Mom and Pop Hardware

<p><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(36 36 36 1)>In the summers and after school 10-year-old Bethy a/k/a Miss Nuisance sold nuts and bolts at her dad's bustling hardware store on Main Street in rural Kansas. That is unless she was selling nuts and bolts at the hardware store right next door. It was owned by her dad's biggest competitor Bethy's mother.</span></p><p></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(36 36 36 1)>Located in McPherson Kansas the side-by-side hardware stores set the stage for an unconventional childhood. Bethy's dad Gene could talk the hide off a cow and fix just about anything. Her mom Betty had a quiet strength that belied a tragic past.</span></p><p></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(36 36 36 1)>The cast of characters include Bethy's mischievous brother Ricky her offbeat Aunt Tootsie and her self-appointed wingman Authur. Even Doorknob the cat makes an appearance or two.</span></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(36 36 36 1)>In this coming-of-age story Bethy encounters personal challenges that test her character her family and her faith. Meanwhile both hardware stores face economic challenges that make their long-term survival a longshot.</span></p><p></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(36 36 36 1)>Through it all the good people of McPherson demonstrate their support and resilience but Bethy discovers that some outcomes are beyond her control.</span></p><p></p>