In Orchard Glen

"In Orchard Glen" by Mary Esther Miller MacGregor, writing as Marian Keith, is a story set in the early 1900s about Christina Lindsay, a young woman transitioning into adulthood, who wrestles with her perceived lack of attractiveness and yearns for a life richer than her family's farm in the countryside. Through her relationships with those around her, the novel explores themes of physical appearance, desires, and societal norms. As the story opens, Christina is painfully reminded of her insecurities when she overhears unkind remarks about her looks while picking berries with her brother. Yet, she channels this pain into a determination to improve herself and later encounters Gavin Hume, a boy from a nearby farm whom she had aided in the past, showcasing her caring spirit. This sets the stage for Christina's journey toward self-discovery, as she dreams of education and exciting adventures, hoping for a brighter future.