The Lives Behind the Stories
All my books have a story to tell that's deeper than just the words on the page. The canvas of my imagination is surrounded by real stories and people who have touched my life. These books are fiction, but woven in are the real stories of many people. Let me show you some of the Treasures of the Secret Places.
The Real Minnie Cooper
Minnie Mae Cooper (Wyatt) was my great grand aunt. Her loving and spunky personality are very much reflected in her fictional namesake.
The Treasures of the Secret Places series is an entirely fictional creation, but it honors the names of real people in my family, and Minnie was one of those very special people. I was honored to know her, encouraged by her love of these stories, and greatly blessed by her generosity. She will be deeply missed. -Rachel L. Peterson |
Did You Know? Book 1
Did you know: The Greatest of These was originally published under the name Birdie and had a different cover! Did you know: The picture on the cover of this book was taken at a train museum in Cheyenne WY. Did you know: I picked the name "Margie" (chapter2) because I didn't really like it? It always reminded me of that Andrew Peterson song: Alaska or Bust. (He whined when he sang her name) I figured I could get the name to grow on me if I created a character I really liked to wear it! (It worked) Did you know: That Birdie's name was originally going to be "Sissy" Did you know: That Chapter 4 "Baby Matthew" was named after the name my little sister and brother gave their baby doll. (And ultimately was the name given to my littlest brother 6 years later!) |
Did you know: In Chapter 5 "The Contest" the answer that Lyle gives to Conrad at Sunday school is the same answer my, at the time, 5 year old sister gave my dad when he taught she and my brother that story.
Did you know: My mom and I are like Nettie and Cora. We can't stand a crooked picture hanging on the wall!
Did you know: That Birdie's life dream in Chapter 12 "Family Reunion" is actually mine.
Did you know: That Dr. Cooper's practical advice to Birdie in Chapter 14 "Farewell 'Dear Friend'" was actually something I made up for myself as a kid. I use to be afraid of going to the dentist so I would put a quarter in my pocket so I would remember that Jesus was right there with me.
Did you know: That the Bible lesson about Esther in Chapter 16 "For Such a Time as This" is an adapted version of an actual lesson a young man taught to the kids at my church.
Did you know: Shirley Temple movies make me sad just like Mrs. Cooper (Chapter 18)
Did you know: My mom and I are like Nettie and Cora. We can't stand a crooked picture hanging on the wall!
Did you know: That Birdie's life dream in Chapter 12 "Family Reunion" is actually mine.
Did you know: That Dr. Cooper's practical advice to Birdie in Chapter 14 "Farewell 'Dear Friend'" was actually something I made up for myself as a kid. I use to be afraid of going to the dentist so I would put a quarter in my pocket so I would remember that Jesus was right there with me.
Did you know: That the Bible lesson about Esther in Chapter 16 "For Such a Time as This" is an adapted version of an actual lesson a young man taught to the kids at my church.
Did you know: Shirley Temple movies make me sad just like Mrs. Cooper (Chapter 18)
Did You Know? Book 2
Did you know? That As We Forgive Our Debtors is the first sequel book I've ever completed? Did you know? As a kid I always wanted to live in a home that had a fireplace, but to this day I have yet to do so. (Chapter 2) Did you know? Grandpa Morgan's playful punches "short ones" were put into this story in memory of my Grandpa Timm who used to give me "short ones" as a child. (Chapter 3) Did you know? That the number one saying my sisters and I remember my mom saying to us when we were growing up is: "Guilt is not from the Lord" (Romans 8:1) Apparently we felt guilty as children. (Chapter 4) Did you know? That I heard the last name Bohannon, and thought it was so great I wanted to use it at least once in my book (Chapter 5) |
Did you know? Even though we have only a little German in our ancestry, Nein, Gut, and wunderbar were common words from my childhood. (Chapter 6)
Did you know? That Nola's character came about after I read a blog post about a man spending an evening at church with a little boy who has Downs Syndrome. Nola is dedicated to all the brave over-comers who are trapped in broken physical bodies.
Did you know? I have had Birdie's exact struggles (Chapter 9) But after writing this book I've found myself seeing things differently.
Did you know? I still don't know how Grandpa Morgan saved the goat! (Chapter 11)
Did you know? My little brother made up the saying "Do Not Panic" when he was 3 or 4 years old! (Chapter 13)
Did you know? That chapter 13 has been voted the funniest chapter ever! By Betsy and I.
