Author notes may contain spoilers!
It’s so good to be back in Auntie Clem’s Bakery with Erin and the gang for Quiche Me Goodbye, the twenty-seventh installment of the series.
I really wanted to pit Erin against some other cooks again. She has been in several cooking contests in the past, and I wanted this one to be a bit different.
The Chickpea Palooza (or to use its very long official name, the Bald Eagle Falls Chickpea Palooza, a Taste of Togetherness and Festival of Friendship) was the perfect backdrop to test her skills. unlike the other contestants, Erin doesn’t get involved until the palooza moves to Bald Eagle Falls after the water main break in Moose River, so she only has a few days to prepare. I also enjoyed exploring the versatility of the humble chickpea—from savory quiches to aquafaba meringues. I loves chickpeas and had a lot of fun picking dishes, recipes, and challenges for the contestants.
Core Themes: Found Family and Resilience
If there is one heartbeat in this series, it’s the concept of found family. For Erin, who grew up in the foster system, Terry and the crew at the bakery are her anchors. In this book, I really wanted to test those bonds. We see Vic struggling with a deep, personal trauma that she initially hides, which was my way of exploring how even the strongest “found” sisterhoods can be strained by silence and the fear of judgment.
The theme of resilience is also huge here. Whether it’s Mary Lou trying to rebuild her life after her disappearance or Vic facing the statistics of being an LGBT person at risk, I wanted to show that these characters aren’t just cozy archetypes—they are survivors.
The Danger of “Safe” Spaces
One of the tougher messages in this book is that betrayal often comes from within. I think the most heartbreaking part of Vic’s journey in this story is that her assault happened within a group where she felt safe and accepted. It’s a reminder that predators often hide in plain sight, camouflaged as “brothers and sisters”.
Author Insights on the Creation
When I was writing the character of Frankie Delaney, I wanted him to be the ultimate contrast to Liam Harper—pink hair and a “Life is Gouda” shirt versus tailored chef jackets and three Michelin stars. I also loved weaving in Sophie Bennett and her son Maxie; neurodivergent kids hold a special place in my heart.
