Book Review-Daughters of Green Mountain Gap

 

I love reading historical fiction and time period novels and I also love reading books that are real page turners.  Teri M Brown fits the bill in both of these areas.  Last year I reviewed her book An Enemy Like Me and I loved it, so I was really excited to have the opportunity to review her latest book, Daughters of Green Mountain Gap. In this book we meet three generations of women living in North Carolina at the turn of the twentieth century.

The Book on Amazon

The book will be released on January 23, 2024.  You can order it at the following link on Amazon. Daughters of Green Mountain Gap

Three Generations-Three Exceptional Women

    Maggie

Maggie is the granny, who is known throughout the small Appalachian town and surrounding area as a healer.  She believes and relies on traditional methods for her healing.  She has learned her skills through family tradition, folklore and also from visits she makes to the healer in the local Cherokee tribe. 

    Carrie Ann

Carrie Ann is Maggie's daughter.  She has graduated from nursing school and feels strongly that modern medicine should prevail and that her mother's methods are not only outdated but could be harmful.  Carrie Ann works for the local doctor and feels that all should see him for their medical needs and not her mother.

    Josie Mae

Josie Mae is Carrie Ann's daughter and because of her mother's job she stays much of the time with her grandmother, Maggie.  While she is there Maggie teaches her all about her traditional healing methods.  Josie loves her grandmother and believes that her methods are important, however she is caught between the vastly different methods of Maggie and Carrie Ann.

My Thoughts on Book

I was engrossed in the book from the first chapter.  The author, Teri M Brown, does a wonderful job of bringing you into the lives of these three women.  You find yourself smiling at their victories and feeling sad as they deal with sickness and death.  The family dynamics are a great way to show the spirit of the times with the struggles between folk medicine and science, old and new methods, and dealing with the change in society.  I highly recommend this fascinating book.

Reviews of other Teri M Brown Books

Two of Teri M Brown's previous books have been reviewed on Review This.  Our reviewer Olivia reviewed Sunflowers Beneath the Snow, and I reviewed An Enemy Like Me.  Here are links to those reviews.

Sunflowers Beneath the Snow

An Enemy Like Me

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Fantastic Kitchen Necessities You'll Wonder How You Did Without

A Product Review

This past year has been a struggle for our family and what was "normal" and "easy" is NOT so anymore.  Since bringing my mother to live with us, our lives have been turned upside down.  That includes doing all the things we took for granted.  I'm complaining, but not really complaining.  We are blessed that we can do what we are doing even though it causes some disruption to our routines or changes them altogether.

The point I'm trying to make is that we started to do things that don't take us out of our home as much. Mom needs constant supervision, so someone has to be with her.   Preparing for Christmas this year meant not going out so much.  We ended up  doing things in our home so that we worked together and got to include her as well.  She was more than a taste tester.  .

Baking was one of those things that we decided to do more of. .  We always baked, but this year saw us baking much more and sharing that baking with friends and family.

When you are gifting tins of cookies, you want to make them as presentable and pretty as possible. We are not professional bakers, but still like to make our gifts beautiful and a feast for the eyes.  Uneven and lopsided cookies just don't look or present themselves as nicely.  When your cookies are all the same thickness and baked just right, they make the gift that much nicer to present to your friends.

One tool that we found that has helped us immensely is this Adjustable Rolling Pin. 

 

All our cookies this year came out the same thickness thanks to this roller.  And the added silicone mat was helpful as well. 

It is filled with all kinds of information and size guides to make those pies just the right size.  A regular rolling pin just doesn't do that.  The baking mat has sizes in Imperial and Metric measurements too.  So that's a bonus for sure.

Made of stainless steel you can also chill it when working with pie crusts so that your crusts will be tender without being overworked.

I have been cooking for years and did not know that something this simple existed.  Well, let me tell you that baking will be something that we will do far more often now that we are truly kitchen tooled for the occasion.

