Imagine a town called Misty Grove, nestled in a picturesque valley in northern New Hampshire where the roads meander through lush green hills and dense woodlands. The town’s heart is its charming downtown, a place where time seems to slow down, and every corner exudes warmth and character.

There's the Curio Corner, a tiny shop run by an eccentric collector named Edith, filled with an array of oddities. Next door is Granny's Pantry, an old-fashioned bakery owned by a cheerful woman named Marge who always has a story to tell with every slice.

Further down the street, you'll find The Library for Wanderers, an impossibly cozy bookstore where every book is an escape. Across from the bookstore is Penny’s Diner, the town’s unofficial meeting spot, where Penny herself—sharp-witted and kind-hearted—greets everyone by name.

In Misty Grove, everyone knows everyone, and life moves at its own gentle pace. It’s a town where traditions are cherished, new arrivals are quickly embraced, and where the mundane and the magical blend seamlessly into everyday life.

LIAM THORNLEY

Liam Thornley is a reserved yet warm-hearted man in his early thirties, with tousled brown hair that often falls into his eyes, which are a soft shade of hazel. His round glasses constantly slip down his nose as he leans over a crossword puzzle or loses himself in a swoonworthy romance novel. His clothes are from his grandfather's closet and getting impossibly threadbare but he'll never get rid of them.

He’s the owner of The Whispering Pages, a small, cluttered bookstore in the heart of Misty Grove, where the smell of old books and freshly brewed tea greets every visitor. The store is a reflection of Liam himself—quiet, inviting, and filled with hidden treasures. Liam’s bookstore is a sanctuary for book lovers, a place where the lines between reality and fiction blur, thanks to the rare magic he alone possesses.

As the last in his family line to hold this extraordinary power, Liam can place people directly into the pages of any book they desire. Despite the potential grandeur of his abilities, Liam uses his magic with a gentle, thoughtful touch, understanding the profound impact stories can have on a person’s heart and soul. He’s deeply passionate about happy endings and often spends his evenings curled up in the nook of his store, reading romance novels that make his heart flutter, always rooting for the characters to find their happily ever after.

His life is one of routine and quiet joys until Fern walks into his bookstore, bringing with her a request that challenges everything Liam thought he knew about the stories he loves.

FERN GREYSTONE

Fern is a force to be reckoned with—a confident, sharp-witted woman in her late thirties who thrives in high-pressure environments. As a high-powered attorney specializing in divorce law, she’s used to navigating tough negotiations and demanding situations with a level-headedness that few can match. She has a no-nonsense approach to life, often speaking her mind with a directness that some find intimidating, but those who know her well appreciate her honesty and loyalty.

Beneath her tough exterior, however, Fern has a deep sense of justice and a protective streak a mile wide. She’s fiercely loyal to her friends and clients, and while she may come off as brusque or even gruff, she cares deeply about those she loves. Her job requires her to be tough, but it also wears on her, leading her to seek out escapism in the form of fantasy novels—especially those involving epic battles where she can imagine herself letting off steam.

Fern has a sarcastic sense of humor and a quick wit, often using humor as a shield to keep people from getting too close. She’s not one for small talk or idle chatter, preferring meaningful conversations that get to the heart of the matter. Despite her outward toughness, Fern has a soft spot for romantic stories, though she’d never admit it to anyone but herself. She’s drawn to tales of love and adventure, though she often scoffs at the idea of happily ever after in real life.

When she first walks into Liam’s bookstore, she’s looking for an escape, but what she finds instead is a surprising connection with the quiet, nerdy man who runs it. Fern’s personality is a blend of strength and vulnerability, independence and yearning, making her a complex and compelling character who, despite her rough edges, longs for something more than the life she’s built for herself.

Liam comes from a long line of magical guides - those who possess the power to send people into their favorite books to escape reality for a little while. It's a simple request but a complex magic as Liam is the only one who has the ability to ensure those he sends in, never change the story.