Monday, November 30, 2020

November 2020 EOM Wrap Up

I have read 7 books (not including children's books). *These qualify for the 2020 Series Enders Reading Challenge.
A Captain for Caroline Gray by Julie Wright
The Knockout by Sajni Patel
Iron Crown (Dark Swan, # 3) by Richelle Mead
*Shadow Heir (Dark Swan, # 4) by Richelle Mead
First Comes Like (Modern Love, # 3) by Alisha Rai
From Blood and Ash (Blood and Ash, # 1) by Jennifer L Armentrout
The Duke Meets His Match by Karen Tuft

I have reviewed 4 books. *These qualify for the 2020 Series Enders Reading Challenge.
The Bad Boy and the Tomboy by
Lost on the Way (West Side, # 4) by Isabel Jolie
Moment of Truth by Kasie West
Secrets & Suitors by Joanna Barker

Other Posts:
Sunday Post - 11/01/20
Sunday Post & Stacking the Shelves - 11/08/20
Sunday Post - 11/15/20
Sunday Post & Stacking the Shelves - 11/22/20
Sunday Post & Stacking the Shelves - 11/29/20
Can't Wait for Twice Shy by Sarah Hogle
Can't Wait for Sunkissed by Kasie West
Can't Wait for The Dating Plan by Sara Desai
Can't Wait for First Comes Like (Modern Love, # 3) by Alisha Rai
2020 Series Enders Reading Challenge - November Wrap Up
October 2020 EOM Wrap Up

Goals:
I finished my Bible-in-a-year plan.
I've read 88 out of 52 books (including children's books).
I've read 8 out of 5-10 series enders.

Sunday, November 29, 2020

Sunday Post & Stacking the Shelves - 11/29/20

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.

Oh boy! Another crazy week in the books. Monday was normal except the kids were out of school. Tuesday, Grammy came to watch the kids while I ran to the doctor for my 4D Ultrasound. We got some really awesome pictures. However, my car started acting up on the drive there. I didn't feel comfortable driving it home so Husband met me at one car place after the doctor. We left it there to be looked at. He had to drive back to work to grab his laptop, then we came home. The car place called us that afternoon to tell us it wasn't something they could fix. So we drove to pick it up and took it to the dealership. Wednesday was a normalish day. The kids and I went for a walk and then we played outside. Thursday we drove to Mobile to see my grandmother for Thanksgiving. We stayed outside on her porch to maintain as much social distancing as possible. The kids had a blast, and it was a really good day. My grandmother gets really lonely during normal times so 2020 has been even more difficult for her than normal. Plus she's just been told she doesn't need to drive anymore. That's not settling well with her either. We got home about 9 pm and Little Boy threw an epic fit getting ready for bed. It was so bad he accidentally fell into the potty after he'd just peed and ended up having to get a super late bath. Black Friday was spent piddling around the house. Husband worked outside, and the kids always enjoy following him around as he's getting things done. Saturday was much the same. Now this coming week is supposed to be PACKED with errands and such. I don't know how I'm going to get any of it done though with no car since mine is still in the shop.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of Secrets & Suitors by Joanna Barker (3 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for First Comes Like (Modern Love, # 3) by Alisha Rai

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: November 2020 EOM Wrap Up
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday
Thursday: Review of Wild at Heart (Wild, # 2) by KA Tucker

Don’t forget to link up for the 2020 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2020 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 Duke Meets His Match

By: Karen Tuft

Expected Publication: December 1st 2020 by Covenant Communications

pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

Source:

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--At thirty years of age, Susan Jennings has long been considered a spinster. Exceptionally intelligent, she has little tolerance for London and the dreaded Season—if that’s how one is expected to find love, it’s not for her. But when an invitation arrives that cannot be ignored, Susan leaves her comfortable life in the country and enters the fashion and frivolity she most despises. She quickly discovers, however, that there is more to loathe in London—and his name is George Kendall.

