The Noel Diary

Jake Turner receives a call from his mother Lois's lawyer informing him of her death. He learns that he has inherited everything from her estate, including the family home in Connecticut, which he hasn't visited in two decades.

After twenty years, Jake returns to his childhood home to sort through his late mother's possessions. Memories of his past flood back as he confronts the overwhelming clutter of his mother's hoarding.

Jake reconnects with Ellie, his next-door neighbor, who brings him lunch the following day. Their conversation reveals her kindness and interest in helping Jake navigate his mother's estate.

Jake discovers that his estranged father, Scott, attended Lois's funeral in hopes of seeing him. This revelation brings back painful memories of his father's abandonment after the tragic death of Jake's older brother.

Ellie asks Jake for help with setting up a dating profile. Using his writing skills, Jake quickly crafts her online persona, leading to a rekindling of their friendship.

Jake meets Rachel Campbell, a woman who has been curiously watching the house. She reveals her quest to learn about her birth mother, who was Jake's former nanny, linking their pasts together.

Jake invites Rachel to dinner, where they discuss her desire for stability in her life. She shares details about her fiancé Alan, unaware of Jake's success as a well-known author.

After dinner, Jake and Rachel bond over music, singing and playing piano together. This moment deepens their connection as they spend the evening cleaning out more of the house.

They decide to visit Scott, but initially, Jake hesitates to confront his father. With Rachel's encouragement, they take Jake's Land Rover and head into the mountains of Vermont.

Due to a storm, Jake and Rachel find refuge at an inn where Rachel buys Jake's first book. She spends the night absorbed in his writing, revealing a deeper interest in him.

Upon reaching Scott's home, Rachel encourages Jake to reconcile with their father. Through their conversation, both Jake and Rachel gain insights into their pasts, including information about Rachel's mother.

After an emotionally charged day, Jake and Rachel spend the night together. However, their intimacy is short-lived as Rachel struggles with her feelings and the implications of their actions.

Rachel leaves Jake a note expressing her ambivalence about their relationship and her past. She resolves to leave behind her search for her birth mother, finding peace in knowing she was once loved.

Determined, Jake tracks Rachel down at her parents' house. He confesses his love, but she reveals that she does not feel the same, leaving Jake vulnerable and heartbroken.

Jake discovers unopened letters from his father, bringing unresolved feelings to light. As he leaves, he unexpectedly runs into Rachel outside, who greets him with a smile, suggesting a glimmer of hope for their relationship.