Sunday Post & Stacking the Shelves - 05/30/21

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.

Husband found out Monday that he got the new job. That's really exciting. Tuesday, Baby Boy had his 4 month checkup. He's growing so much. He's still gaining about an ounce a day. He's over 18 pounds, and he's in the 90% for height and weight. Tuesday, the lumber was also delivered to our house for our rennovation. It's really a terrible time to be doing this kind of project. But we started the design process back in November. Progress has just been slow the entire project. We booked a spontaneous trip to Panama City Beach this week after finding out that Husband got the new job. So we met with the builders Wednesday morning to go over lighting and electrical things, and then we left to go on our trip. Little Boy and Baby Boy are having their first beach trips. We took Little Girl when she was 18 months old and she still remembers the trip well.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of #Staymarried by Michelle Peterson (4 Stars)
Tuesday: 2021 Series Enders Reading Challenge - May Wrap Up
Wednesday: Can't Wait for First Love, Take Two by Sajni Patel

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Happy Memorial Day (US) - No blog posts
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday

Don’t forget to link up for the 2021 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2021 to sign 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 Shaadi Set-Up

By: Lillie Vale

Publication: September 7th 2021 by G.P. Putnam's Sons

368 pages

Genre: New 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--In this witty and heartfelt rom-com debut for fans of Jasmine Guillory, Emily Henry, and Tessa Bailey, an Indian-American woman signs herself and her boyfriend up for a matchmaking site to prove they’re a perfect match, only to be paired with her ex instead.

High school sweethearts Rita Chitniss and Milan Rao were the golden couple, until the day he broke her heart. Now, six years later, Rita has turned her passion for furniture restoration into a career and has an almost-perfect boyfriend, Neil. The last thing she needs is for Milan to re-enter her life, but that’s exactly what happens when her mother, an unfailing believer in second chances, sets them up. Milan is just as charming, cocky, and confident as he was back in school. Only this time, he actually needs her business expertise, not her heart, to flip a hard-to-sell house for his realty agency.

While Rita begrudgingly agrees to help, she’s not taking any risks. To prove she’s definitely over him, she signs herself and Neil up on MyShaadi.com, a Desi matchmaking site famous for its success stories and trustworthy enough to convince everyone that she and Neil are the new and improved couple. Instead, she’s shocked when MyShaadi’s perfect match for her isn’t Neil…it’s Milan. Ignoring the website and her mother is one thing, but ignoring Milan proves much more difficult, especially when she promises to help him renovate the beach house of her dreams. And as the two of them dive deeper into work—and their pasts—Rita begins to wonder if maybe her match wasn’t so wrong after all….

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 First Love, Take Two

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 Love, Take Two

By: Sajni Patel

Expected Publication: September 21st 2021 by Forever

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--On the verge of realizing her dream of being a doctor, Preeti Patel should be ecstatic. But between the stress of her residency, trying to find a job, and managing her traditional, no-boundaries family, Preeti's anxiety is through the roof. Relationships and love aren't even an option. Fortunately, Preeti's finally found a new place to stay . . . only to discover that her new roommate is her ex.

Preeti never quite got over Daniel Thompson. Super-hot, plenty of swagger, amazing cook—the guy is practically perfect. And if it weren't for their families, there might have been a happily ever after. But it's hard to keep her sanity and libido in check when the man of her dreams is sleeping mere feet away. Can Preeti and Daniel find a way to stand up and fight for each other one last time . . . before they lose their second chance?

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

2021 Series Enders Reading Challenge - May Wrap Up

Time for our Monthly Wrap Up for the 2021 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 May 25th - June 25th. On June 25th we will use random.org and the linky entries to pull a grand prize winner.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

#Staymarried - Review

#Staymarried

By: Michelle Peterson

Expected Publication: May 23rd 2017 by Althea Press

248 pages

Genre: Nonfiction, Christian, Self-Help, Devotional

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--“#staymarried: A Couple’s Devotional is filled with practical advice on what it takes to create a marriage that beats the odds. Every chapter of this couple’s devotional is a powerful reminder of how small changes in awareness and actions can be the tipping point in any relationship.”
—Dave Nelson, Lead Pastor, Great Lakes Church, Kenosha, WI

Strong marriages don’t just happen. They require commitment, time, and faith—which can often be difficult to achieve amid the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. But this kind of dedication is essential, not just to getting married, but to staying married.

