still a bit wily! We'd like him to be a little older and better at listening and obeying instructions before taking him to the beach. It was so windy that the sand was pelting us pretty hard, and the temperature was only 60ish degrees. Despite that Little Girl was so happy to be there. Saturday we dyed Easter eggs with Grammy.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of Beneath a Prairie Moon by Kim Vogel Sawyer (3 Stars)
Wednesday:Can't Wait for A Modest Independence (Parish Orphans of Devon, # 2) by Mimi Matthews

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of The Artful Match (London Beginnings, # 3) by Jennifer Delamere
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 First Girl Child

By: Amy Harmon

Publication: August 20th 2019 by 47North

391 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy

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--From ​the New York Times bestselling author comes a breathtaking fantasy of a cursed kingdom, warring clans, and unexpected salvation.

Bayr of Saylok, bastard son of a powerful and jealous chieftain, is haunted by the curse once leveled by his dying mother. Bartered, abandoned, and rarely loved, she plagued the land with her words: From this day forward, there will be no daughters in Saylok.

Raised among the Keepers at Temple Hill, Bayr is gifted with inhuman strength. But he’s also blessed with an all-too-human heart that beats with one purpose: to protect Alba, the first girl child born in nearly two decades and the salvation for a country at risk.

Now the fate of Saylok lies with Alba and Bayr, whose bond grows deeper with every whisper of coming chaos. Charged with battling the enemies of their people, both within and without, Bayr is fueled further by the love of a girl who has defied the scourge of Saylok.

What Bayr and Alba don’t know is that they each threaten the king, a greedy man who built his throne on lies, murder, and betrayal. There is only one way to defend their land from the corruption that has overtaken it. By breaking the curse, they could defeat the king…but they could also destroy themselves.

Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass, # 6)

By: Sarah J Maas

Publication: September 5th 2017 by Bloomsbury U.S.A. Children's Books

672 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

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--In the next installment of the New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series, follow Chaol on his sweeping journey to a distant empire.

Chaol Westfall has always defined himself by his unwavering loyalty, his strength, and his position as the Captain of the Guard. But all of that has changed since the glass castle shattered, since his men were slaughtered, since the King of Adarlan spared him from a killing blow, but left his body broken.

His only shot at recovery lies with the legendary healers of the Torre Cesme in Antica—the stronghold of the southern continent's mighty empire. And with war looming over Dorian and Aelin back home, their survival might lie with Chaol and Nesryn convincing its rulers to ally with them.

But what they discover in Antica will change them both—and be more vital to saving Erilea than they could have imagined.

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 A Modest Independence

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.

A Modest Independence (Parish Orphans of Devon, # 2)

By: Mimi Matthews

Expected Publication: April 23rd 2019 by Perfectly Proper Press

476 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--He Needed Peace…

Solicitor Tom Finchley has spent his life using his devious intellect to solve the problems of others. As for his own problems, they’re nothing that a bit of calculated vengeance can’t remedy. But that’s all over now. He’s finally ready to put the past behind him and settle down to a quiet, uncomplicated life. If only he could find an equally uncomplicated woman.

She Wanted Adventure…

Former lady’s companion Jenny Holloway has just been given a modest independence. Now, all she wants is a bit of adventure. A chance to see the world and experience life far outside the restrictive limits of Victorian England. If she can discover the fate of the missing Earl of Castleton while she’s at it, so much the better.

From the gaslit streets of London to the lush tea gardens of colonial India, Jenny and Tom embark on an epic quest—and an equally epic romance. But even at the farthest edges of the British Empire, the past has a way of catching up with you…

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

Beneath a Prairie Moon - Review

Beneath a Prairie Moon

By: Kim Vogel Sawyer

Publication: Published March 20th 2018 by Waterbrook Press

349 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian 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--Readers rabid for the sweet historical romances of Tracie Peterson and Tamara Alexander will flock to Kim Vogel Sawyer's prairie-set heartwarmer of a pair of opposites destined for love.

Estelle Brantley grew up in affluence and knows exactly how to behave in high society. But when she is cast from the social registers due to her father's illegal dealings, she finds herself forced into a role she never imagined: tutoring rough Kansas ranchers in the subjects of manners and morals so they can "marry up" with their mail-order brides. Mack Cleveland, whose father was swindled by a mail-order bride, wants no part of the scheme to bring Eastern women to Spiveyville, Kansas, and he's put off by the snooty airs and fastidious behavior of the "little city gal" in their midst. But as time goes by, his heart goes out to the teacher who tries so diligently to smooth the rough edges from the down-to-earth men. How can he teach her that perfection won't bring happiness?

Sigh. I wanted so much to love this book. I've really been exploring the historical fiction genre--specifically Christian historical fiction. My issues with Beneath a Prairie Moon are pretty simple. The pacing was really slow. The story wasn't romance driven. There's dialect used prominently throughout the book. And at times (more so in the beginning of the book), I felt like the characters were preaching at me.

