Homeschool Friday - Caspian Crashes the Party

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.

Caspian Crashes the Party (Good News for Little Hearts)

Edited By: Edward T Welch

Illustrated By: Joe Hox

Publication: September 21, 2020 by New Growth Press

32 pages

Genre: Children's, Picture Books, Christian

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--This colorful, beautifully illustrated children's book invites children ages three through eight into Caspian Squirrel's world to learn alongside him how to bring his jealousy to Jesus.

Caspian's brother, Jax, is having a birthday party, and Caspian is jealous of all the attention and presents Jax is getting. One thing leads to another until Caspian crashes into the tent his parents set up for Jax's birthday, bringing the whole party down with him. Caspian's parents talk with him about jealousy and its bad effects, and eventually peace is restored.

Parents and children will learn concrete, grace-based ways to deal with jealousy. Edited by Edward T. Welch, Caspian Crashes the Party ends with a special section that guides Christian parents in teaching their children to respond with faith when jealousy takes hold in their hearts.

Caspian Crashes the Party is part of the Good News for Little Hearts series, bringing gospel help and biblical counsel to families. Based on CCEF's model of hope and help, each story focuses on an animal family's real-life issues, encouraging young readers toward a growing relationship with Jesus Christ in the midst of challenging circumstances. Each individual story guides parents toward meaningful conversations with their kids, based on what Christian scripture has to say about living by faith in everyday life.

By providing biblical help and hope to issues every child faces through vivid illustrations and a story based on a different animal family, even the youngest child will be engaged. Each story offers practical ways to follow Jesus in difficult situations. Instead of a moralistic message, young readers are encouraged to develop a real relationship with the God who cares for them.

Caspian Crashes the Party, along with all of the Good News for Little Hearts books, will become a lifelong gift for parents and children, as well as teachers, biblical counselors, and anyone hoping to provide concrete, grace-based help for young children. Caspian Crashes the Party is illustrated by Joe Hox and edited by Edward T. Welch

Good News for Little Hearts is a series that I absolutely adore. Caspian Crashes the Party is a book about being jealous. Jax is planning his birthday party. Caspian has already had a birthday party but it seems like his parents are doing more for his little brother's birthday party than they did for his. Everything about Jax's party Caspian compares to his. "I don't remember having this much stuff for my party." "I didn't have this many friends at my party." "My cake only had white icing with brown sprinkles." "I didn't get that many gifts..." And on and on he compared his party to his brother's, and in his mind, his party always came up short. Caspian even went so far as to unhook the air hose from the bounce house. Caspian's heart was hard. His father told him that he had no reason to be jealous and that he should apologize to his brother. But Caspian didn't want to apologize. And he didn't want to go to church.

But Caspian's ears perked up when the pastor talked about Paul knowing the secret to being content. Through hearing the message about Jesus's love being better than anything else, Caspian's heart softened, and he prayed to Jesus for help. The pastor went on to talk about how we can fight jealousy by running to God for help, or we can choose to hold tight to our anger and bitterness. "God helps us to love others and to want what's best for them." Caspian realized that he only wanted what was best for himself, not his brother. He asked for forgiveness and prayed for help to apologize to his brother.

Even though this book is only 32 pages, like many other children's books, the content is longer per page and opening. So it does feel like a much longer book when reading it. Of course, I couldn't find these books on AR Book Finder, which is the site I often use as a guide for reading level in my homeschool. So I can't guide you much on when your child might be able to read this book without you. I'd probably give it a Level 3 or Level 4 rating, just comparing it to some of the Berenstain Bears books in content. I love that the book starts with a Scripture where you often find a dedication. And then this book includes a large section for tips on helping your child with jealousy. My copy of the book also includes some "Back Pocket Bible Verses" intended to be torn out and carried around with the child or parent for quick Scriptural help in this topic. I also happen to love the illustration style. So often, I find with children's books that the illustrations aren't really to my liking, but I love these. Plus the hardcover copy with dust jacket that I have just feels like exceptional quality. The paper is thick and smooth. The binding is nice. The hardcover itself is great. And I love the patterned paper that covers the inside of the binding and opening.

I really and truly have zero complaints about Caspian Crashes the Party. I love everything from the story to the illustrations. I love the moral and the Scripture included in the text. And I love that everything in this story and book points back to Jesus. Caspian Crashes the Party gets 5 Stars. Have you or your child read Caspian Crashes the Party? If so, what did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for Seek the Traitor's Son

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.

