Seeking a change from life in a crowded city, Dave Ross purchases an abandoned stock farm at the edge of the Enchanted forest in Northern Maine. The young man quickly becomes acquainted with his closest neighbor, Chip Chandler, who relates a local legend of love, loss and metamorphosis. Dave concludes the grizzled old lumberman is a misogynist, and disregards his thinly veiled warnings against involvement with the Perdrys, the large and merry family down the road.

Mama and Papa Perdry have seven attractive children: three young men, Jasper, Matthew, and Peter; and four young women, Anna, Molly, Sally and Clotilde. The siblings bear such a strong family resemblance that they are nearly indistinguishable, particularly since they are all apparently very close in age. Tightly knit, and dressed in old-fashioned clothing, the family thrives on the abundant vegetation they gather in the forest, trading the excess for the few necessities they cannot make themselves.

Dave becomes enamored of the lovely Molly, and is delighted when she consents to marry him. So are the Perdrys, who encourage them to wed immediately. While Chip privately wonders how the young couple will fare, he is unexpectedly supportive of their union.

The two decide to honeymoon by camping in the woods, and it is there that Dave begins to notice his bride's unusual traits. Molly is terrified of being alone; frightened of cats, dogs and foxes; and dislikes cooking and eating meat. These peculiarities become even more apparent as the young people begin their married life together, and Dave finally loses patience when Molly runs home to her family after he asks her to prepare three freshly killed chickens for a dinner guest.

Molly's lengthy absence leaves Dave ample time to ponder her mysterious family, Chip's admonitions, and the strange magic of the Enchanted. This lovely, lyrical and unusual romance is beautifully and memorably told by Elizabeth Coatsworth, and is suitable for all ages.