Can't Wait for Highcliffe House

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.

Highcliffe House

By: Megan Walker

Expected Publication: May 7, 2024 by Shadow Mountain

320 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Regency

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--Love ignites when two rivals vie to secure a possible fortune at the seaside town of Brighton.

Brighton, England, 1813

When a romantic entanglement leaves her humiliated and reeling, Anna Lane wants nothing more than for her father to whisk her away from the gossip of the ton. Unfortunately, he has obligations elsewhere, leaving her stuck in London.

Graham Everett’s financial security depends on an investment with Mr. Lane, his long-time friend and business partner. He’ll do just about anything to secure it for his family, even if it means fighting spoiled, embittered Anna for her father’s attention.

Luckily, Mr. Lane concocts a plan that will give everyone what they wat, with one stipulation: Anna must accompany Graham to Brighton in her father’s stead and make a decision to invest—or not—based on a thorough report.

But it will take more than a day at the beach for these two headstrong hearts to admit that they’ve been wrong about each other. If they are willing to invest a little time working out their differences, they might have a chance at real love.

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

West Side Love Story - Review

West Side Love Story (Queens of Mariachi, # 1)

By: Priscilla Oliveras

Publication: June 1st 2022 by Montlake

331 pages

Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Retelling

Source: Amazon Kindle First

( 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--A heart-stirring romance of star-crossed love, feuding familias, and the bonds of sisterhood by USA Today bestselling author Priscilla Oliveras.

Two familias in Texas, both alike in dignity, rivalries, and passion…

Having grown up in the nurturing household of Casa Capuleta, Mariana will do anything for familia. To solve her adoptive parents’ financial problems amid their rapidly changing San Antonio comunidad, Mariana and her younger sisters are determined to win the Battle of the Mariachi Bands. That means competing against Hugo Montero, their father’s archnemesis, and his band and escalating a decades-old feud. It also raises the stakes of Mariana’s forbidden attraction for a certain dark-eyed mariachi who sets her heart racing.

To Angelo Montero’s familia, Mariana is also strictly off-limits. But that doesn’t stop him from pursuing her. As their secret affair intensifies and the competition grows fierce, they’re swept up in a brewing storm of betrayals, rivalries, and broken ties. Against the odds, they vow to bring peace. But sacrifices must be made and consequences weighed for two star-crossed lovers to make beautiful music together.

I got this years ago as an Amazon Kindle First book. I put it off because it wasn't a priority at the time. Books I get for review from publishers take first priority, and then I have such a backlog of books that I want to read on my own that it took a long time to get around to this one. I finally decided to pick it up.

Obviously, West Side Love Story is a retelling of Romeo and Juliet. I was worried about this book following too closely to the source material. Certain pieces from the original need to be done, but not all. And Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy after all. I don't so much enjoy reading tragedies. I don't mind a book making me cry, but I want the ending to be filled with hope and not so much death and finality.

I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but I ended up hooked pretty early with West Side Love Story. Mariana and Angelo meet one night randomly but don't learn who each other is at that meeting. They have chemistry and share a moment that neither one of them can easily forget. Angelo first finds out who Mariana is and has to talk her into being friends with him. A shaky friendship turns into an alliance and then into more.

Angelo's parents are both dead and he is the sole guardian of his younger sister who is fourteen years old now. His uncle offered him a place to live and a job when his parents died, and he's been very thankful for that. Only he's never understood his uncle's feud with the Capuleta family. Working for his uncle, he's never seen any illegal or underhanded business dealings that his uncle is rumored to participate in, but Angelo now has a reason not to turn a blind eye to such things.

Mariana is adopted. All of her siblings are. Her parents have taken in many girls who needed a home and a family. And they run a community center that helps many other families and members of their community. Mariana is used to keeping her family together by being the one that most of the others turn to. Her pride in her family and their love for each other was heartwarming. It made them all so easy to root for. Each of the sisters had personalities to jump off the page, especially Cat and Nina (the youngest and newest member of the family, currently just fostering).

