Fantastic!!!

I just read your books in a matter of a week!!! From the time I picked up the first book, I could not put them down!!!

I have been recommending them to everybody that I talk to! I even ordered Holiday Grind from the internet hoping it would be here by the time I finished Espresso Shot! Unfortunately, it didn't, so I went to the bookstore and they were all sold out! I have even pre-ordered Roast Mortem! Thank you for these wonderful books!!!

August?

That's a long countdown; I'm gonna wear out my pencil making those X-marks on the calendar. *Sigh* Still no Jack? His visit to Orlando was so brief. . . . You keep writing: I keep reading.

Thanks
geekette

Loved, loved, loIved Holiday Grind

Dear Cleo,

I've read a couple of your books and just finished Holiday Grind. I love the ones I read so far. Holiday Grind left me guessing right up until the ending. I thought I knew the killer and you suprised me. What a great story, you are a great author. I can't wait to read the rest of your Coffeehouse mystery collection because I can't get enough of Clare, Mike Quinn, and of course Matteo.

Sincerely,
Tracy Losey

I just discovered your books!

Dear Cleo,

I just recently found your books at my local Library and I am hooked!! So far I have only read Espresso Shot and On What Grounds.

I love the coffee tips in the book and the recipes--Oh they bring me back to my Italian Childhood, I copied your cheesecake recipe and plan on making it. Thank You for such wonderful books...

Keep the mysteries coming!! :)

I love your coffee books!

DEAR CLEO,

I love your coffee house books, I personally don't care for really strong coffee because when I make it, I use half as much coffee as I do water because otherwise, I think it taste to strong. However, I do like frappuccino's (iced coffee made with coffee flavoring, milk, vanilla ice cream and whatever else you want in it) and coffee flavored stuff, I deffinitely plan on trying to make your cappuccino muffins, I'll let you know how they turn out. However, I was just wondering how many calories they are per muffin because I'm trying to watch my weight.

Anyway, love your books.
Keep on writting.

Sincerly,
Mary Manaugh

Finally Got to Read Holiday Grind

The best thing about a horrific snow storm is being able to stay home with a good cup of coffee, my little white cat snuggled in the comforter and a great read!
     I had purchased Holiday Grind when it first came out but was then diagnosed with breast cancer and, well, never got around to reading. However, I promised myself when I "graduated" from treatment, I would settle down with my favorite read. 
     So double treat snowday and Holiday Grind. Love little Frothy! too cute! Cannot wait for your next therapeutic coffee break!
     Appreciate your great writing. Your Nonna's clam sauce is just like my Nonno's. Think I will make it tonight followed by espresso and grappa. Yum Yum.

Thanks Cleo. Keep up the great world of the Village Blend.

Cleo's reply:

First of all, I am distressed to hear that you have been fighting cancer. Please know that you are in my good thoughts and prayers, and I hope everyone who reads this will send good karma your way, too. 
      Creating a world where a reader can "live" (and escape) for a little while is a challenge I take very seriously, and I am so happy to hear that Holiday Grind did that for you.
     I know how important (and therapeutic) a story can be. Sometimes I think I could not have survived some of the terrible setbacks that I've gone through (personally and professionally) were it not for my favorite storytellers -- the ones I've turned to for strength, inspiration, laughter, and insight...
     So thank you sincerely for letting me know that my work has served to lift you up, even a little bit. It means more than words can say.

My very best thoughts and wishes are heading your way. (So happy to hear you enjoyed Nonna's Clam Sauce recipe--yes, that dish is off the hook! Yum, indeed!)

Please keep in touch!
~Cleo

thanks

i am a thirteen year old girl from oregon and i was about to give up on mysteries until my aunt gave me latte trouble and i just couldn't put it down. thank you for writing, writers like you are what makes youth want to read.

Cleo's repy: Because I'm under a tight deadline for my next book, I have had to delay replying to many of the wonderful comments on my message board. But I had to stop writing to reply to you. 
      When I was your age, I began reading adult books, some of which greatly influenced me as a person and as a writer. The ones I loved the most were the ones that helped me enjoy reading.
     To hear you say that I've done this for you is an amazingly generous and moving compliment. All I can say is thank you from the depths of my heart. Your post made my week, and...I hope this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship between us. :-)

Java joy to you (and to your aunt)!
I hope you'll keep in touch...
~Cleo

Note to Cleo

Just love your books. Can't get enough of them. They are as addicting as a good latte.

