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The Oregon Series #2.5
Lessons in Love and Life
Amy Hamilton finally has everything she ever wanted when Rika, the woman she loves, moves to the ranch. But years of having to hide her feelings leave her insecure, and her fears get the better of her. Convinced that Rika is growing bored with ranch life, Amy comes up with a daring plan. With her "father" as inspiration, Amy decides to dress up as a man so she can take Rika to Salem for a night of dancing.
Nothing goes as planned, and Amy learns some valuable lessons in love and life.
Nothing goes as planned, and Amy learns some valuable lessons in love and life.
48 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2014
63 people are currently reading
356 people want to read
About the author
Jae
109 books3,736 followersJae is the author of twenty-six award-winning romances between women. She lives in the sunniest city of Germany, near the French and Swiss borders. The writing bug bit her at the age of eleven.
She used to work as a psychologist but gave up her day job in 2013 to become a full-time writer and a part-time editor. As far as she’s concerned, it’s the best job in the world.
When she’s not writing, she is an avid reader of sapphic books, indulges her ice cream and office supply addictions, and watches way too many crime shows.
She used to work as a psychologist but gave up her day job in 2013 to become a full-time writer and a part-time editor. As far as she’s concerned, it’s the best job in the world.
When she’s not writing, she is an avid reader of sapphic books, indulges her ice cream and office supply addictions, and watches way too many crime shows.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 24, 2018
Excellent!
I can't say I ever have read a book by Jae that I haven't enjoyed. This was also another excellent sequel. The atmosphere, the circumstances, the sentiments of that time period, the characters, it's all excellent described
I can't say I ever have read a book by Jae that I haven't enjoyed. This was also another excellent sequel. The atmosphere, the circumstances, the sentiments of that time period, the characters, it's all excellent described
January 7, 2025
I cannot get enough of the Hamilton Fam. All the stars!
April 20, 2020
Love revisiting these characters!
A very short and sweet read that provides a glimpse into the life Amy and Rita share after Hidden Truths. The sweet part revealing just how much Amy is like her father.
A very short and sweet read that provides a glimpse into the life Amy and Rita share after Hidden Truths. The sweet part revealing just how much Amy is like her father.
February 1, 2015
Oh cute sweet little Amy. She's all grown up but sometimes still so naive and insecure. I've loved reading this one more little story about her (and Rika's adventure). It was great too because it also gave us a glimpse into what Luke's life probably was the very months/year she began living as man, before being Lucas hamilton became a second nature to her. It was a nice little story. Enjoyed it.
January 1, 2020
Such a sweet, wonderful story. It's amazing what we will do for love. I think Amy and Rika are prefect for each other, just like Nora and Luke. Jae seems to perfectly capture so many feelings; joy, sadness, insecurity and love!!!!! I feel like for me, it was the perfect book to end 2019 reads!!!
December 4, 2022
This was a really great short story in the Backward To Oregon series. Amy and Rika’s relationship is so cute. Getting to see them interact after the second book was nice, and Amy following in Luke’s footsteps was fun to read.
May 14, 2020
Short and sweet!
September 7, 2018
A cute two chapter short following Amy and Rika.
September 8, 2017
I'm glad I ran across this short story
It's always hard finding good writing of honest to goodness lesbian writers, writing good lesbian fiction. So when I ran across this short story in my public library's e-books, I decided that of course I'm going to read it. I am so glad I did. I do believe I have found myself another favorite author in Jae.
The story is set in the 1800s in Oregon. I couldn't even imagine living in that time and being gay and having to keep it such a deep rooted secret from the rest of the populace. The story is well written and believable. I'm going to enjoy reading all of her other novels.
It's always hard finding good writing of honest to goodness lesbian writers, writing good lesbian fiction. So when I ran across this short story in my public library's e-books, I decided that of course I'm going to read it. I am so glad I did. I do believe I have found myself another favorite author in Jae.
The story is set in the 1800s in Oregon. I couldn't even imagine living in that time and being gay and having to keep it such a deep rooted secret from the rest of the populace. The story is well written and believable. I'm going to enjoy reading all of her other novels.
July 3, 2020
If you read Backwards To Oregon, this is a nice short story follow-up that takes place 20 years later. Amy attempts to live one day as a man, like Luke has managed to do for most of her life. Amy faces a learning curve in how to conduct herself in public and then experiences the privileges and expectations placed on her, as a man. There is love, excitement and intrigue. It’s a short read but an adorable page turner. Really enjoyed Amy and Rika’s connection.
