What do you think?
Rate this book
Little House: The Martha Years #3
Down to the Bonny Glen
With the arrival of her new governess, Miss Crow, Martha begins to see that her work is quite important and soon realizes she could learn a great deal from her if she only took the time to get to know her. Simultaneous.
321 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2001
8 people are currently reading
1708 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Wiley
29 books376 followersMelissa Wiley is the author of The Nerviest Girl in the World, The Prairie Thief, Fox and Crow Are Not Friends, the Inch and Roly series, the Martha and Charlotte Little House books, and other books for kids. Melissa has been blogging about her family’s reading life and tidal homeschooling adventures at Here in the Bonny Glen since 2005. She is @melissawiley on Twitter and @melissawileybooks on Instagram.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
March 1, 2025
2025 Review
The beginning of Martha's class consciousness! A canon event in every 90s-00s historical middle grade fiction about upper-class girls, in my experience (American Girl, Royal Diaries/Dear America...). I really like Miss Crow and her interest in Martha's world. I liked the interactions with Auld Mary especially, and how Wiley showed the whole estate pulling together for Mrs. Gow. Some really beautiful moments in this book and I love it.
2021 Review
Still such a sweet series. I love the character of Miss Crow, and how Wiley handled the exit of Miss Norrie. Wiley really respects her young readers and expects much of them. The trademark of the Little House series, which is learning about artisanship and historical ways of life, stands out to me in Down to the Bonny Glen. I've recently read a few books on yarn production, and learning about spinning and winding techniques in 18th century Scotland again was quite fun.
The beginning of Martha's class consciousness! A canon event in every 90s-00s historical middle grade fiction about upper-class girls, in my experience (American Girl, Royal Diaries/Dear America...). I really like Miss Crow and her interest in Martha's world. I liked the interactions with Auld Mary especially, and how Wiley showed the whole estate pulling together for Mrs. Gow. Some really beautiful moments in this book and I love it.
2021 Review
Still such a sweet series. I love the character of Miss Crow, and how Wiley handled the exit of Miss Norrie. Wiley really respects her young readers and expects much of them. The trademark of the Little House series, which is learning about artisanship and historical ways of life, stands out to me in Down to the Bonny Glen. I've recently read a few books on yarn production, and learning about spinning and winding techniques in 18th century Scotland again was quite fun.
February 9, 2017
'Tis a bonny book, indeed!
The chapters simply fly by -- I, for one, couldn't stop reading it! When away from the book for hours at a time, I found myself wondering what would happen next to Hedgie (Martha's dear little pet hedgehog that lives in the larder to collect the bugs), or what special bit of wisdom that Auld Mary would next impart to her starling pupil, or worrying about whether or not Martha will end up sending the second governess packing, just as she did to Miss Norrie.
Martha Morse herself is quite a bonny girl. She loves spending her days out on the moors and imagining where the little fairy folk flit about. Even though she's the daughter of the Glencaraid laird, she doesn't put on fancy airs, and instead desires to put in some honest work whenever she can finagle it in (which is mostly when her parents or governess isn't looking). I like her character a lot -- she's a good, honest lass that other girls can look up to as a role model.
I tell you, I read so many passages aloud to myself (always in as best a Scottish accent as I can manage). The writing is simply perfect. The author somehow went above and beyond what is needed for a children's book to truly convey the Scottish heritage. I really liked how in this volume, it covers several months of time and we get to experience quite a few special days and holidays of the Scottish culture with Martha and the Morse family (most of the traditions I barely knew about myself!).
NOTE to the discerning reader & parents: There's a lot of folklore, fairy tales, and superstitions that the villagers of Glencaraid either believe in or at least talk of often. At a later point in the book, the mother tells the story of her own birth.
The chapters simply fly by -- I, for one, couldn't stop reading it! When away from the book for hours at a time, I found myself wondering what would happen next to Hedgie (Martha's dear little pet hedgehog that lives in the larder to collect the bugs), or what special bit of wisdom that Auld Mary would next impart to her starling pupil, or worrying about whether or not Martha will end up sending the second governess packing, just as she did to Miss Norrie.
