Sunday, July 31, 2022

Sunday Post - 07/31/22

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.

So my kids ended up spending the night with my parent's last Sunday night. Husband and I ended up having a date night which we rarely ever get to do. Then I took them on a playdate Monday with a new family in our neighborhood. They have kids of similar ages. They've only lived in our neighborhood about a month and their house was struck by lightning the week before. The community has really reached out to support them. Tuesday, Husband had off work and that was the last night the kids were spending with my parents. We killed it painting. He finished painting our playroom (except window and door casings), the pantry, the entry closet, and he got one coat on the linen closet and fireplace. I worked on sanding and caulking. I got the door casing done for my daughter's bedroom and painted her bedroom door. I got my youngest son's window casing done. I got the curtains down in the bathrooms and washed those as well as backpacks and lunch boxes. We only have one more week until school starts. Anyway, we rocked and rolled and we are so much closer to being done. I've also gotten the window casings finished in my middle child's room and gotten one coat done on the window casings in the master bedroom. I also finished painting the door to the linen closet this week. Not yesterday, but last Saturday, Husband's mom fell and broke her shoulder so we've been checking in on her pretty regularly. And then our elderly next door neighbor fell Saturday and I went to check on her a couple of times during the day. Husband got curtains hung in both boys rooms Saturday and he got the rods up in the living room finally. Things are really coming together. We still have at least 7 doors that need painting, five door casings, and five window casings (outside of our bedroom that I've already started on). But man we're so much closer than we used to be. Anyway, one more week and then school starts here.

THE PAST TWO WEEKS:

Monday 7/18: Review of The Dreaming Beauty by Anneka Walker (3 Stars)
Monday 7/25: 2022 Series Enders Reading Challenge - July Wrap Up
Tuesday 7/26: Ten Books on My TBR List I STILL Haven't Read
Wednesday: Can't Wait for The Earl's Hideaway, No Ladies Allowed (A Romance of Rank, # 2) by Esther Hatch
Friday 7/29: Review of From the Jump by Lacie Waldon (4 Stars)

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: July 2022 EOM Wrap Up
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday
Thursday: Review of A Tenuous Betrothal (Royal Regency, # 3) by Jen Geigle Johnson

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 Curse of Blood and Stone (Fate & Flame, # 2)

By: KA Tucker

Expected Publication: July 12th 2022 by K.A. Tucker

485 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--“I do not know how to love you and be a good king to my people.”

From jewelry thief to interloper to queen-in-waiting, Romeria flees Cirilea a traitor to all. But the yawning distance between her and Zander troubles her more than any king’s bounty on her head. While Zander may have escaped by her side, he seeks to regain his throne, and no immortal will ever welcome her as Islor’s queen. She fears it won’t be long before Zander abandons her as everyone else she’s ever loved has.

Zander sacrificed his crown to save Romeria’s life, yet he dreads what her existence means for the future of his realm. As Ybaris’s plan to destroy Islor unfurls, a more insidious threat, orchestrated by rival fates, lurks beneath the surface. He can offer his allies no honest explanation for why he protects the Ybarisan princess and takes counsel from Queen Neilina’s caster, leading those closest to doubt his wisdom—and his allegiance.

As their company aims for the Venhorn Mountains, steered by prophecy, Romeria is desperate to wield her newfound abilities to undo Princess Romeria’s treachery before the kingdom tears itself apart. But with the mortal rebellion swelling, bolstered by the gift of Ybaris’s poison, it may already be too late. From internationally bestselling author K.A. Tucker comes the second novel in her Fate and Flame series, an adult fantasy story that should be read in series order.

The Bone Crown (Charassi's Fae Queen Book, # 1)

By: Ava Richardson

Expected Publication: July 27th 2022

? pages

Genre: 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.

NetGalley description--From high school student to Queen of the Fae…

When a dragon bulldozes through a portal and into the grounds of her Texas school, Ophelia Monroe can barely believe her eyes. Dragons and magic are just fairy tales, right?

