Sunday Post & Stacking the Shelves - 08/11/19

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.

Wow! We're coming up on mid-August, and I'll probably be saying that I can't believe we're so far into the year for the entire rest of the year. But seriously. Monday and Tuesday were pretty normal days around here. Wednesday, Little Girl started Mother's Day Out back up. She'll be going 3 days a week (half days) this year instead of 2 like last year. That's because her age group only had the option of 3 days or 5 days a week and I just didn't want her going 5 days. She had a blast, and I can tell that this year is going to be more structured. Thursday, Husband had Lasik so I went with him to that while Grammy had the kids. He had to take a nap when he got home (doctor's orders), and so I took that opportunity to read. Friday we had a ton of running around to do. I dropped Little Girl off at school. Then Little Boy and I came home and went for a walk. We got into the swimming pool after that. When we got out of the swimming pool, we went to meet my aunt at a local flea market because she has a booth there and has agreed to try to sell a few things for me. Then we headed back to school to get Little Girl. Then we went to the salon for the kids to get haircuts. Finally home for lunch and nap. Saturday was a normal day except that Husband has been banned from doing yard work for a couple of weeks so his eyes can heal. The kids loved having him more available to them.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of Just in Case You Ever Wonder by Max Lucado (5 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for 10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of With this Pledge (Carnton, # 1) by Tamera Alexander
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday

Don’t forget to link up for the 2019 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2019 to sing 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!

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

Never Have I Ever

By: Lauren Blakely

Narrated By: Amanda Ronconi & Jason Clarke

Expected Publication: July 30th 2019 by Audible Studios

Genre: Adult, Contemporary

Source: Publisher (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--What happens when two frenemies can't stop pushing each other's buttons? Find out in this tender, laugh-out-loud funny romance from number-one New York Times best-selling author Lauren Blakely, available in audio first!

Never Have I Ever been so infuriated by a man I wanted to kiss.

They say opposites attract, but I beg to differ. Combust is more like it. Because every single time I talk to Zach Nolan, I see red.

The too-good-looking, too-smart, too-effortlessly-charming single dad who works down the hall from me has turned getting under my skin into a sport. Call it the battle of wits between the wedding planner and the divorce attorney. Trouble is, when we’re forced into closer quarters, planning an engagement party for our best friends, I start to see his other sides.

And I fear I’m falling for the enemy.

***

I’m not out to make friends. My goals are simple -- fight till the end for my clients, and my family. The last thing I need is a vibrant, outgoing, snarky, and surprisingly big-hearted wedding planner to spend my precious free time with…except, watching Piper bond with my daughter just might break down the cinder block walls I’ve built around my heart these last few years. Second chances don’t come around for guys like me…or do they?

Aiming for Love (Brides of Hope Mountain, # 1)

By: Mary Connealy

Expected Publication: October 1st 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

320 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

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

Goodreads description--Josephine Nordegren is one of three sisters who grew up nearly wild in southwestern Colorado. She has the archery skills of Robin Hood and the curiosity of the Little Mermaid, fascinated by but locked away from the forbidden outside world--a world she's been raised to believe killed her parents. When David Warden, a rancher, brings in a herd much too close to the girls' secret home, her older sister especially is frightened, but Jo is too interested to stay away.

David's parents follow soon on his heels, escaping bandits at their ranch. David's father is wounded and needs shelter. Josephine and her sisters have the only cabin on the mountain. Do they risk stepping into the world to help those in need? Or do they remain separated but safe in the peaks of Hope Mountain?

Hope's Highest Mountain (Hearts of Montana, # 1)

By: Misty M. Beller

Expected Publication: October 1st 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

336 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

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

Goodreads description--Ingrid Chastain readily agreed to accompany her father to deliver vaccines to a mining town in the Montana Territory. She never could have anticipated a terrible accident would leave her alone and badly injured in the wilderness. When rescue comes in the form of a mysterious mountain man who tends her injuries, she's hesitant to put her trust in this quiet man who seems to have his own wounds.

Micah Bradley left his work as a doctor after unintentionally bringing home the smallpox disease that killed his wife and daughter. But his self-imposed solitude in the wilds of Montana is broken when he finds Ingrid in desperate need of medical attention, and he's forced to face his regret and call on his doctoring skills once again.

Micah can't help but admire Ingrid's tenacious determination despite the severity of her injuries, until he learns the crate she brought contains smallpox vaccines to help quell a nearby outbreak. With Ingrid dead set on trekking through the mountains to deliver the medicine--with or without his help--he has no choice but to accompany her. As they set off through the treacherous, snow-covered Rocky Mountains against all odds, the journey ahead will change their lives more than they could have known.

