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The Travel Mishaps of Caity Shaw #3
My Christmas Goose Is Almost Cooked
What do you do when your Christmas goes from white to blue?
Despite a few setbacks, Caity Shaw’s future no longer looks as emotionally and financially bleak as it did a few months ago. Rather than working as an elf this holiday season, she is the head photographer for a group event in Dublin. Not only is Caity mending family ties, she’s learning to trust men again, thanks to her hot Irish coworker, Declan.
That is, until Declan and Caity visit rural Ireland and their relationship comes to a crossroads. Declan’s family welcomes Caity into their home with open arms, but they are tight-lipped when it comes to sharing memories that could send Declan running from his past — just when Caity is learning to face hers. However, facing her grandmother’s mysterious past is a different story. With the help of her quirky Irish rellies and a local historian, Caity uncovers secrets about her grandmother that may cause her family ties to unravel once again.
When Caity experiences her biggest mishap to date, everyone is forced to face their pasts and nobody’s life will be the same.
Despite a few setbacks, Caity Shaw’s future no longer looks as emotionally and financially bleak as it did a few months ago. Rather than working as an elf this holiday season, she is the head photographer for a group event in Dublin. Not only is Caity mending family ties, she’s learning to trust men again, thanks to her hot Irish coworker, Declan.
That is, until Declan and Caity visit rural Ireland and their relationship comes to a crossroads. Declan’s family welcomes Caity into their home with open arms, but they are tight-lipped when it comes to sharing memories that could send Declan running from his past — just when Caity is learning to face hers. However, facing her grandmother’s mysterious past is a different story. With the help of her quirky Irish rellies and a local historian, Caity uncovers secrets about her grandmother that may cause her family ties to unravel once again.
When Caity experiences her biggest mishap to date, everyone is forced to face their pasts and nobody’s life will be the same.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2017
73 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
Eliza Watson
36 books422 followersEliza Watson is a USA Today bestselling author, family historian, and former event planner. When Eliza isn't tracing her ancestry roots through Ireland or Scotland, she's at home working on her next novel, bouncing ideas off her husband, Mark, and her cats Frankie and Sammy. Eliza's monthly newsletter features genealogy research advice and info about her latest news, giveaways, and releases! Subscribe at elizawatson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 9, 2022
“Instead of sticking my foot in my mouth, I stuck a cookie in it.
How many cookies would it take to keep me from saying something I regretted?”
✮✮✮✮✮
**books read best in order**
Caity, her sister and Declan are back in Dublin. After winning a contest to cook with a famous chef goes wrong, Caity’s Dad also gets sick and Rachel has to go home early to help him, which leaves Caity travelling into rural Ireland to discover her past alone. Declan offers to drive her down, and his family invites her to stay with them, and she discovers the family have a lot of healing to do.
Ahhh these books just get better as they go along. This book in particular was so raw with emotion that Eliza Watson beautifully portrayed. I was wrapped up in my own little world reading this, and inhaled the book in less than 12 hours!
Caity is super relatable, she just wants to continue her own healing journey, which isn’t possible if someone else isn’t healing themselves, so it’s a fight between what she needs to do for herself, which I think is a very personal journey that is happening to so many people daily. Declan’s character was so vulnerable in this book, and although absent from a lot of it, justice was massively done!
How many cookies would it take to keep me from saying something I regretted?”
✮✮✮✮✮
**books read best in order**
Caity, her sister and Declan are back in Dublin. After winning a contest to cook with a famous chef goes wrong, Caity’s Dad also gets sick and Rachel has to go home early to help him, which leaves Caity travelling into rural Ireland to discover her past alone. Declan offers to drive her down, and his family invites her to stay with them, and she discovers the family have a lot of healing to do.
Ahhh these books just get better as they go along. This book in particular was so raw with emotion that Eliza Watson beautifully portrayed. I was wrapped up in my own little world reading this, and inhaled the book in less than 12 hours!
Caity is super relatable, she just wants to continue her own healing journey, which isn’t possible if someone else isn’t healing themselves, so it’s a fight between what she needs to do for herself, which I think is a very personal journey that is happening to so many people daily. Declan’s character was so vulnerable in this book, and although absent from a lot of it, justice was massively done!
July 27, 2019
Loved it!
