Barefoot in Beaufort I

Book excerpt: Barefoot in Beaufort is a trilogy containing the first three books in the Sarah Bowers series. The books are for young ladies ages eight to eighty. Girls today should find the books interesting and insightful as they learn that over half a century ago their grandmothers were taught values much like girls today. Twelfth Summer is the first in the series of eight historical novels set in the 1940's. Each of the books is fast paced-containing adventure, danger, sadness and hilarity. Fishing, a secret hideaway, a hurricane and a cousin's wedding all conspire to make the summer on the coast with grandparents anything but ordinary. The Bowers children learn from parents and grandparents the importance of family ties strengthened by traditional values. Using good manners and showing respect for others is learned and maintained within the family unit. Thirteenth Summer follows. Sarah Bowers looks forward to once again spending time with her maternal grandparents in the little town by the sea. She renews friendships made the summer before, observes and is influenced by their attitudes, beliefs and diverse personalities. Sarah makes a tough choice because it is the right thing to do. She watches as her younger brother courageously brings home a stray dog and stands strong before the disapproving looks of his mother, grandmother and most of all, Clara, the cook. Sarah receives a strange request from a special someone in Canton, Ohio. Fourteenth Summer finds Sarah in Beaufort because of the threat of infantile paralysis. Characters from the first two books are reintroduced. Throughout the book Sarah, her friend Nancy and Granny Jewel embark on the daunting task of finding a suitable bride for Uncle Herb. He surprises all with a request to bring someone home to dinner. Sarah is asked secretly if she would return the following summer and be a bridesmaid.