Top Ten Automatic Book Turnoffs

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 Automatic Book No-Gos.

1. Time travel - I just can't get behind it. I have yet to read a time travel book that I liked. I struggle enough with "then" and "now" books. If I even see a hint of time travel in the description of a book, I'm out.
2. Middle Grade - For my personal reading preferences, I will not even consider middle grade books. Since I'm reading more and more books to my kids I will be exploring the genre more so this might change over time, but right now, I am firmly against middle grade books.
3. Mermaids - I've tried. I have wanted to like mermaid novels. I don't really understand why fantasy is one of my favorite genres, but mermaids defy logistical sense to me. I can't make them make sense enough to get behind them. Maybe a completely underwater species would be doable, but if they come on land or have any kind of relationship with a human, I can't buy it. I usually skip mermaid books.
4. Erotica - My tolerance level is much lower than most I assume. I don't enjoy descriptive physical scenes. For me, the build up and tension leading up to a kiss can be way hotter and better written than descriptive sexual scenes. In my opinion, they are unnecessary. And if I know to expect them in a book I will usually steer clear.
5. Anti-God or Anti-Christianity - God can handle us questioning Him, but I have no interest in reading books that portray God in a false light or that use the characters to implant lies concerning God into the reader's minds. Some authors seem to have a personal mission of trying to make God look bad. It backfires in my opinion. And I'm not interested in these types of books or authors.
6. Explict Language - Again, to me, this is unnecessary. I know plenty of people claim the f-bomb as their favorite word. And arguments can be made over words just being word. I don't avoid books for an occasional drop here or there, but if the language pulls me out of the story then that's a problem.
7. Political - Any time a book, character, or author tries to push a political agenda then I'm out. Not interested. There's a difference in a character experiencing an event that might lead them to think or feel a certain way, but usually it's obvious whether this feels organic to the story or a political agenda push.
8. Psychological Thrillers or True Crime - For the most part, I don't want to read about the worst of mankind. If I spend my time dwelling upon the worst mankind has to offer, I become a jaded, anxious, depressed, paranoid person. I don't want to be naive to the dangers around me, but I don't want to spend my free time focused on crimes of this nature.
9. Absence of a Love Story - While other books might be amazing, I just don't have the time if the story isn't mostly driven by romance.
10. Bucket Lists - I've also found that characters that make lists of things they want to experience often feel forced and contrived in my opinion. I end up not enjoying these usually.

What are your auto no-gos when it comes to books? Let me know!

An Uncharted Devotion - Review

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.

An Uncharted Devotion is unique among books. I haven't read many books where the relationship between the two main characters has already been established, and they are in love. And the books that I have read where this might be the case have ended up where the initial relationship breaks down, and one or both move on to other relationships that suit them better. That wasn't the case with An Uncharted Devotion, and I liked it all the more for the difference.

The book starts off at James and Sarah's wedding. The two are desperately in love with each other. James is in the Navy and has two weeks with Sarah before being shipped out. The story picks up five years later. Sarah lives with James's mother and sister-in-law, and his older brother Peter has just passed away. Alice is now a widow and deeply in the throws of grief. James has inherited his brother's title and has been commissioned to return home. Despite her best efforts, Sarah has never been able to form much of a friendship with Alice. She has found friends over the last five years, but she has been very lonely. She misses James. And even his letters have nearly stopped altogether by the time Peter has passed.

James fully intends to remain in the Navy for the next five to ten years. The navy, his war experiences, as well as his promotion to Captain have all worked to change him into a hardened and aloof man. In the span of a very short time, James's friend gets captured by the French, his brother dies, he inherits a title he never expected to have, and he loses his career in the navy. He isn't a happy man when he arrives back home.

Oh my heart ached for Sarah. She wants so badly to restore the relationship she once had with James. They used to be so in love and connected. But now that he is home, he is either indifferent or harsh with her. Most of the time he tries to avoid her altogether. She can't make heads or tails of his feelings. And he won't open up to her. Because my own marriage has been going through one of the more challenging times lately, I found myself near tears and even had a few tears roll down my cheeks a time or two during the first half of this book.

I loved all of the side characters. Alice with her heartbreak and even her aloofness. James's mother was exactly what she needed to be. Sarah's friends, the Wilkeses, and especially Lord and Lady Ramsay. Shoot, even Patrick who had such a small piece of the story was fleshed out enough to feel real. I would love a spin-off from any of these characters.