Kopi Luwak marketing as product development example

Hi Cleo,

I am a great fan of both your coffeehouse mysteries & the haunted bookshop mysteries (being a chronically undercaffienated librarian). I came across this post in a career coaching blog, and was reminded of the 'cat poop coffee' sidebar that I had seen here last January. The relevant entry is Aug 31 and is titled "The Most Expensive Coffee and Product Development". I hope you and the other posters enjoy it.

Nancy

The nurse didn't see her shadow but it's still winter.

Out in the lonely countryside, the deep layer of white paperwork and medical articles quivers. A hand breaks through the top of the layer and waves frantically, but no one is there to see the frantic cry for help.

With a deep, pathetic sigh, the poor nurse's hand begins to disappear back under the paperwork, pausing only to snag another cup of El Salvadoran Orange Bourbon coffee...and a chocolate biscotti. No shadow was seen and this, according to legend, means there is another 10 weeks of school before relief will come, the sun will shine, and life will resume. SIGH...

~Nurse JudyMac

Watching Olympics

Hi Cleo,

We were watching the Olympics and a commercial came on comparing buying a Jeep to a latte. I didn't get the comparison myself. OF COURSE I'd choose the LATTE. Well, if they were giving it away to me, I'd choose the Jeep. You can always sell that and buy A LOT of Lattes!

~Crystal Lane
of Amarillo

I LOVE YOUR SERIES

I WANT TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR NEXT BOOK, ROAST MORTEM.

I AM A FAN. I USE YOUR RECIPES AND I DRINK A LOT OF COFFEE. I HAVE COME TO APPRECIATE IT MORE. THANKS, CLEO COYLE.

I LOVE YOUR SERIES CLEO. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. I AM NOW GOING TO START READING HOLIDAY GRIND. SORRY I DID NOT READ IT SOONER, BUT I AM A FAN.

DARRYL

Charleston!!! I have left the planet again and again!! Coffee & Books

Ms. Cleo: I know you are a very busy lady. So, please do not rush to respond to me. I can read others comments and see how much you are loved and a great writer. I'm still waiting for my next "Jack" rush and hope it's soon. I don't know how long I can stand it, but will continue to hang in there. Still at the library and still looking for your books, even at the book stores. Thank you for being the "best." When is Jack coming back?? I need him!! Coffee and Books oh! my! God! I'm loving it!

~VaLinda
Charleston, SC

COFFEE COZY CLUB

CLEO, I AM TRY TO START A ONCE A MONTH COFFEE COZY CLUB, WHERE WE MEET AT MY HOUSE AND HAVE COFFEES AND DESSERTS AND TALK ABOUT MYSTERY BOOKS. ANY IDEAS WOULD REALLY HELP!

THANKS,
JAMIE FROM CONNECTICUT

Cleo's reply:

Hi, Jamie. Generally speaking, the people who start reading clubs begin looking for participants withing their own groups of friends, co-workers, and club or organizational memberships. That's what I'd advise you to do.
      A local bookseller or library may help you with this by posting public notices of meeting days, times, places, with an e-mail address or phone number for questions, etc. BUT if you decide to make this a public club, I would strongly suggest that you not have complete strangers come to your house. Try to arrange meetings at a local coffeehouse, library, or another public place for everyone's safety and comfort level (at least until you get to know the people and they get to know you).
     You might also try to contact a club that's up and running for advice. They may have good suggestions for you. (See below...and good luck!)

The Killer Coffee Club holds its meetings,
at the Ithaca Barnes & Noble:

Tops Plaza, 614 South Meadow,
Ithaca, NY 14850
For more information,
visit the reading group’s web site: www.killercoffeeclub.com    

 Or contact the Killer Coffee Club at
 mysterybuff@hotmail.com

Anxiously Waiting

Good Morning!