The other must have that we love and can't do without is Parchment Baking Paper.  This was a game changer in our home.  I don't remember being able to get this wonderful paper years ago, but now it is available everywhere and I am thankful for that.  

Clean up has never been so easy!  Lining baking sheets with this parchment makes your cookies slide off of the baking pan without having to grease and flour the pans ahead of time.  Step savers are always welcome in this kitchen.  We use it constantly now, not only for baking cookies but for anything that we bake in the oven.  Scrubbing baking sheets is a thing of the past.  

When you have the right tools everything is much easier and less complicated.  For us, these are two of our most favorite new gadgets.  They are in use weekly for sure and not relegated to some corner of the kitchen where they will never be used again.  I guarantee that once you have these you will wonder how you did without them.

Are you looking for a great cookie recipe?  Well let me tell you that the Linzer Cookies we made are so tasty and look so elegant that you will want to try them for sure.  With Valentines Day coming up, just imagine Linzer cookies in a heart shape for all the ones you love.  

You can do it and this is the recipe that I liked the best! 

From Ali on Gimme Some Oven
See Her Recipe to Make These Cookies by Clicking the Link on the Picture

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Reviewing the Stunning Snowdrop In Gardens And Home Decor.

 

I adore Snowdrops. From the end of December I start eagerly searching for signs of snowdrop life. To see those tiny green shoots really lifts my heart and brings such joy. To me Snowdrops epitomise beauty, strength and overcoming adversity.

They are the first flowers to bloom in the year and  are a symbol of hope and renewal after the long wet, cold winter.

 Snowdrops appear so fragile and delicate yet they are so resilient. The exquisite white flowers are a beautiful sight I look forward to every year.

Snowdrops are a Spring flower and part of the amaryllis family. They are classed as a hardy perennial mostly flowering in January and February. They are small and close to the ground growing about 3 to 6 inches tall yet are perfectly capable of growing up through snow and ice.

 

There are many varieties of snowdrop each with their slightly different height and shape and size of flower. I enjoy making home decor items and greetings cards from photographs I take of snowdrops in my garden and the parks nearby each year. 

Stunning Snowdrops Canvas
by RaintreeDesigns

 Snowdrops are very easy to grow. They enjoy partial shade and moist soil. If they are happy they will grow into stunning drifts of white flowers and look amazing. Equally they look gorgeous in small or large pots.

Mostly I grow snowdrops as an outdoor plant but I have heard of people growing them indoors to use as table decoration and an alternative or addition to buying cut flowers in winter which sounds a great idea I may try. 

Snowdrops are so delicate looking and beautiful that they make great subjects for home decor and you can buy many snowdrop related items. For example from cushions to hand painted glass or this lovely Glass Flower Snowdrop Glass handblown  or snowdrop scented candles. 

 

Snowdrops are a  fleeting flower but by having them in home decor items you can have snowdrops all year round. 

Being with white flowers and green stems they fit in with most home decor schemes and always look fresh, clean and appealing. 

Stunning Spring Snowdrops Cushion
by RaintreeDesigns

Snowdrops always leave me feeling joy and smiling perhaps more than any other flower. Perhaps it is their tenacity and resilience wrapped in such delicate beauty having come through winter with all its challenges ready to charm us all and bring happiness.

I would never be without them in my garden and  in pots and in my home in one way or another. 

Snowdrops In Snow Thank You Card
by RaintreeDesigns

More Home Decor Reviews by Contributors On Review This Reviews

More Gardening Reviews By Contributors On Review This Reviews 

Diary Of A Wild Country Garden

Essential Wildlife Gardening Gifts

Raintree Earth Design

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Top 5 Winter Hallmark Movies Reviewed

It's January at the Hallmark Channel and after a generous helping of  Hallmark Christmas movie in November and December - now what! January brings the coldest and snowy weather in many parts and a perfect time to enjoy the infamous Hallmark hot cocoa and Hallmark movies with a winter theme.

Of course Hallmark will debut a few new winter movies and Valentine's Day movies every year, but sprinkled in between will be a few Hallmark winter favorites from prior years. 

