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Lumberjacks & Ladies: 4 Historical Stories of Romance Among the Pines
Lumberjacks and Ladies Work Together to Build America
Struggling to remain independent in the 1800s, four women reluctantly open up to help from lumberjacks—and love.
All That Glitters by Candice Sue Patterson
1851—Maine
Winifred finds herself running the family lobstering business when her father and brothers join the California gold rush. Will she stubbornly reject help from a local lumberjack?
Winter Roses by Pegg Thomas
1865—Michigan
Elizabeth cooks for a logging crew, spurning the men’s advances, until reoccurring gifts capture her attention. Will she heed her mother’s warning about “shanty boys”?
Not for Love by Naomi Musch
1881—Wisconsin
Widowed, Maggie seeks a husband—in name only—from the logging camps, but the man who answers her letter is a surprise. Can she open her heart to love again?
Undercover Logger by Jennifer Lamont Leo
1890—Idaho
Carrie will not sell her timberland and allows the banker’s nephew to sign onto her logging crew to ferret out the reason she is losing money at an alarming rate. Will truth be revealed to her forlorn heart?
Struggling to remain independent in the 1800s, four women reluctantly open up to help from lumberjacks—and love.
All That Glitters by Candice Sue Patterson
1851—Maine
Winifred finds herself running the family lobstering business when her father and brothers join the California gold rush. Will she stubbornly reject help from a local lumberjack?
Winter Roses by Pegg Thomas
1865—Michigan
Elizabeth cooks for a logging crew, spurning the men’s advances, until reoccurring gifts capture her attention. Will she heed her mother’s warning about “shanty boys”?
Not for Love by Naomi Musch
1881—Wisconsin
Widowed, Maggie seeks a husband—in name only—from the logging camps, but the man who answers her letter is a surprise. Can she open her heart to love again?
Undercover Logger by Jennifer Lamont Leo
1890—Idaho
Carrie will not sell her timberland and allows the banker’s nephew to sign onto her logging crew to ferret out the reason she is losing money at an alarming rate. Will truth be revealed to her forlorn heart?
448 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2022
About the author
Jennifer Lamont Leo
21 books227 followers**THANK YOU, dear readers, for all the great reviews, and for choosing Moondrop Miracle, You're the Cream in My Coffee and Ain't Misbehavin for your book clubs. You're the bee's knees!** Author of Moondrop Miracle, You're the Cream in My Coffee and Ain't Misbehavin'. With a passion for all things historical, Jennifer Lamont Leo captures readers' hearts through stories set in times gone by. She is also a copywriter, editor, and journalist. An Illinois native, she holds a deep affection for Chicago and its rich history. Today she writes from the mountains of northern Idaho, where she shares her home with her husband, two cats, and abundant wildlife. Visit her at A Sparkling Vintage Life (http://www.JenniferLamontLeo.com/blog), as well as on Facebook, Bookbub, Twitter, and Pinterest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
October 14, 2022
Сега , когато есента е в най - красивия си момент, а дните са изненадващо топли и меки,а ярко синьото небе безкрайно се издига над ожънатите ниви, се радвам, че мога да чета навън. Сред дърветата, в паркове и горички. И то книгата, която чаках с нетърпение. Lumberjacks And ladies. И това ако не е тематично четиво! Четири кратки исторически новели, водещи право в гъстите гори сред лагерите на дървосекачи. Тежък труд, опасен и, определено, самотен. Но пък изискващ силни, упорити хора, които имат цел и мечти за гонене. А дамите ? Те са упорити, издръжливи и не по - малко готови да преследват желанията на душите си. С помощта на мъж до себе си или без такъв.
Три от авторките ми бяха неизвестни. Само Pegg Thomas познавах от прекрасната й книга Abigail's Peace. Но тук новелата на Naomi Musch - Not For Love ми хареса много! Заради неочакваните решения на героите. И заради онова, до което доведоха впоследствие.
Хареса ми , че в новелите нямаше излишни евоции, нямаше припадъци от любов от пръв поглед или диви страсти, с които героите да се борят. Имаше ангажименти, поемани не заради чувства, а заради необходимост. Имаше споделени отговорности, трудности за преодоляване и стремежи за гонене. Вътрешни страхове и угризения за потушаване. Приятелство и доверие, спечелени с доброта, сила на характера и с личната харизма на героите. В свят , където всеки ден е предизвикателство към природата, към издръжливостта и към нещастното стечение на обстоятелствата, всеки трябва да живее сега и тук. Да не крие потребностите и желанията си. А честността към самите себе си правеше най - доброто за всеки от героите .
Природа, автори, сюжети, герои и корица превърнаха Lumberjacks And ladies в таз годишното ми есенно преживяване!Страхотно преживяване беше да я прочета с всичките й романтични истории, случващите под боровете, именно разхождайки се на открито и сред пищната щедрост на есенната гора! За мен си беше планувано удоволствие!
Три от авторките ми бяха неизвестни. Само Pegg Thomas познавах от прекрасната й книга Abigail's Peace. Но тук новелата на Naomi Musch - Not For Love ми хареса много! Заради неочакваните решения на героите. И заради онова, до което доведоха впоследствие.
Хареса ми , че в новелите нямаше излишни евоции, нямаше припадъци от любов от пръв поглед или диви страсти, с които героите да се борят. Имаше ангажименти, поемани не заради чувства, а заради необходимост. Имаше споделени отговорности, трудности за преодоляване и стремежи за гонене. Вътрешни страхове и угризения за потушаване. Приятелство и доверие, спечелени с доброта, сила на характера и с личната харизма на героите. В свят , където всеки ден е предизвикателство към природата, към издръжливостта и към нещастното стечение на обстоятелствата, всеки трябва да живее сега и тук. Да не крие потребностите и желанията си. А честността към самите себе си правеше най - доброто за всеки от героите .
Природа, автори, сюжети, герои и корица превърнаха Lumberjacks And ladies в таз годишното ми есенно преживяване!Страхотно преживяване беше да я прочета с всичките й романтични истории, случващите под боровете, именно разхождайки се на открито и сред пищната щедрост на есенната гора! За мен си беше планувано удоволствие!
January 31, 2022
Anthology of brawny Lumberjacks and the ladies with gumption who catch their heart.
Synopsis:
Each story moves us further in time, from mid 19th century through the Gilded age, and from east to west US.
1. All That Glitters by Candice Sue Patterson
North Lubec ME, Summer 1851
I requested this ARC on account of this one Maine story, I could hardly do otherwise as an erstwhile Mainer- Shout out to Wiscasset!- this one hit that nostalgic sweet spot. Back in the fifth grade, and with the ME school curriculum being thinly veiled Lobster propaganda, I fancied a career as a Lobstahman when I grew up- taking into account I'm Jewish and was a girly girl always decked out in pink, my ambitions got a lot of laughs. In my defense, Lobstering is wicked romanticized to suggestible children, but not in the manner it is romanticized in All That Glitters...
