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County Cork Mystery #6.5
Tied Up with A Bow
Pub owner Maura Donovan is still learning the local customs of the Irish village she now calls home, and with the holidays approaching she’s unsure how much, or how little, to decorate. She’s also puzzled by the small construction project going on across the street, which is shrouded in secrecy and has the whole of West Cork guessing what it might be. But most troubling of all is the secretive young boy who shows up at the pub’s door, hinting that he and his mother had to leave Dublin—in a hurry.
Sensing danger, Maura becomes more alarmed when an unknown man shows up and begins lurking around the pub. With so many questions on her mind and so few answers, Maura knows she’ll have to turn to her new village friends to help her sort out all the mysterious goings-on—and maybe deliver an unexpected gift to someone in need.
Sensing danger, Maura becomes more alarmed when an unknown man shows up and begins lurking around the pub. With so many questions on her mind and so few answers, Maura knows she’ll have to turn to her new village friends to help her sort out all the mysterious goings-on—and maybe deliver an unexpected gift to someone in need.
105 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2018
277 people are currently reading
619 people want to read
About the author
Sheila Connolly
65 books1,389 followersSheila Connolly taught art history, structured and marketed municipal bonds for major cities, worked as a staff member on two statewide political campaigns, and served as a fundraiser for several non-profit organizations. She also managed her own consulting company providing genealogical research services.
She was a member of Sisters in Crime-New England (president 2011), the national Sisters in Crime, and the fabulous on-line SinC chapter, the Guppies. She also belonged to Romance Writers of America and Mystery Writers of America.
Sheila was Regent of her local DAR chapter, and a member of the Society of Mayflower Descendants. She was also the grandchild of Irish immigrants. In addition to genealogy, Sheila loved restoring old houses, visiting cemeteries, and traveling.
She was a member of Sisters in Crime-New England (president 2011), the national Sisters in Crime, and the fabulous on-line SinC chapter, the Guppies. She also belonged to Romance Writers of America and Mystery Writers of America.
Sheila was Regent of her local DAR chapter, and a member of the Society of Mayflower Descendants. She was also the grandchild of Irish immigrants. In addition to genealogy, Sheila loved restoring old houses, visiting cemeteries, and traveling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
December 2, 2018
Tied Up with a Bow: A County Cork Novella (County Cork Novellas Book 1) by Sheila Connolly
Maura Donovan is a rather new resident of a small Irish Village. She inherited the small pub that she runs and is still getting to know all the residents.
A young boy appears and sits outside the pub on a bench. Maura doesn't see a parent around, so she introduces herself to Danny. His mom works across the way and is not allowed on the premises, so after school he sits on this bench and waits for her.
While the biggest mystery is the construction project going on across the street, this story is mainly about friends and friendship and looking after each other. This is a feel-good Christmas story with credible and very likeable characters.
This is a well-written novella ... a fast, but enjoyable read.
Many thanks to the author / Beyond the Page Publishing / Netgalley for the digital copy of this novella. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
TITLE IS ACTUALLY TIED UP WITH A BOW
Maura Donovan is a rather new resident of a small Irish Village. She inherited the small pub that she runs and is still getting to know all the residents.
A young boy appears and sits outside the pub on a bench. Maura doesn't see a parent around, so she introduces herself to Danny. His mom works across the way and is not allowed on the premises, so after school he sits on this bench and waits for her.
While the biggest mystery is the construction project going on across the street, this story is mainly about friends and friendship and looking after each other. This is a feel-good Christmas story with credible and very likeable characters.
This is a well-written novella ... a fast, but enjoyable read.
Many thanks to the author / Beyond the Page Publishing / Netgalley for the digital copy of this novella. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
TITLE IS ACTUALLY TIED UP WITH A BOW
January 30, 2019
A wonderful holiday short that gives you a look into Maura's life and how she is adjusting to all things Irish. Maura is use to holidays in the states and is trying to figure out just how much to do for the upcoming holiday season. While trying to figure things out secrets are being kept about some ongoing construction not to mention a young boy has been coming around and hinting about what truly happened to his mom. When a strange man starts coming around Maura begins to worry that something sinister is going on. With no real answers and an abundance of questions Maura looks to the locals for help with all that is going on. Follow along and enjoy the holiday season with Maura while she tries to solve all the mysteries that have fallen in her lap. This is a great series that will have you ready to hop a flight to Ireland and see all things Irish.
