The Brave One

As autumn settles over Ashby Lake and the town glows with harvest lights and laughter, shadows from Leana’s past begin to stir. To claim the peace and love she longs for, she’ll have to decide if she’s willing to be more than a survivor.

She’ll have to choose to be the brave one.

Leana Marks

Born: September 18, 2003

Occupation/Role: Bookkeeper

Books: The Brave One

Connections: None (new in town)

Personality Keywords: Guarded • Deeply perceptive • Quietly intelligent • Emotionally literate • Dry sense of humour • Observant rather than performative • Self-contained • Cautious with trust • Creative • Sensitive • Introspective • Strong internal compass, even when shaken

Tropes: Survivor Seeking Peace | New Identity, New Life | Soft Strength | The Wounded Heroine (handled with restraint) | Learning to Be Seen | Safety Before Desire

A woman at a festival, lights strung in the background. She is pretty, early 20s, a beige sweater and blue tshirt.

Liam Thatcher

Born: August 18, 1997

Occupation/Role: Handyman, local of Ashby Lake

Books: The Brave One

Connections: Son of Maggie, BFF: Graham Bentley, friend of Melanie, Kyle

Personality Keywords: Grounded • Practical • Emotionally steady • Kind without spectacle • Loyal to family, especially his mother • Patient • Attentive • Quietly romantic • Comfortable with simplicity • Unintimidated by complexity in others

Tropes: The Gentle Caretaker | Blue-Collar Steadfast Hero | Quietly Devoted | Slow Burn Energy | Fixes Things, Not People | Safe Man

a young man in a flannel shirt, standing in a festival

Maggie

Born: February 11, 1960

Occupation/Role: Retired sales clerk from Bentley’s Department store

Books: The Brave One

Connections: Mother of Liam, friend of Joan Bentley, knows most people in town

Personality Keywords: Warm • Observant • Socially intuitive • Wry humour with a soft edge • Gently meddlesome in the best way • Resilient despite chronic illness • Community-minded • Emotionally generous

Tropes : The Loving Matchmaker (Low Pressure Edition) | Wise Maternal Figure | Chronic Illness, Quiet Strength | Heart of the Community | Knows Before Anyone Else

A woman in her sixties, beige sweater, t-shirt, smiling

Kyle Tavoli

Born: May 21, 1997

Occupation / Role: Manager of Cheryl Sims Bookkeeping Services

Books Appearing In: The Brave One

Connections: Friend of Liam, boss/friend of Stacy and Kim, self-appointed BFF of Leana

Personality Keywords: Theatrical • Warm • Expressive • Fiercely loyal and protective • Emotionally intelligent beneath the humour • Observant • Intuitive, nurturing leader • Creates safety through levity

Tropes: Found Family Architect | Office Chaos Gremlin with a Heart | Gay Best Friend | Work Dad Energy | Emotional Gatekeeper

A man in his late twenties. Bright red hair and a big smile — Kyle

Discover More Ashby Lake

More characters The Brave One

A woman in her 40s typing on a keyboard. She is smiling. Her hair is tied back and she is wearing a cardigan and a nice blouse — Stacy Alain

A man around 30 in a button down shirt giving off dad vibes. He is standing in front of a cottage. — Graham Bentley

A serious looking woman going over paperwork. Dark brown short hair, glasses. — Kim Watts

A pretty woman wearing paw print earrings. She is also wearing an apron with paint splatter — Mel

A woman in her late 50s, jean jacket, short grey hair, hands in her jean pockets. Smiling at the camera — Joan Bentley

A young girl in a pink dress by a lake. She is twirling with a glowing wand and there is a frog by her feet — Lottie Bentley

A woman in her late 20s, wearing an orange shirt. She has reddish hair, is smiling and looking over at something. She is standing in front of a cottage — Elena Hartley-Winslow

A young girl wearing a blue shirt by a lake. She is leaning over and touching a frog — Tess Winslow

Places from The Brave One

A warm diner, mismatched chairs, booths, a counter, a blackboard with a menu — The Perch

a pink short school bus — Farmer’s Market Shuttle

Squirrel pub in Ashby Lake with crowded tables out front — Squirrel’s Pub

Flea Market at the Farmer's Market — Book Seller Stand

A paint and sit night. Maggie, Liam and Leana — Paint ‘n Sip At Squirrels Pub

✨ Perfect for readers who love:
• Healing that feels real, not performative
• Emotional, small-town slow burns
• Found family & quiet resilience
• Consent-driven, trauma-informed romance

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