Sunday Post - 12/21/25

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 a normal day. Big Girl had pitching lessons. We'd intended to take the kids to martial arts too, but the temps were so low we decided not to. Husband and I both have been battling colds this week. I feel better, but he started getting sick later than me so he probably has a few more days. Thankfully, I don't think it's the flu which seems to be going around in our area and probably everywhere. Tuesday, we normally go to my parent's house, but our co-op friends were meeting at Sky Zone (a local trampoline park) so we joined in that and had big fun. We grabbed Chick-fil-a for lunch on the way home. The Big Kids did go to martial arts Tuesday night. Wednesday was our last day of school. Little Boy had a party at his mother's day out/preschool. Thursday, we went to see Santa and did what we call "sibling shopping." That's where we take the kids to shop for each other. They love it. This year they went really fast. We went to eat lunch at Huey Magoo's after that. Friday was a day at home with not much going on. I packed up the Christmas puzzle I'd borrowed from my mom and finally finished. And then I spent a large part of the day listening to an audiobook while working on a diamond art snowman. We did do "gingerbread" (graham cracker) houses. Big Girl's is the only one who stood. Mine collapsed from a lack of patience. Big Boy made a "spreadsheet" by spreading all his icing on two crackers and then putting all his candy onto the flat space. Little Boy squirted all his icing onto one cracker and made a sandwich and then proceeded to eat all of his candy. Personally, I'd like to give up this tradition, but the kids asked to do it this way this year. Saturday, we spent the day with my parents and my side of the family celebrating. We didn't have everyone together this year, which is sad. But that's the nature of a growing family. The bigger the family the harder it is to get everyone's schedules to align. Also, when some move from the area that always adds to difficulty as well. But it's life. I am glad we still get together with those who can make it and not cancel altogether. Merry Christmas to everyone this coming week! I hope you all have a wonderful holiday!

THE PAST WEEK

Monday: Review of The Governess and the Rogue (Somerset Stories, # 6) by Mimi Matthews (3.5 Stars)
Tuesday: Top Ten Winter 2025 TBR List
Wednesday: Can't Wait for First and Forever by Lynn Painter
Friday: Homeschool Friday - The Storm that Stopped

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Reivew of A Presumptuous Hope (Daughters of the Gentry, # 3) by Jennie Goutet
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait Wednesday?
Thursday: Merry Christmas!
Friday: Homeschool Friday - The Children's Book of Virtues by Michael Hague

NEW BOOKS:

First adn Forever

By: Lynn Painter

Expected Publication: May 12, 2026 by Berkley

320 pages

Genre: 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 football star and a diehard fan entangled in a PR stunt—that only one side knows is fake—might be the right play in this new romantic comedy by #1 New York Times bestselling author Lynn Painter.

Duffy Distefano loves three things: her dad, the family cat, and Minneapolis Coyotes football. So when she gets booed out of a game and becomes the internet’s villain, she is distraught—and disgruntled. All she did was shove Coyote Carl away when he made a move on her, but everyone else just saw a woman attacking their team’s beloved mascot. Eager to clear the air, Duffy agrees to an interview on a hit morning show. She doesn’t expect a co-guest to join her—especially not the Coyotes’ star tight end.

When MVP Connor Cunningham gets tasked with damage control to help his team out of their PR nightmare, he thought that meant saying a few words on the team’s behalf. Instead, he finds himself in a highly amusing verbal sparring match with a recently wronged fan on live TV. Duffy pelts him with fiery jabs but is also clearly diehard about the Coyotes—color him intrigued…and attracted.

The interview instantly goes viral, and the public is obsessed with them. A strong push from the Coyotes’ PR team to ride the wave results in Connor asking Duffy out. Despite his distaste for PR stunts, he’s surprised to discover being with Duffy is much easier than he thought, and somehow it doesn’t feel fake to him. Harboring this secret can only blow up, but all he knows is that if he messes things up with Duffy, it’ll be the greatest fumble of his life.

The Bible in 52 Weeks Devotional for Girls: A Year of Growing in Faith

By: Jaseña S'vani

Expected Publication: February 3, 2026 by Callisto Kids

152 pages

Genre: Children, Devotions, Christian, Non-fiction

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--An interactive, yearlong journey through the Bible for girls ages 8 to 12

This one-year journey through the Bible guides young girls into the habit of reading, reflection, and prayer, with inspiring passages from Scripture that show them how God's wisdom can help and support them as they learn and grow. Spending a little time with their faith every week will give girls the confidence to tackle anything—because they'll know God is cheering them on!

One year of weekly Scripture—Each of these 52 weekly devotions features a Bible passage, stories and commentary that explain the theme for the week, a prompt to respond to, and a prayer to keep in mind.

Reflect on what matters—Young girls will find God's guidance on topics that relate to their lives, such as staying positive, being a leader, and discovering who they're meant to be.

A few minutes at a time—These prompts and prayers are simple and brief, so it's easy for kids to find time for them no matter how busy they get!

Study with the whole series—Give the gift of deeper faith to everyone in your life with the companion books from this USA Today bestselling series, including The Bible in 52 Weeks for Women, The Bible in 52 Weeks for Families, and The Bible in 52 Weeks Devotional for Boys.

Help preteen girls grow into the smart and strong women God created them to be with this inspiring girls' devotional!

The Bible in 52 Weeks Devotional for Boys: A Year of Growing in Faith

By: Lord Badu

Expected Publication: February 3, 2026 by Callisto Kids

152 pages

Genre: Children, Devotions, Christian, Non-fiction

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--An interactive, yearlong journey through the Bible for boys ages 8 to 12

This one-year journey through the Bible guides young boys into the habit of reading, reflection, and prayer, with inspiring passages from Scripture that show them how God's wisdom can help and support them as they learn and grow. Spending a little time with their faith every week will give boys the confidence to tackle anything—because they'll know God is cheering them on!

One year of weekly Scripture—Each of these 52 weekly devotions features a Bible passage, stories and commentary that explain the theme for the week, a prompt to respond to, and a prayer to keep in mind.

Reflect on what matters—Young boys will find God's guidance on topics that relate to their lives, such as being a good friend, dreaming big, not judging others, and practicing honesty.

A few minutes at a time—These prompts and prayers are simple and brief, so it's easy for kids to find time for them no matter how busy they get!

Study with the whole series—Give the gift of deeper faith to everyone in your life with the companion books from this USA Today bestselling series, including The Bible in 52 Weeks for Women, The Bible in 52 Weeks for Families, and The Bible in 52 Weeks Devotional for Girls.

Help preteen boys grow into the smart and strong men God created them to be with this inspiring boys' devotional!

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!

Homeschool Friday - The Storm that Stopped

Homeschool Friday is a feature here at Somewhere Only We Know that showcases books my family reads during homeschool and provides a mini-review for each.

The Storm That Stopped

By: Alison Mitchell

Illustrated By: Catalina Echeverri

Publication: February 1, 2016 by The Good Book Company

32 pages

Genre: Children's, Non-fiction, Christian, History, Picture Book

Source: Personal Library

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--Third in the 'Tales that Tell the Truth' series comes The Storm that Stopped!

Based on the account of Jesus calming the storm from Mark chapter 4, this dramatic storybook will teach children about who Jesus really is, as they witness his power over nature.

Stunningly illustrated by Catalina Echeverri, author and illustrator of several bestselling children's books as well as the first two storybooks from the 'Tales that Tell the Truth' series: The Christmas Promise and The One O'Clock Miracle.

Written by Alison Mitchell, author of The Christmas Promise and several of our children's tracts.

The Storm that Stopped covers the New Testament story of when Jesus calmed the storm while in a boat on the Sea of Galilee. The story starts with Jesus teaching a multitude of people all day, and then he decides to go with his apostles across the sea. He fell asleep in the boat on the way, and suddenly a storm arose. The wind and the waves are so big and strong that the boat is taking on water, and the apostles fear they are going to drown. Jesus sleeps through this all until they wake him.

I appreciated the illustrations included. The beauty of contrast from the light pages to the darker, stormy pages was jarring in the perfect way. I liked the page with the wind o'meter, wave o'meter, sink o'meter, and panic o'meter. My children thought those were particularly funny.