Did you know? That when I was little I remember kneeling by the window with my sisters and dad while we watched a thunderstorm outside, and every time it rumbled my dad would laugh! (Chapter 13) I have always LOVED thunderstorms. (Thanks Dad!)
Did you know? I've only made and eaten "baked" Latkes once! (I did it solely in research for this book) (Chapter 15)
Did you know? I learn many life lessons like Conrad, in the things that go on around me. (Chapter 18)
Did you know? I have had Birdie's exact struggles (Chapter 9) But after writing this book I've found myself seeing things differently.
Did you know? I still don't know how Grandpa Morgan saved the goat! (Chapter 11)
Did you know? My little brother made up the saying "Do Not Panic" when he was 3 or 4 years old! (Chapter 13)
Did you know? That chapter 13 has been voted the funniest chapter ever! By Betsy and I.
Did you know? That when I was little I remember kneeling by the window with my sisters and dad while we watched a thunderstorm outside, and every time it rumbled my dad would laugh! (Chapter 13) I have always LOVED thunderstorms. (Thanks Dad!)
Did you know? I've only made and eaten "baked" Latkes once! (I did it solely in research for this book) (Chapter 15)
Did you know? I learn many life lessons like Conrad, in the things that go on around me. (Chapter 18)
Did You Know? Book 3
Did you know? The title of this book is actually the meaning of the name Ivan. Did you know? After I wrote this book my family decided to try picking names for Christmas? (Chapter 1) Did you know? My great grandmother had a sister named Minnie Cooper. I picked the name Cooper not remembering until later that I had relatives of that name. (Chapter 2) Did you know? My sister and I made up the name Pooner just to be silly and I decided to use it. (Chapter 3) Did you know? The name Ivan came from my book The Invitation. I always desired to bring redemption to the young man, thus I gave the name a second debut. (Chapter 4) |
Did you know? Get Uncle Wiggly to the Doctor was a real board game I found in a 1936-37 Sears Roebuck catalog. (Chapter 6)
Did you know? I've always loved train sets! (Chapter 6) Did you know? Dwight's big imagination was easy to create because it's as big as mine! (Chapter 11) Did you know? My great grandfather was a wood carver. (Chapter 11) Did you know? I've cut down Christmas trees from the woods twice in my lifetime. (Chapter 12) |
Did you know? Dwight's idea to make a jump out of an old door was actually something my grandfather really did as a boy. (Chapter 13)
Did you know? Nettie's life lesson about tomato plants was actually something I learned from gardening my own tomato plants. (Chapter 16)
Did you know? I've only had the wind knocked out of me once. (Chapter 19)
Did you know? Wooo Doggie is an expression my parents have always used. (Chapter 19)
Did you know? I picked Oh Come All Ye Faithful because it was my little sister's favorite Christmas song the year I wrote this book.(Chapter 20)
Did you know? I love it when a whole group of people are singing a song and all the musicians stop playing so that only the voices are heard. (Chapter 20)
Did you know? I didn't decide how I was going to end this book until the last chapter, when Mrs. Cooper was on the phone? (Chapter 22)
Did you know? I love Matthew 25:31-40. (Chapter 22)
Did you know? This book was inspired by a magazine article?
Did you know? Nettie's life lesson about tomato plants was actually something I learned from gardening my own tomato plants. (Chapter 16)
Did you know? I've only had the wind knocked out of me once. (Chapter 19)
Did you know? Wooo Doggie is an expression my parents have always used. (Chapter 19)
Did you know? I picked Oh Come All Ye Faithful because it was my little sister's favorite Christmas song the year I wrote this book.(Chapter 20)
Did you know? I love it when a whole group of people are singing a song and all the musicians stop playing so that only the voices are heard. (Chapter 20)
Did you know? I didn't decide how I was going to end this book until the last chapter, when Mrs. Cooper was on the phone? (Chapter 22)
Did you know? I love Matthew 25:31-40. (Chapter 22)
Did you know? This book was inspired by a magazine article?
