Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Can't Wait for Never Fall for Your Fiancee

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.

Never Fall for Your Finacee (The Merriwell Sisters, #1)

By: Virginia Heath

Expected Publication: November 9th 2021 by St. Martin's Griffin

368 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Regency

( 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 first in a new historical rom-com series, a handsome earl hires a fake fiancée to keep his matchmaking mother at bay, but hilarity ensues when love threatens to complicate everything.

The last thing Hugh Standish, Earl of Fareham, ever wants is a wife. Unfortunately for him, his mother is determined to find him one, even from across the other side of the ocean. So, Hugh invents a fake fiancée to keep his mother’s matchmaking ways at bay. But when Hugh learns his interfering mother is on a ship bound for England, he realizes his complicated, convoluted but convenient ruse is about to implode. Until he collides with a beautiful woman, who might just be the miracle he needs.

Minerva Merriwell has had to struggle to support herself and her two younger sisters ever since their feckless father abandoned them. Work as a woodcut engraver is few and far between, and the Merriwell sisters are nearly penniless. So, when Hugh asks Minerva to pose as his fiancée while his mother is visiting, she knows that while the scheme sounds ludicrous, the offer is too good to pass up.

Once Minerva and her sisters arrive at Hugh's estate, of course, nothing goes according to his meticulous plan. As hilarity and miscommunication ensue, while everyone tries to keep their tangled stories straight, Hugh and Minerva’s fake engagement starts to turn into a real romance. But can they trust each other, when their relationship started with a lie?

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

Monday, September 27, 2021

The Heart of a Cowboy - Review

The Heart of a Cowboy (Colorado Cowboys, # 2)

By: Jody Hedlund

Expected Publication: October 5th 2021 by Bethany House Publishers

384 pages

Genre: Adult, Christian Fiction, 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--Brilliant scientist Linnea Newberry is on the adventure of a lifetime, traveling the Santa Fe Trail with her grandfather, Dr. Powell, on a botanical expedition to Colorado Territory. She longs to be taken seriously by the other team members, but at every calamity she faces, her grandfather threatens to send her home.

After watching his ma suffer and die in childbirth, Flynn McQuaid has sworn off women and marriage forever. Headed west to start a new life, he has his hands full not only taking care of his younger siblings but also delivering cattle to his brother. He doesn't need more complications.

When Flynn rescues Linnea from drowning during a river crossing, Dr. Powell promptly hires Flynn--unbeknownst to Linnea--to act as her bodyguard for the rest of the trip. As Flynn fights against the many dangers of the trail, he soon finds himself in the greatest danger of all--falling for a woman he's determined not to love.

I've read a couple of books about wagon trails to west America in the last year or so. They're often full of pain and suffering. And sure, maybe every good story needs some pain and suffering. But I don't always like to go into a story expecting it. I like to be as surprised by it as the characters are. Anyway, I said that to say that I wasn't stoked to see The Heart of the Cowboy focus so much on the journey to Colorado. But it makes sense. Wyatt needs more cows added to his herd. Flynn, Dylan, and Ivy need a reason and way to travel to Colorado. And so it just makes sense.

Flynn was easy to love with his struggles. He has seen so much. His dad died, and his mom remarried an abusive man who stole their family farm out from under them. Then his mom has struggled from one stillbirth to another. Flynn decides that he won't ever put a woman through childbirth. He also couldn't prevent his younger brother, Brody, from heading off to enlist in the war. And he and Wyatt have always had tension and disagreements. So he's looking forward to starting a new life in Colorado, but also, he needs to distance himself from his past. I could also relate to his struggles to parent Dylan and Ivy. They both need a parent...or better yet, two parents, but the harder he tries the more they rebel or resent him for it.

Linnea. Bless her. She's a magnet for life threatening situations. She's an educated botanist. But she's rarely taken seriously because she's a woman. She convinced her grandfather to let her join on his expedition to catalog the plants on their journey to Colorado and back for a manual he was compiling with a group of other scientists. No matter how hard she worked, her contributions weren't appreciated by the group. And despite everything stacked against her, Linnea was just a sweet character. She was also easy to love.