When the dying dragon bonds with her to spite a Fae prince, suddenly Ophelia is dragged into a different realm: a world of Fae intrigue and deception where, as Prince Corrin informs her, her dragon bond has made her Queen of the Fae.

His Queen.

Ophelia’s always wanted to make a difference, but nothing could have prepared her for magical powers she can’t control, a dead dragon's voice in her head, and subjects questioning her right to be queen. Or the infuriatingly handsome Fae prince who won't leave her side.

To avoid execution, Ophelia must validate her claim to the throne by traveling throughout the magical realm, accompanied by Prince Corrin. But the journey reveals a dark secret lurking in Charassi...

The only way to save the realm is to find the source of the trouble; but the truth may be just as terrible as the evil magic that threatens the Fae’s existence.

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, July 29, 2022

From the Jump - Review

From the Jump

By: Lacie Waldon

Publication: July 19th 2022 by G.P. Putnam's Sons

352 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--A chronic yes-woman finally admits to what—and who—she really wants in this unforgettable and heartfelt romantic comedy, by the author of The Layover.

Liv Bakersfield is used to living her life in “shoulds.” Be fit. Be financially responsible. Be your best self. An overworked graphic designer, she’s stretched so thin that she’s about to miss yet another vacation with her beloved group of college friends. But when Liv finally decides to start saying no, it feels good…good enough to leap straight into quitting her job and hopping on a plane to join them in South Africa.

Amid the exotic landscape and unforgettable sights, Liv expects sun and safari animals and an easy time with her best friends. But such close proximity makes everything more complicated, especially with the emotionally unavailable Lucas Deiss. Their friendship is the only thing in her life that's still solid, and she vows to do anything she can to keep the group together. But once they get back to L.A., Liv discovers that her leap of faith has become a freefall, sending her crashing into Deiss's arms. With the trust of the people she loves most on the line, Liv must decide between doing what she should … and risking everything for what she shouldn’t want.

Lacie Waldon has impressed me for a second time. The Layover was the first book to hook my interest after having Baby # 3 in 2021. And so I knew I wanted to see what she would write next. And honestly, I can't remember what was holding me back from picking up From the Jump earlier.

Basically, Liv is in a group of 5 friends who met in college. Mac and Deiss are the two guys of the group and friends before the fivesome. Pheobe, I believe, was Liv's college roommate. And then Simone was the 5th wheel to the group. Mac and Pheobe dated for six years before calling their relationship off, and the two have unresolved issues. Simone and Liv have an almost simultaneous crush on Lucas Deiss. Simone comes from money and is used to getting what she wants. But Liv has to work hard to keep her head above water.

Even after college is over the friend group has a regular monthly meet up of the third-Thursday of the month along with yearly vacations to keep them strong and bonded together. However, Liv has never been able to afford to go on the vacations, and she's never been able to take time off work. But she kind of snaps one day and decides that she wants to start speaking up for herself. This breaks her longtime self-preservation rules. And the problems begin when she shows up on vacation with little planning to get there.

While on vacation, Lucas Deiss and Liv have some moments of spark and flirting. But Pheobe and Mac's breakup nearly broke up their group back in the day, and Liv and Pheobe are certain that getting into future relationships with any member of their friend group will tear them apart for good. Yet, Liv needs a place to stay when she returns from vacation, and it just so happens that Lucas has an extra room. Of course, the two grow closer, and I loved their journey.

Simone becomes an issue, though, as her jealousy and fears are what really threaten to tear the group apart. Mostly, I felt she was entirely selfish and out of line, but I could also see some genuine caring for Liv in all her twisted drama. I found it hard to like her. She was definitely my least favorite of their friend group.

Favorite quotes:

-What's cool on him--his aloofness and self-contained personality--is perceived as cold on me. But I suppose you can't compare the two of us. Not when Deiss makes no effort at anything, and I feel like I never stop trying to get every little thing right.

-"That's what it looks like," he whispers, "when I'm making an effort."

-Despite the fact that my head has always been fully on board with our status as platonic friends, my skin seems to have gotten confused by all the changes.

