Courting Calamity: 4 Stories from Bygone Days

by Amanda Barratt, Gabrielle Meyer, Jennifer Uhlarik

Heroes Needed for Four Damsels in Distress
 
Despite determination to be strong and independent, four women of bygone days are in need of a hero. On the journey to California, the deed to Mattie’s hopes and dreams is stolen. Elizabeth has been saddled with too many responsibilities at the family mercantile. Unexpectedly married, Sofia is ill-prepared for a husband and the society she is thrust into. When her sister is accosted, Aileen will do almost anything to support her. Accepting help isn’t easy when these women don’t want to show weakness, but it is more appealing when it comes with a handsome face.
 

Genres: Fiction, Historical, Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance

448 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2020

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Amanda Barratt is the bestselling author of numerous historical novels and novellas including THE WARSAW SISTERS, WITHIN THESE WALLS OF SORROW, and THE WHITE ROSE RESISTS. Her work has been the recipient of the Christy Award and the Carol Award, as well as an Honorable Mention in the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards.

Amanda is passionate about illuminating oft-forgotten facets of history through a fictional narrative. She lives in Michigan and can often be found researching her next novel, catching up on her to-be-read stack, or savoring a slice of her favorite lemon cake.

To connect with Amanda, visit: www.amandabarratt.net.

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

If the last story hadn’t been a dud with graphic violence (tragedy by fire) and liberal politics, I’d have probably given this an extra star. Here’s the breakdown of the stories in this collection:

Lady and the Tramps- 4 stars
This one was just a lot of fun. I love stories of orphans getting taken in and the Wild West/outlaws who strike a train and the Wells-Fargo agent who saves the day. But that’s not all that’s going on, as Mattie and the kids quickly discover. It would have been perfect if the epilogue hadn’t felt rushed and surprising (things happen that weren’t clear to happen in the body of the story).

The Secondhand Bride of Polecat Creek- 4.5 stars
This one was just totally sweet and I enjoyed every minute. The hero got himself in a jam by being a little too nice, and now he’s got a lawsuit. He’s happy to pick up and run home to get a bride...but she isn’t there. And maybe she didn’t send him that note after all...this relationship was fun and engaging.

The Bride of Basswood Hill- 3.5 stars
This one needed some more work on setting and a couple more chapters on the relationship’s growth. While the story is sweet and the two leads engaging, the leap to true love and understanding was a bit hasty and I had to take the author’s word for it that they would be okay.

Echoes of the Heart- 1 star
Ouch. I was looking for enjoyable, clean fictional romance. Hardly any romance, lots of socialism, lots of politics, and lots of graphic deaths by fire. And I do mean graphic. This was a bummer of a note to end on and I had to take a few deep breaths to cool off. The author posits that banning free labor in the factory would have prevented the fire altogether. Now, pardon me, but pro-union is NOT the only way a company can be asked to complete basic safety features. And then the three chapters of on and on, blood and guts, people jumping from windows, etc etc. Just nope.

Thanks to the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.

[Robbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Courting Calamity, four authors collaborate on a collection of tales. Except for the fourth story, Echoes of the Heart, each of the stories is satisfying and engaging. The stories are short but well-written and can be read quickly. As a result, when a few hours are available, a person can curl up with a cup of coffee or tea and a blanket and read one or more of the novellas.

The stories are set among different cities and timeframes, allowing for diverse and distinct tales. Each deals with an obstacle to be overcome, a woman who needs or appreciates the support of a man and an adversity to face. The main characters have faith in God and rely on Him for guidance.

I enjoyed each of the stories. However, Echoes of the Heart is an exceedingly difficult, horrific book to read. The subject matter is especially important, dealing with workplace and environmental safety. I had an extremely challenging time reading it. Its depiction of a fire at a shirtwaist factory is graphic and horrifying.

The other three stories, Lady and the Tramps, The Secondhand Bride of Polecat Creek and The Bride of Basswood Hill are less melancholy and more enjoyable.

I received this book from NetGalley. However, my review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.
The fourth novella may be triggering for some individuals due to its graphic and horrifying depictions.

[The Film Director's Wife · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Historical Fiction Read!

Each individual novella contained within is masterfully written and keeps the reader engaged to the moment.

Some of the stories have hilarious moments and others are heartbreaking at times.

