Grandmother Elsie

Elsie Dinsmore #8

by Martha Finley

It was a delightful morning early in the dew-drops on the still green grass of the neatly kept lawn sparkled in the rays of the newly risen sun; the bright waters of the lakelet also as ruffled by the breeze they broke gently about the prow of the pretty row-boat moored to the little wharf; the gardens were gay with bright-hued flowers the trees gorgeous in their autumnal dress.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Classics, 19th Century, Young Adult

240 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1882

About the author

Martha Finley was a teacher and author of numerous works, the most well known being the 28 volume Elsie Dinsmore series which was published over a span of 38 years. Finley wrote many of her books under the pseudonym Martha Farquharson.

For more information, please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martha_F... or, http://marthafinley.wordpress.com/

Reviews

[Katja Labonté · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars & 5/10 hearts. Every single one of the Elsie books seems to dwell on the topic of trusting God no matter what, and I am so grateful for that. It’s a blessed reminder for what’s going on right now. I really loved getting to know Captain Raymond and his children in this book; I look forwards to seeing more of them! And I really love Zoe & Edward’s relationship. <3 And all the old characters are as sweet as ever, except I do have to say that Mr. Dinsmore & Elsie’s relationship is a liiittle awkward. But I do also understand that some things were just how it was at the times. There was also one kiss before marriage. But I enjoyed this book, and I strongly recommend the Elsie books for when you are struggling with doubt or fear. They are very sweet, Humorous, gentle, and quiet... very soothing and relaxing, but usually with a thread of mystery/suspense/excitement. 

A Favourite Quote: “‘Mamma, you seem to have a heart always filled with love and gratitude to God, and never to be troubled with the least rebellious feeling, or any doubts or fears for the future[.]’
“‘Have we any right or reason to indulge repining, doubts, or fears, when we know that all is ordered for us by One who loves us with an everlasting and infinite love, and who is all-wise and all-powerful? O my darling, no! ... Oh what a blessed assurance! goodness and mercy while here in this world of trial—all things working together for our good, that so we may be brought at last safely to our desired haven—and then to be forever with the Lord!’”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “He seemed to be, as of old, on the best of terms with himself and very graciously disposed toward Elsie.”

[Sarah Grace Grzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh, it felt so lovely to be reading an Elsie book again! The characters are just so lovely, and the story so pure and wholesome. The morals and messages sprinkled throughout, while a bit on the nose at times, are so good and encouraging. I loved these books as a pre-teen, and still do.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

GRANDMOTHER ELSIE is #8 in the Elsie Dinsmore series and one of the best. Pure soap opera, but surprisingly well-written. It deals mostly with the romantic lives of Elsie's three oldest children: namesake Elsie, Edward and Violet. The melodrama begins when namesake Elsie hears of her lover's illness and rushes overseas to Rome, to nurse him. After that Edward marries a fifteen-year-old orphaned girl, quite unexpectedly and under tragic circumstances. And then Violet marries Captain Raymond, a middle-aged widower with children. Author Martha Finley takes the series in a whole different direction by introducing an interesting new character: Violet's stepdaughter, nine-year-old Lulu.

Lulu steals every scene that she's in. She's initially very jealous of "Mamma Vi." Unlike the angelic Elsie, this new little girl has many human faults. Notwithstanding she's a realistic and likable creation. I always cared more about Lulu's struggle to be good because Lulu had a quick temper to contend with and a naturally rebellious spirit. Lulu's rages are upsetting to her as well as to everyone else, and only her father Captain Raymond can control her. The Lulu-Captain relationship may remind readers of Elsie-Papa; yet Captain Raymond seems a wiser and more reasonable parent than the arrogant Horace Dinsmore. In fact, the writing here is better than that in previous books, with a more realistic delineation of character. Lulu is described as neither black nor white but in shades of gray. In other words, she's more believable than Elsie ever was and much more true-to-life.

[Brenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are alot of marriages in #8 of the Elsie Dinsmore series. Elsie's eldest daughter finds out her future husband, Lester Leland, is sick in Italy. She travels to Italy and while there marries him, and later comes home with a baby. Edward, Elsie's second child, marries a 15 year old girl, who's father just passed away. Right after Edward gets married, Violet, the third child, marries a sea captain, Levis Raymond. Levis's first wife died leaving him with three children, Max, Lulu, and Gracie. Because their father is a sea captain and living away from home, he puts the girls in the care of their aunt, and Max in the care of a gentlemen. All of these children are abused and half starved. When their father gets married they move to live with their mother.

[aMandalin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the Elsie books up until now. I guess the charm of the original Elsie stories is over, and the almost dull lives of the following grandchildren / children is getting, well…old. I’m not much for boring plots of getting married, disciplining children, etc. especially of characters not having deep affection for. 😊 Not to take away from the previous books! I’ll try the next one and see if it gets better before ditching the series completely.

[Faith Burnside · Rating 1 out of 5]

All the creepy references to "my dear young child wife"

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are a reminder of the way life should be. Christian parents and children loving each other and God.

[Margaret Fraleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are so good.

Elsie's daughter receives word that her fiancé has taken
ill while he was at the university over in Europe.

Her daughter goes to be with her fiancé and while there
they are married.

Elsie's son travels and finds a family friend and his daughter.
The father has a stroke and learns he is not going to make it.
Elsie's son praises the father that he would look after his
daughter. They are married before the father dies.
He brings his new bride "Son" home to meet his family.

Elsie's sister Violet marries an gentleman (friend of the family)
who has three children. His son is being looked after by a male
friend of the father and the two daughters are being looked after
by an aunt. The father is in the navy and does not have a lot of
time on shore leave. After he marries, he brings his son and
daughters to Elsie's home.

[Salinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one of my favorites!In this book Elsie's three oldest children marry. Elsie,Edward,and Violet all within weeks of each other. Violet marry's a widower with three children and on of them is very badly behaved. The Dinsmore, Travilla,and Raymond Family all spemd a summer in cottages at the sea before Captain Raymond goes out to sea again (the Captain is Vi's husband).
Elsie and Lester also have a baby at the end of the book.
Like maost books though it has a fault here and there.....but I enjoyed most of it.

[Meadow Frisbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elsie's daughter, Little Elsie, finally weds her love, Lester. Edward falls in love and marrys the dinsmores old friends' daughter Zoe Love. Meanwhile, Captain Raymond courts and wins the heart of Violet. When more aditions begin to add to the family. Elsie finally feels like a grandmother.

[Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two stars for the lolz.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is a bit Calvinistic in its theology, and it's also a bit uber-Christian; i.e., the Christians are really, really good and the non-Christians are really, really bad.

[Elisabeth Gimenez · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is good too. I like reading how people grow up. It's also sad too.