New Second Chance Romance and recipe from Jennifer Slattery

New Second Chance Romance and recipe from Jennifer Slattery
Friday, March 1, 2024 by Sally Jo Pitts

Investigating Food Used in Novels

This month’s novel scene and recipe comes from Jennifer Slattery’s Love Inspired novel, Recapturing Her Heart.

Hero CJ is sharing dinner with heroine Harper and her baby, Emaline.

Here is the scene:

CJ poked his head through the back door, the aroma of apple, garlic and mesquite wafting over him and causing his stomach to rumble.

“Want to eat out here on the deck? It’s shaded, and there’s a nice breeze blowing, so it’s not suffocatingly hot.” Not to mention, mail, rough sketches, a chunk of wood and various hand-carving tools cluttered his kitchen table.

From the stove, Harper glanced over her shoulder. First at him and then at Emaline, who babbled in her stroller, then back to him. “That sounds lovely.” She opened a couple cupboards in front of her. “Do you have a serving dish?”

“How about we dish ourselves up in here.” He closed the air vents and lid to his grill and stepped inside.

“Efficient.” She smiled and scooped a spoonful of ramen stir-fry onto two plates.

“I’ll take those so you can grab little miss.”

“Thanks.” She handed over the dishes then followed him out, pushing Emaline’s stroller, which she rolled to the wooden picnic table. “This was one of the best investments I’ve made as a mom. Stroller, car seat,

grocery cart when needed.” She motioned to the basket underneath Emaline’s seat. “And a portable high chair.”

“Brilliant.” Steaming steaks distributed, he darted back inside to make a pitcher of lemonade from a powder mix, then returned with it and two glasses. “Hope you’re not craving sweet tea.”

She sat kitty-corner to her daughter. “Nope. I’m just happy for the food.” She laughed.

Her response concerned him. “This probably isn’t any of my business, but are you doing all right?”

“I’m not starving or anything, although I am learning to stretch my buck, as they say.” She explained an upcoming change in her living arrangement with her parents. “I found a website where you can type in a list of whatever you have on hand, and they’ll pull up a series of recipes.” She handed Emaline a glittery pink sippy cup.

He swallowed a mouthful of surprisingly good noodles. “Is that how you came up with the idea for this?”

He pointed at the stir-fry. “Because it’s amazing.”

“Really?”

About to take a drink, he nodded. “Might need to send me a link.” Although what he’d love even more would be for her to come over again so they could cook—and eat—together. He knew his thoughts, and his heart, were treading on shaky turf, but he wasn’t sure he cared.

…

CJ hated thinking that she was having a difficult time financially and hoped working at the hardware store helped. But a little struggle wasn’t all bad, if it kept her from saving up whatever she needed to return to Seattle.

If it kept her here, in Sage Creek, with him.

That meant, his convincing his mom to hire Harper was actively playing a part in her leaving. And yet, the longer she stayed, the more time he had to win her heart—for good.

Jennifer created this recipe she calls Lazy Man’s Stir Fry to share with us.

Lazy Man’s Stir Fry

For the recipe go to Investigatin’ Recipes above under Investigator’s blog or Click Here.

More about Recapturing Her Heart :

What she’s always wished for… might be right here at home.

When she loses her job, professional dancer Harper Moore returns to her Texas hometown with one

goal in mind—leaving again. But first she needs money for her big move, even if that means working

for her ex-boyfriend. CJ Jenkins is certain he can help the single mom and keep his still-bruised

heart intact. But as old feelings resurface, can they let go of the past for a new dream together?

About the author:

Jennifer Slattery is a writer, podcast host and speaker who has addressed women’s groups, church groups, Bible studies, and other writers across the nation. She’s the lead host of the Faith Over Fear podcast and cohost, with four others, of the Your Daily Bible Verse podcast. She also maintains devotional blogs found JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud.com and is a regular contributor to iBelieve.com. Connect with her on Facebook and Instagram, and follow her author page on Amazon. When not writing, reading, or editing, Jennifer loves playing games with her family, working puzzles, and adventuring with her hilariously fun husband. Contact her through her website to learn more or to book her to speak at your next event.

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