Seek the Traitor's Son

By: Veronica Roth

Expected Publication: May 12, 2026 by Tor Books

432 pages

Genre: Adult, Dystopian, Fantasy, Science 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--A new epic romantic, dystopian fantasy begins in Seek the Traitor's Son, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth

Elegy Ahn did not ask for destiny to find her.

She is happy with her life as a soldier, defending her small country from the Talusar, a powerful nation who worships a deadly Fever. A fever that blesses half of its victims with mysterious gifts.

But then she’s summoned to hear a prophecy–her, and the most ruthless of Talusar generals, Rava Vidar. Brought face to face, they learn that one of them will lead their people to victory over the other…but they don’t know which. And at the center of both of their fates: a man. A man that, Elegy is told, she will fall in love with.

In just one day, Elegy’s old life–her job, her purpose, and her future–is over. She and Rava are destined to collide, with the fate of their nations hanging in the balance. And when they do, only one will be left standing.

Elegy intends to make sure it’s her.

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

The Wicked and the Damned - Review

The Wicked and the Damned (Dark Inheritance Trilogy, # 2)

By: Rebecca Robinson

Expected Publication: February 24, 2026 by Solstice Books

416 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Romance

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--In the exhilarating second romantasy novel in Rebecca Robinson’s Dark Inheritance Trilogy, a fiery couple forced apart must navigate a deadly maze of politics and power to reunite across a continent at war.

Torn from her husband Reid’s arms and dragged back to her homeland in chains, Vaasa is no longer a ruler, but a political pawn. Now under the control of Ozik—a cunning Zetyr witch with a stranglehold on her magic—she faces annulment, forced betrothal, and a kingdom that no longer feels like her own. As Ozik’s machinations aim to install himself as the true power behind the Asteryan throne, Vaasa is forced to take part in his game.

Meanwhile, across the continent, Reid is done playing politics. But waging war is never simple, and a soldier’s fury cannot stand up against Icruria’s bureaucracy. With allies fading and time slipping away, Reid may have no choice but to infiltrate Asterya on his own to find the woman he loves and bring her home.

As Vaasa’s magic begins to flare, she desperately seeks control, even if Ozik is the only one who can offer it. She then finds a cryptic final message from her mother about a precious missing necklace that might just be the answer to finally freeing her magic from Ozik. Yet when a ghost from Vaasa’s past reemerges among the suitors vying for her hand, escape might be within reach—but will it demand a betrayal that real love may not survive?

The Wicked and the Damned was one of my most anticipated books of 2025. I can't understand why I never hear anything about The Serpent and the Wolf because it was so much better than I was expecting. That being said, The Serpent and the Wolf ended on a negative cliffhanger. What I mean is that the characters we've grown to love weren't in a good place. As a matter of fact, Vaasa has been captured by her brother and taken back to her home to be used as a political pawn. She's to be married off...again...despite her current husband still being alive. Ozik seems to be running things, and he's as evil as she's ever thought. Vaasa is tired of being used by others. She's come into her own power, but she has to hide that power. As a matter of fact, Ozik has basically chained her power to himself. She can only use it when he gives her leave to do so.

In the meantime, the only man Vaasa has ever loved before Reid, who she thought was dead, is now the captain of her personal guard. Can Vaasa trust him?

Reid is on the way. He has to get Vaasa back. Yet, he can't just storm into the palace and demand his wife back. He'd be killed on the spot. He has to hide who he is and Vaasa's connection to him, all the while Ozik is trying to set her up in another political marriage. He can't let that happen.

My only highlighted quote:

-"All questions have answers, but not all of those answers are known."

I didn't feel like any of the twists or turns in the plot were a surprise. Mostly, I felt like I could see them all coming from a long way off. I read The Wicked and the Damned in two days, which isn't bad for 416 pages. I won't say that I was disappointed at all, but it can be hard for a book to live up to what you hope when it's one of your most anticipated releases of the year. I don't think the physical scenes were as frequent in this book, which is a pro for me. When the main characters are separated for a large portion of the book, it's hard to get around to those. Cursing was still very present and excessive enough for me to feel the need to mention it. Even still, The Wicked and the Damned gets 4 Stars. Have you read The Wicked and the Damned? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 02/15/26

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.