From the Jump was better than I was expecting. I may have even liked it better than The Layover. Honestly, I think that I did. I can relate to Liv trying to do all the right things even if my reasons differ from hers. And I loved that there are essentially two romances in From the Jump. Plus, the main characters and side characters were all well-rounded and fleshed out. Each one popped off the page. From the Jump gets 4.5 Stars. Have you read From the Jump? What did you think? Let me know!

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

Can't Wait for The Earl's Hideaway, No Ladies Allowed

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 Earl's Hideaway, No Ladies Allowed (A Romance of Rank, # 2)

By: Esther Hatch

Expected Publication: December 30th 2022

352 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--If there is one woman Samson Rutherford, Earl of Riverton, can’t abide, it is his meddling sister. He has spent his whole life being a pawn in her plans and tricks, but when one of her schemes leaves him dressed in women’s clothing, he has finally had enough. He cannot beat her at her games, or even say no to her, his only option to save his sanity and pride is to run away--and fortunately, his solicitor knows just the place…

Florence Wallace wasn’t born to be a governess, but with her family’s fall from grace, she has become one. A good one. However, when the chance arises to stay at her uncle’s home so she can care for his horticulture project while he is absent, she jumps at the chance. Leaving her position, she plans to gather her sisters together so they can be a family again--even if it is only for a little while.

But the last thing Florence expected to find upon her arrival was her childhood friend. Samson has sequestered himself at the cottage and claims to have been invited to watch over her uncle’s business while he is away. But Florence insists that’s what she’s been asked to do. The quiet retreat is what they both need, but who will get to stay?

Not Samson, because he has never gotten the better of a woman, not since… well, not since Florence let him kiss her years ago…

Come to think of it, perhaps it is time for Samson to win after all.

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

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

Ten Books I STILL Haven't Read on my 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 Books on My Past Seasonal TBR Lists Still Unread.
  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. This May End Badly by Samantha Markum
  6. A Wicked and Beautiful Garden (Witches of the Island, # 1) by Katie McGarry
  7. A Wild Hope (Wild Swan Trilogy, # 1) by Celeste de Blasis
  8. The Other Side of the Sky (The Other Side of the Sky, # 1) by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner
  9. Sword of Rage (Reigning Kingdoms, # 1) by Jennifer Anne Davis
  10. The Seventh Sun (The Age of the Seventh Sun, # 1) by Lani Forbes
  11. Fireborn (The Aurelian Cycle, # 1) by Rosaria Mundo

Which books are still on your TBR lists unread? Let me know!

Monday, July 25, 2022

2022 Series Enders Reading Challenge - July 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 July giveaway runs from July 25th - August 25th. On August 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

Monday, July 18, 2022

The Dreaming Beauty - Review

The Dreaming Beauty

By: Anneka R Walker

Expected Publication: July 11th 2022 by Covenant Communications

256 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--Once upon a dream, two cursed people fell in love...

Tansy White doesn't want to end up alone like her three aunts who raised her, but when she is betrayed by her would-be betrothed, she fears she might never change her fate. At her aunts' suggestion, she seizes the chance to visit Rose Cottage, the country home of her late mother. For years, dreams of the cottage have haunted Tansy, and she is convinced it holds the answer to her hidden past. But after getting caught in a terrible storm, she meets a man who is just as determined as she is to learn all her secrets.

Marcus Taylor, brother to the Duke of Westmorland, is also troubled by vivid dreams. On a sleepless night, as a tempest rages outside his brother's estate, he makes a discovery far more mysterious than any dream: a young woman, cold as ice, lies unconscious in the library, and he is sure she is the key to solving his problems. When she makes, what begins as a shared quest for information turns into an unexpected friendship. As they piece together the fragments of their past, they discover a tangled web of lies, and their feelings for each other become just as entwined. But is their love as strong as their dreams. . . or their fate?

I've only read one other book by Anneka Walker--Bargaining for the Barrister--and I enjoyed it. She's not a novice author as far as I can tell since she has 14 published works (including anthologies). That being said, pieces of The Dreaming Beauty felt unpolished. I'll do my best to explain.

