Fern is a 32-year-old woman working as a coffee shop manager in Toronto. She deliberately built a life away from her family's lakeside resort, but her mother's sudden passing forces her to return and manage the property. She loves good coffee and harbors a long-held dream of opening her own cafe. Finding herself back in her childhood bedroom, she feels unmoored by grief and the unexpected arrival of an old crush.

Will is a 32-year-old business consultant who arrives at the resort based on a prior agreement with Maggie. A decade earlier, he was a free-spirited, shaggy-haired artist painting murals in Toronto. He now wears tailored clothes and prioritizes his career to provide for his family back home. He keeps his personal struggles private while offering professional guidance to Fern.

Peter is the longtime pâtissier at Brookbanks Resort, recognizable by his salt-and-pepper beard and plaid shirts. He acts as a surrogate father to Fern, supporting her through childhood and early adulthood. He deeply mourns Maggie's passing and expresses his sorrow by working quietly without his usual kitchen music.

Maggie is Fern's late mother and the dedicated owner of Brookbanks Resort. She spent her life running the family business and taking care of the guests, often acting as a workaholic. Her early adulthood is captured in diaries that reveal her ambitious plans to travel and eventually manage the lakeside property.

Jamie is the general manager of Brookbanks Resort and Fern's boyfriend from her teenage years. He possesses a deep affection for the property and works diligently to keep it running smoothly. He worries about Fern's ability to manage the business while remaining a supportive ally during the transition.

Whitney is Fern's closest friend who recently entered motherhood. She lives a domestic life with her husband and baby, providing a contrasting perspective to Fern's single, career-focused existence. She fiercely protects Fern and frequently questions Will's sudden reappearance.

Annabel is Will's younger sister who lives in Toronto. She experienced a difficult childhood following their parents' divorce, prompting Will to take on immense responsibilities to ensure her stability.

Sofia is Annabel's daughter and Will's niece. Her presence heavily influences Will's life choices, pushing him to seek financial stability and a predictable routine.

Cam is Whitney's husband. He travels with his family to Brookbanks Resort, supporting his wife as they adapt to the challenges of raising a young child.

Owen is Whitney and Cam's infant son. During a babysitting session, his persistent crying causes Fern to experience a surge of emotion regarding her own family history.

Reggie is the long-serving accountant for Brookbanks Resort. He understands the financial reality of the business and helps Fern comprehend the administrative challenges her mother faced behind the scenes.

Mr. Rose is a dedicated vacationer who has visited Brookbanks Resort for decades. He enjoys maintaining long-standing social traditions with the staff and fellow guests.

Mrs. Rose is a regular guest at the resort who closely observes the Brookbanks family. She happily shares embarrassing stories from Fern's youth and quickly welcomes Will into their social circle.

Mr. Hannover is a returning patron of Brookbanks Resort. He represents the loyal community Maggie built over her years of managing the property.

Mrs. Hannover is a long-term guest who holds deep affection for Maggie. Her memories of the resort's former owner inadvertently amplify Fern's feelings of grief.

Fred is Will's girlfriend in the past timeline. She creates lemon-themed embroidery and has various artistic hobbies, but Will admits their relationship lacks a profound emotional connection.

Eli is a musician and a friend of Will. When Will brings Fern to see Eli's band play, Eli aggressively flirts with Fern, prompting her to confess she has a boyfriend.

Eric is a lifeguard who worked at Brookbanks Resort when Maggie was twenty-two. He features prominently in Maggie's early journals as a source of romantic interest.

Philippe is the owner of a Toronto coffee chain where Fern worked as a manager. Fern ended their romantic relationship after discovering he was unfaithful, leading her to swear off dating for an extended period.