Monday, February 27, 2023

The Forgotten Fall - DNF Review

A Forgotten Fall (A Lord for All Seasons, # 3)

By: Nadine Millard

Expected Publication: September 16, 2022

? 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--All she's ever wanted is freedom, challenge, and adventure. But the longer she spends with the wounded soldier from her past the more she realizes she might just want him.

Francesca Templeworth has never met a man that didn’t somehow disappoint her. While other girls her age dreamed of love and romance and marriage, she wanted adventure and challenges and freedom.

No man has ever held her interest. No man but Adam Fairchild, who’d gone off to war and had never come back.

Adam Fairchild has spent years running from the demons he encountered on the battlefield of war, from a past that he no longer remembers, and a present reality that feels too heavy a burden to carry. Returning to Halton he hopes to find a safe haven. What he finds instead is Francesca Templeworth, a pretty girl with a sharp wit who’s turned into a beautiful woman with a smart mouth.

All Adam wants is to hide himself away, miserable in the darkness. But he didn’t count on the most stubborn woman in all of Christendom insisting on dragging him back into the light.

Francesca can’t fight her attraction to Adam any more than Adam can fight is own to her. But until he learns to let go of the past, what hope do they have of a future together?

Adam is the one man she’s never forgotten. But the question is, will he let himself fall?

Initially the description of The Forgotten Fall sounded interesting. I didn't get very far before I felt torn over the writing. On the one hand, I was curious about the family that can't seem to abide by society's rules. Yet it became clear that Cheska's inability to follow the rules of polite society would likely land her in a sexual situation. Her disdain for any kind of rule is only a recipe for her to break the ones that are convenient at the time.

Obviously Adam has been through trauma considering he went to war, was injured, and lost his brother and father before he made it home. And then he only sought to drown his sorrows in alcohol. Magically, one interaction with Francesca is enough to make him want to turn things around and start living. One addiction to another essentially.

I can't discount Adam's trauma. And I've never been one to be opposed to love helping someone through a difficult time or changing their opinions of their struggles. But I also believe that we can't live our lives completely for others and sometimes the work we have to do on ourselves is outside of others. I'm not describing this very well.

Basically, my struggle with the writing is that the characters felt like victims of their own lives and emotions. As if they had no control over anything that happened to them, any choices were made by default based upon their emotions. Perhaps the last 40% would have changed pace and the characters would have said "no" to their emotions and used their "thinking brain" (aka their frontal lobe) to make decisions. Writing from an emotional standpoint can easily suck readers into the characters, but the characters need to have a spine. They need to do more than feel.

Unfortunately, I decided to DNF The Forgotten Fall at 60%. I always wonder if the remainder of the book would have redeemed it for me, but I just do not have extra time to read something I'm not enjoying. I found myself sighing and holding my breath not because I was anxious to keep reading and find out what was going to happen next, but because I truly wanted to be doing anything other than reading this book. I know that sounds harsh. I'm sure there are readers out there that would love this book, but the characters were too much of victims for me--when they had a right to be and even when they didn't. Have you read The Forgotten Fall? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday, February 26, 2023

Sunday Post - 02/26/23

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.

We started the week off in Gulf Shores visiting my sister and her family. We came home and had just a little bit of time before the last basketball practice of the season. Tuesday, Little Boy had his 2 year old check up with the pediatrician. All is well. He's in the top 10% for height with an estimated adult height of 6 ft or 6 ft 1. Wednesday was a normal day. Thursday, I did my grocery pick up and got a zpack from the pharmacy called in from my doctor. We also went to a local playground at the church where the kids played basketball. My niece and brother-in-law that we stayed with ended up having COVID. My niece was running a fever from Saturday off and on while we were there. My brother-in-law didn't start running one until Monday. Thankfully, none of us have gotten sick. (I had my sinus infection prior to going. Although I did take a test just to verify that I was negative. I am, thankfully, feeling better.) Thursday night, Little Boy had his first baseball practice of the season. Friday was a normal day. Saturday, the kids had their last basketball game of the season.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of The Last Chance Cowboy (Colorado Cowboys, # 5) by Jody Hedlund (4 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Paint the Summer (Return to Inglewood, # 1) by Sally Britton
Saturday: 2023 Series Enders Reading Challenge - February Wrap Up

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: DNF Review of A Forgotten Fall (A Lord for All Seasons, # 3) by Nadine Millard
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday?