Favorite quotes:

-Eventually, Sarah stopped trying to participate in the conversation because every response he gave, or lack thereof, felt like another rejection, over and over.

-"When we marriage, he was kind and attentive. I felt adored by him." More tears slid down her cheeks. "It is a cruel form of torture remembering, living with this hollow version of the main I love--the man I once loved."

-"You have always loved with all of your heart. But I want you to know you can choose to love yourself also. Love is a choice."

-Somehow, I have come to represent a cage to you. You have been searching for an escape since the very moment you returned. I have no wish to impede you further. I release you from any perceived confinement where I am concerned.

-"Never forget, son, real strength is born out of admitting weakness, not suppressing it."

Of course, the relationship between Sarah and James doesn't end where I've stopped discussing it so far. The two have much to work towards to resolving their issues and returning to a healthy state of marriage. But I don't want to spoil the process for any potential readers.

I don't know what my expectations were before starting this book. I'd never read anything by Amanda Taylor before. (I think this might be her first book.) But I was surprised to find that I connected with this book and with Sarah on a personal level. Perhaps the timing of my own real-life struggles was just so perfect that I would enjoy and relate to this story exactly as I did. I have to rate An Uncharted Devotion 4.5 Stars because I shed actual tears during this book. Have you read An Uncharted Devotion? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 05/28/23

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 was Little Girl's last day of school. Technically the school was supposed to be in for a half day on Tuesday, but come on, who is sending their kid to school for a half day on Tuesday. She actually wanted to go, but I kept her home. We did have to run up to the school to get her report card. Wednesday, we went to Walmart to get a birthday present for a party this weekend. And I grabbed groceries. Thursday and Friday I spent as much time as possible cleaning. Friday evening we finally took my mom out to eat for Mother's Day. She'd been sick so it kept getting put off. Husband's friend from Taiwan came to visit for the weekend. Saturday, my niece and her family came over to swim. Honestly, the water was only 74 degrees and too cold for me. Baby Boy jumped in and immediately started screaming. He ended up sitting on the side of the pool with me while the big kids went swimming. Saturday afternoon I took Little Girl to a birthday party. She hurt her finger while we were there, and I'm debating taking her to urgent care to get it x-rayed.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of Gentleman Jim (Somerset Stories, # 2) by Mimi Matthews (4 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Champion of Fate (Heromaker, # 1) by Kendare Blake
Thursday: 2023 Series Enders Reading Challenge - May Wrap Up

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of An Uncharted Devotion by Amanda Taylor
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:

Champion of Fate (Heromaker, # 1)

By: Kendare Blake

Expected Publication: September 19, 2023

480 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--Behind every great hero is an Aristene.

Aristene are mythical female warriors, part of a legendary order. Though heroes might be immortalized in stories, it’s the Aristene who guide them to victory. They are the Heromakers.

Ever since she was an orphan taken in by the order, Reed has wanted to be an Aristene. Now, as an initiate, just one challenge stands in her way: she must shepherd her first hero to glory on the battlefield. Succeed, and Reed will take her place beside her sisters. Fail, and she’ll be cast from the only home she’s ever known.

Nothing is going to stop Reed--until she meets her hero. Hestion is fiery and infuriating, but what begins as an alliance becomes more, and as secrets of the order come to light Reed begins to understand what becoming an Aristene may truly cost. Battle looming, she must choose: the order and the life she had planned, or Hestion, and the one she never expected.

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!

2023 Series Enders Reading Challenge - May 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

Can't Wait for Champion of Fate

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.

Champion of Fate (Heromaker, # 1)

By: Kendare Blake

Expected Publication: September 19, 2023

480 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--Behind every great hero is an Aristene.

Aristene are mythical female warriors, part of a legendary order. Though heroes might be immortalized in stories, it’s the Aristene who guide them to victory. They are the Heromakers.

Ever since she was an orphan taken in by the order, Reed has wanted to be an Aristene. Now, as an initiate, just one challenge stands in her way: she must shepherd her first hero to glory on the battlefield. Succeed, and Reed will take her place beside her sisters. Fail, and she’ll be cast from the only home she’s ever known.

Nothing is going to stop Reed--until she meets her hero. Hestion is fiery and infuriating, but what begins as an alliance becomes more, and as secrets of the order come to light Reed begins to understand what becoming an Aristene may truly cost. Battle looming, she must choose: the order and the life she had planned, or Hestion, and the one she never expected.