Whelp...ball season has officially started, and we are crazy busy for a while. Monday we had a regular school day. Big Girl had pitching practice. We had to leave early from that to go home and get Little Boy. Husband took Big Boy to martial arts. Then Little Boy and Big Girl went to the ball fields with me. Little Boy had evaluations and then Big Girl had a practice. Husband brought Big Boy to the fields and I left Big Girl's practice early with the boys and drove them to my parent's house. They spent the night there because Big Girl had a dentist appointment on Tuesday morning. So we go there earlish. She had to have 4 teeth pulled because the permanent teeth were coming in below her baby teeth but she hadn't gotten the baby teeth out yet. We were worried if we left them longer the permanent teeth might start to get cavities from food being trapped between them and her unable to get in there with her toothbrush. We then spent the day with my parents. I got groceries and then had to do school with Big Boy after that. Tuesday, Big Girl went off to martial arts with Daddy and the boys went to the fields for Big Boy to have evaluations. Wednesday was a normal school day, and Big Boy cashed in his reward for a mommy/son date for reaching his reading goal. We went to get frozen yogurt. Thursday, we met at the park with some friends. We haven't been to the park since November. We've just been too busy. The kids decided they wanted to spend allowance money on Chickfila for lunch so we grabbed that. Thursday evening the big kids had martial arts and then Big Boy had baseball practice. Friday, Little Boy had a Valentine's Day party at school. Big Girl had a ball practice. And it was a rough day with behavior for Big Boy. Thankfully, he and I ended up having a good conversation which I think it going to benefit us going forward. Saturday, Little Boy had a ball practice, but the field got double booked so we just spent the time in the batting cages and having a coach roll some grounders to them. Husband's sister and family were in town to celebrate Little Boy and my sister-in-law's birthdays. We had a great day.

THE PAST WEEK

Monday: Review of The Last Wish of Bristol Keats (The Courting of Bristol Keats, # 2) by Mary E Pearson (4.5 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for A Bewildered Bachelor (The Gentlemen's Gamble, # ?) by Holli Jo Monroe
Friday: Homeschool Friday - The God Contest by Carl Laferton

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Reivew of The Wicked and the Damned (Dark Inheritance Trilogy, # 2) by Rebecca Robinson
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday
Friday: Homeschool Friday - Caspian Crashes the Party

NEW BOOKS:

Divine Rivals (Letters of Enchantment, # 1)

By: Rebecca Ross

Publication: April 4, 2023 by Wednesday Books

368 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--After centuries of sleep, the gods are warring again…

All eighteen-year-old Iris Winnow wants to do is hold her family together. With a brother on the frontline forced to fight on behalf of the Gods now missing from the frontline and a mother drowning her sorrows, Iris’s best bet is winning the columnist promotion at the Oath Gazette.

But when Iris’s letters to her brother fall into the wrong hands – that of the handsome but cold Roman Kitt, her rival at the paper – an unlikely magical connection forms.

Expelled into the middle of a mystical war, magical typewriters in tow, can their bond withstand the fight for the fate of mankind and, most importantly, love?

An epic enemies-to-lovers fantasy novel filled with hope and heartbreak, and the unparalleled power of love.

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 God Contest

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 God Contest (Tales that Tell the Truth)

By: Carl Laferton

Illustrated By: Catalina Echeverri

Publication: January 1, 2021 by The Good Book Company

32 pages

Genre: Children's, Picture Books, Christian, Non-fiction

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--Teach children about two extraordinary events in history when the God of the Bible proved himself to be the one true God.

Kids today are faced with a huge range of different views on who God is (or isn’t). How can they be sure who’s got it right?

This beautifully illustrated hardback storybook for children aged 3-6 is written by the team behind The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross. It retells two extraordinary events in history when the God of the Bible proved himself to be the one true God.

First it takes children back to Elijah’s time and the gripping “God contest” between the God of the Bible, Yahweh, and the false god Baal. Then it fast-forwards to a different mountain and another “God contest” at an empty tomb.

Once the evidence is examined, it invites kids, in a world of so many options, to decide with confidence to join Team Jesus.

The God Contest tells the story of 1 Kings 18:16-40, where Elijah challenged the priests of Baal to a "God contest" on Mount Carmel. It starts in a way that kids can relate to by showing various kinds of contests someone might participate in. Then we have a little backstory about Ahab and Jezebel who worshiped Baal. And then in contrast we have Elijah who knew that Yahweh was the real God. Then it goes into the details of the God Contest that Elijah set up.

If you aren't familiar with the story, Elijah set up an equal opportunity contest where the followers of Baal could chop some wood and build an altar to Baal. And he would do the same but for Yahweh. Then they would call on their God and see which one could set the altar on fire. Team Baal went first with 450 people shouting and crying out to Baal. They danced, and yet nothing happened. Elijah made jokes like "Maybe he's on the toilet." (My kids thought that was particularly funny.) "Maybe he's asleep." Nothing happened.

Then it was Elijah's turn. And he dug a trench and had water poured on the altar until the altar, the wood, and the trench were filled with water, and everything was wet. Then Elijah prayed to Yahweh and asked Him to make the answer clear to all the people that He is the only real God. And fire came down from heaven and consumed the bull, the wood, and the water. Yahweh had won the contest.