Wini Hayes, who never learnt how to swim, has to take over supplying the Lobster for the local prison since her brothers and father left for the gold rush in Cali. She bravely ventures out alone every morning to empty the traps- which are heavy- having the wives of her brothers, their children and her mother dependent on her. Jess Lee, owner of a Lumberjack concern, jumps into the ocean when he witnesses a Lobsterman fall out of his boat, he is surprised to find it's actually a Lobsterlady. Needless to say the honor of 'Best Meet-Cute' of the anthology goes to this one.
There is a fascinating conspiracy plot that is uncovered by the protagonists, based on a true event, interesting historical details, and in my very biased opinion, the best setting. The imagery of Maine in the summer, the water, the natural beauty, was evocative throughout.
2. Winter Roses By Pegg Thomas
Michigan, Winter 1865
Wesley Fisk a Union sergeant veteran is arriving via ship from Buffalo NY to Michigan to earn some money as a lumberjack. Eliza Beth Edmonds is also on said ship and they both have the same destination. After being dismissed from her teachers position in favor of a man returned from war, Eliza Beth has no choice but to rejoin her mother as cook for a lumbering camp. She worked hard for her education and does not desire to return to the isolated camp. The profession claimed the life of her father, and she does not want to live surrounded by that life and death uncertainty. So when Wesley starts to intrigue her, she must guard her heart, she could not bear loving a lumberman, no matter how charming.
This one had a really cute development between the leads, cute romantic gestures, and incredible winter imagery.
3. Not For Love by Naomi Musch
Wisconsin, Winter/Spring 1881
Maggie Duncan at 22 years young is 2 months a widow from a love match. However if she does not find another husband to help her run her farm, she won't be able to afford it, and with a persistent buyer closing in, she can't afford to observe a full mourning. She enlists the help of a kindly traveling priest to take a letter she wrote detailing her predicament up to the lumber camps he will visit. The priest and her brother are rightly worried who may answer the ad and how honorable their intentions may be.
Jack McAllister is read the letter, and begins to entertain the idea. He always wanted his own farm, and was friends with the widow's husband, from who he heard good, domestic blissful things about Maggie, so after much deliberating he's like:
This one was the most poignant, featuring beautiful prose, and overall quite moving. The slow burn here was executed to perfection.
4. Undercover Logger by Jennifer Lamont Leo
Idaho, Winter 1890
Michael Tate, is the son of a wealthy Chicago banker, when he gets on the newspaper headlines for drinking, partying, and roughhousing his father exiles him to the Idaho branch of the bank as punishment to work under his uncle who runs it. Michael is far from thrilled to be sent from his cushy city life to the sticks, leaving behind the lady he thought he may one day marry.
In the train ride over, Michael meets a lady who reminds him of one back home he had been courting. Carrie Coker at 23 years of age is a widow fresh out of mourning. She is returning with some urgency to the business her husband left her, Coker Lumber, after being alerted she has 60 days to pay a bank loan she wasn't aware was outstanding. Out of depth with how one runs a business, she had been relying on the aid of her husbands cousin, Reed Coker, for the past year.
Michael's uncle assigns him some unorthodox work, having him go undercover in the Coker Lumber business to see how it is possible it is performing so poorly.
The conspiracy was creative & clever, the chemistry between the leads was palpable, and the resolution utterly satisfying.
The Brass Tacks:
I am actually not huge on short stories, but I had to pick up a story that included my dear Maine as a setting. To my immense delight this exceeded my expectations and I adored all the stories. I highly recommend this collection. I tend to read HR's that feature Heiresses and gentry, so this story full of self made heroes and heroines, who work the land, who live in challenging, humble circumstances was a breath of fresh air.
There was not a runt in this litter of yarns, I loved them all! Considering they are each around 120 pages give or take they did an excellent job fleshing out the characters, the atmosphere of the time, and each featured admirable protagonists, especially the ladies, who were strong and self sufficient. They were not looking for romance, they were realists in a tough time.
I liked how the love interests only complimented them, rather than completed them, for they were already capable all on their own. They were partners, each pulling their own weight, as it ought to be.
Most intriguing plots: Undercover Logger & All that Glitters
Best Setting & Meet Cute: All that Glitters
Favorite female protagonists:Winter Roses & Not for Love
Favorite male protagonists: Undercover Logger & Not for Love
Best Chemistry: Undercover Logger & Winter Roses
Favorite Prose: Not for Love
I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
꙳ Spice Scale rating: Belle Pepper Chaste 🌶/5 ꙳
Synopsis:
Each story moves us further in time, from mid 19th century through the Gilded age, and from east to west US.
1. All That Glitters by Candice Sue Patterson
North Lubec ME, Summer 1851
I requested this ARC on account of this one Maine story, I could hardly do otherwise as an erstwhile Mainer- Shout out to Wiscasset!- this one hit that nostalgic sweet spot. Back in the fifth grade, and with the ME school curriculum being thinly veiled Lobster propaganda, I fancied a career as a Lobstahman when I grew up- taking into account I'm Jewish and was a girly girl always decked out in pink, my ambitions got a lot of laughs. In my defense, Lobstering is wicked romanticized to suggestible children, but not in the manner it is romanticized in All That Glitters...
Wini Hayes, who never learnt how to swim, has to take over supplying the Lobster for the local prison since her brothers and father left for the gold rush in Cali. She bravely ventures out alone every morning to empty the traps- which are heavy- having the wives of her brothers, their children and her mother dependent on her. Jess Lee, owner of a Lumberjack concern, jumps into the ocean when he witnesses a Lobsterman fall out of his boat, he is surprised to find it's actually a Lobsterlady. Needless to say the honor of 'Best Meet-Cute' of the anthology goes to this one.
There is a fascinating conspiracy plot that is uncovered by the protagonists, based on a true event, interesting historical details, and in my very biased opinion, the best setting. The imagery of Maine in the summer, the water, the natural beauty, was evocative throughout.
2. Winter Roses By Pegg Thomas
Michigan, Winter 1865
Wesley Fisk a Union sergeant veteran is arriving via ship from Buffalo NY to Michigan to earn some money as a lumberjack. Eliza Beth Edmonds is also on said ship and they both have the same destination. After being dismissed from her teachers position in favor of a man returned from war, Eliza Beth has no choice but to rejoin her mother as cook for a lumbering camp. She worked hard for her education and does not desire to return to the isolated camp. The profession claimed the life of her father, and she does not want to live surrounded by that life and death uncertainty. So when Wesley starts to intrigue her, she must guard her heart, she could not bear loving a lumberman, no matter how charming.
This one had a really cute development between the leads, cute romantic gestures, and incredible winter imagery.
3. Not For Love by Naomi Musch
Wisconsin, Winter/Spring 1881
Maggie Duncan at 22 years young is 2 months a widow from a love match. However if she does not find another husband to help her run her farm, she won't be able to afford it, and with a persistent buyer closing in, she can't afford to observe a full mourning. She enlists the help of a kindly traveling priest to take a letter she wrote detailing her predicament up to the lumber camps he will visit. The priest and her brother are rightly worried who may answer the ad and how honorable their intentions may be.