Desire was rampant between these two. And I don't often find that Christian authors touch on this too frequently. So it was nice to see these two have to struggle with this. The tension between them was glorious. And it felt like the relationship was the driving force of the story. I always prefer books where this is the case.

I was happy to get to know Wyatt and Flynn's siblings a little bit through this story. Dylan is quite the ladies man, so I can see his struggles coming from a mile away. Ivy is a firecracker. And I can't wait for her story. Brody's book will come next. And we didn't get much about him except a chapter at the end of The Heart of a Cowboy to set up his book.

Also one quick note, I liked how the Native Americans weren't the bad guys during this wagon train tale as they so often are.

Favorite quotes:

-“I could never be like you.”“And you don’t have to be. You just have to be the truest form of you.”

-Did a man need to cast aside all chivalry in order to respect a woman’s worth? Or was it possible for men to regard women with high esteem while also valuing their intelligence?

-The God who took care of the grass and the flowers and the trees had taken care of her just as He’d promised.

The Heart of a Cowboy was the first book this month to really hold my attention from the beginning. Of course, it helps that the opening sequence is Linnea basically drowning and being rescued. Linnea and Flynn were both easy to love. And I can't wait to read more from the McQuaid siblings. The Heart of a Cowboy gets 4 Stars. Have you read The Heart of a Cowboy? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday, September 26, 2021

Sunday Post - 09/26/21

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.

I am loving this fall weather. I took Baby Boy to the doctor on Monday. He has an ear infection and the other ear was close. Tuesday, Husband took his friend from Tiawan to the airport. Tuesday night I started with a tickle in my throat and have progressively gotten worse through this week. My parents just got back from their trip to Colorado yesterday. While they were gone, Dad tested positive for COVID-19. Mom tested negative, but she has been sick. Bless them. COVID spread through their group. Both of my uncles also tested positive. Both aunts tested negative, but one of my aunts was feeling sick also. Little Boy threw up Wednesday night after he'd gone to bed. I have no idea what prompted that. He felt fine after and slept a little late the next morning. He was alittle cautious with his eating the next day, but he said he felt fine. 2021 has just been packed with sickness for our family, and I know we're not the only ones.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of Forever Wild (Wild, # 2.5) by KA Tucker (4 Stars)
Tuesday: Top Ten Fall 2021 TBR List
Wednesday:Can't Wait for A Holly Jolly Diwali by Sonya Lalli
Saturday: 2021 Series Enders Reading Challenge - September Wrap Up

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of The Heart of a Cowboy (Colorado Cowboys, # 2) by Jody Hedlund
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday
Thursday: September 2021 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!

NEW BOOKS:

A Pony Express Romance (Wyoming Mountain Tales, # 1)

By: Misty M Beller

Expected Publication: December 27th 2016 by Misty M. Beller Books, Inc.

349 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical 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--After growing up as an orphan, Josiah English wants nothing more than to have his own ranch and raise Arabian horses. Riding for the Pony Express seems like the ticket to his dream. And when he meets the stationmaster’s beautiful sister, it seems he may be within reach of the happy life he craves.

Mara Reid is thrilled to finally meet the man of her dreams, and the fact that they both want to raise horses in the Sweetwater River valley seems like confirmation straight from God.

But when the Express shuts down and Mara's family home is in peril, the danger looming over Mara's life may not be half as destructive as that threatening her heart.

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!

Saturday, September 25, 2021

2021 Series Enders Reading Challenge - September 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 Holly nor Sandy have 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 September giveaway runs from September 25th - October 25th. On October 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

Jennifer wins this month's giveaway by default.

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Can't Wait for A Holly Jolly Diwali

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 Holly Jolly Diwali

By: Sonya Lalli

Expected Publication: October 5th 2021 by Berkley Books

336 pages

Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Holiday

( 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--One type-A data analyst discovers her free-spirited side on an impulsive journey from bustling Mumbai to the gorgeous beaches of Goa and finds love waiting for her on Christmas morning.

Twenty-nine-year-old Niki Randhawa has always made practical decisions. Despite her love for music and art, she became an analyst for the stability. She's always stuck close to home, in case her family needed her. And she's always dated guys that seem good on paper, rather than the ones who give her butterflies. When she's laid off, Niki realizes that practical hasn't exactly paid off for her. So for the first time ever, she throws caution to the wind and books a last-minute flight for her friend Diya's wedding.

