Set in the 1840's, the story follows Maria Merryweather, a 13 year old orphan on her journey to the mysterious Moonacre Manor in the beautiful West Country. There she finds herself in a crumbling house of secrets and mystery in a world caught up in time. Maria discovers that she is the last Moon Princess and she has only until the next full moon to undo the misdeeds of her ancestors and save the Moonacre estate from disappearing into the sea forever. Although she is aided by a stable of wonderful characters and magical beasts, it is only by self-sacrifice and perseverance that she will be able to succeed.