Mississippi during the 1960s: Skeeter, a southern society girl, returns from college determined to become a writer, but turns her friends' lives, and a small Mississippi town, upside down when she decides to interview the black women who have spent their lives taking care of prominent southern families. Aibileen, Skeeter's best friend's housekeeper, is the first to open up, to the dismay of her friends in the tight-knit black community.

Fortysomething Cal Weaver is living the dream: good job, nice house, great kids, and marriage to his high school sweetheart. So when Cal learns that she has cheated on him and wants a divorce, his 'perfect' life quickly unravels. Cal, who hasn't dated in decades, stands out as the epitome of un-smooth, so handsome player Jacob Palmer takes him on as wingman and protege.

Early eighteenth-century England is at war with the French. A frail Queen Anne occupies the throne, and her friend Lady Sarah tends to her ill health. When a new servant Abigail arrives, Sarah takes her under her wing, and Abigail sees a chance at a return to her aristocratic roots. As the politics of war become time-consuming for Sarah, Abigail steps in to fill in as the Queen's companion. Their growing friendship gives her a chance to fulfill her...