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

Gentleman Jim - Review

Gentleman Jim (Somerset Stories, # 2)

By: Mimi Matthews

Publication: November 10th 2020 by Perfectly Proper Press

376 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Regency

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--From USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews comes a swashbuckling tale of Regency era romance and revenge.

She couldn’t forget…

Wealthy squire’s daughter Margaret Honeywell was always meant to marry her neighbor, Frederick Burton-Smythe, but it’s bastard-born Nicholas Seaton who has her heart. Raised alongside her on her father’s estate, Nicholas is the rumored son of notorious highwayman Gentleman Jim. When Fred frames him for theft, Nicholas escapes into the night, vowing to find his legendary sire. But Nicholas never returns. A decade later, he’s long been presumed dead.

He wouldn’t forgive…

After years spent on the continent, John Beresford, Viscount St. Clare has finally come home to England. Tall, blond, and dangerous, he’s on a mission to restore his family’s honor. If he can mete out a bit of revenge along the way, so much the better. But he hasn’t reckoned for Maggie Honeywell. She’s bold and beautiful—and entirely convinced he’s someone else.

As danger closes in, St. Clare is torn between love and vengeance. Will he sacrifice one to gain the other? Or with a little luck—and a lot of daring—will he find a way to have them both?

Gentleman Jim has been on my TBR list since at least 2020. I've pretty much read all of Mimi Matthews's fiction books. But I just never got my hands on this when it released. Since none of my family members gave me any books for Christmas, I used a gift card to finally purchaseGentleman Jim. As usual, Mimi Matthews didn't disappoint.

Maggie and Nicholas grew up together. He was the son of a servant so their classes weren't equal, and there was always a little drama around the amount of time they spent together. Over the years, they grew closer, and their friendship began to transform into more even though they didn't have opportunity to explore that. Maggie's father was always set on her aligning with a neighboring family by marrying Fred, the son of their closest neighbor. The problem, aside from Maggie being in love with Nicholas, was that Fred was a terrible person.

Maggie's father could never deny Maggie anything, but in his death he willed that Maggie's financial guardianship would be handled by Fred until she weds and only to a man that Fred approves up. Unfortunately, the only man Fred approves of is himself. Maggie has 6 months to get married before she's pretty much forced to marry Fred. But Fred is the one responsible for Nicholas leaving her. Fred framed Nicholas for stealing Maggie's jewelry, and Maggie helped him flee before he was hung. He promised to return to her no matter how long it took, but that was 10 years ago.

We start the story with Maggie visiting her friend in London. She learns upon arrival that Fred is set to engage in a duel the next day over cheating at a game of cards with a Viscount. She basically freaks out because there is no provision in her father's will if something happens to Fred. She makes the hasty decision to visit the Viscount in the dead of night and beg him not to kill Fred.

I had so many questions. Would Maggie forget about Nicholas? Was Maggie right about her suspicions? What circumstances would ever get Fred to agree to Maggie marrying anyone else? Ultimately, I liked how Mimi Matthews handled all of my questions.

Favorite quotes:

-"Your Mr. Burton- Smythe needed to be taught a lesson. He needed to be humiliated. I hope he’ll be a much better person now.” Miss Honeywell bristled. “He’s not my Mr. Burton- Smythe.” “I’m very happy to hear it.” “And if you think anything could make him a better person, then you’re very much mistaken.” “Yes. Perhaps I am. In truth, I suspect he’ll need to be shot a great many more times in order to effect a noticeable change.”

-“Enough of your forked- tongue pleasantries, Lavinia,” Allendale said. “There’s nothing I despise more than a serpent who walks upright.”

Despite waiting a couple of years to read Gentleman Jim, I wasn't disappointed. I read it within 24 hours because I didn't want to put it down. I had questions that I don't even want to reveal because even the questions might be spoilers. Gentleman Jim gets 4 Stars. Have you read Gentleman Jim? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 05/21/23

