June 2022 EOM Wrap Up

I read 4 book (not including children's books). *These qualify for the 2022 Series Enders Reading Challenge.
Discovering Grace (Inglewood, # 2) by Sally Britton
To Tame a Cowboy (Colorado Cowboys, # 3) by Jody Hedlund
The Dreaming Beauty by Anneka Walker
Junie B Jones and Her Big Fat Mouth (Junie B Jones, # 3) by Barbara Park

I have reviewed 5 books. *These qualify for the 2022 Series Enders Reading Challenge.
Edward and Amelia by Karen Thornell
The Singles Table (The Marriage Game, # 3) by Sara Desai
A Healer's Promise (Brides of Laurent, # 2) by Misty M Beller
Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World by Kristen Welch
Discovering Grace (Inglewood, # 2) by Sally Britton

Other Posts:
Sunday Post - 06/12/22
Sunday Post - 06/19/22
Sunday Post - 06/26/22
Can't Wait for A Daughter's Courage (Brides of Laurent, # 3) by Misty M Beller
2022 Series Enders Reading Challenge - June Wrap Up

Goals:
I'm ahead on my Bible-in-a-year plan.
I've read 22 out of 52 books (including children's books).
I've read potentially 2 out of 5-10 series enders.

Can't Wait for Cursed

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.

Cursed (Gilded, # 2)

By: Marissa Meyer

Expected Publication: November 8th 2022 by Feiwel & Friends

496 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Retellings, 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--New York Times bestselling author Marissa Meyer concludes her young adult retelling of Rumpelstiltskin in Cursed, the sequel to Gilded.

Serilda and Gild attempt to break the curses that tether their spirits to Adalheid's haunted castle before the Endless Moon, when the Erlking means to capture one of the seven gods and make a wish to return his lover, Perchta, from the underworld. But as the story progresses, it becomes clear he doesn't want just one god—he wants to capture all seven, and force them to bring down the veil that keeps the Dark Ones separate from the land of the mortals. Serilda and Gild must try to thwart his plans, all while solving the mystery of Gild's forgotten name, freeing his younger sister who is trapped inside Gravenstone Castle, and trying to protect their unborn child.

Romance, adventure, and Serilda’s journey to finding her power as a woman, a mother, and a partner make this a retelling that Meyer fans—old and new—will treasure.

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

Top Ten Summer 2022 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 2022 TBR List.

1. The Second Blind Son (Saylok Chronicles, # 2) by Amy Harmon
2. In Honor's Defense (Hanger's Horsemen, # 3) by Karen Witemeyer
3. The Valet's Secret by Josi S Kilpack
4. May His Face Shine Upon You by Susi Larson
5. A Tenuous Betrothal by Jen Geigle Johnson
6. This May End Badly by Samantha Markum
7. The Decoy Girlfriend by Lillie Vale
8. From the Jump by Lacie Waldon
9. A Wicked and Beautiful Garden (Witches of the Island, # 1) by Katie McGarry
10. A Fate of Wrath and Flame (Wrath and Flame, # 1) by KA Tucker

Which books are on your Summer 2022 to be read list? Let me know!

Discovering Grace - Review

Discovering Grace (Inglewood, # 2)

By: Sally Britton

Publication: August 13th 2019 by Blue Water Books

224 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--To avoid being sent across an ocean, Grace switches places with her sister. The only man aware of their deception? A dear friend, and her secret love.

Grace Everly has no desire to set sail for the Caribbean, unlike her adventurous twin sister, Hope. Thanks to her sister’s irresponsible behavior and subsequent banning from the journey, Grace’s father decides to send her in Hope’s place. Desperate to remain where things are familiar, Grace proposes an unthinkable plan: that she and sister switch places. They only have to keep up the act long enough for Hope to board a ship in London. When the man who has stolen Grace’s heart learns of their secret, things get more complicated.

Jacob Barnes, soon to be ordained a vicar, has known Grace and Hope his whole life. Though close to both sisters, he’s dreamed of courting Hope for months. When he realizes his friends have switched places, putting the woman he admires out of his reach, he agrees to help with the subterfuge despite his bruised heart. As he watches Grace stumble in her acting abilities, attempting to change who she is, he realizes how much she means to him. But how does he tell her, without risking their friendship?

The deception puts their relationship to the test. As Grace hides her heart and her identity, Jacob examines his feelings, and no one in their community will be happy when the truth is discovered.

Ugh, you guys! I did it again! I am finally sitting down and forcing myself to write my review of Discovering Grace 20 days after I finished it. My real problem is that I don't currently have a regularly scheduled time to sit down at the computer. Real-life has been random and sporadic. And the time I used to sit down at the computer desk has been filled with painting and getting the house back in order from our renovation that feels like it will never end. Besides that, with Husband working from home now, I don't even have a computer desk that I feel like I have access to during the day. Oh well, I'm rambling at this point. Let's get into the book.

Grace is the quiet twin. She is subdued. She's happy to be behind the scenes and let her sister, Hope, take center stage. Hope prefers the attention and adventure anyway. Grace is often the mastermind and Hope gets to take the credit because she becomes the face of whatever Grace has thought up. Of course, up until now, that has never been a problem. Hope is impulsive and in your face. She's outspoken and loud. She's dramatic and fun. And when Hope gets the two sisters into a pickle with their father, Grace has to mastermind again. Hope was set to go on a trip with some friends and while Grace was heartbroken to be separated from her sister, she all out panics when their father told them they will be switching places.

On top of all that, there's Jacob. Grace has been in love with Jacob for as long as she can remember. The problem is that Jacob can only see Hope. And he's also heartbroken that Hope will be leaving. Jacob has always been close to both sisters, and he realizes where no one else does that Grace is pretending to be Hope. He's angry for a couple of reasons. 1) He wanted more time with Hope. Ultimately, he'd hope to make his interest known and perhaps begin courting Hope. And 2) He's going to become a clergyman, and he doesn't feel like he can support the deception that Grace is currently trying to pull off. Yet he won't leave her alone.

I don't feel like there's much to say beyond this that won't spoil the story. I found Grace and Jacob's journey to each other to be enjoyable. Jacob was a little slow on the upswing, but I appreciated the way Sally Britton handled the situation. I wasn't sure how I could be okay with the switch of affection from one sister to the other, but she wrote it in a way that made sense. And I loved that she didn't spell it out word for word for the reader. (**Highlight for spoiler: Basically, Jacob loved the aspects he thought were Hope's characteristics like her altruism while he disliked her tendency to buck societal norms. And the altruistic tendencies that he thought he loved about Hope were actually ideas that Grace had and executed herself while allowing Hope to be the face and get the credit. At the same time, Grace never struggled with chaffing against society like her sister.**end spoiler.)

Favorite quote:

-Pretending to be someone else was tiresome.

I'm a little torn about Hope's book. On the one hand, Sally Britton has done a great job of pulling me into her stories quickly and hooking me. On the other hand, I struggle with characters like Hope at times. Ultimately, I'm putting off reading her story for now because I have too many other review books that I need to read first.

I enjoyed Discovering Grace almost as much as I enjoyed Rescuing Lord Inglewood. Jacob and Grace had a nice journey to each other. Unrequited love can be a favorite trope. Discovering Grace gets 3.5 Stars. Have you read Discovering Grace? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 06/26/22

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 was off work Monday and Tuesday. Monday, Baby Boy woke up from his nap with a fever. Tuesday was my birthday. I ended up taking Baby Boy to the doctor. Just a viral infection, but he ended up running a fever off and on until Friday. Thursday we hung out at my parent's for a few hours. Saturday was a wonderful temperature compared to how hot it's been the last two weeks. We went for a walk and stopped at a lemonade stand for another little girl in our neighborhood. The big kids and I went swimming when Baby Boy was down for nap. Daddy signed up for weekend work this weekend. This coming week is going to be pretty busy, but that's okay.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World by Kristen Welch (5 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for A Daughter's Courage (Brides of Laurent, # 3) by Misty M Beller
Thursday: 2022 Series Enders Reading Challenge - June Wrap

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of Discovering Grace (Inglewood, # 2) by Sally Britton
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday

Don’t forget to link up for the 2022 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2022 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:

Reminders of Him

By: Colleen Hoover

Publication: January 18th 2022 by Montlake Romance

335 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--A troubled young mother yearns for a shot at redemption in this heartbreaking yet hopeful story from #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover.

