A group of Anglican nuns, led by Sister Clodagh, are sent to a mountain in the Himalayas. The climate in the region is hostile and the nuns are housed in an odd old palace. They work to establish a school and a hospital, but slowly their focus shifts. Sister Ruth falls for a government worker, Mr. Dean, and begins to question her vow of celibacy. As Sister Ruth obsesses over Mr. Dean, Sister Clodagh becomes immersed in her own memories of love.

Three modern day pilgrims investigate a bizarre crime in a small town on the way to Canterbury.

A young girl is engaged to a man she doesn't love, and rather than marry him she decides to flee the situation altogether. She is helped by a crusty old barge captain.

Which soldier will the naive, impressionable Raina choose to love - the unromantic, hard-nosed, tough Bluntschli, or the handsome, dashing, reckless (and extremely stupid) Sergius?