Don’t forget to link up for the 2023 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2023 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!

Saturday, February 25, 2023

2023 Series Enders Reading Challenge - February Wrap Up

Time for our Monthly Wrap Up for the 2023 Series Enders Reading Challenge hosted by Sandy @ Somewhere Only We Know and Holly @ Words Fueled by Love!

Sandy finished The Last Chance Cowboy (Colorado Cowboys, # 5) by Jody Hedlund.

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 February giveaway runs from February 25th - March 25th. On March 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

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Can't Wait for Painting the Summer

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.

Painting the Summer (Return to Inglewood, # 1)

By: Sally Britton

Expected Publication: Pink Citrus Books (March 31, 2023)

? 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.

Amazon description--A farmer's daughter doesn't belong in high society, even if she is a talented artist. And a gentleman training to take over the family estate can't afford distractions. But when the two of them meet, their whole world shifts. Can they overcome their fears, or will love remain out of their reach?

Caroline Clapham isn’t a world renown artist—she’s simply a farmer’s daughter possessed of natural talent with a paintbrush. Talent that her mentor, the Countess of Inglewood, is happy to foster for a summer at her beautiful seaside estate. Caroline’s friends, including a persistent suitor, warn her that the season will end and she will return home as insignificant as ever, and will have to settle for a life far less grand than she imagines. But that won’t stop her from pursuing her dream, or finding a new friend in the handsome Mr. Everly.

Mr. Edward Everly is preparing to take the reins from his father. Everything about their home and family will fall under his care, including the land, their tenants, and all the responsibilities of a gentleman—including marrying the girl his parents have chosen for him. Overwhelmed and uncertain about his new role, Edward stumbles upon a beautiful artist in the woods. As he comes to know Miss Clapham, her way of looking at the world restores his confidence and makes his heart light. Before summer’s end, he cannot imagine a life without her.

Friends and family alike have warned against Caroline and Edward’s relationship. Edward has a role to fill, and he needs a companion who is up to the task. If Caroline leaves behind a life of finer things, she risks losing more than just her dreams of painting. Will she choose to remain in the world in which she grew up, or take the steps necessary to prove herself a worthy match for Edward?

***

The Return to Inglewood novels are a continuation of the stories in Sally Britton's Inglewood series, following the children of the heroes and heroines of Inglewood. This series can be read out of order and without reading Britton's previous books. All books in the series are sweet romance with no steamy content.

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

Monday, February 20, 2023

The Last Chance Cowboy - Review

The Last Chance Cowboy (Colorado Cowboy, # 5)

By: Jody Hedlund

Publication: February 14th 2023 by Bethany House

352 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--As a midwife, Catherine Remington is successful in bringing new life into the world, but she's failed one too many times in finding true love. When she's accused of a murder she didn't commit, she's forced to flee and decides to run away to Colorado to honor a patient's dying wish to deliver a newborn infant to his father.

The repentant prodigal Dylan McQuaid is finally back in Fairplay. Elected as sheriff, he's doing his best to prove to the town he's a changed man and worthy of their trust. When a woman shows up with an infant son he didn't know he had, Dylan is left with only complicated choices on what to do next.

Having grown attached to Dylan's son, Catherine doesn't want to part ways with the infant, but what she doesn't bargain for is how easily she'll fall for the charming rogue, or how quickly her past will catch up with her and put their love and lives in danger.

Bestselling author Jody Hedlund brings her Colorado Cowboys series to an adventuresome close with this page-turning Western romance.

I wasn't sure what headspace Dylan would be in when The Last Chance Cowboy started. But thankfully, he's repented of his wild ways and is working very hard to do better with his life. He's been elected as sheriff on a kind of temporary basis. At least until the next election. He has been sober since coming back to Colorado, and he has been staying away from women, too. I was worried he would be a drunk mess when this book started, so I'm thankful we didn't have to go through the worst of his transformation with him.

Catherine was the midwife that assisted with the birth of Dylan's illegitimate son. Kit died giving birth, but before she passed, she begged Catherine to take Austin to Dylan. Catherine didn't have plans to follow through with her agreement, but she witnesses a murder and basically runs for safety. When she arrives in Colorado, Dylan doesn't realize that she's not Kit. He was drunk for almost all of his interactions with Kit. And so he offers to marry her. Catherine has developed a bond with Austin and doesn't want to give him up. She sees that marrying Dylan might be convenient.

