A former college English instructor now bookstore owner, Deborah Robinson is trying to hold her life together following her husband's accidental death. Alone for the first time in years, Deborah returns to her childhood home, Sanctuary Cove on Cavanaugh Island with her teenaged children Whitney and Crystal. Deborah will open her grandmother's house and relocate The Parlor Bookstore to a vacant shop on Main Street.

Grief-stricken over the loss of his wife and son in an automobile accident, Dr. Asa Monroe has closed his successful medical practice in Delaware and has begun a journey of healing and self-discovery as he drives from state to state, questioning his faith and awaiting approval of his application to join Doctors Without Borders. Deborah is shocked to find the older, attractive and mysterious Asa Monroe applying to the help-wanted ad she posted for the store. Asa accepts Deborah's minimal offer and decides to stay in Sanctuary Cove temporarily.

Unprepared for what's to come, the two become better acquainted while working at the store and embark on a journey of trust, healing, friendship, and love.