Jack McAllister is read the letter, and begins to entertain the idea. He always wanted his own farm, and was friends with the widow's husband, from who he heard good, domestic blissful things about Maggie, so after much deliberating he's like:
This one was the most poignant, featuring beautiful prose, and overall quite moving. The slow burn here was executed to perfection.
4. Undercover Logger by Jennifer Lamont Leo
Idaho, Winter 1890
Michael Tate, is the son of a wealthy Chicago banker, when he gets on the newspaper headlines for drinking, partying, and roughhousing his father exiles him to the Idaho branch of the bank as punishment to work under his uncle who runs it. Michael is far from thrilled to be sent from his cushy city life to the sticks, leaving behind the lady he thought he may one day marry.
In the train ride over, Michael meets a lady who reminds him of one back home he had been courting. Carrie Coker at 23 years of age is a widow fresh out of mourning. She is returning with some urgency to the business her husband left her, Coker Lumber, after being alerted she has 60 days to pay a bank loan she wasn't aware was outstanding. Out of depth with how one runs a business, she had been relying on the aid of her husbands cousin, Reed Coker, for the past year.
Michael's uncle assigns him some unorthodox work, having him go undercover in the Coker Lumber business to see how it is possible it is performing so poorly.
The conspiracy was creative & clever, the chemistry between the leads was palpable, and the resolution utterly satisfying.
The Brass Tacks:
I am actually not huge on short stories, but I had to pick up a story that included my dear Maine as a setting. To my immense delight this exceeded my expectations and I adored all the stories. I highly recommend this collection. I tend to read HR's that feature Heiresses and gentry, so this story full of self made heroes and heroines, who work the land, who live in challenging, humble circumstances was a breath of fresh air.
There was not a runt in this litter of yarns, I loved them all! Considering they are each around 120 pages give or take they did an excellent job fleshing out the characters, the atmosphere of the time, and each featured admirable protagonists, especially the ladies, who were strong and self sufficient. They were not looking for romance, they were realists in a tough time.
I liked how the love interests only complimented them, rather than completed them, for they were already capable all on their own. They were partners, each pulling their own weight, as it ought to be.
Most intriguing plots: Undercover Logger & All that Glitters
Best Setting & Meet Cute: All that Glitters
Favorite female protagonists:Winter Roses & Not for Love
Favorite male protagonists: Undercover Logger & Not for Love
Best Chemistry: Undercover Logger & Winter Roses
Favorite Prose: Not for Love
I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
꙳ Spice Scale rating: Belle Pepper Chaste 🌶/5 ꙳
April 18, 2022
Cute little easy read very PG rated romantic stories, and what women doesnt love the lumberjack haha 😜. Although It did bring to mind the Canadian classic "log drivers waltz" song from my childhood to mind the whole book haha!
March 14, 2022
"He… pretended she was his sister, but since he didn't have any sisters and the woman… was attractive in ten different ways, it didn't work."
Lumberjacks and Ladies (2022, Barbour) includes four historical romance novellas, each by a different author.
Rating: 4.625 stars
Is the collection clean/chaste? Yes. But see the spoiler for novella #3 for a heads-up for younger readers.
Other content issues: I didn't track this closely, but anything would have been mild. There were no issues in the fourth story, for what it's worth.
Christian elements: This is a work of Christian fiction, with occasional references to God. "We can plot and plan and map out our futures all we want, but sooner or later, we have to acknowledge that only God is truly in control."
------------------------------------------------
"Jess wanted to help her. He also wanted to court her. He definitely wanted to kiss her again."
Novella #1: All That Glitters by Candice Sue Patterson "Winifred finds herself running the family lobstering business when her father and brothers join the California gold rush."
5 stars
Setting: North Lubec, Maine - 1851
Things I liked:
*Jess Lee and Wini Hayes like each other right away. The story conflict is external.
*The author draws from an event in Maine's history. A new company is established in North Lubec, seeking investors and workers, which creates conflict in a variety of ways.
*The author's notes indicate which bits are fictional, which I always appreciate.
Things I disliked:
*Will, a stranger, kisses Wini as a way to bring her to her senses when she's in hysterics in a dangerous situation. I was initially shocked, but the author convinced me it was possibly plausible.
*"Wini didn't believe a word she said, but if it gave Carrie enough hope to make it through one more day, the lies served a purpose." Thankfully, it wasn't a major part of the plot, but this line implies that it is okay to lie under some circumstances.
------------------------------------------------
"It would snow in July before she'd ever look at a man who mistook her for a sir."
Novella #2: Winter Roses by Pegg Thomas Wesley Fisk is formerly a soldier, currently a logger, and is saving up to raise and sell horses someday. Eliza Beth Edmonds is returning home after being displaced from her teaching position by a male teacher returning from war. She's just in time to help her mother, the logging camp cook, who has been ordered by a doctor to rest up.
4.5 stars
Setting: 1865—Michigan, at a lumber camp
What I liked: This one was in a logging camp with some nice details. The horses were each unique, which I thought was cool.
What I didn’t like: I thought that Eliza Beth had an overly large chip on her shoulder against Wesley initially, but thankfully, that didn't last very long.
------------------------------------------------
"I just want a fellow who'll agree to a sort of arrangement. In return for a home here on the farm, he'll be half owners with me… if you think you might be the fellow I'm searching for… I'll offer room and board in my barn for the season's help, and we can decide whether we suit one another's company after that."
Novella #3: Not for Love by Naomi Musch "Widowed, Maggie seeks a husband—in name only—from the logging camps, but the man who answers her letter is a surprise."
"He'd never planned to spend five years logging. It had just happened. Somewhere along the line his dreams to have a place of his own were simply forgotten. But now Dunc's farm kept leaping up between him and sleep, and his dream would not be quieted again."
4.5 stars
Setting: 1881—Wisconsin, on the heroine's farm
What I liked:
*I thought the premise was a great set-up for a marriage of convenience tale!
*I loved these characters. They had integrity and were people I easily related to.
What I didn’t like:
*I found it odd that the heroine's dialect came through when the narration was from the heroine's head
*
*The phrases "wrap his brain around" and "mind was wrapped around" are anachronistic. I see this every once in a while in historicals, and it's strange.
------------------------------------------------
"So our next step is to put a fly on the wall, a man on the inside, to see how the operation is really being run… So I'm sending you. Tomorrow you'll hire yourself on as a laborer."
Novella #4: Undercover Logger by Jennifer Lamont Leo Carrie Coker, 23, is a widow who wants to hold onto her husband's family lands and business. Michael is the son of the bank owner who is poised to foreclose on Carrie's loan in 60 days.
4.5 stars
Setting: 1890—From Illinois to Idaho
What I liked:
*This story is set at a logging camp . Yay!
*I loved this quote: [If you don't shape up, ]"You will need to earn your living by whatever means your sketchy education has prepared you for." Yes! This is why it's so important to do your best in school. (Sorry, it's the teacher in me.)
