Secrets and White Lies is a depression era novel set in the small town of Cordonville, nestled in the orchard covered hills of Southern Illinois. Willa Mae "Willie" Langston narrates her coming of age amidst the confusion of family secrets and community scandals. Central to the plot is her friendship with two like-minded souls, Benny Winslow and Coy Middy. Willie's family has owned the local weekly newspaper since before the Civil War, Benny's father is the County Judge and Coy's father is the town drunk. Hoping to protect their motherless children, the fathers hide family secrets with deep regret and sorrow. The pivotal character is Miss Liza Cordon, a teacher whose lifelong, bittersweet relationship with Willie's father is a source for much gossip. The characters come of age as the dawning of World War II changes their lives forever.