Did You Know? Book 4
Did you know? The railroad tracks on the cover photo are by my house. Did you know? I was inspired to study more about Nazi Germany and The Holocaust after learning of and reading a book called: Don't Wave Goodbye: The Children's Flight from Nazi Persecution to American Freedom. (Chapter 1) Did you know? The town where the Coopers lived was official named Ashwood Creek in this book. The name was in honor of a little girl named Ashley. (Chapter 1) Did you know? My family always prays together before we travel. (Chapter 2) Did you know? I've only traveled by train once in my life. It was a short but fun ride! (Chapter 2) |
Did you know? I LOVE steam trains!
Did you know? Peter Longway was actually a 9 year-old character I created for the first chapter book I ever wrote when I was 12. He was always one of my favorites! (Chapter 3)
Did you know? Peter Longway was actually a 9 year-old character I created for the first chapter book I ever wrote when I was 12. He was always one of my favorites! (Chapter 3)
Did you know? I love history just as much as Grandpa Nawrocki. (Chapter 6)
Did you know? A Narrative of the Most Remarkable Particulars in the Life of James Albert Ukawsaw Gronniosaw, an African Prince, is a real book from the 1770s that I've actually read. (Chapter 6)
Did you know? I've only seen fireflies in person on one trip when I was little girl visiting Missouri. Though they called them "Lighting Bugs". I never caught any. (Chapter 10)
Did you know? "Tough as nails" is a saying I learned from my Dad. (Chapter 11)
Did you know? I used to mispronounce the last name "Nawrocki" just like Manuel did. (Chapter 11)
Did you know? As a child I used to dream of discovering Underground Railroad, hideouts and treasures! (Chapter 12)
Did you know? That was actually a part of James Garfield inaugural address. Four months later the president was shot by an assassin and died 3 months later, six months after his inaugural address. (Chapter 12)
Did you know? I went to the Minnesota State Fair every year as a child and I don't remember ever getting seriously lost. (Chapter 15)
Did you know? I visited Hidden Valley in Rocky Mountain National Park lots of times and have actually hiked up one of the old ski runs. (Chapter 15)
Did you know? I didn't use my first sparkler until I was a teenager? I only got to try them for a few years before they became illegal. (Chapter 15)
Did you know? I learned about "Rak Chazak" from pastor Eric Ludy. The Ancient War Cry! (Chapter 18)
Did you know? Hide~and~Go~Seek was one of my favorite childhood games. (Chapter 18)
Did you know? Chapter 20 was a bittersweet chapter for me to write.
Did you know? I like to keep the story-line of my books a surprise for my mom and sister. So when I needed to ask them a question about the book (before it was done) I made up a hypothetical couple named Bob and Patsy. After asking the question they both liked Bob and Patsy so much they expressed their desire to see them in the story! That part is just for you two! (Chapter 21)
Did you know? A Narrative of the Most Remarkable Particulars in the Life of James Albert Ukawsaw Gronniosaw, an African Prince, is a real book from the 1770s that I've actually read. (Chapter 6)
Did you know? I've only seen fireflies in person on one trip when I was little girl visiting Missouri. Though they called them "Lighting Bugs". I never caught any. (Chapter 10)
Did you know? "Tough as nails" is a saying I learned from my Dad. (Chapter 11)
Did you know? I used to mispronounce the last name "Nawrocki" just like Manuel did. (Chapter 11)
Did you know? As a child I used to dream of discovering Underground Railroad, hideouts and treasures! (Chapter 12)
Did you know? That was actually a part of James Garfield inaugural address. Four months later the president was shot by an assassin and died 3 months later, six months after his inaugural address. (Chapter 12)
Did you know? I went to the Minnesota State Fair every year as a child and I don't remember ever getting seriously lost. (Chapter 15)
Did you know? I visited Hidden Valley in Rocky Mountain National Park lots of times and have actually hiked up one of the old ski runs. (Chapter 15)
Did you know? I didn't use my first sparkler until I was a teenager? I only got to try them for a few years before they became illegal. (Chapter 15)
Did you know? I learned about "Rak Chazak" from pastor Eric Ludy. The Ancient War Cry! (Chapter 18)
Did you know? Hide~and~Go~Seek was one of my favorite childhood games. (Chapter 18)
Did you know? Chapter 20 was a bittersweet chapter for me to write.
