Jennifer Lamont Leo

A collection of 4 short stories during the Jazz Age.

"Songbird:" 1928, Chicago. By day, Miss Dot Rodgers works in the Millinery Department at Marshall Field Department Store, and 3 nights a week she sings like a "songbird" in Villa Italiana, a basement speakeasy. But a weekend visit to roommate Marjorie Corrigan's family home in Kerryville might change Dot's life forever.

"The Christmas Robe:" Chicago. Marshall Field is busier than ever on Christmas Eve and there's a last minute shopper for Marjorie Corrigan to take care of in Ladies Nightwear. Can she help this shopper bring his wife the best surprise for her last Christmas?

"Playing for Keeps:" Helen Corrigan is 15-years old and is so excited as she's spending part of her summer vacation with her best friend and family. It's been 3 years since Maisie Summerfield's family moved from Chicago to Lake Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Helen embarks on a travel adventure, escape from stepmother Frances, and the joy of reunion with Maisie!

"Trouble Brewing: Marjorie and Dot's apartment is on the 2nd floor living above their landlady, Mrs. Moran. It's springtime and once again Mrs. Moran is busy making her annual batches of health tonic. During the brewing process it has a terrible smell! Is there a secret ingredient in the tonic that keeps Mrs. Moran so content?

The stories are delightful and a charming introduction to the author's "Corrigan Sisters" series. Each sister, Marjorie, Dot, and Helen are featured in separate books in the series. Created by Thomas Leo, cover design and interior design with musical notes as transitional separators add to the enchantment.… (meer)

The book features four authors who each take us on a journey into the world of hard labor, dreams , romance and a bit of intrigue. I love that we get to experience different stories and how each author shows their talent by giving us a taste of their writing skills.

All That Glitters by Candice Sue Patterson

The rumors of gold bring chaos to the small town where men are giving up everything to become rich. I enjoyed Wini and how hard she worked to provide for her mother and sister-in-laws.

Jess is a hard working lumberjack who saves Wini from drowning. There seemed to be a really quick relationship between the two but it is feasible because of how short the story is.

With fast talking men who convinve others that there is gold to be found, Wini and Jess start to get suspicious. The mystery is really good and I enjoyed how the scheme was exposed. I really liked how the story is based on a true historical account. Be sure to read the author’s notes at the end to discover more interesting information about this event during 1887.

Winter Rose by Peggy Thomas

This is a sweet story about a young lady who is desperate to leave the lumberjack camp. Her and her mother work tirelessly to feed the men, but Eliza Beth wants something more. Her desire to be a teacher is close at hand, but will she be accepted? I loved reading how the camp works and how difficult it was to live in one during the cold weather.

Wes also has a dream and being a lumberjack is not it. He works hard at the job though so he can save money for his dream. It was a little hard to break the ice with Eliza Beth and I’m glad the author didn’t rush their relationship. There are a few funny moments when Wes gets jealous of another man showing Eliza Beth attention. If he only knew the true feelings between those two he would be embarrassed of his jealousy.

It is a nice story that shares dreams and hopes of a better future. It also highlights the danger of being a lumberjack and how easy someone can be injured. The ending is nice and I’m happy that the author shows how you should never give up on your future.

Not For Love by Naomi Musch

This is a more emotional story that center around a widow. Maggie wants to save her farm but can’t do it on her own. She has this hair-brained idea that she needs to marry again by finding a lumberjack. She sends out a letter hoping that someone will answer and be willing to marry her in name only. The circuit preacher does give her very sound advice when he says, “it’s not a matter of understanding as being awfully careful about knowing what the will of the Lord is.” I’m sure we have all stepped out ahead of God’s will thinking we know best. I couldn’t wait to see what response Maggie gets from her letter.

Jack’s introduction to Maggie is at first a bit uncomfortable. After encountering a few other men who she didn’t trust she was a little weary of Jack. He may be just what she needs as they agree to see how the next free months work out. His staying in the barn will help her reputation but will they be able to keep their feelings as just friends?

Charlie really irritated me with his constant badgering of Maggie. He is so set on the idea that she should sell the farm that he becomes impossible at times. He seems to have her best interest at heart, but I’m not sure if maybe there was another reason why he wanted her to sell the farm. His heart is in the right place but he is so overprotective of his sister that he constantly fights with her about the farm.

The story is filled with trials as Maggie and Jack try to live as husband and wife. Their arrangement seems to be working but there are times when they both wonder if they made the right decision. The author captures their emotions in a realistic way and I loved how they each struggled with their feelings for each other. Beautiful ending that reminds us to trust God.

Undercover Logger by Jennifer Lamont Leo

I loved that the setting of this story is in Idaho. I went through there as a little girl and adored it. It is a picturesque place and I have always wanted to go back. I laughed when Michael is sent by his father to the small town in Idaho for training in the bank the family owns. His escapades sends his father into a decision that didn’t set well with Michael. What is he suppose to do in this little town?

Carrie travels to her company to find out why it has not been profitable for awhile. Her husband left her the company in his will and she has big dreams to prosper the logging company. When she arrives Reed tries to distract her from the company but she is determined to find out what is going on. I loved how independent she was and not afraid to step on toes to get to the bottom of why her company is losing money.

The author has a clever idea putting Michael and Carrie together in the office to sort out what is going on. I could just imagine the pile of papers stacked everywhere. Michael doesn’t trust Reed and sets out to prove that Carrie is being swindled. The investigation Michael does is clever and I loved how he wanted to do the right thing for Carrie while proving to his father that he can be trusted. This story has a few twists in it to keep you guessing.

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing. The review is my own opinion.… (meer)

This is a set of four stories that revolve around lumberjacks and the women they fall in love with. The first story is set in Maine and revolves around a true scam that took place here. I loved learning about this scam and I loved Winifred and how she helped her family when her father and brothers left to find gold. This is a great love story set around this scandal.
The second story is a wonderful love story set in Michigan after the Civil War. Eliza Beth and Wesley are a great love story.
The third story is fantastic. Maggie needs a husband to help her with her farm after her husband dies. Jack answers her letter and I love how they work things out between them.
The fourth story takes place in Idaho is full of romance and intrigue. I love Carrie and Mike. Mike had to grow up here in Idaho so he could make his father proud of him. I love how this story works out.
Do not miss these stories. I love them all. I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.… (meer)

Are you like me, and sometimes just need a short read? Then this is the book for you! You can snuggle up in your favorite reading chair and begin a thrilling journey with one of these four novellas that are short in length but full of enjoyment. These novellas are set in the northern timberlands of the United States, and each of them shares the grit and determination that was such a vital part of our nation's development during the 1800s. Be prepared to brave the elements, fight for what is right, and perhaps, lose your heart along the way.

From 1851 Maine to 1865 Michigan, to 1881 Wisconsin, and finally to 1890 Illinois, there are swoon-worthy heroes, ladies in need, matches of love and marriages of convenience. You'll find deception, mystery, and intrigue, along with inspiring messages of hope and faith, and the rich historical details that are so important to history lovers. All from the amazing talents of Candice Sue Patterson, Pegg Thomas, Naomi Musch, and Jennifer Lamott Leo.

Barbour Publishing has given us several great collections in the past, and I rate Lumberjacks & Ladies as one of their best. Grab a copy and treat yourself to some great historical fiction!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. These are my own thoughts.… (meer)