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 week. Closing ceremony for baseball and softball was Tuesday night. Little Boy's team won the 6U level of the league so they got rings instead of trophies. He was sad to find out that allstar players also got a medal. He wasn't interested in playing allstars this year, but he was bummed not to have that medal. Thursday night was Little Boy's PreK4 graduation. This was a tough year for him (behavior wise, not academically) so I was really proud of him that we made it to the end of the year. He did great during the performance, and we took him out to eat for dinner after. Little Girl's awards day was Friday morning. She got A Honor Roll, Rising Reader 3 Award, and Class Peacemaker. Little Boy came home from school Friday and passed out on the couch. I took his temp and it was higher than normal, but not quite a fever. He did sleep most of the afternoon, but he was up and back to his normal self come the afternoon. His baseball team had a team party Friday night that Husband took him to. Saturday was finally a day at home with nothing out of the ordinary to do. I'm so excited about the summer and all the fun it has to bring us.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of Famous for a Living by Melissa Ferguson (4 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Someone You Loved by Robin Constantine

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of Gentleman Jim (Somerset Stories, # 2) by Mimi Matthews
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:

Someone You Loved

By: Robin Constantine

Expected Publication: June 27, 2023

352 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( 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 deeply emotional and highly romantic tale of two teens who fall in love while grieving the one person who makes their love impossible; in the vein of You've Reached Sam and The Sky Is Everywhere.

Sarah feels unmoored following her boyfriend’s sudden and tragic death. Their love story was cut short after just two sweet months together, and now all Sarah can think about are the moments she and Alex should be sharing. Sarah distracts herself by consoling Ash—her best friend and Alex’s sister—and by rehearsing for the school play and working at her aunt’s cafe. But none of that is as comforting as her nightly talks with Jake.

Jake is not ready to move on. Unable to sleep at night and “mopey”—according to his girlfriend, who doesn’t understand why he isn’t ready to jump back into partying—Jake is wracked with guilt as a witness to Alex’s death. His one source of joy is talking to Sarah. But between their growing closeness and his taking over as captain of the basketball team, Jake worries he is co-opting Alex’s life.

Both can’t help but wonder if they’re betraying Alex—and Ash—by acting on the feelings they can no longer deny. Given all that stands in the way, is their relationship worth fighting for?

A Bride by Morning

By: Katrina Kendrick

Expected Publication: 03 Aug 2023

336 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--He is a heartbreaker...

Gabriel St. Clair, the Earl of Montgomery, has a reputation for being the most charming gentleman in London. But to Miss Lydia Cecil, he is the man who jilted her and shattered her heart. Gabriel would rather Lydia hate him than learn the truth: he's spent the last ten years as a British spy—and his enemies are closing in.

She is a wallflower...

Lydia has settled into a life as a companion for her elderly aunt. But when she witnesses Gabriel gather intelligence on a foreign enemy, she's suddenly thrown into his dangerous, bloody game of espionage. To save her life, Gabriel is forced to marry the girl he once abandoned.

As husband and wife match wits, their greatest threat may not be the assassins on their heels, but learning to set aside their pasts or risk losing their love for good...

Watership Down: The Graphic Novel

By: Richard Adams, Joe Sutphin (Illustrator), James Sturm (Adapter)

Expected Publication: October 17, 2023

384 pages

Genre: Comics, Graphic Novels

( 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 beautiful and faithful graphic novel adaptation of Richard Adams’s beloved story of a group of rabbits on an epic journey in search of home.

“Every rabbit that stays behind is in great danger. We will welcome any rabbit who joins us.”

Watership Down is a classic tale of survival, hope, courage, and friendship that has delighted and inspired readers around the world for more than fifty years. Masterfully adapted by award-winning author James Sturm and gorgeously illustrated by bestselling artist Joe Sutphin, this spectacular graphic novel will delight old fans and inspire new ones, bringing the joy of Watership Down to a new generation of readers.

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 Someone You Loved

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.

Someone You Loved

By: Robin Constantine

Expected Publication: June 27, 2023

352 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

( 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 deeply emotional and highly romantic tale of two teens who fall in love while grieving the one person who makes their love impossible; in the vein of You've Reached Sam and The Sky Is Everywhere.

Sarah feels unmoored following her boyfriend’s sudden and tragic death. Their love story was cut short after just two sweet months together, and now all Sarah can think about are the moments she and Alex should be sharing. Sarah distracts herself by consoling Ash—her best friend and Alex’s sister—and by rehearsing for the school play and working at her aunt’s cafe. But none of that is as comforting as her nightly talks with Jake.

Jake is not ready to move on. Unable to sleep at night and “mopey”—according to his girlfriend, who doesn’t understand why he isn’t ready to jump back into partying—Jake is wracked with guilt as a witness to Alex’s death. His one source of joy is talking to Sarah. But between their growing closeness and his taking over as captain of the basketball team, Jake worries he is co-opting Alex’s life.

Both can’t help but wonder if they’re betraying Alex—and Ash—by acting on the feelings they can no longer deny. Given all that stands in the way, is their relationship worth fighting for?

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

Famous for a Living - Review

Famous for a Living

By: Melissa Ferguson

Expected Publication: May 16th 2023 by Thomas Nelson

336 pages

Genre: Adult, Contemporary

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--From Park Avenue to the Parks Department—the world’s most beloved social media star is about to get a rude awakening.

With her millions of followers, Cat Cranwell is adored around the world. But when an app partnership goes very, very wrong, Cat suddenly finds herself shunned from the community that not only fed her soul all these years but paid her bills. When Cat’s closest living relative, Uncle Terry, offers her a position on his staff at a small national park in Montana to get away from the city, Cat hesitantly accepts the opportunity.

What she doesn’t realize is that as the new social media strategist her goal is to save Kannery National Park from being absorbed into Glacier National Park by boosting the number of visitors. And at least one of her new colleagues—namely, handsome and rugged ranger Zaiah Hudson—thinks social media is the root of everything that’s wrong with the world. Written with bestselling author Melissa Ferguson’s signature wit and charm, this romantic comedy of opposites attract is full of hilarious romp and a romance that will melt readers’ hearts.

My first Melissa Ferguson book was The Dating Charade. I liked it, but I wanted more. So much of the story was devoted to things aside from the romance. That caused me to avoid some of her next releases. I prefer books to be relationship focused. The description of Meet Me in the Margins pulled me in and I decided to read it. And well, I loved it. I did have the same complaint--that I wished more of the story focused on the romance--but the subject of writing, editing, and publishing was so dear to me that I didn't mind as much as I normally might have. Famous for a Living was really good. I devoured it, but when I look back I can see that this book also could have used a little more romance.

Cat is a social media influencer. Every moment of her life is curated for her next photo, video, and post. She thinks about her next caption and post more than her friends and family. Her business partner screws her over and drags her name through the mud. Of course, her followers and pretty much everyone online turn on her. She leaves the city to help her uncle as social media manager for the small national park where he is the head park ranger.

Zaiah is a park ranger and he hates all things technology. He has a flip phone and shows open disgust for Cat's profession. It's only when he sees the good she's able to do with helping Mina, a park coworker, and the park itself does he sway his opinion, and even then only slightly. See, Zaiah has a past with influencers that didn't end well. He appreciates Cat as a person but sees that she's addicted to social media and her phone which worries him.

I didn't exactly feel like Melissa Ferguson was preaching the woes of social media and phone addictions to the reader, but it came close. This is an interesting and relevant topic in today's society. It's something to consider at least.

I read Famous for a Living in two days right before Christmas, which is kind of amazing with 3 kids 7 and under. Looking back the relationship feels like it could have been further developed and I wouldn't have minded more romance. The bigger story of social media and phone addictions made the story feel relevant and even dare I say important. Famous for a Living gets 4 Stars. Have you read Famous for a Living? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 05/14/23

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.

Both kiddos had ball games Monday night. Husband went with Little Girl, and I went with Little Boy. After he got done warming up in the batting cage he comes over and hands me his batting helmet. As I grab it I feel something squish under my finger. I look down and I have killed a black widow spider with my bare hand that was inside his batting helmet. I got someone else to verify that it was in fact a black widow. I mean that red hourglass shape is pretty hard to misidentify, but I just needed another set of eyes to make sure I wasn't crazy. And then I checked all over Little Boy's head to see if I could see any bites or anything. Thank God (very literally) that neither he nor I got bit as this could be a very different kind of Sunday Post update. Monday was also our 14th wedding anniversary. Tuesday, Little Girl had her last game of the season. Her team won. She only got to play one inning which I think sucked for the last game of the season, but with seventeen girls on one team it's very hard to ensure they all get playing time. And we also found out that she didn't make Allstars. She was disappointed, and I was sad for her, but I was also thankful not to have our entire summer dedicated to the ball field. I also took the boys to visit a homeschool meetup on Tuesday. We did a hike and then let the kids play and eat an early lunch. It was good, but now that that weather is warming up here it was so hot and sticky out there. Plus Baby Boy is only two and I wasn't prepared for a hike and didn't have a stroller with me so I ended up carrying him nearly the whole way. Thursday, I took Little Boy to the store to buy a new bat. I know it doesn't make a lot of sense buying one at the end of the season, but I want him to have plenty of time to get used to using it before next season. We also had to go buy a birthday present for a friend. My mom came to hang out with us on Thursday, but she wasn't feeling well and ended up having a relapse on her cold that she's been dealing with. She's still not well really. Friday, the boys and I went to Burger King to have a playdate with a friend. The boys played in the playplace while me and the other mom got to chat. It was a nice visit. And then Saturday, Little Boy had his last game of the season. They won and ended up being the 6U league champions going undefeated on league games. And then Saturday afternoon, I took Little Boy to a birthday party for a friend in his preschool class. We have one last official week of school and I am so ready for the summer. Happy Mother's Day!

