Caffeinated Critic

Book Review: Pennsylvania Patchwork

2013-06-13T17:29:00.001-04:00

Holly Fisher is thrilled to be reunited with her Amish family, and engaged to handsome Mennonite veterinarian, Zach. But when Zach proposes marriage, Holly, and her family, begin to wonder if everything is happening too fast. And when a woman from Zach’s past emerges with a potentially devastating revelation, Holly is left reeling. And soon Holly meets Nathaniel’s handsome brother, Armin, and the two form an immediate friendship, which makes her question her relationship with Zach even more.

Holly’s mother, Esther, couldn’t be happier. She has every intention of becoming a baptized member of the Amish church, and is planning to wed the kind, hard-working Nathaniel. But when a ghost from his past re-emerges, it threatens to tear them apart. In the midst of her confusion, Esther receives a letter from a man who claims to know her deceased husband, bringing back painful memories of her own past...

Read the rest of this review at Luxury Reading.

A copy of this book was provided by Luxury Reading. I received no monetary compensation in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Oceans

2013-06-11T15:34:00.001-04:00

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

Let me walk upon the waters

Wherever You would call me

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

And my faith will be made stronger

In the presence of my Savior

MIA (and some chalkboard calendar goodness)

2013-06-05T12:03:00.004-04:00

I've been MIA lately, but it's for a good reason - I promise!

My husband and I are getting ready to move, and boy have we been busy. When we're not packing, we're spending time checking out decor for our snazzy new rental home. I've been spending a lot of time on the Kirkland's and World Market websites.

But my most current obsession is to create a chalkboard calendar for our new kitchen. I've seen a lot of ideas on Pinterest, and I've been pinning like crazy. I'm trying to decide if I want to incorporate storage of some sort. Here are a few I've found (with links to my Pinterest board):

I am really leaning toward the one that offers a bit of storage, but not sure how I've pull it off. Guess I'll have to head to Goodwill and see what I could re-purpose for this project!

What's your favorite DIY project that you've completed?

Book Review: Bread & Wine

2013-05-30T08:38:00.003-04:00

I have seen reviews of Shauna Niequist's Bread & Wine popping up around blogs I read in recent weeks. So when I realized that Booksneeze was offering it for review, I had to snap it up. And I'm so glad that I did!

Bread & Wine is a book that I devoured in less than a week. Shauna shares her love of community, family and food in short vignettes. Her writing style made me feel like I really was sitting across the table from her, sharing meals she's loved since childhood, talking about life, faith and the things that really matter. I guarantee that if you pick up this book, you'll laugh and cry as Shauna shares both humorous and difficult stories from the chapters of her life. I know I did!

Each chapter features a recipe at the end, including breakfast ideas, soups, desserts and main dishes. This might be the only time you put this book down...to step into the kitchen and try one of her enticing recipes.

I highly recommend picking up this book. You can check it out at the link above, and it's available for your Kindle too.

I received a copy of this book for review from Booksneeze. I did not receive any compensation for my review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Review: A Change of Fortune

2013-05-18T20:55:00.002-04:00

No one seems to understand strange governess Eliza Sumner, who makes a fool of herself at a party where a majority of New York society is in attendance. But what no one realizes is that Eliza is really Lady Eliza Sumner, a woman that has lost her family, her fiance, and her faith. She is in America to find Lord Southmoor, the man who took advantage of her family and stole her fortune.

Unfortunately, Eliza’s ideas don’t go as planned, and her mishaps lead her straight into the arms of Hamilton Beckett, a young man that every woman in New York is hoping to marry. But widower Hamilton has no plans to marry again, as he is busy taking care of his two children.

When the two of them discover that they share a common enemy, they join forces. With the help of Eliza’s friend Agatha and Hamilton’s brother Zayne, they may stand a chance at catching those who have wronged them. But are their enemies too powerful and dangerous? Could their quest for revenge cost them their lives?

Read the rest of this review at Luxury Reading.

A copy of this book was provided by Luxury Reading. I received no monetary compensation in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Not enough time...

2013-05-09T11:41:00.003-04:00

Life as a mom is harder than I expected.

Every morning I wake up and take a [short] shower, if time allows.

I cuddle with my daughter, all the while getting ready for work.

After her first feeding, we get one last kiss and head out the door.

