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The Handy Helpers, Book Four–The End–At last

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I have said so many times that I am almost finished with Book Four, I wanted to wait until that was actually true. Last Friday, the completed manuscript was emailed to my publisher for copy editing. So I think I can safely say that it is finished.

This is the story of Beth Anne’s quest to go to summer camp with her friends. Her parents want her to go to a camp for children with special needs. Thinking it is because they are worried for Beth Anne’s safety, she and her friends plead their case. Finally, Beth Anne’s parents admit that it is because they don’t have the money for the registration fee–the special camp is free.

That’s when the Handy Helpers devise a plan to raise the money. Registration check in hand, everything seems set for Beth Anne to go to camp. But Beth Anne shocks her family and her friends when she suddenly changes her mind and wants to go to the special camp after all. The reason for her change of heart is a story in itself.

Some other surprises in Book Four:

  • The outcome of the forest fire that took place in Book Three is revealed–the fire damage and what happened to the Cole children.
  • Logan’s dad–absent more than ever–shows up with someone he wants Logan to meet.
  • The history of the Clawson sisters is revealed, along with the history of Bluesky.
  • A big change is coming for Beth Anne’s family and she is excited about it.
  • In Book Three, Spike learned a lot about dealing with Bullies. At camp he encounters another bully and has to put his skills to the test.
  • At camp, Laura and Melissa’s friendship is stretched to the limits. Amber, who is put in the middle, must act as peacemaker.
  • Chris faces one of his fears and works to overcome it.

I hope you are excited about reading Book Four. I’m already at work on Book Five. Hopefully it won’t be so long before it is ready.

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I really need your help!

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please helpI’ve never tried this before, but I’m hoping my friends, fans, and readers will give me a helping hand with  my writing. I’m working on book four of The Handy Helpers. It is entitled, Not a Happy Camper.

Here’s the basic plot:

It is near the end of summer vacation, and the Handy Helpers are planning to go to  camp. Beth Anne wants to go to camp with her friends, but her parents tell her no. They want her to go to a special needs camp in northern Arizona. Beth Anne continues to plead with her parents until they finally tell her the truth–They don’t have three hundred dollars for the camp fees. The special needs camp is free.  Her parents give her the choice of going to the special camp or not going to camp at all. They remind her that life is about compromises and she can’t expect to get everything she wants.

As far as Beth Anne’s parents are concerned, the matter is closed. But Beth Anne tells Laura that she is sleeping with the camp brochure under her pillow and praying that she can go to camp with her friends.

Of course, the Handy Helpers come to her aid and figure out a way to get the camp fees. Their plan is to have a yard sale. Walt gives them permission to have it at the senior center. All they need are things to sell. At first they plan to bring things of their own and things their families don’t need anymore. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be enough stuff to raise the three hundred dollars they need.

Chris suggests that they go door to door throughout the community of Bluesky and ask for donations. Everyone has stuff they don’t need and he is sure they can get enough for a successful yard sale.

THIS IS WHERE YOUR HELP COMES IN. As they go door to door, they will encounter several of the seniors who live in Bluesky. The seniors give them donations, but the kids aren’t really sure what some of the things are. I have thought of things such as a bathing cap, an 8-track tape, a transistor radio, and a wall phone. So many times on Facebook I’ve seen pictures of things with headings like “Do you remember this?” or “Share if you know what this is.” But for the life of me, I can’t think of any of the things in the pictures.

If the Handy Helpers came to your door and asked for donations for a yard sale, what would you give them? Please be creative and help me come up with some funny and interesting things for their yard sale. I’m hoping you will leave your responses as comments on my blog. I look forward to reading them.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Rosemary