I know I've discussed several times that I love marriages of convenience. The concept is so foreign to our culture. But I love the idea of almost immediately being a team. It wouldn't be "convenient" if both parties didn't get something out of the arrangement. And so the relationships start with some common ground and then develop into love. It's what makes them so beautiful.

I liked that Dylan wasn't completely untempted by his former vices. He still struggles with the call of alcohol. And his understanding that he's already been intimate with Catherine causes him to attempt to be more physical with her than he originally agreed. In hindsight, I can see more things that I feel Dylan should have picked up on or questioned.

Without spoiling too much, I thought Catherine would be honest with Dylan about the mixup very early on. The first time she changed her mind and didn't tell him right away, I understood, but the longer it took her to tell him, the more frustrated with her I became.

I do find it a little unbelievable that often characters in stories like these are willing to give up their partner when they find out the secret they've been hiding. They feel betrayed and that makes them feel like they can't forgive. But when the partner is physically threatened, they suddenly realize that they can't live without them, afterall. Why is that? They were ready to be parted with them? Yet it takes a threat to their safety to make them realize how they truly feel? One of those things I probably shouldn't question too much, I guess.

Favorite quotes:

-"When we do what's right, then we can trust the good Lord for the outcome of His choosing. Might not be exactly what we want, but when we always honor Him, He blesses us for it."

-"The list of my transgressions and shame could drown me in the depths of the sea." "Then let them drown, but without you."

The Last Chance Cowboy is a book that I was afraid I wouldn't get for review since I didn't get approved for a review copy of Falling for the Cowgirl. This made it one of my most anticipated books of 2023. I really enjoyed it. Dylan had a lot of shame and regret to work through, but when he gave his life to God, he got more in return than he could have expected. Catherine was an easily likeable character for her willingness to help those less fortunate--or whoever needed her. I happily give The Last Chance Cowboy 4 Stars. Now I wait for Astrid's book to be the first of a new spinoff series by Jody Hedlund. Have you read The Last Chance Cowboy? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday, February 19, 2023

Sunday Post - 02/19/23

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 started off the Valentine's celebrations. Little Boy had his party at school. Tuesday, Little Girl had Valentine's activities. Her teacher assigned each kid in the class one person to show kindness to and serve in some way. I love her teacher this year. She seems much more focused on character and the kids being well mentally and emotionally than on simply learning the required subjects. Although, they do that too. Wednesday my dad had reverse rotator cuff replacement or reverse shoulder replacement. Something like that. This is his second surgery on the same shoulder. Thursday, I took the boys to my parents to visit with them. Dad is doing okay. His pain is coming quicker than his pain meds are. But I also think he was trying to stay awake to visit with us whereas he might have just rested. Friday was a pretty normal day. I visited with my neighbor a few times. Once because her kids couldn't get in touch with her (she was napping). I was scrambling Friday night to pack. After basketball games Saturday morning we drove to my sister's house in Gulf Shores to spend the weekend. We're going home tomorrow.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of Falling for the Cowgirl (Colorado Cowboys, # 4) by Jody Hedlund (4 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Rocky Mountain Rendezvous (Sisters of the Rockies, # 1) by Misty M Beller

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of The Last Chance Cowboy (Colorado Cowboys, # 5) by Jody Hedlund
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday?

Don’t forget to link up for the 2023 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2023 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:

Letters for Phoebe (Promise of Forever After, # 1)

By: Sally Britton

Publication: July 1, 2020

124 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Regency

Source: YouTube Audiobooks

( 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 Phoebe starts receiving anonymous letters, she never once thinks the most irresponsible man in London is her correspondent. Or that she will fall in love with him.

Phoebe Kimball grew up believing in love, but after failing to find a gentleman capable of capturing her heart, she has turned more practical than romantic. She is determined to find a husband in London this Season. If only the annoying Mr. Fenwick would stop appearing every time she sets her cap at someone! When an anonymous letter arrives warning her that her current target is unsuitable marital material, Phoebe begins a relationship with the letter writer that promises something more than a practical alliance.

Griffin Fenwick does not usually care for women on the hunt for a husband, but Miss Kimball's quick wit and refusal to admit she enjoys his company intrigues him. When he realizes the gentlemen on her list of eligible bachelors is full with scoundrels, he warns her the only way he can - through a letter. As he comes to know Phoebe better, he soon realizes he wishes to put his own name on her list. If only she liked Griffin as much as she liked her anonymous correspondent.

