Have you found an old volume in
Grandmother's attic?
A worn issue of "The Pansy"?
Just learned about the aunt and mentor
of author Grace Livingston Hill?
No matter the reason,
we're glad you've discovered
the life-work of Pansy!
Given her penname, "Pansy", by her loving father, she was born Isabella Macdonald in 1841. Her influence on a generation of young people was great, and began with her first book,"Helen Lester" just 24 years later in 1865. Her final tale—that of her own life— was finished by her beloved niece, Grace Livingston Hill, in 1931 after she went to live forever with her King, Jesus Christ.
To God, nothing that an immortal soul can say appears trivial
because he sees the waves of influence
which are stirred years ahead by the quiet words.
—from "Ruth Erskine's Crosses"
She was a woman of strong convictions, and her best friend Docia writes that "she talks to her many readers in story, setting forth an uncompromising hatred of vice in all its forms, and a love of truth and purity."
Her words still speak to readers today, sharing the timeless message of God's love through His son, Jesus Christ. Her characters are far from perfect, and their endings aren't always happy, but she weaves a story from their lives in an "everyday tone". In fact, many of her stories were inspired by everyday people. Her aim was to reach those without a Saviour.
I think if I could help to lead one person to understand and love the Lord Jesus Christ
as much even as I understand Him now, so that He would be that soul's eternal salvation,
it would be ambition enough to fill a lifetime.
—from "The Hall in the Grove"
It is our earnest prayer that the waves of influence found
in Pansy's quiet words stir your soul to salvation.
Contact us at stories@isabellamacdonaldalden.com