George, Duke of Aylesham, has learned to keep his distance from cloying females chasing the title of duchess. Susan Jennings, however, proves an entirely different challenge—a woman who has pushed him to the limit of his patience with their every encounter. But their simmering hostility is disrupted by a thoughtless slip-up: to avoid a marriage of political strategy, George claims he is already betrothed. And when pressed for the name of the lucky woman, only one name comes to mind: Susan’s. Their forced betrothal proves advantageous, but when their verbal sparring must change in order to be convincing, the line between fact and fiction becomes blurred by something neither expected: love.

That's it for my shelves and recaps of my past and upcoming week. What did you add to your shelves this week? Any bookish news you want to talk about? Let me know!

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

2020 Series Enders Reading Challenge - November Wrap Up

Time for our Monthly Wrap Up for the 2020 Series Enders Reading Challenge hosted by Sandy @ Somewhere Only We Know and Holly @ Words Fueled by Love!

Sandy finished Shadow Heir (Dark Swan, # 4) by Richelle Mead. Holly hasn't 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 November giveaway runs from November 25th - December 23rd. On December 23rd 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

Can't Wait for First Comes Like

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.

First Comes Like (Modern Love, # 3)

By: Alisha Rai

Expected Publication: February 16th 2021 by Avon

432 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 author of The Right Swipe and Girl Gone Viral returns with a story about finding love in all the wrong inboxes...

Beauty expert and influencer Jia Ahmed has her eye on the prize: conquering the internet today, the entire makeup industry tomorrow, and finally, finally proving herself to her big opinionated family. She has little time for love, and even less time for the men in her private messages—until the day a certain international superstar slides into her DMs, and she falls hard and fast.

There’s just one wrinkle: he has no idea who she is.

The son of a powerful Bollywood family, soap opera star Dev Dixit is used to drama, but a strange woman who accuses him of wooing her online, well, that’s a new one. As much as he’d like to focus on his Hollywood fresh start, he can’t get Jia out of his head. Especially once he starts to suspect who might have used his famous name to catfish her…

When paparazzi blast their private business into the public eye, Dev is happy to engage in some friendly fake dating to calm the gossips and to dazzle her family. But as the whole world swoons over their relationship, Jia can’t help but wonder: Can an online romance-turned-offline-fauxmance ever become love in real life?

I actually already have this one as an ARC, but I still wanted to feature it as a CWW. What are you guys waiting on this week? Let me know!

Monday, November 23, 2020

Secrets and Suitors - Review

Secrets and Suitors

By: Joanna Barker

Publication: October 1st 2019 by Covenant Communications, Inc.

256 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

Source: Personal Kindle Library (birthday present)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--Reluctantly returning to London for yet another Season, shy Nora Hamilton has nearly given up hope that she will ever find the love match she longs for. After all, the one man she does harbor feelings for—her closest friend, James—has made it perfectly clear he views her as just that: a friend. With James traveling half a world away and Nora's father pressuring her to marry for wealth and status, Nora is forced to set aside her desire for love and accept the future she has always dreaded. Until James returns unexpectedly and Nora's feelings once again rush unbearably close to the surface. Determined to save what is left of their friendship, Nora ignores her own heart and allows herself to be swept up in the London Season, soon finding herself the object of two very different gentlemen's affections. Though she should be thrilled, both men come with a glaring fault: neither is the one man who holds her heart.

But there is much more at stake than heartbreak. When long-kept secrets are laid bare, Nora must face the fears that have plagued her all her life and decide what true love is worth.

Secrets and Suitors starts off with Nora dealing with the emotions of hope being crushed. She's in love with her best friend. They had a moment but he pulled away and then left for his family's sugar plantation in Jamaica without even saying goodbye except a short note. She's trying to come to grips with her new belief that he doesn't in fact love her in the same way as she loves him. But she still hopes to marry for love. Even if she has to look elsewhere for it. The only problem is that her father wants her to accept the hand of a gentleman that is very stuffy and boring.