When Phoebe realizes its been Griffin writing her all along, will she put aside practicality for love, or spurn Griffin for even trying to woo her?

Letters for Phoebe is the first in a series of books about five friends. The next four novellas will be written by authors Joanna Barker, Megan Walker, Heidi Kimball, and Arlem Hawks.

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, February 15, 2023

Can't Wait for Rocky Mountain Rendezvous

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.

Rocky Mountain Rendezvous (Sisters of the Rockies, #1)

By: Misty M Beller

Expected Publication: June 6th 2023 by Bethany House Publishers

320 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

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

Goodreads description--In 1837, Juniper Collins and her sisters are shocked by their father's final request in his will for a special set of beads to be returned to a Piegan Blackfoot woman he credits with saving his life during his travels west. Together, the sisters set out for the trapper rendezvous to find the woman, but their mission turns more daunting when they come upon the mass of men and lodges spread out in the Green River Valley.

Riley Turner came west to find peace and quiet and live off the land, but when four unprotected women arrive at the rendezvous, he feels compelled to help them and is more fascinated by Juniper than any other woman he's known.

As their search brings only empty leads and dead ends, the sisters must decide whether to return east or stay in the mountains to continue looking--and that's if the mystery woman is even still alive. Is the risk to honor their father's last request worth the danger they find at every turn?

Discover the majesty--and treachery--of the Rocky Mountains in this unique combination of exhilarating adventure, inspiring faith, and sweet romance from USA Today bestselling author Misty M. Beller.

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

Monday, February 13, 2023

Falling for the Cowgirl - Review

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?

I've been excited to read Ivy's story since the first book of this series, A Cowboy for Keeps introduced her as a wild young child. And I've seen her grow and continue her wildness throughout the series. At the end of the last book To Tame a Cowboy, Ivy seems to have actually grown. She's not following the ways of a typical well-bred lady, but she's not a child anymore. And she knows what she wants.

At the start of Falling for the Cowgirl she knows even more what she wants. She wants to get out from under her overbearing brother's thumbs and get her own place. She wants to raise sheep on her own land. And she's always, always wanted Jericho Bliss. The problem is that he left her, and he hasn't come back since. Until now. Just when Ivy is doing whatever she can to earn the money she needs to purchase her own land.

Jericho has always felt like Ivy's brothers didn't watch out for her enough. And in one way or another, he's tried to do what he could to have her back. But he had to leave helping her brother Dylan escape from some bookies he owed money to. When Jericho left with Dylan, he went back to Chicago and signed up to work for the Pinkerton Agency as an undercover agent. He's back in Fairplay chasing down a criminal of the worst sort. He never meant to get entangled back up with Ivy, but it seems he never could stay away.

I love Jody Hedlund's books because she writes Christian Fiction without straying from real struggles. Part of that is the struggle two people feel when they're in love and want to be together. Ignoring these desires and struggles is a weakness in a lot of Christian fiction if you ask me. Of course, fiction isn't often realistic, but I think it sets up unrealistic expectations for any younger or inexperienced readers. Jody Hedlund does a great job with all of her couples, and I can't forsee not checking out any of her upcoming books.

Favorite quotes:

-What was wrong with her that everyone was always abandoning her? Why didn't anyone ever love her enough to stay?

-"You get on with building your life on the good Lord 'cause He's the only thing that ain't gonna crumble away when the going gets rough and people leave you behind. Believe me. I oughta know."

-But maybe she'd been looking too much to people to make her life meaningful instead of looking to the Almighty first.

Ivy's story didn't disappoint. She's as headstrong as usual. She's always taking risks and not always thinking things through. But she's authentic. I hurt for her over her scars from the past, how frequently she felt abandoned and uncared for. I loved her story with Jericho. And I can't wait for Dylan's story to round out the series (unless Astrid is going to end up getting a book--which I would love). Falling for the Cowgirl gets 4 Stars. Have you read Falling for the Cowgirl? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday, February 12, 2023

Sunday Post - 02/12/23

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 barely remember this week. It's been rainy off and on all week. The temps were higher at the beginning of the week and moved down to mild towards the end of the week. I started feeling sick Wednesday evening. My mom came to hang out with us on Thursday. The kids and I always enjoy spending time with her and it definitely helps break up the week. We also visited our next door neighbor a couple of times this week. Saturday was basketball games and the kids went over to Grammy's after that. I actually took a nap with the time they were away. It would feel like a waste of my time to do that normally, but with being sick I think I needed it. Happy Valentine's Day this week guys!

