Secrets in the Pines Book 1: A Christmas Trilogy of Love, Secrets, and Small-Town Suspense

by Ruby Valentina

Dad’s greenhouse is hiding more than just Christmas poinsettias.

When Laurel Prescott returns to Conifer Grove for the holidays, she expects gingerbread cookies and awkward small talk—not shady bankers, antique dealers with attitude, and her ex looking like a lumberjack fantasy. Oh, and a secret underground lab hidden in her father's greenhouse.

As Laurel digs into her father's mysterious "enhanced" plants, she uncovers a tangle of pharmaceutical secrets that someone will do anything to keep buried. Federal agents, drug dealers, and old feelings are closing in fast—and Ethan Calloway, her rugged former flame, insists they’re in this together.

Can Laurel uncover the truth before Christmas gets canceled… or worse?

Fans of small-town Christmas romances with a twist of danger will love this witty, page-turning holiday mystery.

143 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 23, 2025

Reviews

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of mystery and intrigue, with a side of romance.

When Laurel returns home after her dad’s passing, she thought she would cleanup and ger his greenhouse ready for sale. Little did she know his grow house of enhanced plants had a higher demand than he was willing to supply. His altruistic motive of helping his community with natural remedies sometimes at his expense attracted the attention of drug dealers and federal agents.

As she tries to unravel which side even his friends and neighbors are on, with her ex boyfriend Ethan by her side, she realizes what she always needed may be back where she started.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheri Bolinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Ruby Valentina's series! This new one doesn't disappoint! Laurel and Ethan were fantastic MC's and I instantly loved their connection. Laurel came home after being away for 28 yrs establishing her career to settle up her late father's estate and greenhouses. Upon return things go sideways quickly and Ethan steps in to help. He's always loved Laurel! I adored how easily these two clicked back together and worked to solve the mystery surrounding her Father's death and greenhouse. This was a great mystery with the beginnings of a romance that will hopefully keep growing in the next book. I can't wait for the next one!!

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another outstanding story from Ruby Valentina. Ethan and Laurel navigate the mystery after she is attacked shortly after her return home. Their reconnection is immediate. I love all Ethan’s protective instincts without his becoming controlling. I really appreciate that this mystery is basically solved before they embark on the next adventure.
I received this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[Micki-D · Rating 4 out of 5]

What secrets does Laurel dads green house hide. Laurel returns home after her dads death only to find strange plants in her dads green house but before she has a chance to find out what they are she is hit over the head and they plants are stolen.

Can she figure out what the plants were?
Can she find out why they were stolen? And who stole them?

[SensBaby21 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Good mystery, chemistry between the MMC and FMC had some tension, second chance, Christmas time romance.