Hazel wakes up two weeks after Imogene Mulroney's arrest, which had brought significant revelations.
During this period, Hazel, her sister Dot (formerly Flora), and their mother spent time reconnecting and reminiscing about the past.
They help Dot recover lost childhood memories, while sadness lingers due to the time lost with Dot as Flora.
Hazel struggles with resentment towards the aunt who took Dot away and caused their family pain.
Dot grapples with reconciling her happy memories with the underlying betrayal of being kidnapped as a child.
Hazel writes an article for Vanity Fair about her experiences, sharing the pain and memories with her family.
While reconnecting with her family helps Hazel, she also copes with missing a figure named Barnaby and reflecting on her love life, including her feelings for two men, Barnaby and Harry.
Hazel deliberates on her feelings and relationship choices, recognizing the need to make decisions about her love life.
Despite financial concerns, Hazel returns to work at Hogan's Rare Book Shoppe, where she is welcomed back.
At the book shop, Hazel is positioned as indispensable when she instantly gets to work organizing and bringing things back to order.
A job applicant is turned away as Hazel's return fills the position she was seeking.
Hazel is described as 'an unforeseen happenstance,' showing her sudden but crucial impact on the bookshop's operations.
Illustrator Pauline Baynes expresses interest in creating new illustrations for Hazel's Whisperwood, increasing its value.
Hazel enjoys a moment of reflection on how the discovery of Whisperwood has changed her life.
As Hazel considers closing the bookshop early, Harry arrives, looking for 'something rare'—implying that he is seeking Hazel.
Hazel and Harry have a meaningful encounter, suggesting that Hazel may have already made a choice about her heart's direction.