Secret Recipe Last Tour Stops

The tour is almost over with Secret Recipe having its final two stops today!

We're visiting Journeys with Jana for a spotlight and a little chat about Why Does Winter Feel So Long.

Visit us here: https://www.janarichards.com/post/newrelease-from-darlene-fredette-secret-recipe

We're also sitting Around The Fire with D.V. Stone for a lovely book spotlight.

Visit us here: https://www.dvstoneauthor.com/around_the_fire/around-the-fire-book-author-spotlight-with-darlene-fredette-and-her-new-release-secret-recipe

Secret Recipe on Dish the Pie

In stop #3 of Secret Recipe's tour, we're at Die the Pie with Monique.

Not only is Secret Recipe in the spotlight, but Jess is sharing her Blueberry Muffin recipe that she makes in Secret Recipe.

AND, I'm sitting down with Monique and talking about pie for breakfast, how I met my husband, and more! Stop by and join our conversation.

https://moniquedevere.blogspot.com/2026/01/dish-pie-with-monique-guest-darlene.html

Why I'm A Writer #2

This week's "Why I'm a Writer" statement is very true.

As an introvert, socializing is not at the top of my must-do list. Now, don't get me wrong, I do enjoy hanging out with my family, having lunch with a friend, or even talking to someone at the grocery store. But socializing isn't something I fee I 'have' to do. And being a writer allows me to hide in my writing cave where my only form of communication is through words...or with my dogs....who are great listeners.

As for my fully charged imagination, that's always running. The story ideas I have will keep me writing for years. Now, if I could just find the plug that goes from my imagination to my laptop.

Secret Recipe with Darlene Deluca

As Secret Recipe's tour continues, on day two we're visiting with women's fiction and contemporary author Darlene Deluca. 

Today's post is "When Rewriting a Book Feels Like Rediscovering It" where I discuss the process of rewriting a plot that I feel made the story much better than the original.

https://darlenedeluca.com/2026/01/27/a-secret-recipe-of-danger-deception-and-desire/

And in case you missed it, here's part one:

https://www.lizflaherty.net/post/the-mystery-in-writing

Wednesday will be a day a day off from the tour, but it resumes on Thursday.

Secret Recipe at Window Over the Sink

Secret Recipe is on tour!

And its first stop is Window Over the Sink, where I'm talking about The Mystery in Writing. 

This is part one of two about how I took the bones of the original romance story and created a mystery romance that my main characters deserved.

Part One: https://www.lizflaherty.net/post/the-mystery-in-writing

Stop by tomorrow for the link to Part Two.

Secret Recipe Book Tour

Secret Recipe is going on tour!

Join us for book spotlights, a look inside Secret Recipe (part one and two), a tasty recipe, a fun interview, and a chat about winter.

Nanasbookreviews 01.22.26 (Five Star Review)

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8285949396

Window Over The Sink 01.26.26

https://www.lizflaherty.net/post/the-mystery-in-writing

Darlene Deluca's Blog 01.27.26

https://darlenedeluca.com/2026/01/27/a-secret-recipe-of-danger-deception-and-desire/

Dish the Pie with Monique 01.29.26

https://moniquedevere.blogspot.com/2026/01/dish-pie-with-monique-guest-darlene.html

Journeys with Jana 01.30.26

https://www.janarichards.com/post/newrelease-from-darlene-fredette-secret-recipe

Around the Fire with D.V. Stone 01.30.26

https://www.dvstoneauthor.com/around_the_fire/around-the-fire-book-author-spotlight-with-darlene-fredette-and-her-new-release-secret-recipe

Secret Recipe - Free on KU

Secret Recipe is free on Kindle Unlimited for a limited time!

In the heat of the kitchen, one woman’s secret recipe blends danger, deception, and desire.

https://www.amazon.ca/Secret-Recipe-Redford-Falls-Story-ebook/dp/B0GHGS52XY

https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Recipe-Redford-Falls-Story-ebook/dp/B0GHGS52XY

#SecretRecipe #RedfordFallsSeries #ContemporaryRomance #SmallTownRomance #SecondChanceRomance #WomensFictionRomance #HeartwarmingRomance #BookRelease #AvailableNow #BookLaunch #RomanceBooks #BookRecommendation #BookMarketing 

Bee a Sunflower

My Bee a Sunflower is one on my favourite digital designs.

