Sunday Post - 04/30/23

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.

Another busy ball week. Both big kids had ball games on Monday night but in different locations. Little Boy's team got their first loss of the season. And Little Girl's team got their 2nd win. It was a great game for them. Tuesday, Little Boy's team had a game, and they won. Wednesday and Thursday nights we had off from games. Friday night, Little Boy had another game. He hit a home run and got the game ball. Saturday was our last game of the mid-season tournament. They lost 13-17. He had two great hits, but the other team just out hit us. Husband has been off work this week. He's been busy working on projects. He got our garden bed planted and done various other projects. Usually I feel stressed to keep the kids away from his projects, but this week wasn't so bad. Thursday, I took the boys to my parent's house to spend the day. Little Boy showed off his reading skills. I'm so proud of him. Earlier this week, Little Girl was complaining of a sore throat. I worried she was getting sick, but I wasn't sure if it was allergies or not. Anyway, it developed into a cough. I decided to keep her home from school on Friday, and she did end up running a fever off and on Friday and Saturday.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of Charlotte's Web by EB White (4.5 Stars)
Tuesday: Top Ten Audiobook Narrators & 2023 Series Enders Reading Challenge - April Wrap Up
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Appointment in Bath (Somerset Stories, # 4) by Mimi Matthews

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of Charlotte's Web by EB White
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:

Voice of the Ancient (The King's Men, # 1)

By: Connilyn Cossette

Expected Publication: August 15, 2023

352 pages

Genre: Adult, Biblical Fiction, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate link. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--As the eldest son of a Levite and a Philistine, Avidan is torn between his duty to his family legacy and the desire for something more. When Ammonites attack the city of Yavash-Gilead, he takes the opportunity to fight with his cousins for the newly crowned King Saul. But when one of the cousins goes missing during the battle, Avidan stays behind to search for him in hopes that he's still alive.

Keziah is the daughter of one of the most powerful clan chiefs in the territory of Manasseh. On the brink of a forced marriage to a loathsome man decades older than her, she has no choice but to run. Dressed as a boy, she takes her horse and heads for the south, hoping to find sanctuary with her mother's family.

Battling to survive the dangers surrounding them, Avidan and Keziah make a pact to travel together. As Keziah's true origins are revealed and Avidan's search for his cousin becomes increasingly futile, they must not only rely on each other to stay alive but learn to trust the true and eternal King of Israel to guide their every step.

With impeccable research and award-winning writing, bestselling author Connilyn Cossette brings to life the first years of King Saul's reign.

The Wishing Well

By: Natalie Kleinman

Expected Publication: May 5, 2023

224 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

Source: Publisher via NetGalley

( 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--Fall in love with this enchanting Regency romance! For fans of Georgette Heyer, Mary Balogh, Jane Aiken Hodge and Jane Austen.

Is Harriet ready to face her future?

England 1818

Ever since the deaths of her fiancé and her father, Harriet Lambert has thrown herself into the management of her family’s estate to cope with her grief. Though time has eased her sorrow, she has had little opportunity to once again pursue romance.

But when she is called on to accompany her younger sister, Amabel, to London for her introduction into respectable society, Harriet finds herself caught in a flurry of social engagements. And when she meets Major Brew Ware at a soirée, the two form an immediate connection.

Having experienced tragedy at an early age, Brew understands the significance of Harriet’s loss. With their shared interests and honest approach, their friendship continues to flourish as the season wears on.

Though no man has turned her head since she lost her fiancé, Harriet is aware that her affection for Brew is growing stronger. And as she tentatively considers her future, she must now decide whether she is prepared to take another chance on love…

THE WISHING WELL is a historical romantic tale set in Regency England, with a spirited and courageous heroine at its heart.

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

Can't Wait for Appointment in Bath

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.

Appointment in Bath (Somerset Stories, # 4)

By: Mimi Matthews

Expected Publication: June 27, 2023

288 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Clean Romance

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--A chance meeting between the sheltered daughter and the forward-thinking son of rival Victorian families sparks a forbidden romance in USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews's fourth book in her acclaimed Somerset Stories series.

Shy and stammering Meg Burton-Smythe has spent the whole of her life living on the fringes of local society. She's more comfortable with her daydreams than she is with people. But when a dashing, golden-haired hero rides to her rescue one morning, she dares to hope that her dreams might finally come true. There's only one her handsome rescuer is the son of her father's sworn enemy.