The physical scenes are mostly mild. Any actual acts are mostly skipped. I will say there was more description leading up to events or imagining them than what actually happened.

West Side Love Story was better than I expected. Some of the retelling pieces from Romeo and Juliet was a bit "on the nose", but I also appreciated where Priscilla Oliveras decided to detour from the source material. I liked the side characters. Cat was a little bossy and pushy for my taste, but I will say that I'm interested in her story which is book 2. Ultimately, I give West Side Love Story 4 Stars. Have you read West Side Love Story? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 02/04/24

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ The Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~this meme was inspired in part by ~ In My Mailbox~ It's a chance to share News. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up for the week on our blog.

Monday was a normal day. Tuesday, we got groceries, and then after lunch we met up with a friend at a playground at a church near us. I started to feel a sore throat by the time we got home and quickly went downhill. Wednesday, the kids were very well behaved and I was so thankful since I was feeling so crummy. Thursday, I took the boys to get haircuts. This was Baby Boy's first big boy haircut. His hair was longish, bright blonde, and curly. Much of his bright blonde was cut off and so it's no longer curly. I miss his long hair, curly hair. But I also want to allow him to grow up. Then we went to my parent's house. They've got a contract on a new house that is set to close in 45 days. So they are scrambling to get the painting on their current house finished. They listed it for sale on Friday. Friday was decent. The kids started off well behaved. By the time we got to independent school subjects things started breaking down a little. Little Girl ended up going to a friend's great-grandmother's house who lives at the end of our street after she was done with school. And Little Boy went to Grammy's house which is two houses down. Saturday, Little Girl had a softball camp. This is her third year going to it. She was so excited to go and see some of her school friends. Softball and baseball season is starting really soon.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of Silver Dollar Duke (Hearts of Arizona, # 1) by Sally Britton (3 Stars)
Tuesday: Top Ten New-To-Me Authors I Read in 2023
Wednesday: Can't Wait for A Debt of Honor (The Leighs, # 3) by MA Nichols
Thursday: Review of Flame and Ember (The Kingsleys, # 1) by MA Nichols
Friday: Homeschool Friday - The BFG

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of West Side Love Story (Queens of Mariachi, # 1) by Priscilla Oliveras
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday?
Thursday: Review of The Sport of Matchmaking (Clavering Chronicles, # 3) by Jennie Goutet
Friday: Homeschool Friday?

Don’t forget to link up for the 2024 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2024 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:

Julia Rothman's Farm Anatomy Activity Book

By: Julia Rothman

Expected Publication: September 24, 2024 by Storey Publishing, LLC

64 pages

Genre: Match-ups, Word Puzzles, Quizzes, Mazes, Projects, Secret Codes

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--Julia Rothman, bestselling author and illustrator of Farm Anatomy, presents a companion activity book for kids aged 8 and up, with pages of creative learning activities, including matching challenges, mazes, ID and drawing exercises, word puzzles, and observational challenges.

The author invites you to try your hand at identifying, drawing, and learning the parts and pieces of life on a farm. Loaded with Rothman's original illustrations, this interactive format features fun challenges on every page, including labeling the parts of a rabbit, buzzing though a pollinator's maze, figuring out a secret farm code, identifying tools and equipment, and learning to draw a sheep and a horse. Rothman's lively collection of on-the-page quizzes, puzzles, and activities will intrigue and entertain you, whether you live on a farm or not.

With a Little Luck

By: Marissa Meyer

Expected Publication: February 13, 2024 by Feiwel & Friends

368 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--After being magically gifted with incredible luck, a boy discovers this gift just may be a curse when it comes to love, in this YA novel by #1 New York Times -bestselling author Marissa Meyer.

Jude is determined to fly under the radar. He just wants to draw his comics, host regular D&D night with his friends, work at his parents’ vinyl record store, and escape high school as unscathed as possible. That is, until the night he comes across a mysterious twenty-sided dice and finds himself inexplicably gifted with a bout of supernatural good luck.

