If There's No Tomorrow - Review

If There's No Tomorrow

By: Jennifer L Armentrout

Expected Publication: September 5th 2017 by Harlequin Teen

480 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Source: Borrowed from the e-library

( 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--Lena Wise is always looking forward to tomorrow, especially at the start of her senior year. She's ready to pack in as much friend time as possible, to finish college applications and to maybe let her childhood best friend, Sebastian, know how she really feels about him. For Lena, the upcoming year is going to be one of opportunities and chances.

Until one choice, one moment, destroys everything.

Now Lena isn't looking forward to tomorrow. Not when friend time may never be the same. Not when college applications feel all but impossible. Not when Sebastian could never forgive her for what happened.

For what she let happen.

With the guilt growing each day, Lena knows that her only hope is to move on. But how can she move on when tomorrow isn't even guaranteed?

I haven't read a JLA book in quite some time. I went through a period where I devoured several of her books in a row and I think I burned myself out. Anyway, when I saw the description for If There's No Tomorrow I was intrigued. I added it to my TBR list and then forgot about it. Time passed and I needed a contemporary read that I could blow through quickly and I saw this available with the elibrary so I checked it out without even re-reading the description. I'm glad that I did because I enjoy going into a book with as little information as possible from time to time.

And really that book description listed above just doesn't give much information at all. So I'm unsure exactly how much I should say concerning what happened in If There's No Tomorrow. One thing the book description does mention is that Lena's been in love with her best friend Sebastian for a long time. There were things I didn't like about the way Jennifer L Armentrout wrote their friendship and Lena's perception of it in the beginning. I've read a lot of best friends turned more books recently and so I found this section to be predictable when it comes to Lena and her feelings. What surprised me the most was Sebastian's reactions when Lena finally starts making some actions in regard to her feelings. How this was dealt with ultimately didn't surprise me though. I very much enjoyed the value that these two put upon their friendship and even when going through some very difficult trials they continued to be there for each other and friends first beyond anything else. Sometimes I find this feels forced in other stories once I know at least once character feels more for the other beyond friendship but for me it felt genuine in If There's No Tomorrow.

In trying to keep things vague and not spoil anything not mentioned in the description, I won't say what actually happened in If There's No Tomorrow. But I will touch on that the title and description seem to indicate or imply something to do with death. Dealing with death is always difficult. Especially if it comes suddenly without time to prepare for it--not that you can ever be fully prepared for it. And so it should be no surprise that Lena and her friends and family do have to indeed deal with death and figure out how to move forward. Considering the subject matter, I would have expected to cry a little or at least a teary eye. Granted, I am not the easiest person to make cry even though motherhood has softened me some. I realize that survivors guilt is a real thing--otherwise there wouldn't be so many stories about it--but Lena's struggle with guilt wasn't exactly fun to read because I was able to see where I felt like her head should be. Yet in real life getting to the right head space isn't easy. It isn't automatic. And being told how to think and feel doesn't change how and what you actually think and feel in the moment. Lena's story isn't intended to be an easy read. It isn't intended to be blown over or to be focused on the romance.

I appreciated that Jennifer L Armentrout didn't shy away from making some important statements. The characters in the book didn't blow over Lena's mistakes just to make her feel better. They were real with her while delivering a cautionary tale. I only wish more people would take to heart a story like this and realize that they could very well be the character their reading about. Yet we truly only tend to realize that bad things can and will happen to us when bad things have happened to us. I wish this wasn't so.

In the end, I enjoyed If There's No Tomorrow. I had a few small complaints. One with the predictability of things between Lena and Sebastian--specifically in the early parts of the book. Also, Sebastian says early in the book: "Don't think you should ever have to 'put in work' in a relationship. ...I think it should come naturally" And this is the biggest lie I pray that young adults reading this book don't believe. All relationships take work. Friendships. Family. And especially marriages. Unfortunately they're not all easy peasy come naturally. Because our nature is selfish and it takes a constant denying of ourselves to constantly do what is best for our loved ones--friends, kids, spouses. And I think you would see that work throughout the rest of this book. Yet this statement was never touched upon again. I really wish Jennifer L Armentrout would have followed up on this statement with Sebastian realizing how wrong he was to think this way. The BEST relationships take an enormous amount of work. And lastly with the pet peeves had to do with the references to Sarah J Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses series. While neither the series nor author was specifically mentioned, I just found this to be a little annoying. I mean I guess it was kind of a nice thing that JLA was doing in giving mention to another author and series that she obviously enjoys herself. But I prefer my references to be a bit more subtle than that. Hint at them without directly calling them out. I don't really like name dropping in books. That being said, these grievances are really truly minor.