Ivo Beresford doesn't believe in clinging to the past. Freshly returned from a lengthy grand tour, he's looking to the future, eager to spearhead the building of a new railway extension in Somersetshire. But an unexpected encounter with Meg Burton-Smythe, the isolated only daughter of his parents' oldest foe, sets the past and the future colliding.

Resolved to put ancient grudges to rest-at least where innocent young ladies are concerned-Ivo encourages lonely Meg to embark on a secret friendship. After all, what harm can a friendship do? It isn't as though there's any danger of the two of them falling in love...

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

Top Ten Audiobook Narrators

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 Audiobook Narrators.

1. Lorelai King - I first listened to Lorelai King narrate the Stephanie Plum series and I loved her then. But listening to Charley Davidson series has cemented my love of her audiobook narration.
2. Jessica Elisa Boyd - Sally Britton's novels Sally Britton has been releasing her audiobooks on YouTube and I'm devouring them. I don't think any of my reviews have published yet because review books take priority over books for fun.
3. Jim Dale - narrated the Harry Potter series.
4. Nick Podehl - narrated Carter Finally Gets It which is not my normal type of read at all, but I was rolling listening to this book. Hilarious.
5. Emily Shaffer - narrated the Vampire Academy series. I don't remembering thinking that the audiobook narration blew me away, but I have re-listened to this audiobook series probably seven or so times.
6. Joanna Stephens - narrates the Sisters of Woodside Mysteries series, which I need to finish.
7. Julia Whelan - narrated the Book Lovers by Emily Henry
8. Lysa TerKeurst - narrated her own Forgiving What Your Can't Forget and you could tell she put the emphasis exactly where she intended it to be.
9. Dana K White - narrates her own books Decluttering at the Speed of Life & How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind which makes it sound like you're just sitting down for coffee with a friend to discuss homemaking.
10. Kristen Welch - also narrates her book Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World.

Are there any audiobook narrators that you just love? Let me know!

2023 Series Enders Reading Challenge - April 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!

Neither Sandy nor Holly finished any series enders this month.

Which series enders did you finish? Link the up below. Don't forget to include the title, your name, & your blog name (Ex: Requiem - Sandy @ Somewhere Only We Know) Also, the April giveaway runs from April 25th - May 25th. On May 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

Charlotte's Web - Review

Charlotte's Web

By: EB White

Expected Publication: first published October 15th 1952

260 pages

Genre: Classic, Children's Fiction, 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--Now available for the first time as an ebook! Illustrations in this ebook appear in vibrant full color on a full-color device and in rich black-and-white on all other devices.

This beloved book by E. B. White, author of Stuart Little and The Trumpet of the Swan, is a classic of children's literature that is "just about perfect."

Some Pig. Humble. Radiant. These are the words in Charlotte's web, high up in Zuckerman's barn. Charlotte's spiderweb tells of her feelings for a little pig named Wilbur, who simply wants a friend. They also express the love of a girl named Fern, who saved Wilbur's life when he was born the runt of his litter.

E. B. White's Newbery Honor Book is a tender novel of friendship, family, and adventure that will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come. It contains beautiful, classic illustrations by Garth Williams, the acclaimed illustrator of E. B. White's Stuart Little and Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House series, among many other books.

So I watched the 1973 movie version of Charlotte's Web as a child. I thought Wilber was annoying back then, but the movie's overall story was worth putting up with him. I never read this book as a child, but I knew I wanted to read it to my children. And I'm so glad that I did. This was my children's first experience with a story that didn't have a completely happy ending. They haven't dealt with much death, and I'm thankful for that, but I want them prepared for it at the same time, if that makes any sense whatsoever. We all know that experiencing something as a child and re-experiencing it as an adult usually produces a different thought process. And that certainly happened to me.

If Wilber annoyed me as a child, boy, did I struggle with him as an adult. He's even whinier than I remember. Either that's the difference between the book and the movie, or it's my childhood memory versus what I just read. Even though the mysterious messages on the web were about Wilber, I always thought that Charlotte was the extraordinary one. I could never understand why the adults in the movie were more interested in the pig than in the spider writing messages on her web. I suppose the book tries to deflect this by saying that spiders can't possibly read or write so it would have to be a supernatural thing that the messages appear on the web. Almost as if the spider didn't have anything to do with the messages.

