When literature student Anastasia Steele is drafted to interview the successful young entrepreneur Christian Grey for her campus magazine, she finds him attractive, enigmatic and intimidating. Convinced their meeting went badly, she tries to put Grey out of her mind--until he happens to turn up at the out-of-town hardware store where she works part-time.

For Sierra Jones, Sullivan's Crossing is meant to be a brief stopover. She'e put her troubled past behind her but the path forward isn't yet clear. A visit with her big brohter Cal and his new bride, Maggie seems to be the best option to help her get back on her feet. Not wanting to burden or depend on anyone, Sierra is surprised to find the Crossing offers so much more than a place to rest her head. Cal and Maggie welcome her into their busy lives...