Book Review ~ Keegan by Lori Wilde ~ 1/23/2024

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Title:   Keegan by Lori Wilde

Series:  Texas Rascals Book #1

Pages:  348

Date Published: November 13, 2018

Publisher:  Epiphany Orchards Press

 Blurb:

In the dead of winter, high school teacher Wren Matthews finds a mysterious guy, half-frozen on her doorstep. Despite her pledge to steer clear of men, she just can't shut the door on him. As she helps him get back on his feet, it's impossible to ignore the sparks flying between them.

But there's more to this stranger. His name is Keegan Winslow, a former cop with a secret so heavy it could shatter their growing bond. Knowing the danger he could put Wren in, he wrestles with the thought of packing up and leaving.

As the storm outside rages on, trapping them inside, it becomes harder for them to ignore their feelings. Can they conquer the storm, his past, and find love amidst the holiday magic?

My Thoughts:

Until this week, I had not read a fiction book in a year!  That seems impossible for the person who used to read 3-4 books a week!  I've made it a goal to read at least 15 minutes a day and it worked :)  I read well over my daily time goal and finished "Keegan" in 2 days.  I love reading fiction!  It is so much better than watching TV.

Speaking of TV, I got burned out watching Hallmark Christmas movies, so I was a little bit leery to go into my Kindle and pick one of the Christmas reads I had downloaded in December to be my first foray back into the fiction world.  But, like I wrote above, reading is so much better than TV!

Wren and Keegan both had such tragic pasts and were damaged much more than just physically.  The healing and redemptive storyline was very heavy throughout the book, in a good way.

Wren's dairy farm was the perfect setting for getting snowed in.  Keegan came along at the perfect time even though I felt Wren was a bit too trusting.

The Christmas theme throughout the book was at the forefront as it mostly took place on Christmas Eve Eve, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  It was a very fast paced few days!  Especially on the love front.

"Keegan" is a clean romance with some steam, if that makes sense.  Nothing over the top but enough to keep it spicy.

I wouldn't say that I loved this book but I really liked it.  It was definitely worth the download!

Onto the next book :)

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 1/22/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday!

I start my new job on February 12th!  I need to get back into a good routine of getting to bed at a decent time and waking up early in the morning.  I also need to work on a new schedule for my daily activities.  Any tips would be appreciated!

The weather outside is:

It is getting warmer!!  I won't even mind the rain as long as the temperatures are above freezing!

(I don't know what that little symbol on Tuesday is:)

On today's to-do list: 

~Figure out a new routine as mentioned above.  I need to print out more pages for my weekly schedule/calendar so I might as well get my thoughts together as to what I want to be doing once I'm back to working outside the home along with my household tasks.

~Clean...again.  It is never ending with these animals :)

Happening this week:

~I have to get a pre-employment physical on Tuesday.  Hope I pass!

~Laken doesn't have school on Friday so I'm not sure what we might get into.  Her 17th birthday is February 2nd and she requested going snowboarding!  I need to do some research.

Currently reading:

~I picked "Keegan" by Lori Wilde to try to kick-start my reading.  I want to try to read for at least 15 minutes each day.  This book looked like one that would be good to start with :)

Watching:

NFL Playoff games.

Hallmark Winter (not Christmas) movies

Youtube videos from a few favorites

On the menu today:

Beef Stew, Biscuits

In the Craft Basket:

I've been making baby octupus for in my etsy shop.  They are supposed to really help preemie babies especially those in the NICU.  The tentacles help the littles ones from pulling at their tubes and lines.  It supposedly helps with breathing also but I'm not quite sure how that works.  I'll have to do some more research.

Picture from the Camera

I made this cute little Valentine cup cozy.  I have a giveaway going on for a cup cozy AND a $25 STARBUCKS Gift Card.  CLICK HERE t see how to enter ;)

Bible Verse

"In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety."  Psalm 4:8

Have a great Monday!

Colletta

My Weekly Bookishness ~ 1/19/2024

All things bookish!

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What I Read:

I haven't been reading much lately but that is something I want to change.  I have a goal to read at LEAST 15 minutes a day before going to bed.  If you struggle to get reading time fit into your schedule, please let me know your tips and tricks because I really miss reading for fun!

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What I'm Reading:

Blurb:

In the dead of winter, high school teacher Wren Matthews finds a mysterious guy, half-frozen on her doorstep. Despite her pledge to steer clear of men, she just can't shut the door on him. As she helps him get back on his feet, it's impossible to ignore the sparks flying between them.

But there's more to this stranger. His name is Keegan Winslow, a former cop with a secret so heavy it could shatter their growing bond. Knowing the danger he could put Wren in, he wrestles with the thought of packing up and leaving.

As the storm outside rages on, trapping them inside, it becomes harder for them to ignore their feelings. Can they conquer the storm, his past, and find love amidst the holiday magic?

First Lines:

Wren Matthews took the last of the cranberry-walnut bread from the oven and set the small loaves to cool on the oak sideboard.

56%/Page 56

She'd had a nightmare.  An ugly dream in which unknown assailants were chasing her, and she'd been desperately searching for a gun.

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What I'll (Probably) Read Next:

Blurb:

A Beauty and the Beast retelling…

A woman with a secret, a recluse, and a marriage of convenience.

For over a year Isabeau Daniels lived in fear of a stalker. Now, with him in jail, she’s ready to start fresh in Dallas as a housekeeper for Rowan Masters—a well known lawyer and recluse.

A car accident left Rowan Masters burned—both physically and emotionally. He’s spent the last twelve years hiding in his family home—and now, to keep his home he’s forced to marry.

Isabeau loves the feeling of safety that Rowan’s mansion offers, and he needs a wife. When a marriage of convenience turns into something more, can they leave behind the nightmare of the past and find the beauty in loving each other?

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Book Haul:

None this week :(

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Book Blogger Hop:

Q. Have you ever loved a book that everyone else hated or hated a book that everyone else loved? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer)

A. I can't say that I've ever HATED a book that everyone else loved but there are a few books/series that I haven't read and don't see what the hype is all about...Fifty Shades, Harry Potter etc.  Maybe if I read them I would have loved them.  Who can say???

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P.S.  Click HERE to stop by my Tea Time post and check out my giveaway for a Starbuck Gift Card and a Handmade Cup Cozy!!!

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Bookishly Yours,

Linking up to: 

   

  

 The Sunday Post, Sunday Salon,  Mailbox Monday

Tea Time and a GIVEAWAY ~ 1/18/2024

 

Grab a cup of tea, coffee, hot chocolate or your favorite drink
while I share a few things about my life lately...

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~I got the job!  I applied for an administrative assistant position in the Care Coordination Department at our local hospital last Tuesday.  Wednesday they called me to come in for an interview.  Thursday was my interview and they asked me to job shadow for a couple hours which was a good sign!  This Tuesday afternoon I got the call that I was being offered the position!  I accepted and my first day will be February 12th.  I'm hoping all this nasty weather is gone by then :)

~Along with a new job, I decided a new hairstyle was in order.  My pixie had grown out to the awkward stage that comes along with pixies.  So I treated myself to a fresh cut and style.  Now I just need to get my nails done  :)

~Laken has made friends with an exchange student from Finland.  Li is the sweetest girl!  They've had hang outs, a sleepover and went shopping.  Laken introduced Li to Auntie Anne's pretzels.  I'm glad Laken has made a new friend and hope they keep in touch well after Li has to travel home :)

~Litsa from Coco's Crochet is hosting a unique crochet-a-long (CAL) in 2024.  Each "fortnight", she will be drawing an item out of a basket and that will be the "assignment" for those two weeks.  Project#1 is CUP COZIES.  I heard about the CAL from Cassandra at Craftably Ever After and decided to join in.  I've added Litsa's announcement vlog below.  Let me know if you decide to participate :)

~And last, but not least, to celebrate my new job, I'd like to host a GIVEAWAY!  It has been ages since I've had a giveaway here on Colletta's Kitchen Sink Blog.  I tossed around a few different ideas and settled on giving away the following to one lucky winner:

 $25 Starbucks Gift Card

AND

Handmade Cup Cozy in Your Choice of Color

Here's how to enter:

1 ENTRY ~ Leave me a comment telling me what color you would choose for your Cup Cozy

(FOR SOME REASON THE COMMENTING IS NOT WORKING ON THIS POST.  YOU CAN LEAVE A COMMENT BY REPLYING TO MY COMMENT.  SO SORRY!)

1 ENTRY ~ Follow my blog and let me know that you do so (honor system)

BONUS ENTRY ~ Visit Colletta's Kitchen Sink Shop and let me know that you did so (honor system)

I'll announce the winner here on the blog on January 31, 2024!

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Colletta

WIP Wednesday ~ 1/17/2024

 

I thought I'd do a weekly post listing my current crafty works-in-progress (WIP).

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As of the moment, I have a Valentine Bear started that I'm not sure if I'm going to finish or not...  I'm so disenchanted with it that I didn't even bother to take a picture!

Other than that, my only WIP is a Think Pink Prayer Shawl for my Etsy shop.  I'm almost halfway finished with it at this point and would really like to complete it this week as I didn't even touch it last week.  The pattern is based on Attic 24's cozy stripe blanket that I've modified.

I have been creating all week and finished quite a few items but you'll have to come back for Finish Friday to see what I've completed  :)

What are you working on?  How many WIPs do you currently have?

Colletta 





Tuesday Tunes ~ Never by Tasha Layton ~ 1/16/2024

 

Enjoy :)

What tune(s) are you listening to today?

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 1/15/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday!

I think I have a job being offered to me soon at our local hospital.  (Well, it is about 30 minutes away but that is local to us :)  If or when it comes about, I'm hoping to continue blogging and creating.  I'll have to get on a new daily schedule as I've been off work for about 3 months now.  If you work outside the home full-time and are a Happy Homemaker as well, how do you fit it all in?

The weather outside is:

Very cold and windy!  It isn't supposed to get out of the 20F's this week.

On today's to-do list: 

~Laken wants to go shopping since she doesn't have to do schoolwork because of the holiday.  I may take her if it isn't too nasty out.  I'd like to spend some quality time with her especially since I'm hopefully going back to work soon.

~Clean.  I got the hot spot table cleaned last week.  This week my goal is to get a few other areas organized and also clean the floors.  They are a mess from the dogs tracking in.

Happening this week:

~I'd really like to get my hair done and "possibly" my nails done this week.  Maybe today while Laken and I are out and about.

Currently reading:

~I'm still doing well with my Bible Reading Plan.  I still haven't picked up any other books to read.  I'm looking for recommendations if you have any.  

Watching:

I'm glad to say that Hallmark has new movies that aren't Christmas movies.  I love a good Christmas movie, but I'm ready for something else.

We started watching the National Treasure series on Disney.  So far, so good :)

I might watch the Steeler/Buffalo game this afternoon since it was postponed.

On the menu today:

Cheesy Bacon Potato Soup

In the Craft Basket:

I'm working on a Valentine Bear and a Preemie Octopus.

Picture from the Camera

Kaylee claimed this large octopus I made this week.  It turned out larger than I thought it would :)

Bible Verse

"God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness."  Genesis 1:4

Have a great Monday!

Colletta

Finish Friday ~ 1/12/2024

I had one finish this week and it was the Mini Cow (pattern by Graceandyarn.com ). 

The pattern might say "mini" but it still measures approximately 11" tall!  It took me a while to finish but I worked on other projects as well and just worked on this one a little each day.

I decided to make her a "girl cow" and added some little flowers to her head.  I think she turned out super cute!  I'm trying to decide if I should add her to my Etsy shop .  

And that, my friends, is my finish for the week :)

On to the next project!

What are you working on?

Colletta

Tea Time ~ 1/11/2024

 

Grab a cup of tea, coffee, hot chocolate or your favorite drink
while I share a few things about my life lately...

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~I noticed the other day that I have surpassed writing 4100 posts on the blog.  I can't believe I started writing posts in 2009.  15 years of sharing!  I appreciate each any every reader that has stopped by throughout the years.  Thank you!

~I mentioned in my "Happy Homemaker Monday" post that I was to have an interview for a PT job on Tuesday, but due to the weather I was going to try to reschedule.  I was afraid it would be a deal breaker but the HR contact was very understanding and rescheduled my interview for Friday, January 12th!  I'm a bit nervous so I'd appreciate your thoughts and prayers for Friday at 1pm :)

~This past Sunday, we had the privilege of attending Nate's Senior Soccer Banquet.  (I introduced Nate to the blog a few "Tea Time"s ago as Laken's boyfriend.  They've been dating for 8.5 months and we absolutely adore him.)  Nate earned Defensive Player of the Year and we couldn't be prouder of him.  He is a great young man and treats Laken like a princess!  He's a keeper :)

~I think I've mentioned it in another post, but I had somebody purchase the Dr. Seuss/Cat-in-the-Hat Baby Blanket from my Etsy Shop.  In this crazy weather, I hope it gets to NH safely.  I packaged it in a 2 gallon ziploc and then in a box with tons of packing tape but I'm always nervous about the shipping process.  It was supposed to arrive today, so I'm going to check the tracking number with USPS.  Wish me luck :)

~Slowly, but surely, I have finished the amigurumi cow I was making and featured on my WIP Wednesday post.  I wanted to have it finished up for my Friday Finish post so that gave me some extra motivation.  Make sure you come back tomorrow to see the finished product :)

So, what's new with you?

 

Colletta

WIP Wednesday ~ 1/10/2024

 

I thought I'd do a weekly post listing my current crafty works-in-progress (WIP).

As of Monday afternoon, when I'm typing this post, I have two WIPs that I'm actively working on and would like to get finished this week.

The first is this "Mini" Cow.  It is a free pattern by Grace and Yarn .  I started the regular sized cow pattern and it was huge!  I then decided to switch over to the "mini" cow.  Even the mini cow is turning out quite large and is taking quite a while to finish.  I have to make two arms, some spots and tail to finish it up.  I'm going to put crocheted flowers on the head instead of horns as I don't think female cows have horns.  Correct me if I'm wrong, please!  I'm hoping to finish this up soon!

My second WIP is a Think Pink Prayer Shawl for my Etsy shop.  I'm almost halfway finished with it at this point and would really like to complete it this week.  The pattern is based on Attic 24's cozy stripe blanket that I've modified.

  If I start (and don't finish) any more projects before Wednesday, I'll let you know :)

What are you working on?  How many WIPs do you currently have?

Colletta 





Tuesday Tunes ~ Any More by Cain ~ 1/9/2024

 

A prayer I pray for my girls daily is that they would know just how much God loves them.

There is nothing we could do to make God to love us any more than he does right now.  His love is complete.

Love this song.  Love this group!

Enjoy!

What tune(s) are you listening to today?

Colletta

P.S.  I could totally make those funky, crochet-embellished outfits :)

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 1/8/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday!

How was your first week of 2024?

The weather outside is:

When does Spring start?  Obviously not this week.  I was to have an interview for a part time bank teller position on Tuesday, but the hubby is making me try to reschedule due to the weather :(  I sent an email to the HR contact.  I hope it won't be a deal breaker!

On today's to-do list: 

~I need to make a trip to the post office to send out an etsy order.  I was so excited to wake up Saturday morning with an order for the Dr. Seuss inspired baby blanket!  The buyer emailed me and said that his daughter is due within the next few weeks and has worked really hard to decorate the baby's room in a Dr. Seuss theme and that it was a blessing finding the blanket.  I love getting messages like that!

~Clean.  The family room has a few "hot spots" that need attention really badly.  There is a table that is a catch all and it is over flowing with STUFF.  I really would like to get it organized.

Happening this week:

~As I mentioned above, possibly an interview...sometime...for a part time position.  Last week, on Wednesday, I had an interview for a fulltime HR Assistant position but I haven't heard anything back.

~Laken missed school pictures and is quite upset at the thought of having a blank space in the year book where her picture is to be.  I made arrangements with the photographer to meet at their office (an hour away) so that they can take her picture.  That appointment is Thursday at 2pm.  It is her Junior year, so I can understand why she wants to be in the year book.

Currently reading:

~I'm doing well with my Bible Reading Plan and Scripture Writing Plan.  Other than that, I'm really in a reading slump.  I've been spending my spare time working on my etsy shop.  I do need to take a break from reality sometimes though so I want a really good book to dig into.

Watching:

Other than a few football games this weekend, I haven't watched much TV.  I have been watching youtube videos of a few favorite content creators.  How to Faith a Life and Elise Rose Crochet are a few of my favorites.

Listening to:

On the menu today:

Creamed Chip Beef Gravy over Biscuits

In the Craft Basket:

I've made a few more amigurumi toys.  Laken requested a bee and Kaylee requested a bunny.  I haven't gotten the courage to add any to my shop yet, as I feel that I still need more practice.  All I can see are the imperfections.  I've worked a bit more on the Think Pink Prayer Shawl and would like to get it finished this week.  I've also made a few Love Letter Book Covers and listed them in my shop.  I think they are really cute and can't wait to make more in different variations.

Picture from the Camera

I'm going to go out of my comfort zone and show you the bee and bunny I made for my girls.  I had a lot of fun making them and learned a ton.

Bible Verse

"The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters.  Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light."  Genesis 1:2-3

Have a great Monday!

Colletta

Tea Time ~ 1/7/2024

 

Grab a cup of tea, coffee, hot chocolate or your favorite drink
while I share a few things about my life lately...

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~I haven't written a Tea Time post since before Christmas, so, "How was your Christmas?"  We had a busy month leading up to the big day .  I felt very unprepared this year.  We did our shopping very late and even had a few packages not come in time :(  Christmas Day, itself, was kind of quiet and anti-climatic.  We had to wake Laken up at 9am to open presents...typical teenager who likes her sleep...  Kaylee and Shawn came over for the present opening and then later for dinner.  The time between opening presents and Christmas dinner was kind of like a twilight zone.  Like I said, very quiet day.

~Happy New Year!!!!!  I know it is almost a week late but I do hope you had a wonderful New Year's Day and are enjoying 2024 so far.  The hubby was off the week between Christmas and New Year but had to go back to work on Monday night.  So, what are your plans for 2024?  I'd love to hear!

~I started a new Bible Reading Plan that will take me through the entire Bible in a year.  So far, I'm up-to-date and enjoying my quiet time in the Word.  I also started a Scripture writing plan for January.  The theme is "God is my Refuge".  Again, all up-to-date and enjoying it.

~Laken is back to cyber schooling for a while.  She got so behind from being sick, having surgery, recovery, strep throat and the "sickness" that we decided it was the best option.  She's hoping to head back to in person school for the 4th quarter and is working really hard.  I'm super proud of her.  She's been through a lot and has been very strong even if she has her moments...

~I re-opened my Etsy Shop:  Colletta's Kitchen Sink!  I even sold a Dr. Seuss Cat-in-the-Hat inspired baby blanket Saturday morning.  So far some of the items I have listed are Prayer Shawls, Baby Blankets, Dishcloths and my newest addition:  The Lover Letter Book Cover.  I've made a white one and a purple/yellow on so far.  I do hope you stop by and check out the shop!

So, what's new with you?

 

Colletta

Attention Readers! Calling All Book Lovers!

The Love Letter Book Sleeve is now listed in my ETSY SHOP!  

The book sleeve/cover can be made in any color as a custom order.

Right now it has a cute little bow tie to shut the "envelope" but I think I'm going to be on the look out for some cute buttons as well.

The sleeve measures 9.5" X 7" when tied close but there is a good bit of give and can fit most paperbacks and even a kindle if you prefer reading digitally.

I had a lot of fun creating this piece!

The bow can be made in any color as well.  I can even make a few different color ties that can be swapped out.

I'd love for you to stop by Colletta's Kitchen Sink Etsy Shop!

I'm still practicing some amigurumi pieces and will be sharing them here on the blog soon :)

Colletta

P.S.  I also just added a light purple and yellow Love Letter Book Cover, as well.

Tuesday Tunes ~ Thank God I Do by Lauren Daigle ~ 1/2/2024

 

I've decided that I'm officially DONE with Christmas for this season and am most definitely ready to move on to the New Year.  

I love Lauren Daigle and I think the colors in the video are just beautiful!  I'm ready for flowers and sunshine :)  (as the snow is falling....)

Enjoy!

What tune(s) are you listening to today?

Colletta