Sarah Stewart Taylor

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December, 2021 Newsletter 

Happy December! 

 

As the days get shorter and shorter (at least up here in the northern hemisphere) this time of year, I find myself looking for light and hope wherever I can find it. My family lights Hanukkah candles and Christmas lights and finds joy in all the different celebrations of light this time of year. However you celebrate, I wish you joy. I took the picture above last year on December 26th, in the field across from our house, as the sun set very slightly later than it did the day before. I love the winter solstice, the celebration of both the shortest day of the year and the hope of longer days to come. 

 

I got a new perspective on the solstice this past month during a wonderful research trip to Ireland, during which I checked off an item on my bucket list and visited the neolithic passage tomb at Newgrange in County Meath. There's much more about Newgrange and my trip below. As I listen to the news this morning I am feeling so grateful I was able to do the trip when I did and that I was able to travel safely. 

 

There is a lot of darkness at the moment, but there's light too and I hope you can find some glimpses of it this holiday season. As I think about the many things for which I'm grateful, my readers are right at the top of my list. Thank you and please take care. I'll see you in 2022! 

 

 

Sarah

Congratulations to the winner of the subscriber giveaway! I'll be sending signed books to the winner and keep your eyes out for the next giveaway -- an advance reader copy of The Drowning Sea!  

I spent ten days in Ireland in November, researching the fourth Maggie D'arcy novel, which will be set in Dublin, and scouting locations for future novels. It was so good to be back in one of my most favorite places. Read more here . . .  

The first early review of The Drowning Sea is in and I'm delighted! First Clue says, "Taylor mines a thoroughly modern Ireland for her thoughtful tale . . . Tana French fans will love this intricate, relationship-fueled crime story and its strong women characters." Full review here. 

 
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Barnbrack or Barmbrack is an Irish bread traditionally made around Halloween. Rich with tea and whiskey and dried fruit, it usually contains a ring and other tokens. Whoever gets the ring in their slice will have good fortune in the upcoming year.  I made this version for Halloween and will make it again for winter snacking. It's absolutely delicious toasted with copious amounts of Irish butter!  

 
Recipe
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