Showing results by author "Jean Jegel" in All Categories

She was the last person to see him alive. Hannah Granville knew there would never be answers to her questions. How could Father commit suicide, leaving his wife and children destitute? Did he have any inkling of their fate? How did she fail to understand his intention? Could she have saved him? Was he a coward? Too busy making a living to spend time in the past, Hannah is virtually alone in the world. Her siblings have been taken in by relatives across the country; her mother, too frail and distraught to care for herself much less her children. The only thing getting Hannah through most ...

Love at first sight is an improbable, preposterous notion, or is it? Outwardly, Blake Atherton was a golden boy, clever, handsome, rich and successful in his own right. Used to getting what he wanted, Mr. Atherton might be setting his sights on the sweetly inept young saleslady he met on the way to Catalina. It was not in his nature to dawdle over decisions. It’s 1911 and women are set to have the vote in California. Elsie Carroll fervently embraces all the opportunities newly available to women. She better. The words “dire straits” perfectly describe her present situation. With a ...

Can true love overcome the obstacles of relatives? As Blake and Elsie settle into married life, there seems to be no end of family issues. Terrified of his new mother-in-law, Blake’s solution is to hide under the table when she visits. Elsie’s sister, Dora, seems intent to complicate the new Atherton marriage. When Blake’s brother drops out of college and shows up unannounced, the foibles of families really intensify. Regardless of family responsibilities, women in California vote for the first time as 1911 comes to a close. Prohibition is an ongoing political issue. And the young ...

Is it ever wise to marry a stranger? Mail-order bride, Marrick Underhill, has led an unconventional life. Deemed an old maid by the standards of the day, she arrives in the remote San Fernando Valley of the 1890s to set the Blackstone residence in order. Widower Linc Blackstone wishes only to keep gossips and hopeful romantic interests at bay while providing stability for his three children. Romance was never a factor in their practical business agreement. The new Mrs. Blackstone’s mothering may be eccentric, her goals unlikely for a woman of her era, but times are changing and the inept ...

Which will prove to be the most essential marital asset—charm or character? Superficially, Blake Atherton appears to be the ideal husband. He certainly thinks of himself that way. Somehow, he manages to constantly disappoint his young bride. Certain he understands what is best for his wife, Blake charges through life arranging circumstances to meet what he believes to be her needs. Elsie is undoubtedly the most levelheaded member of the Atherton marriage. Her constant doubts about her husband’s character cause no small amount of distress. His constant meddling adds to her anguish. But ...

Can love survive when only keepsakes remain?Pilot Sumner Hemmings has returned from The Great War. By day, he reluctantly works in his father’s bank. By night, he visits the seedier side of Los Angeles to drown his memories in secret underground barrooms. After catching a glimpse of the stunning girl next door, his bliss is measured by clandestine moments watching her through his bedroom window. Could the allegations about her be true? Could Madeleine Crawford even comprehend his desire? Madeleine has led a sheltered life. Once Sumner provides a view of the world, she is determined to ...

What happens when the fears and joys of marriage become overwhelming? If Elsie Atherton could have her way, she’d probably never leave her quiet Long Beach community. But she married a wealthy businessman, an entrepreneur supreme, and she’d too long ignored this fact. Fitting into Blake’s life might be her most difficult accomplishment and Elsie’s challenges had already proven devastating. It’s 1915 and automobiles are becoming the standard for travel. The fox trot is the latest dancing craze. There seems to be no end in sight for the European war. And dwelling in Long Beach ...

How much can a marriage be tested? After enduring incredible sorrow and joy, Blake and Else Atherton feel comfortable in their roles of husband and wife. Beyond doubt, Blake has embraced Elsie’s modest lifestyle. But when it comes time for Elsie to tolerate her husband’s lavish way of life, will she be able to conform? Baby Lulie is six months old and Blake is eager for his family to experience all his wealth can offer. He’s no fool. Starting with minor excursions, Blake introduces Elsie to the idea of travel as a family. His eye is on the prize—an experience unprecedented in all of...

Incredibly entertaining, unlikely romantic adventure.Times are changing. Women are organizing. Suffrage and prohibition are the topics on everyone’s lips. The temperance movement is devastating saloonkeeper Emmett Boyd’s life: tearing his family apart, slowly destroying his business. When temperance mavens block the entrance to his establishment one spring evening, he is less than amused. Schoolteacher Nettie Gordon is an independent, modern woman who is living her dream; a modest life by most standards. Her bicycle is her pride and joy. Her favorite pursuits are embroidery and tending ...

Can the worst of enemies find friendship or even love? Newly-hired companion April Stringham steps off the train in 1890s Los Angeles expecting to find wild Indians, cattle drives, cowboys, saloon girls, bandits and shootouts on every corner, just as her dime novels guaranteed. A confirmed old maid, April has nowhere to go should her new job be less than imagined. There would be no turning back. Successful attorney Noah Chandler is about to marry the girl of his dreams. His youthful fiancé might be beautiful and rich, but it’s her family’s business contacts that make her a prize beyond...

Can tragedy make a foundation for joy? It’s 1913 in Los Angeles and Blake and Elsie Atherton might finally be settling into married life. Past failures could come to the forefront when Elsie’s grieving sister tries to find solace in the occult or when Blake’s shiftless brother lands in jail. While Blake cements bonds with both his business partner and his brother, Mr. and Mrs. Atherton prepare to welcome a new member of their family. Attend a séance, enjoy Poppy Day in the San Fernando Valley, participate in a Humane Society fundraiser and visit Hobo Corner, an area as infamous as ...