I inserted this cute little bee into a blossoming sunflower and added a tiny sunflower in his hands.

I'm thinking of creating a series of flowers with an animal or creature within its petals. The ideas are spinning, and I'm excited to see where this creative outlet takes me.

Why I'm a Writer #1

Every Wednesday I'll post a new reason to explain why I'm a writer.

I thought this quote was a good start because how many writers just stare into space for minutes. And what are we thinking about as we stare into empty space?

Maybe we're thinking about a new plot twist. Or how to make a character more witty, emotional, or even villainous. Or how to make a setting more romantic or eerie. 

Or depending on where we're writing, maybe we're thinking about how to write something we've just witnessed into a scene. Or to add someone we've just seen into a chapter.

OR...maybe we're thinking about what to cook for supper. Or what we might wear tomorrow. Or if the weather will be warm enough to walk the dogs later.

Whatever a writer is thinking as we stare into space, we definitely have an excuse to call it working.

Secret Recipe

Secret Recipe 

A Redford Falls Story - Book 4 

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. 

eBook 

https://www.amazon.ca/Secret-Recipe-Redford-Falls-Story-ebook/dp/B0GHGS52XY

https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Recipe-Redford-Falls-Story-ebook/dp/B0GHGS52XY

Paperback

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0GHJHBPQ8

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GHJHBPQ8

Third Edition: Secret Recipe 2026, Second Edition: A Recipe For Forever 2021, First Edition: Nothing To Lose 2016

Secret Recipe Reviews

"Secret Recipe is an emotional romance about second chances, instant chemistry, and finding a place to call home. This is, hands down, my favorite book in the Redford Falls series. From the moment I started reading, I connected with Jess. She’s a woman with a dark past, one that won’t stay buried. I also connected with Travis. He’s a firefighter who also is gifted as a baker. He’s a cinnamon roll hero through and through. The chemistry between these two is hot yet sweet at the same time. Emotions run high which had me whipping through the pages. The sprinkling of mystery and intrigue adds a nice touch to this romance. The setting inside the kitchen had me craving baked goods. Trust me, don’t read while hungry. Darlene Fredette has penned a flawless romance you won’t be able to put down. 5++Stars."

- N.N. Light's Book Heaven

"As with all her creations, author Fredette’s ability to pack strong emotions into a short story is enviable. Another of Fredette’s many talents is creating setting. If readers believe nothing much happens in a small town, think again. Redford Falls might be on the far end of Eastern Canada, but it could easily be any small town, anywhere on the globe. Secret Recipe will draw you in from the first page and not let go till the very last line. Based on a scale of 1-5, Secret Recipe, merits a 7."

- Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

"This is a sweet, clean romance with just the right touch of suspense. It may actually be my favorite book in the series so far. The plot is simple and easy to follow, focusing mainly on the three central characters and how they quickly begin to feel like a family. Their shared secrets, the looming danger, and the heartfelt connection between Jess and Travis all blend beautifully, leading to a very satisfying ending. I loved all the characters, especially Heather. She was absolutely wonderful. One of my favorite parts was how they handled the dangerous situation together. If you enjoy clean, small-town romance with a hint of suspense, this book might be perfect for you."

- Nanasbookreviews, Goodreads

“A great little read. It was nice and sweet and perfect to curl up with on a weekend.”

- Goodreads Review

“Such a sweet romance. Very easy to read, had an easy flow, and was enjoyable to read.”

- Goodreads Review

“A sweet, fun, easy to read romantic novel. Very likeable and believable characters. A book to make you smile if you are looking for a great way to spend a few hours reading.”

- Goodreads Review 

My Sweet Boy

My sweet boy, posing for my daughter. He never takes a bad picture. Such an adorable face.

I love how his reflection is visible against the stainless steel refrigerator toward the left.

#YellowLab #DogMom

Blooming Christmas Cactus

Just ten weeks after flowering, my Christmas Cactus is budding and blooming again!

One bud has already flowered and there are six more buds. I'm so excited to see this plant thrive after struggling for so long. What a wonderful birthday gift to receive.