I also liked that when Jesus calms the sea, the book focuses on what he doesn't do. He doesn't help bail the water out of the boat, he doesn't help row, he speaks, but not to the apostles. He speaks to the wind and the waves.

The book (as well as the Biblical story) then focuses on who Jesus is that he could possibly have control over the wind and the waves. He was teaching His disciples that He is God. Like Jesus and the Lions' Den, this book includes a "how do we know about the storm that stopped" section at the end. I love that they include this.

The Storm that Stopped is about as good as a children's picture book can get for me. The illustrations are striking. There's a little humor. The content is Biblical, which I appreciate. And the teaching goes beyond the surface. The Storm that Stopped is a great addition to any home library. The Storm that Stopped gets 5 Stars. Have you or your child read The Storm that Stopped? What did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for First and Forever

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.

First adn Forever

By: Lynn Painter

Expected Publication: May 12, 2026 by Berkley

320 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--A football star and a diehard fan entangled in a PR stunt—that only one side knows is fake—might be the right play in this new romantic comedy by #1 New York Times bestselling author Lynn Painter.

Duffy Distefano loves three things: her dad, the family cat, and Minneapolis Coyotes football. So when she gets booed out of a game and becomes the internet’s villain, she is distraught—and disgruntled. All she did was shove Coyote Carl away when he made a move on her, but everyone else just saw a woman attacking their team’s beloved mascot. Eager to clear the air, Duffy agrees to an interview on a hit morning show. She doesn’t expect a co-guest to join her—especially not the Coyotes’ star tight end.

When MVP Connor Cunningham gets tasked with damage control to help his team out of their PR nightmare, he thought that meant saying a few words on the team’s behalf. Instead, he finds himself in a highly amusing verbal sparring match with a recently wronged fan on live TV. Duffy pelts him with fiery jabs but is also clearly diehard about the Coyotes—color him intrigued…and attracted.

The interview instantly goes viral, and the public is obsessed with them. A strong push from the Coyotes’ PR team to ride the wave results in Connor asking Duffy out. Despite his distaste for PR stunts, he’s surprised to discover being with Duffy is much easier than he thought, and somehow it doesn’t feel fake to him. Harboring this secret can only blow up, but all he knows is that if he messes things up with Duffy, it’ll be the greatest fumble of his life.

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

Top Ten Winter 2025 TBR List

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together. This week's topic is Top Ten Winter 2025 TBR List

1. The Folklore of Forever (Moonville, # 2) by Sarah Hogle
2. Save Me (Maxton Hall, # 1) by Mona Kasten
3. The Magician of Tiger Castle by Louis Sachar
4. The Ever Queen (The Ever Seas, # 2) by LJ Andrews
5. We Met Like This by Kasie West
6. A Carol for Mrs. Dickens by Rebecca Connolly
7. The Mist Thief (The Ever Seas, # 3) by LJ Andrews
8. Fallen City (Fallen City Duology, # 1) by Adrienne Young
9. Gilded in Vengence by Lyssa Mia Smith
10. And Then There Was You by Sophie Cousens

Oh this is too funny! All 10 of these books were on my Fall 2025 TBR list, and I didn't read a single one of them. So they are all making a reappearance for winter! Which books are you hoping to read this winter? Does anyone else use these seasonal top ten lists more for the books you should be reading and less for the books you will actually read during this season? Let me know!

The Governess and the Rogue - Review

The Governess and the Rogue (Somerset Stories, # 6)

By: Mimi Matthews

Publication: August 5, 2025 by Perfectly Proper Press

pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

Source: Personal Kindle Library

( 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 down-on-her-luck Victorian governess and an unrepentant rogue enter into a fake engagement during a lengthy voyage at sea in USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews’s sixth book in her acclaimed Somerset Stories series.

Stranded in India after being dismissed without a reference, governess Beatrice Layton exchanges her freedom for passage home to England, taking a position with the only family that will hire her. But Bea hasn’t reckoned for just how dreadful her new employers will be. Stuck with them at sea in increasingly desperate circumstances, she finds an unlikely champion in the injured ex-soldier traveling aboard their ship.

