The Fillmore Elderberries by L.M. Montgomery — A Calming Bedtime Story for Sleep & Insomnia | Books at Bedtime
Drift off to sleep with The Fillmore Elderberries by L.M. Montgomery, a warm and uplifting country tale of hard work, honesty and second chances from the author of Anne of Green Gables, read aloud by Martin Hewlett on Books at Bedtime, the sleep story series from Calming Anxiety.
Ellis Duncan is just fourteen when his father dies, and he must earn a living for himself and his fragile, worn-out mother. But in the farming village of Dalrymple, nobody wants to hire Sam Duncan's son. His father was lazy, shiftless and untrustworthy, and everyone assumes the boy will be the same. Even his own uncle, the stern and tight-fisted Timothy Robinson, turns him away at the door.
Then, sitting on a fence at the edge of old Thomas Fillmore's pasture, Ellis sees his chance. Once the finest field in Dalrymple, it has been overrun for years by stubborn elderberry bushes taller than a man, with roots thicker than his wrist. For a meagre sixteen dollars, Ellis promises to clear the whole field and see the job through to the end. Week after week, under the hot summer sun, he digs, cuts and drags out the roots, while someone is quietly watching. And when a far better offer comes along, Ellis must decide what his word is worth.
This classic bedtime story for adults is perfect for winding down, easing insomnia and letting a busy mind settle into deep, restful sleep. Montgomery's gentle rural scenery, a heart-warming ending and Martin's calm, unhurried narration make it an ideal sleep audiobook for anyone who finds it hard to switch off at night.
If you enjoy L.M. Montgomery, you'll find more of her short stories on Books at Bedtime, including Jessamine, A Redeeming Sacrifice and Uncle Richard's New Year's Dinner, all from the same collection.
The Fillmore Elderberries was first published in 1909 and is collected in Lucy Maud Montgomery Short Stories, 1909 to 1922. L.M. Montgomery (1874–1942) and this story are in the public domain.
Hosted by clinical hypnotherapist and former paramedic Martin Hewlett.
📱 Listen to Books at Bedtime in the Anchored app, offline and with the screen off, so you can fall asleep without a bright phone in your hand:
iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/anchored-panic-anxiety/id6785035669
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.martinhewlett.anchored
🧡 For Martin's calming tips, visit: https://calminganxiety.org/calm
Sleep well, my friend. And in everything, be kind.
Rate & Review: Leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to help us reach more listeners!
YouTube: Watch all episodes at https://www.youtube.com/c/calminganxiety?sub_confirmation=1
Social Media Support: For younger listeners struggling with social media stress, visit https://www.icanhelp.net/
Music: All music by Chris Collins at Indie Music Box
Ready for More Calm?Thank you for listening to the Calming Anxiety Podcast, featuring guided meditation, mindfulness, and sleep hypnosis sessions with Martin Hewlett. Our mission is to provide you with proven tools for anxiety relief, stress reduction, and a path toward deep relaxation. Use this episode anytime you need to calm your mind and feel more at ease.