As an adult, I see this in an entirely different way. Of course, the entirety of the story is about friendship, about giving your all to someone else, about loving and caring about someone else more than yourself. But what I took away from it as an adult is how Charlotte was perfectly content with not receiving recognition for her actions. She was truly only concerned about Wilber's well-being and happiness. She didn't always sugar-coat things for him exactly as a truly good friend should be honest. At times, Charlotte mothered Wilber. She was behind the scenes working to lift him up. And she used the last of her energy to be there with him. Boy, I tell you this book got me a little emotional as an adult much more than as a child.

Charlotte's Web is a classic for a reason. I love books that can make a child's imagination grow and expand while also providing wonderful life lessons in the process. Ultimately, I'm sure that I took more away from this book than the kids did. Charlotte's Web gets 4.5 Stars. Have you read Charlotte's Web? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 04/23/23

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.

Oh my goodness! This was a full week. Both kids had ball games Monday night. Little Girl had a double header. Little Girl had an away game Tuesday night, but I had to work the concession stand for Little Boy's team. Wednesday was our only night free of ball games this week. We went to my parent's house Thursday to hang out. Little Boy had a game Thursday night. My parents were able to come to his game. Friday night Little Girl had a game. Then Saturday Little Girl had another tournament. Her team lost all their games, but the girls didn't seem to mind. They were just having fun. And I was exhausted from lack of sleep the night before from Baby Boy. He woke 3 times between midnight and 1. I put him in the bed with us, but that just seemed to invigorate him. At 2 I went in to rock him AGAIN and he went right back to sleep in his own bed. But then I had a heartburn attack like I haven't had since pregnancy. Even today we have to go to the ball field for pictures.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of The Unassuming Curator (Georgian Gentlemen, # 5) by Sian Ann Bessey (3.5 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Calling on the Matchmaker (A Shanahan Match, # 1) by Jody Hedlund

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of Charlotte's Web by EB White
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:

Give Me a Sign

By: Anna Sortino

Expected Publication: July 11, 2023

320 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate link. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--A girl finds a community—and love—over the course of one summer in this joyful, wholesome YA romance that celebrates Deaf pride. Think CODA meets Jenny Han!

Lilah is stuck in the middle. At least, that’s what having a hearing loss seems like sometimes—when you don’t feel “deaf enough” to identify as Deaf or hearing enough to meet the world’s expectations. But this summer, Lilah is ready for a change.

When Lilah becomes a counselor at a summer camp for the deaf and blind, her plan is to brush up on her ASL. Once there, she also finds a community. There are cute British lifeguards who break hearts but not rules, a YouTuber who’s just a bit desperate for clout, the campers Lilah’s responsible for (and overwhelmed by)—and then there’s Isaac, the dreamy Deaf counselor who volunteers to help Lilah with her signing.

Romance was never on the agenda, and Lilah’s not positive Isaac likes her that way. But all signs seem to point to love. Unless she’s reading them wrong? One thing’s for Lilah wanted change, and things here . . . they're certainly different than what she’s used to.

Play for Me

By: Libby Hubscher

Expected Publication: June 20, 2023

368 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

Source: Publisher via NetGalley

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

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

Goodreads description--When her new job takes her to a New England boarding school, she's surprised to find her roommates are all men - including a very handsome one who plays by his own rules.

Sophie Doyle has her dream job as the head athletic trainer for her favorite baseball team (go Red Sox!), a handsome boyfriend, and easy access to the finest cannoli in Boston. When she loses all three and the World Series to boot, she's forced to apply for the open trainer position at an arts-focused boarding school in New Hampshire. The only available room is a glorified closet in an apartment with three guys: Jonas Voss, the aloof and attractive orchestra teacher, and his two rambunctious roommates.

Sophie knows that training a bunch of privileged high school kids whose idea of a play is A Chorus Line instead of a walk-off homer is going to be a big change from the pro athletes she's used to. She wasn't expecting that these students would have big-time talent and even bigger-time problems. Sophie has troubles of her own--Jonas is a full-fledged grump who clearly doesn't want her near him or the precious piano he never plays.

With sunny optimism, Sophie sets out to win over Jonas and help the kids she's growing attached to. But when her relationship with Jonas moves to the major leagues and plans change at the end of the season, they have to choose whether they are playing for keeps.

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!

Can't Wait for Calling on the Matchmaker

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.