I fight back tears when we drop her off at the sitter.

I work my 7 hours, all the while thinking about her and wishing I was home.

After we pick her up, we play, we feed, we nap, we play again.

And after she goes to bed [at 8 or so] I find myself thinking "It's just not enough time."

I find myself thinking that a lot lately.

There's not enough time in the evening to spend with her. I feel guilty that I have to work. And while we might have been able to make things work with one income, we made the mutual decision that it would be better for us both to work...to pay off debt and to pay sure that we had the type of savings and cushion we feel we need. But still, the feeling of wanting to be with her during the day never goes away; I don't know if it's something I'll ever learn to live with.

There's not enough time to worry about how I look. Though I've lost all of my baby weight, my body feels...different. It looks different too. It's not the same. And I want to invest time in taking care of it, but by the time Nora's in bed, I just don't feel up to popping in that Zumba dvd. And my hair and makeup? Forget it! I'm lucky if my hair is combed [and washed] when I walk out the door.

There's not enough time for sleep. I am tired ALL the time. Even if I do somehow manage to get into bed at a decent hour, I feel like I don't sleep as well as I used to...it isn't as restful somehow.

There's not enough time to clean my mess of a house. My husband would probably tell you it's not as bad as I think [and I'm sure it's probably not] but lately I lack the time and devotion to give my house the deep cleaning it really needs. And now as we're getting ready to move at the end of the summer, I'm dreading the organization and cleaning that REALLY needs to happen.

But the thing that gets me the most lately...

There's not enough time for God. Sometimes after I've laid down in bed, I find myself thinking "Did I read my bible today?" or "Did I really pray today?" Sure, I whisper short prayers throughout my day, but it's sad when I've realized that I've gone through an entire day without devoting a block of time to thanking God for this crazy, full life that He's given to me.

It's easy to feel that I'm just going through the motions. From work, to motherhood, to aiding in the maintenance of our home, sometimes I feel overwhelmed. I never want to lose sight of all that I have. I never want to forget all of the moments that make this busyness worth every second. Being a mom is hard. But it's the most rewarding job I'll ever have, and I'm thankful.

Blog Tour: Duchess

2013-05-02T10:36:00.001-04:00

Heiress Rosie Worth has transformed into starlet Roxy Price, an actress at the top of the world in the Golden Age of Hollywood. Her studio mogul husband, Dash and the fans that love her have almost made her forget her painful past. But soon, Roxy faces disappointing losses that could mean the end of everything she’s worked so hard for, until the dashing Rolfe Van Horne swoops in, promising her a role that is sure to save her career.

Rolfe’s film takes Roxy overseas, and it is there that her feelings for him begin to grow. She discovers that she encountered him very long ago, before she was married, before she experienced a heartache she will never forget. And while Rolfe sometimes seems to share her growing feelings, he begins to push her away. But is he simply trying to protect her from growing trouble in Europe – an explosive conflict that could jeopardize both of their lives?

Read the rest of this review at Luxury Reading.

A copy of this book was provided by Luxury Reading. I received no monetary compensation in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Book Review: Yours Affectionately, Jane Austen

2013-04-22T14:04:00.003-04:00

It is summer of 1813 and Jane Austen is recalling her encounter with a young traveler from Virginia, Fitz Darcy. Their meeting leaves a lasting impression on the young author, and impression that will influence and shape her greatest literary work.

Fast forward to present day, where pragmatic New Yorker Eliza Knight discovers a letter from Jane Austen to Fitz Darcy. On a mission to discover if the Fitz Darcy of 1810 really did meet Jane Austen, she travels to Virginia to speak with Mr. Darcy’s great-grandson. But after getting to know the current Mr. Darcy at the Pemberley Farm Heritage Ball, Eliza is shocked when he reveals the truth about the letter.

Read the rest of this review at Luxury Reading.

A copy of this book was provided by Luxury Reading. I received no monetary compensation in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Who is this for...

2013-04-11T21:08:00.000-04:00

...Is what I've been asking myself lately when it comes to this blog.

I used to know the answer. I used to write for myself. I used to share my thoughts. I used to love the weaving together of words, the lyrical sound of it all.

But lately I feel that my posts lack substance. I can't remember the last time I sat down and wrote something that really meant something to me.

