Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Can't Wait for A Shadow in the Ember

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 Shadow in the Ember (Flesh and Fire, # 1)

By: Jennifer L Armentrout

Expected Publication: October 19th 2021 by Blue Box Press

? pages

Genre: New Adult, Fantasy

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

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

Goodreads description--Born shrouded in the veil of the Primals, a Maiden as the Fates promised, Seraphena Mierel’s future has never been hers. Chosen before birth to uphold the desperate deal her ancestor struck to save his people, Sera must leave behind her life and offer herself to the Primal of Death as his Consort.

However, Sera’s real destiny is the most closely guarded secret in all of Lasania—she’s not the well protected Maiden but an assassin with one mission—one target. Make the Primal of Death fall in love, become his weakness, and then…end him. If she fails, she dooms her kingdom to a slow demise at the hands of the Rot.

Sera has always known what she is. Chosen. Consort. Assassin. Weapon. A specter never fully formed yet drenched in blood. A monster. Until him. Until the Primal of Death’s unexpected words and deeds chase away the darkness gathering inside her. And his seductive touch ignites a passion she’s never allowed herself to feel and cannot feel for him. But Sera has never had a choice. Either way, her life is forfeit—it always has been, as she has been forever touched by Life and Death.

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

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

Top Ten Most Anticipated Q3/Q4 Books of 2021

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together. This week's topic is Top Ten Most Anticipated Q3/Q4 Books of 2021.
  1. The Second Blind Son (Chronicles of Saylok, # 2) by Amy Harmon
  2. Crossed Lines (Love Along the Wires, # 2) by Jennifer Delamere
  3. The Last Legacy by Adrienne Young
  4. First Love, Take Two by Sajni Patel
  5. The Heart of a Cowboy (Colorado Cowboys, # 2) by Jody Hedlund
  6. A Shadow in the Ember (Flesh and Fire, # 1) by Jennifer L Armentrout
  7. Well Matched (Well Met, # 3) by Jen DeLuca
  8. The Singles Table by Sara Desai
  9. A Warrior's Heart (Brides of Laurent, # 1) by Misty M Beller
  10. Sway With Me by Syed M Masood

Which books are you most anticipating for the last half of 2021? Let me know!

Sunday, June 27, 2021

Sunday Post & Stacking the Shelves - 06/27/21

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.

Monday was my birthday. I woke up to Little Girl bringing me cereal in bed. She wanted me to have breakfast in bed and cereal is about the extent of her culinary ability at 5 years old.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: No Blog Posts
Tuesday: Top Ten Bookish Wishes
Friday: 2021 Series Enders Reading Challenge - June Wrap Up

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: ?
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.

A Fate of Wrath & Flame

By: K.A. Tucker

Expected Publication: May 25th 2021 by K.A. Tucker

pages

Genre: Fantasy

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--She would know the world of vengeful gods and monsters, and the lengths one would go for love. And nothing would ever be the same for her again.

Gifted thief Romeria has flourished from her days as a street kid pilfering wallets to survive. Now she thrives, stealing jewels from the rich under the involuntary employ of New York City’s most notorious crime boss. But when an enigmatic woman secures her services at swordpoint, Romeria is plunged into a startling realm of opposing thrones, warring elven, and elemental magic she cannot begin to fathom.

Her quest is straightforward: Steal a stone from Islor’s sacred garden without anyone discovering her true identity, which would earn her certain death. But the identity she has inexplicably assumed is that of the captured Ybarisan princess—an enemy to Islor after she poisoned their beloved king and queen on the day she was to marry the prince.

Her betrothed, the newly crowned King Zander, detests her with every grain of his handsome being. Fortunately for Romeria, she is more valuable to him alive than dead. Zander gives her a choice: life in a cell, or an acquittal of all charges in exchange for her help in exposing the growing plot against him.

Romeria sees no other option and embraces the tricky role of smitten queen-to-be until she can escape, a ruse that brings her far closer to the king than she anticipated and threatens more than her safety. As she digs deeper into this sacred garden and the ancient feud between Ybaris and Islor, she discovers monstrous truths that could spell ruin for all.

A Proper Scoundrel

By: Esther Hatch

Expected Publication: May 10th 2021 by Covenant Communications

256 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction, Adult

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--As the successful owner of multiple railroad lines, Diana Barton is all too accustomed to fending off suitors seeking to stake their claim on her wealth. In order to keep the wolves at bay, Diana has contrived the perfect plan: appeal to the most notorious rake in London, the Baron Lord Bryant, to ruin her reputation and scare off the worst of the time wasters. The ruse will be no hardship—she’s secretly been fascinated by the man for years.