I have finished Holiday Grind and now anxioulsy await Roast Mortem. I have thoroughly enjoyed each one. Will begin reading the Haunted Bookshop series as well. Thank you very much

Cleo says: You are welcome very much. Thank you for reading my books. :)

A CTRR Reward for Holiday Grind – A Coffeehouse Mystery

 Per my recommendation, your book has received a CTRR (Coffee Time Reviewer's Recommend Award) from Coffee Time Romance & More. This award recognizes outstanding writing styles in all book types and genres. Your book has received this award because I feel it is above and beyond a 5 Cup Rating. You can see this by clicking here.

   We have announced this in our weekly newsletter, on our blog, and put the CTRR Award on your actual review on our site. It will stay there permanently.

~ Matilda

Cleo's reply: Hello, Matilda! Thank you so much for telling me about this award. I am always pleased when any reader tells me that he or she enjoys my books, and I'm so very happy to hear that you felt Holiday Grind was worthy of five cups! Woot! The Coffee Time site is lively and fun, and I'm so very honored to have a special place on it with Holiday Grind thanks to your generous recommendation. Thank you!

Drink with joy!
~Cleo

woohooo! Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday from your #1 fan in Texas!

Cleo says:
Thank you!

Haaapppyyy BBirrtthhddaaayy to yooooouuuuu!!

Playing on Alice (snicker) in Wonderland's Mad Hatter Tea Party song.. "A very merry Birthday to you, to you! A very merry Birthday to you, to you! 364 days that aren't special to you so a very merry Birthday to you!"

~~Nurse JudyMac

Cleo says: Sweet! Thank you!

The only Good Snow

Howdy, Cleo!

We tried your recipe for the White Chocolate Latte. I refuse to link it to snow being as we're snowed in at the moment! Crystal followed the recipe precisely. Well, except she kinda subed the vanilla. She used DaVinci Gourmet French Vanilla Syrup for that. We didn't take pictures, but the fourth step looked amazingly the same. Smokie said we have ta make it again soon 'cause she didn't get any! Seems there was none left. Opps.

Catherine Lane
of Amarillo, TX

Hi Catherine: Thank you for your post! Cleo will respond to you very soon. Check back right here for her reply...

Drumroll Please!!

Hey Cleo!!!

It's Hannah again! I don't know if you remember me, but I certainly remember you. Quite some time ago now, I finished On What Grounds. Fantastic! And it left me craving more.... I am currently reading Through the Grinder. About halfway through (lol! Through *wink*....eh....bad joke...) and I am so pleased to report that it's just as good as the first.

I had a really great idea. You should open up a Village Blend! It would be super cool! Or at least there should be a movie. I mean, I'm almost surprised there isn't one already, aren't you?! There could easily be one. Okay, I'll talk to you soon!

Thanks!!
~ Hannah

Thank you for your post, Hannah! Cleo will respond to you very soon. Check back right here for her reply...

Haunted Bookshop Series

I would like to know where I can get a hold of your Haunted Bookshop series. I have been everywhere. I just started reading your coffeehouse mystery book series and am getting hooked.

~ Donna
Sanibel Island, FL.

Donna: Thank you for posting. Cleo will respond to your note very soon. Please check back to see her reply...

I'll live through winter but I won't enjoy it!!

Apparently whining and complaining does generate body heat because I survived the deep freeze a couple of weeks ago (large infusions of coffee helped), and I survived the typical January thaw with its large infusions of mud and rain. Now it's snowed again and cold...sigh...can I get some cheese to go with my whine? Anyway, Cleo you wicked person you, I have pre-ordered your new book AND while I was on Amazon, I found a new Earlene Fowler book to pre-order. This means I have to go to work to pay for my horribly addictive habit of reading, which means going out into the snow and cold and IT"S ALL YOUR FAULT! BTW, could you hurry up with the next Haunted Bookshop book? I think I can shake the couch down for enough dough to cover it. Being totally fed up with winter and darn proud of it.

~~Nurse JudyMac

NJM: Thank you for posting. Cleo will respond soon. Please check back to see her reply...

I Love Your Books!