Martha Morse herself is quite a bonny girl. She loves spending her days out on the moors and imagining where the little fairy folk flit about. Even though she's the daughter of the Glencaraid laird, she doesn't put on fancy airs, and instead desires to put in some honest work whenever she can finagle it in (which is mostly when her parents or governess isn't looking). I like her character a lot -- she's a good, honest lass that other girls can look up to as a role model.
I tell you, I read so many passages aloud to myself (always in as best a Scottish accent as I can manage). The writing is simply perfect. The author somehow went above and beyond what is needed for a children's book to truly convey the Scottish heritage. I really liked how in this volume, it covers several months of time and we get to experience quite a few special days and holidays of the Scottish culture with Martha and the Morse family (most of the traditions I barely knew about myself!).
NOTE to the discerning reader & parents: There's a lot of folklore, fairy tales, and superstitions that the villagers of Glencaraid either believe in or at least talk of often. At a later point in the book, the mother tells the story of her own birth.
October 22, 2013
- this was my favourite Martha Years books
- I think because of
- I used to love but also be quite confused by the Scottish accent that Wiley writes out. Like "och" and "nay." Man, that first one really confused 11-year-old me.
- I think because of
- I used to love but also be quite confused by the Scottish accent that Wiley writes out. Like "och" and "nay." Man, that first one really confused 11-year-old me.
August 21, 2015
N'aww.
Martha's eight and a half in the beginning of this book. One of the things that I love is that Martha doesn't repeat herself. She doesn't go and watch sheep shearing two book in a row.
We see Martha growing up. She hadn't realized until this book how different life as the laird's daughter is compared to a tenant's daughter. Even the other children realize the difference.
When I was eight and a half, I was flying through third grade, not a care in the world. Other than that, I don't remember what I was doing. For real. I barely remember what responsibilities I had, but I know for certain that I didn't get to touch a fire for anything other than marshmallows. Annie Davis was eight and a half and in charge of getting food cooked for her family. Goodness. Today I am glad that I live in the present.
Things are changing. We meet one governess who is a total waste of time for Martha. Then we meet the next one who is nice and lovely. The boys are away at school, Grisie is seventeen and has the boys after her hand in marriage. Wowza. I didn't even like weddings when I was seventeen.
One thing that I dislike is that Melissa Wiley will mention Lew Tucker and Ian Cameron by name, but Not Lew Tucker's older brother. I'm guessing part of it has to do with Lew and Ian being closer to Martha's age, not to mention what we already know Lewis Tucker and Martha Morse have a... history. I'd really like to know how that one happened, but the last we hear from Martha until Charlotte's series is when she is ten. Ten year olds don't catch husbands. Well, they're not supposed to anyway.
One book left. :'(
Martha's eight and a half in the beginning of this book. One of the things that I love is that Martha doesn't repeat herself. She doesn't go and watch sheep shearing two book in a row.
We see Martha growing up. She hadn't realized until this book how different life as the laird's daughter is compared to a tenant's daughter. Even the other children realize the difference.
When I was eight and a half, I was flying through third grade, not a care in the world. Other than that, I don't remember what I was doing. For real. I barely remember what responsibilities I had, but I know for certain that I didn't get to touch a fire for anything other than marshmallows. Annie Davis was eight and a half and in charge of getting food cooked for her family. Goodness. Today I am glad that I live in the present.
Things are changing. We meet one governess who is a total waste of time for Martha. Then we meet the next one who is nice and lovely. The boys are away at school, Grisie is seventeen and has the boys after her hand in marriage. Wowza. I didn't even like weddings when I was seventeen.
One thing that I dislike is that Melissa Wiley will mention Lew Tucker and Ian Cameron by name, but Not Lew Tucker's older brother. I'm guessing part of it has to do with Lew and Ian being closer to Martha's age, not to mention what we already know Lewis Tucker and Martha Morse have a... history. I'd really like to know how that one happened, but the last we hear from Martha until Charlotte's series is when she is ten. Ten year olds don't catch husbands. Well, they're not supposed to anyway.
One book left. :'(
March 7, 2025
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.