Lord Bryant is well aware of his questionable reputation. Indeed, he has cultivated the image carefully, and the last thing he wants is a wife. But when he’s approached by the younger sister of a business associate, he tells her in no uncertain terms that he cannot help. However, when he sees for himself what she is up against, Bryant grudgingly offers his assistance. Faced with his most complicated entanglement yet, Bryant is firm in his conditions—and Diana knows that to get romantically involved with Bryant would spell certain heartbreak. But as the counterfeit couple grow ever closer, the line between truth and lies becomes blurred, threatening both Lord Bryant’s well-laid plans and the future of Diana’s railroad business.

Forever Wild (Wild, # 2.5)

By: KA Tucker

Publication: December 1st 2020 by K.A. Tucker

158 pages

Genre: 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--From the international bestselling author of The Simple Wild comes Forever Wild, a novella that continues the story of Calla’s journey to the Alaskan wild and a life she never imagined for herself.

The holiday season is upon Calla and Jonah, and with the mistletoe and gingerbread comes plenty of family drama. Jonah is bracing himself for two weeks with a stepfather he loathes, and while Calla is looking forward to her mother and Simon’s arrival, she dreads the continued pressure to set a date for their wedding … in Toronto. Add in one bullheaded neighbor’s unintentional meddling and another cantankerous neighbor’s own family strife, and Christmas in Trapper’s Crossing will be anything but simple.

Raising An Emotionally Intelligent Child

By: John M. Gottman

Publication: August 12th 1998 by Simon Schuster (first published January 1st 1997)

240 pages

Genre: Non-fiction, Parenting

( 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--Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child is John Gottman’s groundbreaking guide to teaching children to understand and regulate their emotional world.

Intelligence That Comes from the Heart

Every parent knows the importance of equipping children with the intellectual skills they need to succeed in school and life. But children also need to master their emotions. Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child is a guide to teaching children to understand and regulate their emotional world. And as acclaimed psychologist and researcher John Gottman shows, once they master this important life skill, emotionally intelligent children will enjoy increased self-confidence, greater physical health, better performance in school, and healthier social relationships. Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child will equip parents with a five-step “emotion coaching” process that teaches how to:

-Be aware of a child's emotions
-Recognize emotional expression as an opportunity for intimacy and teaching
-Listen empathetically and validate a child's feelings
-Label emotions in words a child can understand
-Help a child come up with an appropriate way to solve a problem or deal with an upsetting issue or situation

Written for parents of children of all ages, Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child will enrich the bonds between parent and child and contribute immeasurably to the development of a generation of emotionally healthy adults.

A Simplified Life: Tactical Tools for Intentional Living

By: Emily Ley

Expected Publication: November 21st 2017 by Thomas Nelson

224 pages

Genre: Non-fiction, Self-Help

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--Clear the Clutter Once and for All

Do you long to simplify the demands on your time, energy, and resources? Have complicated responsibilities, overwhelming to-do lists, and endless clutter left you feeling overwhelmed?

Busy wife, mom, entrepreneur, and bestselling author Emily Ley knows how you feel. With a growing family, increased work demands, and more, she understands the struggle it is to keep the plates spinning.

In A Simplified Life, you’ll find Emily’s strategies, systems, and methods for permanently clearing the clutter, organizing your priorities, and living intentionally in 10 key areas—from your home and meal planning, to style and finances, parenting, faith life, and more. Emily will show you how to truly make the most of your days with realistic, achievable, and tactical tools.

Walk alongside Emily through each page of the book, working through her simple strategies toward your own goals as you simplify and make space for what matters most.

Decluttering at the Speed of Life: Winning Your Never-Ending Battle with Stuff

By: Dana K White

Expected Publication: February 27th 2018 by Thomas Nelson

240 pages

Genre: Non-fiction, Self-Help

Source: Personal Audiobook 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--You don't have to live overwhelmed by stuff--you can get rid of clutter for good!

While the world seems to be in love with the idea of tiny houses and minimalism, many of us simply can't purge it all and start from nothing. Yet a home with too much stuff is a home that is difficult to maintain, so where do we begin? Add in paralyzing emotional attachments and constant life challenges, and it can feel almost impossible to make real decluttering progress.

In Decluttering at the Speed of Life, decluttering expert and author Dana White identifies the mind-sets and emotional challenges that make it difficult to declutter. Then, in her signature humorous approach, she provides workable solutions to break through these struggles and get clutter out--for good!

But more than simply offering strategies, Dana dives deep into how to implement them, no matter the reader's clutter level or emotional resistance to decluttering. She helps identify procrasticlutter--the stuff that will get done eventually so it doesn't seem urgent--as well as how to make progress when there's no time to declutter.

Sections of the book include

Why You Need This Book (You Know Why)
Your Unique Home
Decluttering in the Midst of Real Life
Change Your Mind, Change Your Home
Breaking Through Your Decluttering Delusions
Working It Out Room by Room
Helping Others Declutter
Real Life Goes On (and On)

As long as we're living and breathing, new clutter will appear. The good news is that decluttering can get easier, become more natural, and require significantly fewer hours, less emotional bandwidth, and little to no sweat to keep going.

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

Friday, June 25, 2021

2021 Series Enders Reading Challenge - June 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 June giveaway runs from June 25th - July 25th. On July 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

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Top Ten Bookish Wishes

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

From That Artsy Reader Girl: Bookish Wishes (My birthday is today, so celebrate with me by granting the wishes of your friends! This is a popular thing to do on Twitter, but today we’re blog hopping. List the top 10 books you’d love to own and include a link to a wishlist so that people can grant your wish. Make sure you link your wishlist to your mailing address [here’s how to do it on Amazon] or include the email address associated with your ereader so people know how to get the book to you. After you post, jump around the Linky and grant a wish or two if you’d like.)

  1. Beholden (The Fairest Maidens, # 1) by Jody Hedlund
  2. Gentleman Jim by Mimi Matthews
  3. Sword of Rage (Reigning Kingdoms, # 1) by Jennifer Anne Davis
  4. Manor for Sale, Baron Included by Esther Hatch
  5. Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World by Kristen Welch
  6. Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist
  7. Grace and Glory (The Harbinger, # 3) by Jennifer L Armentrout
  8. Hands Free Mama by Rachel Macy Stafford
  9. Beauty and the Baron by Joanna Barker
  10. Romancing Her Rival by Joanna Barker

Which books are on your wishlists to own? Let me know!

Sunday, June 20, 2021

Sunday Post - 06/20/21

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.

Another busy week. Tuesday night, Holly and I had some girl time alone at her neighborhood pool. Wednesday, I took the big kids to an indoor playground in town to reward them for filling their good deeds jar. They actually filled it back in December, but I was hugely pregnant at the time and couldn't follow them around at the playground so I told them Daddy needed to go too. Well then Baby Boy was born and the timing wasn't good then either. I ended up letting my mom keep Baby Boy while I took the big kids finally. They had a blast and were so well behaved. Thursday, my sister and niece came to visit from Gulf Shores. The kids were so excited to see their cousin. Friday, I took the big kids to swim at Aunt Holly's neighborhood pool again with my sister and neice too. The kids had so much fun. Poor Little Boy had a boo-boo on his finger and he was so tired so I ended up holding him in the water most of the time, but we still had so much fun. Saturday, we all got together to celebrate my brother's birthday (which was Saturday), Father's Day with my Dad, and my birthday (which is tomorrow). My mom cut herself while cutting up a watermelon. She, my dad, and sister ran to the ER. She ended up coming back before she was even seen because she realized the cut wasn't as bad as she originally thought. Man she's tough because it looked bad to me.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of The Layover by Lacie Waldon (4 Stars)
Tuesday: Top Ten Summer 2021 TBR List
Wednesday: Can't Wait for The Siren of Sussex (Belles of London, # 1) by Mimi Matthews

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: ?
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday
Friday: 2021 Series Enders Reading Challenge - June Wrap Up

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!

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Can't Wait for The Siren of Sussex

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 Siren of Sussex (Belles of London, # 1)

By: Mimi Matthews

Expected Publication: January 11th 2022 by Berkley

336 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--Victorian high society’s most daring equestrienne finds love and an unexpected ally in her fight for independence in the strong arms of London’s most sought after and devastatingly handsome half-Indian tailor.

Evelyn Maltravers understands exactly how little she’s worth on the marriage mart. As an incurable bluestocking from a family tumbling swiftly toward ruin, she knows she’ll never make a match in a ballroom. Her only hope is to distinguish herself by making the biggest splash in the one sphere she excels: on horseback. In haute couture. But to truly capture London’s attention she’ll need a habit-maker who’s not afraid to take risks with his designs—and with his heart.