Dear Cleo,

Just wanted to drop a note and say I love your books! They are warm and funny and interesting, and since I no longer live in the NYC area, each one is like a trip home for me. I am a tea drinker, by the way, although I do love coffee ice cream. Do you think there the Village Blend will ever sell tea???

Thanks for all the great books,
Florence

Thank you for posting, Florence! Cleo will respond to your note very soon. Please check back to see her reply...

New book club...what would be the best book to read first??

Hi, Cleo,

it is my turn to pick the book for our bookclub this month and I'd like to start the coffeehouse mysteries. Do you have a suggestion as to which book would be the best to start with, or should we just start w/ On What Grounds since it was first?

Thanks for answering!!

Thank you so much for your comment! Cleo's reply will be posted here this week. Check back again.

Love Your Books!!

Just finished Holiday Grind. I read all the Coffeehouse Mysteries in order and am truly hooked. I am now going to start the Haunted Bookshop Mysteries.

Two of my three favorite things: coffee and mysteries. The third favorie is wine, maybe you could incorporate it into one of your next mysteries?!? I also love NY, I have been there afew times over the last few years. About five years ago, I visited a bookstore called "Murder Ink", it was filled with great mysteries.

Thanks for the great reads. I will check back soon.

~ Kathy
(Brighton, MI)

Kathy: Thank you for your comment! Cleo's reply will be posted right here later this week. Be sure to check back again.

Book Club loves a good Mystery! + Coffeemaker Question

Cleo,

I belong to a mystery book club and chose the first book,THE GHOST AND MRS MCCLURE, in the haunted bookshop series when it was my turn to introduce a new book and author. We all loved it!

Everyone wants to now read the series along with the Village Blend books. We meet monthly on the first Monday, mid- morning for coffee and treats which brings me to my question.

I am in the market for a new coffee maker. I just want an everyday drip version. I have plenty of the 'fancy' types--french press, espresso, etc. and don't want to break the bank! Do you or any of your readers have any suggestions? Thanks for 2 great series and the help!

~Pam in Nebraska

Cleo's reply: 

HELLOOO,
NEBRASKA!

Hi, Pam,

Thank you for posting. I am very happy to hear that your book club is enjoying my books. Please wish them a Happy New Year from me!

     OK - Here is an answer to your question about drip coffeemakers...

     With the understanding that I am not officially endorsing any products and the understanding that no drip maker is perfect, here is what I can tell you...

     We buy economical drip coffeemakers in our house--because my husband and I are writers and not investment bankers, LOL :). FYI - this is why Clare's "democratization of luxury" philosophy is a lot like ours. Murder Most Frothy and French Pressed are the books in which she speaks about this the most: When folks can't afford a $5,000 trip to the South of France, they take a $5.00 trip to a cozy coffeehouse to enjoy an excellent coffee drink. And that's what the coffeehouse experience is really all about: an oasis in the middle of a hectic day; a place to relax and rejuvenate for people who cannot afford the time and money for a full body massage at a day spa!

     Okay, so the brands we use (at the moment) to make our drip coffee are Cuisinart and DeLonghi. Both coffeemakers sit side by side on our counter. The Cuisinart (12-cup, model DCC-1200 series) is for larger pots. This pot has an automatic turn off, a good and safe feature. It also beeps you when the coffee is ready and when the burner is about to turn itself off. We also use a DeLonghi (Twenty Four Seven model). This is a 4-cup maker for very small pots. This model does NOT have an automatic turn off so you have to remember to turn it off yourself. But it's great for a small pot of joe.

     Just like you, we have other methods of making coffee: French press, Moka express pot, but you were asking about drip.

     We have also used Braun and Krups brands in the past and were happy with both of them. We don't think the expense of a thermal pot or grind-and-brew combo is worth it for us. We like to grind our coffee separately with a burr grinder. A burr grinder, by the way, (and not a blade grinder) is the very best way to grind whole bean coffee. Whole bean is the only kind we make because after coffee is ground in rapidly loses its flavor and aroma.