After five years of marriage, Michelle Peterson discovered that many of the couples she knew were separating or getting divorced, and found herself asking a question that would become the foundation of her life’s work: What does it take to stay married? From this question Michelle developed the popular blog and podcast, #staymarried, which has helped hundreds of thousands of couples improve their marriages.

#staymarried: A Couple’s Devotional combines everything Michelle has learned in one welcoming and applicable couple’s devotional. In #staymarried: A Couple’s Devotional, scripture-based devotions help you and your spouse work together to strengthen your relationship—to each other and God.

In this couple’s devotional, you’ll find:

Devotions that require only 30 minutes per week and address everything from finances and arguments to trust and intimacy. Wisdom from the Bible incorporated with up-to-date research from research-based sources such as The Gottman Institute. Inclusive, open-minded guidance that applies to a diverse range of couples.

With #staymarried: A Couple’s Devotional, you and your spouse will learn to connect meaningfully and communicate honestly while renewing your shared commitment to your marriage and faith.

Husband and I started #staymarried as a devotional we wanted to do together when we hit a rough patch in our marriage last year. Every marriage has struggles and the title #staymarried felt like exactly what we needed. Our commitment to staying married was one of the main things that got us through this particular time. But we knew we needed to up our communication and we'd always intended to do devotionals together but never did until now. That's why we chose this book.

At first, I felt like #staymarried wasn't going to end up being the best devotional for us. Many of the chapters felt better suited for engaged couples than for already married ones. Many of the topics were things we've discussed extensively throughout our marriage and relationship. I didn't feel as if there was much new territory for us to explore based on some of the week's topics. But if nothing else the book did spark conversation even if we were discussing things we've talked about in the past. And eventually, we had several topics and weeks that hit exactly what we were going through at exactly the right moment.

Husband rated #staymarried as 5 Stars. I feel like it deserves more of a 4 Star rating. I enjoyed it. The topics did spark conversation which was our main goal in starting it. But I truly feel like newlyweds or engaged couples will get more out of this book than couples that have been married 10 years or more. I also felt like the discussion questions could have been more in-depth and pushed the couples a little deeper. It might be helpful for couples to read the week's chapter individually to provide time to think through the discussion questions before discussing them together. Have you read #staymarried? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 05/23/21

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.

Sunday, Little Girl got hit with stomach problems. AGAIN. I assume it was something she ate that just didn't sit well with her. Monday, we traveled to Gulf Shores for my nephew's high school graduation. We spent the night in a hotel there. Tuesday morning we spent an hour with my sister, niece, and parents, and then we came home. We had a couple of hours until our kids had promotion/graduation ceremonies. Wednesday we spent the night with my parents because Husband had a virtual job interview on Thursday. Since our house is a demoltion zone right now, it wasn't a good place to try to do the interview. The rennovation on our house is at a standstill because we're waiting on lumber delivery. That's supposed to have been delievered every day this week but the LVL beam we need to support opening up our wall is delaying the delivery. Friday was the last day of school for the kids. Baby Boy is now 4 months old.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of The Indebted Earl (Serendipity & Secrets, # 3) by Erica Vetsch (3.5 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Well Matched (Well Met, # 3) by Jen DeLuca

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of #Staymarried by Michelle Peterson
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday

Don’t forget to link up for the 2021 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2021 to sign 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!

Can't Wait for Well Matched

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.

Well Matched (Well Met, # 3)

By: Jen DeLuca

Expected Publication: October 19th 2021 by Berkley

336 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--An accidentally in-love rom-com filled with Renaissance Faire flower crowns, kilts, corsets, and sword fights.

Single mother April Parker has lived in Willow Creek for twelve years with a wall around her heart. On the verge of being an empty nester, she's decided to move on from her quaint little town, and asks her friend Mitch for his help with some home improvement projects to get her house ready to sell.

