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Early Birds book cover 1
Early Birds book cover 2
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Early Birds
Series · 5 books · 2016-2021

Books in series

Early Birds book cover
#1

Early Birds

2016

Betsy Stevenson is praying fervently for a change. But when a big part of her prayer is answered she asks the Lord, “Is this really You? An RV, of all things.” According to Ben (her hubby and a workaholic), he thinks retiring at 60, buying an RV and traveling is a grand idea. He says, “I’ve been talking to Matilda (their pooch) and the Lord and I feel it’s a go. After much more prayer and preparation Betsy agrees and they begin the journey to downsize into a 38 foot 5th wheel. Then their RV adventure begins. Their best friends Rose and Larry Wilford tag along and the four get On the Road Again. Yes, Willie Nelson joins them – if only in song – on the highways and byways of this great country called the U.S.A. While on the road the foursome encounter a near miss with a lamp post, a not-too-happy proprietor at an RV Park, and a 1000 year flood that hits Colorado. Can the four of them survive their travels together and learn to live, laugh and love more and grump less? Or is the Lord taking them on this path to learn more about themselves than they ever wanted to know? And in the end, do they find it is better to give than receive? Follow along with the Early Birds on their adventures and I’m sure you’ll want to join up with them ASAP. All you need is a sense of humor, willingness to change, And, of course, a recreational vehicle. Any size will do.
Southbound Birds book cover
#2

Southbound Birds

2016

Rose and Larry Wilford are hitting the highway on their next RV adventure. Ben and Betsy Stevenson are right behind them in their 5th wheel. The other two Early Birds, Jeff and Mary Wells, promise to hook up with them as soon as they finish some ‘business’ in Colorado. On their way to Florida, the foursome make a stop in Mississippi. Soon Rosie wonders if they’ll ever get On the Road Again. The RVs have stalled in Biloxi and it has nothing to do with mechanical issues in any of their rigs. They’ve found another church that needs their help. Rose, Betsy and Mary spend their days as fashion consultants, dressing young women for success (or as Rosie says, “Playing dress up.”). Larry, Ben and Jeff, they’re up to their eyeballs in sheetrock and drywall mud, and any other handyman task they can find to do. The one thing Rosie has decided, if and when they start traveling toward the Sunshine State, she’ll still occupy the passenger seat of their dually. No driving for her. Larry can pester her all he wants. And the fact her bestest friend, Betsy, drove their albatross on I-10 and lived to tell about it, won’t change her mind either. The only way Rose will get behind the wheel is if the Lord, Himself, figures out a way to put her there. ‘Cause at the moment, FEAR is her middle name. Instead of legally changing her name or letting trepidation win, Rosie does what she does best. She PRAYS. Larry, on the other hand, is having troubles too. His prayer is that their 5th wheel survives his driving and he’s not sure it will. One more mishap and he’s handing the keys to his wife. The Early Birds continue to have as many surprises as the state of Florida has palm trees. So why don’t you come along, if you dare. Rose, Larry, Ben, Betsy, Jeff and Mary (and some new friends) would love to have you join them on their travels across the USA
Girly Birds book cover
#3

Girly Birds

A budding romance set in the splendor of the Rocky Mountains

2017

The Early Birds, or at least the female part of the famed group, have flown the coop (Florida) to help Mary Miller’s niece, Jennifer McDonald. She owns an eclectic shop in Estes Park, Colorado, and it needs some sprucing up. Another subject that require Jenny’s full attention is her longtime boyfriend, Peter Webster (he’s left town for parts unknown). Another topic on her her beloved VW Bus (Petunia only runs when it wants to). While Mary Miller, Rose Wilford, and Betsy Stevenson are in Colorado, they try to convince Jennifer to hire someone so she can scoot on up to Rocky Mountain National Park to paint, paint, and paint some more. Use the gifts the Lord has given her. Peter returns, but when he explains his absence and adds, “it’s complicated,” Jenny’s left to wonder if their love will survive their lack of communication skills. Or will they learn communication comes in more forms than talking to each other? As with all the adventures that include the Early Birds, you’re sure to have a grand time on the road with the ladies. And Peter won’t disappoint you either. You will fall in love with him too. Rose says, “He’s a keeper.”
Blessing Birds book cover
#4

Blessing Birds

2018

Before the Early Birds leave Florida, on their trek up the East Coast, Rose shares another idea with her friends on how to help humanity. They love it, but the concept needs a little fine tuning. One thing is for sure, they’re not letting Rosie out of their sight. The rest of the trip. When they do, she’s liable to do something to alert more than the media. Buckle up for more merriment and mayhem from all of the Early Birds.
It's a Mystery...Birds book cover
#5

It's a Mystery...Birds

Mystery and Mayhem Travels Along

2021

When Betsy Stevenson signed up for the writer’s conference, she thought she’d see her Houston friends and learn more about the craft of writing. However, rain, canceled flights, and a chance meeting with Dillon McCloud (a mystery writer and keynote speaker) turns her life into a back-to-back adventure. And the mayhem has to include Rose Wilford, Betsy’s bestest friend in all the world. Especially since she ‘happens’ to show up at the writer’s conference, and she isn’t a writer. While she’s there – Rosie invites Dillon to join them on a girl’s trip in her RV. The famous writer accepts. Monday morning, they’re on the road. And they are no more than fifty-five miles when suspense and intrigue come knocking at the RV door. Not to mention seeing lingerie where you’d never expect to find undergarments. It’s a mystery, for sure. Follow the Early Birds, plus one, on a journey where snooping around leads them to more than clues. It may even include a little matchmaking amid criminal activity. Is there actually a crime, or is it all a marketing ploy for the mystery author to sell her latest novel?

Author

Janetta Fudge
Janetta Fudge
Author · 7 books
Janetta Fudge-Messmer is an inspirational author, editor and speaker. Her Early Birds series (Early Birds, Southbound Birds, Girly Birds, and Blessing Birds) are Christian Comedies. They're fun reads and might make you want to hit the road in your own RV after you read them. Her novel, Chords of Love, is a Christian Historical Romance set in Central City, CO. In her latest book, Pigtails and a Tool Belt, comedy and romance are once again at work. Along with writing, Janetta also speaks at seminars, helping others to “Tell Your Story”. Janetta, her husband Ray, and precious pooch Maggie, are full-time RVers. Writing and travelling go hand in hand as they see the USA in their Winnebago.
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