Francesca Johnson's future seems set until an unexpected turn makes her rethink everything she thought she knew about life. While her husband and kids are off enjoying the Illinois State Fair in the summer of 1965, Robert Kincaid shows up at the Johnson farm asking for directions to Roseman Bridge. She later finds out he's in Iowa working on a project for National Geographic Magazine.
Although she's hesitant since he's a stranger, she eventually agrees to guide him to the bridges, and they end up sharing her story of being a war bride from Italy, sparking a brief but poignant romance. As she grapples with the pain of being apart from her secret love and feels isolated by her everyday life, she documents their four-day affair in three journals. After her passing, her kids discover these journals while sorting through her will, which leads them to a hope chest filled with her and Robert's mementos.
The main takeaway from the diaries is what it truly means to be happy in life. When they learn that Robert's ashes were scattered at Roseman Bridge and that their mom wanted the same for her remains, they face the tough decision of respecting her wishes or laying her to rest next to their dad as planned. This tale, based on Robert James Waller’s novel, is about a once-in-a-lifetime love, if you're fortunate enough to experience it.