I want to transplant it into a new pot, but I'm afraid to disturb its roots. But it's grown double in size, so it will need room to grow. Maybe in the spring. Until then, I will enjoy every blossoming flower.

A Milestone Birthday

A milestone birthday hits differently. 

Age has never really bothered me before, but this year it carries a little more weight. It’s a reminder that while I may look ten years younger (that's what everyone tells me), my body definitely knows exactly how old I am, maybe even a bit more. 

But here’s the thing...age is still just a number. It doesn’t define my joy, my energy, or the life I choose to live. Every year is a privilege, and every chapter brings its own kind of strength. 

So, while this milestone might feel heavy, I’m still showing up, shining, and stepping into this this year with gratitude, humour, and a commitment to keep living my best life, creaky bones and all.

Guest on Window Over The Sink

I'm a guest at Liz Flaherty's Window over The Sink, where I'm talking about series. Why we fall in love with book series. Why we never want them to end. And does a series ever truly end.

My visit also shares a little spotlight on Redford Falls.

https://www.lizflaherty.net/post/about-series-and-staying-awhile

Black Cat in Stained Glass

I did this on the weekend.

I love this new art avenue! I completely get lost in the design. This form of digital art is like colouring, which I've always loved to do. As my artist bio states..."my creative journey began the moment I could hold a crayon". And that's very true.

However, it's not easy. Each line has to be carefully bordered (in black) the same way you'd outline a physical piece of stained glass art. You then have to select your colours and while colouring, you have to stay within the lines and not overlap or it darkens. Thankfully, I love a good challenge.

What's next? There are several design I want to try, but I'm pacing myself with templates that aren't too detailed. But then again...didn't I just say I love a good challenge, lol!

Am Writing - Winter 2026

This is my winter writing to-do list. The remaining books in my Redford Falls series will return!

Two have new titles. Secret Recipe replaces A Recipe For Forever (which replaced Nothing To Lose) and has a new plot. Legacy Lies and Loyalty replaces Finding Home Again.

Secret Recipe will hopefully be available within the next two weeks. Then edits start for Legacy Lies and Loyalty, which I'm hoping will only take a few weeks. And then a quick edit for Derailed Hearts.

I can't wait to have these books once again available for readers.

#amwriting #writer #writerlife #thewritelife

My Boys

This time of year it's either raining, snowing, or just too dang cold to be outside for long, so it's extremely difficult to get a picture of my boys...sitting still...and beside each other. 

On this rare day of above normal temperatures, Keefer leisurely strolled around, while Rambler sniffed every corner of the yard and looked for any twigs he might have missed the day before.

But I was able to get their attention and sit still for a moment to take their picture. Okay, so there may have been some treats of bribery involved, lol.

Stained Glass Sunflower

My artistic muse is finally back! For months, I lost my design creativity. I'd pick up my iPad and stare at a blank screen. Sometimes I had an idea and started a design, but it fell flat. I just couldn't find my groove.

Maybe it was because I was so focused on writing. I completely changed the plot in one of my stories, and mixing new writing with old writing was harder than expected. I put a lot into that book, and I am thrilled with the result. Secret Recipe will be coming soon.

I wanted to design a stained glass art piece. My first attempt at stained glass was back in school, which was many-many years ago. But getting into that craft takes a lot of knowledge and it's expensive. So, I'm attempting my own version of stained glass with beads. The project isn't finished, but I'm enjoying the process.

A light bulb of creativity went on inside my head. I immediately grabbed my iPad and this sunflower is the result. I love it, and I have several more designs I want to try.

I've missed my artistic muse, and I'm thrilled to have her back.

January #OneWriteWord - Balance

As a writer, this quote holds a lot of truth. Balancing writing and daily life is one of the things I struggle with the most because sometimes finding the time to sit down to write can be a challenge. Disappointment and frustration grip hard. But then I realize, I can only accomplish so much in one day. Not every day is perfect, but making progress each day is what matters. There is always tomorrow.

"Balance" is the perfect word to start the new year!

#onewriteword #onewritewordchallenge #writerlife #writerwednesday #writinggoals #writingcommunity