     Anyway, what concerns us most when we shop for a drip coffeemaker is the SHAPE of the filter. A CONE filter is a more economical way to make premium coffees and that's what we use. Flat-bottomed filters do not concentrate the flavor as well and you end up using more coffee to get the same strength as you'd get with a cone filter. Pot after pot, using more coffee adds up, so a cone filter is more economical. Both our Cuisinart and DeLonghi brand drip makers have cone-shaped filters.

     You can also look into "pour-over" methods for economical drip coffee making. This is when you heat the water yourself, then pour it over a cone-shaped filter and the coffee drips down into the carafe. Two popular pour-over brands are Mellita and ChemEx.

    You can always check out the Consumer Reports run down of drip coffeemakers. Here is a link for you if you're interested...

Consumer Reports often gives
ratings on coffeemakers.

CLICK HERE to read their
general buying guide,
which will give you an overview
on the brands and types
of features on today's coffeemakers.

NOTE: Consumer Report ratings are for subscribers only, but their very informative general buying guide is freely posted
on the Web. CLICK HERE

Thank you so much for posting, Pam, and especially for reading my books...

Java joy to you and your
Mystery Book Club
in beautiful Nebraska!

~Cleo

Village Blend Website Rocks

Village Blend website rocks! Coffee, Mysteries, Cats - life is great! Love it all - my local Starbucks knows me - I walk in with my Coffeehouse Mystery book, get my coffee, settle in with both, and chill - no pun intended - winter time, 'ya know!

Cleo - Keep on brewin'!!

~ Michelle
in Antioch, California

My own remedy to winter

My own remedy to winter...

1.) Thermal underwear- check!

2.) Polar fleece pajamas- check!

3.) Sweat shirt and pants- check!

4.) Down comforter- check!

5.) Leave all of these behind and go to the Bahamas- CHECK!!!

~~Nurse JudyMac

Thanks for the jolt I've been looking for...

I LOVE your books. I so want to spend a day with Clare Cosi. I have found a new interest in coffee again. I've even created some new coffee drinkers!

While I was a 2nd grade writing teacher for six weeks, my lunch consisted of coffee and about two or three chapters of Holiday Grind to get me through the day. I even got some other teachers hooked, and or they bought your first book in the series for Christmas presents. Thanks a-latte!

Addicted to the Village Blend,
~ Rebekah

Cleo's reply:

Dear Rebekah:

I have such respect and admiration for teachers. I grew up as a working class, public school kid. Without the amazing dedication of my teachers, I doubt very much I would have been able to become a professional writer. 

I am so happy that you posted. In thanks to you for stopping by my *virtual* coffeehouse, I whipped you up a *virtual* doughnut to enjoy with your next hot cuppa joe!

Cheers! Happy New Year...
and Keep in touch!

~Cleo

Ode to Winter

Sing to the tune of Patsy Cline's "Crazy"

"I'm freezing, freezing 'cause I am so co-old! I'm freezing, my fingers and toes are so blue!"

Okay, all of you who's fingers are still warm enough to type, add your own verses! ~~Desperately seeking global warming...

~Nurse Judy Mac

Cleo's reply:

My solution? Baking. Roasting. All day.(Excuse for oven to be on, thus warming little kitchen and entire second floor of our row house.) And my cheap fireplace DVD on the TV at night. Tricks my brain into thinking (via that primeval DNA strand)...fire, good, warmth, ah...

Warm hugs to you NurseJudy,
from the the Big (chilly) Apple!
~Cleo

Holiday Grind

I enjoyed Holiday Grind as I have all the other books....

Adicted to Coffee House Mysteries

Your mysteries are (almost) as potent as caffeine! Each book is good to the last drop! I've read every one of them and can't wait to read the next installment. Please keep them coming.

a Holiday Treat!

I saved my copy of Holiday Grind for the holiday. It indeed was a holiday treat. Loved the story, the characters, and the chemistry between Mike and Clare! You have done it...again !!

~ Mary T
Appleton WI

Holiday Grind

Dear Cleo:

I have read all of your books. This is the best one yet! I'm looking forward to Clare's next adventure. She is GUTSY LADY for sure. The Village Blend Staff are interesting characters also. Next to Clare, I admire Madame the most. Now there's a lady who knows how to live.

I live in New England, Massachusetts, to be specific, although I was born in Maine and my heart will always be there. We're having a great winter. Snow and wind; can't beat that combination, especially along with freezing temperatures. Looking forward to hearing from you.

~ Snow Lady

my bday surprise

the keg brought me a piece of mocha ice cream cake with chocolate cookie crumb crust with a candle in it :-) it was yummmm

Cleo's reply: I'm sure that it tasted better than my *virtual* cake (see below)! LOL! Happy Birthday again to my girl up North!

~ Cleo

The Big Three OH!!!!

aaaaah! my bro says I'm Now officially an Adult. I turned thirty today (the 30th of dec) and after going to the gym for the first time in years yesterday, I can feel every last second of the last 30 years! lol

hope you had a great christmas, was Java Claus good to you? My mom copied some recipes from HOLIDAY GRIND and she made the apple cider syrup up as a christmas present for someone. Tonight My bf will take me to the Keg for dinner. Do you have that over there? (it's a very nice steakhouse for those of you who don't know)

Happy New Year, Cleo...

P.S. Will Jack pay us a visit again in the coming year?

Chelle - feeling older than the mountains but younger than the sea! lol

Cleo's reply:

HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY TO MY FAVORITE CANADIAN READER! CHELLE!!

I guess I'm too far away to bake you a birthday cake, so I'll have to resort to a virtual one...

 Wishing you every good thing for your birthday, for the New Year, and the New Decade!

~ Cleo

P.S. Thrilled to hear that your mom made a recipe from HG! Woot! And as to your question about "the ghost" - Never fear, Jack is near, and will be here, later this year!

Coffee Primer

Here's a good (and funny) coffee facts primer for your fans:

http://theoatmeal.com/comics/coffee

~ Sharon
from Austin

Cleo's reply: Thank you, Sharon, for a fun link to a fantastically clever java Web page (java as in coffee, not software, lol).

Cheers &
Happy New Year!

~ Cleo

Merry Christmas, happy holidays, yada yada yada

Cleo-

I'm glad you enjoyed the 12 days of Christmas, java style. My pentameter was off a little on some of them but it's the love of coffee, and your books, that counts, right?

Merry Christmas
from one of your biggest fans

~~Nurse JudyMac

On the twelfth day of Christmas...

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
12 pounds of Kona!
11 espresso con pannas,
10 frappuccions,
9 mocha muffins,
8 Irish coffees,
7 caramel lattes,
6 macchiatos,
5 CUPS OF JOE!
4 cappuccinos,
3 french presses,
2 doppios,
and a new
Coffeehouse mystery!

~ Nurse JudyMac
(Thank you, my true love, for the wonderful presents. I'm vibrating like a tuning fork, I haven't slept in 3 days, and I'm living in my bathroom, but I have lots of great reading material! Next year, let's talk diamonds!)

Cleo's Reply: An awesome and witty Christmas gift, Nurse Judy. I have been eagerly anticipating your posts every day for the last twelve!

Thank you!

Merry Christmas & Java New Year
to you, your family, and especially...
that true coffee lover
of yours!

~ Cleo

On the eleventh day of Christmas...

On the eleventh day of
Christmas, my true love gave
to me 11 espresso con pannas,
10 frappuccinos,
9 mocha muffins,
8 Irish coffees,
7 caramel lattes, 6 macchiatos,
5 cups OF JOE!
4 cappuccinos, 3 french presses,
2 doppios, and a new
Coffeehouse mystery!

~Nurse JudyMac

On the tenth day of Christmas...

On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
10 frappuccinos,
9 mocha muffins,
8 Irish coffees,
7 caramel lattes, 6 macchiatos,
5 cups of JOE!
4 cappuccinos, 3 french presses, 2 doppios, and a new Coffeehouse mystery!

~ Nurse JudyMac
(with this much caffeine on
board, I don't think I'll sleep
until New Year's!)

On the ninth day of Christmas...

On the ninth day of Christmas,
my true love gave to me
9 mocha muffins, 8 Irish coffees,
7 caramel lattes, 6 macchiatos,
5 cups of joe!
4 cappuccinos, 3 french presses,
2 doppios, and a new
Coffeehouse mystery!