Suddenly, everything Jude has ever wanted is within reach. His first art submission is accepted to his favorite fanzine. He helps his friend’s song become a finalist in a songwriting competition. And he’s the 100th caller to a local radio contest, winning him a pair of coveted concert tickets, which he uses to ask out the popular girl he’s been crushing on since elementary school. For a few blissful weeks, he feels invincible.

But when he loses the magic dice at a local music festival, his luck takes a turn for the worse. He struggles to reclaim his good fortune while fighting off long-buried feelings for his best friend―who is definitely not the girl he’s supposed to be in love with. Can Jude risk stepping into the spotlight long enough to win the true girl of his dreams? Or is he doomed to be unlucky in love forever?

Beneath These Cursed Stars

By: Lexi Ryan

Expected Publication: July 9, 2024 by HarperTeen

432 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Fae

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss (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--From #1 New York Times bestselling author Lexi Ryan comes a romantic fantasy in which a human princess armed with death’s kiss and a fae shifter on the run become unlikely allies when a mission to assassinate an evil king collides with a fatal prophecy.

Princess Jasalyn has a secret. Armed with an enchanted ring that gives her death’s kiss, Jas has been sneaking away from the palace at night to assassinate her enemies.

Shape-shifter Felicity needs a miracle. Fated to kill her magical father, she’s been using her unique ability to evade a fatal prophecy.

When rumors of evil king Mordeus’s resurrection spread through the shadow court, Jasalyn decides to end him once and for all. Felicity agrees to take the form of the princess, allowing Jas to covertly hunt Mordeus—and starting Felicity on the path that could finally take her home.

While Jasalyn teams up with the charming and handsome Kendrick, Felicity sets out to get closer to the Wild Fae king, Misha. Kendrick helps Jasalyn feel something other than anger for the first time in three years, and Misha makes Felicity wish for a world where she’s free to be her true self. Soon, the girls’ missions are at risk right alongside their hearts.

The future of the human and fae realms hangs in the balance as fates intertwine. Between perilous tasks, grim secrets, and forbidden romances, Jasalyn and Felicity find that perhaps their stars are the most cursed of all.

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 BFG

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

The BFG

By: Roald Dahl

Publication: August 16, 2007 by Puffin Books

208 pages

Genre: Children's Fiction, Humor, Chapter Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Classics

Source: Borrowed from the Elibrary

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--Roald Dahl's beloved novel hits the big screen in July 2016 in a major motion picture adaptation directed by Steven Spielberg from Amblin Entertainment and Walt Disney Pictures. When Sophie is snatched from her orphanage bed by the BFG (Big Friendly Giant), she fears she will be eaten. But instead the two join forces to vanquish the nine other far less gentle giants who threaten to consume earth’s children. This beautiful hardcover gift edition of Dahl's classic features the original illustrations by Quentin Blake, as well as a silk ribbon marker, acid-free paper, gilt stamping on a full-cloth cover, decorative endpapers, and a sewn binding.

So Roald Dahl is not my favorite author, but he is a classic children's fiction author. And I want my kids to be exposed to classic literature of all kinds. They both loved Matilda so I figured I would introduce The BFG next. I've also been trying to find a way to incorporate more books into our day-to-day. I mean we read from a chapter book every other night before bed, my daughter has independent reading to do, but I want to incorporate more family reading. I decided that we'd try listening to audiobooks in the car whenever we're driving around to various places. And I chose The BFG for our first book.

The very first chapter had my big kids on the edge of their literal seats. I knew what was coming, but I happened to look in the rearview mirror to see their jaws dropped and I don't know that my car has ever been that silent except when all three have been asleep. I knew this was the right choice for the first audiobook for them. They went through phases of requesting to listen to the book in the car and phases of asking not to listen. Some chapters hooked them more than others, but of course, towards the end, they were excited to see how things were going to end.