Calling on the Matchmaker (A Shanahan Match, # 1)

By: Jody Hedlund

Expected Publication: December 1, 2023

352 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Haunted by the death of her sister, Finola Shanahan has resolved that she's not worthy of a family of her own and commits to spending her days caring for immigrants in the slums. Unwilling to consider marriage, Finola has perfected the ability to sabotage the relationships her parents arrange for her. At wit's end, her father calls upon the local Irish matchmaker, who pairs her with successful wagonmaker Riley Rafferty. After her usual tricks fail, Finola quickly realizes she can't outsmart or outwit the dashing, determined, and daring man.

A candidate in the St. Louis mayoral election, Riley is confident a union with the wealthy Shanahan family will help solidify his chances of winning--and even more assured he and Finola can make a difference together. When a cholera outbreak begins to take St. Louis by storm, they must navigate a burgeoning attraction and growing danger testing all they know about love and sacrifice.

Escape to 1849 St. Louis for a daring and romantic tale from the talented pen of bestselling author Jody Hedlund.

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

The Unassuming Curator - Review

The Unassuming Curator (Georgian Gentlemen, # 5)

By: Sian Ann Bessey

Publication: April 11, 2023

224 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate link. 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.

I have only read books 3 and 4 in this series prior to The Unassuming Curator. Each book follows a different couple so the stories aren't entirely dependent upon each other. I rated both of the previous books 4 Stars. Each one had a couple and a love story I could root for. Each one also had a mystery to be solved and a bad guy to be apprehended. I liked that the love stories took the largest portion of the previous books, but the mysteries detract from my overall enjoyment of a book. Knowing that this book would be no different and knowing that I'm not all that interested in a curator of a museum--especially one so concerned about flowers and plants--led to me feeling less enthusiastic than I might have. But I've liked the previous books so I figured I would probably enjoy this one as well. And I did.

Emily is the sister of Adam, the leading male character from An Alleged Rogue. She is finally ready for a Season in the London marriage mart. Emily, Adam, and Phoebe have traveled to London to Phoebe's aunt's house to visit. Phoebe's Aunt Millward agrees to introduce her to her friends and contacts in the city. One of those such contacts is Aunt Millward's nephew, Henry. Emily is different from most women in London. She has a hunger for learning. She truly seems eager to devour any and all knowledge she can collect.

Henry is as the description and title state, a museum curator. While I don't find that job all that fascinating from my own personal interests, I was interested in the history of the museum itself and how Sian Ann Bessey chose to make this hero colorblind. This wasn't a condition much known about during this time period. As a matter of fact, no one really understood it yet. Henry has kept this knowledge a secret, but he finds it easy to confide in Emily as her hunger for knowledge is attractive to him, especially since she's just as interested in his work as he is.

Of course as I stated, there has to be a mystery, and I won't ruin any of that for you. I never find this aspect of the story to be my favorite, but I don't generally read mysteries at all for that reason. Sian Ann Bessey does a great job of including them and having them be a true part of the story without having the mystery take over or feel forced where it doesn't fit.

Favorite quote:

-The recent change in his colleague's attitude toward him made sense now, but understanding the reason did little to lessen the loss.

I liked this quote so much because it's so true. We can often understand people's action and even their motivations. But understanding doesn't change the fact that sometimes we are hurt by others. Sometimes things hurt us, even though we understand why they happened. It doesn't lessen our pain or our experiences.

The Unassuming Curator was exactly what I've come to expect from Sian Ann Bessey. I enjoyed it. I read it quickly. I found the inclusion of Henry's colorblindness interesting and unique. And I also enjoyed the information about the museum. I didn't enjoy the mystery as much as the rest of the book, but I never do. That's just a personal reading preference of mine. I will continue to seek out the rest of this series and Sian Ann Bessey's other work. The Unassuming Curator gets 3.5 Stars. Have you read The Unassuming Curator? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 04/16/23

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.

The week before Easter we had a ton of out of the normal things. Monday, Little Girl had practice and Little Boy had a game. Tuesday, Little Girl had class pictures--which I totally forgot about. Wednesday, Little Boy had cap and gown pictures for pre-school graduation. And then he also had an egg hunt at school. Thursday, Little Girl had a field trip to a local working farm. And then Little Boy had a game that night. No school on Friday, but I took the kids to my parents' house to hangout for a while. Saturday afternoon we had a church fellowship and egg hunt. Then Saturday evening we went to dinner at Grammy's and dyed eggs. Sunday, of course, we went to church and then to lunch at Grammy's and had another egg hunt. Monday after that, both kids had ball games. Tuesday, the kids had dentist appointments. Thursday, my parents came over to hang out with us for a little while. And then I had to take Little Girl back to the dentist to have a tiny cavity filled. Friday, Little Boy stayed late after school to do his end of year testing. He passed everything with flying colors. His only marks were about not always obeying the teacher. I'm proud of him, yet I'd rather him be obedient and well behaved always. Saturday, Little Girl had a tournament. We were at the ball field from 8 am until about 4 pm.

