FROM THE HEART WITH GINI RIFKIN: A Recipe for Forever A Redford Falls story Book 4

Monday, November 30, 2020

A Recipe for Forever A Redford Falls story Book 4

She has one last hope – a small, family-run bakery that might just be baking up second chances.

Dwindling finances has Jess Robinson running out of options. With a past filled with failures, she longs for a new beginning. Applying for a job she isn’t qualified for may be another crazy mistake, but at this point Jess has nothing to lose.

Juggling two jobs, Travis Cooper has absolutely no time for a relationship and isn’t looking for one. But when his mother hires an unqualified baker, he has more to worry about than three-tiered wedding cakes and fighting fires. Will he break his own no-dating-employees rule and make a little room in his life for love?

Excerpt:

Silky hair caressed his cheek. Wildflowers teased his nostrils. Warmth invaded his body. He resisted the urge to pull her closer. What have I done? He straightened, forcing temptation aside. He clasped his hands on her tiny waist and stepped backward.

Pink staining her cheeks, she glanced downward and smoothed the front of her skirt with a shaky hand. “You won’t regret hiring me.”

He cleared his throat, swallowing the anxiety her words caused. “When can you—”

“Tomorrow!” Jess pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “Sorry.”

“Okay.” Travis caught his mother’s grin. “Mom will give you the paperwork. She’s also in charge of training. You two work out the details.” He waved a hand toward the door. “Now, get out of my kitchen. I have a baby shower cake to make.”

He watched Jess follow Mom out of the room. The sway of Jess’ hips spiked his blood pressure. I’m doomed. Travis reached for a mixing bowl, hoping to lose himself in a world of desserts. He had to calm his racing heart and forget the sweetness he just hired.

My thoughts:

Spring has sprung in Redford Falls. This story centers around the local bakery, so beware, it may send you heading off to the kitchen for something sweet. Travis, the hero of the story, is not only a hunky fireman, but a guy who will bake his way into your heart.

The heroine, Jess, has a few family issues that have left her searching for her own self-worth, and a clear path to her future. Working at the bakery helps her deal with both issues as she discovers she is more courageous than she thought.

This story also introduces Heather, Travis' mother, and Mr. Moretti, Jess' landlord. Heather has a caring nature and is not only a good listener, but has words of wisdom to share, and a very surprising connection to Mr. Moretti. Great secondary characters, both of which I enjoyed meeting.

This is a satisfying addition to the Redford Falls series, although somehow I felt the story could have been longer. I'm always intrigued by the legendary rabbit.

Favorite line: Travis lost focus. He couldn't think past Jess' smiling lips, with which he'd like to make a personal acquaintance.

Ask the Author:

If money was no object and travel was safe, name three places you would like to visit.

Australia, Switzerland, and Scotland.

Definitely an interesting itinerary.

About Darlene Fredette

Darlene resides on the Atlantic Coast of Canada where the summers are too short and the winters are too long. An avid reader since childhood, Darlene loved to develop the many stories coming to life in her head. She writes contemporary romances with a focus on plot-driven page-turners. When not working on her next book, she can be found with her husband, her daughter, and her yellow Labrador. Darlene’s favourite pastime is taking summer day-trips to the Valley to soak in the small-town feel.