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of Twisted Twenty-Six (Stephanie Plum, # 26) by Janet Evanovich (3.5 Stars)

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of Famous for a Living by Melissa Ferguson
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:

Never Wager with a Wallflower (The Merriwell Sisters, # 3)

By: Virginia Heath

Expected Publication: November 7, 2023

320 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Romance

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

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

Goodreads description--The third and final delightful installment in the Merriwell Sister's Regency rom-com series. Miss Venus Merriwell has been waiting for her prince to come since the tender age of fourteen. She wants a man who is selfless, academic like her, and free from all the wretched vices her gambler father enjoyed far too much before he left the Merriwell sisters practically destitute. Unfortunately, after a slew of romantic disappointments, there is still no sign of that prince at twenty-three and the only one true love of her life is the bursting-at-the-seams orphanage in Covent Garden that she works tirelessly for. An orphanage that desperately needs to expand into the empty building next door.

For Galahad Sinclair, gambling isn’t just his life, it’s in his blood. He grew up and learned the trade at his grandfather’s knee in a tavern on the far away banks of the Hudson in New York. But when fate took all that away and dragged him across the sea to London, it made sense to set up shop here. He’s spent five years making a success out of his gaming hell in the sleazy docks of the East End. Enough that he can finally afford to buy the pleasure palace of his dreams—and where better than in the capital’s sinful heart, Covent Garden? The only fly in his ointment is the perfect building he’s just bought to put it in also happens to be right next door to the orphanage run by his cousin’s wife’s youngest sister. A pious, disapproving and unsettling siren he has avoided like the plague since she flattened him five years ago…

While Venus and Galahad lock horns over practically everything, and while her malevolent orphans do their darndest to sabotage his lifelong dream, can either of them take the ultimate gamble—and learn to love thy neighbor?

Tastes Like Shakkar (If Shakespeare Was An Auntie, # 2)

By: Nisha Sharma

Expected Publication: August 1, 2023

352 pages

Genre: Adult, Contemporary,

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--In the hilarious follow-up to the breakout rom-com Dating Dr. Dil, Nisha Sharma adds shakkar and mirch to Shakespeare’s iconic comedy Much Ado About Nothing for one sweet and spicy love story.

Bobbi Kaur is determined to plan a celebration to remember for her best friend’s wedding. But she has two problems that are getting in her way:

1. The egotistical, and irritatingly sexy, chef Benjamin “Bunty” Padda is supposed to help her with the menu since he’s the groom’s best friend, and

2. Someone is trying to sabotage the wedding.

With aspirations of taking over her family’s event planning business, Bobbi knows that one misstep in managing the Kareena Mann and Prem Verma (#Vermann) party, along with the other weddings on her plate, will only give her uncle another reason not to promote her. That means Kareena’s big day and Bobbi's future career are on the line.

Bunty will do anything for his best friend, even though he has his hands full in finding a new location for his next restaurant while also playing mediator between his brother and father, the celebrated Naan King. When Prem asks Bunty to help with the wedding menu, he agrees, especially since it puts him in close proximity to the delicious Bobbi Kaur. When a mystery shaadi saboteur starts leaving threatening notes, and cancelling cake orders, Bunty and Bobbi have no choice but to call a truce and face the volatile attraction they have for each other.

Through masquerade fundraisers and a joint bachelor-bachelorette trip to Vegas, this chef and wedding planner explore their growing connection all while trying to plan a wedding at Messina Vineyards in a time crunch. But once the shaadi saboteur is caught and the wedding is over, will their love story have a happily ever after

With the return of the meddling aunties (who are scary good at finding information) and a lot of hilarity and hijinks, Bobbi and Bunty’s romance is an event you don’t want to miss.

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!