THE PAST TWO WEEKS:

Monday 4/3: Review of Book Lovers by Emily Henry (4.5 Stars)
Tuesday 4/4: March 2023 EOM Wrap Up
Wednesday 4/5: Can't Wait for An Unwitting Alliance (Matchmaking Mamas, # 2) by Anneka R Walker
Monday 4/10: Review of I Am: 40 Reasons to Trust God by Diane Stortz (5 Stars)

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of The Unassuming Curator (Georgian Gentlemen, # 5) by Sian Ann Bessey
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:

Chiara's Choice

By: Chalon Linton

Expected Publication: August 8, 2023

208 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Romance

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate link. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Chiara Madero, daughter of an Italian baron, is the epitome of beauty and fire, and when confronted, her lovely lips reveal a sharp tongue. But her enchanting facade hides a less-than-elegant her family believes her true value lies in her ability to secure an advantageous match. And there is no better place to find a wealthy, titled husband than the London Marriage Mart.

Mr. Abraham Jamison is not a firstborn son and has procrastinated choosing an occupation. Nevertheless, his honest and forthright nature immediately captures Chiara’s attention. He is unsuitable for a woman of her station in all ways, but she can’t seem to resist seeking out his company. Abraham sees through her fiery personality and refuses to play her games, yet after waging a mutual battle of wits, an unexpected friendship forms between them―a rapport that soon blossoms into something more. Abraham’s wish is to become a man worthy of her. But when faced with her family’s determination to manipulate circumstances to their advantage, he and Chiara must face their feelings and find the strength to defy an insurmountable Chiara’s mother.

Return to Satterthwaite Court (Somerset Stories, # 3)

By: Mimi Matthews

Expected Publication: April 11th 2023 by Perfectly Proper Press

? pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

Source: Personal Kindle Library

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

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

Goodreads description--A reckless Victorian heiress sets her sights on a dashing ex-naval lieutenant, determined to win his heart as the two of them embark on a quest to solve a decades-old mystery in the long-awaited sequel to USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews’s critically acclaimed novels The Work of Art and Gentleman Jim.

Lieutenant Charles Heywood has had his fill of adventure. Battle-weary and disillusioned, he returns to England, resolved to settle down to a quiet, uneventful life on an estate of his own. But arranging to purchase the property he desires is more difficult than Charles ever imagined. The place is mired in secrets, some of which may prove deadly. If he’s going to unravel them, he’ll need the assistance of someone as daring as he is.

At only twenty, Lady Katherine Beresford has already earned a scandalous reputation. As skilled with pistols as she is on horseback, she’s never met an obstacle she can’t surmount—or a man she can’t win. That is, until she encounters the infuriatingly somber Lieutenant Heywood. But Kate refuses to be deterred by the raven-haired soldier’s strong, silent facade. After all, faint heart never won handsome gentleman.

From the wilds of rural Somersetshire to the glittering ballrooms of early-Victorian London, Charles and Kate embark on a cross-country quest to solve a decades’ old mystery. Will the greatest danger be to their hearts—or to their lives?

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!

I Am: 40 Reasons to Trust God - Review

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

Source: Own

( 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

I wanted to start a daily devotion with my kids. But I was struggling because I had this idea that I needed to create the devotions from scratch. I needed to pick the topic, and research it, and plan a lesson, and maybe even have activities to go along with it. And I just kept thinking about the amount of work that would go into something like that. I wondered where I would find time to research and plan such a thing. I thought about using an existing devotion, but theology differs so much from denomination to denomination that I was afraid of buying something and having to filter the content for them. But ultimately, I decided that I couldn't keep putting this off. So I researched some children's devotionals, and I kept coming across this one.

First, how beautiful is this cover? The illustrations in this book is one of the first things that attracted me to this book. I remember some of the children's Bible books that I was exposed to as a child, and I remember thinking that I didn't enjoy looking at them. This book is beautiful. Really engaging and gorgeous artwork all the way through.

I couldn't think of a better place to start a devotion with my children than about who God is...His character...His story...His pursuit of man. I wanted not just a bunch of children's stories to tell them: creation, Noah and the flood, and David and Goliath. Those are great, but I wanted to show them the WHY behind it all...the WHO. We don't get as much out of the stories if we're not focusing on God and His part in it all.

Doctrinely, I didn't find anything that I disagreed with until maybe the last one or two that were focused upon Revelation, which is the most controversial book in the entire Bible.

Most importantly, I Am: 40 Reasons to Trust God created a dialogue between myself and my children. We conversed and discussed God and spiritual things and questions more than any other time. My son, who we have struggled with behavior issues, was the most interested. He requested this devotion frequently as our bedtime story, whereas my daughter would sometimes groan. Even if the kids weren't excited about reading from the book, it still sparked discussion more than not using anything had in the past. I can count that alone as a win. For me, I Am: 40 Reasons to Trust God was a win all around and deserves 5 Stars. If you're looking for a family or children's devotion--especially a first one--I highly recommend this book. Have you read I Am: 40 Reasons to Trust God? What did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for An Unwitting Alliance

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.

An Unwitting Alliance (Matchmaking Mamas, # 1)

By: Anneka R Walker

Expected Publication: July 10, 2023

272 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--Cassandra Vail has but one objective at the Kellens’ ball: she must secure a proposal from her eminently suitable suitor. Instead, she finds her best-laid plans thwarted by another man―the handsome and thoroughly vexing Mr. Harwood. Thanks to his meddling, Cassandra is faced with an unthinkable consequence: her parents take matters into their own hands and betroth her to a complete stranger.

Tom Harwood meant only to deter a debutante from pursuing his friend. He wasn’t supposed to be entranced by her. He certainly wasn’t supposed to flirt with her. And he especially wasn’t supposed to engage the wrong woman entirely. To make matters worse, he’s offended Cassandra and before he has the opportunity to make amends, he finds himself the latest unwitting victim of the meddlesome Matchmaking Mamas. His parents have signed a contract for his hand in marriage, and it seems his mysterious betrothed is as opposed to the union as he is.

When the reluctant couple finally meets, they are shocked to realize they are not strangers after all. Can one miserable beginning be overcome, or has their future ended before it even begins?

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

March 2023 EOM Wrap Up

I read 3 books (not including children's books). *These qualify for the 2023 Series Enders Reading Challenge.
Lord Farleigh and Miss Frost (Clairvoir Castle Romances, # 4) by Sally Britton
Wyoming Wild by Sarah M Eden
The Earl’s Hideaway, No Ladies Allowed (A Romance of Rank, # 2) by Esther Hatch

I have reviewed 4 books. *These qualify for the 2023 Series Enders Reading Challenge.
Built to Last by Erin Hahn
The Call of the Sea by Sian Ann Bessey
The Only Game in Town by Lacie Waldon
Wyoming Wild by Sarah M Eden

Other Posts:
Sunday Post - 03/05/23
Sunday Post - 03/12/23
Sunday Post - 03/19/23
Sunday Post - 03/26/23
Top Ten Spring 2023 TBR List
Top Ten Authors (Books) to Read if You Like Jennifer L Armentrout
Can't Wait for A Soul of Ash and Blood (Blood and Ash, # 5) by Jennifer L Armentrout
Can't Wait for Never Wager with a Wallflower (The Merriwell Sisters, # 3) by Virginia Heath
Can't Wait for Sleepless in Dubai by Sajni Patel
Can't Wait for Fairest of Heart (Texas Ever After, # 1) by Karen Witemeyer
Can't Wait for The Queen's Crown (Leauge of Rulers, # 1) by Jennifer Anne Davis
2023 Series Enders Reading Challenge - March Wrap Up
January - February 2023 EOM Wrap Ups

Goals:
I'm a few days ahead on my Bible-in-a-year plan.
I've read 21 out of 52 books (not including children's books).
I've read 1 out of 5-10 series enders.

Book Lovers - Review

Book Lovers

By: Emily Henry

Publication: May 3rd 2022 by Berkley

384 pages

Genre: Adult, Contemporary

Source: eLibrary

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

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

Goodreads description--One summer. Two rivals. A plot twist they didn’t see coming…

Nora Stephens’ life is books—she’s read them all—and she is not that type of heroine. Not the plucky one, not the laidback dream girl, and especially not the sweetheart. In fact, the only people Nora is a heroine for are her clients, for whom she lands enormous deals as a cutthroat literary agent, and her beloved little sister Libby.

