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The Oregon Series #2
Hidden Truths
Lesbian Fiction: Historical Fiction - Sequel to Backwards to Oregon - Commuter Novel - 19 hours reading - "Luke" Hamilton has been living as a husband and father for the past seventeen years. No one but her wife, Nora, knows she is not the man she appears to be. They have raised their daughters to become honest and hard-working young women. But even with their loving foundation, a few fears and insecurities have Amy and Nattie hiding their own secrets. Just as Luke sets out on a dangerous trip to Fort Boise, a newcomer arrives on the ranch - Rika Aaldenberg, who traveled to Oregon as a mail-order bride, hiding that she's not the woman in the letters. When hidden truths are revealed, will their lives and their family fall apart or will love keep them together?
572 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2011
98 people are currently reading
877 people want to read
About the author
Jae
126 books3,803 followersJae is the author of twenty-six award-winning romances between women. She lives in the sunniest city of Germany, near the French and Swiss borders. The writing bug bit her at the age of eleven.
She used to work as a psychologist but gave up her day job in 2013 to become a full-time writer and a part-time editor. As far as she’s concerned, it’s the best job in the world.
When she’s not writing, she is an avid reader of sapphic books, indulges her ice cream and office supply addictions, and watches way too many crime shows.
She used to work as a psychologist but gave up her day job in 2013 to become a full-time writer and a part-time editor. As far as she’s concerned, it’s the best job in the world.
When she’s not writing, she is an avid reader of sapphic books, indulges her ice cream and office supply addictions, and watches way too many crime shows.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
March 27, 2020
Audiobook narrated by Hayden Bishop
I’ve recently listened to book one of this lesbian historical fiction book series and absolutely loved it. I’m not a fan of this genre so I thought that the ‘Oregon Series’ wouldn’t appeal to me but despite that, I’ve decided to give the audiobooks a try. I’m happy that I did because I’ve absolutely loved them.
This is the sequel of ‘Backwards to Oregon’ which told the story of “Luke” Hamilton, an ex-soldier who lives disguised as a man and migrated to Oregon with his fake wife Nora, a former prostitute. ‘Hidden Truths’ is set 17 years later and focuses on their daughter Amy and mail-order bride Rika Aaldenberg. They all hide their secrets but when those hidden truths are revealed will they keep them apart or bond them together?
Whoever said that second parts aren’t as good as the originals weren’t talking about ‘Hidden Truths’. Book two is as much a tour de force as the first one, well researched, skilfully plotted, perfectly executed. This is Jae at her best, and considering her writing is usually excellent, it’s not a minor compliment.
While book one focused on the journey of immigrants to the west in search of a better life, book two deals with the hardships of being women, especially gay women, in the 1860s. I’m far from an expert in women’s history but some of the experiences, feelings, and things said by these characters resonated with my own coming out experience more than 120 years later.
Lesbians in the 1800s were completely invisible to society, so much so that they couldn’t find any role models to follow. Society wouldn’t give them even negative recognition as with gay men. So, finding a soulmate and enjoying intimacy with them would have been extremely rare. Considering this, Jae’s story might be too optimistic and even far-fetched but within the ‘Oregon Series’ universe is plausible. Those are the joys of historical fiction, it can somehow rewrite herstory to give us hope. It certainly did it for me.
As with ‘Backwards to Oregon’ this audiobook was read by Hayden Bishop who did another stellar job. I’ll say it again, it’s a pity that Ms. Bishop hasn’t narrated much lesfic as she is a truly accomplished performer. In ‘Hidden Truths’ I also loved her different voices and accents which were all distinctive and authentic, including every single secondary character. This audiobook is more intimate and emotional than the first one and Ms. Bishop did another excellent job. 5 stars
Not available on Audible Escape or Scribd but at a duration of 16 hrs is good value for money.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
I’ve recently listened to book one of this lesbian historical fiction book series and absolutely loved it. I’m not a fan of this genre so I thought that the ‘Oregon Series’ wouldn’t appeal to me but despite that, I’ve decided to give the audiobooks a try. I’m happy that I did because I’ve absolutely loved them.
This is the sequel of ‘Backwards to Oregon’ which told the story of “Luke” Hamilton, an ex-soldier who lives disguised as a man and migrated to Oregon with his fake wife Nora, a former prostitute. ‘Hidden Truths’ is set 17 years later and focuses on their daughter Amy and mail-order bride Rika Aaldenberg. They all hide their secrets but when those hidden truths are revealed will they keep them apart or bond them together?
Whoever said that second parts aren’t as good as the originals weren’t talking about ‘Hidden Truths’. Book two is as much a tour de force as the first one, well researched, skilfully plotted, perfectly executed. This is Jae at her best, and considering her writing is usually excellent, it’s not a minor compliment.
While book one focused on the journey of immigrants to the west in search of a better life, book two deals with the hardships of being women, especially gay women, in the 1860s. I’m far from an expert in women’s history but some of the experiences, feelings, and things said by these characters resonated with my own coming out experience more than 120 years later.
Lesbians in the 1800s were completely invisible to society, so much so that they couldn’t find any role models to follow. Society wouldn’t give them even negative recognition as with gay men. So, finding a soulmate and enjoying intimacy with them would have been extremely rare. Considering this, Jae’s story might be too optimistic and even far-fetched but within the ‘Oregon Series’ universe is plausible. Those are the joys of historical fiction, it can somehow rewrite herstory to give us hope. It certainly did it for me.
As with ‘Backwards to Oregon’ this audiobook was read by Hayden Bishop who did another stellar job. I’ll say it again, it’s a pity that Ms. Bishop hasn’t narrated much lesfic as she is a truly accomplished performer. In ‘Hidden Truths’ I also loved her different voices and accents which were all distinctive and authentic, including every single secondary character. This audiobook is more intimate and emotional than the first one and Ms. Bishop did another excellent job. 5 stars
Not available on Audible Escape or Scribd but at a duration of 16 hrs is good value for money.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
November 30, 2017
I loved this just as much as I loved the first book.