All in all, If There's No Tomorrow deserves 4 Stars. It was a well thought out book about a much needed topic. I wish I would have connected a bit more on a personal level with the characters and their story in an emotional way, but it was still well done. There is some language, but I appreciated that it didn't dominate the story. Have you read If There's No Tomorrow? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post & Stacking the Shelves - 4/29/18

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.

Another good week. Little Girl and Baby Boy are yet again battling runny noses and a cough. However, neither actually seem to feel too bad. Thankfully, Baby Boy is also sleeping much better. I can't believe he turns 6 months old tomorrow. Husband's friend from Taiwan is moving to San Francisco but stopped by for a few days to visit. It has been really nice having him here. He is a great conversationalists. He asks questions constantly and seems to have a wide knowledge base. The kids really enjoyed meeting him, and Little Girl enjoyed showing off.

THIS PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon (3 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for With This Pledge (Carnton, # 1) by Tamera Alexander & 2018 Series Enders Reading Challenge - April Wrap Up

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of If There's No Tomorrow by Jennifer L Armentrout
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday

Don’t forget to link up for the 2018 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2018 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.

Hero at the Fall (Rebel of the Sands, # 3)

By: Alwyn Hamilton

Expected Publication: March 6th 2018 by Viking Books for Young Readers

464 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy,

( 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--When gunslinging Amani Al'Hiza escaped her dead-end town, she never imagined she'd join a revolution, let alone lead one. But after the bloodthirsty Sultan of Miraji imprisoned the Rebel Prince Ahmed in the mythical city of Eremot, she doesn't have a choice. Armed with only her revolver, her wits, and her untameable Demdji powers, Amani must rally her skeleton crew of rebels for a rescue mission through the unforgiving desert to a place that, according to maps, doesn't exist. As she watches those she loves most lay their lives on the line against ghouls and enemy soldiers, Amani questions whether she can be the leader they need or if she is leading them all to their deaths.

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 With This Pledge

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.

With This Pledge (Carnton, # 1)

By: Tamera Alexander

Expected Publication: January 8th 2019 by Thomas Nelson

352 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Christian 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--History takes on vivid life in the stunning first full-length installment of Tamera Alexander's new series, The Carnton Novels.

On the night of November 30, 1864, a brutal battle in Franklin, Tennessee, all but decimates the Confederacy and nearly kills Captain Roland Ward Jones. A decorated Mississippi sharpshooter, Jones has a vision on the battlefield and, despite the severity of his wounds, believes his life will be spared. But a life without his leg, he can't abide. He compels Elizabeth "Lizzie" Clouston—governess to the McGavock family at the Carnton mansion—to intervene should the surgeon decide to amputate. True to her word, Lizzie speaks on his behalf and saves not only the captain's leg but also his life.

When a fourteen-year-old soldier dies in Lizzie's arms that night, the boy's final words, whispered with urgency, demand that Lizzie deliver them to their intended recipient. But all she has is the boy's first name. And, as she soon discovers, there's no record of him ever having enlisted. How can she set out alone across a land so divided by war and hatred to honor her pledge? Even more, does she dare accept Captain Jones's offer to accompany her? As he coalesces at Carnton, romance has blossomed between him and Lizzie—a woman already betrothed to a man she does not love.

From the pages of history and the personal accounts of those who endured the Battle of Franklin, Tamera Alexander weaves the real-life love letters between Captain Roland Ward Jones and Elizabeth Clouston into a story of unlikely romance first kindled amid the shadows of war.

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

2018 Series Enders Reading Challenge - April Wrap Up

Time for our fourth Monthly Wrap Up for the 2018 Series Enders Reading Challenge hosted by Sandy @ Somewhere Only We Know and Holly @ Words Fueled by Love!