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of The Reluctant Baronet by Elizabeth W Watkins (4 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for To Have and to Heist by Sara Desai

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of Falling for the Cowgirl (Colorado Cowboys, # 4) by Jody Hedlund
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday?

Don’t forget to link up for the 2023 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2023 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:

Sir Andrew and the Authoress (Clairvoir Castle Romances, # 3)

By: Sally Britton

Publication: April 9, 2022

234 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Regency

Source: YouTube Audiobooks

( 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--Lady Josephine, the duke's eldest daughter, has a secret. When her brother's horrid best friend discovers what she's been hiding up in the castle tower, she has no choice but to take him into her confidence.

As the daughter of a duke, Lady Josephine has a long list of responsibilities, and an even longer list of things she must never do to dishonor the family name. Josephine knows exactly which side becoming an author falls upon, but she's determined to try her hand at it anyway. For months she has worked on her novel in secret, writing chapter after chapter of intrigue and romance. Unfortunately for Josephine, her sworn enemy stumbles upon her secret.

Sir Andrew Wycomb's close relationship to the Duke of Montfort's family and heir gives him more than one advantage in life. His loyalty to the family is absolute, even if he finds at least one of its members an annoyance. He and Lady Josephine have never seen eye-to-eye. But when he discovers that she's written a novel upon a subject she knows nothing about, he cannot help but sympathize with her dream. This creates an unlikely ceasefire between them.

But things at the castle are always changing, and when a determined suitor arrives to court Josephine, Andrew has to decide which secrets he's going to keep. Especially when he discovers the one he's kept even from himself - that perhaps he doesn't find Josephine an annoyance at all. In fact, she is quite charming. The more time they spend together, the more he hopes she will realize they aren't enemies, and they could be so much more...

As the third stand-alone novel in this sereis by author Sally Britton, this story continues the Clairvoir Castle romances. This is a light-hearted, sweet romance series set during the Regency era in England.

The Series:
Mr. Gardiner and the Governess
A Companion for the Count

The Unassuming Curator (Georgian Gentlemen, # 5)

By: Sian Ann Bessey

Expected Publication: April 11, 2023

224 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--Emily Norton loves nothing more than losing herself within the pages of a good book. But the solitary pastime is poor preparation for participating in the dreaded London Season. Her trepidation over formally entering Society is all-encompassing, until she stumbles upon an enigmatic gentleman digging up flowers in a hedgerow. Before she can learn his name or the reason for his unusual activity, however, she is whisked into a carriage bound for London.

Henry Buckland has a secret: he cannot discern the difference between certain colors. It’s a particularly difficult disability for the curator of natural history at the British Museum, but no more challenging than his repeated attempts to outmaneuver the machinations of the town’s most notorious matchmaker. At his parents’ dinner party, he receives assistance in outwitting the persistent busy-body from a surprising source: the intriguing young lady he met on the country lane. As Emily and Henry become formally acquainted, they discover a shared love of science and nature that makes them ideally suited. However, Henry is not alone in his admiration for the young woman. As the competition to woo Emily escalates, so, too, do tensions at the museum. When an unexpected danger threatens Henry’s livelihood―and life―it appears he may not have the chance to win Emily’s heart after all.

An Uncharted Devotion

By: Amanda Taylor

Expected Publication: June 5, 2023

216 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--Lady Sarah Whitfield becomes the newest member of English nobility when her husband, Lord James Whitfield, inherits the family estate and title. It would seem her life is one of comfort and ease, but things are not always how they appear.

After a five-year post in the navy, James has returned from war a very different man: cold, stoic, and tortured by an unresolved past. How can he carry on with a life of wedded bliss when his oldest friend in the world is starving in a French prison?

Heartbroken by the changes in her husband, who seems to have lost both his love for life and for her, Sarah leaves for London. James, haunted by the war and the loss of his wife, cannot make sense of his pain and regret. He knows one thing, however: he cannot let the woman he loves slip through his fingers. But when he receives news of his friend, he is forced to decide whether he can face the horrors of his past to save his friend and reclaim a future with Sarah or whether he must sacrifice one for the other.

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, February 8, 2023

Can't Wait for To Have and to Heist

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.