August 6, 2023
I feel like I read these books as almost a detox from heavy emotional books. This one had more depth in it than the first two, and while I still enjoyed it, Declan made me want to slap him so many times! It's an easy read, with a fast paced plot. I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
February 23, 2018
Another great adventure. Comical with some sad moments, I enjoyed it right to the end. Looking forward to the next story in May.
November 14, 2024
The third book in the Travel Mishaps of Caity Shaw series, it has lived up to the previous two books with its wit, charm, and general good vibes. What always amazes me in all of Eliza Watson's books is that she's able to capture real-life situations that we all go through and make me laugh about them all. Embarrass yourself at work? Put your foot in your mouth with a cute guy? Disappoint your parents during the holidays? All of these things and more are life events that Eliza will throw at you and make you laugh at both Caity and yourself as she tries to navigate her life abroad.
Caity Shaw just got a promotion! Instead of running around in embarrassing costumes promoting the various events put on by her sister's company, she gets to don normal clothes and snap pictures as the company photographer. Combine that with her romantic, yet undercover, relationship with her hot coworker, Declan, and Caity is feeling pretty good about life. That is until one of their customers signs her up to win an evening with a famous chef, who happens to be gorgeous. Now she has to fend off his advances while trying to placate a now-jealous Declan, all the while keeping her sister from finding out about her relationship and still maintaining her composure in her new job. Caity Shaw's life is about to get a little crazy. But what's life without a bit of misadventure?
I absolutely loved reading more about Caity and her hilarious life! I can laugh about it, because I can relate to it, although I'm sure if it were happening to me right now, I would be highly irritable. Having had a bit of a rough time in the last book, Caity makes a nice recovery and seems to be getting her life back on track. Declan is sexy and arrogant as usual, but we see even more of his heartbreak in this book, now that Caity is fully aware of Declan's widower status. It was a bit frustrating at times, because, as Caity mentions, "I want a relationship, but you're still in one, and I'm afraid you always will be." OUCH - right in the chest with that line. But I was right there with her, angry at Declan for his selfish behavior and sad for Caity that she had to deal with his issues on top of her own. Many people would just say it was too much baggage and walk away, but Caity shows a strength of character when she sticks with him. Don't worry, she sticks up for herself as well, and Declan has to do some groveling to get her forgiveness. It's bittersweet, in that part of me is still mad at him, but the author does a great job balancing his humility with his honest reaction to his life.
There is going to be a fourth book! I'm already excited, as I have been every time I finish an Eliza Watson novel. What will happen to Caity Shaw next, I wonder?
**I received a free copy from the author and I have a relationship with the author as a paid beta reader for other books. This is my honest review.**
Caity Shaw just got a promotion! Instead of running around in embarrassing costumes promoting the various events put on by her sister's company, she gets to don normal clothes and snap pictures as the company photographer. Combine that with her romantic, yet undercover, relationship with her hot coworker, Declan, and Caity is feeling pretty good about life. That is until one of their customers signs her up to win an evening with a famous chef, who happens to be gorgeous. Now she has to fend off his advances while trying to placate a now-jealous Declan, all the while keeping her sister from finding out about her relationship and still maintaining her composure in her new job. Caity Shaw's life is about to get a little crazy. But what's life without a bit of misadventure?
I absolutely loved reading more about Caity and her hilarious life! I can laugh about it, because I can relate to it, although I'm sure if it were happening to me right now, I would be highly irritable. Having had a bit of a rough time in the last book, Caity makes a nice recovery and seems to be getting her life back on track. Declan is sexy and arrogant as usual, but we see even more of his heartbreak in this book, now that Caity is fully aware of Declan's widower status. It was a bit frustrating at times, because, as Caity mentions, "I want a relationship, but you're still in one, and I'm afraid you always will be." OUCH - right in the chest with that line. But I was right there with her, angry at Declan for his selfish behavior and sad for Caity that she had to deal with his issues on top of her own. Many people would just say it was too much baggage and walk away, but Caity shows a strength of character when she sticks with him. Don't worry, she sticks up for herself as well, and Declan has to do some groveling to get her forgiveness. It's bittersweet, in that part of me is still mad at him, but the author does a great job balancing his humility with his honest reaction to his life.
There is going to be a fourth book! I'm already excited, as I have been every time I finish an Eliza Watson novel. What will happen to Caity Shaw next, I wonder?
**I received a free copy from the author and I have a relationship with the author as a paid beta reader for other books. This is my honest review.**
December 9, 2017
I've had this book waiting on my coffee table for a few weeks now, there was no way I was going to read a Christmas book before my tree was up! The tree is now official up and so I sat down and settled in for the ride.