May 24, 2019
Love how the characters always grow realistically
I mean really, who wouldn't look at a loved one in a new romance and wonder how much longer they could be interesting to their more worldly partner? Amy learns in this short story more how to trust in the shared love between her and her lover. And of course, has a chance to be openly affectionate... This was just a lovely read!
I mean really, who wouldn't look at a loved one in a new romance and wonder how much longer they could be interesting to their more worldly partner? Amy learns in this short story more how to trust in the shared love between her and her lover. And of course, has a chance to be openly affectionate... This was just a lovely read!
December 23, 2022
I'll take every short Jae will give this family!!!
Fall in love every time this family is mentioned!!! This story is one more beautiful example of how Jae brings a character alive! I root for them every step of the way!
Thank you for this one, Jae!!
Recommend for the sweet, comedic, loving trail this story continues to blaze.
Fall in love every time this family is mentioned!!! This story is one more beautiful example of how Jae brings a character alive! I root for them every step of the way!
Thank you for this one, Jae!!
Recommend for the sweet, comedic, loving trail this story continues to blaze.
September 11, 2019
Luke and Nora don't need to hide their love because the world sees Luke as Nora's husband. But that type of life for Amy and Rika just can't happen. Trying to navigate their new life together triggers insecurities in Amy.
January 24, 2021
Great short story
Great short story about the life a lesbian couple might share in the pacific northwest in the 1860's. Well done. Great characters and great dialog.
Jae does an excellent job of setting the scene.
Great short story about the life a lesbian couple might share in the pacific northwest in the 1860's. Well done. Great characters and great dialog.
Jae does an excellent job of setting the scene.
March 29, 2021
Amy disguised a man - adorable and funny!
I enjoyed this short story. There are funny and adorable bits and a tiny dash of suspense!
*deep sighs*
I am going to miss the Hamiltons and Tess and Frankie... and the horses, of course! 🥺💕
I enjoyed this short story. There are funny and adorable bits and a tiny dash of suspense!
*deep sighs*
I am going to miss the Hamiltons and Tess and Frankie... and the horses, of course! 🥺💕
November 21, 2021
The Trip to Salem
Amy is worried that Rika is bored with ranch life. When she schemes to take Rika to the state fair in Salem disguised as a man so they can go to a dance. All does not go as planned.
Amy is worried that Rika is bored with ranch life. When she schemes to take Rika to the state fair in Salem disguised as a man so they can go to a dance. All does not go as planned.
January 22, 2023
This was such a cute little addition to the first part. I love everything about this series, so of course I got this short, and I enjoyed every second of it. I don't necessarily think you'd need to read the first part to enjoy this, but it does help add to the whole story vibe.
November 12, 2024
This was a great short story! A glimpse at what Luke has to go through but also has the freedom to do as a man. Through the lens of Amy as she tries to the same thing for a day for Rika. Such a touching short story!
October 29, 2017
Cute story
Short but to the point... Love is enough.
Well written with a great life lesson included .
With the read.
Short but to the point... Love is enough.
Well written with a great life lesson included .
With the read.
January 28, 2018
A Good Read
Wonderful uplifting and I could not wait until I got to the ending. A very enjoyable story and there were no typos.
Wonderful uplifting and I could not wait until I got to the ending. A very enjoyable story and there were no typos.
March 11, 2019
Great follow up
This is a great epilogue of Forbidden Truths. A nice story to show how the family has progressed after all is said and done.
This is a great epilogue of Forbidden Truths. A nice story to show how the family has progressed after all is said and done.
January 6, 2020
A great follow up story to the first of the Oregon series. Lovely characters, a really enjoyable read.
February 2, 2020
I liked seeing a glimpse of them later. Loved it
July 18, 2020
Finally an Amy-Rika centric story. If only this part was included in The Hidden Truth.
January 2, 2021
Will you do a whole book has I really enjoyed reading these books and getting to know the characters
September 9, 2022
Loved this short story
May 18, 2025
Love the Hamilton family! Glad for this supplemental story on Amy and Rika
April 3, 2014
When Rika moves to the Hamilton ranch, Amy Hamilton’s dream has come true. She has the woman she loves. But after having to hide her emotions and who she is for years, Amy has a lot of insecurities and fears. Amy thinks that Rika is bored with life on the ranch. So, she comes up with a plan to dress up as a man and take Rika dancing in Salem for an evening. After all, how difficult can it be? Her ‘father’ has dressed as a man for years and got away with it. Unfortunately, Amy’s plans don’t quite work out the way she thought they would and she learns some lessons in love and life.
