Coming Home to Hideaway Bay

The community feels so warm and inviting—I'm curious whether the author based it on a real place or created it from imagination. How did the setting influence the story's tone?

Their struggles with past regrets and new beginnings felt very genuine. I wonder how much of their growth was planned versus developed during writing.

The romance was sweet but never overwhelming, fitting perfectly into the community vibe. Was this a conscious choice to keep the story light yet meaningful?