The Mystery In Writing
- Liz Flaherty
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
by Darlene Fredette
Some readers may remember Secret Recipe’s earlier incarnations: Nothing to Lose and A Recipe for Forever. Both versions were heartfelt romances about a girl down on her luck, searching for love and a fresh start. I adored the core of that story, but something in my gut kept whispering that Jess deserved more. More depth. More secrets simmering beneath the surface. So, when I regained the rights to the book, I finally had the freedom to explore that instinct. Jess’s world opened up. Her past became more complicated, and her future more uncertain.
This shift reflects where my writing is headed. I’m leaning into stories that mix romance with intrigue, where love and suspense intertwine, and every character has something they’re not ready to reveal. Reimagining Secret Recipe reminded me that stories grow just like we do. Sometimes they need time, distance, and a fresh perspective to become what they were always meant to be.
And Jess? She finally has the story she deserved.
SECRET RECIPE
A Redford Falls Story – Book 4
By Darlene Fredette
Blurb
In the heat of the kitchen, one woman’s secret recipe blends danger, deception, and desire.
Jess Robinson is desperate for a fresh start, but an unexpected call drags her back into the dangerous world she thought she’d escaped. With a missing bag of stolen jewels at stake, Jess must execute the perfect con.
Between two jobs and family obligations, firefighter Travis Cooper is stretched too thin. The last thing he needs is an unqualified baker who stirs up more questions than answers. Something about Jess feels familiar, and while Travis is drawn to her, he’s convinced she’s hiding more than a few secrets.
As drama simmers and danger closes in, Jess and Travis are caught in a game where every move could cost them everything.
Excerpt
Travis pulled Jess into a hug. She molded perfectly against him. Her soft hair brushed his chin, and her hands warmed his chest where they rested.
Her stare dropped to his lips.
He lowered his head until a loud boom rattled his sanity. He released her and walked to the counter, creating distance. “Congratulations on a job well done.”
Her widened eyes met his, and her cheeks flushed. “Thank you.”
The thunder returned, louder than before.
He shook his head, trying to erase the memory of her in his arms. What got into me? He wasn’t a touchy-feely guy. Hugs were usually reserved for his mother. “Would you like to join me for a bite to eat?” What the…? Did those words just come out of my mouth? “My way of thanking you for a great first week.” More unfiltered words tumbled out.
Jess stuffed her hands into her apron pockets. Her lips formed a tight line. “Sure.”
She accepted? Part of Travis had hoped she’d decline. The other half was elated. He needed time to locate his missing common sense.
“Do you have a restaurant in mind?” she asked.
I’m not thinking. He gripped the counter’s edge. “Have you ever been to Kringle’s Lounge?”
Author Bio:
Darlene Fredette is a multi-published author of contemporary women’s fiction that celebrates resilience, romance, and the small-town magic woven into ordinary days. Step inside her world for heartfelt stories, character-driven moments, a touch of charm, wit, twists, and just enough intrigue to keep you turning the page. Residing on Canada’s scenic Atlantic Coast, where summers are too short and winters too long, she finds inspiration from family, nature, and the quiet moments that ignite the imagination, and enjoys life with her husband, daughter, and two oversized, loveable dogs.
Social Media
Website: http://www.darlenefredette.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darlenefredette1/