Sunday, May 28, 2023

Spotlight on BULLETPROOF BARISTA by @CleoCoyle + Book & Tote #Giveaway

 


Once a month at Mystery Lovers' Kitchen, each of us takes a turn under the heat lamp of the Kitchen spotlight. Today it's me, trying to stay cool under the circumstances because, frankly, these aren't especially comfortable to do!

Okay, so here goes...if you're new to this blog or me and my work. I'm Alice Alfonsi and I write two different mystery series under the name Cleo Coyle in collaboration with my husband, Marc Cerasini...

Above is a photo of me and Marc
posed in front of some of the earlier covers in our
long-running Coffeehouse Mystery series...

Marc and I have been partners in crime-writing for going on twenty (good grief, 20!) years. We were both born and raised in Western Pennsylvania, just outside of Pittsburgh, but we didn't meet until our adulthood (1991 actually), long after we'd moved to New York City. 

When we got married in the year 2000 (at the adorable Little Church of the West), each of us had a separate, successful publishing career going. 

Marc and I published many books under our own names (and I also ghostwrote), and we each hit the New York Times list with different projects. After we took a chance on getting married and living together under one roof, we decided to go for three and roll the dice on writing together, too.

We started by collaborating on a few tie-in projects, and then we decided to write a wholly original work of fiction, a mystery set in a landmark Greenwich Village coffeehouse. This "Coffeehouse" series was based on my own experiences, living in the East Village of NYC, and if you'd like to learn more about that creation and development, click here or the coffee cup below to visit our "Secret New York" site...




Anyway, our first title (published in 2003) was Coffeehouse Mystery #1 ON WHAT GROUNDS, which turned out to be a pioneering effort as a coffee-centric "urban cozy." The book was a national bestseller and the fan feedback was great, so we kept on writing, idea after idea, book after book, year after year...



During all these years of writing, we drew from our own experiences. Inspired by the strange, absurd, heroic, hilarious, and endlessly entertaining aspects of the city around us, we told the stories that we wanted to tell, in our own offbeat way. And it worked. So far, anyway. This September, we'll be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the series. We're happy about this career milestone because it will not only mark our 20th year writing mysteries together, it will also mark the publication of our 20th Coffeehouse title...

And that's why we're focusing today's 
Sunday Spotlight on the cover reveal of...

Coffeehouse Mystery #20 

BULLETPROOF BARISTA

(and, yes, the mystery is as much fun
as the title and cover imply)...


Coming November 2023!

To learn more or pre-order,
click a link below:



And finally....




As most of you know, we also write The Haunted Bookshop Mysteries. After we successfully launched the Coffeehouse series, we turned our attention to a little Rhode Island town where an earnest young widow named Penelope Thornton-McClure began to solve crimes with the help of the hardboiled (and ultimately irresistible) PI ghost she discovers haunting her bookshop.

The very first book in our Haunted Bookshop series, THE GHOST AND MRS. McCLURE was published in 2004. We followed that with four more titles, all of which were national bestsellers. Marc and I then took a ten-year hiatus, but our ghost wouldn't stop haunting us, so we returned to write more adventures in the series. Given the 2004 launch of the first book, however, looks like we'll be celebrating another 20th Year Anniversary (next year, God willing, as always) for our "Jack and Pen" Haunted Bookshop crew.

In the meantime, we're happy to share some of the lovely reviews coming in on the latest release, Haunted Bookshop #9 THE GHOST GOES TO THE DOGS. We hope you all get a chance to read it and enjoy it!





"The talented duo Alice Alfonsi and Marc Cerasini, who write under the name Cleo Coyle, continue to deliver clever, light-hearted, extremely satisfying reads in a mystery that crosses many genres. This blend of noir, paranormal, cozy, and a dash of romance sizzles with sparkling dialogue and unique plots. This is the ninth of a series that began in 2004 and still shows no sign of slowing down or losing any of its appeal."

~ Cynthia Chow, librarian and branch manager of
Kaneohe Public Library on the island of Oahu,
for Kings River Life magazine


gif courtesy of @warnerarchive and Giphy 



OUR BOOK & TOTE 

GIVEAWAY!


"A DELIGHTFUL TALE" --Kirkus Reviews

"TERRIFIC SERIES" --Criminal Element



Leave a comment on this post with your email address,
and you'll be entered to win an autographed copy of our
new "Jack & Pen" Haunted Bookshop Mystery,
The Ghost Goes to the Dogs, along with a sturdy, canvas
 "Jack is back" tote bag and a set of autographed 
Cleo recipe cards.

Good luck! 

Comments open through 
Saturday, June 3rd

This giveaway is now over.
Congrats to our winner:

FAITH ASDELL!




Cleo is now working on her 
next book and 
Newsletter!


Don't miss her book news, 
bonus recipes, and fun 

prize package giveaways!

TO SIGN UP...







262 comments:

  1. Alice/Cleo, I just learned so much about you I didn't know! Thank you for sharing the start and continuation of you writing career.

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    1. I have read all of your coffeehouse mysteries! Love them! Can’t wait to read the next in the series and I would love to win the giveaway! Thank you for sharing your gift of writing great stories:)

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    2. Your books are hard to put down. Who doesn't love a good mystery? Gigi Hall
      hallgr@yahoo.com

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  2. I love the Coffeehouse Mystery book series by Cleo Coyle. I have read them all.

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    1. Aw, thank you, Audrey. Marc and I are glad to know that you've been enjoying our work. BULLETPROOF BARISTA will be our 20th Coffeehouse Mystery, and we had a great time writing it. We hope you enjoy it, too, and good luck in the giveaway!

      ~ Cleo
      Sign up for Cleo’s free Newsletter

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

      Delete
  3. LOVE your books! I also enjoy learning more about the people behind the books I love.

    Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to win this great combo in your giveaway. Shared and hoping to be the very fortunate one selected. I'd love to read and review THE GHOST GOES TO THE DOGS, which is most definitely on my TBR list (as is BULLETPROOF BARISTA.
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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    1. Hi, Kay -- Cheers for stopping by the Kitchen, and we're glad to know you enjoyed the spotlight. Jack (our irresistible PI ghost) has been haunting us since 2004, and we love writing him. Hope you get a chance to meet him, too. Good luck in the giveaway.

      ~ Cleo

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  4. Congratulations Alice, Marc and Cleo! Loved your spotlight today, and especially the adorable wedding photo:)

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  5. Thank you for sharing your story AND thank you for JACK & PEN! They are my favorite sleuthing couple. Is someone able to purchase the tote? madam hawk at gmail dot com

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    1. Hey, there - Thanks for the nice comment about Jack & Pen. Marc and I love writing that sleuthing pair, and we're already at work on the next book in the series. To answer your Q. the tote is a giveaway prize for promotion only, but we wish you luck in the drawing!

      ~ Cleo

      Sign up for Cleo’s free Newsletter

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

      Delete
  6. I love both series and have read all the available books to date. Thank you for continuing to write these series. The Ghost Goes to the Dogs is waiting for me on hood at my library!

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    1. Hi, Lisa - Thank you so very much for supporting our work. We really do love writing these books. The characters are like family, and we're glad to be continuing their stories. We sincerely hope you'll continue enjoying them for years to come. Cheers and good luck in the drawing!

      ~ Cleo
      Sign up for Cleo’s free Newsletter

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

      Delete
  7. can't wait to read more additions to this series

    fruitcrmble AT comcast DOT net

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  8. The Coffee House mystery series has consistently been in my top five series. It’s one of two that I will pay for the hardback copy. It’s the quality of the writing, the characters, and the plot development that I like.

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    1. Thank you, that means a lot to us. We always take deep dives into our stories and characters and can only hope the readers will enjoy the trip with us. We're glad to know you do. Cheers!

      ~ Cleo
      Sign up for Cleo’s free Newsletter

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

      Delete
  9. What a great love story! Thank you for the chance to win aprilbluetx at yahoo dot com

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    1. aw, that's nice of you to say, April. Marc and I feel lucky that we found each other. We are soulmates and that's for sure.

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  10. I love the Coffee Shop mysteries and plan on reading the Haunted Book shop series. Thank you. Allgoodanita@yahoo.com is my email. And thank you for the give way.

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    1. I'm glad to know you're enjoying the caffeinated adventures of Clare Cosi & Company. Marc and I always enjoy writing them. And we hope you get a chance to meet our irrisistible PI ghost, Jack Shepard, and his bookselling partner in crime solving. Jack and Pen make a great sleuthing team, and we're happy to be continuing their stories.

      ~ Cleo
      Sign up for Cleo’s free Newsletter

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

      Delete
    2. I really enjoyed learning more about you. I love your Coffee House Mysteries and have just started reading the Haunted Bookshop series, !oving Jack and Pen! Can't wait to continue the series. Thanks for all you do! My email is juanit0414@aol.com.

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  11. Congratulations on your 20th coffeehouse series anniversary, I am looking forward to reading The Ghost goes to the Dogs especially since I have read and loved all of the books in this series, The tote is so great, thank you for a chance to win one. roseb2007@verizon.net

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    1. Hey, there, Rose - Thank you for the nice words. Time flew by fast for us. We can hardly believe it's been twenty years! God-willing we'll be writing for many more, and we hope you'll be there with us, ready to read our latest books. We can't thank you enough for that. Cheers!

      ~ Cleo
      Sign up for Cleo’s free Newsletter

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

      Delete
    2. Always! And as they say “ time flies when we are having fun! Following your series are full of fun, mystery and curiosity. roseb2007@verizon.net

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  12. Love the Coffeehouse series, looking forward to reading the newest. hodgemary1@gmail.com

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  13. I'm so happy the two of you found each other because of all the wonderful stories y'all have come up with. I love both series. Happy 20th to you both! 3labsmom(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. What sweet words! Thank you, Brenda, for the kind comment and thanks especially for your support of both of our series. Marc and I love each other. We also love writing these characters, and we can't thank you enough for reading them!

      ~ Cleo
      Sign up for Cleo’s free Newsletter

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

      Delete
  14. Congratulations….I have not missed a single book in your series…all your characters are like my “fictional family” Clare, Madame, Joy, Matt, Detective Flynn,Tucker & all the team! Countdown time till your next book! cmeier2001@live.com☕️📖📘📔📕📚☕️❤️☕️☕️☕️❤️❤️❤️

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    1. They're our fictional family, too, so we couldn't be happier to hear those words from you. Marc and I thank you sincerely for your reader love, and we hope you'll continue enjoying our stories for years to come.

      ~ Cleo

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  15. Congratulations on your long marriage and all your books! ckmbeg (at) gmail (dot) com

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  16. The Haunted Bookshop series sounds like a lot of fun. sue.stoner72@yahoo.com

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    1. It is indeed a lot of fun, Sue, and we hope you get a chance to meet our irresistible PI ghost. Jack is a favorite with many readers, and we absolutely love writing him, along with his partner in crime-solving, bookseller, Penelope Thornton-McClure.

      ~ Cleo

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  17. What a great backstory, thank you for sharing it! I have been a fan since 2003 when I stumbled across your books while taking my kiddos to story time. Somehow I have missed the haunted bookstore but am adding those to my TBR list. Oh and I LOVE your recipes. The Coffeehouse Donut muffins are my go to when we have company. Thany you for the giveaway opportunity. tracy.condie@gmail.com

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    1. Thank you, Tracy, and cheers for sharing when (and how!) you first crossed paths with our Coffeehouse world. Love it! And LOL on those Coffeehouse Donut muffins. They are tender, sweet treats to die for. Pun intended (we're cozy writers, after all)!

      ~ Cleo

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  18. Happy Sunday Cleo! Congratulations on 20 books and your next masterpiece :-) My wife and I have been avidly reading your books from the first one. I looked in our home library, and some of the earlier paperbacks are turning yellow...:-( We love coffee, and that attracted us to your books the first time. We loved them so much that we didn't need another incentive to eagerly await the publication of your next, and future books. We also are fans of your recipes! We have made so many items you have shared, and keep the printed recipes so we can enjoy them again. We have not yet started reading your haunted bookstore series, but we are correcting that. This blog reminded us to get that corrected!!! May you find more and more inspiration to continue taking us readers into your worlds. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Luis at ole dot travel

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    1. Happy Sunday to you, too! Marc and I are smiling over your home library because the early printings of those first books would indeed be in that state. Cheers for your longtime loyalty to our Coffeehouse series, and we sincerely hope you will continue to enjoy the adventures of master roaster Clare and her quirky crew for years to come. As for Jack & Pen, we hope you get a chance to try one of our Haunted Bookshop Mysteries. They are great fun to write, and readers tell us they're having just as much fun on the other end of the process. Thanks again for the kind comment and good luck in the drawing!