Did the desire to write become replaced by something else? By wanting more followers? More daily visits? I remember a time when I didn't even notice that sort of thing when I logged into my account. Now it's the first thing I look at.

That should not be.

So again I ask, who is this for? What am I doing if my heart's not in it?

Loving this: Outdoor Entertaining

2013-04-03T09:10:00.000-04:00

Found an email in my inbox this morning from World Market for 15% off all outdoor items. With spring just around the corner (at least that's what I keep telling myself) it couldn't be a more timely sale. Loving it!

Blue Glass Yorkshire Dispenser

Teardrop Tank

Orange Paisley Antigua Plates

A little break...

2013-03-19T13:10:00.001-04:00

You've probably noticed that I haven't been around as much lately. I am taking a much-needed break from blogging for a few weeks. Between Easter coming up and Nora turning (can't believe it) 5 months old, life seems to be getting more and more busy, with a lot less time for writing here.

In a few weeks, I'm hoping to make a few changes around here, and begin posting some more content. Hope to see you all around here soon!

Book Review: A Home in Drayton Valley

2013-03-11T20:17:00.001-04:00

Devastated by the poor conditions of New York City in 1880, Tarsie Raines convinces her ill friend Mary Brubacher and her husband Joss to leave New York City to head to Drayton Valley, Kansas. Tarsie hopes that the move will not only help an ailing Mary recover, but that it will also pull Joss away from the bar scene and back into the home of his family, and the hearts of his two small children. Tarsie decides to accompany them to assist with the journey, and ultimately to pursue a better life of her own.

But when Mary suddenly dies on the way to Kansas, Joss and the children are devastated, and Tarsie feels she must act. After making a promise to a dying Mary to care for Joss and the children, Tarsie decides to marry Joss and care for the family as best as she can. But Joss’ stubborn attitude and tendency to retreat to alcohol and gambling may cause them to lose everything.

Read the rest of this review at Luxury Reading.

A copy of this book was provided by Luxury Reading. I received no monetary compensation in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Who knew?

2013-02-27T13:09:00.002-05:00

So I haven't been around because I've been battling a supercold, but now I'm back!

I discovered a little while ago that Burt's Bees makes baby clothing. In fact, they have a whole website devoted to baby items. Who knew? I'm sure a lot of people did, but I certainly didn't! These items are really cute too. I haven't ordered anything yet, but I can't wait to do so.

Isn't this onesie adorable?

And this gift set would be a wonderful baby shower present:

Some changes around here...

2013-02-16T07:41:00.002-05:00

Hi all! I haven't been around much lately. You'll probably notice a few changes around here. I've removed most of the pictures of my daughter. After some thought and some prayer, I realized I was a bit uncomfortable with having her on here for the whole world to see. I'll still post pictures from time to time, but will probably not include her sweet face for the time being. For those bloggers that I've known for a while, if you'd like to see photos of her, you can friend me on Facebook or follow my private Instagram feed.

I'm still planning on posting some personal musings here, but want to focus more on reviews and deals that I find around the internet. I'll be back soon!

Pretty

2013-02-09T19:05:00.000-05:00

So my husband will probably kill me if he sees this, since he just let me buy a Fossil handbag this winter, but I am loving this bag for the spring/summer. Actually, let me revise that. I hope he does see this. After all, my birthday is coming up...

Friday Finds: Fossil Georgia Collection

2013-01-11T12:15:00.002-05:00

This Friday, I just have to share the Georgia watch collection from Fossil. I scored a stainless steel version of this watch a few months ago at my local Fossil outlet. I am in love with the slim band and large face of these bad boys, as well as the numerous styles, colors and finishes available. I've included a few of my favorites below. Be sure to check out the entire Georgia collection over at Fossil to find the style that suits you!

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

Book Review: The Red Book

2013-01-08T11:17:00.000-05:00

Every five years, Harvard graduates are asked to submit a short essay about accomplishments and milestones in their lives. These essay are collected and published in a red-covered book, and sent out to classmates. Deborah Copaken Kogan’s The Red Book focuses on four Harvard graduates coming together for their 20th reunion, as well as their family members and other classmates who aided in the shaping of their lives.

Addison is an artist and former lesbian, now married to a male novelist suffering from writer’s block. Mia is a former actress turned stay-at-home mom, and wife to a famous Hollywood director. Jane, a foreign news correspondent, is still mourning the loss of her husband, a war journalist. And Clover is a former securities broker, eager to conceive a child before her fertility window closes. In returning to Harvard, each woman, in her own way, is forced to deal with the choices and mistakes of the past, and how those decisions led to who they are in the present.

Read the rest of this review at Luxury Reading.

A copy of this book was provided to me by Luxury Reading. I received no monetary compensation in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Book Review: Almost Amish

2013-01-04T15:03:00.003-05:00

Julie Charlton is an overwhelmed mother and wife. Carpools, committees, helping with school functions, Julie and her children need a break from the speed of modern life. So when her sister-in-law Susan presents her with an opportunity to participate in a reality series about trying to live like the Amish, Julie jumps at the chance to get away from the stresses of the every day.

But when they arrive at the farm house in Tennessee, Julie and her two children find that Amish life is anything but slow. In order to impress the producers of the show, Susan insists that they strive for perfection, whether its cleaning the house until it is spotless, or baking the perfect apple pie. Julie starts to feel like they returned to the fast-paced, perfection-driven world she escaped from, and feels the need to demand the slower pace they all came to Tennessee to experience....

Read the rest of this review at Luxury Reading.

A copy of this book was provided to me by Luxury Reading. I received no monetary compensation in exchange for my review. All opinions expressed here (and at Luxury Reading) are my own.

Book Review: A Plain and Simple Christmas

2012-12-19T18:29:00.001-05:00

A Plain and Simple Christmas is the story of Anna Mae McDonough, a young woman missing her family at Christmas time. Four years after being shunned from her tight-knit Amish community for marrying her English husband Kellan, Anna Mae longs to return to her childhood home of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. But Anna Mae is fearful that her return will anger her father, who did not take the news of her leaving the community well. With the encouragement of her husband, Anna Mae contacts her sister-in-law and childhood friend Kathryn, hoping that Kathryn can help her plan the visit.

Kathryn is thrilled to receive a letter from Anna Mae, and immediately begins to plan a secret visit for the sister-in-law she has missed so much. But when Kathryn’s husband David finds out about the plan, he is not excited at the prospect of seeing his sister, nor is he convinced that his father will be accepting of Anna Mae. Sure enough, when Anna Mae returns, her family does not react in the way that she hoped, despite her announcement that she is expecting her first child. Will the family be able to overcome their differences, or has Anna Mae’s choice to join the English world separated her from her family forever?

Read the rest of this review at Luxury Reading.

A copy of this book was provided to me by Luxury Reading. I received no monetary compensation in exchange for my review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Friday Finds: Gifts Under $10

2012-12-14T11:55:00.001-05:00

If you're anything like me this year, you find yourself doing some last minute Christmas shopping. I've been browsing the web the last few days in search of some affordable gifts for special people in my life. Here are a few that I found.

1. These drop earrings are just right in so many ways. Cute and affordable, just about any woman in your life is sure to love the burst of color.

2. An ideal choice for office mates, this picture holder holds multiple photos. Place holiday wishes or scriptures inside each frame to make this gift extra special.

3. Men and women alike will love this stress-relieving Eucalyptus Spearmint hand cream from Bath & Body Works.

4. Great for someone who loves to shop, this cute reusable tote can be gifted by itself, or used as gift bag filled with goodies.

5. For the friend who loves to relax, this candle features a delightful berry scent.

Book Review: An Anchor for the Soul

2012-11-23T13:00:00.000-05:00

Whether you’re a new believer or have known God for years, Ray Pritchard’s An Anchor for the Soul provides answers and advice for any stage of your faith journey.

Pritchard begins the book by presenting all of the reasons why we as humans need a God who loves us. He describes our search for love and meaning in all the wrong places, and how we can begin to find ourselves in God. In this same chapter, Pritchard provides facts about God, drawing inspiration from Biblical text. He notes that God created all things, that He created man in His image, and outlines instances in which He demonstrated that He cares for us.

Read the rest of this review here.

A copy of this book was provided to me by Luxury Reading. I received no monetary compensation in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Review: Rosemary Opens Her Heart

2012-11-13T17:02:00.000-05:00

Rosemary Yutzy is a young woman still reeling from the death of her husband, Joe. Left to care for her young daughter, as well as her husband’s father, Rosemary doesn’t have time to think about moving on with her own life. That is, until she attends Jonny and Zanna Ropp’s wedding in Cedar Creek.