As for me, I'm also glad that I chose to listen to the audio version of The BFG instead of reading it out loud to them. I don't always do well reading aloud nonsense words. And The BFG is full of nonsense or mixed-up words. The audio version made these funny and enjoyable rather than frustrating for me stumbling over them had I been trying to read them aloud. And we had a fun discussion after the book was over about which nonsense BFG words were our favorites.

My kids immediately wanted to watch the movie after we finished the book, and so I think they both enjoyed it. Even my two-year-old asked to listen to the book about the giant. As for me, these stories aren't my favorite. I enjoy anything that's going to help my kids enjoy books and stories, but I'm thankful I didn't have to read it myself. I never read The BFG growing up, so there's no nostalgia for me. The BFG still gets 4 Stars. And I highly recommend the audiobook. Have you read (or listened to) The BFG? What did you think? Let me know!

Flame and Ember - Review

Flame and Ember (The Kingsleys, # 1)

By: MA Nichols

Publication: March 27, 2018 by M.A. Nichols

266 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Regency

Source: YouTube Audiobooks

( 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 heartbroken man, a frustrated spinster, and a marriage of convenience that proves quite inconvenient.

Simon Kingsley is in desperate need of a wife. After years of searching, he finally found love. Unfortunately, she wed another, and now, it’s time to settle for someone with whom he can share his life. Love is no longer an option for a man whose heart is irrevocably broken.

Mina Ashbrook longs to marry for love but knows she’s too old, too plump, and too plain to catch a gentleman’s eye. And a marriage of convenience is better than being a spinster sister living off her brother’s charity. Simon may not love her now, but Mina knows there’s hope—if she can convince him that love comes in many forms.

Will Mina find a way to heal Simon’s heart? Or will the shadows of the past keep them from finding happiness together?

Mina's mother died many years ago, and Mina stepped into the role of mother and mistress of the house to serve in her place. She raised her younger brothers as best she could when all they wanted was their mother back. She ran the household and learned how to manage an estate, at least the female duties. She's described as being a bit overweight, frumpy, and unattractive. She's now 30 years old and basically considered a spinster. She is tired of being overlooked and unwanted. And now that Nicholas has married, his wife has taken over the role of mistress and hostess of their home. Mina is unneeded. Her grandmother left her a cottage, but when her father passed away, he didn't leave her the income she expected to be able to run the cottage. So she's stuck. Even though her brothers love her and she wouldn't say she is unwanted, she desires more than anything to have her own home to run and to be useful.

Simon had his heart broken when the woman he was in love with decided to marry another man. He still carries a torch for her. And he is determined that he will never love again. In truth, Simon doesn't know the difference between love and attraction because his parents and family never showed him any of the real deal. He needs a wife to help him run his estate, but he just can't seem to get past how the one he wanted is no longer an option.

Man I have to tell you that I spent most of this book wanting to kick Simon in the teeth. I suppose we don't know what we don't know. And Simon knew nothing about true love. But sheesh. In his efforts to work so hard at not having a marriage that mimicked his parents in any sort of way, he was doing nearly everything possible to bring about the very thing. My heart hurt for Mina because once again she was chosen, but only as the second option. I applauded her when she decided to stand up for herself. And honestly, I felt a bit like Simon got off too easy. But there's no point in repaying pain for pain.

I really enjoy the narrator Madeleine Brolly. She did a wonderful job.

I didn't want to stop listening to Flame & Ember. I'm pretty sure I dozed off a time or two when I was trying to squeeze in just a few more minutes before bed. Simon and Mina do have a good story about the journey of finding a deeper love than initial attraction. And Mina, in particular, was a wonderful, heartwarming character who persevered in times of struggle yet maintained her goodness above those around her. Yet, the desire to shake some sense into Simon did deflate my overall enjoyment just a smidgen, which means I think Flame & Ember deserves 3.5 Stars. Have you read (or listened to) Flame & Ember? What did you think? Let me know!