Bargaining for the Barrister - Review

Bargaining for the Barrister

By: Anneka R. Walker

Publication: March 7th 2022 by Covenant Communications

240 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

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Goodreads description--Louisa Cox is tired of fortune hunters pursuing her dowry. So when Lady Kellen offers to help her find an eligible suitor, Louisa eagerly accepts and makes a list of what she wants in a husband. The man selected is barrister Paul Sheldon. He may be a complete stranger, but he has one thing in his favor: he is unaware of her fortune. What Louisa did not anticipate was his curious behavior—or being so attracted to him. When Paul catches wind of the matchmaking organization his mother and her friends are establishing, he pities the fellow who will be caught in their scheme—until he realizes he is to be their first victim. Horrified, Paul determines to thwart his mother’s plans by whatever means necessary. After meeting his intended, however, his increasing desire to be near her threatens to disrupt his convictions. Louisa is everything he could want in a wife, and when an unexpected adventure sets in motion the very plan he had determined to halt, he almost wishes his mother’s plot could succeed. But Paul harbors a secret and a past that make it impossible for him to give Louisa the life she deserves.

Louisa lost her parents in a carriage accident. They didn't die at the same time. Her mother did die actually in the accident, and then her father died several days later from injuries sustained in the accident. Her brother has taken over the responsibility of her father's business (a factory if I remember correctly). He has been very busy, and Louisa desires to remove the burden of taking care of her from him. Plus, she has been very lonely. It isn't as though she's had no suitors, but the ones who have come around are only interested in her fortune. Louisa takes matters into her own hands. She conspires with an old friend of her mother's to make an arranged match. She will travel to his family home at the request of his mother and will give him a month to see if the two will fit well together. Louisa strives her very best to put on a brave and happy face, and I loved that about her.

Despite being set to inherit enough so that he need not work, Paul is determined to make his own way. He's studied law and become a barrister. And he finds that he enjoys the work. But his mother thinks it's past time for him to marry. He also has a compassionate heart that can get him into trouble--financial trouble anyway. Paul reminds me so much of my dad. My Dad has always been willing to give his last dime to someone in need at the expense of himself. Paul does this a little begrudgingly. At least he's happy to help some children but resents the parents for putting him in the position. Paul doesn't feel he can marry until he is financially stable. He's seen too well what happens when people marry before being stable.

Seeing Paul and Louisa's feelings was easy as day. These two were a cinch to read. But I felt so bad for Louisa. One can only endure so much rejection and she continued down her course of action much longer than most, I believe. Ultimately, I enjoyed the journey even if I did feel sympathy for Louisa.

I'm hoping this is turned into a series so that we can read the side characters getting set up by some match-making mamas.

Favorite quotes:

-If this charitable side of him was a virtue, it was also his greatest weakness.

-"But a person never realizes how close heaven is until they lose someone."

-"I don't like how I feel right now. After striving so hard, I cannot feel proud of my decisions." "In my experience, we all reach that conclusion now and then in our lives. It's a horrid state of emotion. What do you propose to do?"

-"He would not want you to pretend away your hurt but to use it to sympathize with others and lift them as you have me."

Bargaining for the Barrister was a fun read that hit my mood to a tee. I enjoyed Paul and Louisa's journey even though my heart hurt for Louisa. I was proud of her perseverance. I would love to see this turned into a series that follows the side characters. Bargaining for the Barrister gets 4 Stars. Have you read Bargaining for the Barrister? What did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for Edward and Amelia

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.

Edward and Amelia

By: Karen Thornell

Expected Publication: June 6th 2022 by Covenant Communications

? pages

Genre: Historical Fiction, Adult

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

Goodreads description--The last thing Amelia Kennington wants is to participate in the London Season. But the daughter of a duke is not afforded such opinions. She must put forth a subdued facade, but beneath it is a well-hidden fire that surfaces only when provoked—such as when an overly familiar gentleman startles her and she falls into the Serpentine.

Edward Drayton, the Earl of Norwich, has gained a reputation as Society’s most decorated rake. And while there are benefits to such a reputation, it no longer gives him the satisfaction it once did. This Season, he plans to find a wife—except she seems to find him instead. And she is nothing like he expected.