Did you know? I like to keep the story-line of my books a surprise for my mom and sister. So when I needed to ask them a question about the book (before it was done) I made up a hypothetical couple named Bob and Patsy. After asking the question they both liked Bob and Patsy so much they expressed their desire to see them in the story! That part is just for you two! (Chapter 21)
Did You Know? Book 5
Did you know: A lot of my books have a song that inspires and refocuses me as I'm writing. The song for this book was Thrive by Switchfoot from their cd Vice Verses Did you know: The Jessups guest ranch was inspired by a real guest ranch in Colorado. The Sylvandale Guest Ranch. (Chapter 1) Did you know: The Littlewood family was created by my sister when we used to write stories together as kids. I always LOVED them and I asked her if I could bring them back to life. (Chapter 2) Did you know: Mrs. Toss' character reminds me of my older sister's 3rd grade teacher. She was scary. (Chapter 2) |
Did you know: When I was a kid I didn't like to read and struggled in that subject until 4th grade. Spelling was also a difficulty of mine all through my school years. But your weaknesses can become strengths when put in the Lord's hands. (Chapter 6)
Did you know: When I was little I wanted to be a mommy when I grew up. I still want to be a mommy when I grow up! (Chapter 7)
Did you know: My dad tells all of us kids not to act like a "girl" aka (don't whine around) (Chapter 8)
Did you know: When my little sister first came home from China at 13 month old, she would bellow "AHHH!" across the room at my dad and he'd bellow it back! It was their own little game. (Chapter 8)
Did you know: The first half of chapter 9 was inspired by a part I read in the book: The Family Nobody Wanted
Did you know: Betsy looked at a Colorado map when we were kids and said her Littlewood family was going to live in Fort Peak Colorado. Later we looked for that town on the map and couldn't find it. To this day we don't know what she read! (Chapter 10)
Did you know: I've crossed paths with 2 rattlesnakes in my life. Both times they rattled. (Thankfully I was never bit, but still kind of creepy.) (Chapter 10)
Did you know: I've been installing flooring for almost 13 years and I notice floors every where I go! (Chapter 11)
Did you know: On September 12th, 2003 the first seed of adoption was planted in my parents hearts. On September 12th, 2004 we mailed our first adoption application. (Chapter 12)
Did you know: The name Rafael means: God has healed. (Chapter 12)
Did you know: I have 5 siblings who are left handed and I try to set their napkins on the left side. (Chapter 15)
Did you know: I've been stung by wasps 3 times in my life.
Did you know: "Towel snappin' time" was a family tradition my sister learned her elderly neighbor, Gerri's, sons kept. Geri passed away earlier this year (2014) but this little snippet of her life and family will remain in this book as a precious memory of a special lady. (Chapter 18)
Did you know: You almost didn't read this book? Ivan was not in the character line up, but I decided to keep him in book 3.
Did you know: When I was little I wanted to be a mommy when I grew up. I still want to be a mommy when I grow up! (Chapter 7)
Did you know: My dad tells all of us kids not to act like a "girl" aka (don't whine around) (Chapter 8)
Did you know: When my little sister first came home from China at 13 month old, she would bellow "AHHH!" across the room at my dad and he'd bellow it back! It was their own little game. (Chapter 8)
Did you know: The first half of chapter 9 was inspired by a part I read in the book: The Family Nobody Wanted
Did you know: Betsy looked at a Colorado map when we were kids and said her Littlewood family was going to live in Fort Peak Colorado. Later we looked for that town on the map and couldn't find it. To this day we don't know what she read! (Chapter 10)
Did you know: I've crossed paths with 2 rattlesnakes in my life. Both times they rattled. (Thankfully I was never bit, but still kind of creepy.) (Chapter 10)
Did you know: I've been installing flooring for almost 13 years and I notice floors every where I go! (Chapter 11)
Did you know: On September 12th, 2003 the first seed of adoption was planted in my parents hearts. On September 12th, 2004 we mailed our first adoption application. (Chapter 12)
Did you know: The name Rafael means: God has healed. (Chapter 12)
Did you know: I have 5 siblings who are left handed and I try to set their napkins on the left side. (Chapter 15)
Did you know: I've been stung by wasps 3 times in my life.
Did you know: "Towel snappin' time" was a family tradition my sister learned her elderly neighbor, Gerri's, sons kept. Geri passed away earlier this year (2014) but this little snippet of her life and family will remain in this book as a precious memory of a special lady. (Chapter 18)
Did you know: You almost didn't read this book? Ivan was not in the character line up, but I decided to keep him in book 3.
Did You Know? Book 6
Did you know: I started researching for this book in the beginning of 2012 before book 2 was even out for sale! Did you know: I wanted to write this book after supporting a family through their adoption of a beautiful little blind girl. Did you know: The title for this book was actually inspired by my dad who has told me for years how he loves to listen to the thunder echo in the mountains. Did you know: Carl was the friend I couldn't say goodbye too. (Page 5) Did you know: Helen was a little blind orphan girl that I prayed for like a mother. She ultimately found her forever family! Janice is also a little blind orphan I prayed for and is still waiting for a forever home. (Page 5) |
Did you know: I used to be afraid of the dark. (the Lord used this book to give me confidence in the dark)
Did you know: When my research friend Carl was young, sadly people used to call him "Clumsy Carl" because his poor vision caused him to trip and bump into things. (Chapter 1)
Did you know: Our dog Hershey and our dog Lucy always seemed to have bad breath! (Chapter 3)
Did you know: I wrote this book before my little brother Aaron came home, but when he did he called my sister Abby "Babby" (Chapter 4)
Did you know: My family has had similar experiences at church when bringing a newly adopted child with us. (Chapter 5)
Did you know: I always wanted a pair of tap shoes as a child! I never took any dance lessons but I would sometimes shuffled along in tap steps like I were Shirley Temple. (Chapter 6)
Did you know: I've never broken a bone. (Chapter 7)
Did you know: In research for this book I learned how to brush my teeth "blind" (with my eyes closed). (Chapter 8)
Did you know: When I was young I used to just ask kids if they wanted to be my friend. I was sad when I got to the age when that wasn't "how you did it anymore." After that friendship seemed more complicated and moody. (sometimes your friends like you and other times they didn't for reasons I couldn't understand) (Chapter 8)
Did you know: The name Abby means: The Father's Rejoicing.
Did you know: The family story told in Chapter 9 is actually a true story from way up in my family tree.
Did you know: Carson was a real character created by my sister when we were kids for her stories about the Littlewood family. Thanks Betsy! (Chapter 10)
Did you know: Colorado was one of the top places in the country where tuberculosis patients were sent for treatment? The dry air helped their condition. (Chapter 11)
Did you know: Hopping freights was and is very dangerous. If you don't make the jump and fall, the tendency is to get sucked under the train and many people lost limbs if not their lives. Only 2 years before the writing of this book a girl in my state lost both of her legs this way. (Chapter 15)
Did you know: When my research friend Carl was young, sadly people used to call him "Clumsy Carl" because his poor vision caused him to trip and bump into things. (Chapter 1)
Did you know: Our dog Hershey and our dog Lucy always seemed to have bad breath! (Chapter 3)
Did you know: I wrote this book before my little brother Aaron came home, but when he did he called my sister Abby "Babby" (Chapter 4)
Did you know: My family has had similar experiences at church when bringing a newly adopted child with us. (Chapter 5)
Did you know: I always wanted a pair of tap shoes as a child! I never took any dance lessons but I would sometimes shuffled along in tap steps like I were Shirley Temple. (Chapter 6)
Did you know: I've never broken a bone. (Chapter 7)
Did you know: In research for this book I learned how to brush my teeth "blind" (with my eyes closed). (Chapter 8)
Did you know: When I was young I used to just ask kids if they wanted to be my friend. I was sad when I got to the age when that wasn't "how you did it anymore." After that friendship seemed more complicated and moody. (sometimes your friends like you and other times they didn't for reasons I couldn't understand) (Chapter 8)
Did you know: The name Abby means: The Father's Rejoicing.
Did you know: The family story told in Chapter 9 is actually a true story from way up in my family tree.
Did you know: Carson was a real character created by my sister when we were kids for her stories about the Littlewood family. Thanks Betsy! (Chapter 10)
Did you know: Colorado was one of the top places in the country where tuberculosis patients were sent for treatment? The dry air helped their condition. (Chapter 11)
Did you know: Hopping freights was and is very dangerous. If you don't make the jump and fall, the tendency is to get sucked under the train and many people lost limbs if not their lives. Only 2 years before the writing of this book a girl in my state lost both of her legs this way. (Chapter 15)
Did You Know? Book 7
Did you know: I LOVE history, but never wanted to study the Holocaust. This book series pushed me to search out this cause I knew not and I'm glad I was able to share their story. Did you know: My friend Sarah's birthday is on December 7th so I slipped in a "Happy Birthday" to her in this chapter. (Chapter 6) Did you know: Every time my family decides to adopt another child it's a precious announcement that I don't just run out and tell everyone. I wait until the right moment to share my treasured bit of information. (Chapter 7) Did you know: I discovered that Jingle Bells has more verses than the traditional one we sing! (Chapter 7) |
Did you know: Around the time of this book I purposed to learn the real words to We Three Kings of Orient Are. (the only version I knew was the one with the rubber cigar!) This traditional song has incredible depth and it is now one of my favorites!
Did you know: David's enthusiasm over the toys was inspired by the His Little Feet Orphan Choir. We have them over every year at Christmas time and I love watching their excitement over everything!
Did you know: I remember once going to a friends house, their shaded sidewalk was slicked over with ice. At least two or three of us fell down and it was hilarious! (Chapter 9)
Did you know: As a young child I was in many Christmas programs at church. Now my two adult sisters and I put together an annual Christmas program with our younger siblings that we perform for our parents. (Chapter 9)
Did you know: My great grandma Evelyn (Cooper) Peterson taught me how to crochet. (Chapter 11)
Did you know: David's enthusiasm over the toys was inspired by the His Little Feet Orphan Choir. We have them over every year at Christmas time and I love watching their excitement over everything!
Did you know: I remember once going to a friends house, their shaded sidewalk was slicked over with ice. At least two or three of us fell down and it was hilarious! (Chapter 9)
Did you know: As a young child I was in many Christmas programs at church. Now my two adult sisters and I put together an annual Christmas program with our younger siblings that we perform for our parents. (Chapter 9)
Did you know: My great grandma Evelyn (Cooper) Peterson taught me how to crochet. (Chapter 11)
Did you know: My younger sister gets motion sickness and when she read this part she had great sympathy for the character knowing exactly how she felt! (Chapter 13)
Did you know: Danny's story was actually inspired by real stories I read from people who remembered using Musterol! (Chapter 18)
Did you know: I had frequent fevers as a child and remember being rubbed down with cold rags. (loving torture!) (Chapter 18)
Did you know: Children used to be forced to write with their right hand even if they were dominantly left handed. Studies have shown that some children who are forced to use their right hand when they are left handed end up having a stutter in their speech. (Chapter 20)
Did you know: I cried when I wrote the ending of the last chapter
Did you know: Danny's story was actually inspired by real stories I read from people who remembered using Musterol! (Chapter 18)
Did you know: I had frequent fevers as a child and remember being rubbed down with cold rags. (loving torture!) (Chapter 18)
Did you know: Children used to be forced to write with their right hand even if they were dominantly left handed. Studies have shown that some children who are forced to use their right hand when they are left handed end up having a stutter in their speech. (Chapter 20)
Did you know: I cried when I wrote the ending of the last chapter
Did You Know? Book 8
Did you know: I used to wait eagerly at the window for my grandparents to come. (Chapter 2) Did you know: When you go to high attitudes your body has to make more blood thus hydration is very important, otherwise you can suffer from altitude sickness. (Chapter 2) Did you know: As a kid my dad used to go around barefoot all summer. (Chapter 2) Did you know: Bethany was inspired by the songs Does Anybody Hear Her and Just Another Birthday by Casting Crowns. The first song weighed upon my heart for years and when the second song came out I couldn't stand to even listen to it. It still brings tears to my eyes and these songs continue to remind me of Bethany, all the hurting and lonely people she represents. (Chapter 2) |
Did you know: Two very special girls, Eloise and Ren helped me name the Littlewoods 4 dogs. I was only going to have 3 dogs but both girls offered me 2 names a piece and I couldn't cut one out. They were such great names! Thank you girls! (Chapter 3)
Did you know: I completely agree with Shirley's statement about Monopoly! As a child I was a terrible loser at that game and as an adult have made the wise choice of just not playing that game. (Chapter 3)
Did you know: I've been to the the Denver Zoo and saw some of the old buildings that would have been there at the time of this book. When I go to the zoo I like to see the monkeys! (Chapter 5)
Did you know: Mr. Lane Grimrich was a character my sister Betsy created when we were kids and she used to write about the Littlewood family. (Chapter 6)
Did you know: The book David was reading is actually my book The Invitation (Chapter 6)
Did you know: Eeny the cat was inspired by Eloise and Ren's brother's cat. I never met it but my sister told me it was unattractive and mean. (and everyone knew it!) (Chapter 6)
Did you know: Shana's birthday is the same day as my moms. August 5th. (Chapter 6)
Did you know: I love the US Marines and their motto: Semper Fi! (Always Faithful) The Lord has used my love of the military to teach me so many things and He used this motto to teach me His faithfulness. (Chapter 7)
Did you know; I grew up in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, so I have a lot of memories of lake swimming! Hot sun, mirky waters, sandy beaches that insist on spilling on your blanket and towels! And who can forget those strange things you step on in the lake that you're not sure you want to know what they are! (Chapter 8)
Did you know: I watched a video with a Jewish woman who had survived the Holocaust, and the one thing she vividly remember was how "Mr. Hitler" used to refer to the Jews as the "dung-heap." (Chapter 10)
Did you know: Mrs. Cooper's fiery passion is really mine. If you get me on the wrong (or right) subject the soapbox preacher inside of me rises up to be heard. For the most part I try to keep quiet, like Mrs. Cooper. (Chapter 10)
Did you know: Jewish children struggled at how to properly salute the American flag during the Pledge of Allegiance since at that time the salute was very similar looking to the salute Germans's gave Hitler. (Chapter 11)
Did you know: I considered having the Coopers move to this old hotel, but it was going to be too far away from town to make sense of it. (Chapter 13)
Did you know: They frequently say "How-do" on one of my all time favorite westerns The Guns of Will Sonnett. (Chapter 13)
Did you know: When I was a kid and we'd go to a river or stream, I would always get too curious about the water and end up with a wet shoe! (Chapter 13)
Did you know; My heart was in agreement with Dr. Cooper in regards to the Shirley situation. I wanted to keep her, but the Lord wanted something else. (Chapter 18)
Did you know: My dad would do "Bigger is Better" on the swing with my siblings. (Chapter 19)
Did you know: I completely agree with Shirley's statement about Monopoly! As a child I was a terrible loser at that game and as an adult have made the wise choice of just not playing that game. (Chapter 3)
Did you know: I've been to the the Denver Zoo and saw some of the old buildings that would have been there at the time of this book. When I go to the zoo I like to see the monkeys! (Chapter 5)
Did you know: Mr. Lane Grimrich was a character my sister Betsy created when we were kids and she used to write about the Littlewood family. (Chapter 6)
Did you know: The book David was reading is actually my book The Invitation (Chapter 6)
Did you know: Eeny the cat was inspired by Eloise and Ren's brother's cat. I never met it but my sister told me it was unattractive and mean. (and everyone knew it!) (Chapter 6)
Did you know: Shana's birthday is the same day as my moms. August 5th. (Chapter 6)
Did you know: I love the US Marines and their motto: Semper Fi! (Always Faithful) The Lord has used my love of the military to teach me so many things and He used this motto to teach me His faithfulness. (Chapter 7)
Did you know; I grew up in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, so I have a lot of memories of lake swimming! Hot sun, mirky waters, sandy beaches that insist on spilling on your blanket and towels! And who can forget those strange things you step on in the lake that you're not sure you want to know what they are! (Chapter 8)
Did you know: I watched a video with a Jewish woman who had survived the Holocaust, and the one thing she vividly remember was how "Mr. Hitler" used to refer to the Jews as the "dung-heap." (Chapter 10)
Did you know: Mrs. Cooper's fiery passion is really mine. If you get me on the wrong (or right) subject the soapbox preacher inside of me rises up to be heard. For the most part I try to keep quiet, like Mrs. Cooper. (Chapter 10)
Did you know: Jewish children struggled at how to properly salute the American flag during the Pledge of Allegiance since at that time the salute was very similar looking to the salute Germans's gave Hitler. (Chapter 11)
Did you know: I considered having the Coopers move to this old hotel, but it was going to be too far away from town to make sense of it. (Chapter 13)
Did you know: They frequently say "How-do" on one of my all time favorite westerns The Guns of Will Sonnett. (Chapter 13)
Did you know: When I was a kid and we'd go to a river or stream, I would always get too curious about the water and end up with a wet shoe! (Chapter 13)
Did you know; My heart was in agreement with Dr. Cooper in regards to the Shirley situation. I wanted to keep her, but the Lord wanted something else. (Chapter 18)
Did you know: My dad would do "Bigger is Better" on the swing with my siblings. (Chapter 19)
Did you know: I drew the picture on the cover of this book. I was inspired by an actual photo of a Jewish boy clinging to his uncle.
Did You Know? Book 9
Did you know: My mom had the Twila Paris tape Where I Stand when I was a little girl and I used to hear the song What Did He Die For? long before I wrote this book. (Page 5) Did you know: My younger sister and I used to butcher the word Ambulance like Minnie did. (Chapter 1) Did you know: My dad broke his foot in 2011 and watching his recovery created Danny's. (Chapter 1) Did you know: I like to create chaotic "Friday" classroom scenes for my sister who teaches 1st Grade. They're inspired by her stories and she finds them realistically humorous! (Chapter 2) Did you know: I wondered as Rafael did, why the piano couldn't be played with one hand! (Chapter 2) |
Did you know: I entertained the idea of having the Cooper's move again. (Chapter 2)
Did you know: Dr. Bowdin is loosely created after my family's beloved plastic surgeon, Dr. Mark. (We installed his wood floor and six of my siblings have been cared for by him because of their various special needs.) (Chapter 4)
Did you know: When I was a child and I'd ride in the car I'd look intensely at the top of the trees along the road wishing I could see what was beyond them. I would imagine it was some exciting historical story just out of sight from me! (Chapter 5)
Did you know: My Dad made up "Christmas noogies". Any time of the year he'll tell my brothers I didn't give you your Christmas noogie before he vigorously rubs his knuckles over their heads! (Chapter 5)
Did you know; I have 5 sisters and it always takes longer for my mom to say goodnight to the girls than the boys. (Chapter 7)
Did you know: McGinley's character was inspired by a popular 1980s TV show character. (Chapter 8)
Did you know: My dad used to put me on the spot like Dr. Cooper did with Dwight. If one of my siblings needed a word or a verse, he was always turning to me. (I usually started out with the nervous "um" too.) (Chapter 9)
Did you know: I used to have the same desires and concerns as Allie when it came to the idea of adoption. (Chapter 10)
Did you know: When my sister was little she used to call slivers "Lizards" and tweezers "Squeezers". (Chapter 15)
Did you know: My adult sister fell down in the hallway one night and the sound was so alarming my parents and I all rushed on the scene. (Thankfully she was okay) But with that vivid memory in my mind I wrote this part in the book. (Chapter 16)
Did you know: My younger siblings always get very excited over rainbows! (Chapter 17)
Did you know: Maria's character was inspired by Steven Curtis Chapman's song Maria. Her home life was inspired by a combination of two people's real lives.
Did you know: My dad was the first one to tell me, "The need doesn't constitute the call." (Chapter 19)
Did you know: I considered having Grady get killed in the war. I may have too except I already had his wife picked out! (Chapter 22)
Did you know: The war scene with Jake was inspired by the TV movie series: Band of Brothers (Chapter 22)
Did you know? Book 10
Did you know: My prayer has been that my life would be hallmarked by faithfulness. I was humbled when my brother's foreword for this book showed up on my desk. (foreword) Did you know: One of my little sisters came to better understand love when she got a little brother, just like Shana. (Chapter 2) Did you know: "For true" is an expression my younger siblings made up. (Chapter 4) Did you know: I don't know much about flowers and so I requested 1930s and 1940s flower books from the library. Did you know: My mom had the same rule as Mrs. Cooper about my siblings and I not telling or having secrets. (outside of birthday and Christmas presents!) (Chapter 5) |
Did you know: After my younger sister started reading these books she would frequently ask me what each of the Cooper children's favorite colors were. So after having to "make it up" to answer her question, I wrote this section just for her.
(Chapter 8)
Did you know: My dad and sister both are good golfers and I enjoyed getting to put this part in the story. (Chapter 8)
Did you know: When I was young, my sister, cousin, and I used to play runaway orphans. Now that I have adopted siblings I think I would feel more like Minnie does about such a game. (Chapter 9)
(Chapter 8)
Did you know: My dad and sister both are good golfers and I enjoyed getting to put this part in the story. (Chapter 8)
Did you know: When I was young, my sister, cousin, and I used to play runaway orphans. Now that I have adopted siblings I think I would feel more like Minnie does about such a game. (Chapter 9)