Twisted Twenty-Six - Review

Twisted Twenty-Six (Stephanie Plum, # 26)

By: Janet Evanovich

Publication: November 12th 2019 by G.P. Putnam's Sons

312 pages

Genre: Adult, Humor, Mystery

Source: Borrowed from the e-Library

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

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

Goodreads description--Stephanie Plum's career has taken more wrong turns than a student driver on the Jersey Turnpike, and her love life is a hopeless tangle. In order to save someone dear to her, she'll have to straighten things out in Twisted Twenty-Six the latest, novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Janet Evanovich.

Grandma Mazur is a widow...again. This time her marriage lasted a whole 45 minutes. The unlucky groom was one Jimmy Rosolli, local gangster, lothario (senior division) and heart attack waiting to happen...well, the waiting's over.

It's a sad day, but if she can't have Jimmy at least Grandma can have all the attention she wants as the dutiful widow. But some kinds of attention are not welcomed, particularly when Jimmy's former "business partners" are convinced that his widow is keeping the keys to their financial success for herself.

As someone who has spent an entire career finding bad guys, a set of missing keys should be no challenge for Stephanie Plum. Problem is, the facts are as twisted as a boardwalk pretzel with mustard.

I find I never have much to say about these books. One of my Stephanie Plum reviews is probably exactly the same as any other. The description tells you pretty much everything you need to know. Grandma Mazur is newly widowed. She wasn't married to Jimmy long enough to be traumatized, and she was half expecting to be a widow again considering Jimmy's age. But the resulting mess of Jimmy's will and the keys that his crew and others are looking for is starting to make Grandma rethink some things.

Stephanie's doing some re-thinking too. She's burned out with her job. Her relationship with Morelli isn't moving forward. She's tired.

For a couple of years, I've grabbed one of the Stephanie Plum audiobooks to listen to while decorating my Christmas tree. But this year the kids were with me and helped decorate, so no Stephanie Plum, but they were spending the night at Grandma's when I took down the Christmas tree, so I grabbed this one then. I always have to give Lorelai King her props. She does an excellent job narrating as always.

Twisted Twenty-Six and all of the Stephanie Plum books are just filler, fun books for me. I read them because I usually get a laugh or two out of them. I don't feel any pressure, and I know they're consistent. I do wish, like Stephanie, that there was some progression on the relationship front. But I don't expect much. Twisted Twenty-Six gets 3.5 Stars. Have you read (or listened to) Twisted Twenty-Six? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 05/07/23

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.

Little Girl started the week sick. She missed school on Monday because she had a fever Sunday. Little Boy started coughing Sunday night and was running a fever by Monday morning. So he didn't go to school either. Both of them missed their ball games Monday night. Little Girl didn't run fever on Monday so she was back to school on Tuesday and was able to go to her softball game that night. They lost. Little Boy missed school on Wednesday, but that was the last day he ran a fever, and he was able to go back to his ballgame Thursday night and they won. Little Girl's team won their game Thursday night too, and it was the best game they've played all season. Baby Boy started running fever on Tuesday and so he was still sick even up to Thursday night. They all still have coughs, but I think we're past the fevers. Friday was field day for Little Girl at school. I was so thankful to be able to make it to spend the time with her. I don't get a ton of one on one time with her right now, and so I soaked it up even though she was mostly playing with her friends. Saturday was the first day we've been home all day in like 3 weeks. It was glorious. Husband cut down a dead tree and worked on burning it. I was able to clean out our playroom closet so that husband can put shelving up in there. The kids played in the sprinkler for a little while for the first time. I'm so excited about summer activities in the coming weeks.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of A Heart Worth Stealing by Joanna Barker (4 Stars)
Tuesday: Ten Random Books on My Bookshelf
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Committing to the Cowgirl (Colorado Cowgirls, # 1) by Jody Hedlund

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of Twisted Twenty-Six (Stephanie Plum, # 26) by Janet Evanovich
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!

Can't Wait for Committing to the Cowgirl

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

Committing to the Cowgirl (Colorado Cowgirls, # 1)

By: Jody Hedlund

Expected Publication: July 1, 2023

? 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--After years away, Astrid Nilsson has returned home to Colorado, hoping to become Fairplay’s second doctor . . . and to find healing for her reoccurring consumption. Spirited and independent, Astrid doesn’t want her illness to be a burden to those she loves, so she has resisted getting serious about any man.

