Danyana "Yana" Morneen, the only child of a widowed cobbler, has always wondered why the forest seems so sad. Dark and lifeless, it sits on the outskirts of town, never producing the lush greenness she longs for. As Yana explores the secrets of the forest, she tries in vain to keep an admirer's advances at bay.

Many women in the village desire Nicolas Vanlock, the wealthy, handsome son of a local merchant, but he only has eyes for Yana. For as long as she can remember, Nicolas has been trying to force himself into her life, and now he desires marriage. But Yana knows that her destiny does not lie with Nicolas.

As she ventures further into the forest and its secrets, Yana discovers a lush, hidden estate in the very heart of the woods and is surrounded by magic she cannot comprehend. Her visits to the property's garden of roses become more frequent, and she becomes aware of a presence in the dilapidated old mansion. Nicolas fears he is losing his true love to another, and he begins a relentless campaign to claim Yana's heart.

If Nicolas has his way, Yana will never be allowed to enter the enchanted forest again .