There, she encounters Matt Lambright, a young man who is interested in merging his lamb-raising business with her father-in-law Titus’ business. Matt is immediately struck by Rosemary, and does not try to hide his romantic interest in her. And while Rosemary is attracted to Matt, she’s not sure that she’s ready to move on to another man. Will he push her away, or will she finally be able to open her heart to the possibility of new love?

Read the rest of this review at Luxury Reading.

A copy of this book was provided to me by Luxury Reading. I received no compensation in exchange for my review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Hosting Thanksgiving

2012-11-09T09:37:00.002-05:00

My husband and I are hosting Thanksgiving at our home this year. At only about a month post-baby, this may be a little crazy, but I'm getting more and more excited (and nervous)! I've been spending a ton of time on Pinterest looking for ways to beautify our home and the food presentation on the big day. Here are a few that jumped out at me:

You can check out my Fall decor Pinterest board to see more of the stuff I'm digging. I obviously can't do everything, but I'm anxious to see what I can come up with!

Why We Need Community: Thoughts and A Review

2012-11-03T19:36:00.000-04:00

Last month, I was sent (in)Courage's (in)RL DVD & Study Booklet, as well as the (in)Courage Perpetual Calendar. Unfortunately, I didn't get the chance to sit down and write my review in a timely manner, as I gave birth to my daughter this month.

But now that I've had time to sit down and really take a look at these items, I just had to share them with you. For those of you who haven't heard of this conference, (in)RL is an event hosted by (in)Courage. This conference was designed to meet women where they are. More than 1700 women participated in the event, meeting in homes, churches and other places. I participated in the event myself, and was very touched by the event. I was unable to meet up with other women last year, but am hoping to participate in a group this year.

These past two weeks, I've been reminded of the importance of community. Since my daughter's birth, there have been a few things I've struggled with, as I'm sure is true for any new, first-time mother. I have blessed by so many women who have provided advice, encouragement, and a listening ear when I simply need to vent or cry, as I seem to do pretty often lately!

What's my point? We need each other! We need to know that we're not alone, and that others have experienced what we're going through. Most importantly, we need to know that there's hope to be found on the other side of our struggles.

That's what these items above are all about. You'll love the videos on this DVD. Sara's Story in particular touched my heart, but I loved all of the videos! The Study Booklet is a fantastic companion to the DVD, helping readers to explore the idea of community and what it really means. And I guarantee you will be encouraged every day by the quotes in the perpetual calendar.

For those of you that have accessed the (in)RL conference content, what's your favorite video, and why? Share in the comments below!

These items were sent to me by (in)Courage. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed her are my own.

Book Review: Love in Disguise

2012-10-31T09:05:00.003-04:00

Ellie Moore is devastated when she loses her job as a costume-maker. Just when she’s lost all hope, she learns of a job opening as a detective for the Pinkerton Detective Agency. Her mission is to leave cold Chicago and head to Arizona, where she is to uncover who is behind the theft of silver from various mines near the small town of Pickford. But when Ellie travels to meet the young woman who is to serve as her partner in the investigation, she learns that she will have to go at it alone. Fearful that her new employer may take her off the assignment if they learn she is attempting to uncover the truth alone, Ellie concocts an elaborate scheme to keep her new job.

Suddenly she’s transformed into Lavinia Stewart, a middle-aged widow. She soon learns that most of the men in the more salacious parts of town don’t spill their secrets to a widow, and realizes that she must create a new identity that they can relate to. The result is the dazzling Jessie Monroe, Lavinia’s beautiful and vivacious niece. But Ellie runs into a problem when she begins falling for Steven Piece, a local mine owner. As Lavinia, Ellie offers to help Steven, particularly in the form of an investment, in the hopes of getting close enough to discover what’s really going on at the mines. And Steven soon falls for her other character, Jessie. But when the thieves catch wind of Lavinia’s questions, Ellie isn’t safe no matter what costume she wears. She quickly realizes that she must unravel the truth, before she ends up hurt…or dead. And when Steven finds out the truth about Ellie’s identity, will he be able to forgive her deception?

Read the rest of this review at Luxury Reading.

This book was sent to me by Luxury Reading. I received no monetary compensation in exchange for my review. All opinions expressed here are my own.