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Stonewycke Trilogy #3
The Lady of Stonewycke
Book by Michael Phillips, Judith Pella
Paperback
First published February 1, 1986
5 people are currently reading
364 people want to read
About the author
Michael R. Phillips
250 books611 followersLibrarian Note: there is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database.
Michael Phillips has been writing in the Christian marketplace for 30 years. All told, he has written, co-written, and edited some 110 books. Phillips and his wife live in the U.S., and make their second home in Scotland.
Michael Phillips has been writing in the Christian marketplace for 30 years. All told, he has written, co-written, and edited some 110 books. Phillips and his wife live in the U.S., and make their second home in Scotland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 26, 2019
Anyone and everyone who enjoyed the first two Stonewycke novels should definitely read this fitting, uplifting conclusion. A bit slow in parts, but otherwise amazing.
March 30, 2018
I didn't enjoy the final book in this series near as much as the first two. I couldn't get invested in Joanna and other characters. The story was also predictable and felt a little fake.
November 22, 2018
I haven't cried on a book in literally years. I balled. **spoilers** The reunion between Maggie and Ian was so unbelievably sweet . . . I truly thought it was never going to happen. Great series!
November 28, 2020
It's incredibly hard to write a review of this book without introducing a major spoiler.
The ending was unexpected, a sweet twist that was carefully hidden. When everything seemed poignantly tragic, a gentle restoration began.
Joanna Matheson returns from college in Chicago to discover that her dying grandmother has made huge sacrifices to afford an education for her. So when Maggie, who is drifting in and out of a coma, insists Joanna go to Scotland, she feels she should fulfill her last remaining relative's final wish.
On the voyage to Aberdeen, she meets the dashing and wealthy Jason Channing who almost convinces her to become his mistress. But resisting his advances, she heads up to Port Strathy and into a nightmare of conspiracy. The local laird - Alistair Duncan - has recently died without heirs, and his lawyer Palmer Sercombe is selling the land to a London magnate. The town is to get a new harbour as part of the will and each household be paid a substantial sum of money. Unbeknownst to everyone, in this deal the river is to be dammed and the valley flooded for hydro-electric power. The farms and cottages will be drowned. But Sercombe wants the cooperation of the crofters in his plans to enrich himself.
Those plans are chugging along nicely until Joanna turns up, enquiring about locals named "Duncan". She's trying to find out about her own background to fulfill her grandmother's wish. But her very presence is likely to disturb a lot of things - Palmer Sercombe's plans, Alec McNeil's peaceful life as the local vet, and auld Dorey's hard-won sanity as he potters about the old estate tending to the flowers.
The ending was unexpected, a sweet twist that was carefully hidden. When everything seemed poignantly tragic, a gentle restoration began.
Joanna Matheson returns from college in Chicago to discover that her dying grandmother has made huge sacrifices to afford an education for her. So when Maggie, who is drifting in and out of a coma, insists Joanna go to Scotland, she feels she should fulfill her last remaining relative's final wish.
On the voyage to Aberdeen, she meets the dashing and wealthy Jason Channing who almost convinces her to become his mistress. But resisting his advances, she heads up to Port Strathy and into a nightmare of conspiracy. The local laird - Alistair Duncan - has recently died without heirs, and his lawyer Palmer Sercombe is selling the land to a London magnate. The town is to get a new harbour as part of the will and each household be paid a substantial sum of money. Unbeknownst to everyone, in this deal the river is to be dammed and the valley flooded for hydro-electric power. The farms and cottages will be drowned. But Sercombe wants the cooperation of the crofters in his plans to enrich himself.
Those plans are chugging along nicely until Joanna turns up, enquiring about locals named "Duncan". She's trying to find out about her own background to fulfill her grandmother's wish. But her very presence is likely to disturb a lot of things - Palmer Sercombe's plans, Alec McNeil's peaceful life as the local vet, and auld Dorey's hard-won sanity as he potters about the old estate tending to the flowers.
April 24, 2020
Guess I am just slow, but I was so surprised by the ending of this trilogy. <3
I love how Christian faith is woven throughout this series. This is what draws me most to these books. Scottish heritage, language, customs, and people are portrayed so realistically, I feel like I've traveled there. The characters change and grow so much over the three novels! Learning to trust God through extreme circumstances is a compelling theme for our times, albeit different than being imprisoned in 19th century Scottish conditions or facing the rigors of the early pioneers crossing America. But being falsely accused, not knowing who to trust, searching for answers, trying to decide what is right to do, longing for someone we love, praying for someone to trust God - these are all common to our Christian experience at one time or another.
I can't wait to read the next three Stonewycke books! Highly recommending this series!