Add a little snow, romance, comedy and colder temps and bookmark the Top 5 Winter Hallmark Movies to watch for this winter.

Winter In Vail 2020

Bring on the Hallmark A team of Lacey Chabert and Tyler Hynes along with a gorgeous winter setting and believable chemistry to keep Winter In Vail on the Hallmark repeat list. Big town girl with a life crisis lands in small town town that needs help to survive and well, you know the rest. Great rom com chemistry, snowy charming village and of course Strudel make this a movie worth repeat viewing annually.

Love On Ice 2017

Starring Hallmark A team actor Andrew Walker and Julie Berman this film definitely give an Ice Castles vibe (Ice Castles is a favorite ice skating movie from 1978!. Ice skating and romance fans streaming alert)

Walker plays a young  ice skating coach who lands at a local rink to train the next ice skating talent by the stereotypical ice skating parent. And who might also be at the rink... a former very promising ice skater who retired early and you might just guess the storyline from there. The main characters of coach, promising star, overbearing parent and former promising skater turned local teacher all work with a chemistry between all four. A must see when this movie repeats.

Frozen In Love 2018

It's hockey time again in the land of Hallmark winter movies. Niall Matter and Rachael Leigh Cook share the storyline of small town bookstore owner assigned the bad boy of hockey for community service hours. This duo loves to tease each other, poke fun at their different lives and succeed in making a very enjoyable film that celebrates how opposites attract. Totally Hallmark and totally fun.

A Christmas Detour 2015

One of the all time favorite Hallmark Christmas movies must also make an appearance on the winter Hallmark movie list. Starring Candace Cameron Bure and Paul Greene two of the A team actors who combine romantic chemistry on an unexpected cross country trip and after snowy weather grounds their plane. The two strangers pair with a married couple (Sarah Strange and David Lewis)and the four try to make it across country in the snowy hours before Christmas. 

The chemistry between the wanna be couple, the married couple and all 4 together make this a fun loving frolicking Hallmark movie with madcap rom com romance along with the way. Always a must see repeat during the holiday season and anytime of the year.

Taking A Shot At Love 2021

Ice skating teacher is called upon to assist the recovery of an ice hockey player is the backstory, but the real gem of this movie is the chemistry. Alexa Penavag and Luke Macfarlane have a great rom com chemistry which helps propel the storyline along with alot of smiles and winks and of course the budding romance. Always worth a rewatch during the winter Hallmark season.

Hallmark Now offers streaming 24/7 and its' never too early or late in the year to revisit Hallmark Christmas movies.

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2023 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2022 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2021 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2020 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

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Navigating the New Year: A Casual Guide to Setting and Achieving Goals

As we embark on a fresh chapter with the new year, setting goals is like sketching the map for our journey ahead. 

However, staying on track can sometimes feel like navigating a maze blindfolded.

From 2024 and on, I've decided to approach the marketing of my books more fearlessly. It sounds crazy to use the word brave in association with marketing; however, when you're not used to hearing your voice on social media, it takes a bit of bravery to jump into video creation.

Let's break down the process into a laid-back strategy to help you set those exciting goals and glide through the year with a sense of accomplishment.

5 Ways to Keep Our Goals on Track in 2024

1. Start Small, Dream Big: Setting goals is like planting seeds for future success. Begin with realistic, achievable targets that align with your aspirations. It's tempting to go big, but starting small allows you to build momentum and gain confidence. That's precisely how I started: one book at a time - and now I have approximately 32 activity books published. Dreaming big is crucial, but let the small victories pave the way for those grand accomplishments. Remember, it's the journey, not just the destination!

2. Create a Roadmap, Not a Rigid Itinerary: Think of your goals as a roadmap rather than a strict itinerary. Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, so leave room for flexibility. Craft a general plan, breaking down your goals into manageable steps. This way, you can adjust your course if needed without feeling overwhelmed. A roadmap allows you to enjoy the scenic route while progressing towards your destination.

3. Buddy Up for Accountability: Sharing your goals with a friend or family member adds a layer of accountability and turns the journey into a shared adventure. Find someone who shares similar aspirations or is willing to be your cheerleader. Checking in with each other regularly can make the process more enjoyable and provide the encouragement needed to stay on track.

4. Celebrate Milestones, Big and Small: In the quest for achieving goals, it's easy to focus solely on the finish line. However, celebrate the journey by acknowledging milestones along the way. Whether completing a challenging task or reaching a mini-goal, take a moment to pat yourself on the back. Recognizing these achievements fuels your motivation and adds joy to the process. This year, I'm already learning to slow down, be laser-focused, and tackle each task thoroughly without thinking about the one hundred following items in my head!

5. Learn and Adapt: Goals are not set in stone; they're more like a living, breathing entity that evolves with you. Embrace the opportunity to learn from setbacks and successes alike. If a particular approach isn't working, be open to tweaking your strategy. The beauty of setting goals is the growth and self-discovery that accompany the journey. Stay adaptable, and remember that the path to success is often winding.

As you dive into the new year with your goals in tow, keep it casual, enjoy the process, and savor every step of the way. Whether you're aiming for personal growth, career milestones, or health and wellness, remember that you can shape your narrative.

 Here's to a year filled with achievement, resilience, and the satisfaction of making your dreams a reality!

Check out this latest item off of my marketing checklist: the beginning of videos using my own voice (oh, that was scary, but I'll keep at it):

@stumpedriddles #riddles #brainteaser #mindexercise #stumpedriddles ♬ original sound - Barbara

Follow me on TikTok @stumpedriddles - More at StumpedBooks.com - On my Author Page on Amazon

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Review of Author Catherine Ryan Hyde

Catherine Ryan Hyde is a novelist and short story writer who is also passionate about photography and animals. 

Brief Bio of Catherine Ryan Hyde

Born in Buffalo, NY in 1955, Catherine grew up in a family of writers. She began her literary career writing short stories before turning to novel writing. Her breakthrough novel was Pay It Forward (1999), which became an award-winning best-selling book, and later a movie. She has written more than 40 novels and many short stories. Catherine also teaches workshops at Writers Conferences and is a professional public speaker. 

Hyde's Literary Works

Catherine's works are most often optimistic explorations of ordinary people, which I have found to be fascinating. Her characters are often troubled or down-on-their-luck or just getting over something difficult in their past. The characters in the story search for a meaning of why life is as it is. This 'making sense of life' often involves a young person and an older person (and quite frequently, animals) who find themselves working together to resolve their situations. As a result, we end up with central themes that are based on love and caring and a desire to improve. 

In 2014, Catherine published a new version of Pay It Forward, a Young Readers Edition that tells the same story but was revised to complement teacher lesson plans and summer reading lists for students at the middle school level. In other words, students about the same age as the novel's main character, Trevor McKinney. 

As another Pay It Forward follow-up, Catherine wrote a nonfiction book for kids starring her real-life dogs, Jesse and Ella, who inspire kids to change the world through kindness. The book is called Paw It Forward. 

Summary

To date, I have read about a dozen of Hyde's novels and am so taken with her writing that I have now printed off a list of all her novels and am currently reading my way through them. They are in the Family Life Fiction genre and each is a stand-alone novel, so they can be read in any order.

In summary, I have to say that Catherine Ryan Hyde's novels are 'feel good stories' which will leave you happily satisfied when you reach the end. 

Latest book by Catherine Ryan Hyde:

Latest Book by Catherine Ryan Hyde
Due out May 14, 2024 - Preorder Here

More Catherine Ryan Hyde Novel Reviews:

• Brave Girl, Quiet Girl - review by Renaissance Woman
• Just a Regular Boy - review by Wednesday Elf

• Catherine Ryan Hyde Website. Click here for a complete list of her novels. 

• Catherine Ryan Hyde Books on Amazon

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*Review of Author Catherine Ryan Hyde written by Wednesday Elf

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Hamilton Beach Electric Smooth Touch Can Opener Review

Many years ago, I discovered a hand-held safe cut can opener.  The ability to open can lids without sharp edges has been fabulous!

Sadly, during the holidays this year, I misplaced my beloved safe-cut can opener.  I have no idea what happened to it.  After weeks of looking, I fear it must have been accidentally thrown out with all of the trash generated over Christmas.  

I felt tremendously distressed when I discovered that my original hand-held safe cut can opener was no longer available, anywhere!  I have had that can opener for almost 20 years.  I spent a good bit of time looking at the different hand-held can openers that are now available and trying to select a new one.  There is simply not a comparable "4 in 1" replacement.  However, I did find an electric smooth-cut can opener.  I decided that having an electric can opener again would be nice, so I ordered it immediately.  

I love my new electric smooth touch can opener!  Just like my hand-held safe-cut can opener, there are no sharp edges on the can or lids.  Therefore, there are no hands or fingers cut by sharp lids when removing the lids or when they are "floating" around in the kitchen trash can.

Of course, I still hope my hand-held opener will be found, but for now, I will enjoy my new electric smooth edge, safe cut can opener.

 

Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Can Opener

Hamilton Beach (76606ZA) Smooth Touch Electric Automatic Can Opener with Easy Push Down Lever, Opens All Standard-Size and Pop-Top Cans, Extra Tall, Black and Chrome

This sleek design electric can opener is rather attractive sitting on the countertop.  It matches my other kitchen appliances, which are all black, including my coffee maker, my toaster and my stand mixer.  Having it out on the counter does make it very convenient to use. 

The push down activation lever is almost effortless.  The cutting mechanism easily locks into place on the can lid and holds it while separating the lid from the can, creating that smooth edge on the lid and on the can.

The can opener does not automatically stop or lift the lid off when the can is opened.  The motor sound shifts to a higher pitch when the can lid is completely separated. (You can hear it in the video below when the demonstrator opens the large can of Cento Peeled Tomatoes) Then, you lift the lever with one hand while holding the can with the other and physically remove it yourself.  That prevents cans from falling off the opener and making a mess.

There is also an area in the back of the unit for cord storage which is awesome.  Thus far, I have not left my electric can opener plugged in.  I only plug it in when I am using it, so I do use the cord storage in the back.

To clean it, you simply wipe it off with a damp cloth. 

I searched YouTube and found the video below so you can see the can opener being used and hear the pitch change when the lid is separated.

Read More Product Reviews On
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Hamilton Beach Electric Smooth Touch Can Opener Review by:

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Crispy Air Fryer Tater Tots

 Air fryer tater tots are quick and easy snacks or the perfect side to any meal. These tater tots come out of the air fryer so crispy on the outside and soft and tender on the inside.

Crispy Air Fryer Tater Tots - Reviewed

Tater tots are just one of those foods that are loved by kids and adults alike. Our grandson Tyler loves his tater tots made in the air fryer. It is so easy to make tater tots in the air fryer from frozen to the table in about 10 to 15 minutes.

How to make tater tots in the air fryer:

The air fryer is the quickest way to make the crispiest tater tots right from the freezer.

1. First, set your air fryer to air crisp and the temperature to 400 degrees. The high temperature is important for crispy tater tots. Set the timer for 12 minutes.
2. I place the frozen tater tots in a one-gallon plastic storage bag. Add one tablespoon of olive oil and toss them around. You can also use a cooking spray if you like.
3. Place the frozen tater tots in the air fryer basket and lightly season with salt. Cook for 6 minutes then open and toss them around in the basket. This is important so they don't stick together. Cook for the remaining 6 minutes. 
4. Place them in a bowl and serve plain or with your favorite dipping sauce.

We like to have some different dipping sauces, such as ketchup, ranch, or barbecue sauce. My favorite is the barbecue sauce but when our granddaughters are visiting, the ranch is their favorite.

More seasoning suggestions for tater tots:

• Smoked Paprika
• Italian Seasoning
• Taco Seasoning
• Montreal Steak Seasoning
• Old Bay Seasoning

These are just some ideas for different seasonings. You can season your tater tots with whatever you like. The amounts depend on your taste but usually, one tablespoon per basket in the air fryer is enough.

We use our Ninja Foodi Grill to air fry. The Ninja is a combination indoor grill and air fryer. We have had our Ninja for several years and just love it. Any air fryer will work just as well.

For more recipe ideas on ReviewThis Click Below:

ReviewThisRecipes.com

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Irish Village Mystery Series by Carlene O'Connor — Delightful, Cozy Whodunits

I recently started reading author Carlene O’Connor’s extremely popular Irish Village Mystery series. I have enjoyed the first two books so much that I have ordered the remaining volumes in this 10-book (to date) series.

Here is my review of this charming "cozy mystery" series based on my experience so far.

Meet The "O'Sullivan Six"

The Irish Village Mystery series is set in Kilbane, a small village in County Cork, Ireland.

Siobhán O'Sullivan and her older brother, James, along with their younger siblings have taken over the family business, Naomi’s Bistro, which serves breakfast and lunch. Since their parents' untimely death, James, Siobhán (pronounced Shi-VAWN). their sisters Grainne (pronounced GRAWN-yah) and Ann, and their brothers Eoin (pronounced Owen) and Ciaran (pronounced KEER-awn) are often referred to in the village as the “O’Sullivan Six.”

So, although both James and Siobhán are their younger siblings’ legal guardians, from a practical standpoint she is often the primary person in loco parentis due to his struggles with alcoholism. Her younger sisters sometimes resent her in that quasi-parental role, just as she sometimes resents having had to give up her plans to join her friends during their freshman year at university so she can keep Naomi’s Bistro running and her young family afloat. The challenge of balancing familial responsibilities and personal aspirations is central to her character.

As hard as it is, however, feisty, determined, red-haired Siobhán is up to the task. She is the glue that holds her siblings and their livelihood together. But scraping together enough money to pay the rent every month is tough. She also has developed a bit of a crush on local garda (policeman) Macdara Flannery, who might or might not return those sentiments.

Siobhán's character is the driving force of the O'Sullivan Six. Her perseverance and genuine care for her siblings paint a relatable and endearing portrait. The familial dynamics add depth to the narrative, making the O'Sullivans not just characters but a resilient young family facing life's adversities together.

Murder in an Irish Village (An Irish Village Mystery Book 1)

In the first book, Siobhán is 22 years old. It has been nearly a year since the O'Sullivan Six siblings' parents were tragically killed in a car crash caused by young, feckless, drunk driver Billy Murphy.

Billy's brother Niall tries to extort Siobhán for an outrageous sum of money in exchange for what he claims is evidence that Billy, despite his conviction and incarceration, was not the person responsible for her parents’ deaths.

When James finds out what Niall has tried to do to Siobhán, he is so outraged that he confronts Niall and breaks his six-month sobriety streak by going on a bender. In fact, James drinks so much that he blacks out.

The next morning, a few of the O'Sullivan clan discover Niall seated at one of the tables in Naomi’s bistro. Upon closer inspection, they see a pair of promotional hot pink scissors from the local hair salon plunged into his chest. James has disappeared, and even after he has been found, he has no recollection of what happened the previous night, apart from having had an altercation with the murder victim before blacking out.

When James is accused of the murder, it’s up to Siobhán and their siblings to figure out who the real murderer is and exonerate their eldest brother.

Murder at an Irish Wedding (An Irish Village Mystery Book 2)

In the second book, the wedding of a famous fashion model has the tongues of everyone in the small village of Kilbane wagging. Siobhán and her siblings have their hands full catering the huge three-day affair.