I love Caity Shaw as a main character, she's getting stronger as her story goes on and is not only on a roll with her new career but also getting more confident in the way she handles things and relates to people.
For me, this book was a running a little too sweet for much of the time, which isn't really my thing - I like more angst and swearing in my romances as a rule but the author always throws in just enough to keep my hooked. The beauty of this series is that all of the characters are very realistic in the way they relate to each other - they have resentments, secrets and take their time before jumping into new romances.
Caity is getting closer and closer to fully uncovering her family secrets and becoming the person she wants to be, she's taking care of herself emotionally and I find the whole thing deliciously heartwarming.
Above all, this story is funny - the author has a brilliant sense of humour and throws her characters into silly but very realistic situations (using a cat to model knitwear - you know there's always one person at a craft show who'd try that out). I finished the book in one go and was sad when I realised I was running out of pages...
I love Caity Shaw as a main character, she's getting stronger as her story goes on and is not only on a roll with her new career but also getting more confident in the way she handles things and relates to people.
For me, this book was a running a little too sweet for much of the time, which isn't really my thing - I like more angst and swearing in my romances as a rule but the author always throws in just enough to keep my hooked. The beauty of this series is that all of the characters are very realistic in the way they relate to each other - they have resentments, secrets and take their time before jumping into new romances.
Caity is getting closer and closer to fully uncovering her family secrets and becoming the person she wants to be, she's taking care of herself emotionally and I find the whole thing deliciously heartwarming.
Above all, this story is funny - the author has a brilliant sense of humour and throws her characters into silly but very realistic situations (using a cat to model knitwear - you know there's always one person at a craft show who'd try that out). I finished the book in one go and was sad when I realised I was running out of pages...
September 22, 2017
I've just finished the first three books in the series "The Travel Mishaps of Caity Shaw." Unfortunately, book #4 is not coming out till next May 2018. I thoroughly enjoyed all three books.
This is a delightful series full of pathos and much humour. I would recommend reading them in order to appreciate the emotional changes Caity undergoes.
When the series opens, Caity is working for her sister as an event planner after leaving an emotionally abusive boyfriend and being fired from her prior job (all prior to the start of the series). The first book takes place in Dublin, the second in Paris, and in this one back in Dublin. I just returned from a trip to Ireland and was delighted to be able to picture the settings described in the books. Caity's co-worker Declan and Caity have moved forward in their personal relationship through the series but it's in fits and starts. Her relationship with her older sister Rachel grows closer as well.
Caity is looking for information about her maternal grandmother learning she came from Ireland but had never shared any information about her Irish family with her children. The siblings, including Caity's mother, found letters from the grandmother's sister after she died which prompted Caity to find out more. It is facinating reading about Caity's search.
I'm really looking forward to book #4!
This is a delightful series full of pathos and much humour. I would recommend reading them in order to appreciate the emotional changes Caity undergoes.
When the series opens, Caity is working for her sister as an event planner after leaving an emotionally abusive boyfriend and being fired from her prior job (all prior to the start of the series). The first book takes place in Dublin, the second in Paris, and in this one back in Dublin. I just returned from a trip to Ireland and was delighted to be able to picture the settings described in the books. Caity's co-worker Declan and Caity have moved forward in their personal relationship through the series but it's in fits and starts. Her relationship with her older sister Rachel grows closer as well.
Caity is looking for information about her maternal grandmother learning she came from Ireland but had never shared any information about her Irish family with her children. The siblings, including Caity's mother, found letters from the grandmother's sister after she died which prompted Caity to find out more. It is facinating reading about Caity's search.
I'm really looking forward to book #4!
April 21, 2020
I liked the story. Things are progressing nicely for Caity. She's still overthinking things a bit too much and still doesn't have much in the way of money but she seems more happier then when we first met her. It looks like there's some more stuff happening with Declan, and while I'm still supportive of that relationship there's got to be other guys out there that she could date along the way. Putting all the eggs in the Declan relationship basket seems pretty premature but I'm not the author so I don't have a say in the matter. I really liked that we got the answers about her grandma's past at long last and while sad, its not as tragic or scandalous as I was expecting. I am interested in reading the next book but I'm going to read something else for now as I can't justify buying the last 2 books when I've got dozens of others to get through and some new books I pre-ordered digitally ages ago being released in the next couple of weeks.