Mitch Malone is known for being the life of every party, but mostly for the attire he wears to the local Renaissance Faire--a kilt (and not much else) that shows off his muscled form to perfection. While he agrees to help April, he needs a favor too: she'll pretend to be his girlfriend at an upcoming family dinner, so that he can avoid the lectures about settling down and having a more "serious" career than high school coach and gym teacher. April reluctantly agrees, but when dinner turns into a weekend trip, it becomes hard to tell what's real and what's been just for show. But when the weekend ends, so must their fake relationship.

As summer begins, Faire returns to Willow Creek, and April volunteers for the first time. When Mitch's family shows up unexpectedly, April pretends to be Mitch's girlfriend again...something that doesn't feel so fake anymore. Despite their obvious connection, April insists they've just been putting on an act. But when there's the chance for something real, she has to decide whether to change her plans--and open her heart--for the kilt-wearing hunk who might just be the love of her life.

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

The Indebted Earl - Review

The Indebted Earl (Serendipity & Secrets, # 3)

By: Erica Vetsch

Publication: March 23rd 2021 by Kregel Publications

288 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--Captain Charles Malvern owes a great debt to the man who saved his life--especially since Major Richardson lost his own life in the process. The best way to honor that hero's dying wish is for Malvern to escort the man's grieving fiance and mother safely to a new cottage home by the sea. But along the way, he learns of another obligation that has fallen on his shoulders: his uncle has died and the captain is now the Earl of Rothwell.

Sophie was introduced as Marcus's sister in The Gentleman Spy. She was so exuberant, and I liked her instantly. I didn't really expect to get her story because she was already engaged and in love and because she was only present in one scene. But I was excited to find out she would be the main female character of The Indebted Earl. However, Sophie's exuberance has dimmed. She is much changed due to her fiance's death. She's become somber in the wake of her tragedy and continuing to help her fiance's mother who is in the early stages of dementia or Alzheimer's.

Charles was Rich's Captain and friend. They were injured at the same time and side by side in the hospital in Portugal. While Charles healed, Rich did not. And on his death bed, Rich asked Charles to take care of Sophie. Charles has been enamored by Sophie through the letters she sent to Rich before and after his injury. But he finds that he admires her even more in person.

Charles and Sophie agree to a marriage of convenience, a business arrangement really. And while I've read marriage of convenience books in the past, Charles and Sophie's marriage really seemed to lack much emotion. While Charles has always admired her and had affection for her from the start of their marriage, Sophie's feelings were slower to develop. She didn't even have the apprehension that most other brides in marriage-of-convenience situations had. I think that is what was really lacking for me. Most brides in these situations have hope of developing a good relationship with their husbands over time, Sophie went into the marriage thankful for the lack of emotion between them. It was a slow-developing relationship and while I read the book quickly, the story wasn't fully driven by the potential of the romance as I prefer.

Favorite quotes:

-No one had told her that grief was so exhausting. Her body felt battered and her mind drained before she even got out of bed in the morning.

-"Duties are not burdens when they are performed out of love.”

I enjoyed The Indebted Earl . It wasn't a typical love story. I still enjoyed it even if I wasn't driven to a frenzy to find out what was going to happen next. I actually enjoyed the mystery where I sometimes find that aspect can get in the way of my feelings toward the book. I loved the orphan girls that Charles and Sophie took in. Each girl had a lot of personality and I wouldn't mind reading about each one in time. Although, I think Cilla might be the leading lady of the next story. The Indebted Earl gets 3.5 Stars. Have you read The Indebted Earl ? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 05/16/21

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.

Well demo finally started at our house for our rennovation. It didn't start until Thursday, but hey, progress is progress. We went Wednesday to pick out light fixtures and paint colors. I'm so excited for this project to be done. I'm also very thankful that my parents live close enough for us to hang at their house during the day. But all of that said, the running back and forth has prevented me from reading much. And blogging has been even less. However, we finally have the computer set up at my parents so I'll be able to do a little better with blogging at least.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of The Gentleman Spy (Serendipity & Secrets, # 2) by Erica Vetsch (4 Stars)

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of The Indebted Earl (Serendipity & Secrets, # 3) by Erica Vetsch
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday

Don’t forget to link up for the 2021 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2021 to sign 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!

