Maureen...

"Above all else, deep in my soul, I'm a tough Irishwoman."

Maureen O'Hara

Duke...

"Courage is being scared to death...and saddling up anyway."

John Wayne

Sister of the Bride...

Sister of the Bride is one of the four "older girl" novels talented Beverly Cleary penned. While admittedly remaining my least favorite of the four, it is nonetheless deliciously delightful in its entirety; a warm, witty, and beloved read of mine since childhood.

Over the years, my only sorrow concerning this "series" has been regret that Ms. Cleary didn't write more of this type of story. Don't get me wrong. Ramona is fine in her own right...but she certainly can't compete with Shelley, Jane, Jean, or Barbara MacLane.

* * * * * * * * *

"Can you keep a secret? A big one?" asked Rosemary.
"Well . . . I can work at it," said Barbara. "You know how women are."

"This is no time to be funny," said Rosemary.
"Not on my twenty cents."

"I can keep a secret," promised Barbara.

"Barby, I'm going to get married!" Rosemary's voice was filled with joy and excitement.

Barbara was stunned into silence. Married? Her sister married? She knew Rosemary had become more sophisticated since she had gone away to college, but she had no idea . . . married. Why, she was only eighteen. She still had bands on her teeth.

"Are you still there?" asked Rosemary.

"Yes, I'm here," said Barbara.

"Then say something," pleaded Rosemary.

"But who are you going to marry?" asked Barbara, wondering if she should have known without asking.

-excerpt from Sister of the Bride
written by Beverly Cleary