September 21, 2017
I'm happy to report that we finally find out about Caity's grandma's secrets in this book. Caity starts the book working another event with her sister, Rachel. They plan to go to Dublin to research their grandma's past, but it turns out that only Caity is able to go. Declan volunteers to accompany her, as his family lives in the area. So Caity ends up meeting Declan's family and trying to help all of them open up about and properly mourn Declan's first love.
This was another enjoyable installment of the series. It's fun to see Caity grow and become more confident with each book. I like that these books have hilarious escapades and romance, but also cover serious topics. I love the focus on family, too. I highly recommend you start the series soon so you can read this latest book around Christmastime.
This was another enjoyable installment of the series. It's fun to see Caity grow and become more confident with each book. I like that these books have hilarious escapades and romance, but also cover serious topics. I love the focus on family, too. I highly recommend you start the series soon so you can read this latest book around Christmastime.
November 27, 2017
It’s always fun to read about Caity Shaw and in My Christmas Goose is Almost Cooked, her character does not disappoint. Three books into the series and Caity shows a lot of growth in her character. While this book may not have had the usual ‘mishaps’ but it still did not diminish Caity’s character but just made her a bit more sure of her self.
Caity finds out more about her Grandmother in this book and her journey in Dublin brings her closer to Declan and his family. Although, Declan might’ve been a little bit more jerk-y in this one, his relationship with Caity grows. It’s not full blown romance yet, but there is more of it in this installment.
It was a quick holiday read. I recommend reading this series in order.
Caity finds out more about her Grandmother in this book and her journey in Dublin brings her closer to Declan and his family. Although, Declan might’ve been a little bit more jerk-y in this one, his relationship with Caity grows. It’s not full blown romance yet, but there is more of it in this installment.
It was a quick holiday read. I recommend reading this series in order.
June 1, 2021
This series is more a set of novellas than full length books. The MC is fun, and becoming more so as she gains confidence. Normally, anxiety-ridden characters turn me off, but Caity has enough good qualities that I can tolerate her as she grows more secure in herself.
I find the location descriptions well done; I've been able to get a feel for the places she visits. From what I gather from the synopses of later books her interests and career change, an unusual twist I am looking forward to.
I find the location descriptions well done; I've been able to get a feel for the places she visits. From what I gather from the synopses of later books her interests and career change, an unusual twist I am looking forward to.
August 24, 2017
The third book in the Travel Mishaps of Caity Shaw series does not disappoint! The adventure, romance, and witty dialogue make this an enjoyable read. Caity continues her journey of self-discovery and growth, while Declan struggles to accept his past and move forward. I believe Eliza Watson does a marvelous job of offering her readers both insight into the human experience within relationships, and the excitement and uncertainty involved at the beginning of any romance!
November 26, 2020
Another fantastic and fun Caity book!!
I’m completely hooked on this series! I’m binge reading them and loving the mix of comedy and travel and emotional depth. Travel in 2020 is purely through fiction and this series is helping my wanderlust! I feel like I’ve been back to Ireland and France with Caity! I’m also loving the family history and genealogy aspect. I’m an avid amateur genealogist. And *cough* and her love interest isn’t too bad either. Lol A great series!
I’m completely hooked on this series! I’m binge reading them and loving the mix of comedy and travel and emotional depth. Travel in 2020 is purely through fiction and this series is helping my wanderlust! I feel like I’ve been back to Ireland and France with Caity! I’m also loving the family history and genealogy aspect. I’m an avid amateur genealogist. And *cough* and her love interest isn’t too bad either. Lol A great series!
March 22, 2022
Finding Your Irish Family
I love reading Eliza Watson's books. She writes an easy to read fast flowing fiction but at the same time teaches some of the basics of genealogy and history. While this has some romance in it, it also passes on Irish history and family holiday customs, and a bit about genealogy interviewing and research methods in a very subtle way. It's a quick read that makes you want to read the next in the series.
I love reading Eliza Watson's books. She writes an easy to read fast flowing fiction but at the same time teaches some of the basics of genealogy and history. While this has some romance in it, it also passes on Irish history and family holiday customs, and a bit about genealogy interviewing and research methods in a very subtle way. It's a quick read that makes you want to read the next in the series.
March 12, 2019
4.5 rounded up. Unlike some chick-lit series where the heroine returns growth and maturity wise to book 1, page 1, this series let’s the character grow and remember lessons from her past. Not to say that Caity doesn’t have hew foolish moments, but they come from different places than in book 1 of the series. Also - a bonus for the ancestry surprises and how they are handled.