The Gentleman Spy - Review

The Gentleman Spy (Serendipity & Secrets, # 2)

By: Erica Vetsch

Publication: July 28th 2020 by Kregel Publications

320 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

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--He only wanted a duchess for a day―but she's determined to make it a marriage for life

When his father and older brother suddenly pass away, the new Duke of Haverly is saddled with a title he never expected to bear. To thwart the plans of his scheming family, the duke impulsively marries a wallflower. After all, she's meek and mild; it should be easy to sequester her in the country and get on with his life―as a secret agent for the Crown.

But his bride has other ideas. She's determined to take her place not only as his duchess but as his wife. As a duchess, she can use her position to help the lowest of society―the women forced into prostitution because they have no skills or hope. Her endeavors are not met favorably in society, nor by her husband who wishes she'd remain in the background as he ordered.

Can the duke succeed in relegating her to the sidelines of his life? When his secrets are threatened with exposure, will his new wife be an asset or a liability?

I was so pleasantly surprised last year when I read The Lost Lieutenant. I knew that I wanted to read Marcus's book as he was such an interesting side character. And I was equally disappointed when I wasn't approved for The Gentleman Spy for review. No matter though. I just purchased it for myself. And I wasn't disappointed.

Marcus has recently inherited the title of Duke. His father and older brother were killed in a carriage accident, and his brother's wife gives birth to a baby girl and not a boy. But Marcus isn't sure how to reconcile his new duties as Duke with the work for the crown he was doing. But his mother and his boss begin pushing him to look for a wife. Marcus sees some benefits to the idea, but he thinks he can keep his work life separate from his personal life. We, women, know this isn't going to fly, and even though multiple people advise him that his strategy isn't going to work, Marcus thinks he knows better. He thinks he just has to be strict and disciplined.

Charlotte is opinionated and works to continually educate herself by reading. Her father has determined that if she doesn't find a husband this season she will be sent to live with her aunt. She has had a hard time with society because she tends to say too much for what is acceptable for a woman. But Marcus finds her interesting. I loved their relationship and the uncertainty. I could also relate to Charlotte's trust issues. Her core beliefs have been shaken finding out that her father kept a mistress for many years and actually has a daughter, Charlotte's half-sister.

I love that this series has taken on the topic of how the country's veterans and their families have struggled and been mistreated. Many of the veterans were wounded and returned home to find themselves in poverty due to their inability to work. But also many veterans widows and daughters have found themselves in such a dire situation that they end up selling themselves to survive. I've not seen another series take on these troubles.

I've been waiting on The Gentleman Spy for months, and it didn't disappoint. I loved the relationship build-up. I loved the side characters and the additional story about the veterans and their families. I don't think there was a section of the story that disappointed me. The Gentleman Spy gets 4 Stars. Have you read The Gentleman Spy ? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 05/09/21

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ The Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~this meme was inspired in part by ~ In My Mailbox~ It's a chance to share News. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up for the week on our blog.

This week was a ton of running back and forth between home and my parent's house. No progress was made on our rennovation which was frustrating. But we have no groceries and even if we did all of our cooking supplies have been packed away. So even though no work was done we still couldn't stay home much. We did dodge a tornado that hit not to far away on Tuesday. I was actually on the road driving home when the tornado warning came through on the radio. I quickly turned around and went back to my parents' house until the weather passed. I really haven't been able to read much this past week and blog even less than that. I'm hoping for a better schedule in a couple of weeks when we start sleep training Baby Boy. Our 12th wedding anniversary was Saturday.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of Isabelle & Alexander by Rebecca Anderson (3.5 Stars)

Wednesday: Can't Wait for A Warrior's Heart (Brides of Laurent, # 1) by Misty M Beller

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of The Gentleman Spy (Serendipity & Secrets, # 2) by Erica Vetsch
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday

Don’t forget to link up for the 2021 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2021 to sign 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!

