title: Small Town Secrets
author: Haisley, Eugenia A.
description: This novel, set in the small Midwestern town of Creviston, updates the lives of four friends who were first introduced in the author's first novel, "Small Town Wives." Teresa and her husband, Ted have three children. She is reluctant to come to terms with the paternity of her youngest son, Ben, who was conceived during an affair with Doug Jones, her high school sweetheart Is the father her husband or her lover? She is forced to face the truth, along with the consequences, when a shocking discovery comes to light. Janet has recovered from the suicide of her lover, Dave Brown, who killed himself rather than suffer the shame of his embezzlement. Janet and Dave's widow, Debbie have bonded in friendship and Debbie is relentless in finding Janet a steady boyfriend. She introduces her to the new football coach and they begin an interesting, if not steamy, relationship. Janet's ex-husband Robert, returns to town after five years and stirs up long dormant emotions. Janet finally has to make a choice between these two men. As the heir to the family factory, Janet finds herself embroiled in a war of sorts when the union members vote to strike. The union bosses are indifferent to her in their negotiations, chauvinistic and steadfastly resist dealing with a woman. They learn Janet is not easily intimidated and sparks fly. Jill is married to Johnny and they have three sons. She has never fully recovered from a viscous rape that occurred years ago, the result of which caused her to shut Johnny out of her bed. She has restored her parent's old, two-story Victorian house and opened a Bed & Breakfast Inn, which has become quite successful. Johnny recently bought the town's only tavern and ends up working long hours, thereby creating more friction in the marriage. Meanwhile, Jill finds forbidden love in a very unexpected place and ultimately forsakes that love because of the unusual circumstances. Through this twist of fate, she is finally able to reconnect with her husband, just in time for a new tragedy to befall her family. Dianne is divorced with a teenage son. She left her husband several years ago when he became abusive, controlling and a womanizer. She began working in a small dress shop and ended up buying the business when the owner became ill. She later expanded and added two additional locations. Dianne embarks on a relationship with a stranger she meets in a local night club, eventually learning the truth he's been hiding through a dangerous confrontation. This event threatens both her business and her life.