Can't Wait for Shipped

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.

Shipped

By: Angie Hockman

Expected Publication: January 19th 2021 by Gallery Books

336 pages

Genre: 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--Between taking night classes for her MBA and her demanding day job at a cruise line, marketing manager Henley Evans barely has time for herself, let alone family, friends, or dating. But when she’s shortlisted for the promotion of her dreams, all her sacrifices finally seem worth it.

The only problem? Graeme Crawford-Collins, the remote social media manager and the bane of her existence, is also up for the position. Although they’ve never met in person, their epic email battles are the stuff of office legend.

Their boss tasks each of them with drafting a proposal on how to boost bookings in the Galápagos—best proposal wins the promotion. There’s just one catch: they have to go on a company cruise to the Galápagos Islands...together. But when the two meet on the ship, Henley is shocked to discover that the real Graeme is nothing like she imagined. As they explore the Islands together, she soon finds the line between loathing and liking thinner than a postcard.

With her career dreams in her sights and a growing attraction to the competition, Henley begins questioning her life choices. Because what’s the point of working all the time if you never actually live?

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

Top Ten Most Anticipated Books of Q1/Q2 2021

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 Most Anticipated Books of Q1/Q2 2021.

1. A Court of Silve Flames (A Court of Thorns and Roses, # 4) by Sarah J Maas
2. A Good Day for Chardonnay (Sunshine Vicram, # 2) by Darynda Jones
3. Beguiled (Betwixt & Between, # 3) by Darynda Jones
4. The Dating Plan by Sara Desai
5. Sword of Rage (Reigning Kingdoms, # 1) by Jennifer Anne Davis
6. Winning the Gentleman (Hearts of the Heath, # 2) by Kristi Ann Hunter
7. Twice Shy by Sarah Hogle
8. Sunkissed by Kasie West
9. A Proper Scoundrel by Esther Hatch
10. The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and Ash, # 3) by Jennifer L Armentrout

Which books are you most looking forward to in the first half of 2021? Let me know!

You Have a Match - Review

You Have a Match

By: Emma Lord

Expected Publication: January 5th 2021 by Wednesday Books

320 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

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

Goodreads description--From the beloved author of Tweet Cute comes Emma Lord's You Have a Match, a YA novel of family, friendship, romance and sisterhood…

When Abby signs up for a DNA service, it’s mainly to give her friend and secret love interest, Leo, a nudge. After all, she knows who she is already: Avid photographer. Injury-prone tree climber. Best friend to Leo and Connie…although ever since the B.E.I. (Big Embarrassing Incident) with Leo, things have been awkward on that front.

But she didn’t know she’s a younger sister.

When the DNA service reveals Abby has a secret sister, shimmery-haired Instagram star Savannah Tully, it’s hard to believe they’re from the same planet, never mind the same parents—especially considering Savannah, queen of green smoothies, is only a year and a half older than Abby herself.

The logical course of action? Meet up at summer camp (obviously) and figure out why Abby’s parents gave Savvy up for adoption. But there are complications: Savvy is a rigid rule-follower and total narc. Leo is the camp’s co-chef, putting Abby's growing feelings for him on blast. And her parents have a secret that threatens to unravel everything.

But part of life is showing up, leaning in, and learning to fit all your awkward pieces together. Because sometimes, the hardest things can also be the best ones.

Tweet Cute was one of my favorite reads of 2019 (released early 2020). I was so engrossed in the relationship and dynamics. So I have been stalking Emma Lord on Goodreads for any information to release for any upcoming books. When You Have a Match was listed, I was on it. The premise had me on the edge of my seat. DNA companies have become really popular and the idea of finding a full-blooded sibling is so interesting. Especially considering that Abby's parents are still together.

I honestly don't know where to start in describing this book and how I felt about it. I'll start with Abby and Leo. They're 2/3 of a best friend trio. There was an almost kiss and things have been awkward between them since. Abby tries to stuff her feelings but she just can't move on. Truthfully, I find this frustrating in real life, but I expect it in fiction. Abby and Leo are expecting to spend the summer apart, but end up at camp together and are forced into contact so frequently.

Abby and Savvy. Well first I need to address Savvy. She's an Instagram star who focuses on health and fitness. She's all about her image, on the internet and in real life. She was a bit stuck up at times. And I was frustrated to see that Emma Lord chose to make the sibling gay in this novel the same as in her debut. Abby and Savvy have a complicated situation to navigate and I felt like Emma Lord did so well in writing a of the twists and turns to their relationship. I teared up a few times through their journeys.

Favorite quotes:

-I never know what the right word is when it comes to my feelings about Leo— it’s equal parts hopeful and disappointed, these mismatched moments where I’m so certain he might want me too that are punctured in an instant by the ones where I’m sure he doesn’t.