Colonel Jack Beresford has spent the last fourteen years serving in Her Majesty’s Army. Though time has lent him maturity, it hasn’t dulled the roguish impulses of his youth. When he’s confronted with the tantalizing prospect of a damsel in distress, he naturally steps in to rescue her. His solution? An engagement of convenience, of course. One that will last only as long as their voyage.

But once back on land, Jack and Bea’s simple arrangement is beset by complication after complication. There are Bea’s horrid employers to contend with, and the growing gossip in Somerset society. Most complicated of all, there’s Jack’s family—his parents, siblings, and precocious nieces and nephews—all of whom seem to think that Bea might be perfect for him. Jack is beginning to think so too. All that remains is to convince bold, beguiling Bea that he’s perfect for her.

I've read 20 books by Mimi Matthews at this point. Some have been favorites. Some I just haven't enjoyed as much. But overall, I find her to be a consistent writer with characters and stories that I love. The Governess and the Rogue falls somewhere in the middle.

Jack is the last of the Beresford boys to find love. He's been avoiding entrapment, and he's finally on his way home after serving in the military. However, he runs into Bea one night on deck after she's nearly assalted. The two have a conversation that leads to some closeness that might not have been present given other circumstances. Jack ultimately concocts a plan for a fake engagement. It will offer Bea protection against her employer and unwanted attention. And he will be unavailable to any other unmarried women and their matchmaking mamas who also happen to be on board the ship.

The only real issue is what to do after they arrive back in England with Bea. They need to travel a certain distance together both for safety and for their story. Only Jack's brother and his wife end up picking them up from the train station. And now, family is involved.

Mimi Matthews essentially said in her acknowledgements that this book was fan service. The cross over to her Parish Orphans of Devon series was defintely fan service, and I'm here for it. But The Governess and the Rogue felt rushed or not as thoroughly written as some of her other books. I don't know. Something I find hard to put my finger on made it feel a little more unpolished than I'm used to from her.

Favorite quote:

-“Mama says we mustn’t remark on people’s appearances,” Agatha said. “Except to compliment them.”

If only people enforced this rule today. I might start quoting this to others when I overhear unkind words concerning people's appearances.

The Governess and the Rogue was a fine book to wrap up the Somerset Stories series. It was much more than I ever expected to get out of the series. And I'm thankful that each member of the Beresford series got their happily ever after. I do enjoy a fake engagement as well. At the same time, this book felt more like fan service than a regular novel if that makes any sense at all. I'm giving The Governess and the Rogue 3.5 Stars. Have you read The Governess and the Rogue? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 12/14/25

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 two weeks ago, we were dealing with a pretty major event that is on a private level. So I can't discuss it in detail, but it was a major stress on the week. Monday night Big Girl had pitching practice and martail arts. Tuesday, my parents came over to let me help them with some computer things. I took the kids to the dentist. All is well there. I went straight to Walmart for grocery pickup and sat there for nearly two hours. They were packed and everything was just taking forever. We ended up getting Chick-fil-a for lunch. The Big Kids had belt testing for martial arts. Wednesday was a normal day. Thursday, we went to my parent's house to help my mom decorate her Christmas tree. Friday and Saturday were pretty normal days. Last Sunday, we had fellowship meal and our church Christmas party. This past Monday was a normal day, and Big Girl had pitching practice again. Tuesday we spent the day with my parents, and the Big Kids had belt ceremony. They both passed to blue belts. We went out to Zaxby's after to celebrate their accomplishment. Wednesday was a normal school day. Wednesday night I made homemade hot chocolate and we drove around to look at Christmas lights. There's a downtown area not too far from us that does a lot of Christmas lights, so we got out and walked around downton. Thursday was finally had a home day. We did have martial arts that night. Friday, Little Boy had pajama day at school. And then we went to my parent's house to see my sister and her family for a little over an hour. Husband got pulled over for speeding on the way home. But thankfully he only got a warning. Saturday, we went to North Alabama to an annual Christmas family reunion. We had a good time there. I love December, but boy is there always a lot going on.

