Here and Now Summary, Characters and Themes
Here and Now by Corinne Michaels is a contemporary romance novel that explores the complexities of healing, love, and second chances. The story is built around Miles, a high school principal with a difficult past, and Penelope, a woman escaping a traumatic history.
Set in the tight-knit community of Ember Falls, their relationship evolves from cautious acquaintance to something more meaningful, despite the emotional baggage each of them carries. The novel delves into themes of personal growth, trust, and the challenges that come with opening oneself up to love after enduring pain.
Summary
Miles, a high school principal, has a challenging relationship with his family, marked by distance and reluctance to engage in family matters. His life takes an unexpected turn when his sister Eloise asks him to help coach a children’s hockey clinic after her husband, Doug, injures his leg.
Initially reluctant to give up his vacation time at his peaceful lake cabin, Miles agrees, especially after his nephew, Ethan, pleads for his help. The hockey clinic, which Miles dreads, becomes a way for him to bond with his nephew and other kids in the community, including Kai, a shy boy learning hockey.
As Miles helps with the clinic, he forms a deeper connection with Eloise, Doug, and the other members of his family. Despite his usual detachment, he finds himself growing closer to his relatives, understanding the importance of his role as the “responsible adult” in their lives.
Eloise, who is overwhelmed by the stress of pregnancy and her husband’s injury, depends on Miles more than she expected. Amidst the humor and light-hearted moments shared with his family, Miles’s evolving relationship with them challenges his idea of what it means to be a family member.
The story also introduces Penelope, a new resident of Ember Falls who works at a local coffee shop. Penelope has a son, Kai, and a past she’s trying to escape.
After a brief and playful encounter with Miles at the coffee shop, it becomes clear that there’s a mutual attraction between them. However, Penelope’s history with an abusive ex-partner makes her hesitant to trust men, and she struggles with her desire to open up to Miles.
Despite her fears, Miles, a former hockey player turned coach, is patient and understanding. Their connection builds slowly as they share moments of tenderness and humor, with Miles offering support in everyday matters like helping Penelope with Kai.
As the story progresses, the tension between Miles and Penelope grows. Despite the attraction, Penelope is reluctant to let herself become emotionally involved, fearing that doing so would expose her to further pain.
Miles, however, doesn’t push her, instead showing a quiet determination to prove that he’s someone she can trust. Their relationship is further complicated when Penelope’s life is disrupted by an unexpected storm.
When a power outage and a fallen tree force her to seek shelter at Miles’s home, the situation brings them closer. Miles ensures her safety, taking responsibility for Penelope and her son’s well-being during the storm, which serves as a turning point in their developing relationship.
Penelope’s emotional walls remain high, and even though she is attracted to Miles, she is constantly torn between the pull to be with him and the fear that her past will surface and ruin their connection. Miles, in turn, seems unwavering in his feelings for her, offering her comfort without pushing her boundaries.
One of their close moments almost leads to a kiss, but Penelope pulls away, insisting that she only wants a platonic relationship, complicating the tension between them.
As they continue to interact, they share more personal moments. Miles’s patient approach begins to break down Penelope’s emotional barriers, and she starts to trust him more.
The dynamic between them shifts as they share more intimate moments, and Miles invites Penelope on a real date, moving their relationship beyond casual encounters. The complexity of their situation is deepened by Penelope’s fears about her son’s well-being and her reluctance to expose him to another potential heartbreak.
Her protective instincts clash with her growing feelings for Miles, making it difficult for her to envision a future with him.
The evolving relationship is characterized by vulnerability and the slow process of healing from past trauma. Penelope’s journey is one of learning to let go of her fear and embrace the possibility of a future with Miles.
Miles’s steadfastness, his refusal to rush her, and his respect for her boundaries ultimately earn her trust. As the two of them navigate the delicate balance between friendship and romance, they begin to build a foundation of understanding and affection.
Despite the hurdles they face, including Penelope’s struggles with her past, the narrative shows the power of patience, healing, and the willingness to open up to someone new. Penelope’s past, particularly her abusive relationship with her ex-partner Edward, looms over her, but she begins to see that with Miles, she doesn’t have to be afraid of repeating past mistakes.
Their connection grows stronger, culminating in moments of emotional intimacy and affection.
The relationship reaches a climax when Penelope finally admits to herself that she has feelings for Miles, and she allows herself to envision a life with him. As the story concludes, the couple faces the reality of their emotional baggage but also the promise of a new beginning.
Miles, once a reluctant participant in family life and relationships, has grown into a man capable of love and commitment. Penelope, despite her fears, learns to trust in love again.
Their journey together highlights the complexities of relationships, the difficulties of overcoming past trauma, and the importance of taking risks in love. Here and Now is ultimately about resilience, the power of second chances, and the quiet, steady growth of love between two people who are learning to overcome their individual struggles and find peace in each other.
The narrative closes on a hopeful note, as Miles and Penelope begin to look forward to their future together, united by love, trust, and shared experiences.
Characters
Miles
Miles is a complex character who grapples with a deep sense of responsibility, often at odds with his desire for personal space and peace. A high school principal by profession, Miles has an ingrained sense of duty, but it is his role within his family that defines much of his character.
Initially, he’s somewhat detached, especially when it comes to family obligations, but his bond with his sister, Eloise, and his nephew, Ethan, grounds him in ways he does not expect. Despite his reluctance to coach the kids’ hockey clinic, his involvement with the community, including the shy boy Kai, reveals a softer, more engaging side to his personality.
His connection to Penelope unfolds gradually, showcasing his deepening feelings, but also his respect for her boundaries due to her troubled past. Miles is patient, understanding, and consistently supportive, which makes him both a rock for those around him and a character whose growth is influenced by his relationships.
His unwavering love and commitment to Penelope, even in the face of significant challenges, reveal a man capable of profound emotional depth and resilience. As a person, Miles reflects both a reluctance to embrace change and a capacity for transformation, especially in his romantic life, where he gradually moves from cautious optimism to devoted love.
Penelope
Penelope is a strong and protective mother, whose complex history shapes her interactions with others. She is cautious and somewhat guarded, particularly when it comes to matters of the heart.
Having escaped an abusive relationship with her ex-partner, Edward, Penelope’s past has left emotional scars that make her wary of vulnerability. Despite the pull she feels toward Miles, her protective instincts towards her son, Kai, and her fear of emotional harm prevent her from embracing the relationship fully.
Throughout the narrative, Penelope’s inner turmoil is a constant theme, as she wrestles with her growing feelings for Miles while trying to maintain control over her life and the safety of her son. Her struggles with her past are an essential part of her character, and they form the backbone of her emotional journey.
Her protective nature is both a strength and a vulnerability, as it complicates her ability to trust and open up to others. As she learns to trust Miles, Penelope’s character evolves, transitioning from someone who is emotionally distant to someone who is capable of opening her heart again.
Her journey towards healing is one of personal growth, making her a compelling and relatable character for anyone who has faced the difficulties of overcoming past trauma.
Kai
Kai, Penelope’s young son, plays a quieter but crucial role in the story. While he does not have as much narrative focus as his mother or Miles, his presence is felt throughout.
As a shy and somewhat introverted boy, Kai represents the innocence and vulnerability that Penelope strives to protect. His relationship with Miles, initially through the hockey clinic, helps to build a bridge between the adult characters and gives Miles a greater understanding of the importance of family.
Kai’s struggles with his own self-esteem and his adjustment to life in Ember Falls provide a backdrop to the narrative, further highlighting Penelope’s desire to shield him from harm. His character’s growth mirrors the overarching themes of healing and connection, as his bond with Miles and the other children at the clinic allows him to slowly come out of his shell.
Although young, Kai’s role in the story is pivotal as he ties the emotional threads of Penelope’s past, her fears, and her hopes for a better future.
Eloise
Eloise, Miles’s sister, is an integral part of the familial dynamic in the story. Her pregnancy and her role as a mother to a mischievous son, Ethan, showcase the challenges she faces in balancing her responsibilities.
Although not as prominent as the central characters of Miles and Penelope, Eloise plays an important role in highlighting the everyday struggles of family life. Her interactions with Miles offer moments of humor and warmth, and she serves as a grounding influence for him, especially when his detachment threatens to overshadow his familial responsibilities.
Eloise is both a comedic relief and a poignant reminder of the joys and difficulties of parenthood, making her a character that provides balance to the heavier emotional themes of the narrative.
Doug
Doug, Eloise’s husband, adds a layer of depth to the story, primarily through his injury and its impact on the family. Though not a major character, Doug’s presence plays a significant role in drawing Miles into the fold of family responsibilities.
His injury, which forces Miles to step in and help coach the kids’ hockey clinic, is a catalyst for much of the action that follows. Doug’s interactions with Eloise and Miles also add a touch of humor and realism to the story, as they demonstrate the playful and often messy dynamics of a close-knit family.
Through Doug, the story explores themes of interdependence and the unexpected ways in which family members support one another, even in moments of vulnerability.
Quinn
Quinn, Penelope’s brother and a former SEAL, serves as a pivotal character in the later stages of the narrative. His entry into the story is crucial when Penelope and her son, Kai, go missing, and he works alongside Miles to uncover the truth behind their abduction.
Quinn’s expertise in security and his previous military experience make him an invaluable ally in the search for Penelope. His no-nonsense attitude and protective nature provide a stark contrast to Miles’s more patient, tender approach, but together they form a formidable team.
Quinn’s relationship with Miles is one of mutual respect, and his involvement in the story deepens the themes of loyalty and sacrifice. As a character, Quinn represents the strength and resilience needed to confront danger head-on, further emphasizing the stakes of the story’s central conflict.
Themes
Family Bonds and Responsibility
In Here and Now by Corinne Michaels, the theme of family bonds plays a pivotal role throughout the narrative. The protagonist, Miles, initially resists his obligations as a family member, preferring his usual solitude at a lake cabin.
However, his love and responsibility for his family are soon put to the test. His reluctant decision to coach his nephew’s hockey clinic, in place of his injured brother-in-law, reveals a deeper connection to his family that Miles cannot easily deny.
Despite his distaste for the situation, he grows closer to his nephew, Ethan, and his sister, Eloise, showing that family ties, even when strained, can ground a person in ways they may not always understand. The theme of responsibility, even when inconvenient, highlights the sacrifices individuals make for their loved ones, whether they want to or not.
Through these actions, Miles’s begrudging sense of duty becomes a tool for his emotional growth, as he begins to navigate the complexities of family dynamics.
Overcoming Trauma and Emotional Vulnerability
The theme of overcoming past trauma and opening up to emotional vulnerability is central to the narrative, especially in Penelope’s journey. Having endured an abusive relationship with her ex-partner, Edward, Penelope’s deep-seated fears and reluctance to trust others, particularly men, form the crux of her emotional struggles.
When she meets Miles, she is drawn to him but is paralyzed by the fear of her past resurfacing and ruining any potential future with him. Penelope’s emotional walls are only broken down gradually, and even then, her vulnerability is tested by the trauma of her past.
This exploration of trauma and its lasting effects on a person’s ability to form new relationships shows the tension between self-protection and the desire for connection. Penelope’s slow and cautious approach to her relationship with Miles reflects the difficulty of overcoming the scars of past abuse, and her ultimate choice to trust him demonstrates the importance of emotional healing and the risks of intimacy.
The narrative portrays how trauma doesn’t just disappear but must be actively confronted to allow the possibility of future happiness.
Love and Sacrifice
The concept of love is explored in Here and Now as an unwavering force capable of motivating individuals to push beyond their limits. This is particularly evident in the dynamic between Miles and Penelope, especially during the intense moments of crisis when Penelope and her son, Kai, are abducted.
Miles’s determination to rescue them, despite the dangers and challenges, exemplifies the lengths to which love compels a person to act. The emotional stakes in their relationship rise as Miles faces numerous threats and doubts, but his commitment to Penelope and her safety never wavers.
Similarly, Penelope’s own sacrifices for her son and her hesitant acceptance of love from Miles underscore the selflessness inherent in true love. This theme also extends to Miles’s eventual proposal to Penelope, cementing the idea that love, when tested by hardship, can lead to profound commitments.
The sacrifices made throughout the story, from emotional vulnerability to physical rescue, reinforce the notion that love requires not only trust and understanding but also the willingness to endure hardship for the ones you care about.
Personal Growth and Self-Discovery
Personal growth is another vital theme in Here and Now, especially as the characters undergo significant transformations throughout the narrative. Miles, initially a detached and reluctant family member, gradually embraces his role as both a responsible adult and a loving relative.
His reluctant participation in the hockey clinic, initially seen as an unwelcome obligation, becomes an opportunity for him to bond with his nephew and grow closer to his family. This experience leads him to discover new depths of his character, one where he is not just a figurehead in his family but an active and caring participant.
Penelope’s growth is also significant, as she evolves from someone who is emotionally closed off due to past trauma into someone who is capable of trusting again. Her journey toward self-discovery involves confronting her fears, learning to let go of her past, and accepting that not all relationships are destined to repeat the failures of previous ones.
Through their evolving relationship, both Miles and Penelope learn to navigate their fears and desires, ultimately finding healing and a sense of self they can share with one another.
Trust and Building Relationships
Trust forms the cornerstone of the relationships in Here and Now, particularly between Miles and Penelope. Both characters begin with significant emotional baggage, but through their gradual interactions and mutual respect, they slowly build a foundation of trust.
Penelope’s hesitation to open up stems from her past experiences, while Miles’s patient and non-invasive approach makes it easier for her to let down her guard. Over time, this trust fosters a deeper connection, allowing them to confront their vulnerabilities together.
Miles, on the other hand, must also come to terms with his own emotional limitations and learn how to balance his responsibilities in both his personal and professional life. Trust is tested throughout their journey, especially when external pressures, like the threat to Penelope’s safety, arise.
However, the theme of trust underscores the importance of genuine connections, where both parties feel safe enough to open up and grow together, regardless of their past struggles or current fears.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Resilience is a significant theme in Here and Now, as the characters face multiple challenges that test their emotional and physical endurance. Penelope’s past trauma, her single motherhood, and her fears of emotional intimacy serve as ongoing obstacles she must overcome.
Meanwhile, Miles is faced with both the internal struggle of managing his own family responsibilities and the external crisis of Penelope’s disappearance. The narrative showcases how resilience is not just about surviving hardship but also learning to navigate the emotional aftermath of those trials.
Whether it’s Miles’s determination to rescue Penelope and her son or Penelope’s gradual acceptance of love, the theme of resilience emphasizes the strength required to face life’s hardships. This resilience ultimately fosters a sense of hope, suggesting that even in the face of overwhelming odds, love and personal growth are possible outcomes.
The characters’ journeys reflect the power of persistence, both in relationships and in overcoming life’s obstacles.