Around the Fire Book & Author Blog with today's new release by Darlene Fredette.

Welcome back to my fire. I've been crazy busy these past few weeks. A book release, getting my rights back to several books and republishing them, trying to work on my website, and getting a few words in on Honky~Tonk House. Meanwhile, we've been working at the Perry KOA in Florida as recreation staff. Community Campfires, penny bingo, dominoes, movie nights, a chicken party, book club, and painting. This week is St. Patrick's Day, and the camp is providing corned beef and cabbage. My contribution will be mini Shepherd's Pies. Oh, did I mention I made paella and flat bread for a group of friends? Okay, I just tired myself out so I'll give today's guest the floor. Darlene and I worked together a few years ago on the Mortar & Pestle series. It's nice to see her again.

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Legacy Lies Loyalty
A Redford Falls Story – Book 5
By Darlene Fredette
February 26, 2026

• About the story

When loyalty is tested, and lies run deep, the legacy they inherit could cost them everything.
Bound by a loved one’s promise, Jordan McKenzie is devoted to caring for the historic estate she calls home. But a string of mysterious accidents pulls her into a web of danger. When a hidden family connection surfaces, and an innocent kiss lands at the worst possible moment, she’s left questioning trust, devotion, and the people closest to her.
Chef Logan Crane returns to Redford Falls, hoping to claim an inheritance that could make his dream restaurant a reality. Meeting Jordan changes everything, and her warmth becomes an anchor in the storm he never saw coming. As old wounds reopen and loyalties shift, he realizes she’s the one person he can’t imagine facing the truth without.
With danger looming and long-buried secrets emerging, Jordan and Logan must decide what—and who—is worth fighting for.
Need more?
Logan turned and barely had a second to register how close she was before their lips met. 
Jordan froze. 
Heat surged through him from the unexpected contact of what he assumed had been meant for his cheek. Without thinking, he pressed his lips to hers, gentle but hopeful.
She responded, hesitant but lingering. 
Then Jordan abruptly moved backward, jumping to her feet and startling Miska into an upright position. “I…um…that…” 
“That was nice.” Seeing her cheeks flush a deep red, he couldn’t help smiling. 
“Your aunt asked me…she wanted me to…she wanted you to know how much she loves you.” 
“Aunt Pearl never kissed me like that.” Chuckling, Logan rose and brushed dirt from his jeans. 
She shoved his chest and strode toward the ATVs. “That kiss was meant for your cheek. You moved.” Jordan tugged on her helmet and motioned for Miska to hop into his seat. She tossed Logan his helmet. “You weren’t supposed to kiss me.” 
“A beautiful woman plants one on me, and I’m not supposed to respond?” He stepped beside her and traced a finger down her cheek. “Unfortunately, I can’t tell your boyfriend our outing was strictly platonic anymore. Because I kissed his girl. And I liked it.” 


Legacy Lies Loyalty FREE on KU for a limited time!

EBOOK
https://www.amazon.ca/Legacy-Lies-Loyalty-Redford-Falls-ebook/dp/B0GQD1QZC6
https://www.amazon.com/Legacy-Lies-Loyalty-Redford-Falls-ebook/dp/B0GQD1QZC6
PRINT
​https://www.amazon.ca/Legacy-Lies-Loyalty-Redford-Falls/dp/B0GQH4365S/
https://www.amazon.com/Legacy-Lies-Loyalty-Redford-Falls/dp/B0GQH4365S/

​Where's Miska? Give a look, and you'll see her.

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About the author.
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 pages. 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/
Blog: http://findingthewritewords.blogspot.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darlenefredette1/
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/darlenefredette.bsky.social
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Darlene-Fredette/author/B005NAF660