King Ahab and Queen Jezebel didn't like that and decided to keep on following Baal anyway. For hundreds of years, not many people followed Yahweh. And now the authors of The God Contest point out that it was time for another God contest. This time God did something even more amazing. He didn't send fire. He sent a human. Jesus. And they go on to show how Jesus claimed to be Yahweh. He showed he was Yahweh through His miracles. And yet people weren't sure. So Jesus explained the rules of a new God contest. He will come back to life after He has died. And so Jesus let people kill Him, bury Him, and for three days...nothing. But then Jesus rose back to life. The God contest was over. Now lots of people know Jesus as the real God, the only God. And everyone has to make up their minds. Will you join Team Jesus?

I absolutely love the way the authors break these stories into easy to understand concepts for kids. And more than anything, I love the connection back to Jesus, because it is all about Him anyway. I love the comparison and contrast between God answering Elijah with the fire and with Jesus's life. Those two pages were great. I love the note added in on page 4 about the name Yahweh. I love the Tales that Tell the Truth note at the end of the book that tells about where the facts of this story come from. So many wins for this book and this series. I can give The God Contest no less than 5 Stars. Have you or your child read The God Contest? What did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for A Bewildered Bachelor

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 Bewildered Bachelor (The Gentlemen's Gamble, # ?)

By: Holli Jo Monroe

Expected Publication: March 19, 2026 by Brillig Press

? 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--The bet was simple. The plan was perfect. The result was bewildering.

Meticulous Ambrose Hartley had every step of his courtship mapped out—until the outspoken, utterly unpredictable Susanna Fenton returned to his life.

It turns out the one thing he didn't plan for was love.

Seven Gentlemen. One Reckless Wager. A Fortune in Play—and Their Hearts on the Line.

***The Gentlemen's Gamble is a series about seven men racing to the altar in order to avoid losing a wager. Starting January, the books will release in an unannounced order to keep the loser of the wager a surprise.

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

The Last Wish of Bristol Keats - Review

The Last Wish of Bristol Keats (The Courting of Bristol Keats, # 2)

By: Mary E Pearson

Publication: November 13, 2025 by Tor

480 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Fae

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--Everyone needs something to hold onto, even if it’s a lie.

After Bristol Keats nearly loses her beloved King Tyghan to the monsters her mother had unleashed, their love deepens to a whole new level. Together, Bristol and Tyghan work to understand and reconcile their differences, moving forward with their common goal of saving Elphame. But when a daring rescue attempt turns into a disaster, and a beloved knight dies, Bristol is forced to confront the fact that her mother is more powerful than she could have ever imagined—and more dangerous. Meanwhile, Tyghan’s heart is laid bare when he encounters his former best friend and betrayer again, Bristol's own father, and must wrestle with a new secret that throws everything he thought he knew about his past into question.

Bristol is Elphame’s last chance for survival, but where do her loyalties truly lie? If she fully embraces the magic that has always been her birthright, she could become a different kind of monster from her mother. Is she willing to risk losing the people she loves most, if it means keeping them safe?

Brimming with dark secrets, lush world-building, and addictive romance, The Last Wish of Bristol Keats is the unforgettable conclusion to New York Times bestselling author Mary E. Pearson's first adult series.

The Courting of Bristol Keats was such an enjoyable book for me in 2024. I feel like it has been overlooked because I don't remember hearing anything about it when it released or at all this past year. But Mary E Pearson has written some really great books, in my opinion. I knew I would want to continue the series.

Bristol has been through a lot. In the previous book, almost everyone in her life has lied to her and betrayed her. Her parents have kept so many secrets from her. For one, her mother is fae. And considered evil among the fae. Her father betrayed his best friend for his wife. They escaped to the mortal world and have been bouncing around in hiding ever since, constantly looking over their shoulders. Bristol's mother and father both returned to the fae world separately. I can't remember exactly why she did, probably got caught somehow by the bad guy who has been using her. And Bristol's father left to search for her. The girls, Bristol and her sisters, thought he was dead. Bristol is apparently half fae. Why the other two sisters aren't also is beyond me. I guess they didn't inherit any power, even if they are technically half fae. Bristol goes to the fae world searching for her father, but meets Tyghan and his kingdom. She falls in love with Tyghan, but he's been keeping some secrets from her, too. He needs her help to close a portal, oh, and he's the best friend that her father betrayed. Side note, the guy she was sleeping with/dating back in the mortal world who also kind of ghosted her is a bad dude trying to take over the fae world, also controlling her mother, and also probably has or did sleep with her mother. Gross!

