I do remember that scene, and it was good, and I also have no idea what book it was though I could probably figure it out if I put the time in.

Here are some more early-to-mid career romantic suspense standalones, of the same era as Public Secrets and that I recall as being similar in scope:

Genuine Lies, another one about a celebrity's history with a sprawling cast (I have no idea what the content notes on this are, sorry, other than that it must have some murder);

Private Scandals, about daytime TV (ditto);

Montana Sky, about three half-sisters who don't know each other and are forced to live together for a year to inherit (content note: domestic violence, definitely, possibly also some animal harm?); and

Possibly The Villa, which I don't remember but which is about two families in the wine business.

I also have fond memories of three of her family-focused series, which don't have any (significant) quasi-mystic nonsense in them:

The Irish Born Trilogy, starting with Born in Fire (content note for abusive parenting, not sure if there's anything else);

The Dream Trilogy, starting with Daring to Dream (I think has some emotional partner abuse and possibly physical as well?); and

The Chesapeake Bay series, starting with Sea Swept (content note: child abuse of multiple kinds).

Finally, if you are really, really into the minutia of major home renovations, boy, a bunch of her most recent books are for you.