May 26, 2019
My absolute favorite Martha, and one of my childhood favorite books, in general! Very charming. Much better than the first two. Longer as well. Lots of very interesting events in this one. Martha was the perfect age here. I believe it was my favorite when I was small, as well. Last book made me sad, so it's good that the one before it was so happy.
October 1, 2017
Such growth in Martha. I'm loving this series. A wedding, governesses, dancing, and understanding family.
January 2, 2021
Just like Ms Wiley did with the first book in this series, this is the third book in the Martha Years, she incorporated lots of History in her writing. This book opens the doors for the older readers to do independent research about the various traditions, ways of life she writes about. 9 year old Martha experiences more in this book than she has in the other books, and most are traditional life living in the late 1700's in Scotland. Had my attention that I feel asleep each night reading since I didn't want to stop and put the book down. This one (to me) was the best one thus far.
You could probably read it without reading the first two books and not be 'lost'. But the first two books help the reader understand about her siblings especially her three older brothers whom have gotten old enough to go away to school and in this book they are mentioned quite a bit but they aren't a main character. Also in the other books you learn the relationship Martha has with her older sister and why she is so confused at her acting so strange now that she's gotten older (courting age...is she really old enough to be married Martha wonders) And the other books just establishes Martha's love for those around her and without reading those you miss out on that but this book is wonderful and I'm so glad I decided to read them!
You could probably read it without reading the first two books and not be 'lost'. But the first two books help the reader understand about her siblings especially her three older brothers whom have gotten old enough to go away to school and in this book they are mentioned quite a bit but they aren't a main character. Also in the other books you learn the relationship Martha has with her older sister and why she is so confused at her acting so strange now that she's gotten older (courting age...is she really old enough to be married Martha wonders) And the other books just establishes Martha's love for those around her and without reading those you miss out on that but this book is wonderful and I'm so glad I decided to read them!
July 23, 2017
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.
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.
April 12, 2023
I admittedly didn’t enjoy the second book, as it was quite boring. This picks up the pace slightly, as Martha is now older - I still don’t know how the author is going to squeeze all the story into 4 books, when Martha is only 8-9 in this.
I think this book really opens Martha’s eyes to the goings on in her day to day life. She gets a governess and then loses a governess. She then gets another governess who she at least gets on a bit better with, but Miss Crowe does talk about going to America. And obviously we know that Laura will be born in America, so at some point, her ancestors will move there.
At the moment though, Martha is still the daughter of a Scottish laird. She is also seeing the differences between her, a laird’s daughter and the tenants daughters/children, between their clothes to how they eat. I think this was a bit of a shock for Martha and I hope this continues in the final book in the Martha series.
“Lew” Tucker is also mentioned, who we know from the family tree in the beginning, is her future husband - little do either of them know it yet! There’s also hints of what is to come, as there’s talk of a laird’s daughter marrying someone of her station, and potentially of her father’s choosing. Much is made of Lew being a blacksmith’s son, and with this, we know there may be some fallout. HOPEFULLY this will be mentioned in the final book, although I dread to think of what I have to come.
Martha also gets faced with her sisters growing up and a serious illness, although not within the family. the author is using these tidbits to show how Martha is growing up and being a bit more aware of her surroundings.
In all honesty, I would give the second one a miss and move straight onto this one.
I think this book really opens Martha’s eyes to the goings on in her day to day life. She gets a governess and then loses a governess. She then gets another governess who she at least gets on a bit better with, but Miss Crowe does talk about going to America. And obviously we know that Laura will be born in America, so at some point, her ancestors will move there.
At the moment though, Martha is still the daughter of a Scottish laird. She is also seeing the differences between her, a laird’s daughter and the tenants daughters/children, between their clothes to how they eat. I think this was a bit of a shock for Martha and I hope this continues in the final book in the Martha series.
“Lew” Tucker is also mentioned, who we know from the family tree in the beginning, is her future husband - little do either of them know it yet! There’s also hints of what is to come, as there’s talk of a laird’s daughter marrying someone of her station, and potentially of her father’s choosing. Much is made of Lew being a blacksmith’s son, and with this, we know there may be some fallout. HOPEFULLY this will be mentioned in the final book, although I dread to think of what I have to come.
Martha also gets faced with her sisters growing up and a serious illness, although not within the family. the author is using these tidbits to show how Martha is growing up and being a bit more aware of her surroundings.
In all honesty, I would give the second one a miss and move straight onto this one.
November 23, 2017
Martha is frustrated because Mum has said she's too old to be playing on the moors now, and she must have a governess.First there's Miss Norrie. All she must to do is teach Martha sewing and etiquette. But Martha's high spirits are too much for her, and she leaves in a hurry. Martha thinks that's the end of that, but then another governess shows up. Her name is Miss Crow, and Martha is sure she's going to be even worse!
Down To The Bonny Glen is the third book in The Martha Years, an ongoing series about another spirited girl from America's most beloved pioneer family.
I recommend this book for all ages. I just finished reading this to my 18 month old and we loved it.
I loved reading this out loud to my son. A lot of times in my best Scottish accent (horrible but he knows no better.) This book was bittersweet, Martha is still an innocent but adventurous little girl but at the same time is starting to notice and wonder about adolescent things.
I loved seeing Martha's brain work in this book. The way she notices her brothers and sisters changing and growing up. How she notices other kids and the classes of society. My favorite was her observations on how kids feel about their fathers and how she feels about her own. It's sad to think she will probably be all grown up.
I love how this family has genuine love and respect for each other and how they are always going out of their way to help others.
I rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars.
Down To The Bonny Glen is the third book in The Martha Years, an ongoing series about another spirited girl from America's most beloved pioneer family.
I recommend this book for all ages. I just finished reading this to my 18 month old and we loved it.
I loved reading this out loud to my son. A lot of times in my best Scottish accent (horrible but he knows no better.) This book was bittersweet, Martha is still an innocent but adventurous little girl but at the same time is starting to notice and wonder about adolescent things.
I loved seeing Martha's brain work in this book. The way she notices her brothers and sisters changing and growing up. How she notices other kids and the classes of society. My favorite was her observations on how kids feel about their fathers and how she feels about her own. It's sad to think she will probably be all grown up.
I love how this family has genuine love and respect for each other and how they are always going out of their way to help others.
I rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars.
March 4, 2025
Pros: Cute Protagonist, Scottish vibes, Auld Mary's Care for MC
Cons: Grisie (the older sister), Not Enough Duncan (brother,
We're following Martha, now 8.5 years old and high time to grow out of childish things, according to her parents and new governess at least. Yet Martha still longs for the moors and is inquisitive about life outside of copywork and stitching.
I took a star off for Grisie. She's annoyingly snooty in this book too and only gets called out one time. She's almost as bad as governess number one, only I think she does love Martha deep down still, she just seems to hate the land and people of her upbringing. It's fine to have different goals or likes but there's no need to bag out where your currently at when there's nothing seriously wrong with it, it's just not her taste.
Love our Martha as always, just want to protect her youthful, kind and appreciative heart!
Cons: Grisie (the older sister), Not Enough Duncan (brother,
We're following Martha, now 8.5 years old and high time to grow out of childish things, according to her parents and new governess at least. Yet Martha still longs for the moors and is inquisitive about life outside of copywork and stitching.
I took a star off for Grisie. She's annoyingly snooty in this book too and only gets called out one time. She's almost as bad as governess number one, only I think she does love Martha deep down still, she just seems to hate the land and people of her upbringing. It's fine to have different goals or likes but there's no need to bag out where your currently at when there's nothing seriously wrong with it, it's just not her taste.
Love our Martha as always, just want to protect her youthful, kind and appreciative heart!