THE PAST TWO WEEKS

Monday 12/1: November 2025 EOM Wrap Up
Wednesday 12/3: Can't Wait for A Love Most Daring by Joanna Barker
Thursday 12/4: Review of Better Than the Movies (Better Than the Movies, # 1) by Lynn Painter
Wednesday 12/10: Can't Wait for The Night Bus by Tessa Bickers
Friday 12/12: Homeschool Friday - Courageous World Changers: 50 True Stories of Daring Women of God

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: November 2025 EOM Wrap Up
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait Wednesday?
Thursday: Review of Better Than the Movies (Better Than the Movies, # 1) by Lynn Painter
Friday: Homeschool Friday - Courageous World Changes

NEW BOOKS:

Firebird (The Fire that Binds, # 1)

By: Juliette Cross

Publication: April 8, 2025 by Bramble

400 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Dragons

Source: Personal Library

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--DELUXE EDITION—featuring beautiful original illustrated stenciled edges with a foil case stamp, and designed endpapers!

An instant New York Times bestseller!

House of the Dragon meets From Blood and Ash in this epic, scorching dark romantasy.

A conqueror captivated…
A witch prophesied to save them all…
An unforgiving world where dragons rule Rome.

Julian Dakkia, Roman general and nephew to the emperor, has played his role as conqueror well. Yet, the moment he laid eyes on Malina, he was enthralled by the Dacian dancer. Years later, the fierce beauty stands before him, a captive on a scarred battlefield, her life in danger. He instinctively shifts into his fierce dragon form to save her, an action that may mean his head on the imperial gate.

The rules of their world dictate that he is the conqueror and she is the captured. But he and his dragon know one thing: their bond has nothing to do with the laws of mighty Rome. She belongs to them. And they belong to her.

Fierce and powerful, twenty-one-year old Malina has survived the loss of her family and she is determined to fight until her dying breath. Still, she can’t believe that the centurion who had once bestowed a secret talisman on her is the Roman general of legendary brutality…and now holds her life in his hands. Nor can she deny how her soul has always seemed to answer his. Slowly she learns that Julian is caught in his mad uncle’s machinations for domination, and helps him plot the downfall of the empire itself.

As they navigate a world where flying deathriders conquer and burn, their love will ignite a firestorm that can only end in heartbreak or death. Or both.

Empire of Flame and Thorns (Flame and Thorns, # 1)

By: Marion Blackwood

Publication: October 21, 2024 by Black Dagger Publishing

366 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Dragons, Fae, Romantasy

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 fae rebel. A ruthless dragon commander.

And a deadly trial that will turn their lives upside down.

Trapped in the Seelie Court by a forest of thorns, Selena Hale lives at the mercy of the dragon shifters. Her only chance to gain her freedom is by entering the Atonement Trials: a deadly competition that pits fae magic users against each other. Only three people can win, and Selena intends to be one of them.

There is only one problem. Draven Ryat, the ruthless commander of the dragon shifter army, is determined to make her lose.

He symbolizes everything that she hates, and if he finds out that she is also a member of the secret fae rebellion, he will not only mess with her chances to win, he will kill her. But the more time she spends with him, the more she finds herself inexplicably drawn to him.

And nothing is more dangerous in a lethal trial than a distracted heart.

Especially one that beats for the enemy…

Spellcast (The Fire in the Sky, # 3)

By: Sophie Jordan

Expected Publication: July 28, 2026 by Avon

352 pages

Genre: Adult, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Dragons

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--New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan is back with an epic romantasy set in the world of A Fire in the Sky, about a girl on the hunt for the witch who cursed her, unaware of her own dormant power…waiting to emerge.

For ten long years, Arden has been invisible, trapped in her village by a spell she cannot break. She listens to friends chatter, watches her family grieve, but can never touch, speak, or be seen. Living like a ghost among those who’ve forgotten her, she dreams of vengeance against the witch who cursed her.

Until one fateful day, her village is devoured in flame, and everything changes.

From the wreckage rises a pride of dragons that can transform into humans. Their piercing eyes slice through her curse, and for the first time in a decade, Arden can be seen.

