Sunday, September 23, 2018

Perfect Pumpkin Bread and HAUNTED BOOKSHOP #GIVEAWAY from Cleo Coyle


We usually have a guest on Sunday, but this week is a very special one for us because, after nearly ten years, we're finally making our ghost reappear!

That's right, JACK IS BACK, which makes him our special guest today as we count down the hours to the official release of our brand new Haunted Bookshop Mystery: The Ghost and the Bogus Bestseller

For those of you who've never read our Haunted Bookshop Mysteries, we hope you'll give this new one a try. Though it's the sixth book, you won't have any trouble jumping in. We always introduce our characters with enough backstory so that new readers can join in the fun without feeling lost...



GIVEAWAY #1 -- Leave a comment on this post
for a chance to win a signed copy of Cleo Coyle's
brand new Haunted Bookshop Mystery:
THE GHOST AND THE BOGUS BESTSELLER
and the "Jack is Back!" tote bag.


To pre-order Cleo's book
or learn more click here.


👇

Congrats to the winner
of this post's giveaway...


Sandy G.!




"Jack and Pen are a terrific duo who prove
that love can transcend anything." 

—The Mystery Reader 





A BIG BESTSELLER LEADS TO SMALL TOWN TROUBLE

Bookshop owner Penelope Thornton-McClure didn't believe in ghosts, until she was haunted by the hard-boiled spirit of 1940s private investigator Jack Shepard. Now Jack is back on the job, and Pen is eternally grateful... 


After an elegant new customer has a breakdown in her shop, Penelope suspects there is something bogus behind the biggest bestseller of the year. This popular potboiler is so hot that folks in her tiny Rhode Island town are dying to read it--literally. First one customer turns up dead, followed by another mysterious fatality connected to the book, which Pen discovers is more than just fiction. Now, with the help of her gumshoe ghost, Pen must solve the real-life cold case behind the bogus bestseller before the killer closes the book on her.

GIVEAWAY #2 -- For a chance to win this signed
set of all 6 Haunted Bookshop Mysteries,
visit our "Cozy Wednesday" guest blog post
by clicking here or on the image above.

Click for free checklist of Cleo Coyle's
Haunted Bookshop Mysteries in order!

Now for today's recipe!

Since Jack (our PI ghost) is our Sunday guest of honor, and Jack-O'-Lantern season is just around the corner, we're sharing one of our favorite fall recipes...

👇


Perfect Pumpkin Bread

Cleo Coyle has a partner in
crime-writing—her husband.
Learn about their books
by clicking here and here.


A Note from Cleo

Cinnamon and nutmeg are traditional in pumpkin bread, but our recipe also layers in earthy-sweet maple syrup and brown sugar. Both combine with the vanilla to create a delightful note of caramel. 

To quote our coffeehouse manager and amateur sleuth Clare Cosi, "The trick to baking up an excellent quick bread is not unlike the secret to a good relationship: keep the structure strong enough to prevent it all from falling apart—without sacrificing tenderness." Marc and I work on that delicate balance every day, just as our character Clare does with her new fiance, NYPD Detective Mike Quinn. 

Click here to see more recipes
from DEAD COLD BREW.
As for this pumpkin bread, our readers may recognize it from our recent bestselling Coffeehouse Mystery DEAD COLD BREW. To see more recipes from the book, click here.

The bread bakes up wonderfully with great structure as well as layers of delicious flavor. It's perfect for gifting, too. May you eat with joy!

~ Cleo







🍴

To download a free PDF
of this recipe that you
can print, save, or
share, click here

Click for free Recipe PDF.

Cleo Coyle's
Perfect Pumpkin Bread

Makes one 9-by-5-inch loaf 

Ingredients:

2 extra-large eggs
½ cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1 cup light or dark brown sugar, firmly packed and free of lumps!
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon table salt
1½ cups pumpkin puree* (most of a 15-ounce can)
2 cups all-purpose flour
(optional) ½ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts

*Pumpkin puree can be homemade or canned. If using canned, be sure to use 100% pureed pumpkin and not “pumpkin pie filling.”

Directions:

Step 1—Make Batter: First preheat your oven to 350° F. Coat bottom and sides of a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray or grease the pan with oil or butter. With a fork or whisk, beat eggs in a mixing bowl. Whisk in oil, maple syrup, and brown sugar. Whisk in vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Finally, whisk in the pumpkin puree and blend well. Switching to a rubber spatula (or spoon), stir in flour until a lumpy batter forms. Be sure all the raw flour is well incorporated into the batter, but do not overmix. If adding nuts, fold in now. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Even off the top and bang the pan a few times on the counter (to remove air bubbles). Allow the pan to sit undisturbed for 10 minutes before baking.

Step 2—Bake: After about 50 minutes baking in your well-preheated 350° F oven, test for doneness by inserting a toothpick deep into the center of the bread. If it comes out with wet batter clinging to it, place aluminum foil over the top of the pan to prevent overbrowning and continue baking 5 minutes at a time, testing until toothpick comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs clinging to it.

Step 3—Cool and slice: Bread should cool for at least 10 minutes before removing from the pan. If your pan is nonstick, it should come out easily. Otherwise, run a knife around the pan edges. Before slicing, cool bread for another 15 minutes or you may risk crumbling the slices. Slice gently using a serrated knife. Delicious plain or with a spread of butter or whipped cream cheese.



Eat (and read) with joy!

~ Cleo Coyle

New York Times bestselling author
of 
The Coffeehouse Mysteries 


Alice and Marc in Central Park. 
Together we write as Cleo Coyle. 

Learn more about us here.
Friend us on facebook here.
Follow us on twitter here.
Visit our online coffeehouse here.





Our NEW Coffeehouse Mystery!


Mystery Pick of the Month! --Library Journal
*

Amazon * B&N

IndieBound * BAM

*

"A gripping and entertaining mystery"
--Library Journal (Starred Review) 
*
"Penetrating insights" --Kirkus Reviews 
*
"Sure to delight" --Publishers Weekly



🍴

This culinary mystery includes
25 delicious recipes! To get the
Free Recipe Guide,
 click here.




The Coffeehouse Mysteries are bestselling
works of amateur sleuth fiction set in a landmark
Greenwich Village coffeehouse, and each of the
17 titles includes the added bonus of recipes. 




🔍

The prim bookseller and
hardboiled ghost team up again
to catch a cunning killer in...


The Ghost and the Bogus Bestseller

On Sale September 25









"He is hardboiled in the tradition
of Philip Marlowe, and she is a genteel
Miss Marple; yet the two opposites
make an explosive combination..."

—Midwest Book Review




Cleo is now working
on her next book!

Don't miss her news...


To sign up for Cleo Coyle's
Coffeehouse Mystery Newsletter
and get the latest news on
Cleo's books, 
bonus recipe,
and 
fun giveaways!


👇

Congrats to the winner
of this post's giveaway...


Sandy G.!






93 comments:

  1. Congratulations on the upcoming book release of "Ghost and the Bogus Bestseller" I can't wait to try your pumpkin bread recipe.
    Looks like it would go perfect with a cup of hot cider.
    Thanks for sharing . Myndirene (at) .Yahoo (com)

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  2. I love all of your books and I hope to catch up on this series! I am baking today, so I will be using this recipe for my pumpkin bread 😊
    Thank you so much for the giveaway!
    debprice60@gmail.com

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  3. This series sounds like a lot of fun !
    Donah42 at aol dot com

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  4. Thanks for this intriguing mystery and wonderful giveaway which I would enjoy greatly. The pumpkin recipe is so enticing. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  5. Welcome back, Jack! We've missed you. That pumpkin bread sounds good, nice and rich. Thanks for the giveaway.
    sallycootie(at)gmail(dot)com

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  6. What a great series and Jack is back. Terrific. Love your delectable recipe. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  7. I'm looking forward to catching up with Jack in your new release "The Ghost and the Bogus Bestseller". I don't think I'm alone in bemoaning what seems to be a beheading of a favorite series. So happy to see Jack back and hoping for more of Jack.
    evensonpaul at hotmail dot com.

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  8. Mmm! Pumpkin break and cozy reads for Fall!����

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  9. I love pumpkin bread... thanks for sharing your recipe! So excited to read The Ghost and the Bogus Bestseller and find out what's new with Pen & Jack! Congrats on the upcoming release!! picard1900 (at) gmail . com

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  10. I have a lot to anticipate since I’ve not read Jack and Pen before!

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  11. FINALLY!! can't wait to read!! Thanks

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  12. I've got the whiskey ready for a toast with Jack.
    SO glad he's back. And Penn, too, of course.
    libbydodd at comcast dot net

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  13. Welcome back Jack. The recipe sounds delightful, especially now that fall is here. I'm cooking up a special recipe for Jack myself!