I wasn't sure, given the description and how certain pieces of this story are written, if this was intended to be fantasy in a historical fiction setting. I'll clear it up for you, it's not. But Tansy has dreams that sometimes seem prophetic. She dreams of Rose Cottage in vivid detail when she's never seen it before. And some other dreams appear to be prophetic, essentially warning her of something bad about to happen. Tansy's aunts all refer to a curse upon their family. The curse results in all the female aunts (sisters) being alone. One aunt's husband left her, although they claim he died. One aunt's husband did die. And one aunt is barely older than Tansy and has never married as far as I can tell. Tansy's mother died of an illness when she was very young. And there is an estranged aunt none of the family has heard from in many years.

Marcus has been plagued by dreams all his life. Nightmares. And he doesn't know how to explain them or how to get them to stop. He began to research dreams, but it was difficult to get a subject who had similarities to his own dreams until he meets Tansey. Marcus's dreams don't appear to be prophetic, but there's a mystery within them.

One of my biggest frustrations with mysteries is how side characters often have more information than the main characters. The main characters know the side characters know so much more than them, but the side characters refuse to enlighten the ones who really need the knowledge they hold. And so the story drags on. Either leaking snippets here or there or by the secondary characters holding it over their heads that one day the time will be right and all the information will be revealed. For me, this is just frustrating as a reader, and I would be quite frustrated were I the main character as well.

I found myself annoyed with Marcus and Simon. I don't understand why Marcus couldn't be open with Simon about his feelings for Tansy up front. He kept pursuing his own relationship with her even after finding out that Simon was interested in her. I don't know what his plan was. I mean he makes plans to go back to teaching in order to have a profession where he would be able to court Tansy. But he uses that as a method of escape instead. And then for Simon to say later that he knew Marcus was interested in Tansy, I don't understand pursuing someone that you know your sibling is interested in.

Favorite quotes:

-The key to learning motivation, and ultimately to uncovering truth, was to approach it as a friend, not as an inquisitor.

-The subtleties of tone, physical expression, and word choice were the manifestation of the soul.

-"I cannot resist a night's sky. Of all of God's creations, this is my favorite." Marcus let his head fall back again. "The stars are tranquil and comforting, aren't they? They see everything that happens, and while I am sure they hold the secrets of the world, they reflect only the light."

-...some lessons did not come without a degree of pain.

All in all, I was a little disappointed with The Dreaming Beauty. The mystery aspects were just frustrating. I didn't feel an excitement about discovering the secrets, I just felt annoyed that the characters that had more information weren't sharing it. I liked Marcus and Tansy's relationship, but Marcus was a bit of a dunderhead when it came to Simon's interest in Tansy. The Dreaming Beauty gets 3 Stars. Have you read The Dreaming Beauty? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday, July 17, 2022

Sunday Post - 07/17/22

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.

My memory is terrible these days. I'm struggling to remember the early part of the week. It rained off and on this week which lowered our temperatures. Monday we did swim, but Baby Boy got out after about 20 minutes. So Tuesday during our normal swim time we just played outside. Wednesday was a good day all around. Great behavior with the big kids and all. It poured Thursday, but we spent the day at my parent's house which helps to break up our week. Friday was a normal day until we went to Grammy's after Baby Boy's nap to visit with some cousins that were visiting from out of town. We ate dinner there and got home later than normal. Husband and I watched Netflix's Persuasion adaptation. Saturday we went back to Grammy's to swim and eat lunch and dinner. I did get a good bit of painting done this week. It's slow going, but progress is progress, right? Reading didn't go as well this week, and I ended up DNFing a book. I hate when that happens, but I'd rather focus my reading time on books I'm enjoying.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of Meet Me in the Middle by Alex Light (3 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Falling for the Cowgirl (Colorado Cowboys, # 4) by Jody Hedlund

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of The Dreaming Beauty by Anneka Walker
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:

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!

Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Can't Wait for Falling for the Cowgirl

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.

