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Irish Coffee Murder 3 novellas by Leslie Meier; Lee Hollis; Barbara Ross

311 pages January 24,2023 publication date Kensington publishers

About The Book

Headlined by New York Times bestselling author Leslie Meier, today’s top cozy mystery writers join forces for this St. Patrick’s Day–themed collection set in small-town Maine, sure to appeal to fans of Joanne Fluke and Peggy Ehrhart.

IRISH COFFEE MURDER by LESLIE MEIER
Part-time reporter Lucy Stone is writing a piece for the Courier about four Irish step dancing students from Tinker’s Cove on the cusp of making it big. But the story becomes headline news for all the wrong reasons when one girl’s mother is found dead in her bathtub . . .
 
DEATH OF AN IRISH COFFEE DRINKER by LEE HOLLIS
As owner of Bar Harbor’s hottest new restaurant, Hayley Powell offers to cater the after-party for popular comedian Jefferson O’Keefe, but it’s no laughing matter when Jefferson keels over after gulping down his post-show Irish coffee . . .
 
PERKED UP by BARBARA ROSS
It’s a snowy St. Patrick’s Day in Busman’s Harbor. But when the power goes out, what better way for Julia Snowden to spend the evening than sharing local ghost stories—and Irish coffees—with friends and family? By the time the lights come back, they might even have solved the coldest case in town . . .

My Thoughts

A delightful collection of novella length stories by mystery writer authors Leslie Meier; Lee Hollis; Barbara Ross. I will admit to having only heard of author Leslie Meier and before reading this had never read anything by any of them.
I thought this was a charming mystery book filled with St. Patty’s-themed stories. Perfect for Irish coffee lovers and it'll have your appetite roaring with plenty of talk of Irish soda bread, coffee cake and some Irish food recipes that sound easy to make.
All the stories are quick reads and entertaining and have I said coffee? They'll have you craving it while you're reading so settle in for an entertaining afternoon read with these quick-witted stories.

Pub Date 24 Jan 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

The Authors

LESLIE MEIER is the acclaimed author of over twenty-five Lucy Stone Mysteries. She has also written for Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, and like her series protagonist, Lucy Stone, she worked as a New England newspaper reporter while raising her three children. She is currently at work on the next Lucy Stone mystery and can be found online at LeslieMeierBooks.com.

LEE HOLLIS
, the pen name for Rick Copp, is the author of the Desert Flowers Mysteries and the Maya and Sandra Mystery Series. He is also the co-author of the Hayley Powell Food & Cocktail Mysteries with his sister, Holly Simason. A veteran Hollywood screenwriter, he is the co-writer of The Brady Bunch Movie and has written for numerous television series, including The Golden Girls, Wings,Scooby-Doo, Teen Titans, and Barbershop. He also produces, writes, and stars in the hit web series Where the Bears Are. He lives in Palm Springs, California and can be found online at LeeHollisMysteries.com.

BARBARA ROSS is the author of the Maine Clambake Mysteries and the Jane Darrowfield Mysteries. Her books have been nominated for multiple Agatha Awards for Best Contemporary Novel and have won the Maine Literary Award for Crime Fiction. Barbara’s Maine Clambake novellas are included along with stories by Leslie Meier and Lee Hollis in holiday anthologies from Kensington Publishing. Barbara and her husband live in Portland, Maine. Readers can visit her website at BarbaraRossAuthor.com. –This text refers to the hardcover edition.

Do you enjoy cozy mysteries too ? Who are some of your favorite authors?

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Can’t Wait Wednesday

Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted here, at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they’re books that have yet to be released.

Pub Date 22 Aug 2023

I just love this author’s books. This is the second in the Woodland Park Firefighters series.

This is the first in the series if you’re interested. It published November 29, 2022 and I still haven’t read it for NetGalley yet. Shhhh, please don’t tell Berkley I’m overdue on this one 🙂

About Moving Forward by Shelley Shepard Gray

Romance blossoms in the Colorado foothills in this sweet romance by New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray

Former Army captain Greg Tebo loves his new life in Woodland Park. In the two years since he joined the WPFD, he’s gained a reputation as a fearless firefighter, and after being stationed all around the country and overseas, he can’t wait to settle down with a wife and kids.

When a call comes in about a possible heart attack at the scene of a fire at the Garden Center, Greg assumes they’re going to be helping an elderly customer—not the beautiful, feisty proprietor in her late twenties. Kristen Werner has been determined to pretend everything is fine. She refuses to leave the company she’s carefully nurtured and move home to her loving but meddling family in Houston. Since her devastating diagnosis caused her fiancé to dump her, she’s given up on love and thrown herself into cultivating her blooming business instead—even if the hard work further weakens her heart.

Greg is drawn to Kristen’s vibrant, independent spirit and hopes romance will flower. But she’s had enough trouble with her heart to last a lifetime, and can’t trust Greg not to break it—especially if he finds out she can never give him the houseful of children he longs for….

Will you be reading either of these ?

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WWW Wednesday

Welcome to WWW Wednesday! This meme was formerly hosted by MizB at A Daily Rhythm and revived here on Taking on a World of Words. Just answer the three questions below and leave a link to your post in the comments for others to look at. No blog? No problem! Just leave a comment with your responses.

The Three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

Currently Reading

An absolutely gripping crime thriller with a shocking twist

A page-turning journey through three riveting, interwoven historical timelines.”

What I’ve read in the past week

Reading Next

Are any of these on your to read list?

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The Wedding Ranch by Nancy Naigle

352 pages December 6, 2022 publication date St. Martin’s Press publisher

A second chance at love awaits two brokenhearted people if they’re just willing to trust each other―and themselves, in USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle’s The Wedding Ranch.

About The Book

When Lorri Walker’s husband gifted her with a mastiff puppy on Valentine’s Day, she believed he was recommitting himself to their marriage after going astray. Six months later, he left both her and their dog for someone else. Since her recent move to Dalton Mill to unbraid herself from the past, Lorri’s graphic design business is now flourishing, her growing mastiff, Mister, has plenty of space to romp, and her ex in Raleigh can fade to a distant memory.

Ryder Bolt is haunted by the tragic loss of his wife and young son seven years ago. Thankfully, ranching keeps Ryder busy, and spending time with his niece and nephew―whose venue, The Wedding Ranch, has become a popular tourist destination―keeps him from getting lonely.

When Lorri and Ryder met, love was the last thing they were looking for. When they’re together, smiles come easier and burdens feel lighter, and both are embracing the possibility of something deeper.

But when a long-buried revelation surfaces, the fate that brought them together threatens to tear them apart.

My Thoughts

This book! The author does not shy away from topics that may make some uncomfortable, like grief, death and addiction.
I have really enjoyed this author’s books and this one is no exception.


Our main characters Ryder and Lorri have both endured tragic losses in their life. Neither is looking for a romance but the more time they spend together they realize how compatible they are as they help each other to heal.


Very well-developed characters and storyline. I enjoyed how realistic this is and it was so nice to see how much support our main character gets from her best friend. She is there for whatever she needs and so understanding. We all need someone like this. Very emotional book that I will be reading again.

Pub Date 06 Dec 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

The Author

USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle whips up small-town love stories with a whole lot of heart. She began her popular contemporary romance series, Adams Grove while juggling a successful career in finance and life on a seventy-six-acre farm. Over twenty-five novels later, Nancy is a Romance Writers of America and ACFW Honor Roll author. Her books have been translated into multiple languages and received favorable reviews from major trade journals. Nancy’s latest release, THE SHELL COLLECTOR, is a touching novel of a friendship that crosses generations, and learning how even the smallest gifts can change a life for good.

Crown Media has adapted several of Nancy’s novels for Hallmark Channel, and Nancy novelized three Hallmark Original Movies set in the town of Evergreen. Hallmark fans may have recently enjoyed The Secret Ingredient and new in 2021 Sand Dollar Cove in the Summer Nights programming-both inspired by her novels.

Now happily retired from a career in the financial industry, this Virginia girl devotes her time to writing, antiquing, and horseback riding with friends.

Download a complete list of Nancy’s books at http://www.NancyNaigle.com, then stay up to date with future releases by joining Nancy’s free newsletter -or-visit her on facebook and twitter (@nancynaigle)

Hugs and happy reading~

Have you read any books by this author? Which ones are your favorites?

Enjoy your day. Thanks for stopping in.

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Top Ten Tuesday-the first 10 books I randomly grabbed from my shelf

This week’s selection is a fun one, a bit of a game. We are to choose 10 books from our shelf at random and if we’ve read it say what we thought about it. If we haven’t read it we are to decide if we still want to read it.

I have read these

I read this one. I love her historicals. They are very well researched. The book is mesmerizing, emotional and uplifting.

I skimmed this one. I did not like it. Too many characters and I just didn’t make a connection with the book.

I don’t read many historical mysteries but this one was very intriguing.

Part of the Hope Harbor series. Very charming book. I’ve read a lot in this series and I would like to read the ones I haven’t gotten to yet that I own.

I gave this one a 2-star rating. Because of the low rating I didn’t review this one on my blog. I try to keep my reviews on here positive and encouraging. I found this book lacking.

Have not read these

When Aunt Sarah begins to tell Lorna stories based on the fabric in a treasured crazy quilt, Lorna has no idea she is hearing true stories—the story of Aunt Sarah’s life.

I’ve always enjoyed this authors books. This one sounds like it has promise.

I went through a period where I bought a ton of these Love Inspired. I have hundreds of them.

I don’t remember buying this book or even know where it’s at. I no longer want to read it.

I enjoy novella collections and have read and enjoyed books from all of these authors. I anticipate this will be an enjoyable book.

I have read a few books by this author they are witty and entertaining. I look forward to this one.

Have you read any of the ones I haven’t? Any recommendations by any of these authors?

Have a most lovely day. Thanks for stopping in.

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A True Inspirational story

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Inspiring Quotes for someone fighting Cancer.

Thank you for stopping in today. May blessings rain upon you.

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After the Shadows (Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing Book #1)by Amanda Cabot

345 pages Publication date March 21, 2023 Revell Publisher

About The Book

A brighter future awaits–if she can escape the shadows of the past

Emily Leland sheds no tears when her abusive husband is killed in a bar fight, but what awaits her back home in Sweetwater Crossing is far from the welcome and comfort she expected. First she discovers her father has died under mysterious circumstances. Then the house where the new schoolteacher and his son are supposed to board burns, leaving them homeless. When Emily proposes turning the family home into a boardinghouse, her sister is so incensed that she leaves town.

Alone and broke, her family name sullied by controversy, Emily is determined to solve the mystery of her father’s death–and to aid Craig Ferguson, despite her fears of men. The widowed schoolmaster proves to be a devoted father, an innovative teacher, and an unexpected ally. Together they must work to unmask a killer and escape the shadows of their own pasts in order to forge a brighter future.

Bestselling author Amanda Cabot transports you to 1880s Texas Hill Country for a brand-new series that will have you flipping pages to solve the mystery and get to the happily-ever-after you long for.

Grab A Copy

My Thoughts

After the Shadows is an excellent book! Everything this author writes is a solid story and really draws me in. I have been reading this authors’ books since she has started writing and have enjoyed them all. I wouldn’t miss anything she writes.
After The Shadows is the first book in the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing series.
Emily Leland married too quickly after meeting her husband, not really knowing him and how she would be treated, when he is killed in a bar fight it’s no loss to her. Her marriage has produced no children and she now returns home to Sweetwater Crossing only to find her father dead under suspicious circumstances. Determined to get to the bottom of it she is not one to give up as she explores all possibilities of his death.
Everyone thinks he killed himself, but Emily is out to prove otherwise.
Schoolteacher, recently widowed Craig Ferguson moves into town at the same time Emily does with his adorable young son, Noah. I enjoyed seeing the interactions between Emily and Noah, they had quite a bond. When other non sick elderly residents of Sweetwater start dying Emily and Craig are determined to put a stop to it and catch whoever is responsible.
I went right to the very end before solving this suspense. Excellent reading. I love everything this author puts out and recommend this. Looking forward to reading more in this intriguing series.

Pub Date: 21 Mar 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

The Author

With both parents avid readers, it’s no surprise that Amanda Cabot learned to read at an early age. From there it was only a small step to deciding to become a writer. Of course, deciding and becoming are two different things, as she soon discovered. Fortunately for the world, her first attempts at fiction, which included a play for her fifth grade class entitled “All About Thermometers,” were not published, but she did meet her goal of selling a novel by her thirtieth birthday. Since then she’s sold more than forty novels. When she’s not writing, Amanda enjoys sewing, cooking and – of course – reading.

Do you have a favorite book/ series by this author?

Give a smile and you’ll get one back. Thanks for stopping in today.

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The Nine Lives of Summer-by Jem Vanston-One cat, nine lives and a quest to find a way home.

About The Book

Summer is a cat living happily with ten-year-old girl Sami and her family in Syria. Then the war comes.
Sami and her parents are forced to make the heart-wrenching decision to flee as refugees, leaving Summer behind.
On her journey through nine lives in a dozen countries, Summer discovers her purpose – to find Sami again.
The quest leads Summer all over the world, meeting diverse people from a vast array of cultures and backgrounds, through exciting adventures and heart-break, desperate struggle and survival. But she never ever gives up hoping and searching.
Will Summer ever find Sami, and be reunited with her family in her furever home once again?

The Nine Lives of Summer is a heart-warming tale ideal for both children and adult cat lovers of all ages.
It is the purr-fect book for fans of A Street Cat Named Bob, and the author’s own A Cat Called Dog, as well as stories about refugees such as The Boy at the Back of the Class.

Grab A Copy Here

My Thoughts

Summer is a beautiful calico cat living with her owner 10-year-old Sami and her family in Syria. Things are going at a well-established pace until the war breaks out in Syria. The family must flee leaving Summer behind. Sami and Summer are determined to meet up again at some point.
Summer goes through nine cat lives as she is in different countries in her multiple lives. The author does a wonderful job of adding the correct cultural foods, languages, and descriptions of each area. From the frozen tundra to the hottest jungle, the fish wharf and more. Summer’s life is a struggle for survival in this emotional story. As a lover of cat stories, I enjoyed this one very much especially reading about the many lives the cat lived. It reeled me in, and I read it in an afternoon. Prepare yourself to be emotionally invested in the adventures and survival of Summer and her friends. Recommended!

Pub Date 01 Mar 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

The Author

Jem Vanston is a former college teacher who now runs his own editing and proofreading agency as a solopreneur.

He has been a freelance journalist, with pieces published in magazines such as Your Cat and The Cat, TNT/Southern Cross, The Prague Post, The Guardian and other publications. He is also an occasional film producer.

An award-winning author, he has published ten books, from satirical novels, short stories and poetry, to children’s books and cat stories, as both Jem Vanston and PJ Vanston. He’s a screenwriter, radio drama writer and published songwriter too.

Born and brought up near London in Kent, he now lives in Swansea with his two rescue cats, Honey and Bumble, who do their best to distract him from writing – or getting anything else productive done – whenever and however they can.

Author website: http://www.vanston.co.uk Twitter: @9LivesofSummer

Have a beautiful day. Thanks for stopping in.

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Bookouture Blog Tour for A Light to Guide Us Home by Dianne Haley


About The Book

Please, you must get Clara out of France!’ cried the woman, her voice breaking in desperation. ‘She’s only thirteen and her parents have been taken to a death camp. Can you save her before it is too late?

1943, Nazi-occupied France: Valérie Hallez clings to the hope that she will soon reunite with her beloved fiancé, Philippe, fighting the Nazis in Italy. Until that day comes, she risks her life helping Jewish children flee across the border with the resistance, but each tear-stained face breaks her heart a little more.

So, when she learns of little lost Clara, anorphan whose family has been torn apart by the German occupation, and is asked to rescue her, she jumps at the chance to save another innocent life. But she isn’t the only one searching for the young girl…

Because brave Clara is carrying a crucial Nazi document. And the secrets it holds could change the course of the war forever.

Frantically trying to stay one step ahead of the Gestapo, Valérie traces Clara to an isolated children’s home– but she is too late. German soldiers have already raided the building.

Her relief when she hears that Clara escaped is short lived, as there’s not a whisper of her whereabouts. And just when she’s about to start on her search, devastating news reaches her about Philippe.

Shattered by the thought that Philippe may never come home, Valérie tries to pull the pieces of her broken heart back together. She knows there’s a little girl lost out there who needs her. So, she must make the hardest choice of all. Even if she can’t save her dearest love, can she save poor Clara – and help her end this terrible war?

A totally unputdownable and heart-wrenching wartime story about love, bravery and sacrifice. Perfect for fans of The Tattooist of AuschwitzThe Nightingale and The Alice Network.

My Thoughts

A Light to Guide Us Home by Dianne Haley is the third book in the Resistance Girl series.
Each book can easily be read as a stand-alone though.


WOW! Once I started reading this I was completely hooked. This series is dynamite.
So absolutely powerful.

Though it may seem like the Swiss are down for the count, they’re not! They will continue to do their part helping Jewish refugees escape from France using many methods including bribery, hiding them, false documents, faking injuries and more. They did this all knowing what the cost to themselves would be if caught.


I held my breath while reading, there with the author experiencing the story playing out. Hoping for the best, knowing it doesn’t always work out that way. My afternoon was booked, I had my book and my tea. Couldn’t possibly need more.

So heart-breaking and dramatic. Such unparalleled bravery displayed by the characters.
I love historical WWII fiction especially with such detail as this.

Pub Date 26 Apr 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.

Visit more blogs on the tour.

A Light to Guide Us Home can be read as a standalone.

Buy link: https://geni.us/B0BK9HLLD4social

The Author

Originally from the north of Scotland, Dianne now lives with her husband in Edinburgh and has two grown-up children. After a thirty-year business career in London and Edinburgh when Dianne wrote between projects, she is now writing full-time.

Dianne and her family have been visiting the area round Lake Geneva since 1992 and love the Alps in all seasons. The inspiration for her series set in WW2 Switzerland came from a drive through Geneva’s old town on a rainy October evening, the cobbled lanes a perfect setting for secrets and hiding places.

Author social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dhaley30

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dianne-Haley-Author-105318942048374

Website: www.diannehaley.com

Newsletter sign up: https://www.bookouture.com/dianne-haley/

Another wonderful historical fiction series. Thank you for visiting today. May your day be blessed with goodness.