To Have and to Heist

By: Sara Desai

Expected Publication: July 18th 2023 by Berkley Books

416 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--To exonerate her best friend, one woman must mastermind a jewelry heist during the wedding of the season in this hilarious romantic-comedy caper from the author of The Dating Plan.

Simi Chopra is on a bad-luck streak. She’s lost yet another job, her student loan debt won’t stop growing, her basement apartment is a certifiable flood zone, and now her best friend has been accused of stealing a multimillion-dollar diamond necklace. To put it lightly, she’s desperate for a break—that’s right when Jack waltzes out of the bushes and into her life.

Jack is just as charming as he is mysterious. When he offers to help her find the missing necklace and steal it back, Simi jumps at the chance to clear her friend’s name and collect the substantial reward. But every good heist needs a crew. All she needs to do is transform a ragtag group of strangers into an elite heist crew, infiltrate a high-society wedding and steal the necklace from a dangerous criminal before the happy couple say “I do.” Meanwhile the bride is keeping secrets, a detective with a slow-burn smile keeps showing up at her door, and the ultimate robbery might not be the wedding con, but the way Jack is stealing her heart.

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

Monday, February 6, 2023

The Reluctant Baronet - Review

The Reluctant Baronet

By: Elizabeth Watkins

Expected Publication: March 7th 2023 by Covenant Communications

? pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

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*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 faced with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Scottish chemist Russell Parkinson finds himself thrust into a role he has never wanted: that of British aristocrat. Bearing his new title of baronet, Sir Russell circulates among the ton for the sole purpose of improving Society and saving lives. His plan is moving forward—but he did not anticipate meeting the charming Selina Clifton.

Selina is a survivor. She battled smallpox and won, her scarred beauty a testament to her strength. But she has no idea how she will survive what is now required of her. With her family’s estate in jeopardy, it is up to Selina to marry and produce an heir. She agrees to enter into a courtship with a gentleman deemed eligible but is less than smitten with him. When handsome new baronet Russell arrives in London, she is immediately swept up in their easy camaraderie. But as their feelings deepen, the complicated tangle of forbidden love that ensues will threaten friendships and futures—everything they’ve fought to protect.

The Reluctant Baronet begins with Selina in need of marrying and producing a male heir to pass her family estate down to. She has a cousin interested in the estate who it will pass to if she doesn't marry or have any male children to pass it down to instead. The problem is that her cousin wants to turn the property into hunting land, if I remember correctly. Selina must marry someone who will ensure the safety of the estate and the tenants. She has received an offer to court from someone via letter, but she doesn't know the gentleman in person and when she finally meets him he keeps everything surface level and appears to worry more about his terrible sense in fashion than anything else.

All isn't as it appears to be with Matthew. There's more to his story than meets the eye. I won't discuss things too much so as to not ruin them for potential readers.

About the same time that Selina is introduced to Matthew, she's also introduced to Russell. He is a scientist. He's studied the effects of mercury poisoning in people. Mercury was commonly used in the making of beaver hats which was a popular item of male clothing in this time period. He has a few other items that he's invented and improved during his research. And he proves instrumental in solving the main mystery and conflict of this story. Of course, he meets Selina and falls in love with her. Things can't be completely simple even though it seemed that these two would be awarded their happily ever after pretty quickly.

The Reluctant Baronet included several pieces of history in the story. Small pox, vaccines, the practice of medical bleeding, mercury poisoning, syphilis and more. I usually enjoy when real history is included like this within historical fiction as long as the relationships are the true focus of the story. And The Reluctant Baronet did that well.

Favorite quote:

-“Then, summon up your bravest demeanor, my friend. No woman worth her salt would marry a coward, no matter what his title. The look in her eyes when you begin to broach the subject should tell you everything you need to know.”

I enjoyed The Reluctant Baronet. The main story, the mystery, the societal strictures, the relationships, the side characters, and the real history of the time all worked together to make an exceptional book. I will be looking for more books by Elizabeth W Watkins. The Reluctant Baronet gets 4 Stars. Have you read The Reluctant Baronet? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday, February 5, 2023

Sunday Post - 02/05/23

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's no wonder that my posts over the last week were all off schedule and sporadic. We hosted Baby Boy's 2nd birthday party on the 28th. So I spent the entire week cleaning and preparing as much as possible. This past week was good. Only Little Girl had basketball practice Monday night because Little Boy's coach was sick. Tuesday was my mom's birthday. It was rainy and cold here. Thursday, we went to my parents' house to hang out. Saturday was a bit busy. I took Little Girl to a softball camp that lasted from 9-12. Then ran to Little Boy's basketball game. Came home to take the boys to Grammy's house. Ran to the grocery store to get a few things I needed for Sunday. Went back up to the school to see the end of the softball camp. Took Little Girl to Grammy's house. Came home and had lunch. Then I painted the ceiling in the entry closet. That had been on my list to do for months. I did a load of laundry, filed a bunch of papers while pulling out old papers from the filing cabinet. I feel very productive.

