​April brought a much anticipated trip to the happiest place on earth. Bringing six kids there certainly makes you rethink that statement. But we had some very important celebrating to do after the months of hospitalizations and surgery my dad went through this winter. It truly shifted my perspective into “making memories mode” and here’s a great one: waiting in the hundredth line to take a photo, then picking up the baby, and… surprise!

Another great moment happened the very first morning of our trip. It filled me with too much laughter, while also causing me to stop and reflect.

My oldest son, who freshly entered his thirteenth year, has taken it upon himself to be the bathroom police. “Didn’t you just go? Why did it take so long? Can’t you wait.” He’s especially keen on giving his sisters a hard time every time. I suppose it's one of the early rites of passage into teenagerhood.

So, on the first morning of our Disney trip, we were all loaded into the car—GPS set, snacks packed, Mickey ears secured—when he suddenly asked to run back up the three flights of stairs and into the room really quick. I couldn’t help myself.

“We should move the car,” I said to my husband with a mischievous grin.

He smirked and took the car out of park, allowing it to roll forward.

“Is this too mean?” I asked, half-laughing.

My husband shook his head. “There’s a spot over there,” he pointed.

As I glanced back at the other kids, remembering how smug our oldest had been about bathroom delays the day before, I started laughing--the deep-belly, tear-streaming kind of laughing. “Let’s do it.”

We rolled across the parking lot, while a guy sipping coffee on his balcony cheered us on. Other families, loading up for the day at Disney, laughed along with us. Then, I pulled out my phone to record the grand moment when he returned to an empty parking spot, feeling just a tinge of guilt amidst my stream of laughter.
We saw him bound, (not walk down the stairs as we repeatedly have to remind him at home!), and arrive at our empty parking spot. I struggled to hold the camera still amidst all my chuckling. But Frank John simply paused for the briefest moment, scanned the lot, and walked over to us, completely unbothered. I thought there would have been, at least, a panicked glance to his cell phone.

“You didn’t think we left without you?” I asked as soon as he got into the car.

He shrugged. “No. I knew you guys wouldn’t leave me and go to Disney.”

And just like that, I tasted a generous serving of humble pie.

Wow. He has more faith in us than I thought. As we drove toward Disney, his quiet confidence stuck with me. How much lighter would life feel if we truly believed the same about God—that He’d never leave us? What if we met life’s storms with that same simple, beautiful trust?
​
One day, we’ll arrive at the “Disney of the Sky.” In the meantime, we can trust: God’s not leaving us behind. Regardless of the mountains we might face.

Yesterday, I was deep in prep mode for our upcoming neighborhood garage sale.
While the baby napped, and my older kids sorted and boxed things with the enthusiasm of underpaid interns, I sent my two little bundles of energy—ages 3 and 6—outside to play in the backyard.
For a moment, things were peaceful. Too peaceful.
I watched the pile of stuff-to-sell grow taller, mentally picturing happy neighbors hauling away our forgotten treasures. But any parent knows: prolonged silence is never a good sign. It’s deeply suspicious.

So, I peeked outside.
And stopped.
In. My. Tracks.

A wheelbarrow. Filled with bubbles.
Buckets of water were scattered like landmines across the yard.
Their water table looked like it had hosted a foam party.
And my boys?

Covered head to toe in suds.

Like tiny, giggling "lemon fresh" snowmen…

I blinked. “What did you guys do?”

They launched into lengthy explanations involving a hose, a disagreement about who got squirted first, and some creative logic about how bubbles help make things “extra clean.”

I spotted the empty bottle of dish soap lying like a fallen soldier in the grass.
Mystery solved, and mom's lesson learned: next time, leave out the shampoo and conditioner, so it counts for bath night. 