I loved to see Luke and Nora's relationship through their children's eyes. I loved to see Amy's and Netty's development and I loved how the theme (given in the title) permeated every part of the plot. It was the conflict and the answer.
Before we are even starting to read the story, in the dedication, we read:
"Good stories will tell you that facing the lie is the worst terror of all.”
I couldn't sum it up any better. So q.e.d. this is a really good story.
I loved to see Luke and Nora's relationship through their children's eyes. I loved to see Amy's and Netty's development and I loved how the theme (given in the title) permeated every part of the plot. It was the conflict and the answer.
Before we are even starting to read the story, in the dedication, we read:
"Good stories will tell you that facing the lie is the worst terror of all.”
I couldn't sum it up any better. So q.e.d. this is a really good story.
September 28, 2021
A perfect mix of action, mystery, romance and drama
I simply cannot wrap my head around about how comforting and warm this book feels to read. It speaks of ancient times and yet you can relate to the characters so deeply.
What is so modern about this novel? It’s set in the XIX century, and it depicts a time when women who loved other women were outsiders, rejected by society and condemned by the church as evil sinners and unnatural creatures. Well, it made me think that in some parts of the world, this is still a crude reality, and not to mention how disarming it is coming to terms with your inner truth.
Lucky are those who always loved themselves, no matter what, but for some of us, learning to love a part that you wished wasn’t inside of you takes time, maybe all your life, just like Luke, Amy, Rika, Nora... I relate to their common denominator, the fear the rejection by their loved ones, because of who they truly are. But sometimes, the biggest enemy in overcoming this fear it’s just yourself.
What a great Saga the Oregon Series are. The Hamilton’s past, present and future has been a wonderful reading and I simply can’t get enough of these women.
And the message that a Family doesn't need to be always one composed by a father, a mother and their kids is so true. A family is a group of people that love each other and respect each other, no matter what their gender is, no matter what their biological relationships are.
Women who fight to stay alive, to work, to be who they want to be in society, to earn their respect as family members. Women who dare to challenge the hypocrisy of religion and free themselves from centuries of oblivion. Women who paved the way for us and helped us to be proud of who we love, no matter what. Women who can teach other women. Women who learn to say “No”. Women who don’t need a man to feel accomplished.
Thank you, Jae, for letting me join this incredible journey, your words and your characters have been my companions during the whole month. I cheered for them. I felt their fears and wants. I worried for their fate and I rejoiced for their happiness.
Beautifully written, with some of the most romantic and heartfelt scenes I have ever read. I truly care for these characters. Sounds crazy, but I do.
Great scenery too, from the greyness of Boston to the sunny and rainy days of Oregon, mimicking the continuous back and forth of contrasting emotions.
I felt simply carried away. Full of suspence.
I simply cannot wrap my head around about how comforting and warm this book feels to read. It speaks of ancient times and yet you can relate to the characters so deeply.
What is so modern about this novel? It’s set in the XIX century, and it depicts a time when women who loved other women were outsiders, rejected by society and condemned by the church as evil sinners and unnatural creatures. Well, it made me think that in some parts of the world, this is still a crude reality, and not to mention how disarming it is coming to terms with your inner truth.
Lucky are those who always loved themselves, no matter what, but for some of us, learning to love a part that you wished wasn’t inside of you takes time, maybe all your life, just like Luke, Amy, Rika, Nora... I relate to their common denominator, the fear the rejection by their loved ones, because of who they truly are. But sometimes, the biggest enemy in overcoming this fear it’s just yourself.
What a great Saga the Oregon Series are. The Hamilton’s past, present and future has been a wonderful reading and I simply can’t get enough of these women.
And the message that a Family doesn't need to be always one composed by a father, a mother and their kids is so true. A family is a group of people that love each other and respect each other, no matter what their gender is, no matter what their biological relationships are.
Women who fight to stay alive, to work, to be who they want to be in society, to earn their respect as family members. Women who dare to challenge the hypocrisy of religion and free themselves from centuries of oblivion. Women who paved the way for us and helped us to be proud of who we love, no matter what. Women who can teach other women. Women who learn to say “No”. Women who don’t need a man to feel accomplished.
Thank you, Jae, for letting me join this incredible journey, your words and your characters have been my companions during the whole month. I cheered for them. I felt their fears and wants. I worried for their fate and I rejoiced for their happiness.
Beautifully written, with some of the most romantic and heartfelt scenes I have ever read. I truly care for these characters. Sounds crazy, but I do.
Great scenery too, from the greyness of Boston to the sunny and rainy days of Oregon, mimicking the continuous back and forth of contrasting emotions.
I felt simply carried away. Full of suspence.
May 10, 2018
3.8 stars. Not as good as the first one but still pretty good.
March 20, 2023
27 March 2020 started listening to the audio
I love!!! the audio as much as I love the ebook. Hayden Bishop did a fantastic job narrating this terrific book. I cried again. Still more than 5 stars. Thank you for letting me travel back in time.
19 August 2020 Okay....I loved!!!!!!!!!! book 1. And the in between story’s. But book 2..... I don’t what to say. It had and was evrything! I could really picture it all. Feel it all. I cried(real tears fell) I felt how Amy felt. I loved her and Rika. I loved the Hamiltons. I want a Netflix serie about these books. I would binge watch them. Much more than 5 stars.
I love!!! the audio as much as I love the ebook. Hayden Bishop did a fantastic job narrating this terrific book. I cried again. Still more than 5 stars. Thank you for letting me travel back in time.
