Bayou Side of Secrets: Bayou Holiday Book 8

When Damion Carter returns to his Louisiana childhood home for the first time in over a decade, he’s expecting dust, maybe a will, and definitely a few ghosts. What he doesn't expect is a man—Dexter—lounging in his late father's recliner, watching Saints highlights, and making the house smell like heaven thanks to a caramel cake and a smothered turkey.

There’s just one problem: Dexter looks just like him. Like, "Am I looking in a mirror with a gumbo stain?" kind of similar.

Within minutes, their family lawyer, Alex Perez, drops the bombshell: their father had two families, separated by six days. Two mothers, two sons, and a trail of secrets cooked low and slow over the course of thirty years.

Dexter, a local baker and proud Louisiana boy, wants nothing to do with his snobby California brother. And Damion, owner of a swanky L.A. car service, thinks Dexter's life is all sweat, sugar, and poor taste in throw pillows.

But their father’s will includes one final request: "Break bread together. Give thanks—together."

What begins as a tense truce over turkey turns into a war of sides, stories, and stuffing. Audrey, Dexter’s girlfriend, tries to keep the peace, but it’s her sharp, headstrong sister Ashley who throws Damion completely off-balance—with her sass, her honesty, and her sweet potato soufflé.

As the brothers learn to navigate resentment, rivalry, and ridiculously good food, Damion starts to remember what he left behind—and what he might’ve missed out on all his life. By the end of one chaotic, heartwarming Thanksgiving week, Damion doesn’t just find a brother.

He finds inspiration. Love. And the beginnings of a culinary dream rooted in family, flavor, and forgiveness.