Susan Baker, the unsung heroine of Rilla of Ingleside, gets her due in today's episode. Dr. Kate Scarth of the University of Prince Edward Island and the L.M. Montgomery Institute joins Ragon and Kelly to chat about Ingleside's faithful, fearless housekeeper, and how Susan's domestic skills and homely philosophies support Rilla and the Blythes during The Great War. Kate also shares biographical information about Montgomery's own reactions to the war, and how those views came to life in this novel.

Want to hear more from our awesome guest, Kate Scarth? Her Audible book is The Life and Works of L.M. Montgomery , a great listen! Her book Romantic Suburbs comes out on April 21, 2026. You can find her on Instagram or at The L.M. Montgomery Institute. Registration for the 2026 L.M. Montgomery Conference is now open so come join us there!

Inspired by:

Kelly is inspired by the University of Guelph digital exhibit about life on the Canadian home front in the context of Rilla of Ingleside. There’s a great section about Susan specifically!

Ragon is inspired by her favorite recipe blog, Smitten Kitchen and her newest cookbook, Smitten Kitchen Keepers.

Kate is inspired by a recipe for Monkey Face Cookies and by the book Irish Chain by Barbara Haworth-Attard.

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