Abandoned by her husband, Sena must fight past heartbreak and shame to carve her own path-will she weave a future in textiles or chase the spotlight and reach for her reveries?
Jennifer Toelle seamlessly blends history, fiction and images, inviting readers to embark on an unforgettable journey. This debut novel marks the beginning of the Sagacity Stories Series, an exploration of the human condition across generations spanning from her coming-of-age to her elderly years.
Book two starts and concludes with Sena, our main character, in 1948 California. Then, the story reverts to 1900, the setting of Book 1's ending. The historical context of Butte, Helena, and Missoula, Montana, is also included.
A brief biography of Franklin J. Pierce, proprietor of The Gem, a concert hall and high-class vaudeville theater in Missoula, Montana. It also features the Paumie Dye House in Butte, Montana. The historical narrative features several actors and actresses from the vaudeville circuits of 1900-1907.
Historic and social context explores Montana's Wine Room Laws, Women's Christian Temperance Union and anti-gambling laws. It also explores the struggles vaudeville theater encountered, especially in the western United States. It went from the saloons and their vices to professional performances of a higher caliber, creating a hazy boundary between vice and professionalism.
Book Club questions.
Jennifer Toelle, grew up in the Mid-Ohio Valley, and living her adult life in Central Kansas. She is a museum curator in a local history museum and owner of Janine Chellington Press. Jennifer has degrees in American Studies from Columbia College and in the Humanities from Tiffin University.She resides there with her husband, children, and beloved cats. An avid traveler and genealogy enthusiast, Jennifer delights in exploring the world and uncovering its connections. She finds joy in connecting people, places, and things, often marveling at the intricate web of relationships that spans various domains. She loves etymology and discovering word origins. One of her true passions is designing publications. She began her author journey by researching and writing Kansas Wesleyan University's Pictorial History, demonstrating her deep appreciation for the region's history and culture. Her love for storytelling and her academic background make her a captivating author and a valuable asset to her community.Jennifer's other books include Adopting the Forgotten: Women Edition. The Sagacity Stories (January 2025), Book 1: Zoetic Solace (May 2025) and Book 2: Reaching for Reveries (May 2025).