October 7, 2017
I feel as though this book really only deserves a 3.5 stars but I can't bring myself to poorly rate a little house book! I enjoyed the story quite a bit but the ending is what really lowered my rating. The family is in the middle of a situation (multiple things are going on actually) and it pretty much ends! The author doesn't elaborate or smooth out these new plots and it appears the next book is about 2 years later when she is 10. I found this to be slightly frustrating because these final situations appear to be of the utmost importance to Martha yet there is no closure at the end. Other than that I enjoyed reading about this spirited little girl =)
January 24, 2024
I moved counties last month and they surprisingly had this book in their collection. These Little House Legacy books are out of print and so difficult to get my wee hands on them. Martha Morse is my favorite Ingalls ancestor and she's a firecracker. Her Scottish dialect is a bonny treat and she's got lots of great qualities: cleverness, loyalty, and individuality. Down to the Bonny Glen was a fun entry in the series and I had a wonderful time. It opened with a fun Scottish wedding and closed with a cliffhanger racing across the Highlands to help a family in need. I only have one book left in Martha's collection and thankfully my library has it in their catalog. I'm not looking forward to saying goodbye, but rather glad I was able to say hello in the first place.
September 4, 2023
An informative historical fiction of living in Scotland. With Martha growing up, she’s aware of the happenings going on around her and begins to realize a lot of things. Ladies being married off and moving. The difference between her family and her father’s tenants. That she’s old enough to do things for herself without others assistance.
At this point, I’m used to Wiley’s writing style and was able to finish reading this book within a day, regardless of the jargon and lingo in the book.
At this point, I’m used to Wiley’s writing style and was able to finish reading this book within a day, regardless of the jargon and lingo in the book.
August 15, 2017
The excitement picked up in places, but these aren't very well written books and there are a couple of oddities. Yellow yarrow flowers? Plans to grow cotton in Scotland of all places? The book ended without finishing the story of the character I was most worried about, too. A climax with no resolution.
August 20, 2019
None of the other "Little House Years" books are as good as the ones about Laura but other then the Laura books the Martha ones are definitely my favorite. I love Scotland so that made this books particularly interesting to me but in general I just think they are the best written and most engaging titles from this set of books.
June 1, 2023
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.
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.
June 12, 2024
This book is timeless and descriptive in every word and drawing. I enjoy learning more about where Laura Ingall's reckless and fun spirit came from. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys the Little House book series!
December 10, 2017
For completeness' sake. :)
July 25, 2021
A good story that I enjoyed!
August 23, 2021
Mom's note: What a great find! The Little House on the Prairie series expended with Laura's ancestors from different time periods & locations. Love it!!!
Turtle: great! Return to library.
Turtle: great! Return to library.
June 11, 2022
I wish I could give this book seven stars. I love Martha. I love Melissa Wiley. This book made me feel so much!
June 15, 2023
This book was sweet and a quick read.
I enjoyed the transition from one governess to the other. Martha making breakfast for the full family was great and giving advice to her older sister.
I enjoyed the transition from one governess to the other. Martha making breakfast for the full family was great and giving advice to her older sister.
Want to read
July 31, 2025SM
October 7, 2025
I finally got to read this book from my childhood that we didn’t have! I always skipped this one and went to the fourth. It’s so good to know what happened between!
June 20, 2025
I remember liking this one.
December 16, 2017
I think that it is a good book for children 5 and up. I enjoyed it very much. I would recommend this book.
July 16, 2025
"'I've lived a long time and made a great many mistakes,'... 'The trick is tae remember yer mistakes and learn from 'em. After a while ye get auld enough that ye begin tae run oot o' new ones tae make'" (Wiley 117).
This is yet another great piece of old-fashioned advice from the third Little House book in the series about Laura's great-grandmother, Martha Morse. I think this book had better development with the plot and characters. Martha is such a high-spirited girl that I figured right away she would have troubles with a governess. (The dismissal of Miss Norrie, her first governess, is very dramatic but entertaining too.) She actually grows to love her second one, and I appreciated how Miss Crow took time to show interest in Martha's hobbies and get to know her personally. This is what made the difference!
Some of my favorite chapters were about the penny wedding (I won't spoil who it is for), Auld Mary's tale about the lass with the wool, and Handsel Monday. Handsel Monday is a holiday shortly after New Year's where Martha and Grisie make the food for all the servants. I also enjoyed watching several suitors try to court Grisie, and we also get to see Martha tease Lewis Tucker (her future husband) in a few chapters. I wish we got to see the rest of their romance and the Martha series had been finished. (The author decided not to finish the series after she was asked to condense and abridge her books. See my earlier review of Little House in the Highlands for the full details.) Overall, I think this is a good addition to the series, but I did not like how it ended on a cliffhanger. I sure hope Wiley explains what is going to happen to the sick family in the next book. I'm off to hurry up and see if she does! (Edit: She does! 2025 Update: And after re-reading this again for the second time, I really do appreciate the development in Martha's character and I was sad to see this end and decided to give this 5 stars.)
