I enjoyed this entry in the series, though I thought it had some odd episodes for a book of this nature. I thought the description of the mother's birth under tragic circumstances (Culloden) was out of character for the book, as was the abrupt ending. They're off to save someone's life, but you don't find out if they do, which is just odd. And I do wish I knew which parts of the story were "true," based on the real Martha Morse's life, and which were just imagined by the author. But still, lovely descriptions of the Highlands, and Martha's realizations about her station in life compared to that of her father's tenants--her friends--is realistic. Since the real Martha apparently married a blacksmith and moved to America, losing her station as a laird's daughter, I think the author wanted readers to know that Martha would welcome the change.

Reading aloud to Sarah and Pat at night. Love these Martha books. This is the only one I don't have my own copy of, and I'm DYING for one--it's the best one of the series. It's out of print and super pricey--even on e-bay.

Anyway, this is supposed to be like the Little House on the Prairie books, but it's about one of Laura's ancestors set in Scotland. Very delightful character, well written historical fiction.

I've read them all before, but it's all I can do to not read ahead during the day.

Martha is now 8 and a half years old, an age that allows her to have a governess.
Yet Miss Norrie does not understand Martha at all. She may be trying to teach the girl manners, but she doesn't show those manners to others. In particular, she is disrespectful to "mere servants," and others beneath her station.

What I have loved about Martha's family is that they constantly show love and respect to others, whether they're blood, of high stations (like other lairds), or servants & tenants. More love and joy is spread that way - and they in turn receive respect.

Nannie and Gerald get married. I think it's weird that there was no mention of the wedding cheese like in the first book.

I find it interesting to learn of how Auld Mary explains how to best dye different things. Like Martha, I'm boggled at how pink heather flowers are best in creating yellow dye. And I learned of "home brew" which made me think of how we currently use vinegar for color-stay. Indian saffron was also used to create yellow colors, and that was clickbait for me.
I am surprised that Auld Mary hasn't mentored anyone in the different things she knows how to do.

Something that is noticeable in Martha's interactions is her station. Although she's not yet 9, her friends have many responsibilities, including cooking. Martha's been busy too, though with tutelage under her governesses - for Miss Crow ends up replacing Miss Nonnie. As a laird's daughter, Martha IS different and is of a higher station, but it's never been important until now, when even her tenant children friends point out that she will never need to do certain things. The parents are no longer allowing Martha to help, now that she's older and instead of being play to keep children occupied, it'd be more considered work.
At one point Martha feels like she's not /needed/ like her friends are, because she can't do much and only "helps" in ways to humor adults (I don't mean funny-haha humor, but more of accommodation). I understand why she would feel that way.

This is seen even more when Duncan and the other boys come home for summer break. There is awkwardness between him and Martha, and Lew & some other boys. Knowing that Martha and Lew end up marrying makes this more bearable.

Fortunately, Miss Crow helps with that, including requiring her to brush her own hair! Miss Crow is awesome and takes the time to know and understand Martha. This respect then makes Martha respect her and not complain about the required lessons.

I LOVE the Saint Michael story.

Martha taking charge of the kitchen on Handsel morning was perfect. Grisie allowing this was even better. Despite being 8 years older, she recognizes where her sister's talents lie and is more than willing to let the young one take charge.

The last two chapters had me red with concern and crying - almost sobbing.

Scottish history and legends are woven into this touching tale of Martha Morse, Laura Ingalls Wilder's great grandmother.

love this series!!!

Loved it, but does anyone know why these books are so expensive?

More Martha stories.

If you like the Little House Books by Wilder, you will love this series. Martha is so full of life and adventure. It is also a look into the lives of people in the highlands of Scotland in the late 1700's.

I especially liked this book because you see Martha becoming aware of how her life is different from the children she played with as a child. Suddenly, she is glimpsing what it means to be a lady.

The third in the Martha series is a robust contribution. The story is rich, and the characters continue to develop, although Martha's brothers are sorely missed. Two minor plot lines seem to dangle at the end; the new characters of Miss Norrie, Miss Crow, and young MacDougal enrich the narrative, and the older characters of Cook and Auld Mary remain the bulwarks they have been.

The story was charming but it ended very abruptly without a satisfying conclusion. Martha is so innocent and it was interesting to see her beginning to realize the difference between her life as a laird’s daughter and that of her peers in the village. There are definitely signs that Martha longs for a different lifestyle than that of a noble lady, so I am interested to see if the final book in the series will cover that storyline more.

Cannot remember when I read this, but I think it was last year (2022).

It was good. Not overly good, but it was good. I kinda remember the ending being abrupt, but it wasn't particularly a cliffhanger type of ending. I enjoy reading about Martha growing up and learning to act more mature.

I loved Down to the Bonny Glen! My favorite part was watching the relationship grow between Martha and Miss Crow, her new governess.