Can't Wait for A Warrior's Heart

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 Warrior's Heart (Brides of Laurent, # 1)

By: Misty M Beller

Expected Publication: August 31st 2021 by Bethany House Publishers

320 pages

Genre: Adult, 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--Brielle Durand is a key defender and hunter for her people's peace-loving French settlement in the Canadian mountains. When a foreigner wanders too near to their secret homes, she has no choice but to disarm and capture him. She won't allow another massacre like the one that killed her mother a dozen years before. But now, what to do with this man who looks at her in a strange way?

Evan MacManus was on assignment to find among the caves the mineral pitchblende that might help America win the War of 1812. Despite being taken prisoner, Evan is determined to complete his mission. But when that assignment becomes at odds with his growing appreciation of the villagers and Brielle, does he follow through on the promise he's made to his government or take a risk on the path his heart tells him is right? Either choice will spell death for someone.

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

Isabelle & Alexander - Review

Isabelle and Alexander

By: Rebecca Anderson

Expected Publication: May 4th 2021 by Shadow Mountain

368 pages

Genre: Adult, 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--London, 1850

Isabelle Rackham knows she will not marry for love. Though arranged marriages have fallen out of fashion, hers has been settled for some time to combine the upper-middle-class wealth of her father’s coal mines with Alexander Osgood’s prospering Northern country textile mills. Though not a man prone to romantic gestures, Alexander is well-known as an eligible bachelor. His good looks have turned more than one head, so Isabelle is content to think of herself as Alexander’s wife.

However, her marriage is not what she expected. Northern England is nothing like her home farther west in the lake country. Cold, dreary, and dark, the soot from the textile mills creates a gray hue that seems to cling to everything in the city of Manchester. Alexander is distant and aloof, preferring to spend his time at the mill rather than with her at home. Their few conversations are brief, polite, and lacking any emotion, leaving Isabelle lonely and desperately homesick.

Sensing his wife’s unhappiness, Alexander suggests a trip to his country estate. Isabelle hopes this will be an opportunity to get to know her new husband without the distractions of his business. But the change of scenery doesn’t bring them any closer. While riding together on horses, Alexander is thrown from his and becomes paralyzed. Tragedy or destiny? The help and care that Alexander now needs is Isabelle’s opportunity to forge a connection and create a deep and romantic love where nothing else could.

Let's see...what do I want to say about Isabelle and Alexander ? I read this book in about 24 hours. I didn't want to put it down. And thankfully I didn't have to put it down often since I had a chunk of time to read.

Isabelle and Alexander get married as typical couples often did in that time....as a business arrangement. He would provide for her and she would be socially acceptable for him. However, the two struggle to find themselves in their marriage in the beginning. Isabelle often feels alone and neglected. Alexander apparently has a hard time opening up to new people. The two finally seem to be making some incremental progress when Alexander has a horse accident that causes a spinal injury.

Alexander and Isabelle both go through the typical emotions you might expect of someone who has suffered a traumatic injury and someone else who has become a caregiver. Alexander is struggling with his new reality. He feels weak and humiliated. He's unable to move about in his mill like he once did. He feels like he's a burden. And he knows his new wife didn't exactly sign up for this kind of life. Isabelle just wants to help. She wants to ease Alexander's burdens however she can. She rejoices in even the smallest amount of sensation and movement that returns to him even if he can't always appreciate those small victories. She struggles though because she's in a new place with very few friends. Her husband is distant. I give her major props for working so incredibly hard. She wasn't just working to help Alexander recover, she was also working and fighting for their marriage--unable to be satisfied with the impersonal relationship they began with.

Favorite quote:

-"I simply wish so regularly, so constantly that I could do anything correctly. I thank you for thinking I am doing well."

Isabelle and Alexander isn't your typical historical romance. There wasn't some swooping, swooning relationship. This was a story about hard work and a slow build. And even when we did arrive at the conclusion, I was still left wanting more. I wanted to know a bit more about Alexander's letters. I wanted to see the progression of their relationship. I was happy with where things ended while still wanting more. I guess that's not a terrible place to be. Isabelle and Alexander get 3.5 Stars. Have you read Isabelle and Alexander? What did you think? Let me know!