Since the March Wrap Up, Sandy finished Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Harry Potter, # 8) by JK Rowling, John Tiffany, and Jack Thorne. Holly hasn't finished any series enders.

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 April giveaway runs from April 25th - March 25th. On April 25th we will use random.org and the linky entries to pull a winner.

The Sun is Also a Star - Review

The Sun Is Also a Star

By: Nicola Yoon

Publication: November 1st 2016 by Delacorte Press

348 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Source: Borrowed from the e-library

( 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--Natasha: I’m a girl who believes in science and facts. Not fate. Not destiny. Or dreams that will never come true. I’m definitely not the kind of girl who meets a cute boy on a crowded New York City street and falls in love with him. Not when my family is twelve hours away from being deported to Jamaica. Falling in love with him won’t be my story.

Daniel: I’ve always been the good son, the good student, living up to my parents’ high expectations. Never the poet. Or the dreamer. But when I see her, I forget about all that. Something about Natasha makes me think that fate has something much more extraordinary in store—for both of us.

The Universe: Every moment in our lives has brought us to this single moment. A million futures lie before us. Which one will come true?

I enjoyed Everything, Everything so I knew I'd want to read more from Nicola Yoon. I'd seen some good ratings for The Sun is Also a Star so when I went looking through the e-library for a contemporary read and saw it was available I went ahead and checked it out.

I have to say that typically I don't enjoy books that jump around in chronology or between too many narrators. Even up until the 20% mark this was still bothering me with all of the jumping around. Of course even more so than many other books, Nicole Yoon had a specific purpose in writing this way.

Even though I typically have a 48 hour rule to write my book reviews within this window of time from finishing the book, it's been more than two weeks since I finished The Sun is Also a Star. Having young children doesn't exactly lend to having the opportunity to sit and think methodically and then type up a review post within that allotted time these days. Hopefully when Baby Boy starts napping in his crib by himself this will be a little easier. That being said, I've already forgotten a lot of details to The Sun is Also a Star, but I'll do my best.

If you struggle with insta-love/insta-relationships then you'll struggle with The Sun is Also a Star. Daniel finds himself quite attracted to Natasha essentially from the moment he sees her. Natasha is more skeptical due to her families immigration status rather than actually holding back because of Daniel. Most of the story takes place within the span of one day. Their limited time together both holds them back and encourages the two to pursue things further than either would under normal circumstances. I personally don't usually take issue with books that span only a day, but for some reason Natasha and Daniel's story did have me seeing a bit more of the impractical than some other stories that have tackled the same feat.

The theme of The Sun is Also a Star seems to be that everything happens for a reason and all things are connected. Again, I don't typically take issue with these particular themes, but I did feel a little bit of the cheesy in the story because of this. I went back and forth on whether I thought the story would have been deeper if things simply ended with the storyline of the security guard or as things actually ended. I decided that the ending of the book was to real winner if only because of the amount of time spent with the two characters at the center of the story. I know I'm being vague, but I don't want to give anything away even though I did feel things were a bit predictable.

Ultimately, The Sun is Also a Star was an easy read. The jump in chronology as well as the periodic random narrator weren't my favorite parts, but they did serve the overall purpose of theme and story. I can't say that I was blown away, and I didn't like this book as much as Everything, Everything. However, The Sun is Also a Star was still enjoyable and gets 3 Stars from me. Have you read The Sun is Also a Star? What did you think? Let me know.

Sunday Post & Stacking the Shelves - 4/22/18

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.

Husband was off work Monday through Thursday of this week and boy was it nice to have him home. Of course the kids, especially Little Girl, loved having him here. But I certainly enjoyed it too. I mean aside from the help he gives me around the house and with the kids, I actually enjoy spending time with him. We're coming up on our 9th anniversary next month and I can still say he's my favorite person. That being said we had some difficult parenting aspects this week. Little Girl is firmly in the stage of "I can do it myself" and "no I don't want to" and meal times have especially become a chore as she doesn't want to eat ANYTHING you put in front of her. I don't know how but at some point early this week she hurt her foot. We took her to the doctor Wednesday morning because she wasn't bearing weight on it. He says it's a sprain of some short and should heal quickly. We know that signs to look out for if it doesn't seem to be getting better. Poor Husband had a list of chores he wanted to do while off and even though he did get several of them done he is just realizing that his days off from work simply won't be work at home days for him anymore. And that's not necessarily a bad thing. It just means his expectations have to adjust a bit.