The sudsy mess had me reminiscing about other “classic boy” moments.
Like the time I took my toddler to the doctor last summer.
There I was, filling out the intake paperwork on one of those plastic clipboards, my ID clipped on top like usual.
And then--
“Is that from jail?” my toddler asked, in the only volume he seems to know: MAXIMUM.
I froze.
“...What?”
He pointed to my driver’s license. “Did they give you that in jail?”
I felt every eye in that waiting room swivel toward me: coming in at 5'3 with a five-month-old belly. Even the fish in the aquarium looked judgmental.
“What do you mean?” I asked, laughing nervously.
“That picture. From jail.”
Oh. He thinks my driver's license is a mugshot. I wanted to hold the piece of plastic up and show it to the room
“I’ve never been to jail,” I said, possibly too loudly. “That’s from the DMV.”
I walked back to the counter.
The receptionist looked at me like I’d just confessed to tax fraud because nothing says ‘fit to parent’ like a three-year-old accusing you of having a criminal record in public.
I left that day with a healthy toddler and a spiderman sticker, because I really earned it that visit. 

If you or your child enjoyed The Courage of Sarah Noble, you’ll love these heartwarming and adventurous historical fiction books. Like Sarah’s journey into the wilderness, these stories feature brave young characters navigating challenges, faith, and family bonds in early America and beyond.

1. Kentucky Wind by Alexandra Kulick:
Set during a time of great change, Kentucky Wind follows young Opal and her family as they embark on a perilous river journey to find safety and a new home. With themes of faith, family, and perseverance, this novel is a must-read for fans of frontier stories.

2. Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan:
This classic tale follows Sarah, a mail-order bride who moves to the Midwest to join a family in need of a mother. A beautiful, heartfelt story about love, resilience, and adjusting to change.

3. The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare:
When young Matt is left alone to guard his family’s cabin, he must learn to survive with the help of a Native American boy. This gripping survival story explores friendship, cultural differences, and self-reliance.

4. Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink:
Spunky and adventurous, Caddie Woodlawn is a tomboy growing up in 1860s Wisconsin. Her story is filled with humor, heart, and the struggles of frontier life.

5. The Cabin Faced West by Jean Fritz:
Set in 1784, this story follows Ann, a pioneer girl adjusting to life in the Pennsylvania wilderness. A beautifully written tale that captures the joys and struggles of frontier living.

6. Blue Willow by Doris Gates:
A heartfelt story about a migrant family during the Great Depression, Blue Willow follows Janey Larkin’s dream of finding a permanent home, echoing themes of resilience and hope.

7. A Gathering of Days by Joan W. Blos:
Told in diary format, this novel brings to life the daily experiences of a young girl in 1830s New Hampshire, capturing the hardships and joys of early American life.

8. The Matchlock Gun by Walter D. Edmonds:
This historical novel, set during the French and Indian War, follows a young boy who must defend his home while his father is away. A gripping and courageous tale.

9. Pioneer Girl: The Story of Laura Ingalls Wilder by William Anderson:
For readers who love Little House on the Prairie, this biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder gives insight into her real-life pioneer experiences.

10. A Little Maid of Massachusetts Colony by Alice Turner Curtis:
Part of the Little Maid series, this book follows a young girl during the American Revolution as she helps support the Patriot cause.

These books capture the same spirit of adventure, courage, and historical richness as The Courage of Sarah Noble. Whether you’re reading them aloud or enjoying them independently, they’ll transport you to the past and inspire young readers.

Which of these books have you read? Share your favorites in the comments!

If you or your child love Little House on the Prairie, you’re not alone! Laura Ingalls Wilder’s beloved series has captivated generations with its tales of pioneer life, resilience, and family values. If you’re looking for similar books that bring history to life with adventure, strong characters, and timeless lessons, here are ten wonderful books to explore.


1. The Courage of Sarah Noble by Alice Dalgliesh
Based on a true story, this classic follows young Sarah Noble as she journeys with her father to build a new home in the wilderness of Connecticut in 1707. Sarah’s bravery and trust in God’s protection make this a perfect read for fans of Little House on the Prairie.

2. Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink:
Caddie is an adventurous tomboy growing up in Wisconsin during the 1860s. With her love of mischief and exploration, she’s a spirited heroine whose story is full of laughter, heart, and historical richness.

3. Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan
This beautiful, lyrical story follows Sarah, a mail-order bride who travels to the Midwest to join a family in need of a mother. It’s a touching tale of love, hope, and new beginnings on the prairie.

4. Kentucky Wind by Alexandra Kulick:
When Opal and her family are forced to move, they pack their belongings, and sail down the Kentucky River to their new home. The family will face more than rapids on their journey, while Opal learns to use her faith to carry her through. 