After serving five years in prison for a tragic mistake, Kenna Rowan returns to the town where it all went wrong, hoping to reunite with her four-year-old daughter. But the bridges Kenna burned are proving impossible to rebuild. Everyone in her daughter’s life is determined to shut Kenna out, no matter how hard she works to prove herself.

The only person who hasn’t closed the door on her completely is Ledger Ward, a local bar owner and one of the few remaining links to Kenna’s daughter. But if anyone were to discover how Ledger is slowly becoming an important part of Kenna’s life, both would risk losing the trust of everyone important to them.

The two form a connection despite the pressure surrounding them, but as their romance grows, so does the risk. Kenna must find a way to absolve the mistakes of her past in order to build a future out of hope and healing.

Junie B Jones and Her Big Fat Mouth (Junie B. Jones, # 3)

By: Barbara Park

Expected Publication: August 24th 1993 by Random House Children's Books (first published 1993)

69 pages

Genre: Children's Fiction, Humor

( 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.

Sometimes life is P.U.

Junie B.'s having a rough week. First she got punishment for shooting off her mouth in kindergarten. And now she's in big trouble again! 'Cause Monday is Job Day, and Junie B. told her class that she's got the bestest job of all. Only, what the heck is it?

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!

2022 Series Enders Reading Challenge - June Wrap Up

Time for our Monthly Wrap Up for the 2022 Series Enders Reading Challenge hosted by Sandy @ Somewhere Only We Know and Holly @ Words Fueled by Love!

Neither Sandy nor Holly has 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

Can't Wait for A Daughter's Courage

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 Daughter's Courage (Brides of Laurent, # 3)

By: Misty M Beller

Expected Publication: November 1st 2022 by Bethany House Publishers

? pages

Genre: Adult, Christian, 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--After accidentally destroying the intricate chalice her people have treasured for over a hundred years, Charlotte Durand sets out on an expedition in search of a skilled artisan who can repair the damage. What she expected to be a two-day hike becomes much more daunting when a treacherous snowstorm sets in.

The last thing Damien Levette needs in the middle of a mountain blizzard is to tend to another person, but he can't leave behind the mysterious woman he found half-frozen at the edge of a mountain lake. As they battle both the elements and each other, Charlotte and Damien must work together to survive the peril of the mountains--or it could be the downfall of them both.

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

Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World - Review

Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World: How One Family Learned That Saying No Can Lead to Life's Biggest Yes

By: Kristen Welch

Publication: January 26th 2016 by Tyndale Momentum

272 pages

Genre: Non-fiction, Self-Help, Christian

( 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--"But everyone else has it." "If you loved me, you'd get it for me!" When you hear these comments from your kids, it can be tough not to cave. You love your children--don't you want them to be happy and to fit in?

Kristen Welch knows firsthand it's not that easy. In fact, she's found out that when you say yes too often, it's not only hard on your peace of mind and your wallet--it actually puts your kids at long-term risk. In Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World, Kristen shares the ups and downs in her own family's journey of discovering why it's healthiest not to give their kids everything. Teaching them the difference between "want" and "need" is the first step in the right direction. With many practical tips and anecdotes, she shares how to say the ultimate yes as a family by bringing up faith-filled kids who will love God, serve others, and grow into hardworking, fulfilled, and successful adults.

It's never too late to raise grateful kids. Get ready to cultivate a spirit of genuine appreciation and create a Jesus-centered home in which your kids don't just say--but mean!--"thank you" for everything they have.

Man, parenting is HARD. I feel like I am constantly looking for resources and information to help me better myself and my parenting. Nothing quite puts the mirror in front of your face like having a mini version of yourself reflecting your good and bad traits and habits. And one thing I've noticed is that my kids have been lacking in grateful hearts and seem to have an abundance of entitlement. But man if this book didn't help me to see that I too have struggled with this, and all my kids have learned, they've learned from me. I have already made some adjustments in my life to see the good, to see the blessings, to appreciate the excess. And the very first day I put this into practice, my daughter commented to Husband that she wanted me to put her to bed that night because I was being so nice that day. Gratitude bleeds out into all areas.

I love Kristen Welch's heart. I feel such a kindredness in her. You can tell that she loves her kids and wants what's best for them. And sometimes what's best for them isn't what you always think on the surface level. I have always found myself appreciating a tough-love approach. I don't find it loving to enable people. I don't find it loving to treat them in ways that cause them to form bad habits. Thankfully Husband tends to balance me out pretty well, but it was nice to see that there are indeed benefits of tough love in some instances.

