author_d_r_oestreicher's review
4.0
In Miss Julia book 1 of 22, Miss Julia's husband dies. Miss Julia was an obedient, sheltered, and childless wife. After 44 years of marriage, she knew nothing about family finances; she didn’t even know how to write a check. Her husband left a sizeable fortune and a child with his mistress Hazel Marie Puckett. Pastor Ledbetter wanted to assume guardianship of Julia and use her money to expand his church. Brother Vern Puckett wanted to do something similar with Hazel Marie to take control of her presumed inheritance. Apparently-weak women preyed on by paternalistic men.
If you like to see nice women win, this is the book for you.
For my expanded notes: https://1book42day.blogspot.com/2020/10/miss-julia-speaks-her-mind-by-ann-b-ross.html
Check out https://amazon.com/shop/influencer-20171115075 for book recommendations.
If you like to see nice women win, this is the book for you.
For my expanded notes: https://1book42day.blogspot.com/2020/10/miss-julia-speaks-her-mind-by-ann-b-ross.html
Check out https://amazon.com/shop/influencer-20171115075 for book recommendations.
msalane's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
adrienneambo's review against another edition
4.0
Heard lots of good things about series. Reminds me of Fannie Flagg and Janet Evanovich combined. Laugh out loud funny and homespun charm. Sixty something Julia discovers her recently deceased husband Wesley was not the pillar of the community he seemed to project. Comic twists and turns set Julia on the right course for the second part of her life.
ashleyjean6's review against another edition
2.0
Not sure how to describe this book. I can see how the light easy writing, and "funny" stereotypes might be some people's cup of tea. It just really hit wrong for me.
It addresses topics such as religious obedience and patriarchy, emotional and physical abuse, and racism with too much frivolity. It was cringe worthy in 2023. These are subjects that are serious and horrible. They shouldn't be an acceptable norm that women grin and bear and laugh about.
The book isn't condoning any of the issues above, indeed the opposite. But in a jokey way that still gives way too much power to the guilty parties and systems.
Not my thing.
It addresses topics such as religious obedience and patriarchy, emotional and physical abuse, and racism with too much frivolity. It was cringe worthy in 2023. These are subjects that are serious and horrible. They shouldn't be an acceptable norm that women grin and bear and laugh about.
The book isn't condoning any of the issues above, indeed the opposite. But in a jokey way that still gives way too much power to the guilty parties and systems.
Not my thing.
llkendrick's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this book. It captured me right at the beginning and held my interest all day as I read it! I just love novels set in the South, especially when the women are sassy, and I also enjoyed the mystery of this book. It looks like this book is the beginning of a series and I want to continue reading it, which is rare for me! I would recommend this book to anyone.
tobyyy's review against another edition
4.0
A little bit of family drama, a little bit of mystery, a little bit of Southern charm, all mixed up into a book that was definitely good “nightmare antidote” this past week or so.
indyfoodgal2023's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
k5tog's review against another edition
3.0
This book had the flavor of some of the other small town series that I read and loved: the Fairacre books by Miss Read, the Mitford Years by Jan Karon, or any of Lucy Maud Montgomery books. However, there was more of an edge to this novel - adultery, abuse, minister behaving badly, etc. I may read the next one in the series to see if the characters grow on me.
kfedwards88's review against another edition
3.0
Miss Julia is a fun protagonist, realizing her new identity when her husband unexpectedly dies. She's just getting used to the idea, when her late husband's mistress and their love child appear on her doorstep. Hijinks and intrigue ensue. I found her pastor's money-grubbing a little too extreme to be believable --- that entire storyline was a bit offputting and an odd fit for the character, so I give the story 3 stars. It's a fun light read. I'll be adding Ann B. Ross to my list of authors to pick up when I need a break from heavier things.