      ~ Cleo

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  19. I have read every coffeehouse mystery. I am excited to read your news series.

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  20. I forgot to add by name. Kathy Lock.

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  21. I love your books! So excited to read the next one! It was fun reading your story. Thanks so much for the chance!

    jarjm1980(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  22. I have read and enjoyed other books in this series. I'd love to read this one too!

    Nancy
    allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

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  23. I enjoyed learning about your collaboration and life together. Your books have brought me many hours of great pleasure and enjoyment. Congratulations on your 20th anniversary series. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Knowing that makes us happy, traveler. Marc and I thank you for sharing it, and we appreicate your nice words about our 20th book and 20th anniversary for the series. Cheers for stopping the Kitchen, and good luck in the drawing!

      ~ Cleo

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  24. Congratulations on 20 years and counting!
    Wskwared(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  25. I so loved reading your book excerpt and about you. Loved the book title and book cover. Boy would I love to read that print book and review it. Congrats to you and wish you many more. Thanks again for chance.
    don(dot)stewart(at)zoominternet(dot)net

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    1. You are welcome. I hope I win giveaway so I can read this print book and review it and boy would that tote bag come in handy.

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  26. Congrats on 20 years and 20 books! Can't wait to see what the next 20 years bring.
    kozo8989(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. LOL, Alicia, neither can we, but we certainly hope we'll both be around to see it. (God willing, as always) Cheers for stopping by today and good luck in the drawing!

      ~ Cleo

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  27. 20 years! Fantastic!
    The new cover has me wondering what kind of blood a cupcake has (since one is shot through and through).
    Best wishes for at least 20 more!!!

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    1. LOL, Libby, thank you for the good wishes, and thanks especially for all your kind support of our work over the years. As for the poor shot cupcake, methinks it would bleed frosting or maybe custard filling, either way it would make an especially tasty crime scene. :)

      ~ Cleo

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  28. Congratulations to you and Marc on this amazing accomplishment! I wonder what that poor cupcake did to deserve its fate.
    patdupuy@yahoo.com

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    1. Thanks for the kind words, Pat. As for the poor, innocent cupcake, wrong place, wrong time, that's for sure. :)

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  29. Cleo, what fun! You already know your Coffeehouse Mysteries were part of the inspiration for my own Spice Shop Mysteries, and I've loved visiting the Haunted Bookshop, too. A wonderful Spotlight!

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    1. Thank you, Leslie, and we're honored to know that our work has inspired your own. Cheers for stopping by today and we wish you all good things on your own writing journey. xoxo

      ~ Cleo

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  30. Congrats on #20! I have enjoyed the Coffeehouse Mysteries since the beginning. Must confess that I have not read the Haunted Bookshop mysteries yet. Will definitely need to add that one to my wish list! Looking forward to Bulletproof Barista! Keep 'em coming! makennedyinaz(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. Hi, Marcia - Thanks for the kind words. Marc and I appreicate it, and we'll do our best to "keep 'em coming," LOL.

      ~ Cleo

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  31. Love this. Have enjoyed this series so very much and have learned a lot. Thank you.

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  32. It’s fun to learn about the people behind the books you read. Thank you for telling us about you and your husband. Such fun series. awanstrom(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  33. You're a new author to me. I definitely want to look for your books they sound so good!
    carsonsmum@gmail.com

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    1. Glad to know we reached you, MadreMaria, and thanks for stopping by today.

      ~ Cleo

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  34. I enjoyed the origin story of your writing (and life) partnership, as well as the two series. Congratulations on the new book!

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    1. Thank you, MaryAnn, cheers for stopping by today!

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  35. I love this series! Thank you for this chance! Happy Memorial Day. areewekidding(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Cleo Coyle, You're welcome, and thank you for your wonderful books!

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  36. I have been a long time fan of both of the coffee, House series and the haunted bookshop series! I’m thrilled that you have your 20th coffeehouse book launching. I can’t wait to read it. Libby Klein

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  37. I enjoy reading both of your series ! Thank you for writing them! Donakutska7@gmail.com

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  38. Congratulations to you and Marc on #20! Love your books and looking forward to reading "Bulletproof Barista".
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

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  39. Congrats to You & Marc on #20. Love your books they are always absolutely amazing. Thanks for your great generosity. Maycarlson6848@gmail.com

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  40. It's no surprise that Jack & Pen make such a great team. They are given wonderful inspiration from the two of you. Egoehner(at)roadrunner(dot)com.

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  41. Congratulations on your 20th book in the series wow that is fantastic I cannot wait to read it. deborahortega229@yahoo.com

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  42. Wow, you are a new to me author and I can not wait to read both of your series. I love reading about authors and from where they get their ideas.
    By the way, I love the Dorothy Malone and Boogie graphic. Philip Marlow had a bottle of rye in his pocket ;)
    L. Nason
    Dlcnason1@msn.com

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  43. Congrats on the 20th Coffeehouse Mystery! This is one of my favorite series to read and I always feel like I've received a gift whenever I hear there is a new one coming out!

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  44. Great interview! Thanks for the chance. Congrats on the 20th release!
    Jess
    Maceoindo(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  45. Thank you for sharing your story with us. I'm a long time reader and love the way you treat your readers. The books are the best. Keep them coming.
    bobntoni@aol.com

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  46. Congratulations on the new book release. I love the Coffeehouse series so much! I enjoyed learning so much about you and your husband. Thank you for sharing with us, and for the great giveaway!
    Amy
    darkwindangel2002@yahoo.com

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  47. Thanks for sharing all the background information. It was all so interesting. cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  48. I absolutely lov both of your mystery series! I was soooo excited when you brought Jack back. Thanks for all the great reads! Mia@hawlk.com

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  49. Ever so often I decide to stop buying books and just read the library's copy. But then a favorite author releases a new book and I find myself on Amazon spending money. You are one of those authors and should be ashamed to do that to me but please don't stop!
    jhteague at me dot com

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  50. I love your books. Can't wait to read another Jack story. Congrats on your 20th Anniversary!! Thank you for this chance at your giveaway. pgenest57 at aol dot com

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  51. Your books are so much fun to read! Thanks for the chance to win! lindaherold999@gmail.com

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  52. This is a great story! I loved learning about the history of you two writing together!

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  53. Thank you for this opportunity! Best of luck to all. Thank you also for sharing parts of your life stories with us! Can't wait to read both these books. Keep them coming!
    dls318@att.net

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  54. Love this story and this series! So fun to hear about how a series begins and the authors behind them. Thank you! hsdh1525@gmail.com

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  55. Sounds very good,, I can't wait to read this, thank you for the review Penney ( luvhistoricalromance@gmail.com)

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  56. I love the Coffeehouse series and especially the recipes at the back of each book. Congratulations on Book #20 and Here's to the resurrection of Jack and Pen! aut1063@gmail.com

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  57. Thank you for the opportunity to win! Congratulations on # 20, also! Both sound wonderful!

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  58. Alicia/Cleo, I truly admire that you and your husband have been very good partners in writing/publishing books!! YAY to both of you!
    Love the book covers of your books - they are cute and eye-catching! Do you participate in book cover designs? I would love to read your cozy mysteries - I have them added to my forever long TBR! cwkuen@yahoo.com

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  59. I love your story, Alice and Marc. Many congratulations on all your success!

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  60. Love the mysteries not a coffee drinker. cheetahthecat1982ATgmailDOTcom

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  61. Wonderwomanchef@gmail.com have already preordered your next book. Can’t wait to read it. Going to re-read the others until the new one comes out . :) thank you for your hard work.

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  62. This would be a new series for me, thanks for the opportunity! tWarner419@aol.com

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  63. Wow Congrats on #20 and what a great life the two of your have a perfect match.. I would love to win a print copy and review on a few sites thank you so much for the chance peggy clayton ptclayton2@aol.com

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  64. Congratulations! I read both of your series and look forward to each new release! jstaff13@gmail.com

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  65. Love Jack and Pen time passes too slow between books! hauntedcoffeepot@hotmail.com

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  66. I enjoy the Coffeehouse series they are a good read. kbtruman@att.net

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  67. Hi. So happy to have a new Coffeehouse book coming out and Jack and Pen they are just the best. Continued success to you and Marc.

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  68. 7:38pm is me dalber774@gmail.com.

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  69. So glad Jack is back!!

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  70. Love your books! Was so excited when you started writing more books about Jack and Pen. Thank you!
    Kjohnson952@yahoo.com

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  71. Thank you for sharing. And I love your starting our honoring those who served with Memorial Day. Today also happens to be my birthday. mwatts14@att.net

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  72. I love these series! So looking forward to the new books! Congrats ❤️
    littleone5204@hotmail.com

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  73. Love both of these series. They were two of the first I read that got me hooked on cozy mysteries. Thank you both for the great reads!

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  74. I love your coffee house series hsve the whole collection in hardcover love how the characters interact and the back stories of all of the character’s. I’ve even tried some of the recipes with great ducess

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  75. I really love to listen to and read all your books. Please keep them coming, so entertaining. Thank you.

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  76. Love the Haunted Bookstore mysteries, ever since my twin introduced me to them, I have been a fan.

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  77. Have followed this series since the beginning...way back when.Love it!! So glad Jack and Penny are getting new adventures

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  78. Love both series!
    jtcgc at yahoo dot com

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  79. I have enjoyed your Coffee Series since the very first book. I love the smell of Coffee but don't drink coffee. I drink Tea. I really love how you interact the main characters I also like it when you have the whole family involved. I am looking forward to your most recent book which will be out in November. Sherrie Wood

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  80. Congratulations on your career milestone… The 20th year of writing mysteries and marking the publication of your 20th coffeehouse title... I am a big fan of anything coffee and mysteries. When I found your coffee series books it was love at first read. Hopefully there will be many more years of mysteries to come!

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    1. Forgot to add my name… Lisa T :-)

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  81. Love both the Coffeehouse and the Ghost mysteries! Eagerly wait for the next books every time! Also love the recipes! lwallin@gmail.com

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  82. Thanks for sharing your story. I look forward to reading the new books. bmccall519@gmail.com

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  83. Love this series. Successfully writing for 20 years is an amazing accomplishment. Congratulations.

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  84. Thank you for sharing the inspiration for your coffee house books. It is no wonder they always read so authentically! meowot@yahoo.com

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  85. Once I read The Ghost And The Bogus Bestseller, I was hooked! I immediately feel in love with Jack and Pen. They quickly became my favorite sleuth duo. After all, who could resist Jack?

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  86. Melissa Vatter-MillerMay 29, 2023 at 8:14 PM

    Alice! I have not spoken to you in a year! All is well in South Dakota! My students have been sucked in again with the series of both series! I love it!!! Several have become interested in the "old style" gunshot! A few have also branched out to Gardner and Chandler! Love and Hugs to you and spouse!

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  87. Alice, I love the Coffeehouse and Haunted Bookstore mysteries so much. Love learning about your writing journey, as well. deannawarman@me.com

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  88. I have learned so much about coffee reading the Coffeehouse series. Almost enough to make me want to drink coffee. skiehnhoff@yahoo.com

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  89. I have to admit that I am nuts about Jack. I can't wait for Pen to go to sleep and for her to have him take her on a trip involving the crime. It's funny how she has to watch her reaction when Jack says something to her in her head because if she answers him people think she's nuts! Pen was born too late because she and Jack are the newest dynamic duo.
    laurie(dot)anismom2@ gmail (dot) com

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  90. I am from South County, Rhode Island, and I love that your book series takes place there. Thank you for sharing and I can't wait to read both books in each of the series!

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  91. Reading through this, I've decided I need to read the Coffee House books! Ola, 5bears@duck.com

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  92. And my comment above didn't register as mine, so from someone from South County, that also spent a LOT of time in lower Manhattan, I love these books!

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  93. I've been following and enjoying both your series regularly and always look forward to your next book. I am so impressed by how you maintain the interest and character development in each series over such a long career. Thanks to both of you!

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  94. Thanks for the fun series choices! Can’t wait for the new reads!

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  95. I love the haunted bookshop mysteries! Since I missed the early books I’m currently reading the Ghost and Mrs. McClure. So much fun! Looking forward to future books in both series. I love your books!!

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  96. Love the Coffeehouse Mysteries, recipes, & Haunted Bookshop Mysteries! I even got my mom & grandma hooked on reading them. I read one then hand it off to my mom who read it, and then hands it off to my grandma so we all can talk about the books. Can’t wait to read the next installments! ~ jlycans@live.com

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  97. Allheartfamily@aol.comMay 29, 2023 at 8:33 PM

    I love the Jack & Pen books - each one of them is different and each is so enjoyable. I also love the coffee house books - I can wait to read the new one! Keep up the good work and congrats on all the books.

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  98. I can't thank you enough for sharing your life experiences with everyone! I've been enjoying Cleo and family since 2005. I wait with bated breath for each coffeehouse mystery to be released. Yeah I love coffee and NY, but I would love to be friends with Cleo, Mateo, and Madame! And that's how I feel when I'm in the midst of reading one of your coffeehouse mysteries, I'm among friends.
    As for the Haunted Book Store stories, I'm just crazy about Jack and Pen and your creativity in each of Pen's dreams! Alice and Marc, you make an awesome writing team! I pray you continue to enjoy the writing as much as I enjoy the reading! Forever a fan, Renée (Renee-wilson@hotmail.com )

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  99. Can't wait to read! themother_39@yahoo.com

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  100. Thanks so much for the chance, I really enjoy this series and am so it's back!

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  101. So nicde to read about your early years!

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  102. Annelovell12@yahoo.com, yep forgot to add this to my post! Again thanks so much for the chance to get the newest book in this great series

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  103. Love your books! ❤️ dtaeadkins@gmail.com

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  104. nice cover
    bn100candg at hotmail dot com

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  105. I so enjoy both of your book series. I love looking forward to each of your new releases.

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  106. The Coffeehouse Mysteries are my favorite cup of coffee to indulge in! Thank you

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  107. Congratulations on your 20-year love story, and thanks for bringing Jack back! cwsullivan53@gmail.com

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  108. I always look forward to when you new books come out. I love all your series but I am especially love your Coffeehouse Mysteries.

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  109. I just finished your most recent an am ready for the new one.

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  110. What a unique and beautiful way to spend 20 years together! I am new to the series and have to admit it was the recipes that drew me in but the characters have captivated me.

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  111. I just pre-ordered Bulletproof Barista! 📚☕️ I have collected every book in the Coffeehouse Mystery series, and just recently picked up the first in the Haunted Bookshop series. I have made and enjoyed several of your recipes from the Coffeehouse series. Your muffin pan mini-quiche recipe has been on repeat in my house for several weeks now! Wishing you and Marc much continued success.
    Marciawythe@hotmail.com

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  112. Loved both series and have read every one! I'm a big fan of audio-books, and I miss the original reader of the Ghost series. She made the characters come alive! lreak64@gmail.com

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  113. This series sounds fun! I would love to read this book!

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  114. I’ve read all of the Coffee House Mysteries. My favorite character is Madame. Cbliss3049@yahoo.com

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  115. Can’t wait to read the new books

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  116. Love the cover! Sounds like a great series. Jodi Wresh ciawoman66 @yahoo . Com

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  117. Love the Coffehouse Series. I have introduced them to friends by giving #1 as gifts 😊. Nfuller2@cox.net

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  118. I just finished reading The Ghost & the Stolen Tears. Enjoyed the twist & turns. I’ve read all the other Haunted Bookshop mysteries except for the newest one. Never stop writing. sqbradshaw@hotmail.com

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  119. I love your books. I feel that I'm sitting there in the coffeehouse watching all my friends come and go. vrfamilyvp1979@yahoo.com

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  120. I got married in March as well just in 1991. On my birthday all of 19. We married at the little chapel of the Bells..You both look so cute. I live your books..sgtjohns2345@gmail.com

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  121. I love both series! It's so wonderful that you write as a husband/wife team, it allows for both perspectives to be showcased. Your books are a way to get lost in a world where goodness always wins and in the case of the coffeehouse mysteries, the recipes are like getting a big hug for your taste buds! Thank you for your entertaining and wonderful writing. afcs@hotmail.com

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  122. I loved hearing the story. Congratulations on #20! Legallyblonde1961 at yahoo dot com.

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  123. Thanks for the information. I enjoy reading your books

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  124. Omg. Congratulations! 20 years of marriage and 20 books. Wow! Love both series. The Coffeehouse mystery series and the Haunted Bookshop mystery series. Thanks for the chance.

    jacolbie_riggins(at)yahoo(dot)com
    jacolbie_riggins@yahoo.com

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  125. I cannot wait for the Coffee House book and I am about to read the Ghost Goes to the Dogs

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  126. My browser configurations won't allow me to sign in with Google. Anyway, I love NYC & always went to Greenwich Village when I visited my brother when he lived in Brooklyn so naturally the coffee house mysteries is a favorite of mine and since I'm hooked on mysteries taking place in bookshops I can't resist the Haunted BookShop series either! lnchudej@yahoo.com

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  127. Great books to read. I like pets in cozy mysteries!

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  128. Love all your books. Always wait in anticipation for the next is the series.
    lhallson@shaw.ca

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  129. Thank you for another reason to read! I adore the series. Love that you put me back in the village each time I pick up a new story.

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  130. Just started the latest Jack n Pen. Can't wait to read and then regret when I'm done. Glad to know Claire will be back in November. Yay!! Darn. My kindle won't let me sign in. Well, this is Deb D, a faithful reader.

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  131. Cannot wait to enter into Jack's world again! thephillipshouse@hotmail.com

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  132. Thank you for the chance to win a give away. I always get so much information on your posts and I really enjoy the books!

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  133. Your books just keep getting better and better. Please enter me. Sand1948@gmail.com

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  134. So glad you wrote another Jack book. My husband and I love listening together.

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  135. I been a fan of the coffeehouse mysteries
    since the beginning. Love Jack and his
    antics - hope he continues to haunt the
    bookshop. thanks for the offer of a
    great prize. txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot0com

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  136. I haven't read your books yet but would love the opportunity, ktpotat@sbcglobal.net

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  137. I've read most of your books and l9ve when a new one comes out.

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  138. I love the Coffee House Mysteries! I enjoy reading them and recommending them to everyone who will listen!

    Crowleyabbie@yahoo.com

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  139. Love all your books, have so many at home, and also get my local library to order all the new one,
    Andrea Brumen, abrumen@ozemail.com.au

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  140. I really enjoy these books. Thank you for sharing!
    Katrinadehart (at) ymail(dot)com

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  141. I so look forward to each series new book. In the beginning, I would finish one & then go to the next. I love the continuity & progression of both series'. bsschlott@gmail.com

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  142. Loved both series from the beginning. Even before I knew that both Cleo Coyle and Alice Kimberly were one and the same. Always look forward to the new ones.
    Brad Hartshorn
    Bjhart68@gmail.com

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  143. you guys are great i read all your books mdarjam67@gmail.com

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  144. Best news I've heard! Love all your books! Jlhanson302@hotmail.com

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  145. I absolutely love your coffee house mysteries and need to start reading this series about ghosts. catt965@yahoo.com

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  146. Alison and Marc,
    I just love both of your series, I’m always looking forward to another book! Thank You for such fun reads! I save all my audible credits for your books!

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  147. Congratulations on 20 years of book writing! I am looking forward to the new Coffeehouse mystery!! I love the recipes that bare included ion the books too. Ambercat1@mail.com

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  148. Hello and congrats. I am delighted to have found this amazing post. I have to catch up with the books. debby236 at gmail dot com

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  149. I've been enjoying both series and look forward to reading both new additions. Thanks for the reads.

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  150. Tadkins5 @ zoom internet.netMay 30, 2023 at 7:41 AM

    I love the new recipes that you include in your books. Can't wait to read your next one!!

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  151. Glad Jack is Back! And thank you for sharing your backstory. tcanada1961@gmail.com

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  152. Always a great read tom03087@yahoo.com

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  153. TY for the chance. I love the covers of your coffeehouse books and have a cozy cookbook with some of your recipes as well as other authrors. ladbookfan813@gmail.com

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  154. I love all your books and cant wait for next one. You two are great mystery writers!

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  155. I love all your books! heidi9148@hotmail.com

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  156. I have loved the Village Blend Series since the beginning! Congratulations on your 20th book and the 20th anniversary of this fun series! I am catching up on the series with the audio books through my Hoopla account. I was so thrilled to find them there. I also love Jack and Penelope and I am so glad you have both continued this series. Lori Hendel - lah1961@comcast.net

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  157. My friend and I read all of your books. I work at a a school and tell all of the teachers about your books. Keep on writing!!! Crchrien@gmail.com

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