The following version of this book was used to create the guide: King, Lily. Writers & Lovers. Grove Press, 2020.

After 31-year-old Casey Peabody's mother suddenly dies, she is thrown into a world of uncertainties. Attempting to hide her grief, Casey ventures off on a writing residency in Rhode Island. There she falls for a charming poet, Luke, who she believes was sent by her mother. Their fast fling ends suddenly when Casey learns Luke is married.

Afterwards, she returns to life in Cambridge, where she serves at a social club called Iris, lives in a tiny potting shed on the edge of her brother's friend's property, and attempts completing her novel. Though Iris barely covers her rent and college loans, Casey counts on the job for a sense of normalcy. She also welcomes the bustling distraction the restaurant offers her.

Through her writer friend, Muriel, Casey attends a series of writing events in town. While at a reading for local author, Oscar Kolton, Casey meets Muriel's fellow workshopper, Silas. The two begin talking on the phone, connecting immediately. When Casey tells him about her mother, Silas tells her about losing his sister eight years prior. They set up a date. Just before they are meant to meet, Silas cancels, announcing that he left town to drive west. Casey is disgusted.

She continues to work on her novel without much success, all the while missing her mother desperately. At times writing the story of her mother's youth allows her to feel at peace. At other times, it only increases her longing. Meanwhile, she continues work at Iris. One Sunday during brunch, Oscar Kolton sits in Casey's section with his two young boys. Though Casey is nervous, the four get along readily. The boys fall in love with her, and Oscar leaves his number an invitation to meet up.

After Casey is hit by a car, she secures health insurance and schedules a series of appointments. Preoccupations with her doctor's visits keep her from returning Oscar's repeated calls. Eventually they make plans to go to the arboretum. Casey is drawn to him immediately. Muriel is also thrilled with the romantic prospect.

Not long after, however, Silas resurfaces, and wants to see Casey. When she ignores his calls, he appears at her work. Seeing him makes Casey remember their initial connection. She agrees to go out with him. She is shocked at her electric attraction to him during their first date. He is honest and easy to be around.

She continues working on her novel, finding a renewed success in her work. She thinks dating two men at once is helping her artistic endeavors. She goes on two more dates with Oscar, finally invited to see his children again. Though she loves the boys, Casey fears what getting close to them will mean if the relationship does not work out. Oscar is confident they are perfect for each other.

On their next date, Casey tells Oscar she finished her novel, and gave her first draft to Muriel to read. They both know Muriel is an accomplished writer and tough critic. Silas is genuinely proud of her. At home, Casey has a message from Muriel expressing her enthusiasm with the novel. Casey is so excited, she wishes she could talk to her mother.

After applying Muriel's edits to her draft, Casey sends out several copies of the novel to potential agents. Sending the book out, however, does not grant Casey the peace she had hoped for. Rather, she feels more anxious than ever. Her fear regarding her book begins bleeding into her work and personal life. She grows increasingly on edge while at Iris. Her dates with Oscar and Silas also become more strained. She blames the men for their behaviors, and ends things with Silas.

Before receiving one proper offer, Casey gets 11 rejection letters on her novel. While talking to her potential new agent, Casey is distracted and hears none of her suggested edits. Though Muriel helps guide her editing process, Casey is frustrated and distracted. Then her landlord tells her she has to leave her home because he is selling the property on which her apartment is located. When she tells Oscar, he invites her to live with him. Rather than exciting her, this prospect leads Casey to an emotional breakdown.

She loses her balance and self-control at work, and is fired. On her way home, everything reminds her of a memory she does not want to think about. She realizes she will never be as good as her mother, and fears she is wasting her life.

When Oscar hears about her job loss, he offers to pay her for babysitting his boys while he is away. Casey grows even more attached to the boys while he is gone. When Oscar returns, however, he is cold and distant. Casey says goodbye, as if she is planning on ending it.

Shortly thereafter, Casey takes an interview at a private high school. She is comfortable throughout her visit, realizing afterwards that she may have said the wrong things and ruined her chances of getting hired. At a café afterwards, she bumps into Silas. They spend the afternoon together, explaining everything that has happened to one another. Casey realizes she was meant to be with him all along, but Silas rejects her offer to get back together.

Casey receives and accepts the teaching job. The new job energizes her. She finishes her second novel draft and begins the new year feeling refreshed. During a writing event at the school, her agent calls to say someone wants to publish the book. She runs into Silas, and explains what happened. They make amends. A few days later, they attend a concert together. They walk home together, and visit Casey's favorite geese in the park. Casey feels at peace.