Carlton, Ohio is a quiet, peaceful town in the middle of nowhere. What better place to settle down and forget past memories? Nolan Ramsey bought a home and selected a handsome Otter Hound named Scuba to be his companion. As a former reporter in the city of Baltimore, Nolan was held captive while on assignment in the Middle East and is thinking about writing a book about his experiences. Aside from his dog, Nolan keeps to himself and tries to work on the book.

Calinda Willow returned to Carlton when her father was dying and helped him with his woodturning company, Willow Wood. After he passes, Calinda keeps up with his orders and becomes very successful. She likes living alone, walking in the woods, caring for a friendly dog that visits her and refuses all invitations. Her friend Jackie plans all the parties and events for the town and makes Calinda attend the Harvest Hall. There, she and Nolan meet, and when they share a kiss at the end of the night, something stirs between them, an instant attraction neither can deny.

Both Nolan and Calinda have gotten used to their solitary lives, but they start spending more and more time together. They have to get used to sharing their feelings and thinking about another person's reactions to their actions. But when Nolan leaves on an extended book tour, the separation does not work to their advantage...

Sheri Richey tells a simple and sweet story in WILLOW WOOD. Calinda and Nolan were easy to lose my patience with, but Dexter, Nolan's brother, was funny as he tried to help his floundering brother with his love interest. Scuba stole the show and was adorable and funny. A happily ever after took time, but in the end, the words finally were spoken to each other sealed their fate and they faced tomorrow together.