Another well written page turner from Jae.
I loved Backwards to Oregon and Hidden Truths. So, this short story was a must for me. I enjoyed reading more about Amy and Rika’s relationship and the difficulties they faced in the days of the old wild west. Just a simple thing like dancing together was a no go back then for two women.
Although short, this story packed a lot into it. Amy’s fears and insecurities come through loud and clear. But, she has to learn to listen to Rika’s needs and feelings. Part of the lessons on life and love.
I didn’t used to like westerns, but over the past several years they’ve grown on me and they are now one of my favorite genres in lesbian fiction. The Oregon series is one of the best in the genre.
As always with any book I’ve read by Jae, the story is well written and edited. The characters are fresh and fully developed. Even if you haven’t read the two books preceding this short story, this stands alone and will give you a sample taste of Jae’s wonderful writing.
Another well written page turner from Jae.
I loved Backwards to Oregon and Hidden Truths. So, this short story was a must for me. I enjoyed reading more about Amy and Rika’s relationship and the difficulties they faced in the days of the old wild west. Just a simple thing like dancing together was a no go back then for two women.
Although short, this story packed a lot into it. Amy’s fears and insecurities come through loud and clear. But, she has to learn to listen to Rika’s needs and feelings. Part of the lessons on life and love.
I didn’t used to like westerns, but over the past several years they’ve grown on me and they are now one of my favorite genres in lesbian fiction. The Oregon series is one of the best in the genre.
As always with any book I’ve read by Jae, the story is well written and edited. The characters are fresh and fully developed. Even if you haven’t read the two books preceding this short story, this stands alone and will give you a sample taste of Jae’s wonderful writing.
February 13, 2014
Lessons in Love and Life – Jae
A year on from “Hidden Truths” Amy Hamilton still feels insecure that her big city lover, Rika, will be bored on the ranch or fed up with her. She dreads Rika leaving. So she plans a special trip to show Rika the local bright lights at the Salem State Fair as an anniversary gift.
Not all goes quite according to plan and Amy learns lessons about herself, Rika, and her father Luke.
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This is an excellent little story about the ongoing relationship between Amy and Rika and how our fears and expectations are often mistaken. First Amy learns first hand quire what sacrifices and choices Luke has made. Second, she learns what Rika’s priorities are, and that she needs to trust her lovers words about just how she feels.
Well written and executed as always, this is a nice addition to the ongoing Hamilton family saga started in “Backwards to Oregon”. Hopefully over time we will see another short story collection for Amy and Rika’s life as we did with “Beyond the Trail” which explored aspects of Luke, Nora and Tess’s lives.
Maybe we all have something to learn this valentine – that Love is more important than sowing machines and canaries in a cage.
A year on from “Hidden Truths” Amy Hamilton still feels insecure that her big city lover, Rika, will be bored on the ranch or fed up with her. She dreads Rika leaving. So she plans a special trip to show Rika the local bright lights at the Salem State Fair as an anniversary gift.
Not all goes quite according to plan and Amy learns lessons about herself, Rika, and her father Luke.
-----------
This is an excellent little story about the ongoing relationship between Amy and Rika and how our fears and expectations are often mistaken. First Amy learns first hand quire what sacrifices and choices Luke has made. Second, she learns what Rika’s priorities are, and that she needs to trust her lovers words about just how she feels.
Well written and executed as always, this is a nice addition to the ongoing Hamilton family saga started in “Backwards to Oregon”. Hopefully over time we will see another short story collection for Amy and Rika’s life as we did with “Beyond the Trail” which explored aspects of Luke, Nora and Tess’s lives.
Maybe we all have something to learn this valentine – that Love is more important than sowing machines and canaries in a cage.
September 28, 2017
Set several months after the end of Hidden Truths, Amy and Rika have been together for nearly a year. Amy is a little insecure about what she has to offer Rika, and she wants to take Rika to the Salem Fair, far enough away that no one will know them. Amy dresses as a man, following in Luke's footsteps, and develops some serious appreciation for what Luke has to go through to present herself as a man to the outside world. And, of course, along the way, Rika shows Amy that she's happy just as things are.
The novella is very short; it took me about 30 minutes to read, I think, if that. It's a nice little "look in" to life after Hidden Truths (definitely read Hidden Truths before this novella).
The novella is very short; it took me about 30 minutes to read, I think, if that. It's a nice little "look in" to life after Hidden Truths (definitely read Hidden Truths before this novella).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews