I couldn’t be more thrilled to introduce a very special guest to the blog today! Please welcome Kate Macdonald, granddaughter of L.M. Montgomery who wrote the Anne of Green Gables series. Kate does incredible work to preserve her grandmother’s legacy, maintain the integrity of Anne Shirley, and even wrote the Anne of Green Gables cookbook too.

Meet Kate, L.M. Montgomery’s Granddaughter

It’s lovely to meet you Kate! We’d love for you to introduce yourself and tell us a bit about what you do.

As you know, I am one of L.M. Montgomery’s grandchildren. I live in Toronto and I am the daughter of Dr. Stuart Macdonald who was L.M. Montgomery’s youngest son. I am the President of Heirs of L.M. Montgomery Inc., a family owned company that oversees all L.M. Montgomery related inquiries and projects. I am also a patron of the L.M. Montgomery Society of Ontario and a proud supporter of the L.M. Montgomery Institute of Prince Edward Island. I am a Board member of the Anne of Green Gables Licensing Authority Inc. and I manage the Toronto office of the “Anne” Authority. The “Anne” Authority was formed in 1994 and is jointly owned by the Province of PEI and Heirs of L.M. Montgomery Inc. it was established to preserve and enhance the legacy of L.M. Montgomery and her literary works, and to control the use of the name “Anne of Green Gables: and protect the integrity of the images of “Anne”. I have been a Board member since its inception and my responsibilities include reviewing applications, negotiating licensing agreements for applicants who have an interest in Anne of Green Gables merchandise.

When was the first time you read Anne of Green Gables? How did it impact you?

My dad first read Anne of Green Gables to me when I was a small child maybe about 6 or 7. The first time I read Anne of Green Gables for myself, I was about 11 or 12. I was totally mesmerized and decided to write my public speech that year about my grandmother. Miss Russel was my teacher and she didn’t know who my grandmother was until the end of my speech, at which point I said “and L.M. Montgomery is my grandmother. The End”. Miss Russel was flabbergasted! She was also the librarian at the school and was most impressed with my heritage.

What inspired you to create a cookbook inspired by Anne and her friends?

I was inspired to create a cookbook inspired by Anne because of my university background. I studied Food, Nutrition, Consumer and Family Studies at Ryerson University. My cookbook was first published by Oxford University Press in 1984 and was re-published in 2017 by Quarto Publishing Group.

Click here to get your copy of The Anne of Green Gables Cookbook!

What is your favorite L.M. Montgomery novel?

For me it’s difficult to choose just one favourite. I love Anne of Green Gables and never tire of reading it. Each time I find something new. As an adult and re-reading again, I am struck by what’s between the lines and I guess that’s because I now know so much more about my grandmother. I also love the Blue Castle. It’s one of two novels that was not written for children. I find it such a heart-warming love story and it’s set in Muskoka, Ontario which is near and dear to my heart. And finally, Kilmeny of the Orchard; I could hear the violin in my head as I read.

Is there a particular lesson taught by Anne you find to be most inspiring?

For me what I find most inspiring is Anne’s perseverance. Her feisty ability to never give up! Anne is such an inspiring character on so many levels. I can’t overlook her spirit,  her kindness, her imagination and her connection with the natural beauty of the world. Sometimes I say to myself now “what would Anne do in these circumstances”.

To learn more about L.M. Montgomery and her work, visit The L.M. Montgomery Institute website. You can find Kate’s cookbook here (and I assure you, it is absolutely wonderful!)