A collection of 4 short stories during the Jazz Age.

"Songbird:" 1928, Chicago. By day, Miss Dot Rodgers works in the Millinery Department at Marshall Field Department Store, and 3 nights a week she sings like a "songbird" in Villa Italiana, a basement speakeasy. But a weekend visit to roommate Marjorie Corrigan's family home in Kerryville might change Dot's life forever.

"The Christmas Robe:" Chicago. Marshall Field is busier than ever on Christmas Eve and there's a last minute shopper for Marjorie Corrigan to take care of in Ladies Nightwear. Can she help this shopper bring his wife the best surprise for her last Christmas?

"Playing for Keeps:" Helen Corrigan is 15-years old and is so excited as she's spending part of her summer vacation with her best friend and family. It's been 3 years since Maisie Summerfield's family moved from Chicago to Lake Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Helen embarks on a travel adventure, escape from stepmother Frances, and the joy of reunion with Maisie!

"Trouble Brewing: Marjorie and Dot's apartment is on the 2nd floor living above their landlady, Mrs. Moran. It's springtime and once again Mrs. Moran is busy making her annual batches of health tonic. During the brewing process it has a terrible smell! Is there a secret ingredient in the tonic that keeps Mrs. Moran so content?

The stories are delightful and a charming introduction to the author's "Corrigan Sisters" series. Each sister, Marjorie, Dot, and Helen are featured in separate books in the series. Created by Thomas Leo, cover design and interior design with musical notes as transitional separators add to the enchantment. ( )

A speakeasy singer is getting fed up with the seductive man she works for. A department store clerk comes up with a scheme to snag a luxurious boudoir robe for herself after Christmas—but the cost may be too high. And what's the harm of an old lady brewing a special tonic for herself at home in the midst of Prohibition? These tales and more are found in Songbird and Other Stories by author Jennifer Lamont Leo.

Four short 'n' sweet stories set during the Jazz Age? Yes, please! Sometimes you just need to sit for a little while with something you're sure is going to hit the spot. I needed something quick, uplifting, and entertaining, and that's what I got.

It was nice to revisit a few of the characters I first met when I read this author's Roaring Twenties novels. The first story, while fun to read, had kind of a rushed and bumpy flow to me, but the second story, The Christmas Robe, is my favorite of this collection. Humorous, clever, and touching! It got some chuckles out of me before it made me teary-eyed, and the next two stories are also quite delightful.

It's a great collection to read before or after the Roaring Twenties novels. No, you don't have to read the novels first to follow these tales, but you'll want to find out the rest about these characters if you haven't. They're the cat's pajamas! ( )