*A character undergoes a transformation by trusting in God. "This was a radical new idea… that God would take any interest in people's day-to-day affairs.
What I didn’t like:
*The story skims over "the next several weeks" when Michael and Carrie were working closely together. As a general rule, I don't think this writing device works well. It's important to see the relationship between a hero and heroine grow.
*On the first page of the story, Michael Tate is introduced as the hero of the story, which I found distracting because the lead singer of the Newsboys, a Christian band, is Michael Tait, albeit spelled differently. I'm assuming the author didn't know this.
*I thought Carrie could have been more assertive with her unwanted suitor.
------------------------------------------------
The bottom line: Even though only two of the stories were set in logging camps, I really enjoyed this collection. I definitely recommend this book to historical fiction lovers.
I received this book as an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.
Lumberjacks and Ladies (2022, Barbour) includes four historical romance novellas, each by a different author.
Rating: 4.625 stars
Is the collection clean/chaste? Yes. But see the spoiler for novella #3 for a heads-up for younger readers.
Other content issues: I didn't track this closely, but anything would have been mild. There were no issues in the fourth story, for what it's worth.
Christian elements: This is a work of Christian fiction, with occasional references to God. "We can plot and plan and map out our futures all we want, but sooner or later, we have to acknowledge that only God is truly in control."
------------------------------------------------
"Jess wanted to help her. He also wanted to court her. He definitely wanted to kiss her again."
Novella #1: All That Glitters by Candice Sue Patterson "Winifred finds herself running the family lobstering business when her father and brothers join the California gold rush."
5 stars
Setting: North Lubec, Maine - 1851
Things I liked:
*Jess Lee and Wini Hayes like each other right away. The story conflict is external.
*The author draws from an event in Maine's history. A new company is established in North Lubec, seeking investors and workers, which creates conflict in a variety of ways.
*The author's notes indicate which bits are fictional, which I always appreciate.
Things I disliked:
*Will, a stranger, kisses Wini as a way to bring her to her senses when she's in hysterics in a dangerous situation. I was initially shocked, but the author convinced me it was possibly plausible.
*"Wini didn't believe a word she said, but if it gave Carrie enough hope to make it through one more day, the lies served a purpose." Thankfully, it wasn't a major part of the plot, but this line implies that it is okay to lie under some circumstances.
------------------------------------------------
"It would snow in July before she'd ever look at a man who mistook her for a sir."
Novella #2: Winter Roses by Pegg Thomas Wesley Fisk is formerly a soldier, currently a logger, and is saving up to raise and sell horses someday. Eliza Beth Edmonds is returning home after being displaced from her teaching position by a male teacher returning from war. She's just in time to help her mother, the logging camp cook, who has been ordered by a doctor to rest up.
4.5 stars
Setting: 1865—Michigan, at a lumber camp
What I liked: This one was in a logging camp with some nice details. The horses were each unique, which I thought was cool.
What I didn’t like: I thought that Eliza Beth had an overly large chip on her shoulder against Wesley initially, but thankfully, that didn't last very long.
------------------------------------------------
"I just want a fellow who'll agree to a sort of arrangement. In return for a home here on the farm, he'll be half owners with me… if you think you might be the fellow I'm searching for… I'll offer room and board in my barn for the season's help, and we can decide whether we suit one another's company after that."
Novella #3: Not for Love by Naomi Musch "Widowed, Maggie seeks a husband—in name only—from the logging camps, but the man who answers her letter is a surprise."
"He'd never planned to spend five years logging. It had just happened. Somewhere along the line his dreams to have a place of his own were simply forgotten. But now Dunc's farm kept leaping up between him and sleep, and his dream would not be quieted again."
4.5 stars
Setting: 1881—Wisconsin, on the heroine's farm
What I liked:
*I thought the premise was a great set-up for a marriage of convenience tale!
*I loved these characters. They had integrity and were people I easily related to.
What I didn’t like:
*I found it odd that the heroine's dialect came through when the narration was from the heroine's head
*
*The phrases "wrap his brain around" and "mind was wrapped around" are anachronistic. I see this every once in a while in historicals, and it's strange.
------------------------------------------------
"So our next step is to put a fly on the wall, a man on the inside, to see how the operation is really being run… So I'm sending you. Tomorrow you'll hire yourself on as a laborer."
Novella #4: Undercover Logger by Jennifer Lamont Leo Carrie Coker, 23, is a widow who wants to hold onto her husband's family lands and business. Michael is the son of the bank owner who is poised to foreclose on Carrie's loan in 60 days.
4.5 stars
Setting: 1890—From Illinois to Idaho
What I liked:
*This story is set at a logging camp . Yay!
*I loved this quote: [If you don't shape up, ]"You will need to earn your living by whatever means your sketchy education has prepared you for." Yes! This is why it's so important to do your best in school. (Sorry, it's the teacher in me.)
*A character undergoes a transformation by trusting in God. "This was a radical new idea… that God would take any interest in people's day-to-day affairs.
What I didn’t like:
*The story skims over "the next several weeks" when Michael and Carrie were working closely together. As a general rule, I don't think this writing device works well. It's important to see the relationship between a hero and heroine grow.
*On the first page of the story, Michael Tate is introduced as the hero of the story, which I found distracting because the lead singer of the Newsboys, a Christian band, is Michael Tait, albeit spelled differently. I'm assuming the author didn't know this.
*I thought Carrie could have been more assertive with her unwanted suitor.
------------------------------------------------
The bottom line: Even though only two of the stories were set in logging camps, I really enjoyed this collection. I definitely recommend this book to historical fiction lovers.
I received this book as an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.
February 13, 2022
All That Glitters: based on a true story, this is a stranger than fiction tale of a gold scam of major proportions. Great little romance of hardworking Wini and lumber company owner, Jess who try to get to the bottom of a hoax.
Winter Roses: A school teacher who doesn’t want to marry a lumberjack and a temporary lumberjack who wants to open a horse farm. Can God change their opinion and their hearts?
Not For Love: a widow who wants to marry to save her farm... not for love. Can they trust each other and forge a friendship and something more?
Undercover Logger: Carrie mourns her husband but cannot manage the lumber business. Why, after a year is the business in jeopardy? Michael is sent by his banker father to Idaho to learn the ropes. Can he surreptitiously find out why Carry is losing money? Will they find a way to grow together?
A fun and faith filled quartet of the lumber industry in the 1800s. Something for everyone!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
Winter Roses: A school teacher who doesn’t want to marry a lumberjack and a temporary lumberjack who wants to open a horse farm. Can God change their opinion and their hearts?
Not For Love: a widow who wants to marry to save her farm... not for love. Can they trust each other and forge a friendship and something more?
Undercover Logger: Carrie mourns her husband but cannot manage the lumber business. Why, after a year is the business in jeopardy? Michael is sent by his banker father to Idaho to learn the ropes. Can he surreptitiously find out why Carry is losing money? Will they find a way to grow together?
