Personal chef Beau St. Clair, recently divorced from his cheating husband, returns to the small Ohio River town where he grew up to lick his wounds. Jack Rogers lives with his mother, Maisie, in that same small town, angry at and frightened by the world. Jack has a gap in his memory that hides something he dares not face, and he’s probably suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Maisie, seeking relief from her housebound and often surly son, hires Beau to cook for Jack, hoping the change might help bring Jack, once a handsome and vibrant attorney, back to his former self. But can a new face and comfort food compensate for the terror lurking in Jack’s past? Slowly the two men begin a dance of revelation and healing. Food and compassion build a bridge between Beau and Jack, a bridge that might lead to love. But will Jack’s demons allow it? His history could just as easily tear them apart as bring them together.

Dinner at Jack's

1 t each of the following dried herbs: marjoram, tarragon, basil, herbes de Provence


2 cups beef stock or 2 cans (10.5 ounces) beef consommé


12 ounces of a good dark beer, like Guinness


More salt and fresh ground pepper to taste


Put your bacon grease in a Dutch oven and let it melt down over medium-high heat. Salt and pepper your stew meat and add it to the hot fat. Sear, turning to brown all sides, in batches if necessary. Remove to plate or bowl. In the same grease, throw in your veggies and onions. Let them soften for a few minutes, then add in your herbs and bay leaves. Finally, pour in your stock and your beer. (Suggestion: drink a beer to match the one you’re cooking with.)


Chapter 86