56 pages • 1-hour read
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Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.
Louisa is a woman in her late twenties who attempts to establish her career as a therapist while recovering from a breakup. To save the historic Estes Park house she loves, she decides to convert it into a bed-and-breakfast retreat for the brokenhearted. She is deeply empathetic and prone to fixing other people's problems. She often places their needs ahead of her own professional and emotional stability.
Tenant of Henry Rhodes
Ex-girlfriend of Nate Payne
Younger sister of Marigold Walsh
Best friend of Mei
Daughter of Lou's Mother
Friend of Joss
Henry is a thirty-four-year-old veterinarian and the owner of the Estes Park estate. He is outwardly reserved and appears uncomfortable visiting the property he leases to Louisa. He displays immense tenderness in his work with animals, which contrasts sharply with his stiff, guarded exterior around people.
Nate is a successful rockstar whose fame surged after writing a viral song about Louisa. He has grown distant and defensive. He prioritizes his public image over his personal integrity, and his betrayal forces Louisa to reconsider the life they built together.
Ex-boyfriend of Louisa Walsh
Boyfriend of Estelle
Bandmate of Kenji
Marigold is Louisa's fiercely independent older sister who lives in New York with her young son, Quinn. Having taken on a parental role during their chaotic childhood, she values financial self-sufficiency above all else. She frequently criticizes Louisa's decisions and fears her sister will repeat their mother's mistakes.
Mei is Louisa's loyal and pragmatic best friend. When her own long-term relationship suddenly ends, she becomes the first unofficial guest of the heartbreak retreat. She offers constant encouragement and serves as a vital sounding board for Louisa's business ideas.
Best friend of Louisa Walsh
Ex-girlfriend of Andy
Joss is the capable and friendly groundskeeper for the Cedarcliff estate. She maintains the gardens and provides a calming presence on the property. She takes immense pride in her work and frequently spars mildly with the landlord over landscaping choices.
Friend of Louisa Walsh
Employee of Henry Rhodes
Lou's Mother is a woman whose history of unstable relationships and frequent relocations shaped her daughters' lives. She struggles with emotional regulation and frequently relies on her children for financial and emotional support. Her actions drive a wedge between her and her oldest daughter.
Mother of Louisa Walsh
Mother of Marigold Walsh
Estelle is Nate's new romantic interest. Her presence in Nate's dressing room abruptly ends his six-year relationship with Louisa.
New girlfriend of Nate Payne
Kenji is a musician in Nate's band. He is fiercely loyal to Nate and attempts to prevent Louisa from discovering the truth about his friend's infidelity.
Bandmate of Nate Payne
Boyfriend of Florence
Florence is Kenji's girlfriend. She appears disinterested in the band's performance and opts to scroll on her phone instead of watching the concert.
Girlfriend of Kenji
Martina is a warm and welcoming neighbor who lives across the street from the Cedarcliff estate. She and her husband care for their sick dog and maintain a friendly relationship with the property's inhabitants.
Bill lives across the street from the Cedarcliff estate with his wife Martina. He is a friendly local who helps form the supportive neighborhood environment Louisa treasures.
Husband of Martina
Owner of Custard
Custard is Martina and Bill's elderly St. Bernard. He suffers from lymphoma and receives regular, gentle medical care from the local veterinarian.
Andy is Mei's long-term partner. He abruptly ends their relationship so he can move to Costa Rica for charity work.
Ex-boyfriend of Mei
Grace is a quiet, recently divorced mother. She seeks refuge at the Comeback Inn and prefers solitude over group activities as she processes the end of her marriage.
Guest of Louisa Walsh
Rashad is a highly social guest at the Comeback Inn who recovers from a painful breakup. He enthusiastically participates in activities and offers frank, unsolicited advice to his host.
Guest of Louisa Walsh
Acquaintance of Henry Rhodes
Nan is an older widow who stays at the retreat. She brings a calm, mature presence to the group dynamic and frequently chats with the others during group excursions.
Guest of Louisa Walsh
Bea is a guest at the retreat who expresses her heartbreak through anger and frustration with the Denver dating scene. She is outgoing and playfully flirts with the landlord.
Friend of Kim
Acquaintance of Henry Rhodes
Kim is a quiet guest who retreats inward when dealing with emotional pain. She fears disappearing into her sadness and seeks guidance on how to process her grief.
Friend of Bea
Guest of Louisa Walsh
Quinn is Marigold's energetic five-year-old son. He enjoys temporary tattoos and plays on the monkey bars, bringing youthful joy to the adults around him.
Son of Marigold Walsh
Nephew to Louisa Walsh
Rita is the receptionist at the veterinary clinic. She efficiently manages appointments and directs worried pet owners into exam rooms.
Employee of Henry Rhodes