Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) owns a charming book shop specializing in children's books, but competition from the new Fox Books megastore opening around the corner is putting her out of business. When Kathleen meets Joe Fox (Tom Hanks) of the Fox Books family, she finds herself saying some uncharacteristically mean things. She turns to an online friend to express her frustration. Many e-mails later, the two arrange to meet, but Kathleen is left thinking she has been stood up when the only man to show up at the restaurant is Joe. Realizing that his online friend is his business competitor, Joe enjoys playing the dual role of antagonist and potential romantic partner until he is sure he has won her over.