Emily Shaw is a young widow whose late husband left her a surprise gift - an insurance policy that will make their dream of owning a home in Sunset Beach, North Carolina, a reality. Emily, believing she has lost the one great love of her life, is reluctant to pursue this dream by herself. Emily's best friend finally convinces her to take the leap and find her dream home. While in Sunset Beach, Emily begins to make friends with some of the locals, including a widow, a troubled teen, and the bridge tender who turns out to be a once-popular movie star on whom Emily had a teenage crush.
Meanwhile the townspeople are divided in an argument over replacing the old bridge. The losses Emily and the bridge tender share are different, but together they just might be able to lead each other to healing. In the midst of their newfound friendship, will Emily allow her broken heart to love again?