THIS PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of Lucky in Love by Kasie West (3.5 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for From Here to You (Crash and Burn, # 1) by Jamie McGuire

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday & 2018 Series Enders Reading Challenge - April Wrap Up

Don’t forget to link up for the 2018 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2018 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.

If There's No Tomorrow

By: Jennifer L Armentrout

Expected Publication: September 5th 2017 by Harlequin Teen

480 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Source: Borrowed from the e-library

( 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--Lena Wise is always looking forward to tomorrow, especially at the start of her senior year. She's ready to pack in as much friend time as possible, to finish college applications and to maybe let her childhood best friend, Sebastian, know how she really feels about him. For Lena, the upcoming year is going to be one of opportunities and chances.

Until one choice, one moment, destroys everything.

Now Lena isn't looking forward to tomorrow. Not when friend time may never be the same. Not when college applications feel all but impossible. Not when Sebastian could never forgive her for what happened.

For what she let happen.

With the guilt growing each day, Lena knows that her only hope is to move on. But how can she move on when tomorrow isn't even guaranteed?

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 From Here to You

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.

From Here to You (Crash and Burn, # 1)

By: Jamie McGuire

Expected Publication: October 9th 2018

384 pages

Genre: New 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--As Darby Dixon sits in a tiny Texas church bathroom on her wedding day holding a positive pregnancy test, she realizes that of all the bad decisions she's made in her life, marrying her abusive fiancé would be the worst. She's never been able to stand up for herself, but she'll sure as hell stand up for her baby. With just the cash she has on hand, she runs to get a bus ticket to the farthest place she can afford. Between her sheer grit and pageant-queen smile, she lands a job as a front desk clerk at the Colorado Springs Hotel. It's not a glamorous life, but she and her baby are all that matters.

A former Marine, Scott "Trex" Trexler has worked in the most dangerous, corrupt, war-torn places on earth. Now he finally has a chance to return to the last place he'd felt at peace--Colorado Springs, Colorado, to take a new job with the Cheyenne Mountain Complex, a top-secret military installation buried deep within the granite.

The moment Trex walks into the inn, Darby knows he's dangerous. There's no way she wants to get involved with another man who seems to be keeping way too many secrets. As charming and devastatingly gorgeous as Trex is, he clearly isn't telling her everything. But as wildfires rage on the mountain and Darby's ex-fiancé shows he isn't so willing to let her go, both she and Trex are soon to find out that what you don't know absolutely can hurt you.

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

Lucky in Love - Review

Lucky in Love

By: Kasie West

Publication: July 25th 2017 by Scholastic

352 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Source: Personal Kindle Library (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--Maddie doesn't believe in luck. She's all about hard work and planning ahead. But one night, on a whim, she buys a lottery ticket. And then, to her astonishment -- She wins!

In a flash, Maddie's life is unrecognizable. No more stressing about college scholarships. Suddenly, she's talking about renting a yacht. And being in the spotlight at school is fun... until rumors start flying, and random people ask her for loans. Now, Maddie isn't sure who she can trust.

Except for Seth Nguyen, her funny, charming coworker at the local zoo. Seth doesn't seem aware of Maddie's big news. And, for some reason, she doesn't want to tell him. But what will happen if he learns her secret?

With tons of humor and heart, Kasie West delivers a million-dollar tale of winning, losing, and falling in love.

This was the last of Kasie West's currently published books that I needed to read. I requested it for review before it published but didn't get approved so Husband bought it for me for Christmas. As with all of Kasie West's books, the subject matter is clean and there is no language. She is proof positive that you don't have to write about sex and characters that curse every other word to produce a good book.

Lucky in Love is the second book that I've read about a young adult character winning the lottery. The other was Windfall by Jennifer E Smith. And I definitely preferred Lucky in Love out of the two.

Maddie has been working hard to plan for her future and college. Her father lost his job three years ago and her family has been struggling financially and emotionally ever since. The financial burdens have put pressure on all of the members of her family so when Maddie wins the lottery she expects all of their problems to just be solved. Yet money brings it's own problems and everyone (those close to Maddie and those she's never even met before) now seem to want something from her.

