Elena & The Heartwood Grove

By Arlen Bartsch

When nine-year-old Elena Willow moves to her grandmother's cottage for the summer, she feels uprooted, uncertain, and deeply missing her father. But the ancient forest behind the cottage-known as Heartwood Grove-has secrets waiting for her. Guided by whispers in the wind and a fragile fawn she names Lumi, Elena begins a journey of discovery, healing, and courage. From a hidden letterbox filled with messages of love and loss, to a fox who teaches her that love flows like water, to an owl who shows her the meaning of forgiveness, Elena learns that the forest carries wisdom for those willing to listen. Across twelve tender episodes, Elena & the Heartwood Grove explores themes of love, trust, letting go, and finding strength after family separation. With luminous illustrations and lyrical prose, this heartfelt tale invites children and families alike to walk alongside Elena as she grows into courage, compassion, and connection. Perfect for readers ages 6-12, this story is designed to spark meaningful conversations between parents, grandparents, and children, and to be cherished as both a bedtime ritual and a timeless keepsake.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1257716107
• ISBN13: 9781257716104
• Release Date: September 2025
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 0.22 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 6.0" x 9.0"