5. In the Land of the Big Red Apple by Roger Lea MacBride
A continuation of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s world, this book follows Rose Wilder, Laura’s daughter, as she grows up on the prairie. A perfect pick for those who want to stay in the Little House universe.

6. The Cabin Faced West by Jean Fritz
Set in 1784, this story follows Ann, a pioneer girl adjusting to life in the Pennsylvania wilderness. It’s a beautifully written historical fiction that captures the joys and struggles of frontier life.

7. Blue Willow by Doris Gates
A moving tale about a migrant family in the 1930s, Blue Willow follows Janey Larkin as she dreams of a permanent home. This heartfelt story mirrors Little House themes of perseverance and family love.

8. The Prairie Thief by Melissa Wiley
For a touch of mystery and whimsy, The Prairie Thief blends pioneer life with a bit of folklore, following a girl whose father is accused of a crime and her journey to uncover the truth.

9. The Secret School by Avi
Set in 1925, this book tells the story of a 14-year-old girl who secretly runs her rural school after the teacher leaves. It’s an inspiring tale about determination and the power of education.

10. A Little Maid of Massachusetts Colony by Alice Turner Curtis
For those who enjoy history, this book offers a glimpse into colonial America through the eyes of a brave young girl caught up in the events of the Revolutionary War.

Each of these books carries the charm, adventure, and heartfelt lessons that make Little House on the Prairie so special. Whether you’re reading aloud as a family or introducing a young reader to historical fiction, these stories will inspire and delight!
​

Do you have a favorite book like Little House on the Prairie? Let us know in the comments!

     When I was young, every year, my family would head south to visit my great-aunt Opal. Since I did not have living grandmothers on my maternal or paternal side, Opal filled the void with love and wonderful stories of her past. 
     I must confess, I didn't always love sitting for hours while she shared memories. But as I got older, I brought a pen and pencils and took notes, especially about details she recalled about our family history. Some of the most fascinating tales are being woven into my next children's book series, Kentucky Wind. The books will share bits of Opal's childhood and simple messages of faith and goodness. 

     Currently, the doors are open for ARC readers. An ARC reader receives an "advanced reader copy" in exchange for leaving a review during the book launch week. This helps the title build launch momentum, and allows readers to decide if this is the next book for them!
     Considering this is a beginner chapter book geared at children in 2nd-3rd grade, I realize that by the nature of searching the web and receiving emails, you might not be my target reader group! However, parents/aunts/uncles/grandparents can take the opportunity to preview the book and share their feedback. Or, adults can pass it along to their children to leave a simple review!
     If you're interested in this, please fill out the form below to get a digital ARC copy. You'll also be invited to join in some relaunch fun, where we cook historic recipes, learn more about the real-life characters, and be entered to win some fun prizes!

Simply click the button below to download the book via BookFunnel

Have Questions or need a paperback? Use the Contact Form to drop me an email!

All the best,
Alexandra

 
     If you’re a writer—or someone who loves books—you’ve probably heard the term “beta reader.” A beta reader is someone who reads an author’s work in progress before it’s published. They become a book’s first audience—a test group that helps the author refine their story. Beta readers provide feedback on everything from characters and plot to pacing and emotional impact. They’re not professional editors (though some may have an eagle eye for grammar), but they bring a reader’s perspective to the table, which is incredibly valuable.
 
Why Are Beta Readers Important?
 
     Authors often get so close to their stories that it’s hard to see them objectively. Beta readers step in with fresh eyes, spotting things the writer might miss. For example:

• Plot Holes: Does the story make sense, or are there parts that leave you scratching your head?
• Characters: Are the characters relatable, engaging, or consistent in their actions?
• Pacing: Does the story move too fast, or are there slow sections where you’re tempted to skim?
• Emotional Impact: Does the story make you laugh, cry, or stay up late reading? Or does it fall flat?

Their insights help transform a good story into a great one, making the final book more polished, engaging, and ready for readers.
 
Who Can Be a Beta Reader?
 
     The good news? Anyone who loves books and enjoys sharing their thoughts can be a beta reader! You don’t need special training—just a willingness to read thoughtfully and provide honest, constructive feedback. Beta readers come from all walks of life and bring diverse perspectives, which enriches the feedback authors receive.
 
What Do Beta Readers Do?
 
     Beta readers receive a digital draft of the manuscript along with an online  feedback survey to fill out. Questions might include:
 
What did you like most about the story?
Were there any parts that confused you?
Which characters did you connect with, and why?
Did the ending feel satisfying?
 
     Beta readers don’t need to have all the answers, and there’s no right or wrong way to give feedback. Honest reactions and observations are what authors value most.
 
Why You Should Join My Beta Team
 
     Being a beta reader is not just helpful for the author—it’s also fun and rewarding for you! You get an exclusive sneak peek at a book before it’s published and the chance to shape the story in meaningful ways. Plus, if you’re an aspiring writer yourself, the experience can sharpen your storytelling skills.
  
     If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, I’d love for you to join my beta reader team! My upcoming novel is a historical fiction adventure, continuing the saga of A Roosevelt Smile.

I’m looking for readers who can:

• Share honest thoughts and constructive feedback
• Commit to reading the manuscript in 6 -8 weeks
• Enjoy being part of the creative process

 
If you’re interested, please fill out the contact form below. This form closes 3/1/25

     April began with spring cleaning and is going out with spring cleaning! Maybe it's the uptick in allergies or the constant kid's messes, but the vacuum is our house's unending melody.

     It's had me thinking about Frances and the spring cleaning at Springwood. When included that in A Roosevelt Smile, it was based on information from Sara Delano Roosevelt's household book. Spring cleaning in a house like Springwood was a huge undertaking- the largest part being the care of the enormous Persian rugs! If you recall, Mrs. James tasked Frances with polishing mahogany furniture, of which there was no shortage. The smell of the polish aggravated her early pregnancy symptoms for a clue to what was coming!
     
     This month, I'm thrilled to share Mrs. James's original furniture polish recipe with you so you can try it out in your own spring cleaning! The best part is that you likely have the ingredients hiding in your pantry: all you'll need is oil, vinegar, and alcohol.

     Now, in Frances's version, she used an orange-infused vinegar to give this recipe some extra fragrance. To accomplish this, simply save some orange peels. Place them in a clean jar and cover them with vinegar. Allow the jar to sit for 2-3 weeks away from direct sunlight (pantries work great!)

Happy Spring Cleaning! 

We just got home from a fun week visiting my parents in southern Florida! It might sound dreamy, but I promise that eleven hours in a car with five kids equals something like fifty-five new gray hairs if my math prevails!

Of course, I couldn’t help but think of Franklin Roosevelt and his visits to those warm ocean waters after he contracted polio. When Franklin was a child, he spent time in Germany with his parents as his father sought healing springs for his heart ailments. Naturally, Franklin followed a similar path. First, he found some friends to invest in a small ship. They named it the Larooco for Laurence, Roosevelt & Company. Franklin spent many days fishing, developing his arm strength, and enjoying the warm salt waters. 

A few things stick out to me about this time:

1) Franklin's sense of humor returned. Just look at the rules he devised in his ship's Log Book:


Rules For Log Book Scribes
I. This Log Book must be entirely accurate and truthful. In putting down weights and numbers of fish, however, the following tables may be used.
Weights.
2 oz. make—1 log book pound
5 log book pounds make —“a large fish”
2 “large fish” make —“A record day’s catch”
Measures.
2 inches make —1 log book foot
2 log book feet make—“Big as a whale”
Anything above “whale” size may be described as an “Icthyosaurus”
(Note — In describing fish that got away, all these measures may be doubled — it is also permitted, when over 30 seconds are required to pull in a fish to say “After half an hour’s hard fighting—.”
II. The poetically inclined are warned that LAROOCO does not rhyme with Morocco. Also the combinations “knows I felt” to rhyme with Roosevelt and “Saw hence” to rhyme with Lawrence are not permitted.
III. Verbatim reports of the private conversations of the chief engineer with his carburetor must be represented only thus – “x ! ! x ! — ? ? X ! —.”
IV. All references to “community life” must be written in code.
V. The leaves of this Log are made to be easily removed. All frank opinions as to the character, habits and general personality of one’s shipmates written after a 3 days’ nor’wester and no fish will be so removed. (see more from his log in this article)

​2) This was part of his life where he stopped hiding his affair.
Franklin's son, Elliott, shared much of his shock and pain at seeing Missy LeHand sitting on his father's lap with no effort to conceal their relationship. Eleanor stayed on the ship for a few days and left. She didn't enjoy fishing or the bohemian lifestyle and recounted the nights as eerie. I'd imagine there was a lot behind that statement as she was a perceptive woman. 

Still, the Florida Keys remember Franklin for his prouder moments when he provided needed aid during the depression and named one of the main roads for him. We always stop by the Navy Exchange and snap a picture in front of the large mural they have of Franklin. Hopefully, on our next visit, we'll stop by FDR's predecessor, Harry Truman's Little White House that is also on the island!

Growing up, Christmas time brought much joy and more family than I often realized I had. Every year, I'd drive with my parents to one of my aunt's or uncle's houses for a special Christmas meal. My grandfather was always there, his voice echoing through every room, easily elevating above any other whenever a point needed to be made.

After we'd exchanged gifts, ran around outside, and filled our stomachs to the brim, my mom would start talking about the traffic and the need to head home. Just those words signaled the forthcoming forty-five minutes of goodbye hugs. 

As we were getting ready to leave one year, my grandfather stopped us. He'd forgotten the gifts! 

The gifts? I thought with delight. Why I'd almost left without one of my favorite parts!

My grandfather emerged from his bedroom, his arms overflowing with small white boxes. All the grandchildren hurried over with delight at the trinkets he handed out- a years worth of credit card rewards! Mikey got a flashlight, and Lauren got a mini radio. I got a small clock. The best part was that it came with batteries!

Now, he wasn't a stingy man. He generously bestowed Christmas, Easter and birthday gifts that helped all of us cousins line our piggy banks. But sometimes, the best things really are free!

As I hugged him goodbye, feeling the scruffiness of the whiskers on his cheeks, my glee over my new clock faded away when I thought about what had happened to him this very day seventy something years before. His strong hug reminded me of just how tough he was inside. 

His mother, Frances, was very ill, he'd said. She couldn't care for him any longer, he recalled from the depths of his memory with no more words. 

On Christmas Eve, 1923, Frances brought him to a police station and never returned. He sat on the second-floor balcony, swinging his feet between the balusters, waiting. Waiting for the door to open, waiting for her to reappear. But she didn't come.

At shift's end, a police officer brought Walter to Saint Joseph's Orphan Asylum. He handed him a small peppermint candy as a parting gift. For as long as my grandfather lived, he couldn't enjoy the taste of peppermint again. 

As many times as we asked about the orphanage, my grandfather's words were few. He shared he played the piccolo in the band, but the nuns thought he looked silly, being so tall and holding such a small instrument, so they switched him to a flute. 

He shared about the day he was in so much pain that he went to the nurse. Everyone thought he was faking, as he crawled to her office, unable to stand. Fortunately, he made it to surgery before his appendix burst. 
He also spoke of the gifts he received on his birthday- though the nuns claimed his birthday was October 16th, but he was vehement it was the 9th. On Christmas, he unwrap an orange, while other kids fought over the peels. 

The nuns would tell him how he looked just like Franklin Roosevelt. I can't imagine what that meant to him? Did it feel like a coincidence, like when someone remarks that you look like a celebrity? Or did it feel more intimate? Did he know Franklin? Hear stories from his mother about working for him? Or was he just a foreign name associated with a newspaper? 

After ten years, the nuns arranged an internship for Walter, first in a patent office and then working in sales. He started off selling granular soap to businesses; the orphanage being one of his first customers, and through the decades advanced high into the company. 

When he left the orphanage, the nuns handed him a huge sum of money that was leftover, after they'd taken out of it for his gifts and ten years monthly room and board. Thinking back on it now, I'm impressed he had the wisdom to use his money wisely and not blow through it. An orphan spoiling an inheritance sounds like the plot of many nineteenth-century novels. But, an orphan given a large inheritance- allegedly from the Roosevelts, that's the starting place for much of my writing. 

Hug your loved ones close this year!

To print these, be sure you select "print double sided" [or print page 2 alone] and "scale to fit page"

Happy Giving!