A fun and faith filled quartet of the lumber industry in the 1800s. Something for everyone!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
June 20, 2022
Four stories well executed with cute h and nice H
I am a sucker for HR in frontier setting so I enjoyed these four novellas a lot
Who doesn’t swoon for a sexy lumberjack?
Just read it
I just reviewed Lumberjacks and Ladies by Jennifer Lamont Leo; Naomi Musch; Candice Sue Patterson; Pegg Thomas. #LumberjacksandLadies #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]
I am a sucker for HR in frontier setting so I enjoyed these four novellas a lot
Who doesn’t swoon for a sexy lumberjack?
Just read it
I just reviewed Lumberjacks and Ladies by Jennifer Lamont Leo; Naomi Musch; Candice Sue Patterson; Pegg Thomas. #LumberjacksandLadies #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]
February 4, 2022
I got pretty excited when I pulled this book out of the packaging….it’s so, so thick and I do love a long book…except it had four stories. And they were terrific. Every one. And way too short!
“All That Glitters” introduces us to Wini, a spunky gal that is determined to make up for the perceived desertion of her father and brothers in order to take care of the rest of her family. But a mystery at a shady local industry leads her to go in search of answers and she meets Jess, who is on the same mission. Together, they sleuth out the truth and find each other in the process. Candice Sue Patterson’s creative story and well-rounded characters were a joy to read.
Author Pegg Thomas brings us yet another well-written tale in “Winter Roses.” Eliza Beth feels it is her responsibility to return to the logging camp she escaped from to help her ailing mother, despite her personal feelings about the life and the abandonment of her own dream of being a school teacher. After literally bumping into Wes on the train enroute to the same destination, despite their less than pleasant introduction, they form a tentative friendship that culminates when she attempts to recapture her dream of teaching. But ends up with Wes capturing her heart instead. Thomas weaves a masterful tale that I didn’t want to end.
“Not for Love” is author Naomi Musch’s contribution to this delightful compilation. Maggie Duncan is on a mission to keep her late husband’s memory alive through the dream of their farm, despite the objection of her family and cultural traditions. But she knows she can’t manage on her own. The answer? A transaction between herself and a new husband through an ad carried to the mining camps by the local reverend. Business and love clash when the position is filled by Jack, whose passion for farming rivals hers. They strike a deal and battle through rough times, but in the end, she loses her heart in the bargain. I was rooting for Maggie and admired her tenacity that was well displayed by Musch’s talent.
Jennifer Lamont Leo’s “Undercover Logger” novella tells the tale of a spoiled rich kid, Michael, who gets shipped off to Idaho to do penance for his bad behavior. There he meets up with Carrie Coker, a new widow who is trying to save her husband’s business, despite her brother-in-law’s interference. Michael and Carrie team up to unravel the mystery, and he ends up capturing her heart in the process. This was a fun romance with a mixture of mystery and suspense woven in a well-told story.
I really enjoyed each story and would love to see each of them expanded into full length novels. They left me wanting more. Much More.
I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and an author and was under no obligation to post a review. All thoughts are my own.
“All That Glitters” introduces us to Wini, a spunky gal that is determined to make up for the perceived desertion of her father and brothers in order to take care of the rest of her family. But a mystery at a shady local industry leads her to go in search of answers and she meets Jess, who is on the same mission. Together, they sleuth out the truth and find each other in the process. Candice Sue Patterson’s creative story and well-rounded characters were a joy to read.
Author Pegg Thomas brings us yet another well-written tale in “Winter Roses.” Eliza Beth feels it is her responsibility to return to the logging camp she escaped from to help her ailing mother, despite her personal feelings about the life and the abandonment of her own dream of being a school teacher. After literally bumping into Wes on the train enroute to the same destination, despite their less than pleasant introduction, they form a tentative friendship that culminates when she attempts to recapture her dream of teaching. But ends up with Wes capturing her heart instead. Thomas weaves a masterful tale that I didn’t want to end.
“Not for Love” is author Naomi Musch’s contribution to this delightful compilation. Maggie Duncan is on a mission to keep her late husband’s memory alive through the dream of their farm, despite the objection of her family and cultural traditions. But she knows she can’t manage on her own. The answer? A transaction between herself and a new husband through an ad carried to the mining camps by the local reverend. Business and love clash when the position is filled by Jack, whose passion for farming rivals hers. They strike a deal and battle through rough times, but in the end, she loses her heart in the bargain. I was rooting for Maggie and admired her tenacity that was well displayed by Musch’s talent.
Jennifer Lamont Leo’s “Undercover Logger” novella tells the tale of a spoiled rich kid, Michael, who gets shipped off to Idaho to do penance for his bad behavior. There he meets up with Carrie Coker, a new widow who is trying to save her husband’s business, despite her brother-in-law’s interference. Michael and Carrie team up to unravel the mystery, and he ends up capturing her heart in the process. This was a fun romance with a mixture of mystery and suspense woven in a well-told story.
I really enjoyed each story and would love to see each of them expanded into full length novels. They left me wanting more. Much More.
I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and an author and was under no obligation to post a review. All thoughts are my own.
January 30, 2022
I was excited to read this collection because I'm familiar with three of the four authors. Plus, what's not to love about lumberjacks? I managed to get an advanced copy and couldn't wait to read it.
The novellas didn't disappoint. Set in different states and often inspired by real events, each novella presents a different look at lumber camps. Each romance reflects the authors' different styles, with some of the romance sparking immediately with others making you wait for the big payoff. Overall, these stories are exactly what you expect and love from clean and Christian historical romance.
If you're familiar with any of these authors, this collection won't disappoint. If you haven't read any of their books yet but you enjoy the likes of Laura Franz and Melissa Jagears, I think you'll enjoy this book.
Rated PG.
The novellas didn't disappoint. Set in different states and often inspired by real events, each novella presents a different look at lumber camps. Each romance reflects the authors' different styles, with some of the romance sparking immediately with others making you wait for the big payoff. Overall, these stories are exactly what you expect and love from clean and Christian historical romance.
If you're familiar with any of these authors, this collection won't disappoint. If you haven't read any of their books yet but you enjoy the likes of Laura Franz and Melissa Jagears, I think you'll enjoy this book.
Rated PG.
February 9, 2022
Lumberjacks and Ladies was a wonderful set of novellas. The only author I knew previously was Pegg Thomas and I hadn’t read any of her books previously, so all four authors were new to me. I was delighted with these stories. They all wove together so nicely, yet each author’s style was showcased and complimented each other. Short stories are perfect for a busy lifestyle, for that time during the week you want to relax but don’t have time to invest in a long novel. These stories were wonderful and I loved the locations were they were set as well as the storylines themselves. I found myself captivated by the characters and enjoying each story individually but also as a whole. This is a group of stories that I could talk about with a book club for hours and never run out of things to say.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
March 22, 2022
A quartet of stories about lumberjacks finding love and standing up for their ladies.
I often enjoy picking up these quick reads in between heavier subject matters, with sweet stories that can be read in one sitting.
Winnie is determined to take care of her family, and she doesn't know what to think of the the flirtatious lumberjack who always seems to be popping up just in time. I admired her work ethic and how she fought for her family.
In the Northwoods of Michigan Elizabeth hesitantly returns to the lumber camp where she was raised to cook alongside her mother, while searching for her next teaching position. This was a cute story, and I liked that Wesley was kind and put himself out there to win Elizabeth.
Widowed Maggie is looking for a husband to help save her farm. But when Jack shows up, will she be able to let her heart love again? An adorable mail-order-husband romance. Jack is such a man of honorable character and faith, I liked him right away for giving Maggie time and space. Jack is probably one of my favorite heroes of this collection.
Michael is a privileged son of a banker, used to living life on his own terms until his father decides to challenge him to do better by sending him to Idaho to work with his uncle and aunt. Can he help a widow save her struggling lumber camp? I really enjoyed this story, and I liked how Michael grew over the course of the book, finding a passion for helping others.
Overall, an enjoyable collection of novellas that show that good things can come it in smaller portions.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I often enjoy picking up these quick reads in between heavier subject matters, with sweet stories that can be read in one sitting.
Winnie is determined to take care of her family, and she doesn't know what to think of the the flirtatious lumberjack who always seems to be popping up just in time. I admired her work ethic and how she fought for her family.
In the Northwoods of Michigan Elizabeth hesitantly returns to the lumber camp where she was raised to cook alongside her mother, while searching for her next teaching position. This was a cute story, and I liked that Wesley was kind and put himself out there to win Elizabeth.
Widowed Maggie is looking for a husband to help save her farm. But when Jack shows up, will she be able to let her heart love again? An adorable mail-order-husband romance. Jack is such a man of honorable character and faith, I liked him right away for giving Maggie time and space. Jack is probably one of my favorite heroes of this collection.
Michael is a privileged son of a banker, used to living life on his own terms until his father decides to challenge him to do better by sending him to Idaho to work with his uncle and aunt. Can he help a widow save her struggling lumber camp? I really enjoyed this story, and I liked how Michael grew over the course of the book, finding a passion for helping others.
Overall, an enjoyable collection of novellas that show that good things can come it in smaller portions.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 18, 2022
This was a really fun collection to be a part of. First, I got to write with some of my favorite authors! Second, I got to set my novella in the collection right in my own backyard. Third, I got to write a lighter, more upbeat story after digging into deep issues and harsh history in the Fort of Refuge novels.
Follow the stories of lumberjacks and their ladies as trees fell across the country from 1851 Maine to 1865 Michigan to 1881 Wisconsin to 1890 Idaho.
Follow the stories of lumberjacks and their ladies as trees fell across the country from 1851 Maine to 1865 Michigan to 1881 Wisconsin to 1890 Idaho.
December 23, 2021
This was a sweet combination of four different love stories involving lumberjacks. Each was a great story, but they were all shorter than I like. I enjoyed reading each one, They were well written, if you like reading short stories, this book would be for you. As I said, I like longer stories, but these were great anyway.
April 20, 2022
This is a well-written collection of stories that introduced me to the lumberjack way of life. The historical perspective on how they were operated, the rigorous working schedules and dangerous conditions was interesting, so I loved the backdrop as well as the storylines.
All That Glitters
By Candice Sue Patterson
This story hallmarked the strength and resilience of the women connected to the camps as, in some cases, the father and sons went off to seek gold, leaving the rest of the family to continue without them. While that infuriated me, it highlighted the enormous tenacity the women possessed when the burden was placed upon them. Coupled with lies and mystery, this story goes on to parallel a hoax within the industries of Lubec, Maine and the MC attempts to expose the ruse.
Winter Roses
By Pegg Thomas
I love the romantic arc of this story that takes place in Northern Michigan. Eliza Beth returns to the lumberjack camp to help her mom, a camp cook, after a health scare. She does not want to stay. She wants to teach again and she certainly does not want to get involved with a lumberjack. Through misunderstandings and stubborn wills, the MC forge ahead to pursue their own dreams...together or apart?
Not For Love
By Naomi Musch
This story takes place in Wisconsin and includes another strong h whose husband has died. I loved the spiritual arc, that spoke of God’s providence and the power of prayer. This is a wonderful marriage of convenience story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
Undercover Logger
By Jennifer Lamont Leo
The concealed identity of a banker’s son, who has been sent out of the city to get his life on track, together with a woman trying to continue her deceased husband’s business and dreams makes for an interesting story the author takes way beyond what you would expect. With twists and turns, this delightful ruse has you wondering how the MC will get out of the fix they are in.
This book is appropriate for teens and older. There are no overly descriptive intimate scenes and no bad language. I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge with no expectation of a positive review.
All That Glitters
By Candice Sue Patterson
This story hallmarked the strength and resilience of the women connected to the camps as, in some cases, the father and sons went off to seek gold, leaving the rest of the family to continue without them. While that infuriated me, it highlighted the enormous tenacity the women possessed when the burden was placed upon them. Coupled with lies and mystery, this story goes on to parallel a hoax within the industries of Lubec, Maine and the MC attempts to expose the ruse.
Winter Roses
By Pegg Thomas
I love the romantic arc of this story that takes place in Northern Michigan. Eliza Beth returns to the lumberjack camp to help her mom, a camp cook, after a health scare. She does not want to stay. She wants to teach again and she certainly does not want to get involved with a lumberjack. Through misunderstandings and stubborn wills, the MC forge ahead to pursue their own dreams...together or apart?
Not For Love
By Naomi Musch
This story takes place in Wisconsin and includes another strong h whose husband has died. I loved the spiritual arc, that spoke of God’s providence and the power of prayer. This is a wonderful marriage of convenience story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
Undercover Logger
By Jennifer Lamont Leo
The concealed identity of a banker’s son, who has been sent out of the city to get his life on track, together with a woman trying to continue her deceased husband’s business and dreams makes for an interesting story the author takes way beyond what you would expect. With twists and turns, this delightful ruse has you wondering how the MC will get out of the fix they are in.
This book is appropriate for teens and older. There are no overly descriptive intimate scenes and no bad language. I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge with no expectation of a positive review.
December 15, 2021
I like to read anthologies of short novels to fill odd times when I have to wait for an appointment or something. Barbour Books is one of the best publishers for these kinds of books. They know how to collect the best authors to make these books so enjoyable.
Lumberjacks and Ladies has four stories that take place in logging areas around the northern United States, starting in Maine, going to Michigan and Wisconsin, then ending up in Idaho. Each of the authors writes about the area where she lives or grew up, so the setting descriptions seem to be on point. The characters are likable and each has their own set of faults and foibles to make them more real.
The only thing I didn't like about the collection is that the stories didn't touch a "need" for me, but I think that is more taste than any fault of the authors. The writing was good, and I found that made it easier to read through the stories. I think the best one was the last one that took place primarily in Idaho. A bit of mystery is involved in the plot and made the story far more compelling. It also involved a couple of the characters turning their lives around, and becoming more compassionate people.
Four Stars.
Barbour Books and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Lumberjacks and Ladies has four stories that take place in logging areas around the northern United States, starting in Maine, going to Michigan and Wisconsin, then ending up in Idaho. Each of the authors writes about the area where she lives or grew up, so the setting descriptions seem to be on point. The characters are likable and each has their own set of faults and foibles to make them more real.
The only thing I didn't like about the collection is that the stories didn't touch a "need" for me, but I think that is more taste than any fault of the authors. The writing was good, and I found that made it easier to read through the stories. I think the best one was the last one that took place primarily in Idaho. A bit of mystery is involved in the plot and made the story far more compelling. It also involved a couple of the characters turning their lives around, and becoming more compassionate people.
Four Stars.
Barbour Books and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
February 3, 2022
All That Glitters by Candice Sue Patterson
I liked they mystery element as Wini and Jess tried to uncover possible fraud. I wish it was longer, though, so I could have more time with Jess and Wini. They’re well-developed characters, and I loved them as soon as they walked on the page. Although, there is something Jess did at the beginning that had me shaking my head. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I will say I had a hard time believing someone would actually do what he did. But overall, this was a sweet story and I enjoyed it.
Winter Roses by Pegg Thomas
I think this was one was my favorite. I liked how Wes wasn’t exactly smooth but was a complete gentleman and thoughtful. Eliza Beth at times irritated me, but her relationship with her mom and Louie made her relatable. This one I definitely wished was longer. I would gladly enjoy a whole novel with these characters. Maybe we could have a follow-up with Louie!
Not for Love by Naomi Much
This was an interesting take on the marriage of convenience trope. I liked seeing Jack’s relationship with Maggie develop. But I wish more time was spent on them and less on the pastor’s POV.
Undercover Logger by Jennifer Lamont Leo
This story was amazing. I would definitely say it was my second favorite of the collection. I loved watching Michael and Carrie’s relationship develop as well as the suspense. Of all four of the novellas, I wish this one was a full-length novel the most. But the ending left me satisfied and happy. I haven’t read this author before, but I’m going to have to check out her other works now.
Overall, Lumberjacks & Ladies is now one of my favorite novella collections. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves historical romance and northern settings.
(Note: I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley for review. All opinions expressed are my own.)
I liked they mystery element as Wini and Jess tried to uncover possible fraud. I wish it was longer, though, so I could have more time with Jess and Wini. They’re well-developed characters, and I loved them as soon as they walked on the page. Although, there is something Jess did at the beginning that had me shaking my head. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I will say I had a hard time believing someone would actually do what he did. But overall, this was a sweet story and I enjoyed it.
Winter Roses by Pegg Thomas
I think this was one was my favorite. I liked how Wes wasn’t exactly smooth but was a complete gentleman and thoughtful. Eliza Beth at times irritated me, but her relationship with her mom and Louie made her relatable. This one I definitely wished was longer. I would gladly enjoy a whole novel with these characters. Maybe we could have a follow-up with Louie!
Not for Love by Naomi Much
This was an interesting take on the marriage of convenience trope. I liked seeing Jack’s relationship with Maggie develop. But I wish more time was spent on them and less on the pastor’s POV.
Undercover Logger by Jennifer Lamont Leo
This story was amazing. I would definitely say it was my second favorite of the collection. I loved watching Michael and Carrie’s relationship develop as well as the suspense. Of all four of the novellas, I wish this one was a full-length novel the most. But the ending left me satisfied and happy. I haven’t read this author before, but I’m going to have to check out her other works now.
Overall, Lumberjacks & Ladies is now one of my favorite novella collections. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves historical romance and northern settings.
(Note: I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley for review. All opinions expressed are my own.)
February 4, 2022
This was a great collection of stories.
All That Glitters by Candice Sue Patterson
Wini is doing all she can to support her family in the absence of her father and brothers. Jess falls in love with Wini almost immediately and does what he can to help Wini solve a mystery. I like the way Jess encouraged Wini in whatever she did.
Winter Roses by Pegg Thomas
Eliza Beth wants to get out of the lumber camp because she doesn’t want to lose anyone else she loves. Wes is working at the lumber camp to earn enough money to buy a farm and breed horses. Neither one is looking for someone to love.
Not for Love by Naomi Musch
Maggie wants to keep her late husband’s dream for their farm alive. Jack had always dreamed of owning a farm. A marriage of convenience.
Undercover Logger by Jennifer Lamont Leo
Carrie inherited a lumber business from her late husband. It should be making money but isn’t and now she has to pay back a loan. Michael’s uncle owns the bank that holds the note on Carrie’s business. He is just as confused as she is about why they business is losing money so he sends Michael in to see what is going on.
Each of these stories is unique and I loved all of them. I would recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
February 10, 2022
Enjoyable historical novels
I loved reading these four stories. They were fun and intriguing and suspenseful. Life was also hard for the single women, struggling to provide for themselves and their families.
All That Glitters centers around Winnifred who is running the lobster business while her father and brothers headed to California during the gold rush. Will she succeed? Will she accept help from a stranger? Can Winnifred solve the mystery at the local sea mining operation?
Winter Roses centers around Elizabeth. She is a school teacher but after losing her job, returns to the logging camp where her mother is the cook. Will her dream come true of leaving the camp life behind? Will she allow herself to fall in love? What happens when she is too stubborn to listen to advice?
Not For Love centers around Maggie who is a widow and does not want to lose the farm she and her husband loved. What will she do as a solution? Her brother disagrees with her decision, will they mend their relationship? Will her dream come true?
Undercover Logger centers around Carrie who inherits her husband’s logging business after his death. Why is the business losing money? Will she sell the business to a competitor? Is she too trusting of her husband’s best friend?
You must read this book. I found it hard to put the book down.
I loved reading these four stories. They were fun and intriguing and suspenseful. Life was also hard for the single women, struggling to provide for themselves and their families.
All That Glitters centers around Winnifred who is running the lobster business while her father and brothers headed to California during the gold rush. Will she succeed? Will she accept help from a stranger? Can Winnifred solve the mystery at the local sea mining operation?
Winter Roses centers around Elizabeth. She is a school teacher but after losing her job, returns to the logging camp where her mother is the cook. Will her dream come true of leaving the camp life behind? Will she allow herself to fall in love? What happens when she is too stubborn to listen to advice?
Not For Love centers around Maggie who is a widow and does not want to lose the farm she and her husband loved. What will she do as a solution? Her brother disagrees with her decision, will they mend their relationship? Will her dream come true?
Undercover Logger centers around Carrie who inherits her husband’s logging business after his death. Why is the business losing money? Will she sell the business to a competitor? Is she too trusting of her husband’s best friend?
You must read this book. I found it hard to put the book down.
March 3, 2022
Having read and enjoyed three of these authors' offerings in another collection of stories (The Great Lakes Lighthouse Brides), I was eager to read Lumberjacks and Ladies. It is a wonderful set of four stories of independent women who ultimately find love in a lumber camp. Each story is unique with the heroines and heroes who have different challenges to overcome, Winifred struggling to keep the family business afloat, Elizabeth, a camp cook not interested in marrying a lumberjack, Maggie, a widow in need of a husband, and Carrie, a timberland owner being foreclosed on. The authors each have a delightful way of storytelling, some with a little humor, some with suspense and heartbreaking drama, but all weave faith in God and his grace and mercy throughout their stories of love and romance in a variety of situations. Through a time period during the 1850s through 1890, the stories take readers to Maine, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Idaho. Interesting tidbits of history and vivid scenes along with strong, evocative characters make these stories come alive and readers recognize that even in the despair and struggles of the lumber industry there is hope and goodness. Readers who enjoy historical romances will not want to miss this captivating collection of stories.
I listened to a library copy of the audiobook and was not required to write a review. Sybil Johnson does a great job narrating the stories, which made for an enjoyable listening experience. The opinions are my own.
I listened to a library copy of the audiobook and was not required to write a review. Sybil Johnson does a great job narrating the stories, which made for an enjoyable listening experience. The opinions are my own.
January 31, 2022
This is a wonderful collection of historical novellas surrounding tales of lumberjacks and finding love while working a dangerous job during the 1800’s. Each author’s tale is well written with characters that drew me in. Travel back in time from Maine in 1851, to 1865 in Michigan, on to Wisconsin in 1881 and finally end in Idaho 1890 at a lumberjack camp.
Each tale were descriptive of the lumberjacks daily lives and what the heroine was struggling or trying to overcome. There are secrets, a touch of mystery, history, faith and romance that made each novella a charming story. I had read a couple of the authors before knowing I would enjoy their contribution, but a bonus was connecting with new authors to me. I highly recommend this latest collection from Barbour Publishing to fans of historical Christian fiction mixed with American history and romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to write a positive review. I have expressed my own opinion for this well organized and written collection.
Each tale were descriptive of the lumberjacks daily lives and what the heroine was struggling or trying to overcome. There are secrets, a touch of mystery, history, faith and romance that made each novella a charming story. I had read a couple of the authors before knowing I would enjoy their contribution, but a bonus was connecting with new authors to me. I highly recommend this latest collection from Barbour Publishing to fans of historical Christian fiction mixed with American history and romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to write a positive review. I have expressed my own opinion for this well organized and written collection.
February 2, 2022
I will start off by saying I love story collections. This collection did not disappoint!
All the stories had very strong women making their way in the 1800s, with different circumstances, but all caring, strong and hard working women. I have to admire each character for their strength and fortitude.
Three of the stories were more realistic to me. I will leave that up to other readers to decide. The three were developed and like full novel in themselves. All four were well researched.
I must admit I loved the romance in Winter Roses! 5 stars plus on this sweet story.
I would recommend this clean, wholesome story collection.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
All the stories had very strong women making their way in the 1800s, with different circumstances, but all caring, strong and hard working women. I have to admire each character for their strength and fortitude.
Three of the stories were more realistic to me. I will leave that up to other readers to decide. The three were developed and like full novel in themselves. All four were well researched.
I must admit I loved the romance in Winter Roses! 5 stars plus on this sweet story.
I would recommend this clean, wholesome story collection.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
February 3, 2022
These sets are a wonderful way to meet new authors. I am not familiar with any of these four authors. But I intend to go check out what other works they have after reading this set. I loved the idea behind these stories that each of them include a lumberjack. Each of these stories are heartwarming and sweet. I absolutely loved them. It was so easy to sit and read through them. From Maine to Michigan to Wisconsin and finishing off in Idaho. I would have loved each of these stories to be longer but I didn't mind them being short and sweet. But.. if a full book was wrote around these stories I would jump at the chance to read them. The historical aspects were so interesting. I enjoyed the different settings for each story and reading the day to day lives for these lumberjacks and ladies. All together Id give it a 5 stars. I loved it!
January 12, 2022
Each of these stories was well written and interesting. There were mysteries, marriages of convenience, unexpected love, and terrific characters who were good and noble. Each story had a lumberjack who was selfless and wanted the best for the woman that they loved. I liked each of the novellas with their unique plots.
The historical notes that the authors shared about the ideas for their stories was of great interest. It made them all the more real and would be places I would love to visit.
I would highly recommend you read this if you like clean, wholesome romance, or westerns. You will want to add this to your collection. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy of the book. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The historical notes that the authors shared about the ideas for their stories was of great interest. It made them all the more real and would be places I would love to visit.
I would highly recommend you read this if you like clean, wholesome romance, or westerns. You will want to add this to your collection. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy of the book. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 1, 2022
No fluff here. All stories are set in the 1800s. Each story is rich and as full as a full-length novel. Each is very unique with a lot of depth for each couple, who are making their way through life with unexpected turns. Very entertaining, never boring. Excellent read! Each and every one holds your interest to the delightful end.
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#LumberjacksandLadies #NetGalley
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#LumberjacksandLadies #NetGalley
January 11, 2022
I love these short stories on love and the fact that they are a clean romance makes it even better! You will enjoy these four romance stories - all different and unique in their own way. The only reason I gave this book a 4 star is that a couple of the stories were a little longer than I would have preferred, it took a while to actually get to the love portion which can seem daunting. Otherwise, great read!
January 27, 2022
What a wonderful collection of novellas! Each story is well written and holds your attention. The novellas are the perfect length to curl up with after a long day. They have adventure, mystery, and sweet, clean romance. I loved reading this book and taking a step back in time.
I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 17, 2022
Brawny lumberjacks and stronger-than-you'd-think ladies can make up a wide variety of plots, and these ladies presented four different stories in novella form. I loved them all, but I have to admit, my favorite was Naomi's. Her story made me cry happy tears.
Quick reads. Totally wonderful. Get yourself lost in the woods.
Quick reads. Totally wonderful. Get yourself lost in the woods.
March 1, 2022
I really enjoyed this mix of history, mystery, romance and the faith that brought them through it. Each story is unique and a trip into the hard life of lumberjacks and the ladies who had such important parts. I always enjoy the interesting history that is brought out in these stories. These authors made this time in history an interesting lesson for me as well as a delightful read! I received an advanced copy from the publisher through NetGalley. No review was required, my review and opinion is voluntary.
February 1, 2022
Wonderful stories!
This is a wonderful set of stories. Historical romances abound! I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. My opinions are my own.
This is a wonderful set of stories. Historical romances abound! I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. My opinions are my own.
February 12, 2022
Jennifer Lamont Leo's and Candice Sue Patterson's stories stood out to me in this collection; both were intriguing and entertaining, on top of being historically accurate and informative. The collection really opened my eyes to the struggles women dealt with in that place and time.
This was a bit of a different genre for me to read, but I did enjoy it and would happily visit other works by those two authors, in particular, in future.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This was a bit of a different genre for me to read, but I did enjoy it and would happily visit other works by those two authors, in particular, in future.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
February 15, 2022
This is a great collection! I loved all of the stories that are in this book. My favorites were by Pegg Thomas and Naomi Musch! I would recommend this for fans of historical fiction.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
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