Unpacking Secrets

by Rachel Fitzjames

She inherited a mystery that might prove deadly to unpack…

Alone and adrift after her mother’s death, Juliet Morrison finds a cryptic note in her childhood home that leads her to a surprise inheritance several states away. A family legacy awaits her at the Lakeside Inn, where the grandmother she never knew built a livelihood and safe haven for her family. But Juliet has inherited more questions than answers, left to deal with her mother’s mysterious past—and one surly inn manager.

Henry Walker’s diligent, steadfast nature saved the Lakeside Inn from ruin when Juliet’s grandmother fell ill, and he’s sure as hell not going let some clueless heiress walk in and risk the jobs of everyone there. His sharp tongue ensures Juliet’s welcome is far from warm as he makes it clear he wants her gone, but their plans to avoid each other are dashed when they realize he's the only person who knew her grandmother well enough to help Juliet uncover her roots.

As they move past their rocky start, Juliet and Henry will have to work together to unpack the secrets of her mother’s abrupt departure from town. Those initial sparks of animosity flare into an irresistible attraction with each passing day, but the shadows of her mother’s past are resurrected when threats are made against Juliet. Suddenly, her newfound love isn’t all that’s in danger. A killer is on the loose, and solving the mystery of her mother’s past is the only way to stop him.

If they fail, every sacrifice her family made will be wasted—and Juliet will pay the ultimate price.

Genres: Romantic Suspense

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 14, 2025

About the author

Rachel Fitzjames is the author of a contemporary romantic suspense series set in the fictional town of Spruce Hill, NY. She started writing on her brother’s ancient computer back in the early 90s and never looked back, though her first short story about an underground cat thievery ring was sadly lost. With a degree in geography inspired by wanderlust, Rachel has a keen appreciation for the escape that the romance genre allows. She is a lifelong resident of Western NY and created Spruce Hill in order to give a little bit of home to all of her characters.

Reviews

[Dawn Plumb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I was hooked within the first few pages and didn’t want to put it down. I found myself thinking about the book and it’s characters even when I wasn’t reading it. I always feel that is a mark of a good book in my opinion.
Being a WNY native myself, it was so fun to hear the familiar names of the area mentioned in the book.
I also enjoyed the different perspectives and it was done so well and without confusing the reader.
If this is going to be a series, sign me up!

[Melissa Ruth Rotert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect combination of sweet and sinister, and there's nothing closed-door about this romance. Fitzjames' debut sets up the idyllic world of Spruce Hill and promises to leave you wanting more.

[zippie.lizard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unpacking secrets is an incredibly well-written and paced book. I enjoyed the relationship between Juliet and Henry, even at its early enemy stage, as I found it incredibly interesting! Henry feeling like he’s being unjustly usurped and Juliet who doesn’t quite know what she’s doing yet—but they become their own characters (confidently!) by the end which i enjoyed watching happen. Overall, this book was vividly written and had beautiful prose. I cannot wait for more of Mrs. Rachel’s work!! :)

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This turned out to be very enjoyable. It was a slog to start but then rapidly picked up. Little smut, little romance, little thriller... I probably won't be picking up the next one but this one was worth the read.

[Erin Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a delightful enemies-to-lovers story and I ADORE the lakeside atmosphere. Henry and Juliet are to die for ;)

[Lindsay Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unpacking Secrets by Rachel Fitzjames is small town romantic suspense done right! A mysterious inheritance sends our FMC, Juliet, down a path exploring both her family’s legacy and long-buried secrets.

This book blended romance and suspense so effectively! A delicious contrast between classic small town cozy vibes and the page-turning tension that comes with a good thriller. I adored the romance between Juliet and Henry—just the right blend of angst, pining, and big swoony feelings. The book is written in dual POV and Henry falls *hard.* There is nothing I love more than a down bad hero who will stop at nothing to keep his girl safe! Immaculate vibes!

This book is the first in a series of interconnected standalones set in the small town, and I can’t wait for the second installment!

[BookGremlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVED this book! From the charming, picturesque setting of Spruce Hill to the fiery female lead, Juliet, and the swoony Henry, I was hooked. So often I find the enemies to lovers trope a bit forced, but this book handled the dynamic perfectly and watching the characters soften towards each other completely melted my heart. I adored them (and Blue!). The mystery and romance were balanced so well - enough suspense to keep me on my toes and flipping pages, but with all the lovely swoony moments I want in a romance. Perfection! I'm excited to read more from this author.

[Kait Schouten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved everything about this book — and I don’t say that lightly. Unpacking Secrets hit that rare sweet spot where pacing, characters, and story all work perfectly together.

The pacing was chef’s kiss: fast enough to keep me hooked, but never rushed. There’s always something happening, whether it’s emotional tension, romantic sparks, or just enough suspense to keep you turning pages late into the night.

The enemies-to-lovers arc was done right — full of tension, banter, and that slow shift from frustration to trust that makes the payoff so satisfying. The spice was there, but balanced beautifully with the story instead of overpowering it. The suspense added an extra layer that kept me invested beyond the romance, and yes — the adorable dog absolutely stole my heart 🐶. I’m always a sucker for a good canine side character, and this one delivered.

Even the title deserves applause. It fits the story so perfectly, and the ending ties everything together with a neat little bow that made me sit back and smile once I finished. It felt complete, intentional, and incredibly satisfying.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from page one. The setting is idyllic but with a tense undertone that is described in the first few pages. I loved the mixture of harmony and discord. The descriptions of the characters are so detailed, one can see them in the mind and feel their reactions, both positive and negative. Henry, with his ire in the beginning and then pining and love, was powerful in his protective nature. Juliet, with her artistic, yet determined, spirit provided us with a terrific heroine. Sometimes the enemies to lovers theme can be forced and trite. However, in this story, the characters come together in a natural and fun way. It was refreshing. And, yes! Blue the dog was crucial. Overall, this is a terrific book which I plan to read again and I will definitely look for the rest of the series as they come out! I am excited to see what happens next in Spruce Hill, NY.

[Vania · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction to a new series that had me hooked from beginning to end.

I love how both Henry and Juliet let their fears and insecurities get the best of them when they first meet; to me, that showed how human they are. The magic happens when they finally lower their guard and get to know each other, and that was a joy to witness. In classic romantic suspense fashion, danger is lurking just beneath the surface, and a series of strange coincidences has both Henry and Juliet on high alert.

One of the things I loved most about this book is how real it felt. Things were not going great for Juliet at all, and she lost a lot; the stakes were high for her. I also loved how, in the end, it's Juliet who ends up taking a bullet for Henry, and not the other way around. It was refreshing to see!

All in all, I can't wait to dive in and read the rest of the series!

[CB Gryphon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mysteries, border collies, and handsome innkeepers? What more could one want!
Spruce Hill paints a wonderfully atmospheric vision of a small town in upstate New York, which is one of the best settings for a mystery if you ask me.
The characters are well done, and from Juliet's striving to uncover the truth to Henry's desire to protect what he loves, I couldn't help but enjoy the dynamics there. And Blue of course deserves a mention to0- if there's a dog, I'm hooked!
I enjoyed both the suspense and the romance, and I'm curious to see what secrets will be uncovered in Spruce Hill in the future.

[Mindy B (reader_of_the_lost_arcs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love enemies to lovers that turn into caretakers due to circumstances. I could eat that up. And this book is a debut too! Unbelievable! Juliet and Henry were very small town charming and hot too. They went from disliking each other on first sight to a enviable, realistic romance. All while trying to figure out strange goings-on that escalate to bigger crimes. "Unpacking Secrets" was a very appropriate title, because there was a lot of layers there. I look forward to the next book!

Thank you to Rachel Fitzjames for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

[C.B. London · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready to fall in love with Spruce Hill! This book is the perfect blend of small town comfort, swoony love interest, and carefully constructed suspense that builds to an edge-of-your-seat climax. Henry and Juliet's chemistry is a delight to read, as you watch them go from spirited rivals to trusted partners... to (PHEW, fan yourself) lovers. Rachel brings heat and heart with the whole cast of characters, including Henry's dog, Blue! I can't wait for more stories from Spruce Hill!

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance isn’t usually my go-to genre, but I truly enjoyed Unpacking Secrets. Rachel Fitzjames does a wonderful job blending romance with suspense, which kept me engaged throughout. Her descriptions of the settings are especially strong—the magical clearing in the woods with the sun catchers felt so vivid, it’s a place I’d happily spend time in. I read this for my book club and was proud to support a local author. If you enjoy romance with a touch of mystery, this book is worth a try.

[Knotty.Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome to Spruce Hill, unpack your bag and stay awhile, you'll thank me later. I've heard they have a charming Inn 😉

This enemies-to-lovers romantic suspense gets you hooked a few pages in!

Juliette, our FMC, is a fiery redhead who suddenly becomes the heir of Spruce Hill's Inn. She knows nothing of this newfound life, except a warning for her safety left by her late mother.

Her being a newcomer AND the heiress instantly sets our MMC Henry off in all the wrong ways. His hate may turn, and fast. He just might be the one to fall first....

The ending did not disappoint!
Just the perfect amount of slow burn spice, and really, who doesn’t love HEA in a suspense!?

[Rory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the honor to receive an ARC for this book, and I have loved every page! It's 🌶️🌶️🌶️!!! The author handles trigger warning very well, which I am always happy to see. The story is so captivating I started having dreams about the characters!
10/10 book for me. I want more!!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Unpacking Secrets. It piqued my interest from the beginning and kept me interested in the story. Very well written and kept the reader’s interest. I look forward to reading more from the author.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really wanted to love this book, was hooked in the begging, lost my interest in the middle, and then the ending was really rushed.

[Eileen Argona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good quick read. Thought the ending with the mystery was rushed. Definitely enjoyed this as a cute romance. A bit of a hallmark feel though

[Christie Curry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unpacking Secrets by Rachel Fitzjames captured my heart and wouldn't let go. The writing style is so eloquent and Rachel does a phenomenal job immersing you in Spruce Hill. Juliet is a fierce heroine you can't help but root for and Henry is such a swoony love interest. As much as I fell in love with their love story, what absolutely gripped me is the suspense 👀👀👀. It had me turning pages well into the night!! The last third is a complete runaway train, so buckle up!!!!!! The best part is, this is book 1 in an entire Spruce Hill series, and I absolutely cannot wait for book 2!!!

Five gigantic stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