James returns and interrupts Nora's proposal. Of course, she's grateful because she doesn't want to marry anyone but James. Yet he continually does things or says things that confuse her. Sometimes he seems to specifically discourage her but other times he does the opposite. James keeps popping up where Nora is. It wasn't hard to tell his feelings as a reader, but Nora had a hard time reading him because she was afraid to read too much into his actions.

Beyond the love story between Nora and James, the biggest piece of the puzzle dealt with the secrets Nora's family has been keeping. They're not some nefarious secrets, but they are secrets that keep them from connecting with each other and being authentic.

I found myself getting frustrated with Nora. She was constantly telling herself to move on from James yet she actually took no real steps to do that. Obviously, the story is about them, but I find it really difficult to connect to characters who know they should do one thing and then do the opposite. Plus I don't think it is possible for two people of the opposite sex to remain friends when one or the other has feelings. It's just not possible. The person with feelings will constantly be reading into actions and remain hopeful. Or miserable. Or both. It just doesn't work. And I felt myself getting frustrated with these two more than I was rooting for them. I mean I knew they'd end up together in the end.

Secrets and Suitors was a fast read for me. I had a few issues with it that kept me from rating it higher. I ended up settling for a 3 Star rating. Have you read Secrets and Suitors? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday, November 22, 2020

Sunday Post & Stacking the Shelves - 11/22/20

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.

Let's see. Monday was a pretty normal day. Tuesday I planned to take the kids to the park--our first time going since before March. Well, we got loaded up in the car, and my car wouldn't crank. Of course, meltdowns insued. We did walk and play outside, and then we did a video chat with their cousin. Husband got me a new battery when he got home from work and that seems to have been the issue. Wednesday was a normal day. Thursday, I had an early doctor's appointment. So we loaded up and went to Gramma's house. I ran to the doctor. All is well there. Spent the day with Gramma and then came home. Friday was mostly a normal day. I ran to the eye doctor to pick up my contacts and vacuumed my car. Saturday, we took the kids to the park. It was nice to have Husband with me so I wasn't chasing them both by myself. Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of Moment of Truth (Love, Life, & the List, # 3) by Kasie West (4 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for The Dating Plan by Sara Desai

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of Secrets & Suitors by Joanna Barker
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday

Don’t forget to link up for the 2020 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2020 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.

From Blood and Ash (Blood and Ash, # 1)

By: Jennifer L Armentrout

Expected Publication: March 30th 2020 by Blue Box Press

634 pages

Genre: New Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal

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--A Maiden…

Chosen from birth to usher in a new era, Poppy’s life has never been her own. The life of the Maiden is solitary. Never to be touched. Never to be looked upon. Never to be spoken to. Never to experience pleasure. Waiting for the day of her Ascension, she would rather be with the guards, fighting back the evil that took her family, than preparing to be found worthy by the gods. But the choice has never been hers.

A Duty…

The entire kingdom’s future rests on Poppy’s shoulders, something she’s not even quite sure she wants for herself. Because a Maiden has a heart. And a soul. And longing. And when Hawke, a golden-eyed guard honor bound to ensure her Ascension, enters her life, destiny and duty become tangled with desire and need. He incites her anger, makes her question everything she believes in, and tempts her with the forbidden.

A Kingdom…

Forsaken by the gods and feared by mortals, a fallen kingdom is rising once more, determined to take back what they believe is theirs through violence and vengeance. And as the shadow of those cursed draws closer, the line between what is forbidden and what is right becomes blurred. Poppy is not only on the verge of losing her heart and being found unworthy by the gods, but also her life when every blood-soaked thread that holds her world together begins to unravel.