Falling for the Cowgirl (Colorado Cowboys, # 4)

By: Jody Hedlund

Expected Publication: October 10th 2022 by Bethany House Publishers

352 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

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

Goodreads description--As the only girl in her family, and with four older brothers, Ivy McQuaid can rope and ride with the roughest of ranchers. She's ready to have what she's always longed for--a home of her own. She's set her heart on a parcel of land south of Fairplay and is saving for it with her winnings from the cowhand competitions she sneaks into.

After two years away, Jericho Bliss is back in South Park as an undercover Pinkerton agent searching for a war criminal. He has no intention of involving a woman in the dangerous life he leads, but one look at Ivy is all it takes for him to question the path he's set out for himself.

Even though Jericho tries to resist his longtime attraction to the beautiful and vivacious Ivy, he finds himself falling hard and fast for her. In the process, his worst fear comes true--he puts her smack dab in the middle of danger. With Ivy's life in the balance, will Jericho give her up once again, or will he find a way back to her, this time forever?

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

Monday, July 11, 2022

Meet Me in the Middle - Review

Meet Me in the Middle

By: Alex Light

Expected Publication: July 12th 2022 by Harperteen

384 pages

Genre: Young 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--A romance interrupted by tragedy sets two people on different paths in Wattpad superstar Alex Light’s latest YA romance.

Eden had her best friend Katie—she didn’t need anyone else. But then there was Truman.

Katie’s older brother, the artist. The recluse. The boy with the innocent smile and the dangerous eyes.

Eden had never really known Truman—not until the night of Katie’s accident. That was the night they’d finally let each other into their orbits—only to have the sky come crashing down on them.

With Katie in the hospital and Truman fleeing from his grief without a word, Eden is left alone to grapple with her own pain. But when Truman returns to the city, can Eden let him back into her life knowing that their first kiss is what tore their world apart?

Wattpad superstar Alex Light is back with another poignant romance perfect for fans of Jennifer Dugan and Laura Taylor Namey.

*I finished Meet Me in the Middle a full month ago and I am just getting around to writing this review. Granted real life has been busy what with moving back home and all. So I'm pretty much asking for any readers to give me some slack. Plus I have just had the hardest time trying to figure out what to say in this review. Everything feels like a spoiler. But as always I'm going to do my best, and I'll try to focus on how reading this book made me feel.

I struggled to get started with this one. As I mentioned, real life has been demanding and I haven't had much time to read. So when a book doesn't pull me in immediately, I often just want to put it down in favor of something that will hook me instantly. But I kept pressing on. Well that's only semi-true. I paused this book to read a different one and then returned to it after that one instead of going in search of a different one that might pull me in immediately. It wasn't long after I started reading it for the second time that I felt invested.

Eden is obviously depressed. She doesn't do anything besides work. She doesn't let others in at this point. She's reeling from the tragedy of her best friend being in a coma. Her best friend was supposed to be rooming with her and being right by her side. Eden isn't alone even if she'd prefer to be. There's Manny, the chef of the restaurant she works at, and Eden also has a roommate (I can't remember her name). Manny has a bit of a crush on Eden and I started the book off rooting for him. It takes no time to find out that Eden and Mannie are permanent friend-zone. But I liked Manny a lot--so much that I wanted to dislike Truman.

Speaking of Truman. I didn't realize he would narrate. I find that I am more sympathetic to whoever is narrating because their thoughts and emotions are usually explained for the reader in a way that makes them understandable. So many times in real life we just have no idea why someone else behaves in any particular way. Because Truman narrates, I was able to get to know him better in a way that caused me to root for him over someone like Manny.

Probably the biggest thing that affected my feelings about Meet Me in the Middle was the ending. I ended up thinking after everything the characters went through in this book, for things to end how they did, "what was the point?". And that's not a great place to be if you ask me. If I read a book and wonder at the end what was the point in even reading this story something is just off. I realize not every story has to have a happy ending. And the character's stories don't have to end where the book does. But this felt like a journey to nowhere really. The characters worked so hard to overcome their trauma to only end up back at square one.