Niki arrives in India just in time to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, where she meets London musician Sameer Mukherji. Maybe it's the splendor of Mumbai or the magic of the holiday season, but Niki is immediately drawn to Sam. At the wedding, the champagne flows and their flirtatious banter makes it clear that the attraction is mutual.

When Niki and Sam join Diya, her husband and their friends on a group honeymoon, their connection grows deeper. Free-spirited Sam helps Niki get in touch with her passionate and creative side, and with her Indian roots. When she gets a new job offer back home, Niki must decide what she wants out of the next chapter of her life--to cling to the straight and narrow like always, or to take a leap of faith and live the kind of bold life the old Niki never would have dreamed of.

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

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Top Ten Fall 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 Fall 2021 TBR List.
  1. A Wicked and Beautiful Garden (Witches of the Island, # 1) by Katie McGarry
  2. The Second Blind Son (Chronicles of Saylok, # 2) by Amy Harmon
  3. An Alleged Rogue (Georgian Gentleman, # 3) by Sian Ann Bessey
  4. Beyond the Point by Claire Gibson
  5. The Dating Playbook (The Boyfriend Project, # 2) by Farrah Rochon
  6. A Warrior's Heart (Brides of Laurant, # 1) by Misty M Beller
  7. A Fate of Wrate & Flame (Fate & Flame, # 1) by KA Tucker
  8. Rage & Ruin (The Harbinger, # 2) by Jennifer L Armentrout
  9. The Ice Swan by J'nell Ciesielski
  10. Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas

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

Monday, September 20, 2021

Forever Wild - Review

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.

I don't know that I have much to say about Forever Wild. Most of this book revolved around Jonah and Calla planning their wedding while hosting their parents for Christmas. Alaska during Christmas sounds magical. Truth be told, I hate the cold. I would like to look at the snow, but I wouldn't want to live in and amongst it.

The conflict revolved around Calla's mom's vision for Calla's wedding versus her own vision, Jonah's mother's health problems, Jonah's stepfather being a lazy bum, and Roy's dilemma with whether to contact his daughter that he hasn't seen in many years or not. Plus thirteen-year-old Mable is acting out.

In some ways, I didn't feel like this part of the story was necessary. In other ways, I'm so glad that it was released to us fans to enjoy Jonah and Calla finally getting to tie the knot. And getting to see how far Roy's come.

I wasn't a fan of Marie when it came to her involvement in the story between Calla and Jonah throughout the series, but I am intrigued to read her story in book 3.

Forever Wild was mostly fan service. But at the same time, there were some essential pieces to the puzzle that I'm glad we got to experience. Forever Wild gets 4 Stars because I was hooked, and every now and then, you just need some good fan service. Have you read Forever Wild? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday, September 19, 2021

Sunday Post - 09/19/21

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.

It has been a rainy week here, but man is it starting to feel like fall or what! I love it. Another busy week. I don't remember much about Monday. Tuesday was my parent's wedding anniversary. They've been married for 48 years. Husband had a dentist appointment on Tuesday. Wednesday was picture day for Little Girl at school. She was a bit nervous, and it was a rainy day so I know her hair probably frizzed a little. Not that we're worried about that. We also didn't have all our hairbows and such from home to glam her up like she would have liked. Early Tuesday morning Husband's friend from Taiwan texted that he was in town. He travels all the time. Husband picked him up when he went to get Little Girl from school Wednesday afternoon, and he spent the night Wednesday night. My parents left on Thursday for Colorado. We have family there, and they love the mountains.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of Hooked on You (Maple Falls, # 1) by Kathleen Fuller (3 Stars)
Wednesday:Can't Wait for Dreams Lie Beneath by Rebecca Ross

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of Forever Wild (Wild, # 2.5) by KA Tucker
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!

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Can't Wait for Dreams Lie Beneath

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.

Dreams Lie Beneath

By: Rebecca Ross

Expected Publication: November 2nd 2021 by Quill Tree Books

496 pages

Genre: Young 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--Perfect for readers of The Hazel Wood and The Night Circus, this lush and layered story about magic and the captivating power of dreams is delivered with acclaimed author Rebecca Ross’s signature exquisite style.

A curse plagues the realm of Azenor—during each new moon, magic flows from the nearby mountain and brings nightmares to life. Only magicians, who serve as territory wardens, stand between people and their worst dreams.

Clementine Madigan is ready to take over as the warden of her small town, but when two magicians challenge her, she is unwittingly drawn into a century-old conflict. She seeks revenge, but as she secretly gets closer to Phelan, one of the handsome young magicians, secrets begin to rise. Clementine must unite with her rival to fight the realm’s curse, which seems to be haunting her every turn.

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

Monday, September 13, 2021

Hooked on You - Review

Hooked on You (A Maple Falls Romance, # 1)

By: Kathleen Fuller

Publication: May 11th 2021

336 pages

Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Christian Fiction

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

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

Goodreads description--When her grandmother injures herself sliding into third base, Riley McAllister must return to her small hometown to help run the family yarn store in this sweet, lighthearted romantic comedy.

Riley McAllister left the small Arkansas town of Maple Falls after graduating high school, hoping to make it big in New York as a mixed media artist. She’s still pursuing her dream when her grandmother begs her to come home and help her manage the store while she recovers from a broken leg she got after sliding into third base during a church softball game (she was safe, by the way). Riley agrees, planning to convince her grandmother to sell the old shop and retire so Riley can get back to the big city. New York is where she belongs, not some hick town that doesn’t even have a decent coffee shop.

Hayden Price’s life hasn’t turned out as he expected either. He still works in the hardware store his family has owned for several generations after his chance to make it out of Maple Falls ended when he blew out his pitching arm during a minor league game. Stuck with debt from college and a broken engagement, he decides to make the best of things when he comes back to Maple Falls and puts together the town’s first church softball team--with him as coach, of course.

Riley and Hayden went to high school together but ran in totally different circles. In fact, it’s safe to say they hated each other. Will that change when the softball team unexpectedly brings them together? Or will the pain and disappointment of their past failures keep them from discovering love in Maple Falls?

Since becoming a mother it has become increasingly important for books to hook me early in the story. I have limited time to read, and so I want to read something that I'm interested in and so it is best to be interested sooner rather than later. Hooked On You was not a book that hooked me early. In fact, I had to push myself to keep reading this one. And finally, around the 40% mark, I felt invested enough to want to keep reading.

I didn't quite understand Riley's reluctance to return to Mercy Falls. I realize that she never felt like she fit in there, but it was also the first place she had any stability in her life.

Hooked On You was written from at least 3 POVs (Riley, Hayden, and Mimi). While I do enjoy dual narration books, I find that adding in more characters can lessen my enjoyment. Mimi was necessary because she has a perspective on a few events that neither Riley nor Hayden personally witnesses, but I still found myself kind of dreading when Mimi would narrate.

Riley and Hayden's relationship progressed very fast. Too fast for me to find realistic. I was fine at first and they actually seemed to be taking things slowly, and then WHAM...fast forward. I guess I just need to say that the writing in this way felt a little unpolished. I specifically remember thinking that I was proud of the characters for taking their time until well they decided not to take their time.

The conflict felt real more so for Mimi than for Riley. I don't want to spoil things but some of the big conflict felt like "what's the big deal about that?" But then I suppose the dishonesty and secrets are the bigger issue to overcome.

All in all, Hooked On You was slow to get started for me. I did eventually get invested, but I felt like the conflict was a bit forced and the relationship skipped several steps. In the end, I feel like Hooked On You gets 3 Stars. I am intrigued by some of the side characters, but I don't know that the writing is enough to drive me to read any other books in this series. Have you read Hooked On You? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday, September 12, 2021

Sunday Post - 09/12/21

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, we spent Labor Day with Grammy. Since we've been living with my parents, we haven't gotten to see her regularly like we usually would. We all went swimming for a while. This was Baby Boy's first time in the pool. He loved it. The rest of the week has been pretty normal. Little Girl has been getting car sick almost every day on the drive to school. It breaks my heart, and then I get angry because we're no closer to getting back into our house and so we have to drive so much farther to get her to school every day. We're constantly trying to adjust things to help her and I just bought her some chewable ginger tablets that we're going to try on Monday. Hopefully that helps. Every September 11th, I watch a short memorial to remind myself of the lives lost. I cry like a baby every time. Husband spent Saturday mowing grass at our house. The kids were full on all day.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday:
Wednesday:Can't Wait for The Fastest Way to Fall by Denise Williams
Thursday: Review of To Marry an Earl by Karen Thornell

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of Hooked on You (Maple Falls, # 1) by Kathleen Fuller
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!