THE PAST TWO WEEKS:

Wednesday 1/25: Can't Wait for Happy Placeby Emily Henry
Sunday 1/29: 2023 Series Enders Reading Challenge - January Wrap Up
Monday 1/30: Review of Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn (4 Stars)
Wednesday 2/1: Can't Wait for Borrow My Heart (Borrow My Heart, # 1) by Kasie West
Thursday 2/2: Review of Scotland's Melody by Elizabeth W Watkins (4 Stars)

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of The Reluctant Baronet by Elizabeth W Watkins
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday?

Don’t forget to link up for the 2023 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2023 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 Companion for the Count (Clairvoir Castle Romances, # 2)

By: Sally Britton

Publication: May 2, 2021 by Pink Citrus Books

249 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Regency

Source: YouTube Audiobooks

( 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--Miss Emma Arlen’s position as a companion never included distracting her mistress’s suitors, but when a handsome Italian ambassador arrives determined to find an English bride, Emma happily takes up the cause. Emma Arlen has spent a decade as a member of the duke’s family, in the position of companion to his daughter and ward to the duke himself. She would do anything to show her support to the ducal family for their love and kindness. When Lady Josephine begs Emma to distract a most determined Sicilian suitor, she agrees at once. How hard can it be to keep one man entertained for a few weeks?

Luca, the Conte di Atella, left his home in the newly formed Kingdom of the Two Sicilies under the direct orders of King Ferdinand I. Luca’s duty as ambassador to England includes everything from negotiating better trade agreements to strengthening the bonds between the two nations. If possible, by marrying a lady of high birth. When he optimistically sets his sights on Lady Josephine, Miss Arlen consistently disrupts his plans. The more time that passes, the more he realizes he does not mind at all.

Continually in the conte’s company, Emma recognizes in him a spirit of adventure and nobility like she has never witnessed before. When the time comes for him to go, will she be able to part with him and keep her heart intact?

As the second stand-alone novel in a new series by author Sally Britton, this story continues the Clairvoir Castle romances. This is a light-hearted, romantic series set in the Regency period.

The Last Chance Cowboy (Colorado Cowboy, # 5)

By: Jody Hedlund

Expected Publication: February 14th 2023 by Bethany House

352 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--As a midwife, Catherine Remington is successful in bringing new life into the world, but she's failed one too many times in finding true love. When she's accused of a murder she didn't commit, she's forced to flee and decides to run away to Colorado to honor a patient's dying wish to deliver a newborn infant to his father.

The repentant prodigal Dylan McQuaid is finally back in Fairplay. Elected as sheriff, he's doing his best to prove to the town he's a changed man and worthy of their trust. When a woman shows up with an infant son he didn't know he had, Dylan is left with only complicated choices on what to do next.

Having grown attached to Dylan's son, Catherine doesn't want to part ways with the infant, but what she doesn't bargain for is how easily she'll fall for the charming rogue, or how quickly her past will catch up with her and put their love and lives in danger.

Bestselling author Jody Hedlund brings her Colorado Cowboys series to an adventuresome close with this page-turning Western romance.

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, February 2, 2023

Scotland's Melody - Review

Scotland's Melody

By: Katie Stewart Stone

Publication: January 1, 2023

208 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction, Regency, 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--Melody Foster has been granted every luxury available save one: the ability to love whom she chooses. When her father reveals that she is to marry a wild Scot she’s never met, Melody defies him and declares she will never marry without affection. Her choice to marry Richard, a footman in her father’s household, prompts her family to disown her, and she goes to London to risk everything for love. But she is blindsided. Without a penny to her name, her love is worthless to Richard, and he decides to change tactics. Perhaps she could still serve a purpose—after all, her family can’t sit idly by while she is held for ransom . . . Desperate to escape the man she thought she loved, Melody finds allies to aid her: first, her old governess and then Cameron Findlay, a handsome stranger who is startled by the distraught young woman who catapulted into his life. Cam finds himself sympathetic to the young woman’s plight, so he and his sister agree to take her on as a servant in their household. Cam and Melody are powerfully drawn to one another, but can Melody ever trust her heart when it was so terribly wrong before?

