Emily Taylor, born and raised in Dogwood, Texas, high school valedictorian, degrees in architectural history and interior decorating, successful entrepreneur, and felon.

Well, almost a felon. She came close enough that she had to sell her business in Houston, Deck the Walls, to pay her legal bills. With the remainder of the down payment and the quarterly payments on the business, plus her royalties on her wall paper designs, Emily is able to high-tail it back home to Dogwood, where no one knows . . .

Her parents, who died in an auto accident six years ago, were givers. They had hearts for the downtrodden, the forgotten, the needy–and Emily inherited that spirit. While in Houston, she spent most of her free time working with a variety of charities–served on the board of directors of many–and was an active member of The Harris County Charity Foundation. Her involvement left her vulnerable to a wide range of solicitors, the downside of the business. Everyone needs money, and even after she filtered through those she wouldn’t give the time of day to, much less a donation, there were still more needs than funds. She often had nightmares of solicitors lining up for miles to get to her door. But she lived a nightmare of a different kind.

Now she prefers anonymity.

She feels safe in Dogwood–as long as she stays out of the limelight. Her first major purchase was the old Woolworth’s building downtown. She converted the first floor into The Litter Box, where Millie’s stray cats live until a forever home can be found for them. The second floor is a simple apartment–a haven with a fat fluffy couch and a TV perpetually tuned to old movies or the DIY channel.

She does venture out on occasion–after all, she did reconnect with Scott Barlow, high school crush and veterinarian to all the cats Millie brings in. But it’s been five years since she talked to her best friend, Lauren, and even longer since she attended her home church, because she has secrets to keep. Even from Scott, who is determined to make up for lost time.

But a journalist, Paul Goodrich, is hot on the trial of her past, and revealing her secrets may not be her choice.

Will anyone still love her once the truth comes out? Stay tuned!

Coming June 6!

Want to visit with Emily? Come join us on my Facebook Author Page! Stay tuned to this blog and my author page for all the fun and a giveaway!

Meanwhile, help me get the word out, okay? Click to Tweet:

Meet the Characters Week! What does Emily Taylor have to hide? Shhhh–it’s a secret. http://wp.me/peDqs-1FY #CatLadysSecret #ChriFic