Winter 2026
- cwknapp4478
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Welcome 2026! Here in New England, we have had a bit of snow, which I must say I always look forward to...at least the first few times. The crisp air, the crunch under your feet, and the sun reflecting on the white landscape always make me feel refreshed and so lucky to live here. Coming inside to read in front of a glowing fireplace while sipping cocoa is a special treat. If that book is a new mystery by a favorite author or a newly discovered one, what could be better?
With that in mind, I recommend Holidays & Homicides, a cozy mystery anthology eBook featuring twelve USA Today bestselling and award-winning authors from Gemma Halliday Publishing. I am thrilled to have the Modern Midwife Mysteries included with the short story, "You can't see the Forest for the Christmas Trees." The collection has been getting great reviews and is a fantastic way to find a new series. I am happy to report that I will be reading it on the Talking Information Network for our visually and print-impaired audience.
Exciting News! Murder on the Widow's Walk, Book #2 of the Modern Midwife Mysteries, is having a mass-market release by Harlequin Worldwide Mysteries. It has a new cover, a smaller size, and a lower price. It is available to order now! Many thanks to Harlequin Worldwide Mysteries and Gemma Halliday Publishing.
In November, I was on a panel at New England Crime Bake discussing Creating Strong Secondary Characters with three fabulous authors. The conference itself is wonderful, and getting to meet and talk to such talented writers is such a treat.
Avram Lavinsky, James Ziskin, Brenda Buchanan, and me at New England Crime Bake.
Sister in Crime New England and Mystery Writers of America-New England displayed their 2025 posters at the conference, and I was thrilled to have Murder on the Green/book #5 of the Modern Midwife Mysteries among the entries!
Looking for a great Indie woman-owned bookshop in Quincy, Massachusetts? The Next Chapter Books and More recently celebrated their one-year Anniversary, and I was so lucky to be among the invited authors! They are in Quincy Center, offer free parking, and are a welcoming, delightful group.
BOOK AWARD!
Murder on the Green/ Book #5 of the Modern Midwife Mysteries was Shortlisted by the Chanticleer International Book Awards for both content and Cover Design.
The fabulous Heather Weidner invited me to her Wednesday Writers Interview Series, which I am including below.
RECIPE CORNER
On this January Sunday, how about Will's Beef Stew from Murder on the Books/Book #3 of the Modern Midwife Mysteries?
Will's Beef Stew
4 servings
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 1/2 pounds beef stewing meat, trimmed and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
8 teaspoons vegetable oil
4 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 cup red wine
4 cups beef broth
1 package Lipton onion soup mix
2 medium onions, peeled and chopped
6 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4 inch rounds
4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4inch cubes
Salt
Pepper
Combine the flour and pepper in a bowl, add the beef, and toss to coat well. Heat 4
teaspoons of the vegetable oil in a large pot.
Add the beef a few pieces at a time; do not overcrowd. Cook, turning the pieces until
beef is browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch, adding more oil as needed.
Add the vinegar and wine. Cook over medium-high heat for 10 minutes. Add the beef
broth and onion soup mix. Bring to a boil, then simmer.
Cover and cook until the beef is tender, about 2 hours. Add the onions and carrots and
simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Add the potatoes and simmer until vegetables are
tender, about 50 minutes more. Add broth or water if needed. Season with salt and
pepper to taste.
I think it's a perfect dish to serve today while watching the New England Patriots! GO PATS!!!!
I know everyone says Spring is coming... but let's enjoy the winter. It's such a privilege to experience the four seasons in New England. Until next time, Happy Reading!
Christine
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