I really loved Maddie and I thought her personality was perfect for this storyline because it wasn't what I would have expected. Normally you expect someone who wins the lottery to just go spend crazy, and Maddie does make some large purchases, but she's much more pragmatic and slow to spend than you would expect. Maddie's hard work is part of who she is, but understandably winning the lottery is quite distracting.

Of course, once you have a ton of money people come out of the blue wanting something from you and Maggie learns that not everyone is honest or trustworthy. I did enjoy the secondary characters. Maddie's two best friends were great and I appreciated them for how different they were from each other and from Maddie. Although she and Blair were very similar. Maddie's parents' struggles and arguments felt so authentic to me, but at times their points of view seemed to blur and it wasn't always clear who had what issue. Maddie's brother was a jerk but more along the lines of what you might expect from someone who comes into a large sum of money without working for it. And I actually really appreciated what Kasie West decided to do with Trina's character, but I don't want to say more than that.

And then there's Seth. I adored Seth. Just as a person. As a character. I do have to say that how he felt about Maddie wasn't always clear. I think Kasie West wrote him that way intentionally, because Maddie doesn't always know where Seth stands either. It reminded me of how I often had a crush in high school and the other person flirted with me, but it seemed they flirted with others too so it was hard to tell if they were just friendly. While I was rooting for Seth and Maddie, this did keep me a little more emotionally distant than I typically prefer.

Lucky in Love was just the cute, fun, clean book that I needed at the moment that I read it. I can always count on Kasie West to do me a solid. That being said, even though I did enjoy Lucky in Love, I wasn't completely blown away. Lucky in Love gets 3.5 Stars. Have you read Lucky in Love? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post & Stacking the Shelves - 4/15/18

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.

The kids are much better. Thanks to everyone who wished them well last week. Husband was off work on Monday and Friday of this past week. That was so nice having him home. It makes a huge difference having an extra set of hands. We went for a walk almost every day which was so nice. Baby Boy still isn't sleeping consistently at night. I've read multiple sleep training books, but I've yet to figure out his problem. He doesn't sleep with a pacifier and he puts himself to sleep on his own. But he still wakes throughout the night. Any advice?

THIS PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of The Weaver's Daughter by Sarah E Ladd (4 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Two Dark Reigns (Three Dark Crowns, # 3) by Kendare Blake

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of Lucky in Love by Kasie West
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday

Don’t forget to link up for the 2018 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2018 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.

The Opposite of Innocent

By: Sonya Sones

Expected Publication: September 4th 2018 by HarperTeen

272 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Verse

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--Heartrending and chilling by turns, The Opposite of Innocent is Sonya Sones’s most gripping novel in verse yet—the story of a girl who finds herself trapped in an abusive relationship with a man twice her age.

Lily has been crushing on Luke, a friend of her parents’, ever since she can remember. He’s been away for two endless years, but he’s finally returning today. Lily was only twelve when he left. But now, at fourteen, she feels transformed. She can’t wait to see how Luke will react when he sees the new her. And when her mother tells her that Luke will be staying with them for a while, in the bedroom right next to hers, her heart nearly stops.

Having Luke back is better than Lily could have ever dreamed. His lingering looks set Lily on fire. Is she just imagining them? But then, when they’re alone, he kisses her. Then he kisses her again. At first, the secrecy and danger of their relationship thrills Lily. But soon Luke begins to expect, then demand much more than kissing. He won’t stop pressuring her to do things she doesn’t want to do. Lily wishes she had never flirted with Luke. She feels imprisoned in a situation that’s all her fault. How will she escape?

In this powerful tale of a terrifying leap into young adulthood, readers will accompany Lily on her harrowing journey from hopelessness to hope.

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 Two Dark Reigns

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.

Two Dark Reigns (Three Dark Crowns, # 3)

By: Kendare Blake

Expected Publication: September 4th 2018 by HarperTeen

320 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

( 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--Katharine sits on the throne, Mirabella and Arsinoe are in hiding, and an unexpected renegade is about to wage a war of her own. The crown has been won, but these queens are far from done.

To be honest, I'm not 100% sure that I want to continue this series. But I haven't counted it out yet either. What are you guys waiting on this week? Let me know!