Swept off to the Crags by the enigmatic alpha dragon, Tage, Arden is forced into a world of fire and power, where danger lurks in every shadow. Though she plots her escape at every turn, Tage’s fiery intensity and undeniable magnetism spark an unwilling response in her.

But Arden’s fate is bound to a secret she has yet to uncover, a magic older and more perilous than she could ever imagine. With war on the horizon, Arden must decide whether to trust the dragon she swore to defy, harness the wild magic around her, or risk losing everything.

Sometimes all it takes to break a curse… is to cast another spell.

The Proposition of the Season

By: Michelle Kenney

Expected Publication: HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter

384 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

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--'How I love a story of sisters, and Michelle Kenney has conjured up four sparky modern-minded Fairfax girls. The dialogue is quick-fire, plot complex and satisfying, the men heroic and rich' Jane Dunn, Sunday Times bestselling author Perfect for Bridgerton and Jane Austen fans! Fall in love with your favourite new Regency series, with this third installment from the Fairfax family…

‘And you’ve come here today to read me a lecture in all my deplorable habits?’

‘No…’ she stalled, wracking her brain for inspiration and failing, ‘I’ve come here to ask you to marry me!’

After three disastrous seasons, bookish Josephine Fairfax believes that she is long past the age of finding her perfect fictional hero. But when her brother’s loathsome Monstrous Marriage Masterplan results in her youngest sister Matilda’s engagement to the vastly unsuitable Lord Huntingly, even she must draw the line.

Josephine may be the bluestocking sister, but she is still a Fairfax who will sacrifice anything for family, even proposing marriage to a man who may be the most dangerous gentleman in the ton…

Each book in the Fairfax Sisters series can be read as a standalone.

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!

Homeschool Friday - Courageous World Changers

Homeschool Friday is a feature here at Somewhere Only We Know that showcases books my family reads during homeschool and provides a mini-review/review for each.

Courageous World Changers: 50 True Stories of Daring Women of God

By: Shirley Raye Redmond

Publication: January 7, 2020 by Harvest Kids

112 pages

Genre: Children's, Biography, Non-fiction, Christian, History

Source: Personal Library

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--WINNER OF CHRISTIANITY TODAY'S 2021 BOOK AWARD FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH

Women of Fearless Faith

Meet women who have used their God-given talents to live out their faith to the fullest. They come from a variety of backgrounds, eras, and ethnicities, but each one has answered the Lord’s call on their life in bold and innovative ways.

Children of all ages will be inspired by the stories of These and the 45 other female spiritual role models featured in this book have made a profound impact on the world around them, and in many cases changed the course of history. Strong, smart, and sometimes outspoken, these women are tremendous examples of God’s love in action.

These inspiring profiles will captivate kids’ imaginations and encourage them to discover their own gifts and how they can use them to glorify God.

Courageous World Changers showcases 50 women throughout history (some still alive today) who have done amazing things in their lives, careers, missions, and the world for Christ. I liked that this list included historical figures that are quite well-known--a few of these people we've recently studied in school. But I also appreciate modern-day people still alive were featured because it reminds us that you don't have to be dead to be great. Or you might have the misconception that these important people only lived in the past. These stories remind us that anyone can be a world-changer.

Each person has a bio description of their past and their deeds for Christ and an illustrated portrait. I do wish for a photograph versus illustrations because that would have added to the idea that these were/are real people. But, some of these people may never have been photographed.

I don't remember needing to edit any theology, but I can't remember. I do have the most recently release: Courageous and Bold Bible Heroes: 50 True Stories of Daring Men and Women of God that we will read at the start of the next school year beginning in the fall.

Courageous World Changers is a great book to provide a summary of the lives of women who, throughout history, have made a big difference for Christ all over the world. This book will help inspire many that it's possible to make a difference for Christ today. Courageous World Changers gets 5 Stars. Have you read Courageous World Changers? What did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for The Night Bus

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

The Night Bus

By: Tessa Bickers

Expected Publication: May 19, 2026 by MIRA

320 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--One book. Two strangers. An unforgettable journey as they rewrite the ending.