Kristen Welch talks about how difficult it can be to raise kids in a way that is counter-cultural. In our culture, everyone seems to be out for themselves. What can they get? What can they have? Who has more than me and how can I get the same or better than them? It's sad, really. And I loved her reasoning for wanting to swim against the current. Kristen's ideas on some parenting concepts are going to be off-putting to some for this simple reason. She is going against the grain. And so if you're easily offended, perhaps this isn't the book for you. But if you're brave enough to fight the easy path for the sake of your children, then I dare you to check out this book.

Husband and I will be going through Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World together as a devotional soon. I got so much out of this book that I can't wait to discuss it with him together. This is a book that I feel like every parent needs to read (or listen to). Yet I know it won't be one that always inspires the same level of excitement and possibility as it did for me. Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World gets 5 Stars from me. This is my first 5 Star rating for 2022. Have you read Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 06/19/22

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 guys. I, honestly, don't even remember Monday. Tuesday my sister and niece came to my parents to spend a couple of days so I took the kids to hang out and play. That was husband's day off so he worked on painting various things in the house. It feels like we're always painting, but we are getting close guys. We ended up staying for dinner even though I wasn't planning on doing that. Wednesday the heat was off the charts so we actually stayed inside all day. We're having 99-100 degree days here this past week and next. Thursday we went back to my parent's to spend time with my niece and sister before they had to go home. I worked on the pool when I got home. We have had the hardest time getting the chemicals to balance this year which is understandable since it was basically sitting untouched from October 2020 to April/May 2022. Friday morning I took the kids shopping with their own money for Father's Day. I love letting them pick out their own gifts for different family events, birthdays, Christmas, etc. It spurs their giving hearts and helps them to think about others. Of course, both children made sure to have a couple of dollards to spend on themselves. Little Girl has been more willing to do her chores this summer so she has earned more money than Little Boy who gets so wrapped up in what he wants in the moment that he can't quite yet see the bigger picture. We grabbed Dairy Queen treats on the way home. And then I worked on cleaning the pool all Friday afternoon. Saturday, we had my side of the family over to celebrate Father's Day, my brother's birthday (which is actually today), and my birthday which is Tuesday. We had pizza and went swimming. It was so nice to have everyone over. This was the first time some members of the family got to see our rennovation. Happy Father's Day to all my favorite fathers! You guys are rock stars.

THE PAST WEEK:

Thursday: Review of A Healer's Promise (Brides of Laurent, # 2) by Misty M Beller (4 Stars)

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World by Kristen Welch
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday

Don’t forget to link up for the 2022 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2022 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 Tenuous Betrothal

By: Jen Geigle Johnson

Expected Publication: August 1st 2022 by Covenant Communications

? 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--Rhianna Davies is well-acquainted with heartache after the painful loss of her parents. At the arrival of her ghastly uncle, she is brought even lower: Rhi has been banished from her family’s estate home and must rely on the kindness of her tightly knit Welsh miners for help. Without the protective love of her parents, Rhi has no illusions that hers will be a happy ending—until an addendum to her father’s will arrives in the hands of a prince.

Marc Wilhelm, Prince of Oldenburg, is in Wales with one purpose: to claim his betrothed. A long-ago promise between their fathers forges an indelible link between Rhi and Marc, but there remains just one problem: neither wants to marry a stranger. With no remaining ties to Wales, Rhi agrees to accompany Marc to Oldenburg, where he will forfeit their betrothal so she may have her pick of husbands. But their journey takes them down unexpected paths, from the depths of a Welsh mine to the marriage mart of London to a warm reception in Oldenburg. Rhi and Marc discover that their connection and their challenges run deeper than either anticipated, but whether from their own hesitations or from danger that threatens without, the couple might be thwarted before they can even begin the happily ever after they so richly deserve.

West Side Love Story

By: Priscilla Oliveras

Expected Publication: June 1st 2022 by Montlake

331 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--A heart-stirring romance of star-crossed love, feuding familias, and the bonds of sisterhood by USA Today bestselling author Priscilla Oliveras.

