Of Uncertain Morals: The House on the Hill

by Heather Jamieson-Brown

Upon her husband’s death, Miranda is blindsided to find out her reputation as a London prostitute has caught up with her in her adopted country. Battling the demons that threaten to destroy all that she has fought to overcome by marrying well, Miranda decides to use the skills she learned in her former life and turns her home, the only thing untouched by her late husband’s debt, into an elite brothel.Stranded in Dun Glen where the only person she knew is dead and with no money to return home, Hazel must find a place to stay while she figures out what to do next. In a mining town where most residents live in dusty tents and lean-tos, Hazel is directed to Miranda’s sprawling Victorian home in the hopes that she will allow her to board until she can find passage back to Illinois. However, her father assured her under no circumstances would she be welcomed home if she went through with her plans to marry herself as a mail-order bride after rejecting the arranged marriage to her father’s business associate, three times her age.Competing against the saloon keepers already established in Dun Glen, Hazel and Miranda have to fight to succeed and, at times, even for their lives. The two women forge a close bond and make a family of their eclectic house of disreputable, but lovable, employees. Will they succeed or will they be run out of town on a rail for defying the social and legal norms set forth by the traditional society of the late 19th century. The House on the Hill shines a light on the double standard surrounding the ways and means men and women have been allowed to make a living in the eyes of society and the law with honesty as well as humor.

377 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 25, 2019

Reviews

[Francis Coco · Rating 5 out of 5]

My friend sent me this book and I waited a bit to read it. I sometimes feel intimidated when friends send me books they love -- afraid I might not feel the same. But as soon as I started reading this book (from the first page!) I knew I would like it and I ended up loving it! The writing was so good and the story was so original and so different. And what I love most about a book; wanting to get back to it once you've stepped away from it, that is how I felt about this book. It was so good. I was also very impressed with the way the book was written, you felt like you were there. The author did a great job of writing about a time long ago and making it all feel so relateable. The story, also was interesting and cool. I enjoyed this book so much. 5 stars.

[krista eason · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read! Can't wait for the sequel.

I love the characters and can't wait to see where they go from here...Hurry Heather Jamison Brown! I highly recommend it

[Julia Simpson-Urrutia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this absolutely charming page-turner about two women, Miranda and Hazel, reluctantly but pragmatically running a brothel in the Old West. (They tried hard to find other means of survival.) So proud to be a friend of the author! Lots of great details--I felt like I was there, trying to cross the Missouri river on a raft with Hazel Blick.

[English Onetwentyfive · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Of Uncertain Morals really captures the difficulties facing women in 19th century America, particularly when they decided to put themselves on the market as mail-order brides. The characters are so spunky and interesting. I love the emphasis on friendship. Readers today will be able to relate. Great for all ages!

[Meryl Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is proof of the quality readers can find from new voices! This story of Hazel with the wonky eye, venturing into the West in the 19th century, and her new friend Miranda, grabbed my heartstrings from the first page. I love these two female protagonists and the adventures they face in an ever growing friendship. Highly recommended.

[Unity · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good writing. Wished for more.

[Simone Harcourt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took a chance on an unknown author and feel happy about the venture; why? Because both narrators have engaging voices, their 19th-century experiences feel real (I am a period drama addict) and the book left me wanting a sequel. Not everything goes smoothly in life. I was glad that the author did not write a happily-ever-after ending but left the reader with hope nonetheless.