So where does that leave me? Meet Me in the Middle had a slow start. I pushed through and finally felt invested in the characters after forcing myself to keep reading. I was enjoying the journey and felt like both main characters were moving forward only for the ending to pull them right back to where they started. And I can't feel like ending a book wondering what the point was in any of it should have me giving a great rating. I decided on 3 Stars only because the middle part was pretty good. Have you read Meet Me in the Middle? What did you think? Let me know!

*Review was originally written in May 2022 but waited to post until closer to the book's publication date.

Sunday, July 10, 2022

Sunday Post - 07/10/22

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.

Monday we celebrated the 4th with Husband's family. His father passed away on the 4th 7 years ago so every year we think about him while we're shooting fireworks (we don't live in the city). We went over to his mom's to swim and have lunch. We came home and let Baby Boy nap and then went back for dinner and fireworks. Tuesday is Husband's normal day off but he swapped with his work partner this week. Tuesday through Thursday were all normal days. Super hot on our walks, but then we'd go swimming after. Then after lunch we've been doing the devotion that I featured last week. The kids always complain when it's time to do it, but they've been asking more questions about God and talking about Him in their daily conversation more since starting it. So I'm counting this as a win and we will continue it. Plus the illustrations are just beautiful. During Baby Boy's nap I've been painting in the playroom. This is the last big space that needs painting. After this room we'll only have some window casings, door casings, and the linen closet left to do. It's hard to believe it has taken this long yet also hard to believe we're so close to the finish line. Of course with homeownership things are never static for long. Friday was Husband's off day this week, but he ended up working 5 hours because they offered overtime pay for weekend work. Saturday was pretty normal. It rained off and on so the temps finally dropped a good bit and it was just a nice day.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Happy 4th of July!
Tuesday: Top Ten Most Anticpated Releases Q3/Q4 2022
Wednesday: Can't Wait for The Belle of Belgrave Square (Belles of London, # 2) by Mimi Matthews
Thursday: Review of To Tame a Cowboy (Colorado Cowboys, # 3) by Jody Hedlund (4 Stars)

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of Meet Me in the Middle by Alex Light
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:

Breath as Prayer: Calm Your Anxiety, Focus Your Mind, and Renew Your Soul

By: Jennifer Tucker

Publication: August 16th 2022 by Thomas Nelson

208 pages

Genre: Non-fiction, Christian, Devotions

( 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--Find hope amid anxiety through the spiritual practice of breath prayer in this beautifully illustrated and practical guide to connecting body, mind, and spirit during times of stress.

Breath as Prayer will lead you through the practice and the proven health benefits of Christian breath prayer: intentional prayers centered around Scripture that focus our minds on Christ as we calm our bodies through breathing.

Breath as Prayer offers:

More than 80 breath prayers focused on Scripture, along with brief meditations
Gorgeous original full-color illustrations
A quick-start how-to guide to refer to as needed
Guidance on how to implement a breath prayer practice
The science behind breath work and prayer and why it works
An invitation to reflect on the effect of breath prayers on your body
With a beautiful foil-accented cover, Breath as Prayer is an ideal gift for:

Anyone experiencing stress, anxiety, or fear
Grief and anxiety support groups
Prayer groups and prayer ministries
Men and women looking for new avenues for connecting with God
Teens and young adults dealing with stress and anxiety
Adult baptism and confirmation
God created our bodies, minds, and spirits to be intimately connected with one another. Purpose-filled breathing is one of the most effective, calming ways to integrate all aspects of who we are, especially during times of intense stress. Breath as Prayer invites you to the crossroads of Christian contemplative practice, Scripture, psychology, and science to deepen your faith, bring peace to your body, and discover a new reliance on Christ.

Breathe deeply, lean into God's Word, and discover why every breath can be an invitation to pray.

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, July 7, 2022

To Tame a Cowboy - Review

To Tame a Cowboy (Colorado Cowboys, # 3)

By: Jody Hedlund

Publication: May 3rd 2022 by Bethany House Publishers

368 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--Brody McQuaid is a broken man, and he knows it. While his body survived the war, his soul did not. Besides loving his little niece, his only other sense of purpose comes from saving the wild horses that roam South Park. Ranchers in the area have taken to killing the horses, which are competing with their cattle to feed on the open grass.

