Rating:  Summary: Simply loved it! Review: Rarely while reading a book do I find myself laughing out loud at a situation or character. But Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind was an exception. Miss Julia is a gem among rough hewn stones. This is an enjoyable easy read and a welcome diversion at the end of a long day. I've passed the book along to 4 other friends, so far, who have all enjoyed the book as much as I did. I look forward to Ann B. Ross' next Miss Julia book.
Rating:  Summary: I couldn't sleep a wink last night... Review: 'cuz I was sooooo busy reading this wonderful book. I felt like I was right there alongside Miss Julia during her self discovery moments and escapades through Abbotsville, NC. I could feel myself "cheering her on" to sass those men in her town who felt superior to their women. A recent widow, she grew more confident in her desire to be in charge of herself and not be "run" by any man! The book was delightful in its presentations of small southern town. Having just returned from North Carolina, I recognized the highways that Miss Julia was driving during her great "getaway" scene. This is a MUST READ if you have also enjoyed stories such as FRIED GREEN TOMATOES. Enjoy!!!
Rating:  Summary: What a precious book. Review: I just received this book yesterday and finished it last night. I loved it. Miss Julia is my kind of person. Her husband dies, and the real Julia steps forward. For 40 some odd years she acted the way her husband thought she should act only to find out that he was the one with the secret life. With his death, she is liberated and she is hilarious. Please read this book - it is very refreshing.
Rating:  Summary: excellent characters! Review: I love novels based in the south and this is another to add to the many great "southern" fictional novels. The characters were vivid and believable. The humor was subtle yet refreshingly creative. I loved this booK!
Rating:  Summary: Miss Julia -- A Spunky Lady Review: It sure didn't Ann Ross long to let you see that Miss Julia's true personality had been suppressed for all the years of her marriage. She is a delightfully strong woman who was very capable of taking care of sticky situations, even though many of them tend to get her flustered at first. The characters who surround Miss Julia are beautifully blended and woven into the story. It is fun to see her change from a Southern fine lady, always taken care of, never having to deal with uncomfortable matters to this woman who will take on the devil, himself, if necessary. Miss Julia may not have changed Abbottsville, but she sure gave it a kick in the pants. I found her delightful. Thumbs up for Miss Julia!
Rating:  Summary: You go, Miss Julia! Review: Julia Springer is a widow in her late 60's who has recently buried her husband, Wesley Lloyd Springer, a pillar of their small North Carolina community and leader in their church. Julia is learning to handle the money her late husband inadvertently left her and just beginning to start thinking for herself after 44 years under Wesley's thumb. She is thrown for a complete loop when her doorbell rings one day and there stands Hazel Marie Puckett, claiming to be the dour and humorless Wesley's long-time mistress. It's all Julia can do to remain conscious when Hazel Marie, daughter of a ne'er-do-well family from the wrong side of town, thrusts a 9-year-old boy over the threshhold, introduces him as the only child of the late Wesley Springer, and implores Julia to take care of him while Hazel Marie attends beauty school in Raleigh.Someone apparently thinks either Hazel Marie or her son has something they want, and Julia endures the indignities of harassment and home burglary until the child, with whom she has unwittingly bonded, is kidnapped. The story is alternately charming, witty, and bittersweet as Miss Julia forms an unlikely alliance with the blowsy Hazel Marie, recruits her faithful housekeeper Lillian for a rescue mission, and drives the getaway car as they storm Spartanburg, South Carolina, to take back the child. Miss Julia hasn't driven much in years, is terrified of the Interstate, and can't see at night, all of which makes the rescue scene hysterically funny. Once the child is safe and it looks as though Miss Julia and Lillian will escape a jail sentence for their escapade, an anomaly with the late, not much lamented Wesley's Will arises and Miss Julia will discover what she is made of. This is a funny, heartwarming novel which is highly recommended no matter what your age or gender.
Rating:  Summary: A must read! Review: Ann B. Ross has captured the essence of the South in this delightfully humorous and poignant novel. For us who grew up in the South, you will "know" the characters as people who lived in your home town. With conversational style, Ross includes old Southern expressions that I have long been teased about using: "not worth a hill of beans," "It's coming up a cloud." Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind is an easy, entertaining read. Enjoy!
Rating:  Summary: Enchanting Slice of Southern Fiction Review: Recently widowed and learning to cope, Miss Julia is not only adjusting but - maybe? - enjoying a bit of autonomy. Until surprised by her late husband's mistress who deposits a half-grown son on her doorstep, at which point her carefully structured life moves into the twilight zone. Miss Julia is thoughtful and calculated and naive and truly is learning to speak her mind. Some of the scenes are pure slapstick, some poignant and pathetic. Along the way, Miss Julia finds friendship and support in unsuspecting places - and betrayal where least expected. This is a charming, multi-generational slice of Southern fiction, with well developed characters and a setting to dwell in.
Rating:  Summary: A southern delight Review: Poor Miss Julia, not only has her husband died, but soon after a child is left on her doorstep. After living a life seemingly beyond reproof, Miss Julia discovers that her deceased spouse has sired a son. A puny, not much spunk son at that. Miss Julia is determined that she will do the right thing by the child, even though she has no children of her own, and finds them a bit bewildering. It's time she started thinking for herself. Aided by her lawyer and housekeeper, Miss Julia undertakes to untangle the mess her husband has left behind. What she doesn't see coming is the mad dash for her husband's money, and the lengths even the most respectable people will go to to try to get their hooks into that big chunk of change. Nor does she see how Little Lloyd or his mother will fit into her settled, respectable life. A wonderful characterization of life in a small southern town.
Rating:  Summary: Miss Julia, what a woman Review: Ms. Ross does a fine job developing Miss Julia's character and those who surround her in this funny and easy to read book. Miss Julia is a woman I would love to meet. I look forward to the next Miss Julia saga.
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