Daisy Douglas has spent her life behind the at work, in her relationships, and now, in planning a wedding she isn’t sure she even wants. As an entertainment journalist, she can spot the start of a story a mile away. So when her routine 4 a.m. bus ride to the newsroom takes a surprising turn, she notices.

For months, the same man has boarded at the same stop, reading the same tattered copy of Virginia Woolf’s Orlando over and over as if his life depends on it. When a broken-down bus and a shared walk through the quiet early-morning London streets finally throws them together, Tom reveals the heartbreaking truth as to why he can’t be without his novel.

Determined to help him find the answer to the riddle hidden in its pages, Daisy joins Tom on his strange literary quest—one that leads them to places neither of them ever expected. But as their friendship deepens, she starts to wonder if what they’re both looking for might not be in the book after all.

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

Better Than the Movies - Review

Better Than the Movies (Better Than the Movies, # 1)

By: Lynn Painter

Publication: May 4, 2021 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

356 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Source: Borrowed from the e-library

( 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 this rom-com about rom-coms, in the spirit of Kasie West and Jenn Bennett, a hopeless romantic teen attempts to secure a happily-ever-after moment with her forever crush, but finds herself reluctantly drawn to the boy next door.

Perpetual daydreamer Liz Buxbaum gave her heart to Michael a long time ago. But her cool, aloof forever crush never really saw her before he moved away. Now that he’s back in town, Liz will do whatever it takes to get on his radar - and maybe snag him as a prom date - even befriend Wes Bennet.

The annoyingly attractive next-door neighbor might seem like a prime candidate for romantic-comedy fantasies, but Wes has only been a pain in Liz’s butt since they were kids. Pranks involving frogs and decapitated lawn gnomes do not a potential boyfriend make. Yet, somehow, Wes and Michael are hitting it off, which means Wes is Liz’s in.

But as Liz and Wes scheme to get Liz noticed by Michael so she can have her magical prom moment, she’s shocked to discover that she likes being around Wes. And as they continue to grow closer, she must reexamine everything she thought she knew about love - and rethink her own ideas of what happily ever after should look like.

Liz's mother died when she was in thr 5th grade. Her mother loved rom-com and shared that love with Liz. Liz dresses in the same way her mother used to. She loves music, specifically she creates soundtracks in her head. She loves finding the perfect song to match what's happening in her life. She's been looking for "the one" but she's only in high school. And to make matters worse, she is grieving her mother's absence with all of the senior events of the year. To be honest, Liz was a struggle for me in the beginning of the book. I find it hard to believe in all her vast movie knowledge that she wouldn't be familiar with the idea that forcing the perfect man is unrealistic and likely not going to work out in her favor. But, she romanticizes Michael who used to live down the street but moved to TX and has recently returned even though she doesnt exactly know him well anymore.

Wes was easy to adore. He's been pulling pranks on Liz and fighting with her over the parking spot in front of their houses as they are neighbors. His pranks were pretty epic. Liz recruits him to help her have a chance with their mutual friend Michael. Wes will talk her up to Michael and Wes will get the parking spot. Through their agreement the two begin to interact more frequently. They go to some events together and talk on the phone, etc. Through these interactions Liz begins to see that Wes isn't the evil bully she always believed him to be.

The amount of interruptions these kids constantly faced was comical in an annoying way. Just about any action that was about to happen or the story was going to progress, someone was getting vomited on, smacked in the face with a basketball, or some random person like a waiter or stepmom was going to interrupt.

Liz is also terrible at communication. For one, she keeps way too much to herself. For two, she was lying constantly throughout the book to many different characters, and her lies weren't even good or well thought out. For three, she waited for everyone else to open up to her before she addressed any conflict or her own desires. Thankfully, Wes is pretty good at reading her. And thankfully Joss (her best friend) and Helena (her stepmom) were not content to avoid conflict or all of Liz's relationships would have gone down the drain.

All of that said, once I got passed my initial frustrations with Liz, I really got sucked into the story. I read until 1 am one night which is so rare. It isn't unheard of for me, and I did regret it after my son woke up at 2 am, and then my brain wouldn't shut off to be able to sleep. But I stopped right about the time of the plot climax. I knew there wasnt enough time for me to wrap up all of the conflicts and get enough sleep to not be a crazy person the next day. So I forced myself to put it down.

