In this collection of historical narratives entitled Ruffles & Rifles: Portraits of Patriot Women 1765-1783, poet Lori Rosenlof Drake pays tribute to the courageous women who participated in the American Revolution. "His stories" have been told many times but "Her Stories" are less well known, so Drake highlights heroic Patriots in petticoats and freedom fighters in men's clothing who helped create a new nation. The rhymed verses focus on the "female Paul Revere," the frontierswoman Nancy Hart and the fearless Betty Zane and a few well-known Patriot women like Abigail Adams, Betsy Ross and Martha Washington. Using pens, spinning wheels, rifles and sheer determination, these heroines come alive on the page as America celebrates its 250th anniversary."Ruffles and Rifles is not only a timely poetry chapbook showcasing portraits of patriotic women, but a narrative exploration of the historical importance of women during The American Revolution. From Abigail Adams to Betsy Ross, these women fearlessly stitched their place in history. Drake gives these women a voice and their songs will continue to sing for years to come."-CHRISTINA RUOTOLO, author of Digging Through the Bones"You hold in your hand a remarkably unique revelation telling true stories of women whose conviction, grit, and resolve led to the founding of a country built for freedom and individual liberty in 1776. Lori Drake's direct, compelling verse reveals many previously unsung stories of revolutionary women, acting at a pivotable point in history against tyranny, giving their descendants a heritage of a free country governed by We, the people."-GABRIEL VAIL BLAND DAVENPORT, Benjamin May Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution"Lori Rosenlof Drake's rhyming poems bring to life both famous and often-overlooked women of the American Revolution. History lovers of all ages will want this engaging collection of poems, notes and references on their shelves."-SHEILA TURNAGE, New York Times Bestselling Author