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, November 18, 2020

Can't Wait for The Dating Plan

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 Dating Plan

By: Sara Desai

Expected Publication: March 16th 2021 by Berkley Books

352 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--Even with a step-by-step plan, these fake fiances might accidentally fall for each other in this hilarious, heartfelt romantic comedy from the author of The Marriage Game.

Daisy Patel is a software engineer who understands lists and logic better than bosses and boyfriends. With her life all planned out, and no interest in love, the one thing she can't give her family is the marriage they expect. Left with few options, she asks her childhood crush to be her decoy fiance.

Liam Murphy is a venture capitalist with something to prove. When he learns that his inheritance is contingent on being married, he realizes his best friend's little sister has the perfect solution to his problem. A marriage of convenience will get Daisy's matchmaking relatives off her back and fulfill the terms of his late grandfather's will. If only he hadn't broken her tender teenage heart nine years ago...

Sparks fly when Daisy and Liam go on a series of dates to legitimize their fake relationship. Too late, they realize that very little is convenient about their arrangement. History and chemistry aren't about to follow the rules of this engagement.

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

Monday, November 16, 2020

Moment of Truth - Review

Moment of Truth (Love Life and the List, # 3)

By: Kasie West

Publication: March 3rd 2020 by HarperTeen

352 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Source: Personal Kindle Library (birthday present)

( 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--At sixteen, Hadley Moore knows exactly who she is—a swimmer who will earn a scholarship to college. Totally worth all the hard work, even if her aching shoulders don’t agree.

So when a guy dressed as Hollywood’s latest action hero, Heath Hall, crashes her swim meet, she isn’t amused. Instead, she’s determined to make sure he doesn’t bother her again. Only she’s not sure exactly who he is.

The swim meet isn’t the first event the imposter has interrupted, but a little digging turns up a surprising number of people who could be Heath Hall, including Hadley's ex-boyfriend and her best friend’s crush. She soon finds herself getting caught up in the mysterious world of the fake Heath Hall.

As Hadley gets closer to uncovering the masked boy’s identity, she also discovers some uncomfortable truths about herself—like she might resent the long shadow her late brother has cast over her family, that she isn’t as happy as she pretends to be with her life choices…and that she's falling for the last guy she ever thought she would like.

While I won't say I've ever been a fan of the lengthy titles for this series (Love, Life, and the List & Fame, Fate, and the First Kiss), I will say that I like consistency. Hearts, Heroes, and Heath Hall stuck with the alliteration pattern of the series so I was a little confused and disappointed with the title change.

Oh, I love Kasie West. I can always count on her. Always. Her books are clean. No language and no sexual scenes. But seriously for those who might argue differently, Kasie West 100% proves those things aren't necessary for a good story...for a good love story. I will devour all of her books as long as she is willing to keep writing them.

Sometimes I do find the plots for Kasie West's books not to be unique. I never tend to mind because she does each book so well by connecting me to the characters. In this case, I loved the Heath Hall aspect of the plot. I thought this was unique and maybe even something I would like to see done in real life. I had some predictions, but Kasie West kept me guessing, and I never felt fully confident in my predictions. There was one trope used where the main character is conversing with an anonymous person and she needs to figure out who she's been chatting with. But the characters bring everything to life.

Hadley, as the description says, is a swimmer. Her ex-boyfriend actually broke up with her because she was so singularly focused on swimming. But who can really blame her when she's working towards a scholarship for college. Yet Hadley learns that she's been unconsciously competing with her dead brother, who died before she was born from leukemia. She has a lot of fear of addressing her feelings with her parents. I felt like this part of the story was so moving.

Jackson is the class clown. The prankster. And Hadley seems to be the only one who isn't charmed by him. If anything she finds him childish and annoying. I loved their transition from antagonism to friends and then more. I connected with Hadley's feelings toward Jackson because I truly found guys in school who behaved in a similar way to be annoying as well. But Jackson is deeper than what he appears.

Moment of Truth was so enjoyable. I blew through it in one day which says a lot because I didn't have a babysitter that day and I still managed to squeezed every free moment into reading it. I kept guessing and I just cheese my way through the whole book. Moment of Truth gets 4 Stars. Have you read Moment of Truth? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday, November 15, 2020

Sunday Post - 11/15/20

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 some warmish weather so the kids and I have been getting outside to walk and play. They're at ages where they're playing more independently so I'm able to rest from our walks while they get their energy out. No school on Wednesday because of Veteran's Day. A big thank you to all of the Veterans out there. My grandfather on my dad's side was in WW2, but he died before I was born so I didn't get to know him much. I do know he was in the Navy and their ship broke down in enemy water. The mechanics on the ship weren't able to fix it and my grandfather stepped in and got it running again. He had to do so without making any unnecessary noise as well. He and my grandmother met shortly before he shipped out, and they wrote letters to each other while he was overseas. Wednesday night and Thursday afternoon, Husband's sister from Georgia stopped by (she was visiting their mom). Thursday, we spent the day with my mom. Friday was spent mostly on admin stuff. All of the finance prep that needs to happen before Christmas shopping begins. I'm in the mood for Christmas, but we always wait until Thanksgiving to decorate. I have been listening to Christmas music though. No new books this week.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of Lost on the Way (West Side, # 4) by Isabel Jolie (3 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Sunkissed by Kasie West

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of Moment of Truth (Love, Life, and the List, # 3) by Kasie West
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday

Don’t forget to link up for the 2020 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2020 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, November 11, 2020

Can't Wait for Sunkissed

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.

Sunkissed

By: Kasie West

Expected Publication: May 4th 2021 by Delacorte Press

320 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--A lighthearted and swoony contemporary YA romance by fan-favorite author Kasie West about a girl who finds that a summer spent at a family resort isn’t as bad as she imagined…and that falling in love is filled with heartache, laughter, and surprises!

After being betrayed by her best friend, Avery is hoping for a picture-perfect summer. Too bad her parents have dragged her and her sister to a remote family camp for the entire summer. And that’s not even the worst part. Avery also has to deal with no internet, a cute but off-limits staff member, and an always-in-her-face sister.

But what starts as a disaster turns into a whirlwind summer romance as Avery embarks on an unexpected journey to figure out what she truly wants and who she wants to be.

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

Monday, November 9, 2020

Lost on the Way - Review

Lost on the Way (West Side, # 4)

By: Isabel Jolie

Publication: September 21st 2020 by Noctivity, Inc.

246 pages

Genre: 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--They were friends—just friends. Now they’re something else entirely…

Jason

I remember everything about the day I met her. I might have asked for her number, but I had bigger things to think about that day than trying to score a date.
I remember everything about the second time we crossed paths. By then, she had a boyfriend. Of course, she did. A girl like Maggie Gray Thompson wouldn’t stay single long.
It’s hard to believe freshman year passed ten years ago. Now Maggie’s my best friend, my family. A friendship like ours, it’s irreplaceable. When we buried Adam, I stood by her. When my cancer returned, she stood by me.
Then, in one night, I throw that friendship away.
Maggie

Last night was the best—and worst—night of my life.
He made it clear he only wants a friendship. Then last night happened.
And now he knows how I feel.
Some part of me knows he’ll always see me as his best friend’s girl. He can’t look at me without seeing Adam.
Jason is my best friend. I love him with everything I have—mind, body, and soul.
The problem? His love for me isn’t that kind of love. And that’s okay. I can live with that.
I can’t lose him. If he wants to stay in the friend zone, I’ll need to somehow accept that and move on. Find someone else to love. I know it’s true.
But convincing my heart…well, that’s another story entirely.

I've found in the past that I struggle with reading while pregnant. Mostly in the past, this has been because I find myself more easily annoyed with the characters and plot. For some reason during this pregnancy, I don't feel that's been the case. What I have struggled with this time is being at a loss for words when it comes time to review a book. So bear with me while I sort out my thoughts.

I don't think I went into Lost on the Way with any particular expectations. It's the 4th book in a series where I haven't read the prior books, but since each book is about a different character, I didn't feel like I'd be missing anything by coming in mid-series. More than anything I've been craving either contemporary or historical fiction. Mostly because these two genres tend to focus on love stories. And that's about it. I haven't been in the mood for other genres as much. So with those expectations Lost on the Way got the bill.

The book description pretty much spells out the entire book, and not much happened outside of what I expected. There were definitely no surprises.

Maggie and Jason have pretty much been in love with each other for years, but have refused to move past the friend zone. Maggie is all for it but Jason is dragging his feet for various reasons. I found myself being annoyed with Maggie. I wanted her to stand up for herself sooner. These types of relationships where one character is open to more and the other isn't reciprocating can be draining to me even when the end result is that the other character wises up eventually. It was obvious Jason wanted more as well but his reasons for not moving forward weren't so obvious. Their journey was one I read quickly, but I also found myself rolling my eyes quite a bit.

My biggest frustration with Lost on the Way was the commentary about faith in a higher power, namely God. I'm always going to take issue with times I see characters or authors portray God in a negative way. Much could be said in opposition to the statements made within the story, but I'm not going to preach a sermon right now. Just know, I disagree with all that was said about God and faith within this book.

In the end, Lost on the Way was no more than what I expecting it to be. I found the characters a little grating but only slightly. The commentary and disparaging remarks about God and faith didn't endear me to the story, characters, or author. I wasn't surprised or particularly impressed with any aspect of Lost on the Way, but I did read it quickly which is always a good thing. Lost on the Way gets 3 Stars. Have you read Lost on the Way? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday, November 8, 2020

Sunday Post & Stacking the Shelves - 11/08/20

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 was a week about playing catch up. I'd been lazy last week as much as I could so I was behind on things this week. No matter which side you fall on, I think we can all agree that this election stuff is a mess. And that's all I want to say about that. Thursday my mom came to hang out with us and babysit while I ran to the chiropractor. We've had some nice weather this week. Typically it has been cool in the morning and in the 70s by the afternoon. So we've gotten to walk twice this week. Friday I had an eye doctor appointment just to double check my trial contact. We've been trying to get some design/construction companies to come look at our house to see about adding on an additional bedroom. But getting someone to call us back has been ridiculous. You'd think people don't like to get paid. It's been a frustrating process for sure.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of The Bad Boy and the Tomboy by Nicole Nwosu (3.5 Stars)
Tuesday: October 2020 EOM Wrap Up
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Twice Shy by Sarah Hogle

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of Lost on the Way (West Side, # 4) by Isabel Jolie
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday

Don’t forget to link up for the 2020 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2020 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.

First Comes Like (Modern Love, # 3)

By: Alisha Rai

Expected Publication: February 16th 2021 by Avon

432 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--The author of The Right Swipe and Girl Gone Viral returns with a story about finding love in all the wrong inboxes...

Beauty expert and influencer Jia Ahmed has her eye on the prize: conquering the internet today, the entire makeup industry tomorrow, and finally, finally proving herself to her big opinionated family. She has little time for love, and even less time for the men in her private messages—until the day a certain international superstar slides into her DMs, and she falls hard and fast.

There’s just one wrinkle: he has no idea who she is.

The son of a powerful Bollywood family, soap opera star Dev Dixit is used to drama, but a strange woman who accuses him of wooing her online, well, that’s a new one. As much as he’d like to focus on his Hollywood fresh start, he can’t get Jia out of his head. Especially once he starts to suspect who might have used his famous name to catfish her…

When paparazzi blast their private business into the public eye, Dev is happy to engage in some friendly fake dating to calm the gossips and to dazzle her family. But as the whole world swoons over their relationship, Jia can’t help but wonder: Can an online romance-turned-offline-fauxmance ever become love in real life?

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, November 4, 2020

Can't Wait for Twice Shy

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.

Twice Shy

By: Sarah Hogle

Expected Publication: April 6th 2021 by G.P. Putnam's Sons

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--From the author of You Deserve Each Other comes an unconventional and laugh-out-loud new romantic comedy about a woman who inherits a rambling Tennessee estate—and, with it, a groundskeeper whose cranky exterior masks a vulnerability that matches her own.

Maybell Parrish has always been a dreamer. But living with her head in the clouds has always felt preferable to dealing with reality, whether it's managing her panic attacks, navigating the wild world of dating apps, or getting her coworkers to show her a little respect. So when Maybell inherits a stately old Tennessee manor from her eccentric Great Aunt Violet, she realizes it's the perfect opportunity to make a fresh start, and finally take control of the life that's making her increasingly unhappy.

But when she arrives at her new home, it seems her troubles have only just begun. Not only is the manor practically falling apart around her, but its handsome yet reclusive groundskeeper, Wesley Koehler, who lives in a cabin on the property, seems to want nothing to do with her. Worse still, Great Aunt Violet left Maybell a bucket list of tasks she has only six months to complete if she wants to retain control of the estate--and Maybell won't be able to tick off all the items without Wesley's help.

Convincing the taciturn Wesley to stop avoiding her is a task more formidable than anything on Great Aunt Violet's list. But when Maybell discovers that beneath his brooding exterior lies an anxiety that exceeds her own, she realizes they might have more in common than she ever dreamed. And as the two slowly begin to let down their guards, they just might learn that sometimes the smallest steps outside one's comfort zone can lead to the greatest rewards.

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

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

October 2020 EOM Wrap Up

I have read 3 books (not including children's books). *These qualify for the 2020 Series Enders Reading Challenge.

Bewitched (Betwixt & Between, # 2) by Darynda Jones
The Bad Boy and the Tomboy by Nicole Nwosu
Lost on the Way (West Side, # 4) by Isabel Jolie

I have reviewed 11 books. *These qualify for the 2020 Series Enders Reading Challenge.
*Hidden Knights (Knights of the Realm, # 3) by Jennifer Anne Davis
The Evil Queen (The Forest of Good and Evil, # 1) by Gena Showalter
Vow of Thieves (Dance of Thieves, # 2) by Mary E Pearson
A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, # 2) by Sarah J Maas (Upon Further Review)
The Glass Queen (The Forest of Good and Evil, # 2) by Gena Showalter
The Glittering Court (The Glittering Court, # 1) by Richelle Mead
A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses, # 3) by Sarah J Maas (Upon Further Review)
Betwixt (Betwixt & Between, # 2) by Darynda Jones
A Court of Frost and Starlight (A Court of Thorns and Roses, # 3.1) by Sarah J Maas
*Igniting Darkness (Courting Darkness Duology, # 2) by Robin La Fevers
*Midnight Sun (Twilight, # 5) by Stephenie Meyer

Other Posts:
Sunday Post & Stacking the Shelves - 10/04/20
Sunday Post & Stacking the Shelves - 10/18/20
Sunday Post & Stacking the Shelves - 10/25/20
Top Ten Book Covers for Fall
Can't Wait for Beguiled (Betwixt & Between, # 3) by Darynda Jones
Can't Wait for A Good Day for Chardonnay (Sunshine Vicram, # 2) by Darynda Jones
Can't Wait for Sword of Rage (Reigning Kingdoms, # 1) by Jennifer Anne Davis
Can't Wait for A Court of Silver Flames (A Court of Thorns and Roses, # 4) by Sarah J Maas
2020 Series Enders Reading Challenge - October Wrap Up

Goals:
I am 42 days ahead on of schedule my Bible-in-a-year plan.
I've read 79 out of 52 books (including children's books).
I've read 8 out of 5-10 series enders.