The Weaver's Daughter - Review

The Weaver's Daughter

By: Sarah E Ladd

Expected Publication: April 10th 2018 by Thomas Nelson

320 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Romance

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--Kate's loyalties bind her to the past. Henry's loyalties compel him to strive for a better future. In a landscape torn between tradition and vision, can two souls find the strength to overcome their preconceptions?

Loyalty has been at the heart of the Dearborne family for as long as Kate can remember, but a war is brewing in their small village, one that has the power to rip families asunder --including her own. As misguided actions are brought to light, she learns how deep her father's pride and bitterness run, and she begins to wonder if her loyalty is well-placed.

Henry Stockton, heir to the Stockton fortune, returns home from three years at war seeking refuge from his haunting memories. Determined to bury the past, he embraces his grandfather's goals to modernize his family's wool mill, regardless of the grumblings from the local weavers. When tragedy strikes shortly after his arrival, Henry must sort truth from suspicion if he is to protect his family's livelihood and legacy.

Henry has been warned about the Dearborne family. Kate, too, has been advised to stay far away from the Stocktons, but chance meetings continue to bring her to Henry's side, blurring the jagged lines between loyalty, justice, and truth. Kate ultimately finds herself with the powerful decision that will forever affect her village's future. As unlikely adversaries, Henry and Kate must come together to find a way to create peace for their families, and their village, and their souls - even if it means risking their hearts in the process.

I've been reading both historical fiction as well as Christian fiction more frequently. Sometimes this is tricky for me because I don't enjoy all time periods and I don't enjoy all Christian stories. I do typically enjoy the regency time period and Sarah E Ladd had high ratings on all of her previously published books. I can now see why.

Henry was easy to like as I often find so for main male characters. His PTSD from the war was used in just the right way to make it believable but yet not end up being a story about war PTSD. I liked that he was honest about trying to do the best he could for the entire village while not sacrificing progress. His genuine appreciation for the character of Kate was my favorite part of their romance.

Kate was at a disadvantage. Because her brother already chose a path different from the one their father had mapped out for him, Kate was able to see how her father responded and regarded her brother. Not wanting to damage her own relationship with her father, Kate endures quite a lot of verbal scolding. I appreciated Kate's struggle to be considered valuable in the weaving profession yet not being considered beause she was a woman.

The romance was enjoyable, but it was a slow building romance for sure. As a matter of fact I really feel like the story about the weaver's conflict with the mills was more of the driving component of the story and the romance took a backseat to this. Normally I might find this annoying, but I enjoyed the conflict over the fight against progress enough for it not to matter.

While The Weaver's Daughter is classified as Christian fiction and published by a Christian publisher, I really wouldn't have known this was the case based upon the story alone. There were no "preaching" moments. And as a matter of fact, the characters rarely mentioned their faith...even in passing. Principles of Christianity--namely forgiveness and the downfall of pride--were present throughout. I think this is a good example of showing and not telling. I do see a place for stories that have a more direct approach where faith and principles are concerned, but I enjoyed this one nonetheless. It was really just a nice clean story with a great moral. So if you're hesitant to read Christian fiction because you don't want to be preached to yet you like historical fiction, I really like you'll enjoy this one.

Favorite quotes:

-"We cannot control what others do. We can only control how we react to it. Being angry will only hurt you, not them."

-At one time nothing mattered more than having a beautiful wife, amassing possessions, and claiming power. Now, his heart--his soul--longed for things not so tangible: Safety. Security. Happiness. Justice. Hope. Forgiveness.

The Weaver's Daughter was a quick read for me given my limited time to read this year. I know I would have finished it much sooner had I had the amount of time that I used to. I enjoyed the history involved just as much if not more than the romance which is rare. I didn't feel like I was having a history lesson or a sermon considering this book is labeled as Christian fiction. The Weaver's Daughter gets 4 Stars. Have you read The Weaver's Daughter? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post & Stacking the Shelves - 4/8/18

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 I ended up taking the kids to the doctor because they just weren't getting better. Well it turns out that they both had RSV. Needless to say...this week has been exhausting. Little Girl is mostly well. She just has a cough and runny nose occasionally. She sleeps well despite her cough. Baby Boy on the other hand. Well he wasn't the absolute best sleeper before and so now he was having a really hard time sleeping. Husband and I (mostly I) ended up sleeping with him in the recliner most of the entire week. Thankfully Friday I had a chiropractor appointment which felt glorious. Little Girl spent the weekend with my parents and they had tickets to go to the zoo on Saturday.

THIS PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon (4 Stars)

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of The Weaver's Daughter by Sarah E Ladd
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday

Don’t forget to link up for the 2018 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2018 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.

Defy the Worlds (Defy the Stars, # 2)

By: Claudia Gray

Expected Publication: April 3rd 2018 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

480 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Science Fiction

Source: Publisher (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 is the thrilling and romantic sequel to Defy the Stars from the New York Times bestselling author of Star Wars: Lost Stars and Bloodline.

An outcast from her home -- Shunned after a trip through the galaxy with Abel, the most advanced cybernetic man ever created, Noemi Vidal dreams of traveling through the stars one more time. And when a deadly plague arrives on Genesis, Noemi gets her chance. As the only soldier to have ever left the planet, it will be up to her to save its people...if only she wasn't flying straight into a trap.

A fugitive from his fate -- On the run to avoid his depraved creator's clutches, Abel believes he's said good-bye to Noemi for the last time. After all, the entire universe stands between them...or so he thinks. When word reaches him of Noemi's capture by the very person he's trying to escape, Abel knows he must go to her, no matter the cost.

But capturing Noemi was only part of Burton Mansfield's master plan. In a race against time, Abel and Noemi will come together once more to discover a secret that could save the known worlds, or destroy them all.

In this thrilling and romantic sequel to Defy the Stars, bestselling author Claudia Gray asks us all to consider where--and with whom--we truly belong.

Escaping from Houdini (Stalking Jack the Ripper, # 3)

By: Kerri Maniscalco

Expected Publication: September 18th 2018 by JIMMY Patterson

416 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Mystery

Source: Publisher (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--In this third installment in the #1 bestselling Stalking Jack the Ripper series, a luxurious ocean liner becomes a floating prison of scandal, madness, and horror when passengers are murdered one by one…with nowhere to run from the killer. .

Audrey Rose Wadsworth and her partner-in-crime-investigation, Thomas Cresswell, are en route to New York to help solve another blood-soaked mystery. Embarking on a week-long voyage across the Atlantic on the opulent RMS Etruria, they’re delighted to discover a traveling troupe of circus performers, fortune tellers, and a certain charismatic young escape artist entertaining the first-class passengers nightly.

But then, privileged young women begin to go missing without explanation, and a series of brutal slayings shocks the entire ship. The strange and disturbing influence of the Moonlight Carnival pervades the decks as the murders grow ever more freakish, with nowhere to escape except the unforgiving sea. It’s up to Audrey Rose and Thomas to piece together the gruesome investigation as even more passengers die before reaching their destination. But with clues to the next victim pointing to someone she loves, can Audrey Rose unravel the mystery before the killer’s horrifying finale?

A Defense of Honor (Haven Manor, # 1)

By: Kristi Ann Hunter

Expected Publication: June 5th 2018 by Bethany House Publishers

352 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Regency

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--Forced to run for her life, Kit FitzGilbert finds herself in the very place she swore never to return to--a London ballroom. There she encounters Lord Graham Wharton, who believes Kit holds the key to a mystery he's trying to solve. As much as she wishes that she could tell him everything, she can't reveal the truth without endangering those she loves.

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!

Everything, Everything - Review

Everything, Everything

By: Nicola Yoon

Published: September 1st 2015 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers

307 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Source: Borrowed from the elibrary

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

Goodreads description--My disease is as rare as it is famous. Basically, I’m allergic to the world. I don’t leave my house, have not left my house in seventeen years. The only people I ever see are my mom and my nurse, Carla.

But then one day, a moving truck arrives next door. I look out my window, and I see him. He’s tall, lean and wearing all black—black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly.

Maybe we can’t predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster.

This book had such an original concept. Maddy has SCID which as the description says basically means that she's allergic to pretty much everything. Anything could cause her to get sick and getting sick for her could very well kill her. That being said, she's confined to her house and only people who go through a rigorous decontamination process can come to visit. And even then she could still get sick. Maddy's mother and full time nurse, Carla, are mainly the only two people that she's has contact with. Maddy's mostly content with this life as she loves to read and that keeps her mind engaged, but she's had periods in her life when depression over what all she can't do gets her down.