Each individual story deals with a specific time period in the United States of America: taking place between 1874 and 1900's in the states of California, Texas, Minnesota, and New York.
I very much appreciated the variety of locations and settings for the tales held within this Novella collection.

There was not one badly written story in this collection and it most definitely deserves 5 stars! (I would give it more if it was an option)

One last thing I would like to point out, as the title indicates "Courting Calamity" does have stories that involve peril and tragedy.
Not all of them, but some.
However, I found it rounded everything out into a nice collection and if you like historical fiction -
I would recommend checking out this Novella Collection!

***Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the digital ARC of this book. All views and opinions expressed in this review are my own.***

[Crystal Brothers · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this book. The first 3 stories were okay. The last story was not as described and also the last chapters were horrific and not at all what I was expecting from a Barbour novella. If you are bothered by graphic descriptions of death, I would like to warn you that the final chapters of the last story include a horrific and graphic description of the Triangle Fire of 1911. I wish I had been warned because There is a reason I generally choose lighthearted reading. Some people do like reading things like this but I just wanted to warn those who, like me, prefer something more lighthearted.

[Karen R · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quality collection of historical novellas with adventure, drama and tender romance.
All of them were well written with some gallant gentlemen and courageous women who find themselves in difficult situations. The heroes in the first and the last stories in particular were my favorites. Jake especially stood out in the first tale as he dealt with a train robbery, abandoned children--some needing tough love--and a bunch of outlaws. Lorenzo was a good man too, brave, loyal and faithful in the midst of tragic times. His proposal wins the swoonworthy award! The history of the last story was so sad, but inspiring considering the legacy of work place improvements as a result of their sacrifice. They accomplished changes that we benefit from still today. Holding onto faith especially through such tough times was encouraging to read.

“I don’t trust because it’s easy. I trust because He’s good.”

I appreciate the research all of the authors put into their writing to add authenticity to the stories. I enjoyed the whole collection. Recommend this book to readers who enjoy clean historical romances with drama.
4.5 stars
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)

[Amy Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Courting Calamity is a collection of historical fiction short stories. Each story has it's own timeframe and location. Each story is a great stand-alone story that draws the reader in. While there are levels of tragedy in each of the stories, there is redemption, too. I recommend this book for anyone who loves a good clean historical story based on an event that actually happened in the past.
Thank you Net Galley for the opportunity to review this book for my honest opinion.

[Jerrye Tellmeagreatstorylove · Rating 3 out of 5]

Courting Calamity (4 Historical Stories) by Amanda Barratt, Gabrielle Meyer, Jennifer Uhlarik, Kathleen Y’Barbo

Published by Barbour Publishing July 01, 2020

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance

Pages: 449

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

______________________________________________________________________________

Publisher’s Description

Despite determination to be strong and independent, four women of bygone days are in need of a hero.

Lady and the Tramps by Jennifer Uhlarik
California, 1874
When outlaws steal a deed from Mattie Welling, her dreams for her eight orphan charges from New York City are dashed. Can Wells Fargo detective Jake Hickens be trusted to pick up the pieces?

The Secondhand Bride of Polecat Creek by Kathleen Y’Barbo
Texas, 1890
When Zeke Wyatt returns home to Polecat Creek intent on making good on his promise to marry his childhood sweetheart, he finds she’s run off in his absence, leaving her kid sister to care for her aging parents and the mercantile. Can Zeke finally settle down, or will he leave another sister with a broken heart?

The Bride of Basswood Hill by Gabrielle Meyer
Minnesota, 1900
When wealthy lumber baron, Charles Alexander, unexpectedly finds himself married to an Italian immigrant, Sofia Bellini, he must do all he can to protect her from the society she’s ill-prepared to navigate. But when he falls in love with his pretty bride, he will have to make a difficult choice: will he go through with the annulment they had planned?

Echoes of the Heart by Amanda Barratt New York City, 1909 Irish immigrant Aileen O’Connor is willing to work to make a life in America. But even the land of opportunity is paved with hardship, as she discovers firsthand the injustices faced by factory workers. When she meets Lorenzo Favero at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, her heart is stirred by the kindness he shows her. When tragedy engulfs the city, will their newfound love survive the flames?

______________________________________________________________________________

Four authors offer up historical romances that span the US but not all of them are worth the read.

