Set in the late nineteenth century in New Brunswick, The Heart of the Ancient Wood tells the tale of a mother and daughter who move to the woods to escape vicious gossip in the town. Despite the isolation they soon create a comfortable home for themselves and come to know the animals who live in the area. Years go by and Miranda becomes reacquainted with a young man that she knew when they were both children. Their potential romance is hindered by their conflicting philosophies about the natural world until one day when a terrifying encounter forces Miranda to question many of her ideals.