Two familias in Texas, both alike in dignity, rivalries, and passion…

Having grown up in the nurturing household of Casa Capuleta, Mariana will do anything for familia. To solve her adoptive parents’ financial problems amid their rapidly changing San Antonio comunidad, Mariana and her younger sisters are determined to win the Battle of the Mariachi Bands. That means competing against Hugo Montero, their father’s archnemesis, and his band and escalating a decades-old feud. It also raises the stakes of Mariana’s forbidden attraction for a certain dark-eyed mariachi who sets her heart racing.

To Angelo Montero’s familia, Mariana is also strictly off-limits. But that doesn’t stop him from pursuing her. As their secret affair intensifies and the competition grows fierce, they’re swept up in a brewing storm of betrayals, rivalries, and broken ties. Against the odds, they vow to bring peace. But sacrifices must be made and consequences weighed for two star-crossed lovers to make beautiful music together.

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

A Healer's Promise - Review

A Healer's Promise (Brides of Laurent, # 2)

By: Misty M Bellery

Publication: May 1st 2022 by Bethany House Publishers

304 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--Levi Masters's time as a British spy hasn't ended, though his country's war with America has. Overhearing a scout reveal a discovery that could give America an upper hand in future conflicts, Levi is sent to investigate. While trekking through the Canadian Rockies, he is convicted about his life of lies and half-truths. But just as he decides to embrace truth at any cost, warriors from a hidden mountain village take him captive.

Village healer Audrey Moreau is more curious than afraid of the outsider. And she's drawn to his commitment to honesty even at his own expense. But despite her arguments, the council decides he's too great a risk. Compelled to help him escape, she sneaks him out of the village. But when Levi faces a life-threatening injury and the fierce mountain winter closes in, Levi and Audrey are forced to discover just how far they'll go to ensure the safety of the other and the love growing between them.

I wasn't sure if I wanted to read Book 2 in the Brides of Laurent series. I enjoyed Misty M Beller's Hearts of Montana series, but A Warrior's Heart wasn't as smooth as I wanted. I think my issue is because of the whole hidden society angle. But I did like Audrey as a character in the first book, so ultimately I decided to check this book out. I was worried it would follow too similar of a pattern to book 1 and in some ways it did and in others it didn't.

Basically Levi worked as a spy for the Brittish army. The war is now over, but he overheard Evan telling his superiors about something he found that could win the Americans any war they fought against England. And so Levi felt it his duty to follow Evan. And thus he stumbles upon Laurent. Audrey sees him in the woods before he's captured, and of course, Levi is taken to the same storage room that Evan was kept in. Because of Levi and Evan's history as spies for opposite sides of the war, Evan doesn't trust Levi. Personally, I always appreciate stories that reflect how there are good people on both sides of a conflict, not just the moral right and moral wrong.

Audrey visits Levi shortly after his capture to bring him food the same way she did for Evan. In her brief encounter with him, she feels so strongly a call from God that this man isn't their enemy. That he is a good man. But not only does Evan have history with Levi personally, but Laurent has history with the British. And Audrey isn't sure the people of Laurent will be unbiased towards Levi due to his heritage. Because Audrey felt the message from God so clearly but others don't seem to be listening to her, she acts rashly and lets Levi escape. Of course, he's injured in the process and in need of a healer. Audrey can't stand for others to suffer when she can help and so she risks nearly everything in order to help Levi heal.

Audrey's story is easy to relate to if you've ever strongly felt God leading you. Yet like many of us often do, Audrey kind of took the reins out of God's hands once He revealed part of His path to her. It reminds me of Sarah in the Bible. When God told her she was going to have a son and first she laughed and then she basically gave her servant to her husband in order to bring God's promise to fruition. She took God's promise into her own hands the way Audrey tried to take Levi's salvation into her own hands.

Of course, I loved their relationship. Things weren't much more than a nice woman trying to help a nice, misunderstood, and innocent man. The progression was slow enough to be natural while fast enough to keep me intrigued. The romance was definitely my favorite part, and I'm glad I decided not to skip A Healer's Promise.

Favorite quote:

-I'm sorry if I ran ahead of you, Lord. But perhaps God's plan all along had been to use her to free Levi Masters. Why else would she have felt such a strong certainty that he was innocent.