The bride’s father is doing everything he can to thwart the union. Meanwhile, best man Kevin has his invitation revoked as a result of his offensive, drunken, pre-nuptial antics. Garda Macdara Flannery, another of the groom’s friends and now Siobhán’s beau, takes his place.

Kevin’s dead body is discovered in the nearby woods the next morning. Then, a valuable heirloom engagement ring goes missing. When a second victim is murdered with poisoned champagne in a personalized glass flute engraved with Macdara’s name, Flannery instantly moves from best man to prime suspect.

Can Siobhán unravel the mystery, identify the murderer (or murderers), exonerate her beau, and prevent any more untimely deaths? And what of her burgeoning desire to join Macdara as a member of the Gardaí (national police and security force) instead of going to university?

Thoughts on Carlene O'Connor's Irish Village Mystery Series

I am really enjoying this series with its delightful blend of cozy charm, multidimensional characters, and compelling storylines set against the picturesque backdrop of the small Irish village of Kilbane. It offers a delightful escape into a world where quaint traditions meet modern-day sleuthing.

O'Connor's descriptive prose brings the Irish village to life, allowing readers to visualize the charming streets, bustling pubs, and rolling green hills. The cultural richness of the setting adds depth to the narrative, making it not just a mystery series but also a cultural exploration of Irish traditions and the Irish way of life.

The mysteries are well-crafted and engaging. O'Connor weaves intricate plots that keep us guessing until the final reveal. Each book in the series introduces a new puzzle for Siobhán to solve, ensuring that the reader remains hooked. The stories can be a bit slower-paced than other murder mysteries, but I find that the leisurely unfolding of the story contributes to the overall charm.

With its lovable characters, charming setting, and engaging mysteries, the Irish Village Mystery series offers a satisfying escape for readers looking for a lighthearted yet compelling read. Fans of cozy mysteries with a touch of Irish flair will undoubtedly find themselves enamored with Siobhán O'Sullivan's adventures in Kilbane.

I'm also grateful that there is neither gratuitous gore nor graphic descriptions of violence. This series consists of true cozy mysteries rather than thrillers, even though there is sufficient suspense to keep us guessing until the end of each book.

I am listening to the series as audiobooks, which I purchased on Chirp Books. The Kindle and paperback editions linked below are on Amazon. Although narrator Caroline Lennon's Irish lilt and expressive voice add a lot to my enjoyment of these books, I'm sure they would be equally enjoyable in Kindle and paperback formats.

Enjoy the journey!

Irish Village Mystery Series — Books in Order of Publication

Murder in an Irish Village (2016)

Murder at an Irish Wedding (2017)

Murder in an Irish Churchyard (2018)

Murder in an Irish Pub (2019)

Murder in an Irish Cottage (2020)

Murder at an Irish Christmas (2020)

Murder in an Irish Bookshop (2021)

Murder on an Irish Farm (2022)

Murder at an Irish Bakery (2023)

Murder at an Irish Chipper (2024)

Irish Village Mystery Series by Carlene O'Connor — Delightful, Cozy Whodunits by Margaret Schindel

Read More Book Reviews by Our Review This Reviews Contributors

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Book Review: Saga of the Mountain Sage: A Classic Historical Western Series by W. Michael Gear

This historical fiction western begins in 1825, when Richard is a young Boston gentleman attending Harvard. He is a talented and bright student studying philosophy. Richard can quote all of the greatest philosophers and he knows what is real and what is right. He is the only son of wealthy businessman Phillip Hamilton. His mother is deceased, having died during childbirth and Richard has essentially been raised by their servant, Jeffry. How is a story set in the city of Boston able to become a historical western? It begins when Phillip decides that it is time for Richard to take some responsibility, ends his financial support for the Harvard education, and sends Richard on a business trip to St. Louis - the edge of the wild frontier.

The Morning River: Sage of the Mountain Sage, Book One: A Classic Historical Western Series 

Thank goodness I was on vacation when I started this book (this series of four books)! I read the series across a handful of days; including the one day that I forced myself to finally close my kindle at 3:30 am. I resumed reading immediately after breakfast the following day.

Richard begins his trip west to St. Louis with his father's bag of bank notes. He expects to make the long journey to St. Louis, make the business transaction, and return to Boston. 

The chapters take us from Richard's journey to Heals Like A Willow. Her people are the Dukurika (Shoshone), the sheepeaters of the high mountains. She had married her husband, a Ku'chendikani, and lived with their tribe. We meet her as she is burying and mourning her husband and son high on a rocky slope, during a blowing snow. We later learn that she is a very powerful woman, a medicine woman, and breaks some of her People's important traditions and expectations about a woman's role in their society. However, she continues searching for what is real and what is right.

While Phillip is right, and Richard's entire world has been limited to their home, the city, and the university I was immediately concerned that sending Richard on such a journey with such a large amount of money was a very risky idea. During Richard's long journey on the river, he is aloof and stand-offish. He is not impressed by the cities and towns along the way. He looks down his nose at the people he sees in boats, on the riverbanks, and on the farms along the way. Richard was amazed at the river he traveled on but uncomfortable when he stared into the deep forests.

"... he'd watched the forest as it passed, uneasy at what might lurk in those dim shadows. Like a child hearing the ghouls in the winter wind."

During brief conversations with another gentleman, Mr. Eckhart, on the steamboat, we begin to see Richard's thoughts. When Mr. Eckhart observes that Richard may not have the ambition and character needed for frontier life, Richard responds:

"My duty, sir, is to go to Saint Louis, see to some arrangements, and return to Boston with the greatest dispatch. Thereafter, I shall retire to the university and never again endure such bad food... ill company, or the human dregs such as you see floating along on flatboats"

It is a wonder that Richard doesn't make enemies when he repeatedly and snobbishly refers to others as "animals". Oh wait, he does make enemies.

Richard arrives in St. Louis with plans of finishing this errand for his father then returning to Boston to begin courting the beautiful Laura Templeton. He has written letters to her along the journey. 

But there is trouble in St. Louis. Big trouble. Life-threatening and life-changing trouble that irrevocably changes Richards life. If he survives, it is very unlikely that he will ever return to Boston.

Travis Hartman, a rugged frontiersman who is disfigured from a bear attack has partnered with long-time friend Dave Green in a business plan. They are planning an illegal trip up the Missouri River, in a keelboat, to the Upper Yellowstone River to open a trading post. During this time of unrest between the Indian tribes and each other, and the tribes and whites, permits are required to do such a thing. But Dave Green has a dream and a plan.

It is up this river and on the frontier that the lives of Richard and Heals Like A Willow, surrounded by the likes of Hartman and Green, converge. Will they collide and self-destruct or join forces and survive.

This series kept me engrossed. It was not only entertaining but educational (I had no idea how Keelboats were moved upriver) it was also thought-provoking. How do we decide what is right and wrong? And who is right? Who are the animals and who are civilized? 

While many descriptions in the book are beautiful (descriptions of the people, the land, the settings) and took me to those places, it was also a time period set during a great deal of violence. There are plenty of "mature" and difficult scenes, words, and themes in this book. However, it was the reality of those times.

If you begin The Morning River, book 1 in the series, and have any inkling that you like the story, I highly recommend buying the next 3 books. I do not recommend jumping into the series somewhere in the middle or end. I wish that these 4 books had been kept in one single book (I read somewhere that the series began as either one or two books - I don't recall which - but had been separated out into 4 somewhere along the way. I would have preferred it to be one volume).

I would like to tell you more about the characters. And about the parts of the story that made me laugh and made me cry. I would like to discuss the "right", the "wrong", and how God does or doesn't work in our lives, based on the story. But telling any of those things would create spoilers and I don't want to do that.  I can say that this story and these characters (and the people the characters represent from our history) will be with me for a very long time. 

Thank you W. Michael Gear for writing this bit of history in this way.

You can find there series here: The Morning River: Sage of the Mountain Sage, Book One: A Classic Historical Western Series 

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