Diamond in the Rough (American Heiress, # 2)

By: Jen Turano

Expected Publication: September 3rd 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

352 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

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

Goodreads description--To save her family from financial ruin, Miss Poppy Garrison accepts an unusual proposition to participate in the New York social season in exchange for her grandmother settling a family loan that has unexpectedly come due. Ill-equipped to handle the intricacies of mingling within the New York Four Hundred, Poppy becomes embroiled in one hilarious fiasco after another, doomed to suffer a grand societal failure instead of being deemed the diamond of the first water her grandmother longs for her to become.

Reginald Blackburn, second son of a duke, has been forced to travel to America to help his cousin, Charles Wynn, Earl of Lonsdale, find an American heiress to wed in order to shore up his family estate that is in desperate need of funds. Reginald himself has no interest in finding an heiress to marry, but when Poppy's grandmother asks him to give etiquette lessons to Poppy, he swiftly discovers he may be in for much more than he bargained for.

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

Can't Wait for 10 Blind Dates

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.

10 Blind Dates

By: Ashley Elston

Expected Publication: October 1st 2019 by Disney-Hyperion

336 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

( 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--Sophie wants one thing for Christmas-a little freedom from her overprotective parents. So when they decide to spend Christmas in South Louisiana with her very pregnant older sister, Sophie is looking forward to some much needed private (read: make-out) time with her long-term boyfriend, Griffin. Except it turns out that Griffin wants a little freedom from their relationship. Cue devastation.

Heartbroken, Sophie flees to her grandparents' house, where the rest of her boisterous extended family is gathered for the holiday. That's when her nonna devises a (not so) brilliant plan: Over the next ten days, Sophie will be set up on ten different blind dates by different family members. Like her sweet cousin Sara, who sets her up with a hot guy at an exclusive underground party. Or her crazy aunt Patrice, who signs Sophie up for a lead role in a living nativity. With a boy who barely reaches her shoulder. And a screaming baby.

When Griffin turns up unexpectedly and begs for a second chance, Sophie feels more confused than ever. Because maybe, just maybe, she's started to have feelings for someone else . . . Someone who is definitely not available.

This is going to be the worst Christmas break ever... or is it?

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

Just in Case You Ever Wonder - Review

Just in Case You Ever Wonder

By: Max Lucado (Illustrations: Eve Tharlet)

Expected Publication: August 6th 2019 by Thomas Nelson (first published October 20th 1992)

32 pages

Genre: Children's, Picture Books

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

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

Goodreads description--This book assures children of God's love through all their experiences—including during hard times such as being afraid of the dark or being bullied—and gives assurance that the parent was there when they were first born and will be with them even in heaven.

Max Lucado's classic book Just in Case You Ever Wonder has made its way into hearts and story times around the world. This award-winning book about the love between a parent and child

has sold 1.7 million copies, touching lives for more than 25 years;
now includes new, breathtaking art from Eve Tharlet;
is perfect for children ages 3–7; and
reminds children of Jesus’ unconditional love.

Whether you have treasured this classic book for years or are reading it for the first time with your little ones, this timeless reminder of the love between a parent and a child—and ultimately, between God the Father and us—will come to hold a special place in your heart and home. Children long to hear they’re special and loved. Just in Case You Ever Wonder assures them that as they grow and change, in both good and bad times, you—and their heavenly Father—will always be on their side . . . just in case they ever wonder.

Just in Case You Ever Wonder is the first children's book I've ever reviewed here on my blog. And honestly, I don't plan to increase the frequency of this genre, but when I saw Just in Case You Ever Wonder available for review, I kept feeling drawn to it. And after reading it, I feel like there's a real reason why.

First off, I don't know what it is about bears that we love so much for children's books. Such a fierce creature can be so endearing in a children's book illustration. I wish the review version that I received was designed to show both page openings at a time so that I could get a better feel for the actual illustration design as it's meant to be. 

From a parent's perspective, this story melted my heart. It's so important to teach our children where they come from. To instill in them at an early age that they were and are wanted. And they were and are loved. That they're important. And not just important to us parents (which the book does a great job of focusing on), but they are infinitely important to God as well. This storybook is such a simple way to do that. From my personal experience, my children want to read the same books over and over again, and if they're hearing the message of this book on repeat then it will really sink in. 

In a culture where seven-year-olds are committing suicide due to bullying, we could stand to pound the message of God's love into them. When I was reading Just in Case You Ever Wonder to my 3-year-old daughter, she would turn around and give me the biggest hugs during certain parts of the book. It made me feel like the message was sinking in and she was certainly feeling very special and important at that moment.

Just in Case You Ever Wonder is easily a 5 Star Children's book in my mind. I will be purchasing my own copy for my family. And this is the type of book that I see giving to my friends when they have children as well. Have you read Just in Case You Ever Wonder? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post & Stacking the Shelves - 08/04/19

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.

I cannot believe that August is here. I mean school is starting back. It'll be fall in no time. Which means birthdays for my kids and Halloween and Thanksgiving and then Christmas. Oh my! I'm getting ahead of myself. Monday through Wednesday were all normal days. We went for walks. We played outside. Wednesday we spent a good bit of our outside time talking to our next door neighbor. The kids spotted her dog outside and went to the fence to pet her. Thursday I had to run to the grocery store earlier than normal. Instead of taking the kids with me, they went to Grammy's house for a couple of hours. I spent most of Thursday and Friday getting ready for a party we were hosting on Saturday. We had family and friends over to play volleyball Saturday night. We also had open house at Little Girl's school Saturday morning. She got to meet her new teacher and see her new classroom. It's been a much better week mentally even though I still had quite a lot going on. I'm a little behind schedule on my review books, but I can't seem to stop requesting them when I see ones that look good.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of Say You Still Love Me by KA Tucker (3.5 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Shadow Frost by Coco Ma
Thursday: July 2019 EOM Wrap Up

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of Just in Case You Ever Wonder by Max Lucado
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday

Don’t forget to link up for the 2019 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2019 to sing 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!

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

Well Met

By: Jen Deluca

Expected Publication: September 3rd 2019 by Berkley

336 pages

Genre: Adult, Contemporary

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

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

Goodreads description--All's faire in love and war for two sworn enemies who indulge in a harmless flirtation in a laugh-out-loud rom-com from debut author Jen DeLuca.

Emily knew there would be strings attached when she relocated to the small town of Willow Creek, Maryland, for the summer to help her sister recover from an accident, but who could anticipate getting roped into volunteering for the local Renaissance Faire alongside her teenaged niece? Or that the irritating and inscrutable schoolteacher in charge of the volunteers would be so annoying that she finds it impossible to stop thinking about him?

The faire is Simon's family legacy and from the start he makes clear he doesn't have time for Emily's lighthearted approach to life, her oddball Shakespeare conspiracy theories, or her endless suggestions for new acts to shake things up. Yet on the faire grounds he becomes a different person, flirting freely with Emily when she's in her revealing wench's costume. But is this attraction real, or just part of the characters they're portraying?

This summer was only ever supposed to be a pit stop on the way to somewhere else for Emily, but soon she can't seem to shake the fantasy of establishing something more with Simon or a permanent home of her own in Willow Creek.

Finding Mr. Better-Than-You

By: Shani Petroff

Expected Publication: January 14th 2020 by Swoon Reads

240 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

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

Goodreads description--Camryn has been dating Marc FOREVER—since freshman year! She dropped out of volleyball to go to all his games, switched her schedule around to be in his favorite class, and has been busting her butt to get into Columbia so they can go to the same college. So when Marc suddenly, and very publically, breaks up with her a week into their senior year so that he can date the new transfer student, she’s absolutely devastated.

But why be sad, when you can get even? Inspired by her favorite movies, Camryn decides that the best revenge is a Senior Year well lived, starring a boy who is ever so much better than her ex. With a little help from her friends, Cam is going to have the Best. Senior. Year. Ever.

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!

July 2019 EOM Wrap Up

I have read 4 books (not including children's books). *These qualify for the 2019 Series Enders Reading Challenge.
The Heart of a Vicar (Jonquil Brothers, # 6) by Sarah M Eden
The Library of Lost Things by Laura Taylor Namey
Saving Everest by Sky Chase
With this Pledge (Carnton, # 1) by Tamera Alexander

I have reviewed 5 books. *These qualify for the 2018 Series Enders Reading Challenge.
Seventh Grave and No Body (Charley Davidson, # 7) by Darynda Jones
Daughters of the Northern Shores (Blackbird Mountain, # 2) by Joanne Bischof
Courting Darkness (Courting Darkness Duology, # 1) by Robin LaFevers
The Heart of a Vicar (Jonquil Brothers, # 6) by Sarah M Eden
Say You Still Love Me by KA Tucker

Other Posts:
Sunday Post & Stacking the Shelves - 07/07/19
Sunday Post & Stacking the Shelves - 07/17/19
Sunday Post & Stacking the Shelves - 07/21/19
Sunday Post & Stacking the Shelves - 07/28/19
Top Ten Summer 2019 TBR List
Top Ten Auto-Buy Authors
Can't Wait for Well Met by Jen DeLuca
Can't Wait for How to Speak Boy by Tiana Smith
Can't Wait for In the Hall with the Knife (Clue Mystery, # 1) by Diana Peterfreund
Can't Wait for Jackpot by Nic Stone
Can't Wait for Shadow Frost by Coco Ma
2019 Series Enders Reading Challenge - July Wrap Up
June 2019 EOM Wrap Up

Goals:
I'm 4 days ahead of schedule with my Bible-in-a-year plan.
I've read 51 out of 52 books (including children's books).
I've read 4 out of 5-10 series enders.