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  14. I used to bake pumpkin bread but haven't done so in a long time. I do love to eat it. I love books featuring bookshops and a haunted one looks even better.

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  15. I LOVE this series, and I am so glad Jack and Penelope are back! I pre-ordered the book, and can't wait to get and read it! I would love an autographed copy to keep and treasure, and the tote is awesome! Thank you for this chance! areewekidding(at)yahoo.com

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  16. I'm excited for the new Pen & Jack story! And I love pumpkin bread!
    turtle6422(at)gmail(dot)com

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  17. I can't wait to read this series! I like the haunted bookshop setting and I'm looking forward to learning more about Jack.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

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  18. Jack's back!
    jtcgc at yahoo dot com

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  19. I promise if Jack shows up here, that pumpkin bread will be served! After a hot summer, it will be heavenly to be in a cozy kitchen baking up a storm like this treat! Thanks for another rock star recipe and book! sharonrizzo@hotmail.com

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  20. I have read and cooked my way through all your books. Drunk gallons of coffee *at* Claire's coffee shop ... Forever a fan ...
    geekette

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  21. Looking forward to trying this series! Love pumpkin bread also.

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  22. Recipe sounds yummy

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  23. I have not read this series but excited to do so, I love your coffee shop mystery.

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  24. Jack is my favorite PI, reminiscent of Philip Marlowe, but much sexier! Makes me wish I were in Pen’s shoes!

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  25. Pumpkin bread lasts about an hour in my house before it is completely devoured. This sounds tasty.
    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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  26. Tis the season for pumpkins and ghosts so nothing ties in better than your pumpkin bread recipe. I am looking forward to reading your latest book in the Haunted Bookstore series.

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  27. I love pumpkin bread and the book looks great! legallyblonde1961@yahoo.com

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  28. Love ghosts and anything pumpkin! Can't wait to try this recipe!

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  29. I am so glad that Jack is back. I missed him!
    Harbingerdc(at)gmail(dot)com

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  30. OH FANTASTIC!!! I've so been looking forward to your new book!!! Right now for the first time in months I have time to read!!! Thank you so much for writing, I know how hard it is - and you and Marc do it so well- so easy to get 'into' your books. Thank you for all you do- you posts and books make me feel like you are living right next door, and also thank you for helping our Fort Walton Beach mystery book club when your first book of the Coffeehouse Series "On what Grounds" was picked as our monthly book!! I'm sending them all this site so that they can buy your next book. Have a great night! Maryhubbell@gmail.com

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  31. Love the giveaway !! Thank you for the opportunity . scoobyspenny@gmail.com

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  32. I love the Coffeehouse books and can't wait to read this series! The pumpkin recipe sounds wonderful!

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  33. I love pumpkin bread and can't wait to try this one. I'm also so thrilled that Jack is back! I love all of your books and could never pick a favorite. Hope you guys keep writing for a long time. Your books are always worth the wait. bobntoni@aol.com

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  34. How have I missed this series? I will have to make up for that now!! egoehner(at)roadrunner(dot)com

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  35. Hurray! A new book, and a yummy recipe. I look forward to each new book! Here's to many, many more cozies. My all time favorites!

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  36. Love the recipe and I am looking forward to your new book! Counting the day's to the 25th! Congratulations on the upcoming release! cmeier2001@live.com

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  37. This was the first Cozy mystery series that I read. Waaay back in the days of A.K.
    Thank you for introducing me to this genre!

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  38. Love the recipe. Going to have to try.
    Welcome back Jack! You have been missed. Can’t wait to read!!

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  39. I had no idea this series existed! I'm pretty excited! I remember stumbling across your coffee series years ago in a outlaw coffee shop in AZ. I never realized what a cozy was back then, only that I loved it! I'm also excited to try the pumpkin bread recipe since ours one of my favorite fall treats. Thank you so much for sharing! Meg85242 at gmail dot com

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  40. Just wanted to comment about how surprised my husband was when I showed him my message from "Jack" and how relieved he was with the explanation of my book boyfriend!! I hadn't seen him laugh that hard in a very long time. It made my day!! 😁. Thank you for that and bringing Jack back to Rhode Island. Congratulations on this exciting release! ☘️📙

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  41. Congrats! Keeping things creative and fun everywhere you go. Love you guys!

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  42. This is a new series for me. I've never read a paranormal cozy,so I like how you make it that we're not sure if he's a ghost or her conscience. Sounds really good.
    My husband & I worked together for many years. That's how we met, working in the same restaurant. This year is 28 yrs together, 27 married, so it can work being together 24/7.
    Thanks for a chance to win!
    cameronbarbara@ymail.com

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  43. Congratulations on the new book! You are a new-to-me author so I am excited to start reading A Coffeehouse Mystery series!
    teddi1961(at)arcemont(dot)com

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  44. I’m so glad you decided to add to this series, I love it (as well as the coffeehouse series). I’ve placed my order. Thanks for the chance to win and for the enjoyable newsletters to carry me through between releases.

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  45. Going to sit down with a slice of that pumpkin bread, a good cup of coffee, and my favorite ghost gumshoe on the 25th. Putting a do not disturb sign on the door and am going to enjoy!

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  46. So glad Jack is back! That pumpkin bread is the perfect snack to go with reading, too. Sandy G. Sand1948@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. Congratulations, Sandy! By now you know that you are the winner of our random drawing. We hope you enjoy our brand new Haunted Bookshop Mystery: THE GHOST AND THE BOGUS BESTSELLER -- and the "Jack is back" tote bag.

      Thanks to everyone for stopping by to comment. We appreciate the time you took to join us. We hope you'll keep in touch for more book news, giveaways, and recipes. In the meantime…
      Have a Happy Halloween season!

      ~ Cleo
      Coffeehouse Mystery.com
      “Where coffee and crime are always brewing…”
      HauntedBookshopMystery.com
      www.CleoCoyleRecipes.com
      Cleo Coyle on Twitter
      Friend or Follow Cleo Coyle on Facebook

      Delete
  47. I love this series. So glad Jack is back. Also looking forward to trying this recipe. patwalkerp(at)gmail(dot)com

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  48. I love Jack! The whole premise is creative and fun. Was so bummed when I got to the end of the series and am thrilled for the new book. And I love pumpkin bread. But not necessarily all the pumpkin spice shenanigans. And chocolate. I love chocolate. Chocolate chip pumpkin bread?

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  49. Not a pumpkin fan, but those PB cookie stuffed with chocolate chips, now those sound awesome. I'm not a scratch baker normally, but those are definitely worth trying.Yum.

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  50. So happy Jack is back baby! I pre-odered it through Amazon... the wait is killing me! Gonna try this bread Vegan style🎃
    Cheers~
    Kelly Braun
    Gaelicark(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  51. Congrats on the new book! And I love pumpkin bread. Thanks for the recipe. mbradeen [at] yahoo [dot] com

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  52. Thank you for the recipe! I'll have to cook the pumpkin myself, no pureed pumpkin can in France.
    Cant wait for the new book!

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  53. Would love to try out this book series.

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  54. Love love this series! Thought I’d be joining Jack in the netherworld before he came back to earth!

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  55. Love the series and looks like an awesome recipe. Thanks for the

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  56. I just started the series and I have to say I'm in love with that fine specimen of a ghost, Jack! New book is pre-ordered but I think I'm gonna make myself read 2-5 first so I can savor all the awesomeness of Jack and all else leading up to the new story lol. Love that tote bag! barbie17(at)gmail(dot)com Thanks for the recipe, it looks amazing!

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  57. I love the other series by this author, but must not have started reading them when the other books of this series were written so I'll have to search Amazon for them. Thanks for a chance to win this one.
    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

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  58. I can't wait for the new book!!! Hurry back Jack. Recipe looks great too.
    nvictoria77@yahoo.com

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  59. I can't wait for the new book also printed the recipe so hubby could make for me he loves to make new recipes for me and he takes them to work for his crew. peggy clayton ptclayton2@aol.com

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  60. I can't wait for the new book. Love this & the coffee series. I feel like I know the characters and they are part of the real world. :) And I love to cook & bake and enjoy your recipes. :D Diane H profhollister@gmail.com

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  61. I haven't read this series, but it sounds great! The recipe looks to die for!! Thanks for the chance to win! ljbonkoski@yahoo.com

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  62. Oh, boy. OH, BOY! Mine should be here tomorrow! Yea!When I win, I will give it as a gift to spread the word!

