The main character, Ruby Pearl, is mature beyond her years and was born at least a decade too soon. Growing up in the middle of a family of nine children in Oilton, Oklahoma, with her nose constantly in a book, she was known as the girl that would rather read than can tomatoes. Ruby feels destined for greater things. Ruby studies hard to make good grades, while her parents smile and humor her. They continually encourage the courtship with her beau, Arthur, who they fully expect will be their son-in-law when the two graduate from high school, but Ruby has loftier goals. She admires her momma and big sister, Rilla, the “CEOs of the household” and knows some day she will have children and a home of her own to manage, but first things first!

Rise! A Girl’s Struggle for More is Anne of Green Gables meets the “It Girl” of the 20s… but with a sophisticated twist. Ruby’s ‘coming of age’ story evolves amidst the backdrop of a horse and buggy town welcoming its first motor cars, and parents brought up in the Victorian era grappling with their daughters showing their ankles and dating! Following the inspiration of the suffrage movement, Ruby becomes a pioneer for girls her age, breaking all norms, defying tradition (and her parents) to become a truly independent woman.

* Cindi Flow Read the full Review

Snippet of the Review: The author’s research into Ruby’s generation and the economic and political times she grew up in give amazing credence to the plot and the character of her grandmother!

Rachel Boehm

Snippet of the review – A journey through a past time that holds many parallels to today. Every reader is sure to walk away feeling educated and energized, inspired to design a life on their terms and embrace opportunity.”

* Judy Gaudet  

Snippet of  the review: “I thoroughly enjoyed reading Rise! The author’s grandmother Ruby Pearl was a very special young lady who showed great determination in an era that didn’t make it easy for girls to follow their dreams. Readers are also treated to a vivid picture of what life was like in Ruby’s day, Oklahoma in the 1920’s.”

* River Dance Read the full Review

Snippet of the Review: “Well-written and detailed, the narrative includes the vernacular of teens at the time in which this story takes place, which gives readers a sense of being present in this time.”

* Tammy P.  Read the full Review

Snippet of the Review: “Determined and courageous, Ruby works to break free of the traditional path towards womanhood”.