Kathleen Kelly runs a small, enchanting children's bookstore in New York City. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she starts an anonymous online correspondence with Joe Fox, a charming man she met in an AOL chat room. Unbeknownst to her, Joe is the scion of Fox & Sons, a mega bookstore chain that is opening a new location near Kathleen's shop. As their emotional connection deepens through email exchanges, their professional lives are on a collision course. Joe's new store threatens the survival of Kathleen's beloved, independent bookstore, a business she inherited from her mother.

As Kathleen and Joe's virtual bond grows, they unknowingly encounter each other in real life, often clashing over the impact Joe's bookstore is having on Kathleen's business and neighborhood. Their initial real-world interactions are contentious and filled with misunderstandings. Despite this, their online relationship continues to flourish, offering solace and companionship. Tensions rise as the truth about their identities and professional rivalry begins to surface, compelling both to confront their feelings and the realities of their intersecting lives.