Back to Bayfield

In Back to Bayfield, Elaine Koyama paints a poignant tale of love, loss, and healing in a small lakeside town. After the tragic death of her husband, Taylor Clarke leaves behind her corporate life in Minneapolis and returns to Bayfield, Wisconsin, where she grew up. She decides to revive her grandmother's creamery and opens "Bayfield Cool Creams and Berries," combining her business acumen with nostalgic family recipes.

As Taylor rebuilds her life, she rekindles old friendships and Taylor's older brother Kent remains a quiet presence, supportive yet immersed in running the family's berry farm.

Bill Boyt, a key figure in Taylor's past, unexpectedly returns to Bayfield, bringing with him the complications of a shared history. Once Taylor's childhood rival and high school crush, Bill spent years away from his hometown, finding success in Chicago. Recently divorced, Bill returns to help his sister Sue manage family affairs, particularly the rundown mansion their parents left behind. His reappearance stirs old emotions in Taylor, who must confront the unresolved feelings from their competitive school days.

Bill's presence in Bayfield adds a layer of complexity to Taylor's life. As he works on the family home and on his sailboat, Bill finds himself drawn back into the rhythms of small-town life, questioning the decisions he made to leave. He and Taylor, despite their past tensions, develop a tentative friendship that begins to hint at the possibility of something more.

Sue Boyt, Bill's sister, plays a vital role in the community as the local high school guidance counselor and city mayor. She also becomes a close confidante for Taylor, adding a layer of humor and warmth to the narrative. Sue, busy organizing town events like the Memorial Day dance and the 4th of July festivities, becomes a bridge between the characters, particularly when it comes to smoothing over tensions between Bill and Taylor.

As the summer progresses, Taylor, Bill, and Jim find themselves navigating a complicated mix of old wounds and new beginnings. The picturesque setting of the Apostle Islands provides a serene backdrop for Taylor's journey toward healing and rediscovery. With Bayfield's tight-knit community supporting her, Taylor is forced to make a choice between her work and the rekindling of unresolved feelings for Bill.

Back to Bayfield is a heartwarming and layered romance about finding solace in the familiar, reconciling with the past, and opening oneself up to new possibilities. It captures the nuances of small-town life while exploring the complex dynamics of love, loss, and the journey back to happiness.