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The Vintage Wren #1-5
The Vintage Wren: January
Cassie Wren. Legal assistant. Convenience queen. Thrifter extraordinaire.
If there were a "green police" she'd be a fugitive from eco-friendly justice. But when a friend's teasing feels like a challenge, Cassie accepts it.
The result? One year. Twelve months. Fifty-two weeks. Three hundred sixty-five days--of green.
It seemed simple enough. Cut back on paper plates, plastic forks, and straws. Easy peasy. But when her competitive side wars against her desire for convenience, Cassie finds it's not so easy to be "eco-friendly" and "Cassie-friendly."
Cassie's first month includes eradicating the extraneous paper, glass, plastic, and metal from her life. However, she finds that it's not quite as easy as she thought. Paper and plastic cover everything manufactured or packaged--even water, produce, and restaurant food! That's not including glass and metal!
But it's not all been bad. She's saved a lot of money, has prospects for a new business, her impromptu blog is gaining traffic, and she even has a new boyfriend. Cassie just might make it.
The Vintage Wren is a serial novel featuring the frustrated rantings of an unconvinced environmentalist
If there were a "green police" she'd be a fugitive from eco-friendly justice. But when a friend's teasing feels like a challenge, Cassie accepts it.
The result? One year. Twelve months. Fifty-two weeks. Three hundred sixty-five days--of green.
It seemed simple enough. Cut back on paper plates, plastic forks, and straws. Easy peasy. But when her competitive side wars against her desire for convenience, Cassie finds it's not so easy to be "eco-friendly" and "Cassie-friendly."
Cassie's first month includes eradicating the extraneous paper, glass, plastic, and metal from her life. However, she finds that it's not quite as easy as she thought. Paper and plastic cover everything manufactured or packaged--even water, produce, and restaurant food! That's not including glass and metal!
But it's not all been bad. She's saved a lot of money, has prospects for a new business, her impromptu blog is gaining traffic, and she even has a new boyfriend. Cassie just might make it.
The Vintage Wren is a serial novel featuring the frustrated rantings of an unconvinced environmentalist
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 25, 2016
28 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Chautona Havig
274 books1,840 followers**fingers skittle across the keyboard. Stop. Eyelids blink over the top**
Oh, was this bio day? Oops! I forgot. I was lost in my latest manuscript. Umm... bio. Yeah.
Hi! I’m Chautona Havig. (for those who care, that’s Shuh-TONE-uh HAVE-ig). Yeah. Just work with me here. I should have used a pseudonym, but when you grow up with a name like Chautona, it kind of sticks.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. ~ Hebrews 10: 23–25
Those aren’t just words on a page for me–they’re why I write. I write to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ. The stories I create are to make people laugh, cry, question, consider.
They’re for you.
When the world screams for hope, I try to point you to the true Source of hope–Jesus.
Sometimes life in the church no longer seems a refuge from the pain of a self-serving world around us, but through my stories, I try to point you to the only Refuge that can truly help–the Father’s Everlasting Arms.
And sometimes we just need an escape from the monotony, the emptiness we see around us. We need joy, laughter–what I like to call “just the write escape.”
Christian fiction without apology or pretense–lived, not preached.
What does that even mean?
It means I care–about you. About your walk with Jesus. I care about the words you put before your eyes, the mental pictures those words conjure. It’s difficult to express just how much I love my brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s difficult to share just how much I love you.
But I do.
And I write for you. I sit in my little house in California’s Mojave Desert and I write to show you why one sister believes one thing, why a brother believes another. I write to show you how some Christians handle trials or triumphs–for you. So when you’re faced with something–good or bad, it doesn’t matter–maybe it’ll spark a memory. Maybe that memory will smolder until you pull out your Bible and see what the Lord said about it–about His great love for you. For YOU!
And maybe, just maybe, you’ll share that love with another hurting, confused, or blessed-with-more-than-she-knows-what-to-do-with soul.
I just happen to think that’s the most blessed giving anyone could hope to receive.
Oh, was this bio day? Oops! I forgot. I was lost in my latest manuscript. Umm... bio. Yeah.
Hi! I’m Chautona Havig. (for those who care, that’s Shuh-TONE-uh HAVE-ig). Yeah. Just work with me here. I should have used a pseudonym, but when you grow up with a name like Chautona, it kind of sticks.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. ~ Hebrews 10: 23–25
Those aren’t just words on a page for me–they’re why I write. I write to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ. The stories I create are to make people laugh, cry, question, consider.
They’re for you.
When the world screams for hope, I try to point you to the true Source of hope–Jesus.