Savannah Marshall is a veterinarian on her family's Colorado ranch. She longs to keep her father happy following the tragic death of her older brother, including marrying a man of his choosing. But days before her wedding, she gets cold feet and disappears to South Park. As she learns more about the destruction of the horses, she joins Brody in an attempt to save the wild creatures. But when Savannah's family and the resentments of the area cattlemen catch up with them both, Brody and Savannah will have to tame their fears if they've any hope to let love run free.

I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy Brody's story or not. His character isn't in a good place when The Heart of a Cowboy ends. But a few years have passed and while Brody still isn't in the best place, things are better than they were at the end of the previous book. Jody Hedlund's choice to begin the book where she does help a ton because I was nearly immediately sucked into this story.

Savannah fled her home days before her wedding was to take place to a man she doesn't love. When Brody stops a fellow rancher from beating a wild mustang, Savannah jumps in to help the horse. She talks Brady and Flinn into taking her on as a temporary veterinarian on their ranch. Flynn agrees because he sees Brody's reaction to Savannah.

Brody has an almost instant connection and attraction to Savannah. I like how Jody Hedlund writes Christian stories, but she doesn't ignore the fact that very real physical things, desires, temptations, etc happen between couples that are attracted to one another. Savannah, Flora (Flynn and Linnea's daughter), and the wild mustangs are the only things that seem to bring Brody to life after the war.

I loved that Ivy was an active character in To Tame a Cowboy because she's so brash. She's young and has a lot to learn. I can't wait to read her story next.

I have to say that I was a little frustrated with how long it took Savannah to decide how to address her father's wishes for her. Regardless, I loved these two and their story.

Favorite quotes:

-"You're fighting demons with your fists, but from what I've seen, no one ever wins a battle with fists or strong drink or even ignoring the hurts."

-"This week, watching you tame that stallion, I couldn't help but notice that you have the most patience for the wildest of creatures. Maybe God has the most patience with the wildest of us too."

She’d grown to admire Hades’s resilience, strength, and perseverance. He cared about his band, his mares and foals, and led them with dignity. And now he glanced in their direction. He nodded, as though communicating with them. Did he know they’d chased him only because they wanted to save his life? Did he realize the fear of the past couple of days would lead to his freedom? Maybe he’d never understand what they’d done, but she liked to think he was thanking them for their efforts anyway. Was that the way God was with His children? Did He drive them through difficulties, up steep mountains, because He cared and was leading them to better pastures? Even when they didn’t understand what He was doing, maybe He was asking them to thank Him regardless.

-"...wounds might shape us, but they can't determine who we are."

-...sometimes loving people meant letting them go through their difficulties instead of providing a way for them to escape.

I particularly liked the messages about Brody's struggles and what it took to bring him back to a relationship with God. I also loved Brody and Savannah's relationship growth. I'm looking forward to Ivy's story to come next. And honestly, there wasn't much I didn't enjoy about To Tame a Cowboy which means it gets 4 Stars. Have you read To Tame a Cowboy? What did you think? Let me know!

Wednesday, July 6, 2022

Can't Wait for The Belle of Belgrave Square

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 Belle of Belgrave Square (Belles of London, # 2)

By: Mimi Matthews

Expected Publication: October 11th 2022 by Berkley

432 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--A London heiress rides out to the wilds of the English countryside to honor a marriage of convenience with a mysterious and reclusive stranger.

Tall, dark, and dour, the notorious Captain Jasper Blunt was once hailed a military hero, but tales abound of his bastard children and his haunted estate in Yorkshire. What he requires now is a rich wife to ornament his isolated ruin, and he has his sights set on the enchanting Julia Wychwood.

For Julia, an incurable romantic cursed with a crippling social anxiety, navigating a London ballroom is absolute torture. The only time Julia feels any degree of confidence is when she’s on her horse. Unfortunately, a young lady can’t spend the whole of her life in the saddle, so Julia makes an impetuous decision to take her future by the reins—she proposes to Captain Blunt.