So to say that Bristol isn't in the best place is an understatement. Especially because she recovers fairly well in this book. She and Tyghan decide that what they have is worth fighting for. And they decide to put in the work. I really appreciated their relationship because it showed that, on one hand, relationships take a lot to make them work, forgiveness being key, but on the other hand, it showed that sometimes we just have to decide that we're going to stay and work it out with the one we love.

Bristol has even more going on. Her parents placed a magical parasite on her to dampen her powers when she was very young. And it's kept her powers in check, but it's been there for so long that removing it might kill her. Yet she will never be able to close the portal she needs to do with it still there.

There were many side stories woven together perfectly. Mary E Pearson did a wonderful job tying all the loose ends up nicely. I had a few questions about things and a few pieces I didn't absolutely love about the ending, but in the end, I was happy with how everything worked out.

I listened to The Last Wish of Bristol Keats on audio so that means I don't have any quotes saved to share with you. The narrator, Brittany Pressley, did a wonderful job. I never got pulled out of the story due to narration, and that's huge for me.

The Last Wish of Bristol Keats was very well done, and I hope to see it on more lists and recommendations through the upcoming year. I'll be giving it 4.5 Stars. Have you read or listened to The Last Wish of Bristol Keats? What did you think? Let me know!

PS, I wouldn't mind a spin off since I enjoyed this world so much and many of the side characters would make delicious options to delve more into.

Sunday Post - 02/08/26

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 pretty normal day. I ended up keeping Little Boy home from school to just give him a little extra time to get well. Monday evening, Big Girl had pitching practice, and then both big kids went to martial arts. Tuesday, we went to my parents. I had a dentist appointment. All went well there. After my parents, I did my grocery pickup. Tuesday evening, Big Girl had softball evaluations for rec league. Wednesday, Little Boy was back to school. Wednesday afternoon, one of the coaches from evaluations called and asked us if we'd be interested in Big Girl joining a travel ball team. We are not currently interested in travel ball, but it was an honor to be asked. Thursday, the big kids had their first homeschool class with their new group. That went great. They both had a really good time, and it was exciting to see other kids from both our co-op last year and from martial arts. Thursday after lunch we had several errands. We dropped by my parents' house to give my mom her birthday present that finally arrived. Then we went by Five Below. I had to buy a hoola hoop for Big Girl to use for a pitching drill. The kids wanted to spend some allowance money so we ended up stopping by Target. Then we came home. Thursday evening the big kids had martial arts. Friday was a pretty normal day. We didn't have any errands or extra curriculars. Saturday, Big Girl had a softball camp at the local high school. And I worked on mopping and cleaning the house. We even moved the couches and pulled the rug up to clean under there. This week will be even busier than normal. We are hoping to get a belt testing date soon for martial arts. Overlapping sports is always A LOT! But, sometimes we have to choose overlapping a couple of week or taking a couple of month entirely off. Neither is wrong. I have been reading a good bit, and I've already been blowing through some audiobook this year. But man, I am so far behind on writing book reviews which has become normal over the past several years.

THE PAST WEEK

Monday: Review of If You'll Have Me by Esther Hatch (4 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for An Honorable Love (The Gentlemen's Gamble, # ?) by Audra Wells
Friday: Homeschool Friday - A Tiger in the Tall Grass (Animal Adventures) by Heather Horn

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Reivew of The Last Wish of Bristol Keats (The Courting of Bristol Keats, # 2) by Mary E Pearson
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday
Friday: Homeschool Friday - The Friend Who Forgives

NEW BOOKS:

A Foolish Proposal (The Gentlemen's Gamble, # ?)

By: Kasey Stockton

Publication: February 5, 2026 by Golden Owl Press

256 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--One careless remark. One outrageous proposal. One Season to discover love where they least expect it.

Caroline Whitby needs a husband. Unfortunately, her charmingly infuriating neighbor Tristan Shepherd just ruined her best prospect—and then had the audacity to propose himself. If only she didn’t despise him and his insufferably flirtatious grin.

***The Gentlemen's Gamble is a series about seven men racing to the altar in order to avoid losing a wager. Starting January, the books will release in surprise order so as not to give away who the final bachelor and loser of the wager is.

A Deal with a Debutante (London's Most Eligible, # 1)

By: Chelsea Bobulski

Expected Publication: April 7, 2026 by Haven

304 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--She’s running from London’s marriage mart. He’s running out of time to save his estate. Neither planned on falling in love—but their hearts have other plans.