Scandal is inevitable following Edward and Amelia’s ill-conceived meeting, forcing them to marry. Amelia’s disdain for this man she hardly knows is more than clear, and Edward’s pride is wounded before their marriage has even truly begun. Yet, against all odds, the two slowly let their guard down, discovering the truth of who they married. But when Society gossip, a sister’s jealousy, and long-held secrets threaten their budding relationship, the unlikely couple must determine if their unconventional love is strong enough to withstand the opposition they face.

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

11th Blog Anniversary Giveaway - Week 4

Somewhere Only We Know is 11 years old this month! I missed celebrating my 10th anniversary because I had a newborn last year. I wanted to do a big giveaway celebration for my 10th, but here we are to celebrate my 11th blogiversary! My favorite way to celebrate these anniversaries is by giving back to you guys. I'm happy to give away one (1) e-book of your choice up to $10 USD.

Also don't forget to check out my Giveaway Policy (open internationally as long as you can receive a book or gift card from Amazon.com).

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Sunday Post - 03/27/22

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.

Well this was spring break for us. Little Girl left Saturday a week ago to go to Tennessee with my parents. They went horseback riding, to a waterpark, zip lining, snow tubing, shopping, and ate all the goodies. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday I dropped the boys off at my mother-in-law's house while I got a couple of hours in at our house painting. We were supposed to have bad weather on Tuesday, but it ended up not being as bad as predicted. Thursday, I took the boys to the zoo. We had a great day. The weather was perfect. The zoo had a moderate crowd--more people than I expected but not terribly busy. We took our time and spent more time there than any of the other times we've taken the kids. After, I grabbed a shaved ice treat for myself and got Little Boy a strawberry sundae. Saturday, Little Girl and my parents got back from their trip. We also had a fellowship dinner Saturday night. There's still so much to be done at our house, but it looks like we'll be moving back home. I am so excited because ball games start this week.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: 11th Blog Anniversary Giveaway - Week 3
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Never Rescue a Rogue (The Merriwell Sisters, # 2) by Virginia Heath
Friday: 2022 Series Enders Reading Challenge - March Wrap Up

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: 11th Blog Anniversary Giveaway - Week 4
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday
Thursday: Review of Meet Me in the Margins by Melissa Ferguson

Don’t forget to link up for the 2022 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2022 to sign up. Each month there will be a giveaway for those participating with an end of the year giveaway too! Click on the picture below or the link above to find out more!

NEW BOOKS:

A Healer's Promise (Brides of Laurent, # 2)

By: Misty M Bellery

Expected Publication: May 1st 2022 by Bethany House Publishers

304 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

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

Goodreads description--Levi Masters's time as a British spy hasn't ended, though his country's war with America has. Overhearing a scout reveal a discovery that could give America an upper hand in future conflicts, Levi is sent to investigate. While trekking through the Canadian Rockies, he is convicted about his life of lies and half-truths. But just as he decides to embrace truth at any cost, warriors from a hidden mountain village take him captive.

Village healer Audrey Moreau is more curious than afraid of the outsider. And she's drawn to his commitment to honesty even at his own expense. But despite her arguments, the council decides he's too great a risk. Compelled to help him escape, she sneaks him out of the village. But when Levi faces a life-threatening injury and the fierce mountain winter closes in, Levi and Audrey are forced to discover just how far they'll go to ensure the safety of the other and the love growing between them.

In Honor's Defense (Hanger's Horsemen, # 3)

By: Karen Witemeyer

Expected Publication: June 7th 2022 by Bethany House Publishers

384 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

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

Goodreads description--Luke Davenport has been fighting all his life--for respect, for country, and most recently, for those unable to fight for themselves. But now that his Horsemen brothers are domesticated, he's left alone to battle the wildness within. When an opportunity arises to take a job on his own, he jumps at the chance.

Damaris Baxter has mastered the art of invisibility. Plain and quiet, she hides in books and needlework, content to be overlooked. Until her brother dies suddenly, leaving her custody of her nephew. She moves to Texas to care for Nate, determined to create the family for herself that she never thought she'd have.

When Nate stumbles into the path of the rustlers Luke is tracking, Luke acts to protect him and winds up gravely injured. Feeling indebted, Damaris nurses Luke back to health. But suspicions grow regarding the death of her brother. And the more questions they ask, the more danger appears, threatening the family Luke may be unable to live without.

Discovering Grace (Inglewood, # 2)

By: Sally Britton

Publication: August 13th 2019 by Blue Water Books

224 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Regency

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

Goodreads description--To avoid being sent across an ocean, Grace switches places with her sister. The only man aware of their deception? A dear friend, and her secret love.

Grace Everly has no desire to set sail for the Caribbean, unlike her adventurous twin sister, Hope. Thanks to her sister’s irresponsible behavior and subsequent banning from the journey, Grace’s father decides to send her in Hope’s place. Desperate to remain where things are familiar, Grace proposes an unthinkable plan: that she and sister switch places. They only have to keep up the act long enough for Hope to board a ship in London. When the man who has stolen Grace’s heart learns of their secret, things get more complicated.

Jacob Barnes, soon to be ordained a vicar, has known Grace and Hope his whole life. Though close to both sisters, he’s dreamed of courting Hope for months. When he realizes his friends have switched places, putting the woman he admires out of his reach, he agrees to help with the subterfuge despite his bruised heart. As he watches Grace stumble in her acting abilities, attempting to change who she is, he realizes how much she means to him. But how does he tell her, without risking their friendship?

The deception puts their relationship to the test. As Grace hides her heart and her identity, Jacob examines his feelings, and no one in their community will be happy when the truth is discovered.

Saving Miss Everly (Inglewood, # 3)

By: Sally Britton

Publication: November 3rd 2019 by Blue Water Books

274 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Regency

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

Goodreads description--Pretending she's her twin gets complicated when Hope is shipwrecked with a handsome castaway. When rescue comes, will she risk her heart to confess the truth or will they part forever?

Pretending to be her sister, Hope Everly finds an adventure at last. The Caribbean's warm waters and tropical islands fulfill nearly all her dreams. When an excursion to visit another island with a naturalist expedition is interrupted by a storm, Hope is stranded on a desert island where she and her fellow castaways are dependent on a handsome stranger for their survival.

Alejandro Córdoba, trapped and alone on the island long enough to give up all dreams of rescue, knows nothing of what has become of his war-torn homeland or his family. When he finds the beautiful Miss Everly washed up on the shore, along with her companions, he does not know if their arrival is a blessing or a curse.

Hope's behavior, acting one way with Alejandro and another with her friends, further confuses things when they begin to fall in love. If rescue ever comes, will telling Alejandro the truth mean losing him forever?

Engaging Sir Isaac (Inglewood, # 4)

By: Sally Britton

Publication: February 26th 2020 by Blue Water Books

280 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Regency

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

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

Goodreads description--She swore she would win the baronet’s heart in order to break it, never dreaming she would lose her own in the process. Millicent Wedgwood will never obtain her rightful place in Society, which means she will never have an advantageous reputation, marriage, or fortune. All because Millie's sister eloped years before. But there is a chance to rise above that disgrace if Millie will take part in a dare. If she can win the baronet who insulted Lady Olivia, and then shatter his heart, she will earn back her position in Society with Lady Olivia’s sponsorship.

Sir Isaac Fox returned from war with one less arm and a weight upon his soul. Where once he easily charmed Society, he now prefers to remain quietly alone at home. With a failing estate to manage, Isaac is determined to be more responsible and less foolhardy, which leaves no time for romance. Certainly no time for the infuriatingly enchanting Miss Wedgwood.

When Millie realizes her game has put her own heart in jeopardy, she risks losing everything she has so desperately sought to replace in her life. And though Isaac refuses Millie's advances, he cannot deny her charm. But falling for Miss Wedgwood would mean reentering society and losing the peace he has found since the war. Can they find a way to heal their hearts together? Or will Millie's deception ruin them both?

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!

2022 Series Enders Reading Challenge - March Wrap Up

Time for our Monthly Wrap Up for the 2022 Series Enders Reading Challenge hosted by Sandy @ Somewhere Only We Know and Holly @ Words Fueled by Love!

Sandy might have finished a series enders this month, but the author hasn't specified the series length yet.

Which series enders did you finish? Link the up below. Don't forget to include the title, your name, & your blog name (Ex: Requiem - Sandy @ Somewhere Only We Know) Also, the March giveaway runs from March 25th - April 25th. On April 25th we will use random.org and the linky entries to pull a grand prize winner.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter