Will a return to a childhood memory be her second chance at love and happiness?Madison Harlow's life is a tapestry of recent sorrows—divorced, grieving the loss of her father, and burdened with a property she never wanted. The inheritance of a so-called "wee cottage" in Carmel-by-the-Sea, which is anything but small, thrusts her into a world she's ill-prepared for.

The small manor, with its hidden courtyards and overgrown gardens, holds secrets and potential Madison can scarcely imagine. As she navigates the complexities of renovation and the mysteries entwined within the estate's walls, Madison finds herself in a battle of wills with Jackson Boone, a contractor with a reputation as daunting as the manor itself.

Imani, Madison's vibrant and insightful friend, arrives to inject clarity and laughter into Madison's life, urging her to confront her past and embrace the future. But it's the discovery of a series of journals from a young girl, intertwined with the fate of a local artist, that captivates Madison.

The artist's tragic story, rumored affairs, and a missing painting draw Madison deeper into the heart of Carmel's history, challenging her perceptions of love, loyalty, and the legacies we leave behind. As Madison peels back the layers of the manor's past, she must also confront her own, facing her fears and the possibility of new beginnings.

But can she navigate the fine line between preserving the past and making room for her own future? As the line between friend and foe blurs with Jackson, Madison is forced to decide what she truly desires from life. Return to Carmel weaves a tale of intrigue, romance, and self-discovery, set against the backdrop of a town as charming and enigmatic as the characters who call it home.

Will Madison's journey through the shadows illuminate the path to her own redemption, or will the secrets of the past consume her?. .