Second Hope, a collection of fiction and poetry, talks about loss and rediscovery. In the first section, Second Hope, the main character finds solace in a friendship with a CNA who cared for his father who was suffering from Alzheimer's disease. This section handles the subject of loss and grief with compassion and empathy. The next section, Nets Must Be Tossed and Tossed Aside, is a collection of short stories dealing with loss and rediscovery. The third section, All Eyes on the River, is a collection of poetry. Second Hope is a must read for anyone who has faced the trials of life.

Mike Bayles, a lifelong Midwest resident, writes about human connections with nature and settings, and about connections with each other.