As the current doctor of Fairplay, Logan Steele is seeking to hire a male physician to take over his clinic after he goes back East. When Astrid, his childhood sweetheart, insists that she’s the one for the job, he offers her a bargain she can’t refuse: pretend to court him to appease his mother and he’ll give her the doctor position on a trial basis.

Astrid accepts the arrangement even though she’s reluctant to be in a sham relationship with a man who’d once broken her heart. She tries to keep herself from falling for Logan again but soon finds herself getting much more than she bargained for. With the clock ticking for both of them, can they commit to real love before it’s too late?

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

Ten Books on My Bookshelf I Randomly Pointed To

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 Random Books on My Bookshelf.

1. The Seventh Sun (The Age of the Seventh Sun, # 1) by Lani Forbes
2. Sempre: Redemption (Sempre, # 2) by JM Darhower
3. When Calls the Heart (Canadian West, # 1) by Janette Oaks
4. Beyond Boundaries by Dr John Townsend
5. Sunkissed by Kasie West
6. A Girl Named Samson by Amy Harmon
7. Just Enough Light for the Step I'm On by Stormie Omartian
8. House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City, # 1) by Sarah J Maas
9. Give Me a Sign by Anna Sorinto
10. A Wicked and Beautiful Garden (Witches of the Island, # 1) by Katie McGarry

Point to some random books on your shelves and let me know what's on there!

A Heart Worth Stealing - Review

A Heart Worth Stealing

By: Joanna Barker

Expected Publication: May 2nd 2023 by Shadow Mountain

288 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

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

Goodreads description--Sowerby, England, 1802

Miss Genevieve Wilde—a magistrate’s daughter and independent heiress—is determined to meet life’s challenges all on her own, just as her late-father had taught her. So when her father’s pocket watch is stolen, she will do anything to get it back, especially when the local authorities prove incompetent.

Upon reading an advertisement in the paper, she takes a chance and contacts a thief-taker to find the watch. It’s a choice Ginny regrets when former Bow Street officer Jack Travers arrives on her doorstep. He is frustratingly flirtatious, irritatingly handsome, and entirely unpredictable, and Ginny wonders if she’ll be able to resist such a man.

But after Ginny discovers that the missing watch is just a small part of a larger, more frightening plot against her, she needs Jack’s help more than ever. To protect her home and her reputation, the two enter into a risky charade—pretending Jack is her cousin so he can begin his investigation, starting with the household staff. As they work together to unravel the mystery, Ginny finds herself falling fast for her charismatic thief-taker, leaving her heart in just as much danger as her life.

Joanna Barker has become an auto-read author for me in the historical fiction genre. I haven't read anything by her that I've been disappointed with. I tend to stalk NetGalley for any new releases by her, which is how I stumbled upon A Heart Worth Stealing.

Genevieve's father passed, leaving her his estate. He has an older daughter that is Genevieve's half-sister. Most people would have expected him to will his estate to his oldest daughter. Since she's married, her future is more secure than Genevieve's. However, Genevieve and her sister have a strained relationship. Genevieve feels like everyone is expecting her to fail. And it seems like someone out there might be going out of their way to ensure that she does.

I don't read too many mysteries. Certain authors seem to do it well enough that keep me guessing. But it frustrates me to figure out the "twists" before they are revealed. And unfortunately, I felt like the villain of A Heart Worth Stealing was pretty obvious. It wasn't until a small part at the end of the book that I even remotely questioned whether I was right.

I did enjoy learning more about the concept of a thief-taker. I love how historical fiction teaches history in a way that makes it entirely fascinating. Reading historical fiction has taught me so much. I would have never known these small pieces of fact or history without finding stories that discuss them. I don't know that they make a huge difference in my life, but I find it fascinating, nonetheless, and it helps me to see how learning history through literature is so much more enjoyable than the history text books forced upon our children in school.

As always, the love stories are what I read for. I might have found Jack and Ginny's story a little cheesy, but it wasn't too cheesy. I can't fault too much. I wasn't cringing or rolling my eyes.

A Heart Worth Stealing is one I blew through. I didn't want to put it down. During one of the busiest months of the year, I read this book in like two days, I think. I liked the relationship between Ginny and Jack, but I loved the side story of the relationship between Genevieve and her older sister. The mystery was too easy to figure out, but I wasn't reading this one for the mystery. A Heart Worth Stealing gets 4 Stars. Have you read A Hearth Worth Stealing? What did you think? Let me know!