I love how Christian faith is woven throughout this series. This is what draws me most to these books. Scottish heritage, language, customs, and people are portrayed so realistically, I feel like I've traveled there. The characters change and grow so much over the three novels! Learning to trust God through extreme circumstances is a compelling theme for our times, albeit different than being imprisoned in 19th century Scottish conditions or facing the rigors of the early pioneers crossing America. But being falsely accused, not knowing who to trust, searching for answers, trying to decide what is right to do, longing for someone we love, praying for someone to trust God - these are all common to our Christian experience at one time or another.
I can't wait to read the next three Stonewycke books! Highly recommending this series!
October 18, 2018
Follow the legacy and tragedies of the Duncan family, heirs to the estate of Stonewycke in Scotland. When Lady Margaret Duncan is betrayed by her father, she vows never to forgive him. At 17, she is a dashing, beautiful young woman who, unbeknownst to her, is a part of her father's plan for expansion of the estate. But when Lady Maggie does not go along with her father's plans their beautiful world of Stonewycke is in danger of crashing down around them. Follow Maggie and her family on a three-volume journey from the heather hills of Scotland to the rugged American West in the tale of romance, mystery, betrayal, and family loyalty.
This really was a great series! Read all 3 books in one week. I believe there is a follow up series that I may just have to look into!
This really was a great series! Read all 3 books in one week. I believe there is a follow up series that I may just have to look into!
October 2, 2017
A thrilling end to this trilogy. When I read the Stonewycke Trilogy as a teenager, I remember being disappointed that the story did not strictly follow the path that I wanted - boy meets girl, they fall in love, get married, have children and live 'happily ever after'. Now, as an adult, I know that life is not one happy ending after another - there are good times but also difficult times. I can also better understand the big message that these 3 books were sending about the character of God. At times, the theology in this trilogy is dubious - or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that good theology is applied dubiously - but there is no doubt that the authors got it right when it came to the overriding theme. Throughout these books, as in the Bible, we see a God who is sovereign over, and in control of, both the 'good' times and the 'bad' times. That, in fact, God works all things for the good of His children and for His glory; that we can trust Him even when it looks like He is not in control or that He has left us all alone. And we can never be reminded of this too often.
November 10, 2017
Improbable plots, one dimensional minor characters and shallow main characters continue to abound. And yet, the resolution of Maggie & Ian's story is rather satisfying.
What is NOT satisfying is the discombobulated almost ridiculous route by which Joanna gets to Scotland.
There is nothing objectionable here, and a love for Scotland and for trusting in God's plan are both apparent. The ending ties up rather nicely. But there's not much laudable beyond that. A wholesome read for middle schoolers and up that isn't satisfying to adults.
I think I will pass these on, but before I can finally decide, I need to read the next set:
Stranger at Stonewycke, Phillips & Pella, 1987
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Review of that series:
The Stonewycke Legacy, Phillips & Pella, 2000
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
What is NOT satisfying is the discombobulated almost ridiculous route by which Joanna gets to Scotland.
There is nothing objectionable here, and a love for Scotland and for trusting in God's plan are both apparent. The ending ties up rather nicely. But there's not much laudable beyond that. A wholesome read for middle schoolers and up that isn't satisfying to adults.
I think I will pass these on, but before I can finally decide, I need to read the next set:
Stranger at Stonewycke, Phillips & Pella, 1987
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Review of that series:
The Stonewycke Legacy, Phillips & Pella, 2000
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
October 2, 2014
Loved this book and to think I almost didn't continue reading it after the first couple short chapters. So glad I did not because I became so interested in the characters and fell in love with Scotland. When Joanna sails to Scotland at the request of her grandmother in the early 1900's, little did she know the danger she would be in as she searched for the true reason for her trip. Mystery, intrique, murder,faith in God and even romance fill the pages and makes this book a real pageturner. I could picture myself eating a meal with Letty and Nathaniel, walking the many halls in the Stonewycke castle and riding a horse through the green country side with Alec. Enjoyed this book very much.
August 3, 2017
I read this book many years ago as either a middle schooler or underclassman in high school. I adored the book and entire series then. This remembered adoration helped me make the decision to skip these books when reading through my collection four years ago. I read many books by both of these authors since then and gradually became aware of the glaringly obvious shortcomings of their authorship. These shortcomings infected every book I read by them. I had no hope that these books would survive a second read. As I supposed, they did not. I read the first book and could barely make my way through the book. None of this series or the other related series made it through.
February 17, 2016
It took me forever to get through this series. I think this is for the most part due to clunky paragraphs of description throughout. It isn't a nail biter for sure. I think it took me the span of five years to read them.
The romance was disappointing. The first book was the best one in my opinion, but of course I made it to this one because by this time I am connected to the characters.