April 25, 2019
Must read all three absolutely wonderful......................................................................................................................................................
All three books wonderful witty and funny. Look forward to reading more of Eliza Watson books . ................................ ................. ....
All three books wonderful witty and funny. Look forward to reading more of Eliza Watson books . ................................ ................. ....
August 2, 2019
Four stars
This is a very enjoyable series. I have enjoyed the ancestry line research in Ireland and the love story development. So many of us who have any Irish Ancestry can relate to this story line somewhat and dream. The books have clean language and no lurid love scenes, which I appreciate being a senior citizens. Well written and well edited. I loved Quiggly.
This is a very enjoyable series. I have enjoyed the ancestry line research in Ireland and the love story development. So many of us who have any Irish Ancestry can relate to this story line somewhat and dream. The books have clean language and no lurid love scenes, which I appreciate being a senior citizens. Well written and well edited. I loved Quiggly.
August 5, 2021
I liked it a lot. Caity meets some of her far-off family and comes to a crisis point with Declan. It's Christmas and she's "stuck" in Ireland.
Not as funny as the first two novels, but I like the fact that the character is growing and isn't as willing to put up with bad treatment from the person she is falling for. Good on her.
Not as funny as the first two novels, but I like the fact that the character is growing and isn't as willing to put up with bad treatment from the person she is falling for. Good on her.
August 13, 2017
Another Good Read
I have really enjoyed this book series. Every subsequent book was tied to the others by mentioning past events. The only thing I didn't like was Caity's apprehension over possible family history. It seemed unrealistic.
I have really enjoyed this book series. Every subsequent book was tied to the others by mentioning past events. The only thing I didn't like was Caity's apprehension over possible family history. It seemed unrealistic.
September 28, 2017
Cute story and characters. While the ending's not really a cliffhanger, the story is not really finished either - you have to read all three to wrap up the storylines. And even then it's set up to continue the series...
November 11, 2017
Caity and Declan will they make it?
Caity continues her search for her family’s roots in Ireland while visiting Declan’s family home. It’s Christmas time and the weather is bad. The saga continues with the next book. Enjoyable read.
Caity continues her search for her family’s roots in Ireland while visiting Declan’s family home. It’s Christmas time and the weather is bad. The saga continues with the next book. Enjoyable read.
January 16, 2019
Meh, didn't enjoy this as much as the others. While I do appreciate watching Caity grow and improve, the timeline is unfitting in my brain, and this constant need to fix is rubbing me the wrong way. I do like how it's brought up near the end a little bit, but the ending was so short!
February 8, 2020
The adventure continues
Getting to know Declan and his family was great and very sweet. Declan's stubbornness and pain are getting a little repetitive but I truly like Caity and am enjoying her journey.
Getting to know Declan and his family was great and very sweet. Declan's stubbornness and pain are getting a little repetitive but I truly like Caity and am enjoying her journey.
March 18, 2023
A light, easy fun read in the travel mishaps of Caity Shaw. I found this particular one a little less interesting from the first two, and it sounds more like the author's own vacation diary. There are some cute scenes. Overall, I give the boxset of books 1-3 a four-star rating.
September 16, 2017
I am enjoying the characters and their growth. It's not a heavy series with lots of serious ponderings, but I do enjoy the story. A solid 3.5.
January 9, 2018
Another great book, I think it's my favorite in the series. I laughed out loud and got misty eyed... very well written book! Can't wait for book #4.
March 24, 2018
Another heartwarming book by Eliza Watson
A little something for everyone. You laugh, you cry, and you shake. your head in wonder. Please hurry with the next book.
A little something for everyone. You laugh, you cry, and you shake. your head in wonder. Please hurry with the next book.
April 10, 2018
Can't wait for the fourth!
I am really loving these Caity Shaw books! The characters seem so real. I also love reading about the different countries!
I am really loving these Caity Shaw books! The characters seem so real. I also love reading about the different countries!
June 7, 2018
Fun flight companion. Love seeing Caity and her escapades. Really enjoyed the trip to Ireland and further investigation of family. The holiday setting was a nice touch too. Fun series.
April 4, 2019
Great ending!
Enjoyed this book better than the last as Caity really held her own, which was fab. Lots to giggle about too!
Enjoyed this book better than the last as Caity really held her own, which was fab. Lots to giggle about too!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews