Redford Falls By Darlene Fredette : Romantic Small-Town Magic

Romance in a Small Town: The Charm and the Challenge 

Small‑town romance has a magic all its own. There’s something irresistible about a place where everyone knows your name, your history, and sometimes even your business. In Redford Falls, that closeness creates the perfect blend of charm, tension, and heart. The charm comes from the community, the familiar faces, the shared traditions, and the sense of belonging that wraps around every story. But that same closeness can stir up trouble, too. Secrets don’t stay hidden for long. Old flames cross paths. And one unexpected moment can ripple through the whole town before lunchtime.

 

That’s what makes writing romance in a small town so much fun. The setting naturally pushes characters together, challenges them, and gives them a place to grow. Every interaction matters. Every choice echoes. Redford Falls thrives on that balance, the sweetness, the complications, the laughter, and the heart. And that’s exactly why I keep returning to it.

A Redford Falls Story

Nestled in the heart of Redford Falls is a charming small town that captures the warmth of close-knit community life, where friendly faces greet you on Main Street and every shop holds a story. Redford Falls offers the perfect setting for heartwarming moments against a bustling ski resort, quaint local businesses, and the town’s picturesque park, complete with winding trails and cascading waterfalls. Whether it’s family bonds that grow stronger, friendships that withstand the test of time, twists that intrigue, or love that blooms in the most unexpected ways, this series celebrates the beauty of connection in a place where everyone feels at home. 

One Sweet Christmas

More than a few pieces of chocolate are essential to fill this Scrooge’s heart with Christmas cheer.

Jackson Frost wanted to spend Christmas on a beach, instead, he’s home in snowy Redford Falls dressed in a Santa suit. Will the temptation of delectable chocolate and Candice Cane lure him to stay? 

Winter’s Kiss

Her high heels flattened the snow, and his defences didn’t stand a chance.

As chilly glares between Danielle Lerato and Andrew Bailey thaw into cozy glances, Danielle suspects the town’s snowy landscape is warming more than her toes. Maybe this snowy wonderland isn’t a detour. Maybe it’s destiny. 

Broken Branches

Some branches break, but where hearts once shattered, love dares to bloom again.

Years ago, a devastating family tragedy forced Maripier Nadeau to leave Redford Falls, leaving Tyler Kringle to pick up the pieces of their broken relationship. Now she’s returned, reigniting memories and emotions Tyler thought he had buried. 

Secret Recipe

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. As drama simmers, Jess and Travis Cooper are caught in a game where Jess must execute the perfect con. 

Legacy Lies Loyalty

When loyalty is tested, and lies run deep, the legacy they inherit could cost them everything.

A string of mysterious accidents pulls Jordan McKenzie into a web of danger. When long-buried secrets emerge, and danger looms, Jordan and Logan Crane must decide what—and who—is worth fighting for.

Derailed Hearts

With a matchmaking grandmother and a mythical rabbit at work, two hearts on a cross‑country train are destined to collide. 

A cross-Canada train trip for Ethan Marley and his young daughter seems like the perfect fresh start—until Jenn Martini, a captivating woman on board, steals his breath. But Ethan and Jenn must decide whether the truth will shatter their fragile new beginning…or save their future. 

Trickster

Can she heal the trickster before he breaks her heart?

Enchanted by his father’s feisty assistant, Eric Martini masks his heart. Convinced his destined future is already written in the stars—and doesn’t include Jade Parsons, will Eric and Jade find the courage to trust the mythical and smoky signs before their paths are severed forever? 

Amazon Book Series Page: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FMPGZ5ZQ?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tkin 

YouTube Series Book Trailer:

https://youtu.be/CYm07_X5fj0

 

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 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 large 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

Revisiting My First Book Written

The first book I wrote was turned down by numerous agents and a couple of publishers. I stuck it away and went on to write and publish other books. At some point, I pulled it out from the dust bunnies and rewrote it. And published! It's not like any of my other books and for the most part languishes at Amazon, hardly noticed. But I'd like to spotlight Post-War Dreams today.

I grew up listening to my mom recount memories of growing up in the 1940s. I fell in love with the era and with the love story between my mom and dad. Although I write romantic suspense for the most part, my historical romance, Post-War Dreams, is the book of my heart.

 

I’m sharing two short excerpts today.

 

ONE

Claire shook her hair back and lifted tresses the color of a summer sunset from her neck with a flourish. “I’d definitely like to pursue a career in the movies.” The word theatrical came to mind while her smile dazzled him. “This contest should be a lot of fun.” She stared directly into his eyes, the dark brown of hers simmered. “Do you go to the movies?” 

“Now and then.” 

She dipped her chin and gave him a beguiling upwards glance. “I bet you’re a Rita Hayworth man.” When he only shrugged, she continued, surprising him with her flirtatious tone. “Come on, now. We all have our favorites.” 

“Yeah, she’s…okay.” The words he could use for the sexy, red-haired actress he’d leave unspoken to the young Claire. “Do you dance and act in addition to singing?” 

Teenage Mom dancing with her brother

“I will.” She nodded, quite serious. “I think it’s best to be well-rounded, if you’re going to have a chance in Hollywood. I don’t exactly have any credits to my name yet, still, I’m pretty sure I could act, if given the chance. As far as dancing, yes, a few lessons will be in order, eventually.” 

“So, it’ll be off to Hollywood for you after graduation?” Unusually confident for a high school girl, he could imagine her hopping on a bus to follow her ambitions. Pity. “Not interested in hanging around Phoenix to raise a family?” 

“Oh goodness, lots of time.” Once again, she pushed the hair from her silky-smooth neck with a flip of her fingers. “Following your heart should be first.” 

And who will steal your lovely heart, lovely Claire? 

 

TWO

“But…but you can’t love Susan.” My voice, soft as a whisper, didn’t betray the rising fear boiling up from the pit of my stomach. 

He gripped my arms with emphasis. “No, I don’t.” 

My stomach calmed a bit, the fear at a simmer. “Does she love you?” I had to convince him his thinking had clearly gotten off course. 

“No. I mean I don’t think so.” 

“Is she demanding you love her?” Love was everything. Without love, this wasn’t our problem. 

“No…”  

His hesitation cheered me on. My panic churned barely below the surface as I led him down the path of reason. “Well, then, Benjamin, why—” 

“Claire, she’s pregnant. I’ll have to marry her.” 

“Marry?” I choked on the word. Fear and panic erupted. “Oh, God, no. Benjamin!” The tears toppled and flooded my cheeks. “This is her problem.” 

“You know it isn’t, Claire.” His words were thick and strained. “I have to take responsibility.” 

“No, Benjamin, no!” I slapped my palms to his chest as if I could stop this madness with a physical barrier. “No, you don’t.” 

He encircled my waist, gently caressed, but held me firm until my tantrum played out.

I folded into his chest, but my anger still had some steam. I balled one hand into a fist and hit his chest. “Why? Why do you always have to do the right thing? Why?” I swiped away tears so I could see his reaction when I glared into his face.

His chest heaved as he stared into my hostility with calmness. “You wouldn’t love me if I didn’t.”

BUY LINKS:

https://www.amazon.com/Post-War-Dreams-Brenda-Whiteside-ebook/dp/B015AO6B1M

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/post-war-dreams-brenda-whiteside/1122626545?ean=2940151181877

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Brenda_Whiteside_Post_War_Dreams?id=oW-5CgAAQBAJ

Life's Adventures: Changing Latitude and Attitude

I'm compelled to do a personal update here when I see how long I've gone without blogging. Spring has sprung (as a dear uncle used to say) with new beginnings for sure.

Changing Latitude: FDW and I made a leap to split our time between Tonto Basin (fishing and the RV life) and being landlocked in an apartment in Scottsdale. The move was more complicated than I imagined it would be. If the paperwork didn't get me down, the dividing household items between two places had my head spinning. 

When we sold the farm in 2016 within three days of listing, we were smacked with not knowing where to go next. So we retreated to the Lazy JR Ranch and the RV life. Suited FDW to a T so he could rise and go fishing every morning if he wanted. I can write anywhere, so there we stayed. But we grew somewhat disenchanted after all of these years. And we wanted to be closer to family, so this is our solution...half the year in Scottsdale and half the year in Tonto Basin.

Of course, there are other family matters that have been brewing...that's the way life is. I've barely written any words since December because of all the hullabaloo. We're still getting settled in, which means those two books I'm working on are lingering, waiting for my attention.

Another ingredient in the pot is moving my 95-year-old mom in with us. She'll be spending our Scottsdale months here. When we head back to Tonto Basin, she'll be with my brother in the valley. 

Changing Attitude and more author news: I've discontinued my Brenda's Newsletter Group. I hope any of you who were part of the newsletter readers will come on over to Facebook and join me there for news, fun, and an occasional giveaway. My author page needs love. Facebook shut me down for crimes not committed two years ago. I'm building the page again. That's where I do the giveaways and more author news than on my personal page. But you are welcome to be part of both:

FaceBook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/brenda.whiteside.58/ 

or Personal Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571687885846

Other places to find Brenda Whiteside author:

Webpage: https://www.brendawhiteside.com

X: https://x.com/brendawhitesid2

She blogs and has guests: https://brendawhiteside.blogspot.com/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003V15WF8

Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3972045.Brenda_Whiteside

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/brenda-whiteside

Stay tuned. More blogs to come!

Reading and Reviews (Culiner, Bennett, Kelly)

I'm an author, but I'm also a reader. From time to time, I'll share my reviews of present and past reads. My available time to read is limited because I write, but I love to curl up with a paperback or an eBook at night for the last hour of my day. 

Here are some of the books I've read recently. Maybe you'll discover a new book or author. 

Words for Patty Jo by Jill Arlene Culiner 

A passion for books creates a lasting bond between teenage Patty Jo and David, but small-town prejudice and social differences doom their romance.

After a summer of reading and falling in love, David heads for university, foreign adventure, and a dazzling career; Patty Jo marries slick, over-confident Don Ried.

Yet plans can go horribly wrong. The victim of her violent husband, Patty Jo abandons her home and children to live on the streets of Toronto. David, a high-ranking executive in Paris, is dismayed by the superficiality of corporate success.

Forty years later, Patty Jo and David meet again. Both have defied society; both have fulfilled their dreams. And what if first love was the right one after all, and destiny has the last word? 

My Review

Ms. Culiner has succeeded in writing another story that will draw you in and keep you reading. Only this time, she had me so involved, I could swear I was reading a memoir. That doesn’t even quite say it. The depth of the two characters’ points of view came through emotionally real. Patty Jo is a complicated young woman. David is a man we’d all love to know. How their lives intersect, diverge, and come back together is such a smooth transition of storytelling, the reader feels as if they are reading two books at the same time. Class differences, spousal abuse, dreams won and lost…are all woven with an expertise of wordsmithing. 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GCV4D86P/

 

 

Widowhood: The Next Chapter: I'm Still Here - Now What? by Bobbie Bennett 

The personal narrative begins in the dark world of organized crime, where the author’s first husband brings a sense of danger into their lives. Dinner guests are asked to check their firearms at the door. She then stepped into an unexpected relationship with a younger man whose charm proved timeless, even if his ID was still getting doublechecked.

Through three marriages, two funerals, and one divorce, she discovers that love comes in the most unexpected forms, including a methodical engineer who fell head-over-heels for a free-spirited former go-go dancer.

This raw, candid memoir transforms heartbreak into hope, offering both laughter and practical wisdom for anyone rebuilding after loss. But make no mistake, these aren’t your typical fresh starts. Bobbie has rebooted her life from places most people wouldn’t dare enter, making her perspective not just credible, but hard-earned. More than a love story, it’s a survival guide for life’s most unpredictable chapters. She believes if you can’t be a good example, you might as well be a colorful one. Her stories offer humor, heart, and the kind of wisdom you only earn the hard way. 

My Review

On one level, this is the extraordinary memoir of a woman who has led and is living an adventurous, full life. On another level, this is a “how to” book with advice on dealing with heartbreak, surprises you’d rather not face, and rebuilding a life. 

https://www.amazon.com/Widowhood-Next-Chapter-Still-Here/dp/B0FLVTB7FM 

 

 

JIMI: Journey of a Wounded Warrior as told to Kathleen Kelly 

Jimi’s story invites you to join him on a healing journey of hope and courage. The Cherokee tribe, as seen through his youthful eyes, celebrates the People's coexistence with creation in traditional ceremonies and vibrant rituals, sharing wisdom passed down from generation to generation. He brings to light the challenges of living with polio in the 1950s and takes you with him through the formative years after his mother died tragically. He is thrown into the white man’s world, where he spends the rest of his childhood in Ohio orphanages. From there, he will take you along the road of a musician, magician, Vietnam veteran, and one man’s inspirational search for meaning. 

My Review

What an extraordinary life Jimi has led. I found it particularly interesting because of his Cherokee upbringing early on. My grandmother was Choctaw. Racism, abandonment, war, and so many other challenges faced him. But there are triumphs and adventures to keep you turning the pages. Ms. Kelly has done an excellent job of bringing this man’s story to life. 

https://us.amazon.com/JIMI-Journey-Wounded-Warrior-Kathleen/dp/B0GNZ8X1L1

 

Life's Adventures: Remembering Me at Age 10

A conversation with a sweet neice who is in fifth grade sent me down memory lane. My fifth grade year is vivid in my mind. 

We'd moved after the start of the school year, and so when Mom took me to Sunland Elementary School, they put me in the only room that had an open slot. Sunland formed the classes by the prior year's academic standing. Mine was high, but the class I entered was a mixture of average and below average students. I should've been able to blend in, but the teacher chose to use my schoolwork as an example of what the other students could achieve. At first, the kids shunned me. Thanks, Teach! But within days, I became the kid to tease. One day at lunch recess, I'd had enough. I went home. I declared to my mom I was never going back. Nah...that didn't happen. She drove me there the next day with strict instructions to find a way. I honestly can't remember how I managed it, but I soon had friends.

That was also the year I decided I wanted to be daring and different. I adopted the motto, "I'll try anything once." It could've been that devil may care attitude that gained me the friends. I don't remember. I do know I didn't actually try anything so daring. I just liked saying it.

Being in a relatively easy academic situation, I came up with straight A's every report card except for
one B in history. I was devastated as only a ten-year-old drama queen can be. My dad told me to get over it. He also told me to tell the teacher I was too busy making history to study history. I wisely kept his advice to myself. But he did make me laugh.

Reading and Reviews (Gallant and Henderson)

I'm an author, but I'm also a reader. From time to time, I'll share my reviews of present and past reads. My available time to read is limited because I write, but I love to curl up with a paperback or an eBook at night for the last hour of my day. 

Here are some of the books I've read recently. Maybe you'll discover a new book or author.

On Thin Ice (Edge of Survival Book 1) by Jannine Gallant 

After a shattering loss, Fiona put the pieces of her life back together, but can she escape the psychopath hellbent on revenge? 

One horrifying night, Fiona Ward lost her parents and her home in a blazing inferno and barely escaped with her life. Devastated, she testifies against the animal who murdered her family, but his incarceration comes with a steep price—sworn retribution. Standing between her and certain death is the U.S. deputy marshal who relocates her to Alaska, where she’ll face an unknown future with a grandfather who’s a complete stranger. 

Years later, Fiona Jones has found her purpose as an Alaskan bush pilot in the tiny wilderness town she calls home. But her peaceful world is upended when her parents’ killer escapes from prison, seeking vengeance. Now a deputy marshal like his father, Caleb Moss will risk his life to apprehend the fugitive and protect the woman whose courage he’s never forgotten. Together, they must outwit her devious nemesis—and the hidden menace neither anticipated. But for Fiona, her greatest challenge may be surviving the threat to her heart… 

My Review

I’m so glad Jannine Gallant has started a new series. I don’t know if the entire series will be set in Alaska, but I’m pleased this one is. I love a setting that is so real, it’s a character of the book. We are treated to a breathtaking opening for young Fiona. When it all starts to unravel years later, the action is nonstop and romance seeps in. This is an entertaining read for sure. 

https://www.amazon.com/Thin-Ice-Edge-Survival-Book-ebook/dp/B0FRT273RC/

The Body in the Belfry: An Izzy Munro Cozy Mystery (Izzy Munro Mysteries Book 3) 

by Alison Henderson 

When insurance investigator-turned-photographer Izzy Munro finds a vintage brooch tucked behind the sofa cushions in the cottage she inherited from her great-aunt in picturesque Carmel-by-the-Sea, she never suspects the little pin will precipitate a cascade of events that culminate in the discovery of the body of a prominent local jeweler, hanging from the bell tower of the historic Carmel Mission.

Suspects abound, from the victim’s widow and stepdaughter, to a trio of shady jewelers known informally as the Cartel. The police are stumped, so Izzy’s boyfriend, an investigator with the DA’s office, enlists her aid as a volunteer consultant. With the help of trusty friends and three cheerful garden gnomes, Izzy uncovers secrets no one could have imagined. But when confronted by the killer, she must rely on quick thinking and her indomitable Burmese cat, Bogart, to survive.

 My Review

Ms. Henderson plunks us down in Carmel-by-the-Sea and aren’t we glad. Izzy is loving the town, although not so much murder. But she’s up for following the clues with a great cast of characters. You’ll be entertained with this whodunit. 

https://www.amazon.com/Body-Belfry-Munro-Mystery-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B0FPDLS6XR/ 

A New Year, A New Outlook

2026. Three weeks in, and I'm taking care of business the way I promised myself. I didn't make any New Year's resolutions. But as 2025 wound down, I knew it was time for some changes. My personal life as been a rollercoaster, so I decided my author life needed some adjusting. At least, this I can control...and I'm a bit of a control freak.

I've decided to stop doing the newsletter I've been putting out for ten years. The process has become increasingly more expensive and complicated. I'm looking for simplification. My efforts to keep in touch with readers will be through this blog and my Facebook pages. So, if you're reading this, I hope you will hop on over to Facebook and like and follow all of my pages there.

My author page was taken down by Facebook several months back. I lost the 1700+ followers I had. Facebook didn't like one of my posts. They misunderstood, and I fought it several ways. But since there are no real people to talk to, I had to give it up and create a new page. It is slow going. I hope to grow it and offer readers some fun news, giveaways, and conversation as the year progresses. Join in here:

CLICK HERE TO LIKE AND FOLLOW MY AUTHOR PAGE

I also have a page for my children's books written under the name of Brenda Sue along with my granddaughter, Sadi Belle. Not as much activity there, but you can keep up with Sadi Belle and me:

CLICK HERE TO LIKE AND FOLLOW BRENDA SUE AND SADI BELLE

Meanwhile, I plan to work on a prequel to The MacKenzie Chronicles, my award-winning series. Book one, Secrets of The Ravine is an Amazon best-seller. 

CLICK HERE TO FIND ALL THE BOOKS IN THE SERIES

I am also updating the front and back matter in all of my books. That's tedious, but will be a better experience for readers.

That's it gang! I hope your 2026 is fruitful!