The issues of pacing and the romance taking a backseat go hand and hand for me. While all stories don't need to be romance driven, this just happens to be my personal preference. I debated DNFing Beneath a Prairie Moon multiple times--not because it was bad, but just because the pacing dragged so much. Each time I decided to keep reading because the story was interesting enough.

Dialect is a pet peeve of mine. I can't stand it. It takes me out of the story, and I can't imagine how difficult it must be to actually write this way. I hate trying to make out the words being used by the characters. In this case, there was a purpose behind it--so Abigail could correct them as part of her lessons.

The preaching thing didn't really last beyond the beginning of the book. Although certainly the characters who narrated each had relationships with God which were prominent throughout the story. Lessons were learned by each. I always try to place myself in the shoes of a believer and non-believer when it comes to Christian fiction. Would a non-believer enjoy the story just as much as a believer? I'm not sure in this case. I don't remember there being any topics that anyone would find offensive (although these days it doesn't take much to offend some people).

Beneath a Prairie Moon wasn't bad by any means, but is that really how you want a book described that you're thinking about reading? I mean I feel harsh even saying that, but that's how I felt. Reiterating what I said in the first paragraph: Beneath a Prairie Moon was slow. The romance took a back seat to the rest of the story. And one of my biggest pet peeves, dialect, was used throughout the book. Beneath a Prairie Moon gets 3 Stars. Have you read Beneath the Prairie Moon? What did you think? Let me know!

*Side note: I don't remember the name Estelle Brantley being used at all in this book. Abigail Grant is what she goes by in the book, and perhaps she changed her name after her father's crimes, but I don't remember this being addressed at all.

Sunday Post & Stacking the Shelves - 04/14/19

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.

The first part of this week was pretty normal. We've FINALLY finished our dining room remodel and moved some of the furniture back in. We've been slow about moving stuff back because having the room mostly empty has offered a great play space for the kids. I LOVE the look of our new floors. And I'm doing a better job keeping them clean already. Friday, Husband was off work and we took the kids to our local zoo. It was a wonderful day. The weather was nice. The kids were so well behaved. We just had a wonderful day together. Friday night I went to see After with Holly even though neither of us have read the book. Saturday I decided to take the kids to an event held at a local church for Easter. There were bounce houses and game and Easter egg hunts. They had a blast there too. Little Girl was all over the play. Little Boy clung to me or Aunt Holly for the most part. But he was taking everything in and was in love with the soccer ball game they had there--mostly the balls were his interest. GOT starts back this week and while I'm so excited to see how things end, I'm just still plum disappointed that GRRM hasn't published book 6 in the series yet. I received several books this week. Actually, my to-review list is getting quite long, and I probably need to take a break from requesting. But goodness there are just so many good looking books coming out.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of Shadow Among Sheaves by Naomi Stephens (3 Stars)
Wednesday:Can't Wait for Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of Beneath a Prairie Moon by Kim Vogel Sawyer
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.

Brentwood's Ward (The Bow Street Runners, # 1)

By: Michelle Griep

Publication: January 1st 2015 by Shiloh Run Press

314 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Regency

Source: Personal Kindle 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--Place an unpolished lawman named Nicholas Brentwood as guardian over a spoiled, pompous beauty named Emily Payne and what do you get? More trouble than Brentwood bargains for. She is determined to find a husband this season. He just wants the large fee her father will pay him to help his ailing sister. After a series of dire mishaps, both their desires are thwarted, but each discovers that no matter what, God is in charge.

The Noble Guardian (The Bow Street Runners, # 3)

By: Michelle Griep

Expected Publication: June 1st 2019 by Shiloh Run Press

320 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Regency

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 Cross-Country Trip through Regency England Brings Intrigue, Rogues, and High Adventure

The must-read conclusion to Michelle Griep’s Bow Street Runners Trilogy: Life couldn’t be better for Abigail Gilbert—but it’s been a long time in coming. Having lived with a family who hated her, it’s finally her time for love. Abby sets off on a journey across England to marry one of the most prestigious gentlemen in the land—until highwaymen upset her plans and threaten her life.

Horse patrol captain Daniel Thatcher arrives just in time to save Abby. But she’s simply another victim in a job he’s come to despise. Tired of the dark side of humanity, he intends to buy land and retire.

Abby pleads with him to escort her for the rest of her journey. He refuses—until she offers him something he desperately needs to achieve his goal. . .money. Delivering her safely will give him more than enough to buy property.

So begins an impossible trek for the cynical lawman and the proper lady. Each will be indelibly changed by the time they reach her betrothed, if they don’t kill one another first—or fall in love.

The Matrimonial Advertisement (Parish Orphans of Devon, # 1)

By: Mimi Matthews

Publication: September 4th 2018 by Perfectly Proper Press

388 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

Source: Personal Kindle Library

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Goodreads description--She Wanted Sanctuary...

Helena Reynolds will do anything to escape her life in London, even if that means traveling to a remote cliffside estate on the North Devon coast and marrying a complete stranger. But Greyfriar's Abbey isn't the sort of refuge she imagined. And ex-army captain Justin Thornhill--though he may be tall, dark, and devastatingly handsome--is anything but a romantic hero.

He Needed Redemption...

Justin has spent the last two decades making his fortune, settling scores, and suffering a prolonged period of torture in an Indian prison. Now, he needs someone to smooth the way for him with the villagers. Someone to manage his household--and warm his bed on occasion. What he needs, in short, is a wife and a matrimonial advertisement seems the perfect way to acquire one.

Their marriage was meant to be a business arrangement and nothing more. A dispassionate union free from the entanglements of love and affection. But when Helena's past threatens, will Justin's burgeoning feelings for his new bride compel him to come to her rescue? Or will dark secrets of his own force him to let her go?

A Modest Independence (Parish Orphans of Devon, # 2)

By: Mimi Matthews

Expected Publication: April 23rd 2019 by Perfectly Proper Press

476 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

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Goodreads description--He Needed Peace…

Solicitor Tom Finchley has spent his life using his devious intellect to solve the problems of others. As for his own problems, they’re nothing that a bit of calculated vengeance can’t remedy. But that’s all over now. He’s finally ready to put the past behind him and settle down to a quiet, uncomplicated life. If only he could find an equally uncomplicated woman.

She Wanted Adventure…

Former lady’s companion Jenny Holloway has just been given a modest independence. Now, all she wants is a bit of adventure. A chance to see the world and experience life far outside the restrictive limits of Victorian England. If she can discover the fate of the missing Earl of Castleton while she’s at it, so much the better.

From the gaslit streets of London to the lush tea gardens of colonial India, Jenny and Tom embark on an epic quest—and an equally epic romance. But even at the farthest edges of the British Empire, the past has a way of catching up with you…

Raise Them Up: Praying God's Word Over Your Kids

By: Sally Burke & Cyndie Claypool de Neve

Expected Publication: August 6th 2019 by Harvest House Publishers

224 pages

Genre: Non-fiction, Christian, Parenting

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

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Goodreads description--“When God fills a parent’s heart with His Word and then, out of the overflow of the heart, prayer flows, the very same earth-changing power is released into the lives of our children.” Jennifer Kennedy Dean, author and executive director of The Praying Life Foundation

“Praying scriptures over your children is the key to raising up leaders.” Pam Farrell, bestselling author and international speaker

“This book is a beautiful tool to encourage our souls to press on and continue to ask, seek, and knock for the lives of our children.” Wendy Palau, National Prayer Team

With Raise Them Up you will learn effective strategies to lift your children up in prayer. You will discover the joy of interceding for your children as you pray specific scripture prayers. Through inspirational stories and thoughtful guidance, you’ll be motivated to…

pray bold prayers to help your children in every situation
experience the impact of powerful prayers to fulfill God’s purposes
trust God more when you speak His Word over your children
live out your purpose as you seek God’s will for your family

When you pray Scripture over your children’s lives, you can trust that you are praying God’s will.

Encouraging Words for Mothers: Morning Evening: Daily Devotions for a Mother's Soul

By: Michelle Medlock Adams

Publication: August 1st 2019 by Barbour Books

384 pages

Genre: Non-fiction, Christian, Parenting, Devotional

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

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Goodreads description--Moms, find wisdom and support when you really need it!

This 365-day morning and evening devotional book is by a mom—award-winning writer Michelle Medlock Adams—for moms. Especially for women with children still at home, Encouraging Words for Mothers offers brief, relevant, and biblical reflections with monthly themes such as worry, unconditional love, discipline, and praying. Each will show you how scripture applies to your everyday life—and equip you to be the best mom you can be.

Creative Lettering and Beyond: Timeless Calligraphy: A collection of traditional calligraphic hands from history and how to write them

By: Laura Lavender

Publication: April 30th 2019 by Walter Foster Publishing

144 pages

Genre: Non-fiction, Arts, Crafts

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

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Goodreads description--Discover everything you need to know about historic flourished hands and how to create elegant, modern artwork inspired by traditional calligraphy techniques in this follow-up to the first and best-selling lettering book in Walter Foster’s Creative…and Beyond series.

Beginning with an introduction to pointed pen and how to get started with this timeless tool, you’ll find a brief overview of the recommended tools and materials, as well as how to set up your work space. In addition, you will explore essential techniques used throughout the book, learn to hold the pen properly, and find tips for warming up.

Talented artist and teacher Laura Lavender introduces you to a wide range of traditional, historic flourished hands and lettering styles, including Copperplate, Spencerian, Italian hand, Bickham script, Victorian embellished capitals, Art Nouveau capitals, Gothic capitals, and more. Each style includes an engaging introduction and history of the hand, an alphabet sampler, step-by-step instructions for creating the letters, and lots of inspirational examples and ideas for using the hand.

Throughout the book, you will also find practice templates that can be copied and used time and again to perfect your technique and style.

Creative Lettering and Beyond: Timeless Calligraphy is the ideal guide for learning the techniques of traditional lettering styles.

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!