A moving van shows up and Maddy can't stop herself from watching from her window. Carla's concerned that this might be similar to a time when she was much younger and watching the family next door sparked one of her depressions. But Maddy can't bring herself to stop. Olly gives Maddy his email address by writing on his window and the two begin to talk online over email and IM. Olly and Maddy do have an insta-love-ish relationship. Personally, this didn't bother me in the case of Everything, Everything.

And as one can imagine, being allergic to everything causes some serious roadblocks to any real kind of relationship. But Olly and the possibility of love causes Maddy to reconsider what kind of quality of life she's had so far and will she be able to return to life as it was before the possibility of a future.

Favorite quotes:

-It's a strange thing to realize that you're willing to die. It doesn't come in a flash, a sudden epiphany. It happens slowly, a balloon leak in reverse.

-Wanting just leads to more wanting. There's no end to desire.

Everything, Everything was a fast, feel-good book for me. It was unique in the dilemma and plot. I liked all of the characters for the most part (minus Olly's father). Yet, I felt like things wrapped up way too quickly and easily considering the magnitude of the issues Maddy and Olly were facing. I also wanted to know a little bit more about how Maddy and Olly's conversation at the very end of the book would have gone. Everything, Everything was enjoyable, but not without a few issues. Everything, Everything gets 4 Stars from me. Have you read Everything, Everything? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 4/1/18

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.

Another week down. Tuesday I took the kids for a walk. I've been nervous about doing it because I wasn't sure Baby Boy would stay in the stroller without me having to end up carrying him which isn't easy while still pushing Little Girl in the stroller. Also Little Girl wasn't interested the last time we went because she wanted to get down and walk instead. But both kids did great. The flowers were in full bloom which just added to the pleasantness. I can't wait until the weather is stable enough for us to do this every day. Wednesday I had a post op follow up with my doctor. That went well. Little Girl spent the day with Grammy while I took Baby Boy with me. Thursday we went for a walk and that afternoon/night both kids started sneezing and coughing. Saturday we spent time over at Grammy's house to dye eggs, and today we will be hunting eggs after church. Happy Easter to all. Also, not that he reads my blog, but a happy birthday to my nephew who is turning sixteen today too!

THIS PAST WEEK:

Monday: DNF Review of Ice Wolves (Elementals, # 1) by Amie Kaufman
Wednesday: Can't Wait for The Simple Wild by KA Tucker

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday

Don’t forget to link up for the 2018 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2018 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.

Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems

By: Richard Ferber

Expected Publication: May 23rd 2006 by Touchstone (first published 1985)

464 pages

Genre: Non-fiction, Parenting, Self-Help

Source: Personal Kindle Library

( 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--The completely revised and updated edition of the all-time bestselling book on children’s sleep problems, with important new insights and solutions from Dr. Richard Ferber, the nation’s leading authority on children’s sleep problems.

Does your child have difficulty falling asleep? Wake in the middle of the night? Suffer sleep terrors, sleepwalking, or nighttime fears? Have difficulty waking for school or staying awake in class? Snore, wet the bed, or head bang?

In the first major revision of his bestselling, groundbreaking classic since it was published, Dr. Richard Ferber, the nation’s foremost authority on children’s sleep problems, delivers safe, sound ideas for helping your child fall and stay asleep at night and perform well during the day.

Incorporating new research, Dr. Ferber provides important basic information that all parents should know regarding the nature of sleep and the development of normal sleep and body rhythms throughout childhood. He discusses the causes of most sleep problems from birth to adolescence and recommends an array of proven solutions for each so that parents can choose the strategy that works best for them. Topics covered in detail include: Bedtime difficulties and nighttime wakings, effective strategies for naps, sleep schedule abnormalities, a balanced look at co-sleeping, new insights into the nature of sleep terrors and sleepwalking, problems in setting limits, and sleep apnea, narcolepsy, bed-wetting, and head banging.

Solve Your Child’s Sleep Problems offers priceless advice and concrete help for a whole new generation of anxious, frustrated, and overtired parents.

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!