4 Teachers Find More Than They Bargained for in Their Contracts Something Old, Something New by Kathleen L. Maher New York, 1840s Her father’s sudden death makes Gilda Jacobs the new schoolmaster, but to teach Christian curriculum she partners with fire-and-brimstone revivalist Joshua Blake, who learns a lesson in love. Love in Any Language by Susanne Dietze Kansas, 1870 Mary Clarence … Language by Susanne Dietze
Kansas, 1870
Mary Clarence teaches English to the children of Swedish immigrants, but when her favorite students’ widowed father, Kristofer Nilsson, is accused of robbery, she’s determined to clear his name.
In Desperate Straits by Carrie Fancett Pagels
Mackinac Island, Michigan, 1894
Desperate for work, Margaret Hadley dresses as a young man to secure a dray driver’s position. When soldiers at the fort threaten her, Mackinac Island’s newest teacher, Jesse Huntington, intervenes.
A Song in the Night by Rita Gerlach
Virginia, 1904
Karin Wiles longs to share the uplifting power of music with children. But when she seeks to improve a poorly run school and include orphans, Nathaniel Archer delivers harsh words of opposition from the school board.
more
The book is a collection of 4 stories, about strong teacher ladies, that care about the children.
a) Something old, something new – Kathleen L. Maher
Gilda has only sisters and suddently her father died: who can support her and family? She is Jew, female, firstborn, teacher, but she is also determined, strong, intelligent, rational.
b) Love in any language – Suzanne Dietze
Plenty is a small village, with one school and with new people and families immigrants from Europe. The story has good topic: the strangers, with their different traditions and languages, with their difficulties in the new country: job,language, been accepted and trusted.
We are all different, we must love each other.
c) In desperate straits – Carrie Fancett Pagels
When there is economy crises, some women cry and wait the wealthy man that rescue them, other women use intelligents and do all that they could do, even the ‘men works’.
d) A song in the night – Rita Gerlach
The story is set in year 1904, in Baltimore, during the big fire happened on Sunday, february 7, 1904.
Karien is a music teacher at The Margaret Brent Academy.
On Saturday, she received a call to go to the school, there she met all the other teachers, noone know why they are there on Saturday, an oof-school-day.
“Everything happen for a reason. Many things in life were divinely appointed.”
I loved the common theme of teaching, yet all of the stories are so different. I loved them! Having read stories from each of these authors before, I knew I was in for a treat! Each story was so unique! This is a book that I will definitely be reading again! I definitely recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I really enjoyed this collection! It resonated with me as I had great and great-great aunts that were teachers in this time period. This is a collection of stories about strong women who do what they must to provide for themselves and their families.
“Something Old, Something New” is a mixing of cultures. After working as her father’s assistant, Gilda fights to take his place as the schoolmaster. The Mayor has other ideas. I enjoyed how the Jewish and Christian cultures were blended in the end.
“Love in Any Language” is another blending of cultures and deals with some prejudice against Swedish immigrants as they were not allowed to attend school unless they could speak English.
I really liked how Mary steps up and starts a little English school in her parent’s home for those students. I loved how and why Kristopher made a Dala horse for Mary.
“In Desperate Straits” may have been my favorite of the four stories. Summer on Macinac Island! I loved how Maggie disguises herself as a young man to keep the job that usually goes to one of her brothers as they are unable to work this year. Of course, she is found out but those people keep her secret and even help her keep her job. She is a very skilled dray driver. Jesse and his family permanently moved to their summer home on the island where he continues to look for work. I loved it when Jesse says; “Because I’m a teacher and I’ve learned some lessons on love.”
“A Song in the Night” Karien and her friend Liza lose their jobs when the academy they teach at abruptly closes. Then lose everything in the Baltimore Fire. This story set in 1904, really shows some of the ridiculous rules that female teachers had to abide by. I liked how Karien pushes for change when she applies for a new position.
*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. A review was not required. The opinion expressed is entirely my own.
*I later received a paperback copy as a gift from a sweet friend.
She’s my kind of heroine. I loved each and every one of these stories!! The authors that wrote them well, I just love them.
Each story has a charm of it’s own and each woman had a teaching style all her own.
Did you know that back in those days teachers were not allowed to marry? If they did, she would have to quit and the school board would hire someone else.
When I went to visit the Little House museum site in Kansas they had a list of rules that the teacher had to follow. I didn’t mean to but I had to laugh at some of them simply because they were ridiculous!
These authors have done such a nice job and in such short novellas too.
Two of the stories I enjoyed most was In Desperate Straights and Something New and Something Old. I liked Carrie’s story because it takes place on Mackinac Island my most favorite place in the whole world. Kathleen’s I loved because it was about Gilda and what all she endured while supporting her family.
I like the others too. A song in the Night I liked because it had music in it. You see, music is a big part of my life as well. I play in an orchestra something that my mother passed on to me and I passed on to my son. Music has a way of relaxing me as well as reading. It is the coolest part of education.
I think the one I disliked was Love in any language. Part of the reason is just how people that didn’t speak English shouldn’t be denied an education. English is hard enough to learn as it is without someone making it harder. Education should be for everyone! Mary certainly had her work cut out for her.
I admired Mary. Mary is spunky and knows how to get the job done!
Family is the keyword and in many places if you don’t have family working anywhere then chances are it will be hard to find a job. Yes, I know it is unfair. In today’s world it’s still pretty much like that especially in small towns.
It was a pleasant way to spend the weekend while your husband is at work and your son has his earbuds in all weekend. Yep, peace and quiet just how I like an afternoon to spend with my books.
I highly recommend this book. I was sorry to see it end. I give this book 5 stars!
My thanks to Netgalley. All opinions are my own and NO compensations were recieved
Four novellas with school teachers for the heroines, but all four are very different stories. I enjoyed all of them!
With guts, determination, and help from above, the heroines in these charming novellas featuring schoolteachers will capture your attention and your heart.
What a great Barbour Collection by four go to authors, as they each bring their own style. The four novellas share about schoolteachers in the time period from 1840 to 1904. Times were different and women teaches could not marry or spend time with a male that wasn’t related. I enjoyed the historical aspect and learning what rules they had to follow.
Something Old, Something New by Kathleen L Maher: I especially liked the glossy of Hebrew and Yiddish terms. A well crafted story that had me engaged from the beginning.
Love In Any Language by Susanne Dietze: I enjoyed the strength of character that Mary possesses and how she helps others. I also liked the mystery aspect of who was committing the robberies. Well done in such a short amount of time.
In Desperate Straits by Carrie Fancett Pagels: is well written and creative in that the teacher is male and the female poses as a male dray driver on Mackinac Island. You will be transported into the time and place during hard times for both families. The romance is spot on and you won’t want it to end.
A Song In The Night by Rita Gerlach: captures your heart and draws you in. I loved the concept of a music teacher and the difficulties Karien faces with grit and determination.
This is a well rounded book with each story interesting and enjoyable. The cover is so pretty and will be on my keeper shelf.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
Something Old, Something New by Kathleen Maher. Loved it!! Joshua always wondered about his parents, and if the little he knew was true. When he falls in love with Gilda, he wonders what she would think if she knew he didn’t know his parents. When he finds out that his father was Gentile, his mother Jewish, he realizes that it won’t matter that Gilda is Jewish, since he is, too. Now, he just needs to introduce her to Jesus.
Love in Any Language by Susanne Dietze. Oh, my, it was good!!! Mary’s ex beau has slandered her name, and she’s given up on marrying. He also caused her to lose her job. When she meets Kristofer and his daughters, she volunteers to teach the two of them, and the other Swedish immigrant children English so that they can then go to school. She was expecting to fall in love, and neither was Kristofer. When Kristofer is accused of robbery, Mary continues to believe in him and determines to clear his name. Along the way, Mary learns a valuable lesson in forgiveness.
In Desperate Straits, by Carrie Fancett Pagels. Another great story! The first time Margaret and Jesse meet, Jesse figures out Margaret’s cryptic comment about what she’s best at. The second time they meet, he lets her know he knows exactly who she is, though he keeps her secret. As they fall in love, Jesse also figures out that he needs a better relationship with Jesus. When Maggie is threatened, Jesse comes to her rescue, and realizes just how much he’s come to care for her. Will they be able to make a life together, when their stations in life are so different?
A Song in the Night by Rita Gerlach. O, wow! This was good! Karen meets Nathan when she’s almost hit by a car and falls down when her foot goes in a hole. From that chance encounter, they become friends, which quickly becomes more. When circumstances have Karen, her Mother, and her friend leaving Maryland and going to Virginia with Nathan, things take another turn when she’s told that she can’t teach there unless she remains single and agrees not to even talk to a man! When Nathan steps in, what happens next is great!!
Four teachers find more than they bargained for in their contracts!
Something Old, Something New by Kathleen L. Maher
This story is set in Westchester County, New York in 1840. Gilda Jacobs takes over as schoolmaster after her father’s death teaching Jewish children. Along comes Joshua Blake, a Gentile who wishes become a preacher & has also been partnered with her to teach the Christian curriculum in the classroom. I enjoyed learning more about the Jewish customs and way of life in this story. Seeing tradition played out through Gilda’s eyes was very interesting to me. I also loved Joshua’s gentle but firm way of teaching the Jewish people about faith in Jesus and his passion for the calling God placed on his life. The forbidden romantic spark between these two was palatable, and I really loved how the author brought them together at the end. Making two cultures see eye to eye wasn’t an easy task, but it’s what kept me turning pages!
Love in Any Language by Susanne Dietz
Kansas 1870
Mary Clarence is an outspoken young lady who learns that Swedish children have been denied schooling because they can’t speak English. She takes matters into her own hands and teaches them at her home. It doesn’t hurt that she’s also attracted to Kristofer Nilsson—her favorite students widowed father! When Kristofer is accused of stealing, Mary sets out to prove his innocence, thus sealing their hearts together. His girls Britta and Agata added their sweetness, giggles and light to the story. I really enjoyed all that happened in this story and also learning a bit about the Swedish culture.
In Desperate Straits by Carrie Fancett Pagels
Mackinac Island, Michigan, 1894
One of Carrie Pangels favorite places to visit is Mackinac Island Michigan. So the area is well researched, which in turn makes the story come alive! Margaret Hadley pretends to one of her brothers in order to get work as a dray driver in desperate times. Jessie Huntington met her when his dad purchased two of her families Percheron horses about a year ago. Unfortunately, I was unable to connect with this story or the characters & didn’t finish reading it. It wasn’t due to the authors writing, I found Pagels to be an excellent story teller!
A Song in the Night by Rita Gerlach
This takes place in Virginia 1904 and is a story of Karien Wiles, a music teacher at The Margaret Brent Academy. After it closes down and then the great fire of Baltimore devastates the city, she & another teacher Liza must find a way to survive. A promise of romance brings a bright spot and a future. I really enjoyed this story and getting to know the characters!
All these novellas brought their own unique flavor to the table and spotlighted the authors storytelling abilities. I think anyone who loves reading historical fiction will enjoy “Lessons on Love”!
*I received a complimentary digital copy from Netgalley and was not obligated to leave a favorable review. All opinions expressed here are mine. *
This Barbour novella collection was really unique. I loved every story in it. I highly recommend the book.
A wonderfully heartwarming novella collection! Each story contained unique characters within an engaging plot…sometimes poignant, sometimes sweet. Every story left me wanting more from these characters, and I didn’t want to leave when it was time to say goodbye. I love these novella collections from Barbour. The authors from this collection didn’t disappoint, and I absolutely can’t wait for them to do another one! This is one for my bookshelf because I’ll keep coming back to it!
I received a complimentary copy of Lessons on Love but was not required to leave a review.
This is a wonderful collection of novellas about four strongminded schoolteachers who, as the front page says “will find more than they bargained for in their contracts”!
And it was just like that! Sweet historical romances that center around school, teaching, and finding love and so much more discoveries in the process!
Something old, Something new, by Kathleen L. Maher. 1840, New York.
Loved this sweet story of Gilda, a Jewish girl with the loving burden of fitting in her father’s shoes after his passing. Her father, was more than a Patriarch for the Jewish community, he was the perfect schoolmaster and Gilda knew she had a great challenge before her, to resume what her Papa had left. But she never expects the mayor to bring his nephew as a way to test her capability as her assistant. Not only that but she is to include the Christian morals in her lessons. But how can this partnership work when Josh in none other that a Gentile, of the Christian revivalists?
This is a sweet story with many lessons for both, Gilda and Joshua, regarding their beliefs and their judgement of each other. Can they be true friends? Is there a chance for more than friends, or is their relationship strictly professional?
This was a very sweet story, and I specially loved the characters. They both had matching wits. Even if from different upbringings they were the perfect match, you’ll see for yourself. But it will take some battles to win before love conquers all. Totally loved this story, probably my favorite.
Love in Any Language, by Susanne Dietze. 1870, Kansas.
Mary Clarence teaches english to the children of Swedish immigrants in her home, after being replaced by a male schoolteacher who discriminates the new students from Sweden. She wants so desperately to teach these children so they can fit in the american community. And then she realizes that she’s the one who can learn more than anything from then.
But then she meets Kristofer Nilsson, her favorite student’s widowed father and can’t help by being impressed by his honesty and simplicity. But when he’s accused of robbery, she knows she can’t just stay quiet and is determined to clear his name. Will this endeavor bring her closer to Kristofer and finally uncover the truth? Or is she in for a letdown? And will she risk her reputation in the way?
This is a sweet story of following your heart and never let others or circumstances make you judge someone undeservedly. Mary Clarence will learn a few things along the way. And Kristofer too. But can Love find a way?
Sweet story with sweet characters and plot.
In Desperate Straits, by Carrie Fancett Pagels. Mackinack Island, 1894.
Maggie is in “desperate straits”. Things at her home are dire, and she wants to do her part. She knows she is a plain girl, so marriage is not in the horizon. Mackinack Island is known for its horses that pull the drays and carriages around the island, So, when she realizes her brothehe’s are not in a healthy condition for applying to be a dray driver, Maggie disguises herself as a young lad so she can get the job, and she gets it!
But will she be discovered before getting her due wages? When some soldiers look for trouble with her, Jesse, the island teacher, comes to her rescue. But he discovers her secret as he met her before she started faking being a young lad. Will he keep her secret? Will their secret turn into something more?
I thought this story was so cute. I loved Maggie and her attempts to behave like a boy. It made me laugh!
And the romance that buds between them was so sweet too.
A Song in the Night, by Rita Gerlach. Maryland, 1904.
Karien has a genuine talent of music, being an accomplished pianist and music teacher. She has her widowed mother to take care of, so leaving for Refuge, Virginia, seems like the opportunity they both need for a new start. Then she meets Nathaniel, when he saves her from being ran over by a reckless driver. He’s so charming and gentlemanly than she can’t help thinking of him. But as a teacher, she longs to improve the poor school and include orphans. She wants to uplift their lives with the power of music. But then opposition comes from the schoolboard. Will Karien with the help of Nathaniel be able to show them what she has to give through her music and help the community children, and that orphans are as part of the community as the rest of the children and even more deserving of love and support?
Sweet story and I loved Karien’s backbone to stay firm and prove herself to the school board. Sweet romance too.
These are all sweet and deep even if short stories of strongminded women who want to give their best in a society that is not favorable of women doing things that men do. And proving themselves worthy and finding ways to provide for their families, like men do. Lots of lessons here, but as the title says, lessons of love, friendship, and kindness.
I definitely recommend it! Loved every story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but wasn’t required to post a positive review.
This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
This was a wonderful collection of stories. Four stand-alone stories written by four different authors with the common thread of being a schoolteacher and depending on God’s leading. In each story they suffer a hardship, but God shows them that sometimes that is necessary for Him to lead you to something better. I really enjoyed all four stories. Each one was unique. I am not sure I could pick a favorite.
I received a copy of this book from one of the authors and was not obligated to write a review.
Four Christian historical romance novellas that has it all. Three has women school teachers with problems and one has a man school teacher that helps a woman with problems. I enjoy strong characters that are not scared to pursue their dreams. Sometimes they travel a good piece away from home and some stay at home but wants to make a difference in people’s lives. I think they have to be especially brave to dress like a man as the heroine in the “In Desperate Straits” story just to find a job. I love reading the stories that are set at Mackinac Island because I read Mrs Pagels other books set there. I would love to go one day. Each book had its own differences that stand out.
I recommend this collection that has a little mystery, romance, a spiritual thread, learning and intrigue. I think you will enjoy the stories and appreciate the research that goes into historical fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from one of the authors and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
This is an easy to read, faith-based collection of historical romances written by four talented authors. The narratives were interesting and well-written depicting life in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s and especially the mores that society required of teachers. The characters, although diverse from story to story, are believable and engaging. As a teacher, I am always touched and somewhat amazed at stories about the trials and barriers those teachers had to overcome or live with just to do what they loved! These authors did an excellent job of capturing my attention and keeping it through each story. I highly recommend this book.
A delightful collection of historical short stories about men and women who have the all-important role as teachers. Teaching at its best is difficult. Add the historical factor with rules and guidelines in less than ideal situations, then the task takes on a more dramatic element. I loved each one of the four depictions of schoolteachers finding their ways in the troubled world of the past.
If you enjoy inspirational historical romance then you’re sure to find a few pleasurable hours spent with these four school teachers while they address and work through challenges faced in and out of the classroom. With four unique writing styles, readers are sure to be entertained and encouraged by one or more of these courageous young teachers.
I have to mention the gorgeous cover. I love the cutout design. It’s one of the prettiest covers on my book shelf this year!
I was gifted a copy of the book. No review was required.
Lessons on Love: 4 Schoolteachers Find More Than They Bargained for in Their Contracts
I always enjoy novella collections by Barbour. They have changed the book format of the novella collections, but I like it even though I will miss the older format (which I loved). There are four novellas in this collection written by four gifted authors bringing their own unique writing style to their story. The stories are set in the time periods of 1840, 1870, 1894 and 1904 and cover several states: Maryland, New York, Kansas, and Michigan.
It is interesting to learn of some of the strict rules and responsibilities the school teachers must agree to and follow. Each of these teachers face challenges and unexpected events and must make decisions that may change the course of their teaching career and their lives. I enjoyed reading about the Jewish traditions and different cultures the teacher deals with in Something Old, Something New and overcoming language barriers in Love in Any Language. We are transported back to Mackinac Island (I want to visit someday) with an unusual dray driver and meet up with a few characters from Carrie Pagels’ other books in In Desperate Straits. A Song in the Night gives detail in the midst of the great Baltimore fire and the effects on the teachers and their families. I especially enjoyed the faith elements woven within each story. Each story is filled with historical detail woven among their fictional story-line and brings history to life. A couple authors included notes with historical information pertaining to their story, which is always interesting. A fun, heartwarming novella collection.
1. Something Old, Something New by Kathleen L. Maher
Cortlandt, Westchester County, New York, 1840
2. Love in Any Language by Susanne Dietze
Riley County, Kansas, 1870
3. In Desperate Straits by Carrie Fancett Pagels
Hadley Percheron Farm, Pickford, Michigan / Mackinac Island, Michigan, 1894
4. A Song in the Night by Rita Gerlach
Baltimore, Maryland, 1904
~I received a copy of this book from one of the authors/publisher and also and e-copy via NetGalley (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~
Four strong women who share Godly love. Wonderful historical fiction romance stories. Well researched and perfectly written. I love reading stories like these when I want to relax with a cup of coffee on a cool fall day. I especially loved Gilda’s story and learning the Jewish traditions. A surprise ending I never saw coming was perfectly redemptive and heartwarming. I highly recommend this wonderful collection of stories about four strong women in an era when men dominated the landscape. They’ll warm your heart.
Lessons on Love is a collection of four novellas from Barbour Publishing with the themes each being centered on school teachers during the time period of the mid-19th century and early 20th century. I love these collections as they are easy to read one story at a time and when they are written by authors you love, it’s a great book! The stories each have a schoolteacher as one of the main characters and yet each one is different–a Jewish gal taking on the classroom after her father dies, a young woman who teaches English to Swedish immigrants, a young man who desperately needs a job to care for his mother and sisters, and a young music teacher who loses her job. Readers are treated to background information that adds such great interest to the stories–Jewish customs, Pen and Ink Alphabet books, the fact that most women teachers were not allowed to date or be married, Percheron horses and Mackinac Island, and a disastrous fire in Baltimore. The vibrant characters are realistic and relatable with their flaws as well as their strengths being portrayed. Each author has their own seemingly effortless style of writing that draws the reader into her story. Stories of forgiveness, family, faith and a little romance as well! I was given a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.