NEW BOOKS THIS WEEK:

An Alleged Rogue (Georgian Gentlemen, # 3)

By: Sian Ann Bessey

Expected Publication: November 8th 2021 by Covenant Communications

? 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--Lord Adam Dunsbourne is a tyrant. At least, that’s what everyone says. The tales are shocking: accounts of a man who gambled away the family fortune and keeps his younger sister, Emily, captive in their home at Dunsbourne Manor. So when Adam and his sister make an unexpected appearance at a dinner party, the scandalized whispers cannot be contained. New to the town, Phoebe Hadford hears the condemning rumors and determines to do all she can to help the baron’s oppressed sister. Upon entering Dunsbourne Manor, however, she quickly discovers that all is not what she has been led to believe.

Adam, unsure of whether he can trust the intentions of his beautiful neighbor, is quickly drawn in by Phoebe’s genuine nature. But even as Adam and Phoebe’s connection deepens, a dangerous enemy from Adam’s past reemerges. For years, Adam has hunted for the man who betrayed him, not realizing he had only to wait. His foe has returned, and this time, he will threaten everything Adam cherishes most—including the woman he loves.

The Heart of a Cowboy (Colorado Cowboys, # 2)

By: Jody Hedlund

Expected Publication: October 5th 2021 by Bethany House Publishers

384 pages

Genre: Adult, Christian Fiction, 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--Brilliant scientist Linnea Newberry is on the adventure of a lifetime, traveling the Santa Fe Trail with her grandfather, Dr. Powell, on a botanical expedition to Colorado Territory. She longs to be taken seriously by the other team members, but at every calamity she faces, her grandfather threatens to send her home.

After watching his ma suffer and die in childbirth, Flynn McQuaid has sworn off women and marriage forever. Headed west to start a new life, he has his hands full not only taking care of his younger siblings but also delivering cattle to his brother. He doesn't need more complications.

When Flynn rescues Linnea from drowning during a river crossing, Dr. Powell promptly hires Flynn--unbeknownst to Linnea--to act as her bodyguard for the rest of the trip. As Flynn fights against the many dangers of the trail, he soon finds himself in the greatest danger of all--falling for a woman he's determined not to 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!

Thursday, September 9, 2021

To Marry an Earl - Review

To Marry an Earl

By: Karen Thornell

Publication: September 1st 2021 by Covenant Communications

? 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--Katherine Cartwright knows through bitter experience that true love is fiction and trust should not be bestowed easily. Now, after two unsuccessful London Seasons, her atrocious father has decided to marry her off to the highest bidder to pay for his gambling debts, ridding himself of the daughter he never wanted. A profitable deal is struck, and Kate is packed off to the home of her betrothed, an earl she has never met. Or so she believes.

When James Fenwick, the new Earl of Bowcott, learns that the girl he’s loved since childhood is being sold off like chattel, he’s determined to step in and save her. He makes an offer her father cannot refuse and insists on a proper engagement. But when Kate meets James again, her old friend cannot bring himself to admit it is him whom she is to marry. Soon, an intricate charade and a past that cannot be escaped jeopardize James’s chance at rekindling their friendship, to say nothing of winning Kate’s heart. Can love truly conquer all, or was this a match doomed from the start?

Kate's father is borderline abusive. At least verbally. He has never shown much interest in her except to berate her. And her mother hasn't stood up to him on her behalf. So Kate has often felt alone and unimportant. She's only ever had one friend, and he moved away three years ago with no word or even a goodbye. Her father has accumulated debts so high and Kate has been unwilling to marry in her prior Seasons that her father has become desperate enough to nearly offer her to the highest bidder.

James had begun to feel more for Kate than friendship when his family had to move unexpectedly. When he hears of the kind of men offering for Kate's hand and her father's desperation to accept whoever can provide him the most beneficial offer, James knows he has to step in. Thankfully, his new earldom has offered him the means and anonymity to be able to do so.

I was really unsure how Karen Thornell was going to work out this ruse of James keeping his identity from Kate. This was actually revealed in the early portion of the book, which made sense because I don't see how it could have gone on any longer than it did.

Kate has trust issues. No one has ever taken up for her. And everyone she's been close to has taken advantage of her, sat by while someone else did, or left. She has to work through her feelings about James leaving and his lies. Kate's struggles with trust were so easy for me to relate to that I almost got teary during one section.

I wasn't expecting a mystery. The description didn't hint at one. In some ways, I felt like the culprit was obvious. In other ways, I kept questioning myself and every single character--even the ones who should have been obvious to have no part in the scheme.

Favorite quotes:

-Father may control her life, but she controlled her perspective on it...

-He would never tire of hearing her say his name. It was likely a rather unmanly feeling, really, to be brought to one’s knees by the sound of one’s own name.

-“I am perfectly capable of having more than one friend, James. You need not enter into a rivalry with my horse.”

To Marry an Earl was enjoyable. I was hooked easily, but I also found myself wanting to put it down when Karen Thornell got to the true climax of the story. It was time for bed, and I just couldnt possibly read that section where the character does something stupid right before bed. I also wasn't expecting a mystery. Typically, I shy away from those. To Marry an Earl gets 3.5 Stars. I'm curious to see if any of the side characters will end up with stories of their own. Have you read To Marry an Earl? What did you think? Let me know!

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Can't Wait for The Fastest Way to Fall

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 Fastest Way to Fall

By: Denise Williams

Expected Publication: November 2nd 2021 by Berkley Romance

384 pages

Genre: Adult, Contemporary

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

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

Goodreads description--Britta didn’t plan on falling for her personal trainer, and Wes didn’t plan on Britta. Plans change and it’s unclear if love, career, or both will meet them at the finish line.

Britta Colby works for a lifestyle website, and when tasked to write about her experience with a hot new body-positive fitness app that includes personal coaching, she knows it’s a major opportunity to prove she should write for the site full-time.

As CEO of the FitMe app, Wes Lawson finally has the financial security he grew up without, but despite his success, his floundering love life and complicated family situation leaves him feeling isolated and unfulfilled. He decides to get back to what he loves—coaching. Britta’s his first new client and they click immediately.

As weeks pass, she’s surprised at how much she enjoys experimenting with her exercise routine. He’s surprised at how much he looks forward to talking to her every day. They convince themselves their attraction is harmless, but when they start working out in person, Wes and Britta find it increasingly challenging to deny their chemistry and maintain a professional distance.

Wes isn’t supposed to be training clients, much less meeting with them, and Britta’s credibility will be sunk if the lifestyle site finds out she’s practically dating the fitness coach she’s reviewing. Walking away from each other is the smartest thing to do, but running side by side feels like the start of something big.

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

Sunday, September 5, 2021

Sunday Post - 09/05/21

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 and Tuesday we were dealing with the remnants of Hurricane Ida, which in our area just meant some wind and a ton of rain. There were isolated tornados so as I was pulling into the parking lot to get Little Boy from school and I realized that I forgot he had gymnastics that day and I had an extra 15 minutes, I got a notification from Big Girl's school that said they were dismissing at 2. Since none of that would leave me any time to eat lunch, I ran to grab Jack's for lunch. Rushed to eat it in the car before Little Boy could see. Picked him up. Got gas on the way back to my mom's. Dropped him off to eat lunch. Nursed Baby Boy. Then left immediately after that to go get Big Girl from school. We drove through a ton of rain and areas that were beginning to flood, but we are so blessed that is all we encountered. Monday was also my sister's birthday. Shout out to her. Wednesday, Big Girl's 2nd tooth came out in the car after I picked her up from school. She did it all by herself by twisting it and pushing it in "all different directions" so she said. We've not gotten to see her with that snaggle-tooth look because both of her adult teeth have come in before the baby teeth fell out. I hope that doesn't continue. Anyway, the tooth fairy came during the night so Thursday morning she woke up a little richer. Husband and Little Boy are struggling with some sinus issues. There's been a lot of sneezing and runny noses. I can relate because I was struggling a few days ago. The pollen count is going up here. Saturday, we went to Georgia for our great-nephew's 2nd birthday party.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of The Shaadi Set-Up by Lillie Vale (4 Stars)
Tuesday: My Most Recent Fictional Crushes
Wednesday:Can't Wait for That Dark Infinity by Kate Pentecost
Thursday: August 2021 EOM Wrap Up

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: No Blog Posts - Happy Labor Day!
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday
Thursday: Review of To Marry An Earl by Karen Thornell

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!

NEW BOOKS THIS WEEK:

An Alleged Rogue (Georgian Gentlemen, # 3)

By: Sian Ann Bessey

Expected Publication: November 8th 2021 by Covenant Communications

? 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--Lord Adam Dunsbourne is a tyrant. At least, that’s what everyone says. The tales are shocking: accounts of a man who gambled away the family fortune and keeps his younger sister, Emily, captive in their home at Dunsbourne Manor. So when Adam and his sister make an unexpected appearance at a dinner party, the scandalized whispers cannot be contained. New to the town, Phoebe Hadford hears the condemning rumors and determines to do all she can to help the baron’s oppressed sister. Upon entering Dunsbourne Manor, however, she quickly discovers that all is not what she has been led to believe.

Adam, unsure of whether he can trust the intentions of his beautiful neighbor, is quickly drawn in by Phoebe’s genuine nature. But even as Adam and Phoebe’s connection deepens, a dangerous enemy from Adam’s past reemerges. For years, Adam has hunted for the man who betrayed him, not realizing he had only to wait. His foe has returned, and this time, he will threaten everything Adam cherishes most—including the woman he loves.

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!

Thursday, September 2, 2021

August 2021 EOM Wrap Up

I read 3 books (not including children's books). *These qualify for the 2021 Series Enders Reading Challenge.
Beguiled (Betwixt & Between, # 3) by Darynda Jones
After by Amy Efaw
Hooked on You (Maple Falls, # 1) by Kathleen Fuller


I have reviewed 5 books. *These qualify for the 2021 Series Enders Reading Challenge.
*The Prince of Spies (Hope & Glory, # 3) by Elizabeth Camden
A Proper Scoundrel (Proper Scandal, # 3) by Esther Hatch
Winning the Schoolmarm (Wind River Hearts, # 14) by Lacy Williams
An Engagement of Sorts by Alene Wecker
The Shaadi Set-Up by Lillie Vale

Other Posts:
Sunday Post - 08/01/21
Sunday Post - 08/08/21
Sunday Post - 08/22/21
Sunday Post - 08/29/21
Ten Books I'd Like to Re-Read for the First Time
Can't Wait for The Dating Playbook (The Boyfriend Project, # 2) by Farrah Rochon
Can't Wait for Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover
Can't Wait for Our Way Back to Always by Nina Moreno
Can't Wait for Guilded by Marissa Meyer
2021 Series Enders Reading Challenge - August Wrap Up

Goals:
I'm ahead on my Bible-in-a-year plan.
I've read 27 out of 52 books (including children's books).
I've read 2 out of 5-10 series enders.

Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Can't Wait for That Dark Infinity

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.

That Dark Infinity

By: Kate Pentecost

Expected Publication: October 19th 2021 by Little, Brown

384 pages

Genre: Young 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--By night, the Ankou is a legendary, permanently young mercenary. By day, a witch's curse leaves him no more than bones. Caught in an unending cycle of death and resurrection, the Ankou wants only to find the death that has been prophesied for him, especially once he begins to rot while he's still alive....

After the kingdom of Kaer-Ise is sacked, Flora, loyal handmaiden to the princess, is assaulted and left for dead. As the sole survivor of the massacre, Flora wants desperately to find the princess she served. When the Ankou agrees to help her find the princess, and to train her in exchange for her help in breaking his curse, she accepts. But how can she kill an immortal? Especially one whom she is slowly growing to understand—and maybe even to love?

Together, they will solve mysteries, battle monsters, break curses, and race not only against time, but against fate itself.

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