This is yet another great piece of old-fashioned advice from the third Little House book in the series about Laura's great-grandmother, Martha Morse. I think this book had better development with the plot and characters. Martha is such a high-spirited girl that I figured right away she would have troubles with a governess. (The dismissal of Miss Norrie, her first governess, is very dramatic but entertaining too.) She actually grows to love her second one, and I appreciated how Miss Crow took time to show interest in Martha's hobbies and get to know her personally. This is what made the difference!
Some of my favorite chapters were about the penny wedding (I won't spoil who it is for), Auld Mary's tale about the lass with the wool, and Handsel Monday. Handsel Monday is a holiday shortly after New Year's where Martha and Grisie make the food for all the servants. I also enjoyed watching several suitors try to court Grisie, and we also get to see Martha tease Lewis Tucker (her future husband) in a few chapters. I wish we got to see the rest of their romance and the Martha series had been finished. (The author decided not to finish the series after she was asked to condense and abridge her books. See my earlier review of Little House in the Highlands for the full details.) Overall, I think this is a good addition to the series, but I did not like how it ended on a cliffhanger. I sure hope Wiley explains what is going to happen to the sick family in the next book. I'm off to hurry up and see if she does! (Edit: She does! 2025 Update: And after re-reading this again for the second time, I really do appreciate the development in Martha's character and I was sad to see this end and decided to give this 5 stars.)
October 31, 2018
Down to the Bonny Glen has always been my favorite of the Martha books. It’s longer than the others and is mostly concerned with the character development and growth of Martha. Martha is more than just a spirited young girl in this book—she’s now finally starting to realize that she’s the daughter of a laird, and in that sense she’s quite different from other children around her.
This conflict is sown all throughout the book—Martha’s awkwardness around her friends, her brother and his friends’ hesitation at seeing one another after Duncan comes back from school, Martha’s realization that as a laird’s daughter she has different expectations. And yet we also see her determination to not let things like that bother her, to push past barriers and boundaries and do what she wants to do. We see that in her eagerness to cook and her parent’s appall at the thought of her cooking for a living, we see that in her desire to go to America, to have adventure, to play outside instead of sit in and sew. And we see that in the hints and subtle indication that connect Martha and the blacksmith’s son, Lewis Tucker.
Other than the character development, Martha also gets some personal growth in terms of her rashness and thoughtlessness. Her new governess helps by channeling Martha’s energy into suitable tasks and by the end of the book, Martha is much more careful without having lost any of her spiritedness.
The Martha Years will never be as memorable or long-lasting as the Little House books, but Down to the Bonny Glen is the highlight of the series, chock-full of thoughtless Martha, interesting events (my favorite is Martha and Grisie cooking for the house), and lots of character development.
This conflict is sown all throughout the book—Martha’s awkwardness around her friends, her brother and his friends’ hesitation at seeing one another after Duncan comes back from school, Martha’s realization that as a laird’s daughter she has different expectations. And yet we also see her determination to not let things like that bother her, to push past barriers and boundaries and do what she wants to do. We see that in her eagerness to cook and her parent’s appall at the thought of her cooking for a living, we see that in her desire to go to America, to have adventure, to play outside instead of sit in and sew. And we see that in the hints and subtle indication that connect Martha and the blacksmith’s son, Lewis Tucker.
Other than the character development, Martha also gets some personal growth in terms of her rashness and thoughtlessness. Her new governess helps by channeling Martha’s energy into suitable tasks and by the end of the book, Martha is much more careful without having lost any of her spiritedness.
The Martha Years will never be as memorable or long-lasting as the Little House books, but Down to the Bonny Glen is the highlight of the series, chock-full of thoughtless Martha, interesting events (my favorite is Martha and Grisie cooking for the house), and lots of character development.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews