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. *

Review of In Desperate Straits by Carrie Fancett Pagels: A family with financial worries and a girl hiding behind a hat. In this novella I found an intriguing short story that was easy to readjust before bed.

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 received an ARC from Barbour Publishing, Inc. via NetGalley, this review is my personal opinion.

I must say, that all do this collection was well written, you have romance, faith, and family with four different authors. The first two-story, I enjoy them, they were really great. However the third and four one, all do as I mention before well written, and also with an interesting historical background, they are with a more serious tone and I confessed it was a bit hard to really enjoy all the elements in the story.

These were such heartwarming stories. Each was faith based with the common thread of teaching. I highly recommend this collection.
Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is a wonderful collection of stories by talented authors. I loved each one, and it would be very difficult to pick a favorite. Although these are shorter stories. each storyline felt complete and not rushed. This is one of my favorite collections of stories from Barbour Publishing.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Lessons on Love is a wonderful Christian collection of sweet stories. I love the novella length, they fit beautifully into my life. Each story is well written and worth your time. Please keep these collections coming. They are perfect.

Loved all of these stories. Different areas and times but what strong young women who stepped up as teachers to not only help the children but their families as well. Loved them!
I requested a copy through NetGalley, no review was required, my review is voluntary.

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~

Oh my, I loved these novella length stories so much.
The author's are established Christian authors and their stories make the readers feel real emotion as the characters go through different life experiences bound by the common thread of being a teacher. All have the possibility of finding love.
One of the teachers is even a male.
Two of the stories have readers learning customs from other countries, one of the stories has readers returning to beautiful Mackinac Island (oh how much I want to visit here) and the in the last we learn about a devastating Baltimore fire in 1904.
This I do believe is my favorite novella collection I've read.
Looking forward to seeing what these talented authors will come up with next.

Published October 1st 2019 by Barbour Books.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Such an enjoyable book! I loved the history of the day. Women could only teach if they were single and there wasn’t a man available as a teacher. And of course men made better teachers. Sure glad we know better now!

The characters in this set of novellas are well developed and most of them are people I’d love to know. Times were hard in each story, but strong backbones made for people who didn’t quit. They pushed through hardships to come out the other side with much learned along the way.

With some intrigue and light romance, this is a must read if you enjoy historical fiction as I do.

I received a complimentary copy of this book 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.

Lessons on Love brings together 4 authors and their stories involving teachers and the love they find. A common thread of the stories is the notion that men were better teachers and the only way women could teach was if they were single.

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.

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.
I know the rules for female teachers were beyond ridiculous in the past, a few of those are represented here.
I liked that one of the stories focused on a female posing as a young man to keep a job in her family. It was something that was actually done often in real life, not just fiction.

So far I have been able to read two of the novellas in this collection. It’s a good collection. I did find one of the novellas to be almost incomplete on its writing. I needed more complete information. Or maybe an just missed it. I would recommend this collection. I like that it’s highlights teachers. I look forward to finishing this novella collection. I was given a copy of this book from NetGalley. All views stated are my own.

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

What a lovely way to spend a few hours, losing yourself in the woes and triumphs of yesteryear.

Something Old, Something New - Kathleen L. Maher
1840 - New York
Finding herself as the sole provider for the family, Gilda is sure that she will continue teaching the children in the school her father started. However, the school board feels that a female cannot deal with the discipline in the classroom. Will she lose her position and thus her livelihood to the young man they bring in or will he teach her something she never knew?

Love in Any Language - Susanne Dietze
1870 - Kansas
Mary Clarence has been replaced by a less than desirable male schoolteacher who discriminates against the new students from Sweden. Realizing that the lack of English is one of the problems, she beings to teach these children in her parents home. The process of teaching always brings learning with it. For Mary, it is a lesson in trusting that the Lord has her best in mind.

In Desperate Straits - Carrie Fancett Pagels
1893 - Michigan
If you have visited Mackinac Island, you have seen the gorgeous Percheron horses that pull the drays and carriages around the island. Having a contract with the island, and no healthy brother to be a driver, Maggie Hadley finds herself impersonating a young male to be a dray driver, since females are not allowed. Jesse Huntington, having lost his father and all their wealth comes to be the teacher at the island school - only problem - he has met Maggie before she became Mickey. Will he keep her secret?

A Song in the Night - Rita Gerlach
Maryland - 1904
The world as she knows it is crashing around her. Karien Wiles, an accomplished pianist and music teacher, must suddenly make decisions that will affect not only her life, but also the life of her widowed mother. Will leaving Baltimore for Refuge, Virginia bring the teaching challenge she is looking for and become a place for her mother to start over?

I thoroughly enjoyed all four of these novellas. It really is hard to imagine living in a world when a woman was not allowed to do what she was good at, just because she wasn’t a man. I have to wonder how well many of us would have done in those circumstances.

This ARC was received through Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. The five star rating was not solicited. All impressions and opinions are my own.

Lessons on Love is a collection of historical romance novellas. It is a themed collection celebrating teachers—male and female. The novellas are as follows: Something Old, Something New by Kathleen Maher; Love in Any Language by Susanne Dietze; In Desperate Straits by Carrie Fancett Pagels; and A Song in the Night by Rita Gerlach.

The first novella features a Jewish heroine, Gilda. The family (her mother and sisters) have been financially struggling since her father’s death. She’s a teacher—a good one—but her job has been threatened. Joshua Blake, a Christian, could potentially take her position. Right now they are co-teaching. But though they seemingly come from different backgrounds and cultures, there is undeniably something there between them. Will these two make a match of it?!

Love in Any Language is a super sweet story about a young woman, a former teacher named Mary, who teaches an immigrant and his children English. She teaches immigrant children from several families, I believe, but only one catches her eye and captures her heart—Kristofer Nilsson.

In Desperate Straits is by far my least favorite novella in this collection—dare I say any collection?! It features Maggie Hadley and Jesse Huntington. Her family raises horses. His family buts them. She catches his eye. When his family goes from wealthy to dirt-poor, he seeks a teaching job. Maggie disguises herself as a young boy so she can get a job as a driver and send her wages back home. Her disguise doesn’t fool him...and love predictably follows.

A Song in the Night may just be my favorite. Maybe. Karien Wiles is a music teacher at a well-respected academy in Baltimore. But on the day she just happens to trip and fall in the snow—only to be “rescued“ by a dashing young man, Nathan Archer—she loses her job when the whole academy closes. Will she find another teaching job...or will she find a love worth settling down for. The main point of this one being that a woman couldn’t have both—a husband and a job.

The first story I would rate 5/5.
The second story I would rate 5/5.
The third story I would rate 1/5.
The fourth story I would rate 5/5.

It is interesting that I read the first novella in one sitting, same with the second and fourth. But that third story was dragging and flat. It took me about three weeks to make it through. I am not sure what it was about it—the cross dressing, the horses, the lack of school setting, the melodrama—that made it so not my cup of tea.