19 August 2020 Okay....I loved!!!!!!!!!! book 1. And the in between story’s. But book 2..... I don’t what to say. It had and was evrything! I could really picture it all. Feel it all. I cried(real tears fell) I felt how Amy felt. I loved her and Rika. I loved the Hamiltons. I want a Netflix serie about these books. I would binge watch them. Much more than 5 stars.
February 28, 2025
Hidden Truths by Jae is an absolutely breathtaking sequel to Backwards to Oregon. This second installment in the Oregon series is nothing short of a tour de force—beautifully written, skillfully plotted, and brimming with emotional depth. With Hayden Bishop’s masterful narration, this audiobook fully immerses you in the Hamilton family’s journey, bringing their world and struggles to vivid life.
Seventeen years have passed since Luke and Nora began their lives in Oregon, and seeing the Hamilton family grow and evolve is both heartwarming and deeply satisfying. Jae’s ability to show the complexities of family life, secrets, and love is unparalleled. Luke and Nora remain one of the most memorable and inspiring couples in lesbian fiction, and their devotion to each other and their daughters is portrayed with stunning emotional nuance.
The introduction of Rika Aaldenberg as a mail-order bride hiding her own secrets adds a fresh layer of intrigue and complexity to the story. Her journey of self-discovery and her struggles to reconcile her identity with her circumstances fit seamlessly into the larger narrative, making her a welcome and compelling addition to the series.
What truly makes Hidden Truths shine is how Jae delves deeper into the realities of being women—and especially gay women—in the 1860s. While Backwards to Oregon focused on the physical journey west, Hidden Truths tackles the emotional and societal challenges faced by women who defied norms and built lives of love and authenticity in a world that tried to erase them. The exploration of invisibility, fear, and resilience resonates deeply, even across the centuries, and is a testament to Jae’s exceptional skill as a writer.
The Hamilton daughters, Amy and Nettie, are also beautifully developed in this book. Watching them grow into strong, unique young women, with their own struggles and secrets, adds a rich layer to the narrative. It’s a joy to see how the loving foundation built by Luke and Nora has shaped their lives, and their journeys are as captivating as those of their parents.
Hayden Bishop’s narration elevates the story even further. Her ability to bring out the characters’ emotions, from Luke’s quiet strength to Rika’s vulnerability, is remarkable. Every moment feels real, and every character feels alive under her voice.
Jae’s writing is immersive and evocative, capturing the hardships and beauty of life in the 1800s with incredible detail. The historical setting is richly portrayed, and the themes of resilience, love, and hope shine brightly. While it’s a work of fiction, it offers a powerful reimagining of what life could have been like for women who loved women during that era.
If Backwards to Oregon set a high bar, Hidden Truths surpasses it. This series is an absolute must-read for fans of historical fiction, lesbian romance, or anyone who loves a beautifully crafted story. Luke and Nora have undoubtedly earned a special place in my heart and Jae continues to prove why she’s one of the great authors in this genre. Highly, highly recommend!
Seventeen years have passed since Luke and Nora began their lives in Oregon, and seeing the Hamilton family grow and evolve is both heartwarming and deeply satisfying. Jae’s ability to show the complexities of family life, secrets, and love is unparalleled. Luke and Nora remain one of the most memorable and inspiring couples in lesbian fiction, and their devotion to each other and their daughters is portrayed with stunning emotional nuance.
The introduction of Rika Aaldenberg as a mail-order bride hiding her own secrets adds a fresh layer of intrigue and complexity to the story. Her journey of self-discovery and her struggles to reconcile her identity with her circumstances fit seamlessly into the larger narrative, making her a welcome and compelling addition to the series.
What truly makes Hidden Truths shine is how Jae delves deeper into the realities of being women—and especially gay women—in the 1860s. While Backwards to Oregon focused on the physical journey west, Hidden Truths tackles the emotional and societal challenges faced by women who defied norms and built lives of love and authenticity in a world that tried to erase them. The exploration of invisibility, fear, and resilience resonates deeply, even across the centuries, and is a testament to Jae’s exceptional skill as a writer.
The Hamilton daughters, Amy and Nettie, are also beautifully developed in this book. Watching them grow into strong, unique young women, with their own struggles and secrets, adds a rich layer to the narrative. It’s a joy to see how the loving foundation built by Luke and Nora has shaped their lives, and their journeys are as captivating as those of their parents.
Hayden Bishop’s narration elevates the story even further. Her ability to bring out the characters’ emotions, from Luke’s quiet strength to Rika’s vulnerability, is remarkable. Every moment feels real, and every character feels alive under her voice.
Jae’s writing is immersive and evocative, capturing the hardships and beauty of life in the 1800s with incredible detail. The historical setting is richly portrayed, and the themes of resilience, love, and hope shine brightly. While it’s a work of fiction, it offers a powerful reimagining of what life could have been like for women who loved women during that era.
If Backwards to Oregon set a high bar, Hidden Truths surpasses it. This series is an absolute must-read for fans of historical fiction, lesbian romance, or anyone who loves a beautifully crafted story. Luke and Nora have undoubtedly earned a special place in my heart and Jae continues to prove why she’s one of the great authors in this genre. Highly, highly recommend!
Read
August 6, 2023After reading Backwards to Oregon again I first read the short story prequels and sequels, than Hidden Truth. I loved the novels and the stories. I saw that I didn’t rate this book before, though I’ve read it several times now. It’s still one of the loveliest stories that I’ve read and high up on my favourites list. It’s well written, has lovely characters, main and supporting and radiates warmth and love. 5 stars
April 10, 2025
Epic and unforgettable.
July 6, 2020
The mail-order bride and the stubborn rancher’s daughter. What an unlikely pair.
I really enjoyed this sequel to Backwards To Oregon perhaps more than the original? Just something about the whole family dynamic and their idyllic life, even despite certain troubles and angst, warmed my heart!
Seeing how Luke and Nora have faired after 17 years together and still being so in love was swooning my romantics heart! And seeing young love blossoming for their daughters, especially the oldest Amy, coming to terms with her sexuality (and learning the truth about her parents) was very moving.
I also enjoyed the side characters of Tess and Frankie.
There was so much more story here than just the romance though, life raising strong-willed daughters while horse ranching in Oregon during pioneer times and the small minded oppression that came from such a time and place was clear, but it never seemed helpless.
Hope and love was the message which I appreciated.
I really enjoyed this sequel to Backwards To Oregon perhaps more than the original? Just something about the whole family dynamic and their idyllic life, even despite certain troubles and angst, warmed my heart!
Seeing how Luke and Nora have faired after 17 years together and still being so in love was swooning my romantics heart! And seeing young love blossoming for their daughters, especially the oldest Amy, coming to terms with her sexuality (and learning the truth about her parents) was very moving.
I also enjoyed the side characters of Tess and Frankie.
There was so much more story here than just the romance though, life raising strong-willed daughters while horse ranching in Oregon during pioneer times and the small minded oppression that came from such a time and place was clear, but it never seemed helpless.
Hope and love was the message which I appreciated.
March 14, 2018
So good
I loved this book as much as I loved Backwards to Oregon. I’m typically not much of a historical fiction reader, but a friend told me these were her favorite Jae books so I gave them a try. Obviously, I’m very happy I did. And while I’ve said this before, I think it bears repeating. I’m grateful for strong women in the past who had the courage to pave the way for us today.
I loved this book as much as I loved Backwards to Oregon. I’m typically not much of a historical fiction reader, but a friend told me these were her favorite Jae books so I gave them a try. Obviously, I’m very happy I did. And while I’ve said this before, I think it bears repeating. I’m grateful for strong women in the past who had the courage to pave the way for us today.
November 21, 2023
Reread this because I reread Backwards To Oregon. I enjoyed this more than book 1! I loved Amy's and Rika's story, and I liked seeing Nora and Luke again, as well as Tess and her Frankie. I love seeing wlw thrive against all odds in historical periods, and this book was no exception!
October 30, 2025
This book is incredibly rich, with the story centered on Amy, Nora, and Luke's older daughter. It was so good to see how far they'd come in 17 years, their love and partnership stronger than ever. Nattie and Amy are proof that blood is not everything, a perfect blend of their parents. Little Amy is all grown up and has to fight for respect at the ranch while experiencing a significant "gay panic" in 1868. My heart ached for her as she went through the pain of battling these so called "unnatural" feelings. Once again, Jae shows how hard it was to be a woman at the time, and even more so when you are a woman loving a woman. I am glad Amy was surrounded by strong, brave parents, and even had Tess and Frankie who had already paved the way. Rika is also very brave and likable in her own way.
This is another amazing book where adventure and romance are perfectly balanced. I am completely in love with the Hamilton family.
This is another amazing book where adventure and romance are perfectly balanced. I am completely in love with the Hamilton family.
May 13, 2018
I loved it
I adore Backwards to Oregon and this one too.
We get to see more of Luke and Nora and the development of the girls. The scenery, every character was great ( Love to see more of Tess and Frankie).
A nice story that I will surely re-read.
I adore Backwards to Oregon and this one too.
We get to see more of Luke and Nora and the development of the girls. The scenery, every character was great ( Love to see more of Tess and Frankie).
A nice story that I will surely re-read.
November 19, 2016
Hidden Truths is very well written. It’s longer than most lesfic books, but I appreciated what that meant for both the plotting and the thorough, satisfying character development for Rika and Amy.
Full joint review with Brooklyn here: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/hidde...
Full joint review with Brooklyn here: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/hidde...
November 12, 2019
I can't believe I waited this long to read this book. It was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!
August 17, 2021
Rika wanted that. Not the flowers, but being loved enough that someone would waste an hour of daylight to pick them for her.
4.5 stars. I'm screaming into my hands. This was such an utter freaking delight and I'm head over heels in love with this family. This continues Luke and Nora's love story from the first book, 17 years into the future, but it's primarily a love story between their daughter and a mail-order bride, and it's also a really excellent family drama, and everything about it made my heart warm and full. I liked it more than the first book, but also, I can't deny that BTO did a great job with laying these foundations.
I really dislike when books are founded in deceit, and I didn't think that would bode well for me and this book. Rika is lying about her identity, and Luke and Nora are grappling with whether or not to come clean to their kids about their relationship. I thought that would be a way bigger deal for me in this, but it wasn't? This was such a good mix of action and drama and family relationships and really, really great romance. Sometimes I don't know why I bother to read anything other than slow burn romance, because when it's done well, there's nothing more satisfying. Nothing! Amy and Rika have a tense beginning, and the slow growth of their relationship kept me glued to this audiobook for hours at a stretch. It felt so real and satisfying in that way that only queer historical romances are. Amy's struggles especially are so raw and heart-breaking, as she tries to grapple with her feelings for Rika. And the fact that this took so long to develop, but we still got all those delicious moments between them as they realised what they meant to one another... perfect. There is a Grand Romantic Gesture in here that sent me absolutely wild; it was so well-written and just... gah!
I also loved the continuation of Luke and Nora's love story, and seeing how they've raised their daughters and how smitten they still are with each other, so many years later. All the family stuff was really good. Queer family stuff makes me so happy?? There are a couple conversations between Luke and Amy that made me cry haha. There are certain familiar faces from earlier books and stories that make appearances and play important parts which I was so so happy about. I loved the conversations about there not being just one way to be a WLW in that era. I was just riveted all the way through. Though, to be honest, I didn't care very much about some of the side plots, especially the Adam thing, but even that elicited the emotions from me that it set out to.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Hayden Bishop and really enjoyed it again! I super liked her voice for Rika, which really embodied how practical and plain she was, and also completely illustrated why Amy fell for her. There was still some off pacing and pronunciations, but not enough for me to take particular note. This was SUCH a good love story. I definitely want to try more of Jae's historicals now.
Content warnings:
“Sometimes, falling in love doesn’t mean you’ll have a happily-ever-after. Sometimes, you have to fight for it.”
December 30, 2019
I really loved this book as much as I did the first one but for different reasons. In a way, I felt like I was just catching up with friends who I hadn't seen for a long time. It was so exciting finding out how the Hamilton family was doing after 17 years of ranching in Oregon. Nora and Luke are still a loving couple and wonderful parents. Hattie and Amy have grown into amazing, self reliant young women, similar in some ways but very different in others. Yet both of the girls are so strong and can take on everything that comes their way.
It was nice to hear from Tess and meet her "cousin" Frankie. Phin was a pleasant surprise even though I felt like he was a typical man, LOL! Of course, like real life, there are those characters we would just as soon never have met. But sadly the world has far too many of them.
If you love adventure and romance, you are going to love this marvelous book. I do have to
say you need to be ready to laugh and smile and be so involved in the book that you don't want to put it down. But I'm also sure, if you are like me, it's hard to read when you have tears in your eyes, so be ready LOL!!!!
It was nice to hear from Tess and meet her "cousin" Frankie. Phin was a pleasant surprise even though I felt like he was a typical man, LOL! Of course, like real life, there are those characters we would just as soon never have met. But sadly the world has far too many of them.
If you love adventure and romance, you are going to love this marvelous book. I do have to
say you need to be ready to laugh and smile and be so involved in the book that you don't want to put it down. But I'm also sure, if you are like me, it's hard to read when you have tears in your eyes, so be ready LOL!!!!
July 2, 2021
As a sequel to "Backwards to Oregon" "Hidden Truths" seems almost laid back. Everyone who wants a repeat of the suspense - strong fear of losing everything and thus the much greater relief when life threatening situations are resolved - will be disappointed. But the book itself is not disappointing. It is beautiful to see how Amy and Natty have grown into strong women, how the love between Luke and Nora has evolved and grown even stronger.
Amy's struggle is not so much lifethreatening but threatening everything that she holds dear, everything she loves. So her struggle is much more relatable.
Fears are often born of insecurities. We crave security and thus we will shun the unknown and insecure way. What I love most about the book is that it illustrates quite starkly how much visibility is needed. And thus I think in a quiet kind of way the message of the book is even stronger for me than that of the other.
I would have liked some things to have been brought out a bit stronger and maybe longer. I would have liked to be shown more of Amy's internal struggle and I would have liked to have the romance a bit more... I don't know.... a bit more slow. In the end I felt they moved a little too fast...
But those are just personal preferences. Maybe I just didn't want the book to end.
Again I must give kudos to Hayden Bishop's excellent narration. As with "Backwards to Oregon" it is really well done, different voices and dialects breathe life into the book.
Amy's struggle is not so much lifethreatening but threatening everything that she holds dear, everything she loves. So her struggle is much more relatable.
Fears are often born of insecurities. We crave security and thus we will shun the unknown and insecure way. What I love most about the book is that it illustrates quite starkly how much visibility is needed. And thus I think in a quiet kind of way the message of the book is even stronger for me than that of the other.
I would have liked some things to have been brought out a bit stronger and maybe longer. I would have liked to be shown more of Amy's internal struggle and I would have liked to have the romance a bit more... I don't know.... a bit more slow. In the end I felt they moved a little too fast...
But those are just personal preferences. Maybe I just didn't want the book to end.
Again I must give kudos to Hayden Bishop's excellent narration. As with "Backwards to Oregon" it is really well done, different voices and dialects breathe life into the book.
January 6, 2019
I thought that this was a good sequel to Backwards to Oregon. Seventeen years later, we get to see the girls, Amy and Nattie, grown up and the continuation of Luke and Nora’s love story.
I enjoyed the slow-burn romance bewteen Rika and Amy.
I also thought that Jae did a good job of describing life as a rancher as well as Amy’s inner turmoil regarding her sexuality.
Review also posted here: https://wp.me/p4Pp9O-KM
I enjoyed the slow-burn romance bewteen Rika and Amy.
I also thought that Jae did a good job of describing life as a rancher as well as Amy’s inner turmoil regarding her sexuality.
Review also posted here: https://wp.me/p4Pp9O-KM
April 8, 2020
I just finished this follow-up to Backwards to Oregon, and again I am dumbstruck and full of emotion. The combination of these two books - plus the additional short stories - are nothing short of remarkable. I realize I am late to the party here, but if anyone like me was reading most of Jae's other books and had these two on the back burner, please take this opportunity of time to indulge. Yes - it's historical fiction and beautifully and meticulously researched and written, but at the heart of it is a love story on a grand scale. I listened to the two novels on audio and they are long listens at 15.5 and 16 hours but don't let that be a deterrent. It's actually beneficial in that you get so immersed in these wonderful characters' lives and never want them to end. Now I have to purchase the paperbacks to experience them in that way as well. These are keepers, folks. I stretched these out as long as I could and am so sad to have to say goodbye. Absolutely terrific and 1000% worth your money!
August 22, 2012
Bombig!!
Great book, just finished it in a rush. Has been approx 36 hours since I downloaded from the L-Books website and I absolutely loved this book.
A real page turner, some great characters, particularly loved Tess and Frenchie.
If we were to force me, I would still pick "Backwards to Oregon" as my favourite, but every time I read one of Jae's books, I always find myself wanting to stay in her world just that little bit longer.
Great sequel, now off to read the free prequel and spin-off short stories on the L-Books website.
For those with an interest in this genre, you have to read this pair of books.
Great book, just finished it in a rush. Has been approx 36 hours since I downloaded from the L-Books website and I absolutely loved this book.
A real page turner, some great characters, particularly loved Tess and Frenchie.
If we were to force me, I would still pick "Backwards to Oregon" as my favourite, but every time I read one of Jae's books, I always find myself wanting to stay in her world just that little bit longer.
Great sequel, now off to read the free prequel and spin-off short stories on the L-Books website.
For those with an interest in this genre, you have to read this pair of books.
August 25, 2017
If you've read "Backwards to Oregon" (which was spectacular), this is the follow up story with the family years later. There's some solid storytelling here and I enjoyed the book but it started feeling long towards the end. Still a good read, though, and would recommend it.
July 16, 2022
Excellent
This book has a bit of everything. It has romance, humour, adventure, love and self discovery. But more to the point it's a great book. I read it twice. Not for any other reason than I really enjoyed it. Jae has excellent writing skills and her style is an exhilarating experience. She involves you with her characters and allows you to participate in their journeys. I'll read this again. That's how much I loved this book and author.
This book has a bit of everything. It has romance, humour, adventure, love and self discovery. But more to the point it's a great book. I read it twice. Not for any other reason than I really enjoyed it. Jae has excellent writing skills and her style is an exhilarating experience. She involves you with her characters and allows you to participate in their journeys. I'll read this again. That's how much I loved this book and author.
March 25, 2019
Beautiful book. I really enjoyed reading about Nora’s and Luke’s daughter Amy, her sister Nattie and newcomer Rika.
As a Dutch woman I liked reading about the Dutch roots of Rika. A fair number of Dutchman immigrated to the US in those days, but never have I come across that in a lesfic novel.
The struggles of Amy and her parents are well written about. A good book, beautiful emotional balance, a very good read.
As a Dutch woman I liked reading about the Dutch roots of Rika. A fair number of Dutchman immigrated to the US in those days, but never have I come across that in a lesfic novel.
The struggles of Amy and her parents are well written about. A good book, beautiful emotional balance, a very good read.
December 6, 2022
Really great second full book addition to The Oregon Series! I’ve loved reading this series, and I’m so sad it’s over. This one was really good, and I liked that you got to see Luke, and Nora older, and their daughters and how they are a little more grown up. I was also really happy about Tess and Frankie because Tess was one of my favorite characters from book one, and both of them were favorites from the short stories. I really hope there’s more from this series in the future whether from short stories, full length books, or spin offs. Until then I will probably have to reread this series.
February 9, 2014
Life is brutal for the young women who work the mills in mid nineteenth century Boston. The owners treat them like slaves, the conditions are killing them and the poverty is weighing them down. Rika tries to care for her friend Jo, but the harsh hours and poor living standards are clearly taking their toll. Jo has the dreadful cough that signifies brown lung, but she only has a week to go before she will be off West to marry a man who is a stranger.
Fate has other plans and when Jo succumbs, Rika, who uses her savings to pay for her friend's funeral, and who has lost her job and her home, has very little choice but to use Jo's ticket west and take her place as a mail order bride.
Luke Hamilton and his wife Nora have built a successful horse ranch and raised two independent and strong daughters, Amy and Nattie. As Luke sets out to deliver horses to Fort Boise he leaves Amy in charge to test her management of the ranch and her desire to take the reigns. Amy's first task is to collect ranch foreman Phin's bride to be.
As Rika takes Jo's name and place in the Hamilton extended family she will spark a series of revelations which show that every one of them has a secret. From fear of exposure or rejection Luke and Nora, Amy and Nattie and even Phin have hidden something that could change their lives and how the people they love feel about them.
Will the family survive the disclosures or will the dramatic realignment of who they are tear them apart?
-----------------
You know you are reading a good book when you can't put it down, but don't want to rush, and cannot bare the thought of finishing. This is a decent sized novel at 525 pages and half way through at 1am I had to force myself to stop and not read through the night.
This is the second installment in the lives of Luke and Nora and while I wouldn't put anybody off reading it if they haven't yet read `Backwards to Oregon' I think it is fair to say that the two novels build a life and a history which is better read together. Certainly the whole history of the Hamilton marriage and of Tess's part in it is better understood after reading the first novel of the series.
Jae is a master at creating a scene and an atmosphere. The early chapters construct for us the harsh reality of life for the poor in 1860's Boston. Violence, hunger, fear and desperation surround the young women whose lives are threatened by husbands, fathers, employers and the very mills they work in. No spark of light seems to penetrate their desperate struggles to survive. From this Jo has agreed to escape into the unknown world of a ranch in Oregon and the unknown arms of an arranged marriage.
When Rika takes her place we are transported to another world, equally hard work, but filled with sunshine and hope, friendship and love. The ranch has been built from nothing by Luke and Nora, and they break the normal mold by having a real partnership, obvious love, and a life founded on respect that extends to their ranch hands and their stock.
Jae has created a wonderful tableau of a family that on the surface seems to be solid and open, trustworthy and reliable. But underneath the surface swirls secrets large and small, spanning their personal histories, their relationships, who they are and most of all, who they love.
As a reader we can see each persons secrets building in intensity long before they erupt, often long before the character is even fully aware of themselves. We can anticipate the effects and feel the tension build. As Nora says "With every day, with every lie, the fear becomes stronger". And this is, more than anything else, a story about how secrets and lies can start out as the best of intensions but build to become potentially destructive to all we hold most dear.
Jae's books always feel immaculately researched and authentic. The world she creates has an integrity that draws you in. Her characters are real, their actions and dialogue feel genuine. Their desire to live an honest life in an era where that was not possible, their soul searching, their compromises and their love, resonates with us now despite the vast changes to our world in the years between.
These are women I respect and would like to meet. In that age old game. `if you could go back in time..' I would be more than happy to be transported back to the Hamilton Horse Ranch to live and work alongside these powerful yet loving women.
(Publishers review copy received)
Fate has other plans and when Jo succumbs, Rika, who uses her savings to pay for her friend's funeral, and who has lost her job and her home, has very little choice but to use Jo's ticket west and take her place as a mail order bride.
Luke Hamilton and his wife Nora have built a successful horse ranch and raised two independent and strong daughters, Amy and Nattie. As Luke sets out to deliver horses to Fort Boise he leaves Amy in charge to test her management of the ranch and her desire to take the reigns. Amy's first task is to collect ranch foreman Phin's bride to be.
As Rika takes Jo's name and place in the Hamilton extended family she will spark a series of revelations which show that every one of them has a secret. From fear of exposure or rejection Luke and Nora, Amy and Nattie and even Phin have hidden something that could change their lives and how the people they love feel about them.
Will the family survive the disclosures or will the dramatic realignment of who they are tear them apart?
-----------------
You know you are reading a good book when you can't put it down, but don't want to rush, and cannot bare the thought of finishing. This is a decent sized novel at 525 pages and half way through at 1am I had to force myself to stop and not read through the night.
This is the second installment in the lives of Luke and Nora and while I wouldn't put anybody off reading it if they haven't yet read `Backwards to Oregon' I think it is fair to say that the two novels build a life and a history which is better read together. Certainly the whole history of the Hamilton marriage and of Tess's part in it is better understood after reading the first novel of the series.
Jae is a master at creating a scene and an atmosphere. The early chapters construct for us the harsh reality of life for the poor in 1860's Boston. Violence, hunger, fear and desperation surround the young women whose lives are threatened by husbands, fathers, employers and the very mills they work in. No spark of light seems to penetrate their desperate struggles to survive. From this Jo has agreed to escape into the unknown world of a ranch in Oregon and the unknown arms of an arranged marriage.
When Rika takes her place we are transported to another world, equally hard work, but filled with sunshine and hope, friendship and love. The ranch has been built from nothing by Luke and Nora, and they break the normal mold by having a real partnership, obvious love, and a life founded on respect that extends to their ranch hands and their stock.
Jae has created a wonderful tableau of a family that on the surface seems to be solid and open, trustworthy and reliable. But underneath the surface swirls secrets large and small, spanning their personal histories, their relationships, who they are and most of all, who they love.
As a reader we can see each persons secrets building in intensity long before they erupt, often long before the character is even fully aware of themselves. We can anticipate the effects and feel the tension build. As Nora says "With every day, with every lie, the fear becomes stronger". And this is, more than anything else, a story about how secrets and lies can start out as the best of intensions but build to become potentially destructive to all we hold most dear.
Jae's books always feel immaculately researched and authentic. The world she creates has an integrity that draws you in. Her characters are real, their actions and dialogue feel genuine. Their desire to live an honest life in an era where that was not possible, their soul searching, their compromises and their love, resonates with us now despite the vast changes to our world in the years between.
These are women I respect and would like to meet. In that age old game. `if you could go back in time..' I would be more than happy to be transported back to the Hamilton Horse Ranch to live and work alongside these powerful yet loving women.
(Publishers review copy received)
May 4, 2025
7 years later, I finally decided to read this one. Reading the novellas helped with reminiscing.
That was some emotionally charged family drama. I feel like the book is more about Amy than Luke, but I enjoyed it nevertheless. Frankie and Tess; I loved them.
That was some emotionally charged family drama. I feel like the book is more about Amy than Luke, but I enjoyed it nevertheless. Frankie and Tess; I loved them.
May 16, 2020
A warm, snuggly embrace wrapped up in safety and security with notes of cinnamon and bay rum.
Backwards to Oregon and Hidden Truths reminded me of The Little House on the Prairie and Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman but with lesbians. And all those are A+++ in my book.
Jae weaved such an intricately, well developed, beautiful tale about family, friends, love, and acceptance. Acceptance of others as well as yourself.
We were reunited with Luke Hamilton, her/his wife Nora, and their two little girls, Amy and Nattie. However, 17 years in the future, Luke's little girls weren't so little anymore. Both had grown into fine, strong, independent women all thanks to Luke and Nora's firm yet tender upbringing. There were a lot of small storylines between several of the characters, but with Jae's expertise, all those storylines interlaced with one another flawlessly. Not once was I scratching my head out of confusion, or did I feel any holes in the story. Jae also did an amazing job with character description as well as physical description of all the lands, pasture, the rushing river, the homestead, and all the beautiful horses. The whole series was extremely well balanced and in harmony. Jae definitely did her homework.
For a portion of this story Luke and Nora aren't together due to work, and as much as I hated them being apart, because they happen to me a favourite couple of mine in fiction, not once did I feel cheated out from their time together. I could still feel the love, the warmth of their love sprinkled throughout the story. Both daughter's embodied the spirit of their papa, reminding us that Luke was still very much present if he/she couldn't be. Amy, having taken after her papa with her sure and steady ways on the ranch, but equally as stubborn, too. And Nattie, who looked like her papa but acted more like her mama. I could also feel the ache that Luke and Nora felt from the separation. Jae did a great job switching back and forth from the trail where Luke was and the homestead where Nora was with their girls.
Hidden Truths was exactly that, a story about hidden everything. From genders, identities, uncomfortable feelings, past lives. Amy was a young woman who worshipped her papa and adored the love her parents had for one another. She secretly yearned for a love like that one day, but she assumed deep down that she couldn't have that from the "unnatural" feelings she had towards the same sex, especially towards a new housemate who had been betrothed to one of Luke's ranch hands. I felt bad for Amy because she had to hide, or felt she had to hide her true self, and assumed her parents, who were a man and woman, wouldn't understand. It didn't help matters that Amy attended church with a minister who preached about sins and burning in hell. This story had a thread that connected each character to the next, almost guiding us, revealing who was going to be with who before it even happened. That's how it played out in my mind. There were several voices of reason in this story, including an old character from Nora and Luke's past. Tess, who we met in Backwards, and her new "beau" Frankie. Luckily they showed up in time to save the day in more ways than one. Unknowingly to many, their arrival opened up eyes and hearts and helped lead the way to a more happier life for everyone involved. After Luke returned home, she/he knew something was off kilter with her family. Once secrets were revealed, Luke felt it was time to reveal her/his own secret that had been kept hidden for decades. Afterwards, I, myself, felt hundred times lighter, and I enjoyed the time Luke spent with Amy and talking to her about private matters that no father should discuss with their daughter, but with the revealing, it was simply beautiful. I even blushed and squirmed right along with Amy after she had asked Luke about sex. It was a sweet moment, however funny it may have been to feel everyone's embarrassment, my own included.
An HEA that only made me want more
This series has set the bar high, and I know it's going to take a lot for another book(s) to change my mind. I vote Luke and Nora for couple of the century ;)
Backwards to Oregon and Hidden Truths reminded me of The Little House on the Prairie and Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman but with lesbians. And all those are A+++ in my book.
Jae weaved such an intricately, well developed, beautiful tale about family, friends, love, and acceptance. Acceptance of others as well as yourself.
We were reunited with Luke Hamilton, her/his wife Nora, and their two little girls, Amy and Nattie. However, 17 years in the future, Luke's little girls weren't so little anymore. Both had grown into fine, strong, independent women all thanks to Luke and Nora's firm yet tender upbringing. There were a lot of small storylines between several of the characters, but with Jae's expertise, all those storylines interlaced with one another flawlessly. Not once was I scratching my head out of confusion, or did I feel any holes in the story. Jae also did an amazing job with character description as well as physical description of all the lands, pasture, the rushing river, the homestead, and all the beautiful horses. The whole series was extremely well balanced and in harmony. Jae definitely did her homework.
For a portion of this story Luke and Nora aren't together due to work, and as much as I hated them being apart, because they happen to me a favourite couple of mine in fiction, not once did I feel cheated out from their time together. I could still feel the love, the warmth of their love sprinkled throughout the story. Both daughter's embodied the spirit of their papa, reminding us that Luke was still very much present if he/she couldn't be. Amy, having taken after her papa with her sure and steady ways on the ranch, but equally as stubborn, too. And Nattie, who looked like her papa but acted more like her mama. I could also feel the ache that Luke and Nora felt from the separation. Jae did a great job switching back and forth from the trail where Luke was and the homestead where Nora was with their girls.
Hidden Truths was exactly that, a story about hidden everything. From genders, identities, uncomfortable feelings, past lives. Amy was a young woman who worshipped her papa and adored the love her parents had for one another. She secretly yearned for a love like that one day, but she assumed deep down that she couldn't have that from the "unnatural" feelings she had towards the same sex, especially towards a new housemate who had been betrothed to one of Luke's ranch hands. I felt bad for Amy because she had to hide, or felt she had to hide her true self, and assumed her parents, who were a man and woman, wouldn't understand. It didn't help matters that Amy attended church with a minister who preached about sins and burning in hell. This story had a thread that connected each character to the next, almost guiding us, revealing who was going to be with who before it even happened. That's how it played out in my mind. There were several voices of reason in this story, including an old character from Nora and Luke's past. Tess, who we met in Backwards, and her new "beau" Frankie. Luckily they showed up in time to save the day in more ways than one. Unknowingly to many, their arrival opened up eyes and hearts and helped lead the way to a more happier life for everyone involved. After Luke returned home, she/he knew something was off kilter with her family. Once secrets were revealed, Luke felt it was time to reveal her/his own secret that had been kept hidden for decades. Afterwards, I, myself, felt hundred times lighter, and I enjoyed the time Luke spent with Amy and talking to her about private matters that no father should discuss with their daughter, but with the revealing, it was simply beautiful. I even blushed and squirmed right along with Amy after she had asked Luke about sex. It was a sweet moment, however funny it may have been to feel everyone's embarrassment, my own included.
An HEA that only made me want more
This series has set the bar high, and I know it's going to take a lot for another book(s) to change my mind. I vote Luke and Nora for couple of the century ;)
January 31, 2016
*Originial post - Loved this book. Can't wait to talk to Jae about it. Really enjoyed having The whole Hamilton family involved in the story. So well done.
I wasn't sure about how I would respond to a story focused on Amy but the way Jae wrote it, and included Luke and Nora, I don't think it could have been done any better. *
****Reread it and still loved it.****
**I read the new, revised version and enjoyed it more than the last time. The new scenes are really seamless.**
**1/29/16 - finished a reread of Backwards to Oregon yesterday and immediately started a reread of this one. How could I not?**
I wasn't sure about how I would respond to a story focused on Amy but the way Jae wrote it, and included Luke and Nora, I don't think it could have been done any better. *
****Reread it and still loved it.****
**I read the new, revised version and enjoyed it more than the last time. The new scenes are really seamless.**
**1/29/16 - finished a reread of Backwards to Oregon yesterday and immediately started a reread of this one. How could I not?**
February 2, 2020
This was fantastic
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