Hello, friends! In today's newsletter we share with you some history highlights on two larger-than-life characters: Mark Twain and Sophie Tucker! Learn about these two outspoken, wildly entertaining individuals AND enjoy a bonus musical treat as well.

THIS WEEKEND'S FREE eBOOK: "Mark Twain and the Mississippi River"

Did you know that this icon of American literature was once a riverboat pilot on the Mississippi River? His adventures growing up and working on the river shaped his writings and helped create many of his wonderfully colorful characters. Enjoy a free download of this eBook this weekend only, January 14 & 15. And if you don't mind, please leave a review on Amazon for this or any of our History Highlights eBooks. Your review can help us to reach more people with our history books. Thank you!

​---CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE KINDLE eBOOK---​

"Well-behaved women seldom make history." -- Pulitzer Prize winning historian Laurel Thatcher Ulrich.

Yesterday, January 13 was the birthdate of Sophie Tucker: international star, comedian, actress, singer, radio and television personality, and one of the most unique entertainers of all time.

"Sophie Tucker: The Last of the Red-Hot Mamas" In this 22-minute program, Laura shares the fascinating life story of this legendary performer known for her comical and risqué songs, her unabashed straight-forward performing style, and her exceptional generosity. Her diverse career started in vaudeville and burlesques shows in 1907 and evolved into an extraordinary success story including radio, television, movies and sold-out performances around the world. This was the woman who greeted George V, in her 1934 Royal Command performance, with the greeting "Hi-ya King!" Learn her story from humble beginnings as a Jewish immigrant at the turn of the century to international stardom. Laura closes the presentation with a performance of the song "Last of the Red-Hot Mamas" that was a hit for Sophie in the 1920s. This program is FREE this week (January 14-20).

​--- CLICK HERE TO ENJOY THE FREE PRESENTATION ---​

ENJOY A BONUS MUSICAL PROGRAM: "SONGS AND SASS WITH A RED-HOT MAMA!" And just in case you can't get enough of this kind of sassy fun, here's a musical performance from Laura and Bill that is one of the offerings included in our complete Lower Mississippi River Virtual Cruise. This show includes cheeky one-liners and playful songs from history-making women like Sophie Tucker, Mae West, Bette Midler and more!

​---CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THIS FREE 35-MINUTE SHOW---​

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As always, please share our programs with all your friends and family. We hope you enjoy the free eBook, presentation, and performance.

Sending warm wishes,

Laura & Bill