In exchange for her dowry and her hand, Jasper must promise to grant her freedom to do as she pleases. To ride—and to read—as much as she likes without masculine interference. He readily agrees to her conditions, with one provision of his own: Julia is forbidden from going into the tower rooms of his estate and snooping around his affairs. But the more she learns of the beastly former hero, the more intrigued she becomes…

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

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

Top Ten Most Anticipated Releases of Q3/Q4 2022

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 Releases of Q3/Q4 2022.
  1. Cursed (Gilded, # 2) by Marissa Meyer
  2. A Hard Day for a Hangover (Sunshine Vicram, # 3) by Darynda Jones
  3. From the Jump by Lacie Waldon
  4. Falling for the Cowgirl (Colorado Cowboys, # 4) by Jody Hedlund
  5. The Belle of Belgrave Square (Belles of London, # 2) by Mimi Matthews
  6. Built to Last by Erin Hahn
  7. A Daughter's Courage (Brides of Laurent, # 3) by Misty M Beller
  8. Holding the Line (Love Along the Wires, # 3) by Jennifer Delamere
  9. The Earl's Hideaway, No Ladies Allowed (Romances of Rank, # 2) by Esther Hatch
  10. A Light in the Flame (Flesh & Fire, # 2) by Jennifer L Armentrout

Which books are on your most anticpated list for the end of 2022? Let me know!

Sunday, July 3, 2022

Sunday Post - 07/03/22

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.

Monday I took the kids to my parents after lunch for them to spend a couple of nights away. Since we lived with my parents for almost a year, we haven't had any overnight babysitting in that long. It was wonderful to have some one on one time with Husband. And we were super productive during that time. Monday night we went out to dinner and went to Lowes and Home Depot looking at closet organization systems. We decided what we want which is exciting even if we haven't purchased yet. Tuesday is Hubby's off day, so we worked non-stop all day. We went to our second storage building to load up Little Girl's furniture. We brought it home and set it up. Then drove to the first storage building to get our ottoman and recliner. We decided then to try to merge the two units so we can save on the monthly fee. We took one load from the first building to the second because the second is closer to our house. We took a load from the second unit to our house, and then Husband left me at home to organize, put away, and clean while he went for the 2nd load from the first unit to the second unit. But we got it done. We were almost 8 pm having dinner. And it was midnight before we went to sleep both nights the kids spent away. Wednesday morning I had a dentist appointment so I went to my parents to get the kids after that. Thursday I had my annual doctor's appointment so Grammy came to stay with the kids while I went to that. Little Girl is loving her new room. She is organizing and reorganizing almost every day. We also got her Barbie doll house in from the garage that my Dad made for me as a little girl and revamped it for her for her 5th birthday. I haven't done much on the house since Wednesday morning, but I feel good about our progress. Slow and steady wins the race. We've been able to walk every day this week even though rain and scattered thunderstorms were in the forecast for every day this past week and at least through this coming Thursday.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of Discovering Grace (Inglewood, # 2) by Sally Britton (3.5 Stars)
Tuesday: Top Ten Summer 2022 TBR List
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Cursed (Gilded, # 2) by Marissa Meyer
Thursday: June 2022 EOM Wrap Up

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: No blog posts. Happy 4th of July!
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday
Thursday: Review of Discovering Grace (Inglewood, # 2) by Sally Britton

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:

I AM: 40 Reasons to Trust God

By: Diane Stortz

Publication: February 2nd 2016 by Thomas Nelson

224 pages

Genre: Non-fiction, Christian, Parenting, Devotions

( 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--God’s names tell us who He is, what He is like, and what He does. This beautiful book covers 40 of the Bible’s many names and descriptive titles for God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

Jehovah Jireh

The Lord My Shepherd

Immanuel

Rabbi

I Am

Through Bible stories, short devotions, and prayers, children discover the meaning of each name and how it relates to their lives. As they develop understanding of God’s character and His love for them, children will grow to know, love, and trust the great I Am more and more.

Those who know your name put their trust in you. —Psalm 9:10

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!