Blog Tour & Giveaway: Ain't Misbehavin' by Jennifer Lamont Leo

Hello, dear readers, and Happy Monday! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Today I have a treat for you...an interview with author Jennifer Lamont Leo and a giveaway for her book, Ain't Misbehavin'!


Hello Jennifer and welcome to Passages to the Past! Thanks so much for stopping by today to talk about Ain’t Misbehavin’!

To begin, can you please tell us a little about yourself and Ain’t Misbehavin’.

Ain’t Misbehavin’ tells the story of Dot Rodgers, a glamourous jazz singer in 1920s Chicago, who falls in love with a conservative small-town businessman, Charlie Corrigan. In addition to the usual bumps and bruises of a budding romance, they brush up against events the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre and Black Tuesday stock market crash. I wrote the books from a place as far from Roaring Twenties Chicago as possible: my quiet home on a remote mountain in northern Idaho.

What inspired you to write your Roaring Twenties series?

Chicago’s Union Station inspired the first book, You’re the Cream in My Coffee. While passing time there one day, I thought, “What if a small-town woman, still mourning the death of her sweetheart in the Great War, thinks she sees him alive and well in Union Station?” Then the second book, Ain’t Misbehavin’, followed naturally from the first.

What drew you to write in the Jazz Age?

The 1920s were an exciting time. Amazing innovations were becoming everyday tools for ordinary households, like automobiles and radios and telephones. It was easier than ever for people to travel, communicate long distances, and be exposed to new ideas. Tension erupted over conflicting views of issues Prohibition, religion, dress, behavior, music, and morals. In many ways the 1920s had a lot in common with today’s world…but with wittier dialogue.

What type of research did you do for the books?

I often begin with snippets of stories passed down through my family from past generations who lived in Chicago in those days. Then I hit the books: what was happening in the rest of the country and the world at that time? My favorite part of research, though, is leafing through magazines and newspapers of the era, watching silent movies, and listening to old radio programs to get a feel for how people dressed, ate, talked, worked, and had fun.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve loved books since before I could read, pestering adults to read “The Gingerbread Man” to me over and over. But I was in 4th or 5th grade when Marguerite Henry, author of Misty of Chincoteague, visited my school. That’s when I understood that writing books was something people could do as their life’s work. I took a circuitous path to becoming an author, but here I am.

What has been your greatest challenge as a writer?

Have you been able to overcome it? At first I was too easily elated by success and too deflated by rejection or criticism. All those ups and downs were exhausting! I’ve learned to temper my reactions and treat writing like any job: get up, hit the desk, write the words, do it again tomorrow. Keep the drama on the page.

Who are your writing inspirations?

These days I’m on a kick of reading English authors whose stories are laced with subtle yet sparkling wit: Barbara Pym, Elizabeth Taylor, Miss Read, Dorothy Whipple.

What was the first historical novel you read?

Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder

What is the last historical novel you read?

The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir by Jennifer Ryan

What are three things people may not know about you?

I sing in a choir (though, alas, not a delightful ladies’ choir in Chilbury). If I could choose an alternate career, I might be an archaeologist or museum curator. And even though I majored in French in college, I think Italian is the most beautiful language to hear spoken.

What appeals to you most about your chosen genre?

The chance to visit an earlier time period in my mind, experience all the sights and sounds, and understand the people of the time and their concerns, delights hopes, and dreams.

What historical time period do you gravitate towards the most with your personal reading?

The early 20th century, from the end of the Victorian period to World War II.

What do you like to do when you aren't writing?

I love to poke around dusty antiques and vintage shops, finding forgotten treasures and wondering about their stories.

Lastly, what are you working on next?

A riches-to-rags-to-riches story about a female entrepreneur in the early- to mid-20th century.

Ooohhhh, I do love a strong female protagonist so I'm looking forward to hearing more! Thank you, Jennifer!


Ain't Misbehavin' (Roaring Twenties #2) by Jennifer Lamont Leo

Publication Date: March 13, 2018
Smitten Historical Romance
eBook & Paperback; 200 Pages

Genre: Historical Romance/Christian


In Jazz Age Chicago, Dot Rodgers sells hats at Marshall Field while struggling to get her singing career off the ground. Independent and feisty, she's the life of the party. But underneath the glitter, she doesn't believe she's worth the love of a good man. Why would a strong, upstanding man want to build a future with a shallow, good-time girl like her?

Small-town businessman Charlie Corrigan carries scars from the Great War. After all he's been through, he wants nothing more than to marry and start a family. But the woman he loves is a flamboyant flapper with no intention of settling down. She's used to a more glamorous life than he can offer. As his fortunes climb with the stock market, it seems he's finally going to win her love. But what happens when it all comes crashing down?

Available in eBook & Paperback on Amazon


About the Author

With a passion for all things historical, Jennifer Lamont Leo captures readers' hearts through stories set in times gone by. She is also a copywriter, editor, and journalist. An Illinois native, she holds a deep affection for Chicago and its rich history. Today she writes from the mountains of northern Idaho, where she shares her home with her husband, two cats, and abundant wildlife.

Visit her at A Sparkling Vintage Life and Miss Marjorie's Jazz Age Journal, as well as on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, April 30
Interview at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, May 1
Feature at Birdhouse Books
Guest Post at Let Them Read Books

Thursday, May 3
Review at A Chick Who Reads

Friday, May 4
Feature at Donna's Book Blog

Monday, May 7
Review at Locks, Hooks and Books

Wednesday, May 9
Feature at Maiden of the Pages

Friday, May 11
Review at Books and Glamour

Monday, May 14
Review at Jorie Loves a Story

Wednesday, May 16
Review at Reading the Past

Thursday, May 17
Review at Faery Tales Are Real

Friday, May 18
Guest Post at Jorie Loves a Story

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away two signed copies and two eBooks of Ain't Misbehavin' AND an Ain't Misbehavin' Compact Mirror! To enter, please enter via the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on May 18th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open to US & Canada residents only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.

Ain't Misbehavin'


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