-This is the person you are to me; these are the things I feel safe to tell you because of it.

I wasn't sure what the story was going to end up being between the parents and Savvy's adoption. I do think Emma Lord worked this in a way that I was okay with. I didn't attempt to poke at the story too much. But man it also kind of broke my heart at the same time.

You Have a Match was a good follow up novel to Emma Lord's debut, Tweet Cute. I think I loved Tweet Cute more, but You Have a Match was intense at moments and my heart hurt through multiple scenes. I felt like the decision with Savvy mimicking Eric (I think that was the brother's name) was a disappointment. But ultimately, I truly enjoyed this story. You Have a Match gets 4 Stars. Have you read You Have a Match? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post & Stacking the Shelves - 01/03/21

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 and Tuesday were mostly normal days. We were able to get outside and play because the weather was fairly nice. Wednesday I had a doctor's appointment. My mom came over to watch the kids while I was gone. All seems well so far. Baby Boy is already up to 7 pounds 9 ounces. He's a big one I tell you. And physically, I'm counting down the days until he's here. Emotionally, I'm trying to soak up these last little bit just having two kiddos and giving them as much love and attention as possible since I know things will be chaotic with a newborn. The weather was so nice Wednesday and we stayed outside as long as possible. Thursday we had some cloudy/rainy weather roll in, but we were still able to go out. And we even went for a walk, which is the first I've done in a while. Husband bought a few fireworks on his way home and shot them with the kids. They were so excited. We shoot fireworks at the 4th of July in honor of Husband's Dad so they've been asking for more fireworks. Friday, Husband was home from work, but it was a rainy day.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of Faith's Mountain Home (Hearts of Montana, # 3) by Misty M Beller (3.5 Stars) & 2021 Series Enders Reading Challenge - Sign Up
Tuesday: Top Ten Books I Read 2020
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Blood Heir (Aurelia Ryder, # 1) by Ilona Andrews
Thursday: December 2020 EOM Wrap Up
Saturday: 2020 EOY Wrap Up

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of You Have a Match by Emma Lord
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday
Thursday: Review of A Cowboy for Keeps (Colorado Cowboys, # 1) by Jody Hedlund
Friday: 2021 Series Enders Reading Challenge - Goals

Don’t forget to link up for the 2021 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2021 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!

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

The Prince of Spies (Hope and Glory, # 2)

By: Elizabeth Camden

Expected Publication: February 16th 2021 by Bethany House Publishers

352 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

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

Goodreads description--Luke Delacroix has the reputation of a charming man-about-town in Gilded Age Washington, DC. In reality, he is secretly carrying out an ambitious agenda in Congress. His current mission is to thwart the reelection of Congressman Clyde Magruder, his only real enemy in the world.

But trouble begins when Luke meets Marianne Magruder, the congressman's only daughter, whose job as a government photographer gives her unprecedented access to sites throughout the city. Luke is captivated by Marianne's quick wit and alluring charm, leading them both into a dangerous gamble to reconcile their feelings for each other with Luke's driving passion for vital reforms in Congress.

Can their newfound love survive a political firestorm, or will three generations of family rivalry drive them apart forever?

The Ice Swan

By: J'nell Ciesielski

Expected Publication: July 6th 2021 by Thomas Nelson

352 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

( 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--Amid the violent last days of the glittering Russian court, a Russian princess on the run finds her heart where she least expects it.

1917, Petrograd. Fleeing the murderous flames of the Russian Revolution, princess Svetlana Dalsky hopes to find safety in Paris with her mother and sister. But the city is buckling under the weight of the Great War, and the Bolsheviks will not rest until they have erased every Russian aristocrat from memory.

Born the second son of a duke, the only title Wynn MacCallan cares for is that of surgeon. Putting his talents with a scalpel to good use in the hospitals in Paris, Wynn pushes the boundaries of medical science to give his patients the best care possible. While treating Svetlana for a minor injury, he is pulled into a world of decaying imperial glitter and underground Russian clubs where drink, culture, and questionable dealings collide on bubbles of vodka.

Out of money and options, Svetlana is forced into a marriage of convenience with Wynn, who will protect her and pay off her debts. It’s the right thing for a good man to do, but Wynn can’t help hoping the marriage will turn into one of true affection. As the Bolsheviks chase them to different corners of the earth, Wynn and Svetlana begin to see they will never be able to outrun the love they have for one another.

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!

2020 EOY Wrap Up

At the end of every year and the beginning of the next, I go into contemplative mode. I think about the past year. What happened? What changed in my life? What were the big things that I accomplished? What did I spend my time doing or thinking about? And then I think about the upcoming one as well. What do I want to see happen? What do I want to change in my life? What big things do I want to accomplish? What do I want to spend my time doing and thinking about? What things about last year do I really want to see change in the upcoming one?

2020...oh 2020. I think most of us are in a similar situation. 2020 was just hard. All around. We started the year with a miscarriage. My 2nd. We went from being really excited to share the news to devestated pretty quickly. My mom retired at the end of January which was super exciting for us because it meant we'd be able to spend more time with her. And we quickly developed a routine of alternating weeks. One week she would come to our house on Thursdays, and the next week we would go to her house. March came and brought with it marriage struggles along with COVID-19. We were pretty strict about the initial stay at home order and realized Little Girl would not be going back to school. At first, I wasn't too bothered. We're natural homebodies, and it felt to me like just an extended summer vacation. May came and brought with it a surprise. I wasn't ready emotionally to start trying again for Baby # 3 even though we originally said we'd start trying again in May. We spent every day of the summer in the swimming pool. Both kids learned how to swim without assistance. On top of the water, under water, jumping off the diving board, diving for toys in the shallow end. They turned into fish. School started back, and we had to make the decision whether to keep them home or send them. Ultimately, we decided to send them. I think we handled the initial lockdown and summer fine, but we were reaching the point where social isolation was beginning to have a toll on the kids. Fall came, and we relaxed a good bit. October was busy as usual with 3 out of our current 4 family members having birthdays. We started pondering the idea of adding on an additional bedroom to our house and by November we were taking specific steps to move forward. The end of November and beginning of December was full of appointments, stress, extra expenses, car trouble, and generally a lot more stress than normal. As December wrapped up, we're only a few short weeks away from adding our 5th member of the family and most of my time is spent focusing on preparing for that as well as soaking up what little time I have left with my older two kids, who are now 5 and 3, being a family of four. We're excited about 2021, but it's certain to bring with it joy and stress as well.

As for reading and blogging, I'm still doing the best I can. I exceeded or met all of my goals for 2020, but I imagine that 2021 will have it's struggles in this area. Having a new baby significantly cuts into my time to read or blog. So I'm reading when I get a chance and reviewing everything I can. I have continued DNF'ing the books that aren't connecting with me in 2020 because I've become more confident in my reading preferences. I have a limited amount of time to read, and so I'd prefer to be able to read books that I will enjoy. I'm past the point of forcing myself to keep reading a book that I'm not enjoying just so that I can say I finished it.

EOM Wrap Up Posts for 2020

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

Blogging Highlights from 2020

Holly and I successfully hosted the 2020 Series Enders Reading Challenge. This was our sixth year. We are returning for 2021 also.

Celebrated my 8th Blogoversary.

October was my 8th annual All Things Halloween event of Halloween-ish book reviews and such.

I didn't review any movies this year.

I listened to 1 audiobook.

I re-read 4 books this year.

I exceeded my Goodreads total books read challenge with 92 out of 52 books read (a portion of these were children's books).

I completed my Bible-in-a-year reading plan for the 9th year in a row.

I completed my Series Enders goal of 5-10 books with 10 series enders read.

Books Read in 2020

*These qualify for the 2020 Series Enders Reading Challenge.
The Start of Me and You (The Start of Me and You, # 1) by Emery Lord
*The Map from Here to There (The Start of Me and You, # 2) by Emery Lord
A Convenient Fiction (Parish Orphans of Devon, # 3) by Mimi Matthews
On Wings of Devotion (The Codebreakers, # 2) by Roseanna M White
*The Winter Companion (Parish Orphans of Devon, # 4) by Mimi Matthews
Meet Me at Midnight by Jessica Pennington
A Bad Day for Sunshine (Sunshine Vicram, # 1) by Darynda Jones
The Betrothed (The Betrothed, # 1) by Kiera Cass
The Runaway Bride (The Bride Ship, # 2) by Jody Hedlund
In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
Beach Read by Emily Henry
Not Another Love Song by Olivia Wildenstein
The Opposite of Falling Apart by Micah Good
Chasing Lucky by Jenn Bennett
Maybe This Time by Kasie West
Four Days of You and Me by Miranda Kenneally
The House at the End of the Moor by Michelle Griep
The Marriage Game by Sara Desai
*Hidden Knights (Knights of the Realm, # 3) by Jennifer Anne Davis
Making the Play (The Field Party, # 5) by Abbi Glines
The Perfect Escape (The Perfect Escape, # 1) by Suzanne Park
*Selah (The Sugar Baron's Daughter, # 3) by Lisa T Bergren
Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon
You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle
The Trouble with Hating You by Sajni Patel
His Lady in Hiding by Jennifer Geigle Johnson
Where the Lost Wander by Amy Harmon
More than Maybe by Erin Hahn
Transforming Emma (Lockets and Lace, # 20) by Linda Carroll-Bradd
At Love's Command (Hanger's Horseman, # 1) by Karen Witemeyer
The Lost Lieutenant (Serendipity & Secrets, # 1) by Erica Vetsch
Little House on the Prairie (Little House, # 3) by Laura Ingalls-Wilder
A Single Spark by Judith Miller McCoy
A Gilded Lady (Hope & Glory, # 2) by Elizabeth Camden
The White Coat Diaries by Madi Sinha
Falling Up by Shel Silverstein
Lakeshire Park by Megan Walker
A Proper Charade by Esther Hatch
All the Things We Never Knew by Liara Tamani
Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
*Vow of Thieves (Dance of Thieves, # 2) by Mary E Pearson
Finding Perfect (Hopeless, # 2.6) by Colleen Hoover
Love's Mountain Quest (Hearts of Montana, # 2) by Misty M Beller
A Bride of Convenience (The Bride Ships, # 3) by Jody Hedlund
A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, # 1) by Sarah J Maas
A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, # 2) by Sarah J Maas
The Glittering Court (The Glittering Court, # 1) by Richelle Mead
A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses, # 3) by Sarah J Maas
Girl Gone Viral (Modern Love, # 2) by Alisha Rai
Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey by Abigail Wilson
A Court of Frost and Starlight (A Court of Thorns and Roses, # 3.1) by Sarah J Maas
Vying for the Viscount (Hearts on the Heath, # 1) by Kristi Ann Hunter
Moment of Truth (Love, Life, and the List, # 3) by Kasie West
Secrets & Suitors by Joanna Barker
Colors of Truth (Carnton, # 2) by Tamera Alexander
Fable (Fable, # 1) by Adrienne Young
Fair as a Star (Victorian Romance, # 1) by Mimi Matthews
Wild at Heart (Wild, # 2) by KA Tucker
You Have a Match by Emma Lord (review coming soon)
Betwixt (Betwixt & Between, # 1) by Darynda Jones
*Igniting Darkness (Courting Darkness, # 2) by Robin LaFevers
Midnight Sun (Twilight, # 5) by Stephenie Meyer
Miss Adeline's Match/a> by Joanna Barker
Heart Bones by Colleen Hoover
Otherwise Engaged by Joanna Barker
The Evil Queen (The Forest of Good and Evil, # 1) by Gena Showalter
The Viscount and the Vicar's Daughter by Mimi Matthews
The Glass Queen (The Forest of Good and Evil, # 2) by Gena Showalter
Line by Line (Love Along the Wires, # 1) by Jennifer Delamere
*A Portrait of Loyalty (The Codebreakers, # 3) by Roseanna M White
Storm Born (Dark Swan, # 1) by Richelle Mead
Thorn Queen (Dark Swan, # 2) by Richelle Mead
The Vanishing at Loxby Manor by Abigail Wilson (review coming soon)
Bewitched (Betwixt & Between, # 2) by Darynda Jones (review coming soon)
The Bad Boy and the Tomboy by Nicole Nwosu
Lost on the Way (West Side, # 4) by Isabel Jolie
A Captain for Caroline Gray by Julie Wright (review coming soon)
The Knockout by Sajni Patel (review coming soon)
Iron Crowned (Dark Swan, # 3) by Richelle Mead
*Shadow Heir (Dark Swan, # 4) by Richelle Mead
First Comes Like (Modern Love, # 3) by Alisha Rai (review coming soon)
From Blood and Ash (Blood and Ash, # 1) by Jennifer L Armentrout (review coming soon)
The Duke Meets His Match by Karen Tuft
*Namesake (Fable, # 2) by Adrienne Young (review coming soon)
Faith's Mountain Home (Hearts of Montana, # 3) by Misty M Beller
A Cowboy for Keeps (Colorado Cowboys, # 1) by Roseanna M White (review coming soon)
Dreams of Savannah by Roseanna M White

Books DNF'D

Devil's Ballast by Meg Caddy (DNS)
All the Water in the World by Karen Raney (DNS)
Sherwood by Meagan Spoooner (DNS)
The Stars We Steal by Alexa Donne (DNF @ 13%)
A Castle in the Clouds by Kerstin Gier (DNF @ 13%)
In Case You Missed It by Lindsey Kelk (DNF @ 6%)
Every Reason We Shouldn't by Sara Fujimura (DNS)

How was your 2020? Are you exciting about moving on to 2021? Let me know!