I liked this quote because I've found myself wanting to follow God's leading in a particular area of my life but was unsure if He was leading me in X direction or Y. Sometimes we pray for His will to be revealed and He does give us direction. And sometimes we just have to do the best we can with the information we have at the time.

A Healer's Promise was better than I expected. I wasn't sure if I was going to pursue this series after A Warrior's Heart, but I'm glad that I did. Audrey has a story that no one else would be able to replicate yet many of us can relate to trying to work out the details for God. I look forward to reading the next in the series now. A Healer's Promise gets 4 Stars. Have you read A Healer's Promise? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 06/12/22

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 missed last week's Sunday post, but I just don't have the energy to include the week I missed this time. I think Monday might have been our only completely normal day this past week. Tuesday, we went to the furniture store and bought our new dining room table and chairs and a new TV console table. That's been part of our plans with the home rennovation all along. Wednesday, the kids and I ran to drop off a box of donations and a UPS return. Thursday, the kids and I went to my parents to hang out for the day. Friday was mostly normal. We did run pick up some dinner because somehow I didn't buy as much meat as I meant to at the store this past week. Whoops. I got some painting done this week. Saturday, I did grocery pick up. We did go swimming finally after our daily walk. The pool still needs a little work on balancing the water levels. Little Girl had her very first lemonade stand. I say first because she wants to do them more often. It wasn't a terrible experience on my part, but I can't say I look forward to more of these, but I will support her as long as she wants to do them. She still has a lot of learning to do with money and profits and hard work. There's a swim party for Little Girl's softball team today that I'm taking Little Girl and Little Boy to. No new books again this week.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of The Singles Table (The Marriage Game, # 3) by Sara Desai (4 Stars)

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of A Healer's Promise (Brides of Laurent, # 2) by Misty M Beller
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday

Don’t forget to link up for the 2022 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2022 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:

No new books this week.

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 Singles Table - Review

The Singles Table (Marriage Game, # 3)

By: Sara Desai

Publication: November 16th 2021 by Berkley

336 pages

Genre: Adult, Contemporary

Source: Borrowed from the e-library

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

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

Goodreads description--Opposites attract in this laugh-out-loud romantic comedy about a free-spirited lawyer who is determined to find the perfect match for the grumpy bachelor at her friend’s wedding, from the author of The Dating Plan.

After a devastating break-up, celebrity-obsessed lawyer Zara Patel is determined never to open her heart again. She puts her energy into building her career and helping her friends find romance through the wedding season. She's never faced a guest at the singles table she couldn’t match, until she crosses paths with the sinfully sexy Jay Donovan.

Former military security specialist Jay has no time for love. His life is about working hard, staying focused, and winning at all costs. When charismatic Zara crashes into his life, he's thrown into close contact with exactly the kind of chaos he wants to avoid. Worse, they're stuck together for the entire wedding season.

So they make a deal. She'll find his special someone if he introduces her to his celebrity clients. But when their arrangement brings them together in ways they never expected, they realize that the perfect match might just be their own.

I have no idea what the description of this book is talking about with Zara having had some devastating break-up. From what I could tell, Zara had never had a particularly intense relationship before. She's just simply beginning to feel the pangs of her age catching up with her and getting tired of all of the aunties trying to insinuate that she's getting old to be single still.

Zara was such a fun character to read. She's someone who talks to think. Stream of consciousness literally flows out of her mouth. And while I can't say that I always love to be around people who do this in real life, she was easy to like. I could easily see how people could think she was "too much" so I kind of felt guilty for feeling that way about people who are similar that I've shied away from. Stories tend to always help the reader feel sympathetic to the main character because we get to see inside their heads and read their thoughts, go through their struggles with them, and seeing Zara be aware and even (sometimes) insecure about herself made her likable and relatable. But Zara has found a way to meld her personality with the expectations of her family.

Jay (Donovan is not his last night by the way Goodreads) was in the military. And he grew up with just him and his mom. He has mixed heritage and his dad left long ago. His grandparents disowned his mom when she got pregnant before marriage and so Jay hasn't had the ties into the culture that Zara has. He really only has his business partner and a few lifelong friends. But mostly Jay has found that structure and control help him distance himself from the poverty he and his mom went through.

Jay and Zara initially have a meeting where the two of them butt heads. Zara isn't at all interested in him, but she's likes to compete against the aunties during the wedding season and try her hand at matchmaking. She's been successful before. So she sets out to try to match Jay with someone. Only the more she gets to know him, the less she sees other women as compatible with him. Jay is on board with the idea of him and Zara sooner than she is. I can't remember exactly what Zara's hold-up was. I did finish this book a full two weeks before I sat down to write my review.

The Singles Table was exactly what I needed at the time. It was a fast read about two characters I could root for. Zara isn't someone I'd typically gravitate towards in real life, but I couldn't help but like her. Jay needed someone like Zara to bring him out of his shell. And I enjoyed every minute of their story. The Singles Table gets 4 Stars. Have you read The Singles Table? What did you think? Let me know!

Edward and Amelia - Review

Edward and Amelia

By: Karen Thornell

Expected Publication: June 6th 2022 by Covenant Communications

320 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction, Adult

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

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

Goodreads description--The last thing Amelia Kennington wants is to participate in the London Season. But the daughter of a duke is not afforded such opinions. She must put forth a subdued facade, but beneath it is a well-hidden fire that surfaces only when provoked—such as when an overly familiar gentleman startles her and she falls into the Serpentine.

Edward Drayton, the Earl of Norwich, has gained a reputation as Society’s most decorated rake. And while there are benefits to such a reputation, it no longer gives him the satisfaction it once did. This Season, he plans to find a wife—except she seems to find him instead. And she is nothing like he expected.

Scandal is inevitable following Edward and Amelia’s ill-conceived meeting, forcing them to marry. Amelia’s disdain for this man she hardly knows is more than clear, and Edward’s pride is wounded before their marriage has even truly begun. Yet, against all odds, the two slowly let their guard down, discovering the truth of who they married. But when Society gossip, a sister’s jealousy, and long-held secrets threaten their budding relationship, the unlikely couple must determine if their unconventional love is strong enough to withstand the opposition they face.

I cannot get enough of forced marriages, arranged marriages, or marriages of convenience. The relationship-building in these stories draws me in every time. And well, Edward and Amelia was no different.

Edward has a terrible reputation of being a rake without care to how many women he has ruined. Despite being caught in multiple situations that would normally warrant him getting married, he has never agreed to do the "honorable" thing. Yet this year, he is actually looking to get married. So when a similar situation arises he decides that he's just saved himself some time bothering to court a lady this Season.

Amelia is the youngest of three sisters. Her older two sisters are twins. She feels as if she can do nothing to please her family. She's constantly being berated and put down. In an attempt to escape and get some air, she leaves the house for some solitude and gets lost without her lady's maid. Amelia's mother passed away and her father doesn't seem to know what to do with his daughters. But when Edward and Amelia are found in a compromising position, her father doesn't hesitate to force Amelia to marry Edward. She's furious at being forced to marry without her input but also for being forced to marry someone with a terrible reputation.

Since Edward was planning to marry this season, he's more willing to try to make his marriage with Amelia work. His attempts were quite awkward and hilarious, and I often found myself wondering where his skills at becoming entangled with so many women were and how he could be so blind to Amelia's reaction to his attempts. The harder he tried the more Amelia retreated from him.

I loved all of the conflicts within this story. Edward needed to learn to open himself up and be vulnerable. Edward and Amelia both had trauma concerning the losses of their respective mothers. Edward's reputation. Amelia's relationship with each member of her family. It's hard to believe that there can be people who will focus all of their energy and attention on harming someone else. But just take a look at Amber Heard and you'll know that these people definitely exist.

Favorite quotes:

-Anger was an easy shield. It was hard to pierce through anger but not hard to pierce through sadness.

-Anger, it would seem, did not invite contentment when freed.

-But love, unfortunately, turns bitter when not properly cared for.

-She'd learned she had a propensity to speak without regard for another's feelings when untethered. And she'd learned she did not like how she felt any time she did so.

-"The world may not deserve all of you, but you deserve to show all of your to the world."

Overall, I didn't want to put Edward and Amelia down. I was squeezing in pages whenever I possibly could. I loved the slow-building relationship between Edward and Amelia. And if you love forced marriages as much as I do, then you won't want to skip this book. Edward and Amelia gets 4.5 Stars. Have you read Edward and Amelia? What did you think? Let me know!