December 2, 2018
Series: A County Cork Novella #1
Publication Date: 11/29/18
The ‘Thing’ and Christmas are both arriving in Leap, County Cork, Ireland and they are bringing a mystery and some suspense with them. This lovely, well-written, well-plotted novella goes along with the County Cork Mysteries series. It nicely whets our appetite for the next full-length novel, The Lost Traveller, that releases in January.
Maura Donovan, the owner of Sullivan’s, a pub in the small Irish village of Leap, is mystified by the construction going on across the street. When they discover that what is being constructed, Maura calls it the ‘thing’, is a secret and will be revealed in a ceremony the following Sunday, the crew at Sullivan’s decide to have a drawing to see if anyone can guess what it is. They’ll charge one euro per entry and then they’ll donate the proceeds to a worthy cause.
In the midst of all the guessing about what the ‘thing’ will be and collecting those guesses, Maura notices a small boy sitting on the bench outside her pub. She goes out and sits beside him and learns that he and his mother are new to Leap and that his name is Danny. Since it is much too cold for Danny to be sitting outside, Maura brings him a cup of hot chocolate. She can’t bring a small boy inside the pub, so she sits and visits for a while. When she returns inside, she is convinced that there is a big mystery about Danny and his mom. There is trouble there somewhere.
As Maura learns more about Danny and his mother, that trouble arrives in Leap and it's looking for Danny and Hannah. All of the folks in Leap band together to help them. We have lovely visits with our favorite Garda, Sean Murphy, our young and lovely aspiring chef Rose, Maura’s love interest Mick, and the ever-present Seamus who is thinking he’s just having too much fun with this mystery.
Please check out my reviews at:
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"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Publication Date: 11/29/18
The ‘Thing’ and Christmas are both arriving in Leap, County Cork, Ireland and they are bringing a mystery and some suspense with them. This lovely, well-written, well-plotted novella goes along with the County Cork Mysteries series. It nicely whets our appetite for the next full-length novel, The Lost Traveller, that releases in January.
Maura Donovan, the owner of Sullivan’s, a pub in the small Irish village of Leap, is mystified by the construction going on across the street. When they discover that what is being constructed, Maura calls it the ‘thing’, is a secret and will be revealed in a ceremony the following Sunday, the crew at Sullivan’s decide to have a drawing to see if anyone can guess what it is. They’ll charge one euro per entry and then they’ll donate the proceeds to a worthy cause.
In the midst of all the guessing about what the ‘thing’ will be and collecting those guesses, Maura notices a small boy sitting on the bench outside her pub. She goes out and sits beside him and learns that he and his mother are new to Leap and that his name is Danny. Since it is much too cold for Danny to be sitting outside, Maura brings him a cup of hot chocolate. She can’t bring a small boy inside the pub, so she sits and visits for a while. When she returns inside, she is convinced that there is a big mystery about Danny and his mom. There is trouble there somewhere.
As Maura learns more about Danny and his mother, that trouble arrives in Leap and it's looking for Danny and Hannah. All of the folks in Leap band together to help them. We have lovely visits with our favorite Garda, Sean Murphy, our young and lovely aspiring chef Rose, Maura’s love interest Mick, and the ever-present Seamus who is thinking he’s just having too much fun with this mystery.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
December 30, 2018
A feel-good Christmas novella in the Cork County series. Maura is still learning about the customs one area. She is surprised she An item being built on the street opposite of Donovan Pub. Maura finds a young boy sitting outside her pub. Making friends with him she learns that his name is Danny and his mother is working Sullivans. The owner doesn't want him around. After checking out with Sean and his Mother Maura allows him to work and stay at the pub after school. Maura decides to hold a contest about the .mystery object to bring more customers into the pub. What is the object being created? Why did Danny's Mother flee from Dublin?
