Secrets and Surprises — Annie Seaton

Julien Johnson never planned to stay in Duckinwilla Creek until Emily Dysart followed him home.With dreams of becoming a renowned city chef, Julien always expected to stay in the city. But when his father retires, leaving Julien to run the family store, he reluctantly agrees to stay—and unexpectedly finds himself happier as he and Emily settle into the rhythms of small-town life.But accusations and whispers of scandal surface, threatening his newfound happiness as he untangles the truth; Julien must face the secrets of his past, prioritise his ambitions, and face the complicated dynamics of a town that never forgets.Will his choices cost him everything he's come to love, or will they open the door to a life he never dared to dream?