Which is why she agrees to go to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina for the month of August when Libby begs her for a sisters’ trip away—with visions of a small town transformation for Nora, who she’s convinced needs to become the heroine in her own story. But instead of picnics in meadows, or run-ins with a handsome country doctor or bulging-forearmed bartender, Nora keeps bumping into Charlie Lastra, a bookish brooding editor from back in the city. It would be a meet-cute if not for the fact that they’ve met many times and it’s never been cute.

If Nora knows she’s not an ideal heroine, Charlie knows he’s nobody’s hero, but as they are thrown together again and again—in a series of coincidences no editor worth their salt would allow—what they discover might just unravel the carefully crafted stories they’ve written about themselves.

I read a book called Meet Me in the Margins by Melissa Ferguson earlier this year. I loved it, and I called it a love letter to readers, authors, publishers, etc in my review. Book Lovers reminded me a lot of Meet Me in the Margins. Any book that gives insight into the writing/editing/publishing process while providing me with a love story is a top pick. Emily Henry's book Beach Read fit this bill as well.

I loved how this book began. Emily Henry writes an intro to make all book readers (or Hallmark Christmas movie watchers) smile. Nora sees herself as the big city, uptight, blonde girlfriend that the leading male character leaves for the down to earth, small town, simple-but-deep girl. That's because it's happened to her 4 times. But she doesn't exactly want to change who she is. Not for a man, not for anyone. She is a literary agent, and a lot of the book focuses on her work with one specific author. She loves her job, and she loves New York. She's happy. Mostly.

Charlie is an editor Nora meets with at the beginning of the book to consider editing her longest-standing author's latest book. Charlie turns the book down because he wants something closer to the author's earlier books. The meeting doesn't go well from Nora's perspective, and Charlie becomes her business nemesis. He has a lot going on with his character. His father has recently suffered a stroke and is still recovering. At the same time, his family's financial state needs some attention. His mother's free-spirited ways makes managing the details difficult for her. And Charlie has to step in to get a handle on things.

Most of the book also revolved around the changing relationship between Nora and her sister. I can't remember the sister's name, and I don't have my library copy to refer back to anymore. Regardless, Nora has felt something off with her sister for a while now. And when her sister comes up with this plan to visit the small town of one of Nora's books, Nora decides to go with her to try to reconnect and help her sister relax before her next baby is born. Their relationship was as rewarding to read about as Nora and Charlie's. Having a sister myself, I can relate to their relationship so much.

I wish my library copy didn't expire almost immediately after I finished it. I would like to reference more than one part to better review this book. I feel like there were some passages I highlighted, as well, I would have shared in my favorite quotes section. Even though I read Book Lovers quickly, I still had to return my library copy before I got my review written.

Book Lovers was deeper than I was expecting. I expected one of those fast, happy books that stays a bit surface level. But now that I think about it, Beach Reads wasn't just surface level. So I should have expected more from Emily Henry. Anyway, Book Lovers was just the story I needed when I got around to it. I blew through it, and it helped me keep the ball rolling after a reading slump about a month prior to reading this book. Book Lovers gets 4.5 Stars. Have you read Book Lovers? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 04/02/23

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 were back to school this past week. Last Sunday night brought storms and bad weather. So ball games got cancelled for Monday night. Tuesday and Wednesday were normal days. Baby Boy is doing better with potty training. He's not had very many accidents at all over the last week. He is, however, holding his number twos. So that's a hurdle we have to overcome. Thursday night I was at the ball field from 5 pm until almost 9 pm. I had to work the concession stand, Little Boy had his first game, and Little Girl had softball practice. Little Boy's team won their first game 12-7. He played left-center, but didn't see much action. He struck out his first at-bat and then fouled off his second pitch of his second at-bat. He ended up striking out that one too. Oh well, first game of 5/6 baseball is in the books. Friday after school, I took the boys to get haircuts. And then Little Girl and I went to the high school JV and Varsity softball games because they were honoring the girls that went to the camp the school had back in February. Little Girl and I had a great time together.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of Wyoming Wild by Sarah M Eden (4 Stars)
Tuesday: Top Ten Authors (Books) To Read if You Like Jennifer L Armentrout
Wednesday: Can't Wait for The Queen's Crown (Leauge of Rules, # 1) by Jennifer Anne Davis

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of Book Lovers by Emily Henry
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!