~Nurse JudyMac
(the midnight punster)

 The above photo of Cleo Coyle's Cappuccini Muffins is courtesy of and copyright (c) to Brandi Evans of Branappetit blog. Click here to visit her post on making Cleo's muffins...

On the eighth day of Christmas...

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
8 Irish coffees,
7 caramel lattes,
6 macchiatos,
5 cups of joe!
4 cappuccinos,
3 french presses,
2 doppios,
and a new
Coffeehouse mystery!

~Nurse JudyMac
(no, really, officer, I was only
speeding 'cause I REALLY need
to find a bathroom!)

My holiday treat!

I have been saving the reading of Holiday Grind as my very special holiday treat...to myself.

My plan is to settle in this weekend...with coffee of course....and enjoy the book.

Happy holidays to all!

~ Mary T
Appleton WI

Cleo's reply:

HELLOOO
WISCONSIN!

Thank you for dropping by, Mary! And thanks again to you and your daughter for recommending Gimme! Coffee, my fall coffee pick. I hope you enjoy my latest Coffeehouse Mystery.

Wishing you and your family
a Very Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year!

~ Cleo

On the seventh day of Christmas...

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me 7 caramel lattes, 6 macchiatos, 5 cups of joe! 4 cappuccinos, 3 french presses, 2 doppios, and a new Coffeehouse mystery!

~ Nurse JudyMac
(the overly caffeinated
midnight punster)

Struffoli

I was hoping you would have the recipe for making struffoli—I lost my mother's and no other recipe tastes like hers.

Thanks

Cleo's reply:

I am looking forward to posting the Struffoli recipe! Check back again in the coming weeks or subscribe to my free e-newsletter so I can let you know when it goes live on this site.
     The writing life being what it is, I don't think I'll be able to get that recipe posted before Christmas.
     (I'm under a tight writing deadline at the moment and I have other bonus recipes ready to go first.)
     But...as I explained on my "Get Cleo's Recipes" page (click the coffee cup in the left column to go to that page), I will be posting all of my promised bonus recipes over time right here. My seasonal e-newsletter is your best bet for not missing the chance to get them when they go up. 
      I don't keep recipes posted indefinitely. New ones go up and then old ones go down as I need the  space on my site.
     I absolutely know what you mean about a mother's recipe. I can only hope what I finally post will comes close. If not, you should definitely drop back and let me know what you would do to change or improve it!

Cheers, Happy Holidays, and thank you so much for dropping by and posting your question...

~ Cleo

On the sixth day of Christmas...

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me 6 macchiatos, 5 cups of joe! 4 cappuccinos, 3 French presses, 2 doppios, and a new Coffeehouse mystery!

~Nurse JudyMac,
the midnight punster
(I'm getting a caffeine buzz
from typing this!)

On the fifth day of Christmas...

On the fifth day of Christmas,
my true love gave to me 5 cups
of joe! 4 cappuccinos,
3 french presses, 2 doppios,
and a new Coffeehouse mystery!

~Nurse Judymac
(aka the midnight punster)

No Problem...

Hey! Lol, just responding back to you again : ) It is absolutely NO problem reading your books (I now know)! I am really enjoying it. Everyone keeps asking me, "What's this?" and I go off on a huge tangent about it! It's pretty suspensful. Definitely not sure what's gonna happen next (with Matteo!?)... Thanks for writing so creatively! I'm hoping my friends might get the hint of what to get me for Xmas this year ; D

Talk to you later,
~ Hannah

Cleo's reply: Thank you, Hannah.
LOL! and...

This is my version of :)   ------ >

~ Cleo

A Bit of Heaven ~ Chocolate & Orange

Looks like I can now make my favorite candy too. Will dip the orange peels in some dark chocolate and then I'll be in heaven.

All of your yummy pictures make me want to cozy down with some coffee, an afghan and the lastest, Holiday Grind, of course. Also looking forward to more about Pen and Jack too. Wishing all of you and your characters a most Merry Christmas and the best new year ever!

COL Sandy
(chocolate orange lady)

Cleo's reply:

Thanks again, Sandy!

Merry Christmas to you
and a Java New Year!!