American heiress Calliope Hart is thrust into London’s high society against her will, all because her mother is determined to marry her off to an aristocrat. Despite being named “the debutante of the season” back in New York, Calliope wants nothing more than to avoid becoming another pawn in the social game.

Edward Chase, the Earl of Hayward, is on the brink of financial ruin. To save his estate, he must marry, and Calliope Hart is his last hope. When he boldly declares his intentions, she swiftly rejects him, making it clear she has no interest in marrying for convenience. Undeterred, Edward offers a deal: He will escort Calliope to all the best sights of London that she’s been dying to see if she agrees to visit his estate and consider what they could accomplish together.

What begins as a business arrangement soon sparks something much more complicated—an undeniable chemistry neither can ignore. But as their hearts begin to soften, both must confront their fears: Can Calliope trust Edward with her heart, and can Edward truly win her love when she’s convinced he only wants her fortune?

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 - A Tiger in the Tall Grass

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.

A Tiger in the Tall Grass (Animal Adventures)

By: Heather Horn

Illustrated By: Victoria Skakandi

Publication: January 1, 2024 by The Good and the Beautiful, Level-2

68 pages

Genre: Children's, Picture Book, Christian, Educational, Early Chapter Book

Source: Personal Library

( Goodreads | The Good and the Beautiful )

*Note: The above link to The Good and the Beautiful is not an affiliate links.

Goodreads description--Adventure is always a step away for young tiger cubs Kash, Reva, and Lata. Their curiosity keeps their mother, Tara, on her feet! What will the cubs discover as they explore the tall grass, splash in the water, and wander a little too far from their mother? Follow the tiger cubs as they escape danger and learn to hunt in the tall grasses of India.

A Tiger in the Tall Grass is listed as a Level-2A reader by The Good and the Beautiful. We get a lot of homeschool curriculum and books from The Good and the Beautiful. My seven-year-old son is a reluctant reader. He can read, but I'm pretty sure he has ADHD and is easily distracted while reading. He is always easily overwhelmed when he sees either a lot of words on one page or many pages in between his starting and stopping point. So I love that this is a chapter book. Early chapter books for this reading level get the child accustomed to reading in chapters without feeling like he has to complete the entire book. A Tiger in the Tall Grass also has pictures included for every page or opening.

A Tiger in the Tall Grass is an informational book that follows a female tiger who gives birth to cubs and her journey to raise her cubs. The tigers are given names, so in that way it is a fictional story. But it focuses more on the life of a tiger and not just a fictional story. The goal of the book is to present information about tigers in a way that kids will easily absorb and be interested in the story.

One complaint that I had is that the tiger names were probably chosen so as to be authentic to cultural names that might be used in the area where tigers naturally inhabit. This is a guess on my part, but the names were ones that could have been interpreted with more than one pronunciation. I would prefer names with more clear-cut pronunciations when dealing with early readers. I'm not even sure if Reva is Re-va or Rev-a. Tara and Lata are the same.

Now for our personal experience while reading this book: My son was fine with starting the book, but he put it down for a week or so, and when I basically forced him to finish it, he wasn't happy about it. I don't know if that's the book's fault or because my son has some oppositional behaviors and doesn't like being forced to do anything.

A Tiger in the Tall Grass was a good level-2 chapter reader. It's educational while also presenting information about tigers in a story format. My son wasn't happy about finishing this book, but I don't imagine he'll enjoy every book he reads. He mostly doesn't enjoy reading at this stage. From my perspective, A Tiger in the Tall Grass gets 4 Stars. Have you or your child read A Tiger in the Tall Grass? What did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for An Honorable Love

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

An Honorable Love (The Gentlemen's Gamble, # ?)

By: Audra Wells

Expected Publication: March 19, 2026

? 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--One grump. One thief. One highly-questionable adventure.

Leonard Stanton has perfected the art of being alone. He keeps to the edges of ballrooms, and society, whenever possible. But when a priceless family heirloom is stolen off his very person, he finds himself dragged into the one thing he hates most—a social entanglement.

Enter Miss Honora Gillingham. Vexingly cheerful, utterly unpredictable, and the last person Leonard should trust. Mostly because . . . she’s the one who stole from him.

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

If You'll Have Me - Review

If You'll Have Me

By: Esther Hatch

Expected Publication: February 3, 2026 by Shadow Mountain Publishing

320 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--A lady desperately seeking freedom. A prosperous younger man. An unexpected connection.

Anna Atwood returns to Breckenridge, where she spent one blissful summer as a young woman. This time, though, she comes to the quaint town as a penniless spinster with a single hope: to build a life free from the constraints her father’s death put on her and free from the persistent suitor Mr. Green, whose plans for marriage are Anna’s worst nightmare. When she runs into David Tate, the boy she knew from that memorable summer, she finds he has grown into a confident and striking man. As they rekindle their friendship, David offers her warmth and protection in the moment she needs it most—when Mr. Green appears in town and threatens to destroy Anna’s carefully laid plans.

David Tate remembers Anna as the spirited woman who once brought light into his dark childhood. Now a man of means, he has a promising future, if he can withstand the powerful Lord Murphy—a man whose menacing hold on the town he owns is surpassed only by his relentless hold on David’s life. When David meets Anna again, he realizes he has a chance to save her from Mr. Green’s schemes, even if it means putting David in danger of Lord Murphy’s wrath and revealing David’s deepest secrets.

In a moment of desperation, David and Anna agree to a proposal of convenience to provide the safety they both need. But as their attraction ignites, the looming dangers from Lord Murphy and Mr. Green threaten to destroy their budding happiness.

Esther Hatch is an auto-read author for me. I have loved every book I've read by her. And this one was no different.

Anna and her mother are in trouble. Her father passed and her relations have decided that they will no longer support Anna and her mother. But they just need a little over a year for Anna to be able to access her inheritance. Anna convinces her mother to return to Breckenridge where they spent one summer when Anna was seventeen. Some friends they made have a cottage that Anna and her mother can stay at, but only for two weeks because they have already rented it. Anna's only other option is to marry a man who is twice her age and as sleazy as they come.

However, their first day back, Anna runs into David who used to follow Anna around that summer. David is three years younger than Anna which isn't typical in historical fiction. David kept his family a secret from Anna back then. His father is Lord Murphy and is quite abusive. As adults, David and his sister Julia are mostly left alone at the family's country estate due to the sacrifice of their older brother, Griffin. David has been in love with Anna since he was fourteen. He had no idea if he would ever see her again though.

When the awful man pursuing Anna's hand shows up to a dinner, David takes matters into his own hands and declares that Anna can't marry Mr. Green because she is engaged to him. The two intend to call off their engagement in time because David has no plans to ever marry. This was a little confusing to me. He was obviously enamored with Anna from the start. So why go through so much trouble to "enjoy their engagement" when that would only leave him with the inevitable broken heart in the end. Yet I suppose he was just so thankful to get to have these moments with Anna that he never dreamed he would actually get.

The aspects involving Lord Murphy felt alittle unrealistic. A little too dramatic. But real life can definitely be stranger than fiction.And I appreciated this book touching on the idea of a member of the peerage being abusive. Obviously, that part could have been real.

Anna and David were such a great couple. And my heart broke for David and his siblings. I am interested to see if Esther Hatch will pursue stories for the side characters, Julia especially, but Griffin also.

Favorite quotes:

-"You see, if I were to fall from this branch right now—” I grabbed her arm. “Please don’t. David would be extremely disappointed in me if I allowed that.” “But if it were to happen—” I tightened my hold. “It won’t.” She narrowed one eye at me as if she simply wanted to finish her sentence. “The point is, I wouldn’t be sad for the climb, even if I fell. Even if I were in pain for days afterward.” ... “Here’s to the climb, then.”

-I’d thought losing my father had been excruciating, but having a father like mine— even if I’d had to lose him— had made my life a paradise compared to David’s.

If You'll Have Me is a semi-marriage of convenience--which is one of my favorite tropes. I rooted for Anna and David. I really liked that Anna was the one to be vulnerable first. As someone who was terrified of that in my life, I can respect it in others. If You'll Have Me gets 4 Stars. Have you read If You'll Have Me? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 02/01/26

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.

This was a pretty good week, but I was all off in my days. Monday, we didn't have any snow like most of the country seemed to. But school did start late, so I was late dropping Little Boy off at school which put everything else late. We switched pitching practice with martial arts, so the Big Kids had martial arts Monday night. Tuesday, the Big Kids had wellness checkups at the doctor's office. All of that went well. My dad had a colonoscopy too so we didn't go by my parents' house. I grabbed my groceries and Chickfila for lunch. Tuesday evening, Big Girl had pitching practice. The other girls that are normally in her session called out so she had it by herself which was good to zone in on some bad habits she needs to fix. Wednesday was finally a normal day. I did have to go by the pharmacy and bank. Not much to report there except Little Boy came home from school with a cough. Thursday, I made sourdough and Big Girl baked and decorated a cake for Saturday. The kids played so well together all day. It was one of those days where I thought to myself how much I love and am thankful for this life with them. Big Kids had martial arts Thursday night. I ended up keeping Little Boy home from school on Friday. He wasn't worse, but with COVID and flu going around, I didn't want to risk him getting worse or picking up something extra. Friday, was an up and down day with school. The Big Kids had to dissect owl pellets which was cool and fun. But Big Boy decided to put school work off to the afternoon, and then his brain was struggling to focus. Or maybe it was just a struggle bus all day. I don't know, but it was no fun. Saturday, we celebrated my mom and Little Boy's birthdays. Saturday was my mom's actual birthday.

THE PAST WEEK

Monday: Review of We Met Like This by Kasie West (4.5 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for An Accidental Marriage (The Gentlemen's Gamble, # ?) by Deborah M Hathaway
Thursday: Review of Nothing Like the Movies (Better Than the Movies, # 2) by Lynn Painter (3.5 Stars)
Friday: Homeschool Friday - The Garden, the Curtain, and the Cross

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Reivew of If You'll Have Me by Esther Hatch
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday
Friday: Homeschool Friday - The Friend Who Forgives

NEW BOOKS:

Pride Comes Before a Fall (Miss Prentice's Protegees, # 3)

By: Virginia Heath

Expected Publication: July 28, 2026 by St. Martin's Griffin

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--In the third installment of this witty Regency romcom series, a headstrong chaperone is torn between following her rigid principles or her heart

Despite his many responsibilities, there is nothing Leopold Sloane, the 11th Duke of Debden, takes more seriously than the safety of those he loves. When one of his sisters is injured at a protest rally, he drags his family to Bath for the summer to keep his reckless and rebellious siblings out of harm’s way. The only flaw in his plan is his overwhelming but inexplicable attraction to the new chaperone he has hired to watch out for them. An outspoken conundrum of a woman who soon causes him more trouble than both his sisters combined...but who calls to his soul regardless.

From the moment Portia Kendall read her first revolutionary pamphlet beneath her bedcovers at Miss Prentice’s School for Girls, she realized that her true calling was to make the world a fairer place for the masses downtrodden by the aristocracy. A calling that led her to Equitas, a radical newspaper that champions reform. But as Portia discovers, writing doesn’t pay the bills. To make a living, she must push aside her principles and serve the very people she criticizes weekly in her column. A temporary position as a chaperone in the home of a pompous duke seems like the perfect way to earn enough to follow her heart. Unfortunately, the duke who hires her seems to be more dashing and noble than pompous and soon begins to call to her heart too—as much as she tries to deny it. But dare she risk her principles for love or will her pride always come before a fall?

The Best I Never Had

By: Amy Buchanana

Expected Publication: August 18, 2026 by St. Martin's Griffin

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--They staged a romance, faked a breakup, and this time around, anything can happen—even something real.

Thea Pappas has always been the storm in her own life—fiery and unpredictable—traits that led her and her younger sister, Addy, through a series of foster homes. But with Addy's whirlwind engagement, Thea is determined to be the perfect maid of honor, even if she finds it odd that she hadn't heard of the fiancé until the ring was on Addy's finger. She believes she can survive a week in the Blue Ridge Mountains with a group of strangers without causing any trouble.

But upon arrival, Thea realizes these aren't strangers. Among the familiar faces is Owen Hayes—the man who, three years ago, paid her to pretend to be his girlfriend at a family wedding. Now, he's looking at her with the same panicked expression.

Owen's life has always been about control—managing his mother's matchmaking schemes, his family's expectations, and the career path he never truly chose. Thea was his one rebellion, a beautiful lie that ended with a "heart-destroying" fake breakup. Now, with his younger brother's wedding underway and his mother on the prowl, Owen begs Thea to reprise their roles. One week. Same fake breakup. No feelings.

But as old sparks reignite and the lines between pretense and reality blur, Thea and Owen will have to choose: carry on their greatest performance yet or admit the truth—that it was never fake at all.

Forever is the Sweetest Con

By: Joanna Thurlow

Expected Publication: June 16, 2026 by Sugar Shack Books

292 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--Cleo Des Rochelles doesn’t believe in love—not after being swindled by her ex and left to repay his debts or risk losing her home and her mother’s safety. Desperate for cash, she signs up for Camp Couple-Up, a reality dating show with a $250k prize.

But instead of a glamorous retreat, Cleo finds herself in the wilds of Canada’s Northern Ontario, scrubbing toilets and faking romance with Kei, a charming musician with lofty dreams of stardom. Their pact is play pretend, win big, and never catch feelings.

Then the crew vanishes. With no food, no phones, and no refill of Kei’s insulin, the stakes skyrocket from love and money to sheer survival. As danger closes in, Cleo discovers a strength she never knew she had—and a love too real to fake.

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!