Homecoming — Alex Collins

Previously published as Secrets in the Shadows by T. L. Haddix. 


Two girls, best friends, torn apart as teenagers by a sick and twisted sexual assault. Two women, strangers now, both with dangerous secrets.

Charity Vaughn is a newcomer in Leroy, from all appearances a loner with no connection to anyone. Masked with a carefully crafted façade, she waits and observes, watching over the one person in the world she hurt the most--the last person who would ever guess Charity's truth.

Lauren Grant is a single mother, a small-business owner, and a survivor. She's managed not to let the attack that shattered her when she was sixteen rule her life today. So what if she doesn't date? She's happy enough. But when she meets her parents' handsome new neighbor, she starts to wonder if she's settling for less because she's afraid to try for more.

Charlie Clark has demons of his own from his teenage years, including a broken relationship with an alcoholic father who wants to make amends. Back in his hometown after finding his way in the world, Charlie longs to build a life and a family. That goal becomes more important than ever when he meets Lauren, but he knows he has to deal with the pain of the past before he can move on to what could be a life full of love and happiness.

When the darkness from the assault rises up to take aim at Lauren and Charity, life becomes a game of survival. This time the stakes are higher, and blood will be shed.

Homecoming is the first book in the Olman County series, novels of Romantic Suspense set in the fictional Ohio River town of Leroy, Indiana. Homecoming was previously released as Secrets in the Shadows by T.L. Haddix.