January 14, 2019
Tied Up With a Bow is a nice novella mystery. Fast read and nothing out of the ordinary. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2023
4 stelle e mezza
Racconto che si legge velocemente. Ho trovato il finale un pochino affrettato per i miei gusti, avrei gradito avere qualche spiegazione in più e sapere con più sicurezza cosa accade dopo al piccolo Danny e a sua madre.
Racconto che si legge velocemente. Ho trovato il finale un pochino affrettato per i miei gusti, avrei gradito avere qualche spiegazione in più e sapere con più sicurezza cosa accade dopo al piccolo Danny e a sua madre.
December 10, 2018
I've read all the books in this series so far. Maura has lived in Leap and ran the pub now for 1-2 years (timeline unclear) and in this book she asks Mick where the local school is, which is just down the street from the pub. You're telling me in over a year she hasn't realized where the local school is? Then she states that she doesn't get much chance to drive through the village so she has no idea if any other "mystery decorations" are right down the street.
She also constantly makes statements about not knowing where anything else is in town because she's been too busy to actually explore the town she lives in, which makes no sense having lived there for over a year.
Then we are told this about Maura: "She wasn't good at guessing ages, since she had seen few children back in Boston." Sure but Boston has children and loads of them. Maura was one herself once!
It goes on to say that in Boston school let out early and there were a lot of single mothers who had to work and "the thing is that meant a lot of the kids had no where to go so they'd be out on the streets"
Ok so which is it? She didn't see any kids in Boston or she saw a lot of kids out on the streets with no where to go in Boston?
I guess I'm just disappointed that with every book Maura seems lose intelligence points and just gets more airheaded. She is completely lacking in common sense now. If I have to read one more time about how she has no idea how to cook anything and so eats convenience foods I will explode. Because inevitably in the next paragraph the author is alluding to Maura having no idea where to go to get food, like a grocery store, so instead she buys food at a convenience store. Again, which is it?
I wish the consistency was better in these books. I like the idea of Leap. I like the setting. I like the plots with the new found pub ownership. I don't like the stupidity of Maura.
She also constantly makes statements about not knowing where anything else is in town because she's been too busy to actually explore the town she lives in, which makes no sense having lived there for over a year.
Then we are told this about Maura: "She wasn't good at guessing ages, since she had seen few children back in Boston." Sure but Boston has children and loads of them. Maura was one herself once!
It goes on to say that in Boston school let out early and there were a lot of single mothers who had to work and "the thing is that meant a lot of the kids had no where to go so they'd be out on the streets"
Ok so which is it? She didn't see any kids in Boston or she saw a lot of kids out on the streets with no where to go in Boston?
I guess I'm just disappointed that with every book Maura seems lose intelligence points and just gets more airheaded. She is completely lacking in common sense now. If I have to read one more time about how she has no idea how to cook anything and so eats convenience foods I will explode. Because inevitably in the next paragraph the author is alluding to Maura having no idea where to go to get food, like a grocery store, so instead she buys food at a convenience store. Again, which is it?
I wish the consistency was better in these books. I like the idea of Leap. I like the setting. I like the plots with the new found pub ownership. I don't like the stupidity of Maura.
August 2, 2019
I enjoy this series only for the Irish village background. That being said, I do not find Maura Sullivan to be a particularly likeable person. She has no sense of humour whatsoever, and no interest or life in anything outside the bar she was lucky enough to inherit. Although she now has a relationship with her barman, Mick, there is absolutely no chemistry there. Although he seems kind and sweet, she treats him like a piece of furniture. She shows no warmth toward him.
Maura also appears a bit dim witted. She asks questions to which the answer are obvious or obviously unanswerable, yet she gives snarky responses to questions from others. (Her protagonist in the Orchard series is similarly snarky) "How would I know?" she frequently responds to questions. Although she puts in long hours in her bar, it is teenage Rose who comes up with all the business ideas. Maura has no imagination and takes no initiative on her own. She has to pass any thought or suggestion by one of her employees or the old man who spends his entire waking hours in a chair in front of the pub fireplace. When someone asks her how old her pub is, she replies, "Ask Old Billie. I have only been here for a year."
Maura's redeeming quality is a kind heart, but she is far too prickly and dull for my liking.
Maura also appears a bit dim witted. She asks questions to which the answer are obvious or obviously unanswerable, yet she gives snarky responses to questions from others. (Her protagonist in the Orchard series is similarly snarky) "How would I know?" she frequently responds to questions. Although she puts in long hours in her bar, it is teenage Rose who comes up with all the business ideas. Maura has no imagination and takes no initiative on her own. She has to pass any thought or suggestion by one of her employees or the old man who spends his entire waking hours in a chair in front of the pub fireplace. When someone asks her how old her pub is, she replies, "Ask Old Billie. I have only been here for a year."
Maura's redeeming quality is a kind heart, but she is far too prickly and dull for my liking.
December 17, 2018
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Maura Donovan owns an Irish pub in a village that has become her home since leaving Boston. Across from the pub that she's inherited she sees a construction project going up in time for Christmas. While the project is a great secret and everyone is guessing what might be under the tarp, Maura decides to hold a lottery for people to guess and the money will go to a worthy cause.
She makes friends with a young lad whose mother works at the inn. As he has no where to go after school Maura offers to let him help out at the pub and they would pay him a small wage. The boy is afraid of someone and the mother is hiding something. Maura wants to help them out by showing them what neighbours in an Irish village are really like. The winner of the lottery is indeed a deserving cause.
An absolutely wonderful, quick read.
Maura Donovan owns an Irish pub in a village that has become her home since leaving Boston. Across from the pub that she's inherited she sees a construction project going up in time for Christmas. While the project is a great secret and everyone is guessing what might be under the tarp, Maura decides to hold a lottery for people to guess and the money will go to a worthy cause.
She makes friends with a young lad whose mother works at the inn. As he has no where to go after school Maura offers to let him help out at the pub and they would pay him a small wage. The boy is afraid of someone and the mother is hiding something. Maura wants to help them out by showing them what neighbours in an Irish village are really like. The winner of the lottery is indeed a deserving cause.
An absolutely wonderful, quick read.
April 1, 2019
This is a County Cork Christmas novella, and I loved it! Maura isn't sure how much decorating to do at the pub, and she's intrigued when a giant structure starts to take shape across the street from the pub. Maura finds a small boy without a family nearby and she brings him in and befriends him and eventually his mother, who are having some personal problems that Maura tries to solve.
This a lovely Christmas story and I enjoyed it very much. Thanks to Beyond the Page Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This a lovely Christmas story and I enjoyed it very much. Thanks to Beyond the Page Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2019
I enjoyed the writing and story of this novella. It is a nice tie over while waiting for the next novel in this series.
I did like that it had a sort of holiday theme and the raffle for guessing what was going up across the street.
It was a book of redemption and leaves the reader feeling good at the end of the story.
I received a read-me-now copy from Netgalley. These are my own opinions.
I did like that it had a sort of holiday theme and the raffle for guessing what was going up across the street.
It was a book of redemption and leaves the reader feeling good at the end of the story.
I received a read-me-now copy from Netgalley. These are my own opinions.
December 3, 2018
A lovely holiday tale about the good folks of the village, fun in the local pub, a small family with more than just money trouble, and The Thing.
Loved it! Will be looking for more in the series.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!
Loved it! Will be looking for more in the series.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!
February 28, 2019
A great short in the series
February 23, 2020
A great Christmas novella from the county cork series. A raffle to figure out a new sculpture in town and helping a mother and child in danger. A great holiday read.
November 30, 2021
A sweet holiday story
I enjoyed this Christmas short story. No murder but lots of mystery with some great characters. I enjoy learning about Ireland with Maura.