Half-Indian tailor Ahmad Malik has always had a talent for making women beautiful, inching his way toward recognition by designing riding habits for Rotten Row’s infamous Pretty Horsebreakers—but no one compares to Evelyn. Her unbridled spirit enchants him, awakening a depth of feeling he never thought possible.

But pushing boundaries comes at a cost and not everyone is pleased to welcome Evelyn and Ahmad into fashionable society. With obstacles spanning between them, the indomitable pair must decide which hurdles they can jump and what matters most: making their mark or following their hearts?

I'm not a fan of this cover, but I am a fan of Mimi Matthews. What are you guys waiting on this week? Let me know!

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Top Ten Summer 2021 TBR List

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together. This week's topic is Top Ten Summer 2021 TBR List.
  1. The Prince of Spies (Hope & Glory, # 3) by
  2. The Second Blind Son (Chronicles of Saylok, # 2) by Amy Harmon
  3. The Shaadi Set-Up by Lillie Vale
  4. Crossed Lines (Love Along the Wires, # 2) by Jennifer Delamere
  5. The Last Legacy by Adrienne Young
  6. The Thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep
  7. The Ice Swan by J'nell Ciesielski
  8. Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass, # 7) by Sarah J Maas
  9. Love Scenes by Bridget Morrissey
  10. Hooked on You (Maple Falls, # 1) by Kathleen Fuller

Which books are on your Summer 2021 TBR List? Let me know!

Monday, June 14, 2021

The Layover - Review

The Layover

By: Lacie Waldon

Expected Publication: June 15th 2021 by Putnam

320 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--An unexpected tropical layover with her nemesis turns a flight attendant's life upside down in this witty, breezy debut romantic comedy about life--and love--30,000 feet above the ground.

After ten years as a flight attendant, Ava Greene is poised to hang up her wings and finally put down roots. She's got one trip left before she bids her old life farewell, and she plans to enjoy every second of it. But then she discovers that former pilot Jack Stone--the absurdly gorgeous, ridiculously cocky man she's held a secret grudge against for years--is on her flight. And he has the nerve to flirt with her, as if he doesn't remember the role he played in the most humiliating night of her life. Good thing she never has to see him again after they land....

But when their plane encounters mechanical problems, what should have been a quick stop at the Belize airport suddenly becomes a weekend layover. Getting stuck on a three-hour flight with her nemesis was bad enough. Being stranded with him at a luxury resort in paradise? Even with the sultry breeze and white sand to distract her, it will take all the rum punch in the country to drown out his larger-than-life presence.

Yet the more time Ava spends with him under the hot Caribbean sun, the more she begins to second-guess everything she thought she knew about him...and everything she thought she wanted from her life. And all too soon, she might have to choose between keeping her feet on the ground and her head in the clouds....

The Layover was the first book I finished after coming home from the hospital after giving birth to my 3rd child. I always expect having a newborn to interfere with reading time, but with this 3rd baby, I had zero time in the first couple of weeks. So when the opportunity to read a smidgen arose, I knew I would need to read something that would hook me and that I could read quickly. The Layover fit those requirements perfectly.

I have to say that I was worried The Layover would hit on one of my deal-breaker topics (highlight to see potential spoiler: cheating), but Lacie Waldon handled this subject in a way that didn't bother me at all. If anything, I ended up liking the approach she took.

Ava thinks she knows exactly what kind of man Jack is. She had an interaction with him years ago when she was dating a coworker, and she's pegged him ever since. The only problem is that Ava doesn't have even a smidgen of the information about that encounter or about Jack. Jack can't figure Ava out. She's nice to everyone but him. But seeing how she is with others intrigues him.

I appreciated the transition for Ava to see how what she thought she wanted isn't actually what she wanted. Learning about herself and finding a way to balance security and adventure was one of the best parts of The Layover.

Of course, The Layover covers a very short period. Some readers will take issue with this, I believe, but I usually don't mind books that do this. I will say that I found pieces of Ava's personality confusing. She knew exactly how many minutes she has in a morning routine and has things about her routine that seem quite meticulous, yet she also seemed to loathe the same trait in Alexander. I just found her attention to detail conflicting with her frustration with Alexander doing the same thing.

Unfortunately, I allowed too much time between finishing this book and writing this review to feel great about my review. But I know that I enjoyed this story, and it was the first thing that caught my interest after giving birth to baby #3. I read it quickly, and I feel like The Layover will appeal to readers who want light, fun, quick reads. The Layover gets 4 Stars. Have you read The Layover? What did you think? Let me know!