Love à la Carte

By Carol Henry

When Nathan Harte received a review that trashed his restaurant and reputation, he left New York to start over in Willow Springs, Vermont, at the Deerbourne Inn. Pleased with his new life and success, he’s preparing to receive an award for his achievements when trouble steps through his door—Chantel St. Ives, his ex and the author of the bad review. Is she here to repeat history?
Chantel, a food and wine critic, discovers Nate’s location at long last. She’s always wanted to explain what happened with her critique, but he disappeared. Now she’s determined to hash it out with him and hopefully rekindle the love they had, but he’s hostile and suspicious. Can she rebuild his trust?

• Language: Unknown
• Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
• Release date: Feb 20, 2023
• ISBN: 9781509247875

Carol Henry

Carol Henry is an author of Destination: Romance--Exotic Romantic Suspense Adventures, as well as contemporary romance, and historic women's fiction. She is an international traveler, and travel writer of exotic locations for major cruise lines' deluxe in-cabin books. Carol lives with her husband in the beautiful New York State Finger Lakes region where they are surrounded by family and friends.

Book preview

Nate slid to a stop and did a double-take, mouth open. Had he just seen Chantel St. Ives, suitcase in hand, heading down the hallway toward his section of the inn? Oh, hell no! What was Jared thinking? He’d distinctly instructed his reservation clerk that there were to be no newspeople registered in any of the rooms next to his quarters—and that included his living space. Two other rooms, away from his, were to be used for that purpose.

And Chantel, of all people. No way!

What in the hell was she doing here in Willow Springs? At Deerbourne Inn? Her being booked into an inn that he owned couldn’t simply be a coincidence. How had she found him? What the hell did she want?

Praise for Carol Henry and…

CAIRO CONNECTION:

The descriptions as the characters walked down the street in Cairo, entered the plush accommodations, visited a spice and open-air market, you could see, feel, and smell just like you were with them. …The attraction between Megan and Jordan sizzled as they tried to stay apart…a fantastic read.

~Tena Stetler, author

CIARA’S HOMECOMING CHRISTMAS:

Author Carol Henry writes down-to-earth characters who struggle with realistic decisions. Her solid descriptions of setting and place pull the reader into the story and have the reader cheering for the couple. This novella is a quick, heartwarming, and enjoyable holiday read.

~ J.A. Davis, author

Love à la Carte

by

Carol Henry

Deerbourne Inn Series

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

Love à la Carte

COPYRIGHT © 2022 by Carol A. Henry

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or The Wild Rose Press, Inc. except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

Contact Information: [e-mail]

Cover Art by The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

PO Box 708

Adams Basin, NY 14410-0708

Visit us at www.thewildrosepress.com

Publishing History

First Edition, 2023

Digital ISBN 978-1-5092-4787-5

Deerbourne Inn Series

Published in the United States of America

Chapter One

Nate couldn’t believe it had been over a year since he left New York City behind, his tail tucked between his legs, more or less. Who would have believed he could have transformed the historic and derelict 1750s Deerbourne Inn homestead into such a success in so short a time? Adding on the solarium and transforming it into the Red Clover Restaurant, with a large deck out back, was an added bonus.

Now, sitting in the gazebo, he raised a crystal glass filled with one of Vermont’s best wines in salute toward the backyard’s evening twilight and then toward his sister, Victoria, and cousin Liz, both with glasses raised.

So, here is to Bertha Deerbourne, our beloved friend and generous benefactor, Nate toasted.

You’ve put a lot of hard work into revitalizing Deerbourne Inn. Being a top master chef has helped, Victoria stated after sipping her wine. The community has been very welcoming.

The end result has paid off, Liz commented. I’m so glad I was able to have been a part of it.

I couldn’t have done it without both of you and your support. Nate drank deeply from his glass, leaned back in the outdoor recliner, and rested his arm on the glass table, goblet in hand, contemplating his success and the two women who had stood by him. Dr. Victoria Harte who continued her work with returning veterans with mental and physical wounds. He smiled as he took in her tall, slender, well-toned body with a full head of red hair. And his cousin, a full-bodied, blonde widow in her late twenties with two young children, who had taken over housekeeping duties for him. He would be forever grateful.

I’ve got to say having this wonderful countryside setting in the middle of Vermont has been a big plus for my program, Victoria agreed, her arm extended toward the inn’s grounds.

You don’t miss your medical practice in the city? Liz asked.

Not at all, Victoria answered. In fact, it’s been a bit more relaxing. I love the slower pace.

I’m glad it agrees with you, Nate said. I thought for sure you’d head back to Manhattan within two months. Actually, he was surprised he didn’t miss city life either.

I’ve enjoyed spending more time here with you and Liz, Victoria admitted with a smile. And Liz’s two kids certainly keep things interesting.

They can be a handful, Liz agreed, laughing along with them.

Yes, but they do add a bit of fun to the mix. Nate chuckled, shaking his head. He’d never thought much about kids, but having John and Sara underfoot on occasion had been a pleasure. And enlightening. He wouldn’t mind having children of his own someday.

You don’t mind then if they attend your award ceremony?

Not at all. In fact, I’ve wanted to go over a few things with you in regards to the arrangements.

"Like you haven’t