The source of my main annoyance comes from the plot. The authors could have taken this so many places, but instead they choose to box things in.
I will not be reading anything else from these authors.
The romance was disappointing. The first book was the best one in my opinion, but of course I made it to this one because by this time I am connected to the characters.
The source of my main annoyance comes from the plot. The authors could have taken this so many places, but instead they choose to box things in.
I will not be reading anything else from these authors.
July 6, 2011
I'd send this back, but Talking Books is being stingy with their books & this is all I have. The CD/tape recorder is broken so I can't get books from the library, sigh.
This took a long time to "read."
This took a long time to "read."
August 10, 2016
Sometimes a "who's who" among generations of grandmothers as a little confusing since the new character is a granddaughter. Nonetheless, I was satisfied reading a good portion of scripture in this book, as handed down the generations.
October 23, 2016
Joanna goes on a quest to find her heritage. She is very hostile to Alec at first, and then, ends up falling in love with him. It was really nice to see Maggie and Ian at the end of the book. Joanna got the estate in the end. That was a great ending!
October 8, 2008
A good listen and a satisfactory end to the series.
Read
December 8, 2008YA Phi
September 13, 2010
Again, a great light Christian read with plenty of Scottish scenery.
December 27, 2010
no fairy tale ending, strong characters, shows God's plan in tragedy, not what I expected-very realistic
June 14, 2013
I almost did 5 stars. I love mysteries about old houses!
March 22, 2015
A very satisfying end to this series, with all the loose ends neatly tied up. Probably my favorite book by this author so far . . .
June 27, 2015
Not bad, a little cheesy, but I'm glad everythin tied together! This series really leaves you hanging for what seems like years!
August 30, 2015
Slightly better than the second but still found the Christian theme a tad too strong. Otherwise I enjoyed the way everything tied together neatly.
July 5, 2017
A great book!
November 25, 2017
In this case, the trilogy just got better and really built up! Loved the second and third books!
September 14, 2020
Beautiful and yet very sad ending of the trilogy. Loosing 40 years because of unknowing. Wow.
October 23, 2021
Because I wasn't really enjoying the novel after a third of it or so, I switched into skimming mode.
But, after the first two novels in the trilogy left a lot of loose ends rather than coming to satisfying conclusions for me, and I do want to read the related series after this one, I stuck with this novel just enough to get the important facts.
I'm semi-disappointed that a certain instrumental good guy from the previous book doesn't appear in this one. So unless he or something of his shows up in the following series for some reason, I'm assuming that character is the kind who just doesn't get what he really wants. The saga could leave him behind without a satisfying conclusion of his own because the main story arc didn't need him anymore.
Anyway. Even though I haven't cared for the writing style or the characterizations in this trilogy, I remained interested in the overall story, and I was pleased to see the saga's loose ends come together at long last. Even if it felt a little contrived to resolve so many details at once to finally make the ending happy, my sentimental side is still glad for the plot's sake.
Hence, I'm doing what I normally don't do: picking a rating to signify how I feel about a book I'm shelving with my "Did a Little Reading" books. (Meaning my "DNF" books, since even though I made it through to the end of this one, I skipped around and skimmed my way there.)
But, after the first two novels in the trilogy left a lot of loose ends rather than coming to satisfying conclusions for me, and I do want to read the related series after this one, I stuck with this novel just enough to get the important facts.
I'm semi-disappointed that a certain instrumental good guy from the previous book doesn't appear in this one. So unless he or something of his shows up in the following series for some reason, I'm assuming that character is the kind who just doesn't get what he really wants. The saga could leave him behind without a satisfying conclusion of his own because the main story arc didn't need him anymore.
Anyway. Even though I haven't cared for the writing style or the characterizations in this trilogy, I remained interested in the overall story, and I was pleased to see the saga's loose ends come together at long last. Even if it felt a little contrived to resolve so many details at once to finally make the ending happy, my sentimental side is still glad for the plot's sake.
Hence, I'm doing what I normally don't do: picking a rating to signify how I feel about a book I'm shelving with my "Did a Little Reading" books. (Meaning my "DNF" books, since even though I made it through to the end of this one, I skipped around and skimmed my way there.)
December 30, 2020
The ending of this series wasn't completely convincing or amazing to me. I did enjoy it, particularly the first half of the book, and I do feel richer for having read it. I loved the 2nd book in the trilogy, and the first book, although slow to get started, was also enjoyable.
Spoiler alert. ***
I found it disappointing that the book begins with Maggie in her older years, having lived so many years that we missed.
