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Coming February 2016 |
It’s Billy Sheahan talkin’ wit’ yeh again, here at Sullivan’s in Leap. Maura Donovan, who runs the place now—and a fine job she’s makin’ of it—has been telling me about the American holiday Thanksgiving, which we don’t have over here in Ireland. Not that we Irish don’t have a few days we celebrate, and there’s to be a big do fer the hundredth anniversary of the Easter Uprising, which was in 1916, if you don’t know it, and was the first step toward our freedom from England. But that was just a bit before my time.
Maura tells me that Christmastime where she came from starts the day after this Thankgiving, and the beginning is the mad rush to the stores to start buying gifts, as soon as the turkey is cold. But I’d be the last man to tell yeh that we Irish don’t enjoy decoratin’ our towns and our store windows for Christmas, and that starts in November. The Christmas Bazaar at the local church comes round the first weekend in December, and one year the raffle prize was a truckload of cut wood. Laugh if you want, but there’s plenty of folk who keep a fire burning as soon as it turns cold, and it’s not just because it’s pretty to look at.
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Temple Bar in Dublin |
I see the decorations in Dublin on the telly, and they do it up right there—banners across the streets, with lights, and all the shop windows are overflowing with fancy packages. Maura was kind enough to give me a lift to Skibbereen, down the road, and it’s much the same there, if a bit smaller. It’s a treat to see!
And even our little village of Leap has its tree out with colored lights on it. Might as well enjoy the season as long as we can!
Hope yer holidays are happy ones, whichever yeh fancy!
You can pre-order A Turn for the Bad from Amazon and Barnes and Noble now!
And in honor of the season, Sheila Connolly is giving away a lovely pair of Belleek mugs (made in Ireland! And if you don't need them, they'd make a great gift.) and a copy of A Turn for the Bad, as soon as it's available. Just leave a comment here and she will draw from the entries. And since it's such a crazy week, you have until next Monday to leave a comment for the drawing.
Those are beautiful mugs to go along with the pictures. Thanks so much sharing.
ReplyDeletedebby236 at gmail dot com
Great time of year to curl up with a new book! Thanks! jenjans2002@yahoo.ca
ReplyDeleteHey Billy,
ReplyDeleteThanks for telling us a bit about the Holidays in Ireland. I'd love to have those mugs for my morning coffee while me partner has her tea in the other one. The book would also make fine reading on a cold night during the holiday season.
NoraAdrienne (at) gmail (dot) com
Thanks so much for the chance to win your new release and the beautiful mugs! kimdavishb@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful prize! Thanks for the chance to win. Dnrocker@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThank you're the giveaway opportunity! Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteLoved hearing a bit about the holidays in Ireland. Wishing you are yours a Blessed Thanksgiving. servedogmom@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThank you for the give away. This sounds like a book that everyone would enjoy reading! jillybeans41@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the giveaway! These mugs would be perfect for my morning cuppa, and the book is on my wish list. dmskrug3(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteBilly - you have a foin way with the words and I'm glad of it. Thank you for the Christmas news! The sailboat on the cover of the next book looks somewhat like mine. I'd like to go sailing off the sw Irish coast someday - think it's in the DNA. :) The giveaway is so generous ! You honor us, Sheila. I've liked this series from the beginning. I'd love to sip from one of those gorgeous mugs while reading your new book. Thanks ! hharra (at) bsu (dot) edu.
ReplyDeleteI'd feel thankful to win this charming giveaway. Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleterebarger@bellsouth.net
I enjoyed the post and the photos...thanks. patucker54 (at aol dot com)
ReplyDeleteI sooo love this series! And this is a great post from Billy :) Would use the mugs every day. But most of all ----- keep writing for those of us who love you for it <3 Happy Thanksgiving! lynneandco@comcast.net
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteI really love this series. Happy Thanksgiving to all!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful mugs. Happy Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteThose mugs are beautiful ! I can't wait to read the book either ! kathambre@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI sure can make good use of those beautiful mugs. Happy Thanksgiving!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving. Ireland sounds like it must be wonderful during the holiday season.
ReplyDeletesuefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Wow, what a lovely giveaway. I am looking forward to the new book & would love to have a chance to win the mugs! (Bondir (at) msn.com)
ReplyDeleteThanks for this lovely feature and great giveaway. beautiful designs. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteWhat a very special giveaway. So unique and to be displayed. Many thanks. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteHappy Turkey Day! Beautiful mugs
ReplyDeleteNice giveaway.
ReplyDeletegreat giveaway pwtish171@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteLoved hearing from Billy and appreciate the generous giveaway! bobandcelia@sbcglobal.net
ReplyDeleteThe mugs are beautiful. They would be wonderful in my mug collection. Thank you for the chance to win them. l.bergh@sbcglobal.net
ReplyDeleteGreat giveaway! Can't wait to read A Turn For the Bad. Love this series!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the interview with Billy. I am sure this book will be just as exciting as Sheila Connolly's County Cork series. The giveaway is wonderful too. What beautiful mugs to give away too. robeader53@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! Can you imagine being a young child and seeing those windows filled with goodies? Your heart would be racing!
ReplyDeletejenne.turner@unt.edu
'Tis a fine and generous thing you're doin' here.
ReplyDeleteAnd we thank ye.
libbydodd at comcast dot net
Love Belleek. And the County Cork mysteries.
ReplyDeleteLove the cups! Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteYou shared some really nice pictures.
ReplyDeleteYour give away looks great.Thanks for the chance to win those wonderful prizes!
Happy holidays!
What a nice giveaway! Happy Thanksgiving!!
ReplyDeletekpbarnett1941[at]aol.com
Della at deepotter@peoplepc.com Most interesting pictures. Nice giveaway. A book and a cup for the hot choc to go with. Neat. Meant to tell you. We enjoyed One Bad Apple and the Apple Goodie recipe. We used Fuji apples. My son went through it like crazy. Which was a bit of a surprise. He's generally not into apples. His thing is blueberry everything. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteTea, crumpets, and a good book. I am ready for winter. Bobbipad@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating post. I always like to learn how holidays are celebrated in other parts of the world. And what a terrific giveaway. Can't wait to read this, and who can't use more mugs?? Thanks!
ReplyDeletesallycootie@gmail.com
Would really like to start reading this series. What beautiful mugs, great to use on special occasions or even every day.
ReplyDeletediannekc8@gmail.com
Would really like to start reading this series. What beautiful mugs, great to use on special occasions or even every day.
ReplyDeletediannekc8@gmail.com
I would love to win this giveaway. Thanks for the chance. I hope you and your family enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday
ReplyDeleteksarginson@tampabay.rr.com
I love wandering around seeing all the decorations, especially in samll towns and neighborhoods!
ReplyDeletecozyupwithkathy @ gmail dot com
I love the holiday season! I am certainly looking forward to the next book in the series! Happy Thanksgiving
ReplyDeleteejbs3s@yahoo.com
I really enjoy this series and I'd love to win this, it's a very special giveaway.Ruth Nixon ruthenixon@sbcglobal.net
ReplyDeleteSuch pretty mugs. :) Thanks for the chance! :)
ReplyDeletekidisitor@yahoo.com
thank you for the giveaway. happy thanksgiving!
ReplyDeletewskwared at yahoo dot com
Love the photos. So beautiful. I love this series and will pre-order for sure. Thanks for the opportunity. kayt18 at comcast dot net
ReplyDeleteIreland holds a soft spot in my heart...Irish coffee, Irish whiskey, Irish setter, Luck o' the Irish. My brother was born on St. Patrick's Day, The Quiet Man is my favorite movie, and Sheila Connolly is a favorite author. kat8762@aol.com
ReplyDeleteOh would I love to have those cups a copy of the new book in the series. You are just the best author. Can hardly wait to get my hands on the new book, A Turn for the Bad.
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays to you. Loved looking at the pictures. Beautiful window displays. Georgia
queenvictoria50@aol.com
It was nice to learn a bit about Irish customs. We ll do things differently. The cups are beautiful and I'd love to put them to use in my kitchen. Happy Thanksgiving to those of us who celebrate. lkish77123 at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely mugs. Am looking forward to the new book.
ReplyDeletecreynolds52(at)comcast(dot)net
I would love to own those lovely mugs and a copy of the new book. Thanks for the chance and Happy Thanksgiving for those who celebrate.
ReplyDeletebabemomara@att.net
would love to win a copy of your book!! the mugs are very pretty, thanks for the chance!!! darholley1@aol.com Happy Thanksgiving to you
ReplyDeleteVisiting Ireland is on my Bucket List. The mugs would be perfect for my hot tea and the book sounds like a must read. Thanks for the chance to win. Happy Thanksgiving! doward1952@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! A new Cork County Mystery. I'm reading An Early Wake now. Happy Thanksgiving. dbahn@iw.net
ReplyDeleteA new Cork County Mystery. I'm reading An Early Wake now. Happy Thanksgiving! dbahn@iw.net
ReplyDeleteA new Cork County Mystery! I'm looking forward to reading it as I'm reading An Early Wake now. Happy Thanksgiving. I hope this publishes this time as I've written this 3-4 times. dbahn@iw.net
ReplyDeleteThank you for the chance they are beautiful,love your books!
ReplyDeleteLisa
hseaside5@aim.com
I love anything Irish. Thanks for the chance. dr(dot)oldsmobileaticloud(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI've read and enjoyed the books in this series so would love to win this extra special prize. Maybe it's because my grandma was Mary Alice Kelly. Ruth Nixon ruthenixon@sbcglobal.net
ReplyDeleteBeautiful mugs, and I love the series
ReplyDeletekaye dot killgore at comcast dot net
I enjoy the series very much, and I appreciate this special giveaway.The mugs are beautiful! Thank-you for the chance to win this. kittygirl15401@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteSaints & Begora!!!! What a lovely giveaway!!!!!!!seascapelife at (gmail) dot com
ReplyDeletelove cozy stories and those mugs look awesome -- thanks for a chance to win --- jody.714@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful prize! Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeletepeggyhyndman(at)att(dot)net
I just ❤️ This series.
ReplyDeleteAnd I ❤️ all things Irish, including my husband and daughter.
agavigan@cox.net
I have a love of all things Irish. My ancestors came from there. Those are beautiful mugs.
ReplyDeletemadonnal@gmail.com
Love the photos. Looking forward to the next book.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy this series so I am excited to read the newest one. Thanks for the giveaway
ReplyDeletegibsonbk at hiwaay dot net
Wonderful giveaway! The book sounds great.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad it's a crazy week. My internet has been out since Monday so I just got your post when it was repaired today. The mugs are beautiful and I would love to win a copy of your latest book. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
ReplyDeleteThe mugs are awesome. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
ReplyDelete6186pep(at)msn(dot)com
I received the first book in this series from a friend! I loved it and im looking forward to reading the rest of the series. utaker555@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteSounds delightful! Would love to win. stitchkat at austin dot rr dot com
ReplyDeleteI would love to get a copy of this book as I have not had the chance to get and read it yet.
ReplyDelete