It’s always hard to write a complete story when you have fewer pages allowed you. Some are better than others at using that space well as can be seen in this set of stories. In Jennifer Uhlarik’s story, the characters are well written and the story told with completeness. I loved the plot and the pacing of the story. The hero was a really good man who showed both kindness and strength while dealing with the sometimes troublesome children. Between he and the heroine, they were able to help the children find both healing and a home while finding love in an unexpected place. Kathleen Y’Barbo’s story was cute and fun but needed more page time to really tell the story. Everything happened to fast to seem real so that made the story a bit ridiculous. I did like the characters and the plot lines and know it could be expanded into a full-length book easily. I also liked the sarcastic conversations between the main characters that made up a lot for the shorter story. I laughed quite a bit at the happenings and overall enjoyed it. Gabrielle Meyer brought readers into the world of immigrants and finding a forever home. The plot is not a new one but I did like that she kept adding little twists to make it seem new. The characters were likable and I enjoyed watching them grow through the pages. It was another story that would probably do well as a longer book but Ms. Meyer crafted it well enough that it seemed very complete by the end. The final story by Amanda Barratt was probably my least favorite story as it jumped too much time and was not my style at all. It was overly realistic in its fictional account of a young couple during the 1910 New York Triangle Shirtwaist strikes and fire. The story focuses on two immigrant workers who work in the factory and fall in love amidst tough times. As a longer book this could really have been a good one as there was much to learn about that time period. But the action would be fast and furious then the next chapter would jump ahead several months, spoiling the tension. It was like being on a kiddie ride at an amusement park that had no point and just randomly jerked you around. Not a story I would recommend at all. So while most of these were good, the ones that weren’t really brought them down. It makes it a bit unfair for a better author to be side-by-side with a poor one and therefore have their work seen as lacking. I don’t think I’ll be recommending this set of stories but I will recommend the ones that were good.

I received this temporary, complimentary E-book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Courting Calamity
4 Historical Stories
by Amanda Barratt, Gabrielle Meyer, Jennifer Uhlarik, Kathleen Y'Barbo
Despite determination to be strong and independent, four women of bygone days are in need of a hero.
Lady and the Tramps by Jennifer Uhlarik
California, 1874
When outlaws steal a deed from Mattie Welling, her dreams for her eight orphan charges from New York City are dashed. Can Wells Fargo detective Jake Hickens be trusted to pick up the pieces?
The Secondhand Bride of Polecat Creek by Kathleen Y’Barbo
Texas, 1890
When Zeke Wyatt returns home to Polecat Creek intent on making good on his promise to marry his childhood sweetheart, he finds she’s run off in his absence, leaving her kid sister to care for her aging parents and the mercantile. Can Zeke finally settle down, or will he leave another sister with a broken heart?
The Bride of Basswood Hill by Gabrielle Meyer
Minnesota, 1900
When wealthy lumber baron, Charles Alexander, unexpectedly finds himself married to an Italian immigrant, Sofia Bellini, he must do all he can to protect her from the society she’s ill-prepared to navigate. But when he falls in love with his pretty bride, he will have to make a difficult choice: will he go through with the annulment they had planned?
Echoes of the Heart by Amanda Barratt
New York City, 1909
Irish immigrant Aileen O’Connor is willing to work to make a life in America. But even the land of opportunity is paved with hardship, as she discovers firsthand the injustices faced by factory workers. When she meets Lorenzo Favero at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, her heart is stirred by the kindness he shows her. When tragedy engulfs the city, will their newfound love survive the flames?
Impressions: This was an enjoyable collection of novellas. The stories were short enough to read in an evening (for me) but did not lack the quality of a full novel.
Liked: My favorite novella in this collection was Echoes of the Heart. It was perfectly executed with romance, hardship and historical ties.
Didn’t like: I didn’t care for the novella, The Bride of Basswood Hill. I found it to be syrupy sweet and lacking realistic depth. The hardships the characters faced were dealt with idealistically and without the consequences that are likely.
Learned: Some thoughts on life are below with the quotes.
Quotes: “I cannot abide being useless.”” You’re far from useless, Sofia. Your roles have just shifted. You’ll need to use your energy for different things now.”- For any stay at home moms out there I will take this quote out of story context and say that this is how I felt leaving the work force and taking on motherhood. I constantly still need to be reminded that my roles have shifted, my purpose has shifted but I am still being used.
“God help me to show her, “I don’t’ trust because it’s easy. I trust because He’s good.”” – I have learned through life that my belief in God started out as my parent’s beliefs but grew with challenge and strife into my own. This quote is right on concerning my faith. It is not easy but I have trust in a good God.
“By becoming informed consumers, choosing to boycott companies known for unethical treatment of workers, by researching the facts and speaking the truth, we can make a difference. “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:8-9”” – I struggle with being frugal and balancing being informed. The fast-changing trends lead to outsourced items from countries were regulations and pay are vastly different then in USA. Finding Fair Trade options, buying staples that will last longer for our family, and reusing items are different ways I’ve tried to be a conscience buyer. I have to say finding a good deal at a consignment shop is always a good day.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

[Linda Dietz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Courting Calamity by Amanda Barratt, Gabrielle Meyer, Jennifer Uhlarik, Kathleen Y'Barbo
Each story in this collection is so different that I will rate each one separately.

Lady and the Tramps by Jennifer Uhlarik
The collection opens with the sweet story story of Mattie Welling who needs a hero to help her corral her eight charges and recover a stolen deed; A deed that will provide a home for her and the kids. Jake Hickens is the man for the job, or is he? He certainly didn't apply and is pretty sure he wants no part of the whole thing. However, being the gentleman that he is, Jake can't leave this damsel with eight young'uns in tow in distress!
What a great way to open this collection of stories! It left me wanting to read others just like it. It gets 4 Stars.

The Secondhand Bride of Polecat Creek by Kathleen Y'Barbo
The second story finds our hero, Zeke Wyatt, coming back to Polecat Creek (the name evokes some interesting mental images, doesn't it?) to make good on a promise to marry his childhood sweetheart. There's just one problem. When he arrives, he finds his intended gone...leaving her younger sister alone with the responsibility of caring for aging parents. Lizzie was just the little kid sister when Zeke left, but she sure isn't a kid anymore! Perhaps God's plan is going to work out as it was supposed to all along. We'll see.
I liked this story even more than the first one. I found myself mad at Lizzie's sister for leaving, but cheering on the budding romance blossoming between Zeke and Lizzie! This story gets 4.5 Stars.

The Bride of Basswood Hill by Gabrielle Meyer
This turned out to be my favorite story in the collection. Gabrielle Meyer is a new-to-me author, but thanks to reading this story, she will soon become a familiar name on the books in my TBR pile.
This story is somewhat a rags to riches tale which draws me in every time! Charles Alexander is a wealthy lumber baron. Mr Alexander is also a man who keeps his promises. Sometimes keeping promises can complicate one's life as Charles soon realizes. In almost the blink of an eye, he finds himself married to Sofia Bellini, a recent immigrant and life throws the new couple more obstacles than they are prepared to navigate. However, with plans for an annulment in the fine print of their agreement, they think things will work out just fine...but they never considered love might void their escape clause!
I loved everything about this story and want to read more by Ms Meyer. This story gets 5 Stars!

Echoes of the Heart by Amanda Barratt
This is a story that was difficult to read, but not due at all to bad writing! In fact, the writing was good...so good that the writer made me feel as if I were there in the sweatshops working along side those who had come to America just wanting a better life. It is a story that needs to be told, just not in this particular collection of stories. I feel the editor(s) did a great disservice to this author by including a story full of drama and tragedy in a collection of short stories advertised to be lighthearted adventure/romance. SPOILER ALERT: Do not read any further if you do not want to know details that led to my conclusion! Echoes of the Heart was anything but light. The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory catching on fire was bad. However, when 2 of the characters I had come to know jumped to their deaths to escape the fire, that was it for me! I could read no further. I felt somewhat deceived.. I almost never choose to read tragic or suspenseful stories since I read to relax. Reading about people dying in a fire is not my idea of light, relaxing reading.
Echoes of the Heart deserves 5 Stars for the writing. However, I give the editors of this collection of stories 2 Stars for including this particular story in Courting Calamity.

I received this ebook from NetGalley for review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

[Jeanne Alfveby Crea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady and the Tramps by Jennifer Uhlarik California, 1874
Mattie and Jake's story
Maddie was an orphan herself and a helper with the orphan train. She kept the last eight orphans that were not chosen, in the hopes of caring for them at on her brother's property. They stowed away in a boxcar on the train that happened to be robbed. They met Jake Hicken after the explosion on the train when his two colleagues were killed. He was traveling to meet the biological father he'd never known. Loveable characters, interesting storyline. I really enjoyed it!

The Secondhand Bride of Polecat Creek by Kathleen Y’Barbo Texas, 1890
Cute story of Lizzie and Zeke, loved their camaraderie and chemistry!
Zeke is a charming fellow who's had his share of trouble with the ladies. He needs to come up with a wife and present his wife at court or he'd be forced to marry one of three other women that were suing him. When he went back home to look up the girl he thought he might marry, she had run off with someone else and he falls for her sister. Lizzie has dreams of leaving her hometown for good and going back to work in Galveston, she had to come home once already when her mother was ill. Nothing will get in the way of her leaving again. Only a lot gets in her way. A fun story you don't want to miss!

The Bride of Basswood Hill by Gabrielle Meyer Minnesota, 1900
The name Courting Calamity comes from the 3rd book in the series by Gabrielle Meyer.
Sweet, sweet romance that had me rooting for Alex and Sofia!
Alex grew up in a privileged society. He has never wanted to settle down. He learned more from the man who carved all the beautiful wood in his home, then from his own father. This woodcarver was like a grandfather to him, and Sofia is the wood carver's granddaughter. Alex's father was very much entrenched in his own class and was unkind to anyone beneath him. Alex is different. Don't miss their sweet story!

Echoes of the Heart by Amanda Barratt New York City, 1909
Story of Irish immigrants Aileen and Meggie O'Conner coming to America, arriving at Ellis Island to be met by their uncle who allowed them to live with him and his family until they could get jobs and find a place to live. The girls got a job at the Triangle shirtwaist factory which worked their employees hard, with long hours and often docked pay for arbitrary reasons. It is a difficult story based on a true story. We owe much of our workplace safety today to laws put in place following the triangle fire. The bright spot in the story is the sweet romance between Aileen and fellow immigrant and coworker Lorenzo Favero. By far the most serious of the four novellas, but that is precisely why I like historical fiction, I learn something, even from our difficult history.

What an interesting and diverse set of novellas. I am glad I read them, and I know you will too!

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Lady and the Tramps” by Jennifer Uhlarik

4 stars

This one is a fun Western with the heroine helping orphan children and a thread of suspense that brings Mattie and detective Jake together. Both leads are memorable, and I liked their romance.

“The Secondhand Bride of Polecat Creek” by Katherine Y’ Barbo

4 stars

This one was cute! I liked Lizzie and Zeke’s camaraderie, and I like how, while things didn’t work out how Zeke thought they would with the woman he initially thought he wanted, he found the right woman for him in Lizzie.

“The Bride of Basswood Hill” by Gabrielle Meyer

5 stars

One of the bright stars of the collection, I love how it explores an arranged marriage that was meant to be temporary and the struggles of an immigrant in assimilating into society. It’s a bit idealistic, but given the reality of the issues is often harsh, I needed this dose of sweetness to provide me a sense of optimism.

“Echoes of the Heart” by Amanda Barratt

4.5 stars

I was excited for this one in particular because of one review I read in advance from a so-called “Christian” decrying the “liberal politics” of the book…as if it’s not a basic human desire to have fair working conditions? I liked the focus on this historical workers’ strike, punctuated by tragedy, and I found it poignant in light of many of the real life issues we’ve been dealing with lately. However, I did find the romance to be weaker by comparison, though Lorenzo and Aileen’s relationship is a small bright spot in an otherwise intense story.

***

A fairly solid collection, I love how it captures the gallant tradition of brave heroes and distressed heroines with distinct stories set in fun settings and time periods. And on the whole, it’s one of the better collections I’ve read from Barbour. If you love inspirational/sweet romance, you won’t want to miss this!

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5stars
"Arresting stowaways isn't my job." - Lady and the Tramp by Jennifer Uhlarik

How could it have gotten so complicated? Take eight orphaned children on a train, find her brother's property, and live happily ever after . . . or . . . . survive a train wreck, meet a handsome Wells Fargo Detective, get kidnapped, and survive to tell the story. Which would Mattie Welling choose?

" . . . . there was no reason he should be soaking wet and shivering. He jumped up and turned around. There stood the reason. And she was stunning. " - The Secondhand Bride of Polecat Creek by Kathleen Y'Barbo

What an introduction! Or, it was actually a chilly re-introduction to the man that Lizzie Cooper had figured would marry her sister. She had planned on it, as a matter of fact. But the best laid plans . . . Abigail was gone and Lizzie was left gaping at her not-going-to-be brother-in-law. So, that left both of them in a doozy of a conundrum.

"I have prayed God would spare me until I could ask you to marry Sofia and care for her once I am gone." - The Bride of Basswood Hill by Gabrielle Meyer

What an impossible request . . . or was it? Charles Alexander's beloved mentor was dying, and his beautiful granddaughter needed the protection of a husband. Was it possible that God had ordained this strange, but seemingly wonderful introduction? If so, Sofia was going to need help navigating her way into one of the most recognized industry names in the country. Can Charles convince her to not only take his name, but to claim his heart?

"What's love like?" . . . . "It's not like in the dime novels. . . . all sighs and roses and moonlit walks. It's hard and scary, because life is. But it's real. And when it's real, you know you've found someone to journey battles beside, not matter where that journey takes you." - Echoes of the Heart by Amanda Barratt

Who knew that a simple conversation between sisters would one day mean so much? Against all odds, Meggie and Aileen O'Connor have traveled to America in search of a better life. And they may have found it, having secured employment in a large New York shirtwaist factory. Working long hours with limited breaks and unfair payment policies, they get caught up the formation of unions. Along the way, Aileen meets a handsome, kind, charming young man; Lorenzo Faveros, whose admiration will be tested through the fires of adversity.

Four enjoyable, engaging, and inspiring novellas!

[Mary Gallo · Rating 5 out of 5]

There 4 cute and sweet stories that with very little work could be turned into full length novels. All 4 of the stories were full of entertainment and the reader did not feel that anything was missing like some novellas. Sometimes, there is one bad story, or only one good story, but I liked all four that were presented here. The heroines were all likeable and some put in difficult situations that had to be overcome. There were a couple of really nasty people and villains to be overcome. The heroes were all solid men, honorable and smart. There were no unbelievable characters or plots. The calamities ranged from dangerous to moderate, but they all made for good story telling. I did have a favorite story, it was the one with the children. This story was enjoyable because the addition of children made sense, they were not an afterthought nor the focus of the story, they were just part of the main plot. The stories were all continuous with definite beginning and end. They were sweet stories, so there was no overtly sexual undertones. It was handled in a mature way. I highly recommend this book. It was a little longer than some Anthologies, but that is not a negative. I give this book 5 stars

[Kelly Goshorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed each novella in this captivating historical romance collection. There is something for everyone from kidnapping and destructive factory fire to a union strike and a train robbery, readers will never lack for adventure and have little reason to put this collection down. I admit I was drawn to Courting Calamity because I love Amanda Barratt's storytelling. Echoes of the Heart continued to demonstrate the author's ability to make real-life events come to life on the page as we get an up close look at life for immigrants in an NYC factory. Jennifer Uhlarik's, Lady & the Tramps, was my first read by this talented author who will now have a place on my must-read list as she captivated me with her emotionally gripping and descriptive story-telling. The Bride of Basswood
Hill is was a lovely rags to riches story but its also about the triumph love over difficult obstacles. The Secondhand Bride of Polecat Creek gets the prize for best title in the collection and had me rooting for Zeke & Lizzie from the start.

I received a free eBook version of Courting Calamity from Net Galley. I was not required to leave a favorable review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read the title of this book I assumed it was going to have heroines who would be flibberty-gibbets. Instead, I read a collection of novellas that had natural disasters, or war, or other causes that were out of the control of the characters. Each of the stories engaged me from the very beginning until I finished the whole collection. 😉

This collection is one of the better ones that Barbour Publishing has put out in a while, and I enjoy all of the ones I read from them. Not all of the stories have the ladies marrying to stations above them, not all of them had totally happy endings, not all of them were sweetly tied up in little pink bows, but many of the characters suffer hardships and come out on top with God at their sides.

This is a great collection to read during this time of self-isolating, especially because of the self-isolating. Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a sweet read for those lonely afternoons.

Barbour Publishing and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Alissa Peppo (bookstagrambyalissamorgan) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of four historical novellas has just the right dose of heroes, danger, and dashing rescues to make the hopeless romantic in you swoon! A beautiful compilation of four stories of heroes saving the day in varied historical settings, this Christian fiction collection is perfect for those readers who want reading material with a riveting plotline and a sweet romance in small packaging.

Travel west to California in the 1870s for the story of Wells Fargo detective Jake Hicken and orphan train escort Mattie Welling and her wards as they experience train robbery, kidnapping, and posse rescues.

Head to Texas in 1890 for the unfolding courtship of Zeke and Lizzie after Zeke saves her and her family business from disaster!

Follow along for the sweet story of Alex and Sofia and read how their marriage of convenience turns into a tale enduring love.

Finally, visit New York City in the early 1900s to witness the heart-wrenching story of the fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, and the love of two workers fighting for survival and a future together.

This collection is a real treasure, so don’t miss it! I normally don’t read novellas, but this collection made me a believer in the merit of a well-told short story with the right amount of romance and adventure. I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to those who love Christian historical romance.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher to review, but my thoughts are my own. I really did love it!

[Jennifer K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since life has been busy lately, these 4 novellas were a perfect break. The shorter length allowed me to read and finish an enjoyable story without a huge time investment. I thoroughly enjoyed the children from the orphan train in the opening Western tale by Jennifer Uhlarik. I appreciated the sincere silent everyday prayers of the main characters as they sought wisdom on their journey. Kathleen Y’Barbo added a romantic story with humor that I liked. The unexpected honesty between the two main characters led to something beautifully unexpected. In the story by Gabrielle Meyer, the marriage of two strangers had a few twists and turns. I enjoyed the rich and interesting history based on the author’s home state. The cherry on top was added by Amanda Barratt. Her well written novella was a moving story of young working people in NYC. Although their journey involved tragedy, there was still faith and hope to be found. Overall, all four of these romantic historical fiction novellas were filled with wonderful characters and well worth the read!

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another wonderfully entertaining set of stories from Barbour Publishing! Jennifer Uhlarik's story immediately pulled me in with Mattie's heart-tugging tale of her desire to create a permanent home for eight orphans. Having not been claimed by other families on the orphan train, Mattie deeply relates to these children's sting of rejection.

I also enjoyed Amanda Barratt's novella, Echoes of the Heart, and her retelling of the early 1900's fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Company in New York City. Irish Aileen and Italian Lorenzo, both immigrants, discover each other and fall in love while working at the clothing factory. Hardships abound due to their backbreaking work schedules, unsafe working environment for which they receive inadequate pay. Anyone who appreciates historical fiction based on real-life events will especially like Amanda's novella.

My thanks to Barbour and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC for this my honest review.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Courting Calamity is a collection of four very different stories occurring between 1874 and 1909, with varying degrees of calamity in them. Kathleen Y’Barbo’s light hearted Polecat Creek fire was a drastic contrast to Amanda Barratt’s heart rending story of tragedy in New York’s garment district. Gabrielle Meyer's story contained one young lady orphaned and alone while Jennifer Uhlarik’s contained nine orphans looking for a forever home. Each story had a strong hero and a headstrong heroine with a good role of supporting characters. All had believable endearing characters and few scalawags to balance the cast.
I really enjoyed each story and would recommend it for those who like enjoyable, clean historical fiction.

[Dawn Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Uhlarik has always been one of my favorite historical fiction authors. She is able to tell a story so effortlessly that the pages seem to turn themselves and you are left wanting more (but in a good way!) Her story, Lady and the Tramps, is no different.
Without even seeing a picture of Jake, just by Jennifer's description, I could tell that he was swoon-worthy! He even has the manners of a gentleman to boot! The character of Mattie is also well written. You can imagine her as a strong woman that has a tender heart. Each supporting character is just as well described as the main characters and you end up loving all of them.
Lady and the Tramps is filled with love, action, suspense and drama!
I wish that I could give this novella more than 5 stars!!

[Marvy Herrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from Barbour Publishing, via NetGalley. This review is my personal opinion.

What I like about this collection is that each story is so different and unique, each author has their voice. We have action and a mystery. I like the way Jennifer Uhlarick writes this story and we have a second chance, packed with a new family. On the second story, I must say I recommend The American Heiress Collection, there we find Deacon and Pearl's story, in The Princess of Polecat Creek, to understand better the background of the Wyatt brothers. On this occasion we meet another Wyatt brother, he is in trouble and needs helps. Although with many funny situations, I must say I was surprised (a good one). In the third story, Gabrielle Meyer did a beautiful work with her story portraying the image of grace through an unexpected union, well done. And finally, in the final story, Amanda Barratt took an important and sad real life story about the working condition, life, and struggles of the immigrant's workers in the factories by 1909, I can see this collection of new sides, more deepness, of each author.

This is not the typical boy meet a girl and that’s it, the challenge and many of them based on the real-life situation I believe it will help us to reflect to take a moment to be grateful for what we have, and maybe help us to see life a better way. A great collection, I recommend it!

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book we have four novellas written by four great authors. If you like reading Christian historical romance, you will enjoy these. The theme here is Damsels in distress. They are all strong ladies and none of them want to accept help. You will find one of the stories a little more serious with adult content. But for the most part they are a lot of fun and a light read.
I received a copy of this book from Barbour Books through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Ayla Will · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm always a sucker for a good novella collection, and Courting Calamity was no exception. This collection introduced me to several new authors and I will be looking for more of their books in the future!

Every damsel in distress -- even a strong independent one -- needs a good hero every now and then, right? Courting Calamity shares the stories of four amazing women and the men who love (and rescue them). With kidnappings, a marriage of convenience, and sweat-shop workers falling love, this book kept me on the edge of my seat. If you enjoy faith-filled historical romances, you won't want to miss this one!

[Kerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. I loved each of the stories presented in the book. Lady and the Tramps pulled me in from the beginning. Such an amazing journey filled with dangers as Mattie goes across the country with several children. The Secondhand Bride of Polecat Creek finds Elizabeth fighting for freedom from the responsibilities she finds herself suddenly in charge of. She makes the decision to take her sister's place to fulfill a promise that her sister had made to Zeke. Elizabeth finds a freedom that she never thought possible. The Bride of Basswood Hill discovers that love does not respect social classes. Echoes of the Heart was a tender romance that blooms in the heart of NYC where new immigrants struggled to get ahead in life. The life that the immigrants found themselves was at times worse than what they had left behind. I love the tenacity of Aileen as she conquers a new city. This fourth story tugged at my heart and made the unfortunate past very real.
Each story had its own qualities that made them all very enjoyable to read. I highly recommend this book to anyone that loves short, sweet, clean romance with strong women characters.
I received a copy of this book from Barbour books through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Laurie DelaCruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, that last story was a kick in the tearducts! I will be looking up more of her books, because she wrote a beautiful story! I'm not usually a fan of reading historical fiction based on catastrophic events, just because there's a sense of foreboding over the entire book. But she somehow managed to write an engaging tale that made you forget the coming tragedy...until it smacks you right in the face. 😭

[KES · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books and again found a very good read. I am a HEA person. One of the stories, well important and a nice history lesson, isn't a read I enjoy on the way to the HEA ending.

This book is an excellent option for the summer holidays or at night in bed.

Different locations in this book made for a nice change. Being from Lake Wobegon Minnesota I enjoyed the story set not far from home. I love being able to image what the landscape & setting looks like in mind. This entire book happens to be very rich in that type of writing which is one reason why it got a 5 star.

I received an ARC.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many great stories are housed in this book! Each of the four are unique in their own way and all have a sweet love story. I enjoyed the character development in all of them and was really impressed with the historical information that they included. (It’s nice to know you are learning a little something while reading what you love!) Spoiler Alert: bring a box of tissues for the last story.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a good novella series group. As with all collections, one or two stories stand out. I enjoyed all these, and especially Amanda Barratt and Gabrielle Meyers contribution. Honestly, be ready for Amanda’s! There are feel good, informative and emotional stories. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All views stated here are my own.

[Cindy Huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

These stories were far more than clean historical romance. Each story had a complex plot for a novella, and they were spun in flawless fashion. There was no sudden stop instead the ending felt right. Each covered a different time period and sprinkle bits of historical facts throughout the story. It was obvious the authors did their research. I’ll be looking for more from these authors.

[Susan Faloon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of interesting stories by different authors. I enjoyed learning new things that are based on the time period, clothing, daily life etc. The story that touched me the most involves the true tragedy of the Triangle factory fire which occurred on March 24, 1911. Author Amanda Barratt dealt tastefully with the reality of the horrendous fire and the prior fight to unite workers for better conditions and work place safety in factories. I'm not going to forget this story and how very real this historic event is covered. It make me realize again how important unions were in the major changes for the protection of workers in the early 1900's. She did an excellent job in her portrayals of immigrants who came to this country for a better chance at life.