The Sagacity Stories" series, an exploration of the human condition across generations spanning a woman’s lifetime and all her adventures. A blend of history, fiction, and images, inviting readers to embark on an unforgettable journey.

Each book focuses on local history. The first two books in the series are set in Big Sky Country - Montana. Book 1 takes place in Helena and Butte, Montana. Book 2 takes place in Butte, Billings, Great Falls, Helena and primarily Missoula, Montana. Other locations in Book 2 are Deadwood, South Dakota; Houston, Texas and San Francisco, California.

Book 3 will take place in Deadwood, SD; Denver, CO; Jacksonville, FL; and Central Plains.

Book 1: Zoetic Solace

A Swedish teen fostered by her aunt and uncle travels alone to America to be with her mother, her fate had other plans. In the vast expanse of the American West, where dreams stretch as far as the endless sky, a young girl from Sweden steps off the train in Helena, Montana. Her heart thrums with anticipation as she strides onto the platform, her eyes scanning the bustling depot in search of the one person who holds the key to her past and her future: her mother.
 

Sena's story unfolds against the vast backdrop of Montana's landscape, guided by fate and the wisdom of those around her. From her immigrant beginnings to navigating the complexities of adolescence and womanhood, Sena's journey is filled with triumphs and setbacks. Amidst her challenges that dot her path, Sena seeks solace in a community of kind-hearted souls, each offering their own form of support.

 

As she immerses herself in her new life, Sena encounters some hiccups along the road during her journey into adulthood. Surprisingly, variety theater and vaudeville players tug at her heart. Amidst the dazzling allure of the stage, it ignites her spirit propelling her forward

Book 2: Reaching for Reveries

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?

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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 3: Sable & Gold [COMING 2026]