Sometimes life in the church no longer seems a refuge from the pain of a self-serving world around us, but through my stories, I try to point you to the only Refuge that can truly help–the Father’s Everlasting Arms.
And sometimes we just need an escape from the monotony, the emptiness we see around us. We need joy, laughter–what I like to call “just the write escape.”
Christian fiction without apology or pretense–lived, not preached.
What does that even mean?
It means I care–about you. About your walk with Jesus. I care about the words you put before your eyes, the mental pictures those words conjure. It’s difficult to express just how much I love my brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s difficult to share just how much I love you.
But I do.
And I write for you. I sit in my little house in California’s Mojave Desert and I write to show you why one sister believes one thing, why a brother believes another. I write to show you how some Christians handle trials or triumphs–for you. So when you’re faced with something–good or bad, it doesn’t matter–maybe it’ll spark a memory. Maybe that memory will smolder until you pull out your Bible and see what the Lord said about it–about His great love for you. For YOU!
And maybe, just maybe, you’ll share that love with another hurting, confused, or blessed-with-more-than-she-knows-what-to-do-with soul.
I just happen to think that’s the most blessed giving anyone could hope to receive.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 5, 2020
Okay, yeah--not my favorite from the author. I really liked the premise of this one, but I ended up being more frustrated by it than anything. :S
First off, Cassie's commitment to "going green" felt really over the top--I could empathize with things like avoiding paper towels, but when she started not being able to buy canned food because of its paper labels or fresh food because of its plastic bags, or when she couldn't eat at a restaurant that used paper liners or accept a plastic water bottle without overwhelming guilt, I felt like she was going way beyond any kind of rational perspective on the subject. And although her friends talked her down on a few of the most egregious topics, they seemed to accept a lot of things that felt very over-the-top--and those who didn't were seen as not as supportive and understanding as those who did. Also, don't expect to get too many practical tips on solving these problems, unless you also happen to live near a town with a super-cutting-edge store that lets you fill up your own containers (I'm going a bit batty at the thought of all the potential health violations there).
Okay, so that part of the plot/Cassie's personality bugged me, but not nearly as much as another bit--namely Cassie's love life. :P For one thing, is it normal for a girl to have three or four guys hitting on her in the space of a day or two? More specifically though, when we first met Joel, my original thought was, "oh, great, here's the guy who won't take no for an answer even after she's told him she only wants to be friends." But after not terribly long, my sympathies were so entirely flipped that I wanted to give Cassie any number of pieces of my mind. Any girl who has a guy who knows her as well and cares for her as gently as Joel did for Cassie is going to have to have a lot more than an "I don't have tingly feelings for him" reason to get my sympathy in turning him down. :{
Even with all of that, though, I would probably have continued the series just to see how it ended--although is it sad that I'm way more invested in wanting Joel to get his happily-ever-after than wanting Cassie to get hers?--if it wasn't for the content issues. I've had issues with similar things in some of the author's other works, but never quite to this extent. I'm not sure this is an exhaustive list, but here are some of the things that bothered me and/or gave me uncomfortable pictures that I would rather not have had. 1) Cassie's repeated obsessing about how to save toilet paper and what her alternatives were. 2) Similar conversations about feminine products that would probably have made me put it down if they had occurred earlier in the book. 3) Having a guy friend send her to bed while he finished cleaning up the apartment and let himself out. (Don't care how sweet of a gesture it is; that crosses a line for me.) 4) Calling a guy into her bedroom to pick out clothes for her while she's showering in the connected bath. 5) Having a guy stumble across a trail of clothes, including underthings, that she's left in the hallway. And there seemed to be no real purpose for some of these scenes, except to be uncomfortable. Like I said, I can deal with a blip or two, but these piled up to be more than I could handle, and combined with my frustration with Cassie on other points, I've decided not to continue the series.
First off, Cassie's commitment to "going green" felt really over the top--I could empathize with things like avoiding paper towels, but when she started not being able to buy canned food because of its paper labels or fresh food because of its plastic bags, or when she couldn't eat at a restaurant that used paper liners or accept a plastic water bottle without overwhelming guilt, I felt like she was going way beyond any kind of rational perspective on the subject. And although her friends talked her down on a few of the most egregious topics, they seemed to accept a lot of things that felt very over-the-top--and those who didn't were seen as not as supportive and understanding as those who did. Also, don't expect to get too many practical tips on solving these problems, unless you also happen to live near a town with a super-cutting-edge store that lets you fill up your own containers (I'm going a bit batty at the thought of all the potential health violations there).
Okay, so that part of the plot/Cassie's personality bugged me, but not nearly as much as another bit--namely Cassie's love life. :P For one thing, is it normal for a girl to have three or four guys hitting on her in the space of a day or two? More specifically though, when we first met Joel, my original thought was, "oh, great, here's the guy who won't take no for an answer even after she's told him she only wants to be friends." But after not terribly long, my sympathies were so entirely flipped that I wanted to give Cassie any number of pieces of my mind. Any girl who has a guy who knows her as well and cares for her as gently as Joel did for Cassie is going to have to have a lot more than an "I don't have tingly feelings for him" reason to get my sympathy in turning him down. :{
Even with all of that, though, I would probably have continued the series just to see how it ended--although is it sad that I'm way more invested in wanting Joel to get his happily-ever-after than wanting Cassie to get hers?--if it wasn't for the content issues. I've had issues with similar things in some of the author's other works, but never quite to this extent. I'm not sure this is an exhaustive list, but here are some of the things that bothered me and/or gave me uncomfortable pictures that I would rather not have had. 1) Cassie's repeated obsessing about how to save toilet paper and what her alternatives were. 2) Similar conversations about feminine products that would probably have made me put it down if they had occurred earlier in the book. 3) Having a guy friend send her to bed while he finished cleaning up the apartment and let himself out. (Don't care how sweet of a gesture it is; that crosses a line for me.) 4) Calling a guy into her bedroom to pick out clothes for her while she's showering in the connected bath. 5) Having a guy stumble across a trail of clothes, including underthings, that she's left in the hallway. And there seemed to be no real purpose for some of these scenes, except to be uncomfortable. Like I said, I can deal with a blip or two, but these piled up to be more than I could handle, and combined with my frustration with Cassie on other points, I've decided not to continue the series.
October 21, 2018
Have you ever read a story that really makes you think about the things you are doing in your life? Ever had a friend that took things to the extreme? Well if not, let me introduce you to Cassie and her story. First of all, Havig covers a topic that our world really needs to become more educated about - going green. I am not going to sit here and type about how important it is to do so, mostly because this is a book review, not my opinion on going green. But what Havig has managed to do so masterfully is raise awareness about a topic, provide lots of information on this topic, and even give us tons of ideas on how we can apply different things to our own lives. And she does this while providing a funny, quirky, lovable story.
Let's talk about Cassie. I would love to just spend one day with her, although I feel like I just spent the past month with her! She's fun, energetic, quirky and just really awesome. Her fun-loving personality is so contagious, and I smiled while reading this. The best part? It's not over!! Just by signing up for weekly installments on Havig's website, you can continue this journey with Cassie. Some of my favorite parts of the story are those in italics, looking inside of Cassie's thoughts. It really shows her quirkiness even more, and quite frankly she had similar thoughts that I had, only hers were on paper. There's thoughts on most of the pages, which frankly I thought really enhanced the story and brought you even closer to Cassie. And while that may seem like a lot, Havig manages to weave them in perfectly as to not interrupt with the flow of the story.
Do I think I could do all the things Cassie's doing? No way. Not that I wouldn't like to try, I am just being realistic. But I certainly enjoy watching her journey, getting tips from her, and even reading about some mess ups. I look forward to more wonderful installments of Cassie's life. I encourage you to do the same!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Let's talk about Cassie. I would love to just spend one day with her, although I feel like I just spent the past month with her! She's fun, energetic, quirky and just really awesome. Her fun-loving personality is so contagious, and I smiled while reading this. The best part? It's not over!! Just by signing up for weekly installments on Havig's website, you can continue this journey with Cassie. Some of my favorite parts of the story are those in italics, looking inside of Cassie's thoughts. It really shows her quirkiness even more, and quite frankly she had similar thoughts that I had, only hers were on paper. There's thoughts on most of the pages, which frankly I thought really enhanced the story and brought you even closer to Cassie. And while that may seem like a lot, Havig manages to weave them in perfectly as to not interrupt with the flow of the story.
Do I think I could do all the things Cassie's doing? No way. Not that I wouldn't like to try, I am just being realistic. But I certainly enjoy watching her journey, getting tips from her, and even reading about some mess ups. I look forward to more wonderful installments of Cassie's life. I encourage you to do the same!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 1, 2018
I remember the first time I stumbled upon The Vintage Wren weekly stories. I was enjoying and gathering each story to read, finding Cassie and her friend are something to behold in the fictional character world. Chautona’s ability to have a stunning story with wonderful and unique wording is like non-other in the realm of reading, it is truly a treat to read her work.
So let’s talk this collection of “Vintage Wren” , I really love the Eco-friendly challenge and how it was detailed in the book. Cassie morphs into not only a thrift store queen but one with a thoughtful mind for the ecosystem and learning how though it is hard to change the ways from convenient to Eco-friendly, she can do it. Add in a blog and boyfriend, and you have a delightfully funny and engaging read that leaves you ready to possibly make changes to your life.
The idea behind paper and plastic being the first part of the challenge is one I could get behind, or I tell myself I can. I have since reading this book been changing my ways with how much I use of these products. Fans of witty stories with eloquent writing will enjoy this quick read from Chautona.
So let’s talk this collection of “Vintage Wren” , I really love the Eco-friendly challenge and how it was detailed in the book. Cassie morphs into not only a thrift store queen but one with a thoughtful mind for the ecosystem and learning how though it is hard to change the ways from convenient to Eco-friendly, she can do it. Add in a blog and boyfriend, and you have a delightfully funny and engaging read that leaves you ready to possibly make changes to your life.
The idea behind paper and plastic being the first part of the challenge is one I could get behind, or I tell myself I can. I have since reading this book been changing my ways with how much I use of these products. Fans of witty stories with eloquent writing will enjoy this quick read from Chautona.
October 16, 2018
From convenience queen to social conscience?
My rating is 4.5 stars
My heart jumped into my throat as I watched the plastic-wrapped plastic forks drop onto the table. NO! I thought. Not those!
I was at a team lunch at a build-your-own-pizza place and my boss decided to be ""nice"" and get the forks for everyone. Normally I wouldn't have even really thought twice about it, but you see, I had recently finished reading The Vintage Wren.
Despite thinking I do pretty well in helping preserve the environment, after reading about Cassie's first month in her journey, I know there are so many areas in which I fall short. But my outlook was affected by it, as evidenced by my reaction to my helpful boss.
Cassie is the kind of person who once she makes up her mind to do something, she pours herself into it wholeheartedly. Which led to some amusing moments in the story. She also has trouble backing down from a challenge, which is exactly how she got herself into committing to a year of changes. It's only 365 days, right?
I was able to relate to Cassie's frustrations. Making changes, even for the better, can be sooo hard! Any time I've had to change my diet whether for a week or a month or forever, whatever it is that I can't eat all of a sudden becomes the most important and craved food! So poor Cassie's breakdowns - yeah. I get it!
Don't run away from the book, though, if you aren't into all of this. Though the story IS about Cassie's exploration of living a more earth-friendly lifestyle, that isn't the whole story. In the process of reducing her paper and glass usage, she discovers some very important things about herself. The way she interacts with others. The way she changes the truth to match what she says.
There is a lovely love triangle. Cassie's second best friend, Joel, wants to be more than a friend. And frankly, I think he is quite the catch. Joel is one of the kindest men, loves Cassie enough to want what is best for her and is willing to watch as she dates other men. Oh, and did I mention that he cooks for her, rescues her when she freaks out, knows exactly what she needs. . . Oh, and his online name - joel213 - look up that verse and you'll see a bit of his heart. If I hadn't already swooned over him, that would have done it.
Then there is Evan. Who is handsome and talented and kind. And an amazing dancer! Sadly for Joel, Evan is the one she has started going out with. Don't get me wrong. I like Evan and he seems to be a good fit for Cassie. Kinda. He just doesn't know her as Joel does. This is just the first month of her experiment, so who knows who Cassie will end up with! I'm kinda hoping for Joel.
Then there is my favorite character. Well, he's not really a character. Is he? In lieu of a pet, Cassie adopted her reproduction of Rodin's The Thinker. And she has nicknamed him and talks to him. And just might have played chess with him. I so wanted to pull quotes from conversations with him or thoughts she had about him but they just wouldn't have made any sense outside the context of the story!
The Vintage Wren is written in Chautona's unique and quirky style. I honestly think I would be able to pick out her writing from a lineup of books. (There are not many authors who have a voice so unique I can identify it as hers.) Full of chuckles and interesting perspectives that point back to the Lord, it is a good book that will get you thinking.
Overall, this book was a little more about the process of going environmentally friendly than I expected. There is certainly a story, it is just heavy on the details. There were a few things discussed that probably had to be, but toilet paper was mentioned a few more times than I wanted to hear about. Will I read the rest of the books in the series? Most likely. I really do want to find out what happens with Joel...
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads
I was given a free copy of this item. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.
My rating is 4.5 stars
My heart jumped into my throat as I watched the plastic-wrapped plastic forks drop onto the table. NO! I thought. Not those!
I was at a team lunch at a build-your-own-pizza place and my boss decided to be ""nice"" and get the forks for everyone. Normally I wouldn't have even really thought twice about it, but you see, I had recently finished reading The Vintage Wren.
Despite thinking I do pretty well in helping preserve the environment, after reading about Cassie's first month in her journey, I know there are so many areas in which I fall short. But my outlook was affected by it, as evidenced by my reaction to my helpful boss.
Cassie is the kind of person who once she makes up her mind to do something, she pours herself into it wholeheartedly. Which led to some amusing moments in the story. She also has trouble backing down from a challenge, which is exactly how she got herself into committing to a year of changes. It's only 365 days, right?
I was able to relate to Cassie's frustrations. Making changes, even for the better, can be sooo hard! Any time I've had to change my diet whether for a week or a month or forever, whatever it is that I can't eat all of a sudden becomes the most important and craved food! So poor Cassie's breakdowns - yeah. I get it!
Don't run away from the book, though, if you aren't into all of this. Though the story IS about Cassie's exploration of living a more earth-friendly lifestyle, that isn't the whole story. In the process of reducing her paper and glass usage, she discovers some very important things about herself. The way she interacts with others. The way she changes the truth to match what she says.
There is a lovely love triangle. Cassie's second best friend, Joel, wants to be more than a friend. And frankly, I think he is quite the catch. Joel is one of the kindest men, loves Cassie enough to want what is best for her and is willing to watch as she dates other men. Oh, and did I mention that he cooks for her, rescues her when she freaks out, knows exactly what she needs. . . Oh, and his online name - joel213 - look up that verse and you'll see a bit of his heart. If I hadn't already swooned over him, that would have done it.
Then there is Evan. Who is handsome and talented and kind. And an amazing dancer! Sadly for Joel, Evan is the one she has started going out with. Don't get me wrong. I like Evan and he seems to be a good fit for Cassie. Kinda. He just doesn't know her as Joel does. This is just the first month of her experiment, so who knows who Cassie will end up with! I'm kinda hoping for Joel.
Then there is my favorite character. Well, he's not really a character. Is he? In lieu of a pet, Cassie adopted her reproduction of Rodin's The Thinker. And she has nicknamed him and talks to him. And just might have played chess with him. I so wanted to pull quotes from conversations with him or thoughts she had about him but they just wouldn't have made any sense outside the context of the story!
The Vintage Wren is written in Chautona's unique and quirky style. I honestly think I would be able to pick out her writing from a lineup of books. (There are not many authors who have a voice so unique I can identify it as hers.) Full of chuckles and interesting perspectives that point back to the Lord, it is a good book that will get you thinking.
Overall, this book was a little more about the process of going environmentally friendly than I expected. There is certainly a story, it is just heavy on the details. There were a few things discussed that probably had to be, but toilet paper was mentioned a few more times than I wanted to hear about. Will I read the rest of the books in the series? Most likely. I really do want to find out what happens with Joel...
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads
I was given a free copy of this item. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.
October 16, 2018
Cassie Wren is a thrifter extraordinaire, a convenience queen, and a legal assistant. She was the kind of girl who used paper and plastic everything — forks, knives, spoons, cups, towels, napkins, etc. — "to save water, since I'm rarely home", she would say.
That notion was challenged while shopping with her friend Lauren, for the coming new year. Lauren had tried to convince Cassie to at least cut back a little on her dependence on all things not-eco-friendly. "You're filling up the landfills", Lauren had told her friend, but Cassie said landfill exist to be filled.
One time, Lauren looked at Cassie's cart and told her, "Do you realize you've got over a hundred dollars of stuff in there — a hundred dollars of stuff you are going to send to the landfill? Why don't you just skip the party and toss the cash in the trash?" (The Vintage Wren, January. Pg.8)
Cassie's response? — That cost is worth my time!
She was the true convenience queen. If there was a green police, she'd be a fugitive from eco-friendly justice.
When Lauren told her, "You wouldn't make it a ye—week living green. You probably wouldn't even know where to start", (The Vintage Wren, January. Pg.10) Cassie thought —
She started to say year. Year! She wouldn't even downgrade to month. No! She doesn't think I can make it a week. I'm soooo tempted to do it and prove her wrong. So tempted. (The Vintage Wren, January. Pg.12)
Lauren's statement felt like a challenge Cassie was willing to accept. And she did.
It can't be that hard, right? Just cut back on paper and plastic. Plus, what better way to usher in the new year than by making this sound resolution?
The Vintage Wren is a serial novel released in fifty-two episodes, each episode documenting Cassie's journey as she took on the challenge of living green for one year.
Each month is released separately as a full length novel.
In The Vintage Wren: January, Cassie quickly finds out that the challenge was harder than she thought — there's paper and plastic everywhere. Everything came wrapped in them. Water. Groceries. Even restaurant food.
The book is easy to read, with relatable characters. If living green is something you're interested in, you wouldn't come across ideas on simple ways to live more eco-friendly.
That notion was challenged while shopping with her friend Lauren, for the coming new year. Lauren had tried to convince Cassie to at least cut back a little on her dependence on all things not-eco-friendly. "You're filling up the landfills", Lauren had told her friend, but Cassie said landfill exist to be filled.
One time, Lauren looked at Cassie's cart and told her, "Do you realize you've got over a hundred dollars of stuff in there — a hundred dollars of stuff you are going to send to the landfill? Why don't you just skip the party and toss the cash in the trash?" (The Vintage Wren, January. Pg.8)
Cassie's response? — That cost is worth my time!
She was the true convenience queen. If there was a green police, she'd be a fugitive from eco-friendly justice.
When Lauren told her, "You wouldn't make it a ye—week living green. You probably wouldn't even know where to start", (The Vintage Wren, January. Pg.10) Cassie thought —
She started to say year. Year! She wouldn't even downgrade to month. No! She doesn't think I can make it a week. I'm soooo tempted to do it and prove her wrong. So tempted. (The Vintage Wren, January. Pg.12)
Lauren's statement felt like a challenge Cassie was willing to accept. And she did.
It can't be that hard, right? Just cut back on paper and plastic. Plus, what better way to usher in the new year than by making this sound resolution?
The Vintage Wren is a serial novel released in fifty-two episodes, each episode documenting Cassie's journey as she took on the challenge of living green for one year.
Each month is released separately as a full length novel.
In The Vintage Wren: January, Cassie quickly finds out that the challenge was harder than she thought — there's paper and plastic everywhere. Everything came wrapped in them. Water. Groceries. Even restaurant food.
The book is easy to read, with relatable characters. If living green is something you're interested in, you wouldn't come across ideas on simple ways to live more eco-friendly.
October 20, 2018
Have you ever found an author whose words truly resonate with your soul. My relationship with the works of Chauntona Havig remains one of complete borderline obsession. I love reading her books. So when I found out about The Vintage Wren I was ready to jump into the book.
The book revolves around Cassie Wren and her accidental excursion into the world of saving the planet by going green. Cassie quickly became a character that I enjoyed reading about. I could see myself at times in Cassie and her thoughts about using disposable to save work. Her friend Lauren provides a down to earth example of using eco-friendly practices at times.
Cassie’s obsession with paper, notebooks and pens resemble my love of all things stationary as well. So I could really relate to Cassie on that level. Her friend Joel demonstrates his affection for Cassie in everything he does. She internally debates the ideas of whether to go green or not. She expresses a determination of not going green while continuing to argue with herself. So when Lauren, Silvie, Amy, and Cassie get together on New Year’s Day and her friends throw down the gauntlet, Cassie has no choice but to go green. I know there are times I have found myself doing something either because someone challenged me to do it or someone insisted I could never succeed at it.
As Cassie deals with the decisions about paper products and what to use as well as what to eliminate, I could appreciate her dilemma. Some paper products are non-negotiable to me. The ideas of how to go green caused me to really stop and think. Some things I could not imagine doing any other ones our family already does.
This book truly makes me think about what our family can do to go green. We use reusable shopping bags, cloth napkins and I attempt to conserve water and electricity. Truly, this book provides food for thought.
So if you have any desire to go green or any interest in reading about someone who goes green for a challenge, check out this book for yourself.
The book revolves around Cassie Wren and her accidental excursion into the world of saving the planet by going green. Cassie quickly became a character that I enjoyed reading about. I could see myself at times in Cassie and her thoughts about using disposable to save work. Her friend Lauren provides a down to earth example of using eco-friendly practices at times.
Cassie’s obsession with paper, notebooks and pens resemble my love of all things stationary as well. So I could really relate to Cassie on that level. Her friend Joel demonstrates his affection for Cassie in everything he does. She internally debates the ideas of whether to go green or not. She expresses a determination of not going green while continuing to argue with herself. So when Lauren, Silvie, Amy, and Cassie get together on New Year’s Day and her friends throw down the gauntlet, Cassie has no choice but to go green. I know there are times I have found myself doing something either because someone challenged me to do it or someone insisted I could never succeed at it.
As Cassie deals with the decisions about paper products and what to use as well as what to eliminate, I could appreciate her dilemma. Some paper products are non-negotiable to me. The ideas of how to go green caused me to really stop and think. Some things I could not imagine doing any other ones our family already does.
This book truly makes me think about what our family can do to go green. We use reusable shopping bags, cloth napkins and I attempt to conserve water and electricity. Truly, this book provides food for thought.
So if you have any desire to go green or any interest in reading about someone who goes green for a challenge, check out this book for yourself.
October 26, 2018
To start, I have read almost all of Chautona's books. I know her style and I know what she is usually looking to achieve in her writing, so it's hard to provide a review starting with a blank slate. Which I fear may color my review a tiny bit - if I miss something as a result (whether it's positive or negative - forgive me).
What I liked:
I like the subject matter of being ecologically minded. Cassie's friend Joel is a great guy. He's loyal, kind and he's very much in love with Cassie, but for some dumb reason she won't see the light. I like that one of my favorite towns in Chautona's imaginary world is coming into play in the story - Hearthland. I like that Cassie is sensitive about things, but that also gets annoying (upcoming comments about that). I also like that Chautona doesn't write people that are always likable, she presents people, as people with flaws and good points, just as we all have and are. I like that Cassie commits to doing something hard and sticks to it, when a lot of people would have baled or compromised.
What I didn't like:
I didn't like that Cassie is whiny-weeper who cries over some of the stupidest things. I worked for a guy who used to say, "If you've volunteered to do a job, don't complain and whine while you're doing it." Cassie complains, whines and literally cries over not being able to use stuff, that SHE herself committed to not using. I also don't like the guilt that I feel with how horribly wasteful we are, in our home and as a country. But that's a good guilty, because it helps to keep me aware of not being resource glutton. But these reasons are not reasons to give less stars.
Technically, I find almost a piece by piece account of Cassie's life a little tedious. There's a lot going on, and that moves the story along, but I tend to lose interest quickly. I have high hopes for the upcoming volumes and will continue reading and reviewing them, because I do enjoy the story and some of the non-wasteful ideas are really helpful. It's a good start to the series.
What I liked:
I like the subject matter of being ecologically minded. Cassie's friend Joel is a great guy. He's loyal, kind and he's very much in love with Cassie, but for some dumb reason she won't see the light. I like that one of my favorite towns in Chautona's imaginary world is coming into play in the story - Hearthland. I like that Cassie is sensitive about things, but that also gets annoying (upcoming comments about that). I also like that Chautona doesn't write people that are always likable, she presents people, as people with flaws and good points, just as we all have and are. I like that Cassie commits to doing something hard and sticks to it, when a lot of people would have baled or compromised.
What I didn't like:
I didn't like that Cassie is whiny-weeper who cries over some of the stupidest things. I worked for a guy who used to say, "If you've volunteered to do a job, don't complain and whine while you're doing it." Cassie complains, whines and literally cries over not being able to use stuff, that SHE herself committed to not using. I also don't like the guilt that I feel with how horribly wasteful we are, in our home and as a country. But that's a good guilty, because it helps to keep me aware of not being resource glutton. But these reasons are not reasons to give less stars.
Technically, I find almost a piece by piece account of Cassie's life a little tedious. There's a lot going on, and that moves the story along, but I tend to lose interest quickly. I have high hopes for the upcoming volumes and will continue reading and reviewing them, because I do enjoy the story and some of the non-wasteful ideas are really helpful. It's a good start to the series.
October 23, 2018
This unique novel combines humorous situations with a serious goal. The story seems to poke fun at overzealous “save the earth” advocates along with a challenge to consider our choices and their impact on the planet—all wrapped up in a tale of daily life and relationships. This book is different than other novels I have read by the author. It’s more lighthearted in the events portrayed as Cassie Wren attempts to cut unnecessary materials from her life week by week. She begins with paper products and shares her experiences on her new blog. This volume covers January. The concept is fun, but I don’t think I’d want to read a whole year of this. You can receive new additions of this serialized novel from the author each week. The main characters seem real and relatable. I liked that it was set in the same location as some of Havig’s historical novels. I hope Cassie makes a success of her vintage finds store and that she’ll wake up to the fact that her best friend, Joel, seems like a perfect match. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
October 20, 2018
This is my introduction to this author and I must admit, her style is refreshingly different. This serial story expounds on the frustration of a convience queen, Cassie, in her efforts to become more green or eco-conscious. I laughed out loud at times while reading, especially with Cassie's ongoing one sided conversation with Think, her confidant and silent pet. Learning to do without the conveniences we have around us is hard work, something she discovers immediately. As this is only the first month of this challenge, it will be most fascinating to see how many changes she can make in a year. There certainly are examples given that were a good reminder to me of things that I can change. It's well worth your time to consider how many of the conveniences we enjoy that potentially damage the world around us.
I received this ebook through CelebrateLit and this review gives my personal impressions and opinions.
I received this ebook through CelebrateLit and this review gives my personal impressions and opinions.
October 22, 2018
You guys. This book made me laugh out loud various times. And it takes a lot to make me laugh out loud when reading. But seriously. The main character, Cassie Wren, is even clumsier than I am. She is outspoken and impulsive but oh so lovable. She is just so real. She relates the struggles of being eco-conscious so well. I am not necessarily someone who is always super conscious about being green and helping the environment, but this book definitely made me think about simple things that I can do to help. I am for sure not planning on doing a year challenge like Cassie, but it is something to think about. I enjoyed the writing style of the book. The characters were very real and easy to relate to. If you are looking for a humorous and easy read, this is the book for you. (Also I may or may not have paused in the middle of this blog post to sign up for Chautona Havig's newsletter to make sure that I don't miss the rest of Cassie's story. Trust me, it's that good.)
October 21, 2018
The Vintage Wren
Right before the New Year Cassie’s friends were teasing her about being wasteful so she decided to go “green” starting January and for the whole year. The book goes through her adventure for each day. Sometimes it seemed like she was going overboard, like not wanting someone to hand her something with a piece of paper. I did enjoy some things she her making bags to carry groceries.
I did enjoy Cassie doing a blog about her adventures and how a lot of people enjoyed reading it. I have been working on my blog a lot so have been reading a lot of others and there is definitely some interesting ones to read. This book cover January and there is a book coming for February. It will be fun to see what else she comes up with.
I received an complementary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit for an review. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.
Right before the New Year Cassie’s friends were teasing her about being wasteful so she decided to go “green” starting January and for the whole year. The book goes through her adventure for each day. Sometimes it seemed like she was going overboard, like not wanting someone to hand her something with a piece of paper. I did enjoy some things she her making bags to carry groceries.
I did enjoy Cassie doing a blog about her adventures and how a lot of people enjoyed reading it. I have been working on my blog a lot so have been reading a lot of others and there is definitely some interesting ones to read. This book cover January and there is a book coming for February. It will be fun to see what else she comes up with.
I received an complementary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit for an review. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.
October 26, 2018
I loved "The Vintage Wren Volume 1" by Chautona Havig " by and cannot wait to read the rest of the episodes.
"The Vintage Wren Volume 1" by Chautona Havig is a book about going green and it is quite funny at times. I really liked reading Cassie's blog posts because they are part of the story.
I really liked,no I loved, a few quotes and I am going to share them on Facebook wall, so if you are a Facebook friend you are going to get some inspirational quotes and real life lessons. I appreciate that the author writes her books honestly and uses real life instances and shows her faith without being preachy so that readers who don't normally like Christian fiction would like her books.
I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
"The Vintage Wren Volume 1" by Chautona Havig is a book about going green and it is quite funny at times. I really liked reading Cassie's blog posts because they are part of the story.
I really liked,no I loved, a few quotes and I am going to share them on Facebook wall, so if you are a Facebook friend you are going to get some inspirational quotes and real life lessons. I appreciate that the author writes her books honestly and uses real life instances and shows her faith without being preachy so that readers who don't normally like Christian fiction would like her books.
I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
October 19, 2018
This novel is so cleverly written, what’s not to love? Finely-tuned and highly-believable characters, spot-on dialog in a story that flows seamlessly, and completely held my interest throughout! Chock full of “going green” inspiration and thought-provoking ideas, too! I thoroughly enjoyed every part of this one! This volume kept me completely entertained and wanting more – I’m hooked on Cassie and her band of cohorts!! Oh, so HIGHLY recommended!!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required, no compensation was received, and all views expressed are my own.
October 24, 2018
This is a fun book with some laughs and some crying( mainly the character). Cassie is not good at being eco-friendly so during her and her friends party to discuss their New Years resolutions she promises to go “green” for a whole year. This installment is what happens during January. She has a lot of ups and downs during this month. It was enjoyable reading how she tried to go green but I definitely would not want to go cold turkey like she tries to do. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
February 1, 2020
To be continued
As much as I enjoyed reading about Cassie and he attempts to go green for a year the To Be Continued at the end of the book was disappointing. Really? no ending. Just a To be Continued.
As much as I enjoyed reading about Cassie and he attempts to go green for a year the To Be Continued at the end of the book was disappointing. Really? no ending. Just a To be Continued.
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