Is there a book you'd really love for me to read on the Sleepy Bookshelf?

Well you can go to our website, sleepybookshelf.com, to submit your ideas and vote on upcoming books.

Good evening and welcome to the Sleepy Bookshelf, where we put down our worries from the day and pick up a good book.

I'm Elizabeth, your host. It is a pleasure to have you here with me.

Tonight we are continuing with the child woman's daughter. But first, close

your eyes, let your body relax and breathe softly.

As you breathe, envision the air like a gentle stream flowing through you.

Whisper to yourself, I'm inhaling, I'm exhaling, and allow any wandering thoughts to drift away with each breath.

Sense the weight of your body, sinking into the mattress beneath you, letting it cradle

and support you.

Embrace this moment of stillness, knowing you deserve this time of peace and restoration.

Allow yourself to focus on the sound of my voice, ready to drift into a restful sleep.

After her mother left for work, Mary saw to the small tasks that needed completing in the room,

then decided to wear her white dress as the sun was shining.

Her mother made all her clothes and had included five tucks on this one.

Mary had freed the final tuck and the dress was still too short.

Her mother had promised to make her a false hem,

and she wished she had it now, so she had reason to hold her skirts up like a lady.

She decided on a thin piece of black velvet to put around her neck, instead of one of her four beaded necklaces,

and her straw hat with the black velvet band.

Today she wandered past all the smiling faces in the sunny city, out to the farthest

edges of the Phoenix Park, among the rolling fields and wildlife.

...