This book includes six short stories set in the world of Backwards to Oregon.

The Blue Hour
This is a short (about 13 pages) story that shows Luke's early years as Lucinda, the daughter of a prostitute. Lucinda finds her mother dead, apparently overdosing on laudanum, and is forced to make her own way in the world. She decides that the best way to do this will be as a boy. Although in Backwards to Oregon, Luke stated that her mother committed suicide, but her mother's death is a bit more ambiguous here. Luke's past is hinted at in Backwards to Oregon, and Luke states that she is the daughter of a prostitute, so it's not exactly a secret. However, it was interesting to see how Lucinda decided to become Luke.

Grasping at Straws
This is another short (about 8 pages) story that shows Nora's past in a little more detail. If you wondered exactly how Tess found Nora, how Nora came to work in Tess' brothel, or how Nora came by the name of "Fleur," this story answers all of those questions.

A Rooster's Job
A bit longer than the previous two stories, this one is about Luke and her family surviving a particularly harsh winter in Oregon. Luke (who refers to herself with feminine pronouns, so I do the same) has some serious doubts about her ability to take care of her wife and children in this new, harsh land. Nora shows Luke that she doesn't have to be perfect for things to work out well. I liked this story; Luke often comes across as almost possessing saint-like perfection in Backwards to Oregon, so it was nice to see her have some doubts and faults of her own.

The Art of Pretending
This is the longest story in the collection. A few years after Luke and Nora left for Oregon, someone is stealing Tess' money from her many businesses. Tess suspects Frankie, who reminds her of Luke as she is a woman who (sometimes) dresses as a man. It turns out that Frankie is really a Pinkerton detective, hired by Tess' crooked business "partner" to throw suspicion off of him. Altogether, I probably cared for this story the least, just because I'm not much for mysteries, but it was nice to see what happened with Tess. I really liked her character in Backwards to Oregon, and she deserves some happiness.

The Christmas Oak
This is a short, cute story about the Hamiltons taking in a wayward youth over the holiday season. I don't have much to say about this story, except that I did enjoy it - and Phin plays a role in Hidden Truths.

Swept Away
This story is probably my second least favorite in the collection, just because it feels like it doesn't serve much of a purpose. There's a flood and the Hamiltons, as well as their neighbors, try to rescue a family who built their house too close to the river. Amy discovers that she feels more than just friendly feelings for her best friend, Hannah. Too bad Hannah is going to be getting married soon to a man.

Altogether recommended for those who read and enjoyed Jae's Backwards to Oregon. ( )