When Emily's father dies, she is left in the care of her mother's family. But she is a stranger to the proud Murrays, and they don't want responsibility for the heartbroken, headstrong girl. Emily is sent to live at New Moon Farm with stern Aunt Elizabeth, head of the clan, kind Aunt Laura and eccentric Cousin Jimmy.

Emily is enchanted by New Moon but cannot believe she will ever belong there. With her lively imagination and dreams of being a famous writer, she infuriates her family. Before long, though, she has made firm friends: Ilse, a tomboy with a blazing temper, Teddy, an aspiring artist, and Perry, the ambitious houseboy. She brings so much life to New Moon that even Aunt Elizabeth might one day wonder how they ever lived without her.