Monte Wildhorn, a Western novelist whose passion for writing has waned after personal tragedy, retreats to a lakeside cabin in Belle Isle to spend the summer in solitude. A wheelchair user and a drunk, Monte becomes increasingly bitter, having lost the will to write. His nephew arranges for him to stay in the cabin with the hope that the quiet surroundings might spur his uncle's creativity once more. Upon his arrival, Monte's curmudgeonly demeanor is evident as he interacts with the locals, including a family living next door.

The O’Neil family, composed of the single mother, Charlotte, and her three daughters, slowly becomes a part of Monte's life. The precocious and spirited youngest, Finnegan, in particular, draws Monte out of his shell by seeking him out as a mentor. She is fascinated with his writing and his past successes, and she wants to learn how to tell stories. Through their interactions, Monte finds a renewed sense of purpose and begins to reconnect with the joy of imagination and storytelling. As the summer progresses, the bond between Monte and the O’Neil family grows, with each member bringing new insights and helping him confront his pain and loss.