I have to admit that I don't love the cover for Scotland's Melody, but the description pulled me in, and I decided to request it. Of course by the time I was approved to read it, I noticed reviews were starting to come in, and they weren't all high ratings (although I didn't read any of them). So I got a little nervous about Scotland's Melody and put off reading it for quite a while. I started to feel guilty that I was behind on my review books and finally decided to pick this one up. I wasn't disappointed at all.

Melody reminds me a bit of my husband. Although I wouldn't have classified my husband as rebellious when we were dating, I have since learned that he chaffs at rules. Rules of any kind make him want to defy them. And Melody is the same way. Just tell her she can't do something, and you're bound to find out the opposite at some point. Directly, if she can work it that way. And so once Melody's father lets her know he's arranged a marriage for her, she bucks and goes straight into defiant mode. She doesn't consider that her sister(s?) had a happily arranged marriage, so her father obviously puts careful thought into his choices. All Melody knows is that she won't be forced to marry someone she doesn't love. And so she sets out to find love on her own. She even admits through the course of the book that her falling in love with Richard was likely done so to spite her father.

Melody is certain because she followed after Richard and announced to her father that she's marrying a former footman she has burned all bridges with her family. She makes no attempt to return home after she finds out what kind of man Richard actually is. As the description says, Melody seeks help from her former governess, and then one day, literally running from Richard, she jumps inside what she thinks is an unoccupied carriage only to find that it is occupied after all. Occupied by Cam, who is shortly joined by his sister, Elise. Elise decides, almost immediately, that Melody will join their household as a servant to save her from the unsavory men chasing her.

It quickly becomes known that Melody, try as she might, is not cut out to be a maid. And Elise once again schemes for Melody to become her companion. Elise was a favorite part of this whole book. She's always scheming but in a good-natured way. I loved that Cam was usually aware that she was up to something, but instead of scolding her, he chose to have fun with her.

Cam and Melody slowly begin to build trust with each other. (Trust with Elise was almost instant.) I want to discuss their relationship more, but I don't want to spoil anything. I had questions, and my questions were answered. It was one of those too hard to believe, yet I didn't even bother questioning it too much because I was too busy grinning from ear to ear. Melody had a lot of growing to do, and that made the journey that much sweeter.

Favorite quotes:

-It was a lesson I could take away from all this strife: counting our blessings makes our lives a little brighter, even in the darkest moments.

-"You underestimate how long I'm willing to wait for you."

-"Aye, well, love is strange. Sometimes we cannot tell the signs of it and other times we think it is real when it is not. You can never know what someone is thinking, can you?" "It would simplify matters a bit." His expression turned playful. "It would make it all less exciting, though. What is love if not a great mystery to excite the mind, heart, and body."

Scotland's Melody turned out to be better than I was expecting it to be. I think low expectations usually work out that way, but it's hard to go into a book thinking you're not going to like it because then what's the point of picking it up to begin with? In the end, I'm happy that I read Scotland's Melody, and I would love to see Elise get her own book as a companion novel. Scotland's Melody easily gets 4 Stars. Have you read Scotland's Melody? What did you think? Let me know!

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Can't Wait for Borrow My Heart

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released as well. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. Find out more here.

Borrow My Heart (Borrow My Heart, # 1)

By: Kasie West

Expected Publication: June 13th 2023 by Delacorte Press

320 pages

Genre: Young 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--When a girl overhears a guy getting verbally destroyed by his friends for being catfished, she jumps in to save the day--and pretends to be his online crush. A young adult romance from the critically acclaimed author of Places We've Never Been.

Wren is used to being called a control freak. She doesn't care; sticking to the list of rules she created for herself helps her navigate life. But when a cute guy named Asher walks through the door of her neighborhood coffee shop, the rulebook goes out the window.

Asher is cute, charming . . . and being catfished by his online crush. So Wren makes an uncharacteristically impulsive decision--she pretends to be the girl he's waiting for to save him from embarrassment. Suddenly she's fake-dating a boy she knows nothing about. And it's . . . amazing.

It's not long before Asher has her breaking even more of her own rules. But will he forgive her when he finds out she's not who she says she is? Wren's not so sure. . . . After all, rules exist for a reason.

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