Captured Secrets

Sydney Moomaw refuses to let her life splinter.

After her parents die in a horrific car accident, Sydney Moomaw is thrust into running their popular guest ranch in eastern Washington. She discovers that her parents were keeping secrets. Why is the ranch in serious debt? Why did her parents allow the insurance to lapse? Why didn’t they tell her about it? And where are their wills? Sydney needs to figure out a way to save the ranch she loves before her sister sells it.

Photographer Trey Hardy arrives at the ranch the same day Sydney’s parents are killed. His working vacation plans change when he decides to help Sydney save the ranch. But, his offers to help are met with resistance. Her stubbornness and independence are both maddening and alluring.

Amid the tangle of finances, tensions with her sister, and her own grief and anger, Sydney begins getting threatening notes. They must be from her abusive ex-husband, but he’s in jail. Isn’t he? When a teenager appears at the ranch insisting she is Sydney’s daughter, Sydney finally realizes she’d going to have to start trusting people to help her. Will Trey’s plan work? Can they save her beloved ranch? Can she really have the life she’s dreamed of?

Seven Tine Ranch Manifesto

Sydney’s Play List

Click Here for Domestic Violence and Abuse Resources

Endorsements for Captured Secrets

“Brimming with suspense and adventure, Captured Secrets, is a love story I’ll not soon forget. An engrossing tale with all the twists and turns that make a contemporary Western so hard to put down.” Debra Whiting Alexander, Award-winning author of Zetty

“Carmen Peone writes the west with grit, grace, and an authentic voice.” Dalyn Weller, author of The Rancher’s Surprise, Second Chance.

“Sydney Moomaw is a tough cookie. She’s internalized past trauma so she can be strong for everyone else. Life keeps tossing her obstacles, but Sydney is surrounded by faith, friends, and family.” Linda Ulleseit, award-winning author of The Aloha Spirit.

“Peone portrays the complications of abuse with a deft hand. She’s crafted a strong, triumphant heroine and a hero who will capture your heart. Readers will cheer every mile of their difficult journey to love.” Pam Nowak, award-winning historical romance author.     

“Carmen Peone is a master at creating characters so real, lovable, and witty, you think of them long after the last page. This book is a roller coaster ride of emotions, heartbreak, bravery, and laughter. A well-written, entertaining story full of surprises and triumph that feels like “coming home.” B.K. Froman, award-winning author of Hope and Hometown series, Hardly Any Shooting Stars Left

Here’s a reading of Captured Secrets from Books of the West with host KC LaCourse. 

I’d love to speak at your woman’s group. To learn more click on the link below.

Captured Secrets Group Speaker Event