I enjoyed this Christmas short story. No murder but lots of mystery with some great characters. I enjoy learning about Ireland with Maura.
December 10, 2019
Tied Up with a Bow by Sheila Connolly is A County Cork Novella (#6.5). Maura Donovan has been Leap for over a year (maybe two) now since she inherited Sullivan’s. Christmas is approaching and a mysterious holiday project is going on across the street from the pub. A raffle is started so people can guess on the secretive holiday undertaking. Considering the amount of time Maura has been in this village, she should know more about the running of the pub. The first thing Maura should have done was learn all there is to know about running the pub. Maura seems to have other priorities (does anyone know what they are). She also does not seem to know where anything is in the village (the school for instance). Maura makes contradictory statements as well (in the same book and information from previous books). I have tried to like Maura, but it seems to be a lost cause. I wonder if she has any common sense at all. I am tired of hearing that she cannot cook (or make a sandwich) plus seems oblivious on where the local market is located. There is a lack of consistency in the series which is unusual for this author. Tied Up with a Bow is not a standalone story. It is a series that is best read in order. I wish the pacing had been livelier and repetitive information had been eliminated. I also would have liked more holiday spirit. I did like young Danny. The poor kid and his mother are having a rough time. I do like that Maura is trying to help them (in her way). Tied Up with a Bow was just not the right book for me. I suggest you obtain a sample of Buried in the Bog (first book in series) to see if this story suits you. Tied Up with a Bow transports readers to Ireland for wacky wagers, a puzzling project, a dangerous due, a concerned child and Celtic Christmas customs.
December 31, 2018
Maura has been settling in to village life and running the pub she inherited. A strange covered "thing" has been under construction for a while to be unveiled soon, so she decides to run a guess what it is raffle. Meanwhile, a young boy is new to the area and is alone while her mom work's across from the pub. Maura decides to help and get involved, endangering herself in the process. A very nice enjoyable cozy read
February 2, 2019
A quick, easy novella to tide us over between books 6 & 7. It's nearly Christmas in Leap and the town is spooling up for the holidays. Maura is, as usual, indecisive about everything and waffling over ideas about decorating for the holidays, getting the kitchen up and running, and whether running a contest to guess what the 'Thing' across the road is going to be when it's finished is illegal/gambling and if it'll get her into trouble.
In the meantime, she meets a young boy outside her pub who is new to town, and whose mother is working at the Inn across the road. There is some secrecy and fear about them, and Maura and her friends work to gain their trust and welcome them - even if it's temporarily - to Leap.
I just get frustrated that everything Maura thinks about or doesn't know has to to be discussed and repeated with every other character, endlessly. She's been there two years already, and she's running out of excuses for not knowing more about her pub and how to run it, Leap, her friends and neighbours, etc. She has no time to read the local paper? She's that busy? Really? What about between customers at the pub, or taking a 15-minute break? Rose would be a far more competent and knowledgeable manager. A manager needs to know how to do everything and Maura doesn't like or seem to know anything and doesn't seem interested in learning, so how is that helpful to anyone? Anyway...
This is one of my favourite cosy series, but seven books in and the person who is the purpose of the series continues to frustrate me.
However, it's a nice Christmas-themed story and packs a lot of activity into an hour's read!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC to read and review. All opinions are strictly my own.
In the meantime, she meets a young boy outside her pub who is new to town, and whose mother is working at the Inn across the road. There is some secrecy and fear about them, and Maura and her friends work to gain their trust and welcome them - even if it's temporarily - to Leap.
I just get frustrated that everything Maura thinks about or doesn't know has to to be discussed and repeated with every other character, endlessly. She's been there two years already, and she's running out of excuses for not knowing more about her pub and how to run it, Leap, her friends and neighbours, etc. She has no time to read the local paper? She's that busy? Really? What about between customers at the pub, or taking a 15-minute break? Rose would be a far more competent and knowledgeable manager. A manager needs to know how to do everything and Maura doesn't like or seem to know anything and doesn't seem interested in learning, so how is that helpful to anyone? Anyway...
This is one of my favourite cosy series, but seven books in and the person who is the purpose of the series continues to frustrate me.
However, it's a nice Christmas-themed story and packs a lot of activity into an hour's read!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC to read and review. All opinions are strictly my own.
December 26, 2018
Princess Fuzzypants here: Whether it is called a novella or a short story, sometimes a shorter book than normal just hits the spot. When it involves characters from a well loved series, it is an especial treat. The County Cork stories are always interesting and poignant as Boston refugee Maura settles into life in a small Irish village as its publican. The people around her have become her family and no matter what happens they band together to take care of their own.
It is pre-Christmas and the County Council has contracted to put of a “Thing” across from the pub. Since no one knows what it is going to be, Maura decides to run a raffle where each guess costs a Euro. She enlists the workmen to keep it a secret and there is considerable curiosity about what will be revealed. But The Thing is not the only mystery in town.
Maura takes a young boy and his mother under her wing when they arrive in the village, clearly running away from something. The something turns out to be someone and they have every reason to be afraid. But Maura and her staff and customers rally around to protect and nourish the two. I would guess they will be part of some future stories as well.
As always, it is heartwarming, interesting and welcoming- much like the pub itself. It is a fast read but highly entertaining.
Four purrs and two paws up.
It is pre-Christmas and the County Council has contracted to put of a “Thing” across from the pub. Since no one knows what it is going to be, Maura decides to run a raffle where each guess costs a Euro. She enlists the workmen to keep it a secret and there is considerable curiosity about what will be revealed. But The Thing is not the only mystery in town.
Maura takes a young boy and his mother under her wing when they arrive in the village, clearly running away from something. The something turns out to be someone and they have every reason to be afraid. But Maura and her staff and customers rally around to protect and nourish the two. I would guess they will be part of some future stories as well.
As always, it is heartwarming, interesting and welcoming- much like the pub itself. It is a fast read but highly entertaining.
Four purrs and two paws up.
January 3, 2019
Tied Up with a Bow is the first book I have read written by Sheila Connolly. I read the description, thinking the book would be interesting. It certainly was that. It also had surprises, mostly in the character Maura Donovan. I guess I was thinking of a kind, naïve woman who inherited the pub. I found Maura to be anything but that. Maura is gruffer and grumpier than I expected but an old soul with a kind heart if a questioning mind
Maura looks to her new found friends and co-workers when she has questions about the puzzling holiday construction across the way, Christmas customs in the Irish village, a key-latch boy and a mysterious stranger. It is these friends are patient, guiding Maura along in her new home and country.
Not long in length but a satisfying one. I easily followed all the events and characters without having read the previous book. However, reading the first novel so that I can see how the series all begins is high on my to-do-list.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Maura looks to her new found friends and co-workers when she has questions about the puzzling holiday construction across the way, Christmas customs in the Irish village, a key-latch boy and a mysterious stranger. It is these friends are patient, guiding Maura along in her new home and country.
Not long in length but a satisfying one. I easily followed all the events and characters without having read the previous book. However, reading the first novel so that I can see how the series all begins is high on my to-do-list.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own
January 2, 2019
By the end of this novella, I really enjoyed it, but I struggled at first because the pace is a bit slow and I haven't read any of the other books in this series and it didn't give too much background right off the bat so I had to catch up to the characters and their backstory, the setting in Ireland, etc., especially how Maura is American and not Irish and how she came to end up in Ireland owning a pub. The story happens around Christmastime, but it doesn't really have a lot to do with Christmas. The mystery isn't a murder, more simple, which is fitting for the short novella style. But it intrigued me enough that I would enjoy going back to read the previous books in this series and get to know more about the characters and Leap (pronounced "Lep"), Ireland. It's a short, fast read and is probably a great addition to the series for fans who are already familiar with the characters.
***I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.***
***I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.***
June 9, 2024
It's rare when I actually search for the half-step books that are becoming ubiquitous lately, probably due to my aversion to short stories - by the time you get interested in what's happening, you've reached the end of the story :) That said, I like this author's writing, have enjoyed this series and have only one full-length novel left to read, so when I discovered that I skipped this one while reading the rest of the series, I had to make an exception to my rule and read it.
As is usually the case in these half-step books, there is no murder to solve here, but there are a couple of mysteries all the same. One was fairly obvious almost from the start, but the other was a pleasant surprise when it was unveiled.
And now, I'm back to having just one book left to read before reaching the end of the series, something I keep putting off because I don't want to say goodbye to these characters and their lives.
As is usually the case in these half-step books, there is no murder to solve here, but there are a couple of mysteries all the same. One was fairly obvious almost from the start, but the other was a pleasant surprise when it was unveiled.
And now, I'm back to having just one book left to read before reaching the end of the series, something I keep putting off because I don't want to say goodbye to these characters and their lives.
August 5, 2019
It's not a mystery really but Maura is the friendliest hometown girl and makes Rose and Mick proud.
This series is not generally low key but I didn't dislike the softer side of Leap. This is the cozy holiday story I didn't realize I wanted to read while sick in bed in the summer. I am not a strict practitioner of Christmas only after Halloween but there was little mention of the holiday and barely any snow. I do wonder what Holidays would be celebrated in Ireland though. Do they all do Halloween? And I am fairly certain there isn't a Thanksgiving but is there an equivalent day? When is Black Friday? Is it not a thing (as it should be)?
Idk, I wasn't enraptured by this story but it was very chill and I like that Sean has moved on but is still friendly to the Sullivan's crew. And I sort of love that Jimmy just disappeared.
This series is not generally low key but I didn't dislike the softer side of Leap. This is the cozy holiday story I didn't realize I wanted to read while sick in bed in the summer. I am not a strict practitioner of Christmas only after Halloween but there was little mention of the holiday and barely any snow. I do wonder what Holidays would be celebrated in Ireland though. Do they all do Halloween? And I am fairly certain there isn't a Thanksgiving but is there an equivalent day? When is Black Friday? Is it not a thing (as it should be)?
Idk, I wasn't enraptured by this story but it was very chill and I like that Sean has moved on but is still friendly to the Sullivan's crew. And I sort of love that Jimmy just disappeared.
August 2, 2020
Disappointed in this book
I don’t leave reviews often but this non- book warranted one. I love this series and couldn’t wait for this book to come out. I was a little put off by the price and length of the book, but bought it anyways. I was past disappointed in this short story. There was no real build up, Maura seemed like she was taken over by some other character from another book and the kitchen stuff was settled in the last book with equipment being given to her by her mom from the hotel. It’s like O’Connelly has been too busy writing too many other series that she forgot what was going on in this one. Also, where were the other 200 pages and the dead body to make this a mystery? I really would like my money back or give me the rest of the book!!
I don’t leave reviews often but this non- book warranted one. I love this series and couldn’t wait for this book to come out. I was a little put off by the price and length of the book, but bought it anyways. I was past disappointed in this short story. There was no real build up, Maura seemed like she was taken over by some other character from another book and the kitchen stuff was settled in the last book with equipment being given to her by her mom from the hotel. It’s like O’Connelly has been too busy writing too many other series that she forgot what was going on in this one. Also, where were the other 200 pages and the dead body to make this a mystery? I really would like my money back or give me the rest of the book!!
May 1, 2022
This was an interesting side-story to a series I’ve grown to love so much. Like most novellas, this one didn’t really contribute any plot developments to the overarching series, so it can easily be skipped without missing much. However, Maura and Mick’s interactions with Danny were really adorable and I think the story did a great job at illustrating Maura’s growing devotion to the town of Leap.
Totally not important but I did catch a plot inconsistency. In the story, Maura mentions the ‘old coat from her Boston days’, but it was specifically mentioned in one of the earlier books that Maura didn’t bring a coat when she left Boston. I just thought that was funny.
I hope we get to see Danny again.
Totally not important but I did catch a plot inconsistency. In the story, Maura mentions the ‘old coat from her Boston days’, but it was specifically mentioned in one of the earlier books that Maura didn’t bring a coat when she left Boston. I just thought that was funny.
I hope we get to see Danny again.
December 2, 2018
I love the Country Cork series and this Christmas novella was a lovely addition.
I think it can be appreciated at best if you already read the series and know the characters and the setting.
It can be read as a standalone and you surely will appreciate it.
It's not a whodunit plot but it's lovely and you cannot help rooting for the characters.
I love the way it shows a more human side to Maura and how the cast of characters join forces for helping others.
A lovely Christmas read that will make you feel good and hope to read soon the next instalment.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Beyond the Page Publishing and Netgalley for this ARC
I think it can be appreciated at best if you already read the series and know the characters and the setting.
It can be read as a standalone and you surely will appreciate it.
It's not a whodunit plot but it's lovely and you cannot help rooting for the characters.
I love the way it shows a more human side to Maura and how the cast of characters join forces for helping others.
A lovely Christmas read that will make you feel good and hope to read soon the next instalment.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Beyond the Page Publishing and Netgalley for this ARC
December 17, 2018
This is a short story in the County Cork Pub series. Maura Donovan inherited Sullivan's Pub and is still new to the her new home in the Irish village of Leap in County Cork. As Christmas is approaching a new mysterious construction project is across the street from the pub (mystery #1). Mystery #2 is a young boy Danny that Maura befriends as he is sitting on a bench outside the pub. She learns Danny and his mother Hannah have left Dublin suddenly and then an unknown man shows up around the pub and Maura senses danger. The village bands together and the story is a wonderful read. Love stories set in Ireland and look forward to the next installment in this series.
June 5, 2024
A much shorter read, almost a filler but interesting enough to stand on its own. Maura meets a young lady with a kid and decides to help them. She sees some of herself in their situation, and again, I see how she wants to reach out and help them just as she needed someone to reach out and help her when she first got to Leap. With every book, we see a little bit of that wall coming down. Those walls that Maura built to protect herself from the world is slowly being demolished by her friends and new family in Leap.
A very short book (it is book# 6.5) where the end is wrapped up quickly, but we still see the usual characters moving forward. Except Jimmy. He was not in this book at all.
A very short book (it is book# 6.5) where the end is wrapped up quickly, but we still see the usual characters moving forward. Except Jimmy. He was not in this book at all.
March 31, 2025
Never A Stranger
CountyCork6.5
Oops! A bit out of sequence, but the novella is self contained - I.e., no spoilers ;-).
Maura Donovan is fascinated by a jumble of supplies across the road, earmarked by the Council to be a Christmas sculpture. After discussions, it’s decided to set up a betting pool, to guess the thing, with proceeds going to a charity and the winner getting bragging rights.
When a small boy lands on her bench outside, Maura investigates, giving him hot chocolate and wondering how to help. Leap has reinforced the generosity she knew with her grandmother, and Maura seems poised to pay forward what Leap did for her.
A sweet breath of a story.
CountyCork6.5
Oops! A bit out of sequence, but the novella is self contained - I.e., no spoilers ;-).
Maura Donovan is fascinated by a jumble of supplies across the road, earmarked by the Council to be a Christmas sculpture. After discussions, it’s decided to set up a betting pool, to guess the thing, with proceeds going to a charity and the winner getting bragging rights.
When a small boy lands on her bench outside, Maura investigates, giving him hot chocolate and wondering how to help. Leap has reinforced the generosity she knew with her grandmother, and Maura seems poised to pay forward what Leap did for her.
A sweet breath of a story.
December 6, 2018
A novella set at Christmas in the tiny Irish village of Leap, part of the author's County Cork mystery series, this probably ranked more as a 2.5 star read. It really was sweet story with a good - and even funny - ending, but just not all that well written - far too many repetitions of character dialogue and thoughts, too many efforts to imitate an Irish brogue in writing, and for the longest time I thought Maura was a 50-something grouch but ultimately determined she had to be a 20-something young woman. Or maybe the fact I've not read any of the series hindered my reading?
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