Favorite quotes:

-“And you think that plotting and planning and trickery is no big deal if it’s done to spark some sort of true love?”

I mean really. It amazes me how many people think they can build solid relationships upon a foundation of deceit.

-But there I was, scant feet away from Wes and his knuckles, and I almost found his habit to be… endearing? Like, he kind of looked adorable when he smiled and cracked?

I liked this because it's true. Things that might have been annoying in others or even in our partners can become cute and endearing when we are in love.

-I couldn’t take it anymore. Prom is painful. You can either stand around with your friends and talk while wearing uncomfortable tuxedos, or you can dance to [crappy] music while your friends talk about you and think they’re funny. And so much planning and money goes into this one night, but there is no way the joy derived equals the effort. Absolutely no way.”

I never went to prom. But I agree with the statement. It seems like such a waste of money for many people to only be let down by the experience. I'm sure a lot of people do have good memories of their prom experiences.

-"I fell in love with teasing you in the second grade, when I first discovered that I could turn your cheeks pink with just a word. Then I fell in love with you.”

Better Than the Movies is a young adult book so there were no spicy scenes. Only on page kissing. Language was present, but no f-words that I can remember.

I really enjoyed the story and the growth. Of course, the end result made the beginning frustrations worth it. I cant wait to dive into the next book in the series. Better Than the Movies gets 4 Stars. Have you read Better Than the Movies ? What did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for A Love Most Daring

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

A Love Most Daring

By: Joanna Barker

Expected Publication: March 3, 2026 by Shadow Mountain

320 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Regency

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--From best-selling author Joanna Barker: Proper romance meets page-turning mystery in this captivating tale of danger, redemption, and love worth fighting for.

After years of whispered gossip and quiet exile in the countryside, Beatrice Lacey arrives in London determined to reclaim her life. But her resolve is shaken when she witnesses a horrific attack tied to a chilling high-profile murder case gripping the city.

Thrust into sudden danger, Beatrice finds herself under the reluctant protection of Alexander Rawlings—a brooding Bow Street officer with a guarded heart and a fierce sense of duty. Though it's clear he’d rather be chasing the killer than shielding a scandal-stained Society miss, their forced closeness begins to unravel his defenses. In the unnerving moments between danger and discovery, every sharp exchange and lingering glance fans a slow-burning connection—one neither of them expected and neither can resist.

With danger closing in and old wounds resurfacing, trust may be their only refuge—and love their most daring risk of all.

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

November 2025 EOM Wrap Up

I read 5 books (not including children's books).
The House Saphir by Marissa Meyer
We Who Will Die (Empire of Blood, # 1) by Stacia Stark
If You'll Have Me by Esther Hatch
The Duke's Sacred Vow (Brides of the Regency, # 1) by Isabel Jacobs
The Wicked and the Damned (Dark Inheritance Trilogy, # 2) by Rebecca Robinson

I have reviewed 5 books (not including mini reviews of children's books).
Against a Crescent Storm (The Balkan Legends, # 3) by AL Sowards
Lacey's Story by W. Bruce Cameron
Threaded Lies (Tangled Hearts, # 2) by K. Bromberg
Secret Nights and Northern Lights (A Fire in the Sky, # 2) by Sophie Jordan
The Marriage Method (The Crinoline Academy, # 2) by Mimi Matthews

Other Posts:
Sunday Post - 11/02/25
Sunday Post - 11/09/25
Sunday Post - 11/16/25
Sunday Post - 10/26/25
Ten Random Books On My TBR List
Can't Wait for The Last Page by Katie Holt
Can't Wait for Go and Do Likewise by John Hendrix
Can't Wait for Without a Clue by Melissa Ferguson
Homeschool Friday - Juniper's Christmas
Homeschool Friday - Jesus and the Lions' Den
September & October 2025 EOM Wrap Ups

Goals:
I'm a few days ahead in my Bible-in-a-year plan.
I've read 150 out of 75 books (including children's books).