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  63. I have not read this series yet either. I may have to start it and then gift it to my local library since they do not have it. Nothing is cozier in the fall than snuggled up on the couch with autumn treats and a good mystery.

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  64. I haven't read the series yet but Jack and I are friends. I cant wait to get to know him better and would love to win this!
    Judy

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  65. I have been reveling in the cooler weather. This sounds like such a lovely snack to munch on with a cup of coffee while snuggled into a blanket and reading.

    I have not read this series but it looks like much fun.

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  66. Pumpkin bread would taste even better while reading a free book. Love this series. rgp1950@yahoo.com

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  67. Love pumpkin bread. Like having a new recipe to try.
    Love your books and excited that Jack is back!!
    a.connolley@gmail.com

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  68. I will have to find the beginning of this series. Love pumpkin bread!!

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  69. Congratulations on the new book! Sounds great! Your pumpkin bread looks yummy, will,have to make ASAP!
    patti.s@comcast.net

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  70. Congratulations on completing this new book in a series I have loved since the first page! I love ghost stories and this one is super fun! Jack is amazing! Thank you for continuing the series!

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  71. Can't wait to read this new one. Great time to make pumpkin bread too.
    Louise
    Lou817b

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  72. I love these books and I am very glad to see Sam make a come back.
    Vickiela3@hotmail.com

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  73. I’m so excited that this series is back! I adore Pen and Jack and can’t wait to cozy up with them! rbonge276@yahoo.com

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  74. Jack is next on my reading list. It has been rough waiting for his comeback. I have read them all and find them hard to put down.

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  75. We love the series and have waited "patiently" for ten years for it to be in print. Thank you from ALL YOUR FANS!

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  76. What I love most isn’t just that your recipes are good, but that they’re simple enough for me to pull off. Congrats on The Ghost and the Bogus Bestseller; I’m looking forward to reading it. My 1st 8 characters from newsletter email: witchywo
    -Susan S.

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  77. Can't wait to read this series! minishoes(at)msn(dot)com

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  78. Woke up this morning with an email letting me know that my preorder of this book was available on my Audible! Already started listening and am SO excited! I’ve read every other one in the series and have been waiting all 10 years for this new release. Thank you for listening to your readers and giving us another. I hope it won’t be the last. Would love to win the giveaway - my email is scrapgirl1467AT gmail DOT com. Thanks sweetie!

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  79. I love the Coffee shop mysteries. can't wait to read your newest book.

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  80. Pumpkin bread! LOVE pumpkin!! And audio books! Was excited to see this one is already on audio and several of the others are being recorded as well!

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  81. I am gonna say it your covers on your books attract me to look at what it pertained. I've never read any of them , but they do look very interesting. I'd like to see where Jack been. Or do you have to read them in order? What a great way to start a new author, start with the latest and go backward...lol

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  82. I absolutely love all your books and am very happy to see a new one. I've missed Penelope and Jack and all the other characters you've created. Thank you.😊

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  83. Sorry but I forgot to add my name to above "Unknown" comment added 9/26 at 5:49am

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  84. Congratulations to the author on her new release.

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  85. Yay - congrats on a new release! I've read all the Coffeehouse Mysteries and have been wanting to read the Haunted Bookshop mysteries.

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  86. Love the pumpkin bread but it's Jack who is truly yummy! We need more of that dreamboat!

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  87. Looks like a fun series! Rcl83.em

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  88. Just love these books, Cleo C and the wonderful recipes 😃 thank you

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  89. Pumpkin bread sounds good. I love pumpkin pie, but not pumpkin coffee. I think I have one or two of the books.
    catbooks72(at)gmail(dot)com

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  90. Thanks to everyone for stopping by to comment. We wish we could give a prize to all of you, but there’s only one winner today. By random number draw, that winner is “Sandy G.” Congratulations, Sandy, we hope you enjoy our brand new Haunted Bookshop Mystery: The Ghost and the Bogus Bestseller!

    Cheers to all of you for taking the time to join us. We hope you'll keep in touch with us for more book news, giveaways, and recipes. In the meantime…

    Have a Happy Halloween season!

    ~ Cleo
    Coffeehouse Mystery.com
    “Where coffee and crime are always brewing…”
    HauntedBookshopMystery.com
    www.CleoCoyleRecipes.com
    Cleo Coyle on Twitter
    Friend or Follow Cleo Coyle on Facebook

    ReplyDelete