The conclusion to the trilogy would be very satisfying for people who love the romantic idea of being faithful to someone and their memory despite believing they have been dead for 47 years. I don't see that as necessarily a virtue or really that romantic. It seems more sad to me than anything. She had the opportunity of marrying another wonderful man (mind you I'm glad she didn't because her husband was in fact still alive but she didn't know this) and of him being a father to her daughter.
The first two books were very clever. So many crazy and sad things happened in the 2nd book. It was riveting. I thought everything would come together nicely in the 3rd, making this trilogy a masterpiece. It did come together, but I can't come to terms with the fact that we lost 45 years of their lives.
Some reviewers are saying they loved when Maggie and Ian were finally reunited and someone even says it brought tears to her eyes. But I was over it by then. It was too drawn out.
Spoiler alert. ***
I found it disappointing that the book begins with Maggie in her older years, having lived so many years that we missed.
The conclusion to the trilogy would be very satisfying for people who love the romantic idea of being faithful to someone and their memory despite believing they have been dead for 47 years. I don't see that as necessarily a virtue or really that romantic. It seems more sad to me than anything. She had the opportunity of marrying another wonderful man (mind you I'm glad she didn't because her husband was in fact still alive but she didn't know this) and of him being a father to her daughter.
The first two books were very clever. So many crazy and sad things happened in the 2nd book. It was riveting. I thought everything would come together nicely in the 3rd, making this trilogy a masterpiece. It did come together, but I can't come to terms with the fact that we lost 45 years of their lives.
Some reviewers are saying they loved when Maggie and Ian were finally reunited and someone even says it brought tears to her eyes. But I was over it by then. It was too drawn out.
November 6, 2025
🇩🇪
Die Herrin von Stonewycke nimmt einen aus der Perspektive von Johanna (Maggies Enkelin) mit. Die Handlung spielt etwa 40 Jahre später, als das letzte Buch der Reihe aufgehört hat. Der Inhalt ist spannend und die sich langsam entwickelnde Liebe zwischen Johanna und Alec ist gut beschrieben. Auch nimmt die Liebesgeschichte nicht den ganzen Platz ein. Am Schluss wurde es nocheinmal richtig spannend, obwohl mir der Ausgang ab Mitte des Buchs klar war. Ein entspannendes Leseerlebnis, das einen in das schottische Hochland versetzt.
🇬🇧
The Lady of Stonewycke takes the reader through the perspective of Johanna (Maggie's granddaughter). The story takes place roughly 40 years after the last book in the series ended. The plot is gripping, and the slow-burn romance between Johanna and Alec is well-descriped. The love story doesn't dominate the narrative. The ending is truly thrilling, even though I figured out the outcome from about halfway through. A relaxing read that transports you to the Scottish Highlands.
Die Herrin von Stonewycke nimmt einen aus der Perspektive von Johanna (Maggies Enkelin) mit. Die Handlung spielt etwa 40 Jahre später, als das letzte Buch der Reihe aufgehört hat. Der Inhalt ist spannend und die sich langsam entwickelnde Liebe zwischen Johanna und Alec ist gut beschrieben. Auch nimmt die Liebesgeschichte nicht den ganzen Platz ein. Am Schluss wurde es nocheinmal richtig spannend, obwohl mir der Ausgang ab Mitte des Buchs klar war. Ein entspannendes Leseerlebnis, das einen in das schottische Hochland versetzt.
🇬🇧
The Lady of Stonewycke takes the reader through the perspective of Johanna (Maggie's granddaughter). The story takes place roughly 40 years after the last book in the series ended. The plot is gripping, and the slow-burn romance between Johanna and Alec is well-descriped. The love story doesn't dominate the narrative. The ending is truly thrilling, even though I figured out the outcome from about halfway through. A relaxing read that transports you to the Scottish Highlands.
November 14, 2024
In my opinion, this was the best of the 3 books. The first two had a good story and the redemption arc of Maggie in the second was phenomenal. However, I thought the story may have been more interesting if they had condensed the story of the first 2 books and fit it into this one as flashbacks or tales told by other characters. While I grew attached to Joanna, Ian and Maggie didn't hold the same appeal. Overall, this was a good trilogy if a bit slow in parts. However, I appreciated the clear Gospel message presented and the struggles each character went through to fully relinquish their lives to God.
December 22, 2025
Dit deel (deel 3) is het eerste deel in de serie die echt spannend is. Lichtelijk feel good. Het einde is een beetje vaag. Dit deel heb ik zelf, wel eerder gelezen maar nog nooit in combinatie met de eerdere delen (en de opvolgende delen die ik nog hoop te lezen). Ik vind dat dat wel moet om het verhaal goed te begrijpen. Dat is ook de reden waardoor ik dit deel weg doe. Misschien koop ik de hele serie nog wel een keer 2e hands (in 1 koop)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews