Against the advice of Angela, his fiancée, Manhattan psychotherapist David Weis closes his practice and buys a house on the shore of Lake Champlain. He discovers one room in his new house is haunted by the ghost of Almira, a troubled young woman, a former resident of the house. Through a series of midnight psychotherapy sessions, they analyze the cause of her spiritual entrapment. A strong bond develops between them, bringing complications for David's real-life relationship with Angela. Interspersed among the chapters of Quiet Room David learns of 1840s America's society with strict classes, forbidden desires, and gothic romance.

Young Almira's lonely life at her family's isolated estate makes it difficult to deal with the circumstances of her mother's recent death and her father's new wife. About the same time, Daniel comes to work there. In time, Almira and Daniel fall desperately in love. Unless they find a way to prevent it, Almira's father and the realities of 19th century America will keep them apart.