The Bad Behavior of Belle Cantrell

by Loraine Despres

Belle Cantrell felt guilty about killing her husband and she hated that. Feeling guilty, that is. A lady shouldn't do something she's going to feel guilty about later was a rule Belle kept firmly in mind. Welcome to the world of beautiful, irrepressible Belle Cantrell, years before she becomes grandmother to Sissy LeBlanc of Loraine Despres' bestselling The Scandalous Summer of Sissy LeBlanc . It is 1920, prohibition is in full swing, women are clamoring for the vote -- and in the little town of Gentry, Louisiana, narrow-minded intolerance is on the rise. Sent to jail for swimming in an indecent bathing costume with a group of suffragists, Belle Cantrell knows her behavior broke the rules. But sometimes -- most of the time -- she has to twist the rules a little, because they all say the same "Don't." A sexy, sassy story of murder, adultery, romance, bigotry, and regular church attendance, with laugh-out-loud humor and a cast of zany, endearing characters you won't forget, The Bad Behavior of Belle Cantrell is a big comic love story . . . and much more.

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Historical Fiction, Southern, Historical, Book Club, Romance

352 pages, Paperback

First published September 27, 2005

About the author

Loraine Despres is a best-selling novelist and screenwriter. Her first novel, the rollicking Southern love story, The Scandalous Summer of Sissy LeBlanc, was a Barnes and Noble Discover Great New Writers Pick, a Literary Guild and Doubleday Book Club featured selection. It became a national best-seller and is now in its 25th printing. It begins: “When you get to be a certain age, you realize that the only thing you have time for is doing exactly what you want.”
It engendered The Southern Belle’s Handbook, Sissy Leblanc’s Rules to Live By, which includes all Sissy’s rules such as, “It’s okay for a woman to know her place, she just shouldn’t stay there.”
Her next novel, The Bad Behavior of Belle Cantrell, about intolerance and love, is set in 1920, when prohibition was in full swing, women were clamoring for the vote, and the Ku Klux Klan was sweeping the country as a money-making pyramid scheme. It begins: “Belle Cantrell felt guilty about killing her husband, and she hated that. Feeling guilty, that is.” It was the main book selection for all the chapters of the Pulpwood Queens, the largest book club in America with over 280 chapters.
During her screenwriting days, Loraine wrote many screenplays, pilots, and MOWS. Her produced episodes include those for The Highlander, The Equalizer, Crime Story, Chips, Family, Knots Landing, Dynasty, The Walton’s, and Love Boat, but she is best remembered for writing that cultural icon the “Who Shot J.R.?” episode of Dallas.
She taught screenwriting at UCLA for seven years and worked as an International Screenwriting Consultant in Germany, Sweden, Spain, and Canada. Loraine served on the Boards of Directors of PEN USA and Women In Film. She can be reached through her website www.LoraineDespres.com.

Reviews

[MissSusie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first line of this book hooked me-Belle Cantrell felt guilty about killing her husband and she hated that. Feeling guilty, that is. A lady shouldn't do something she's going to feel guilty about later, was a rule Belle kept firmly in mind.And so begins your introduction to Belle Cantrell's Southern Woman's Primmer of Propriety which Belle teacches but doesn't always follow.It is set in the 1920's with prohibition in full swing and women are fighting for their right to vote.Its about a young widow living in the south and her struggle between independence and southern propriety.
This book is very well written and will make you giggle!
This is one of my favorites and am soo sad to see i am the only one with this in my collection!Find this book and Enjoy it!

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This takes place in Gentry,LA during the time of prohibition and suffrage. The author, Loraine Despres, is from Amite, LA. I picked it up because the author also wrote "the Southern Belle's Handbook" which I thought I had read and enjoyed. Turns out I got the Handbook confused with "A Southern Belle Primer" by Maryln Schwartz. I really tried to like this book, but it just didn't click with me. Belle is a 33 year old widow living with her mother in law on their plantation/farm. She is mother to a 17 year old girl. Belle has to confront: the clan, adultery, bigotry, murder and romance. The book jacket promised laugh-out-loud humor. Not so much. The only line that made me laugh was when Bourree (overseer of the plantation) was trying to get somebody to join the Klan. "It's your patriotic duty to join the Klan!" "Oh, hell," said Jake, "If I'd wanted to be patriotic, I wouldn't slip into a white dress like some damn fool and parade around nigger neighborhoods starting fires. If I'd wanted to be a real patriot, I'd quit making moonshine." BTW, Bourree is a card game, not a proper name. She should have named the overseer Boudreaux.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ Move over Blanche Dubois, there’s a new southern belle in town. At the same time charming and serious, Despres does a good job at marrying serious race themes into a story with humour. A disturbing Klan story that also celebrates women’s independence in an era of change in the South.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book about a Southern Belle during prohibition times who's husband was murdered. It does have some strong messages about prejudice and the lack of rights for women not even 100 years ago.
Made me grateful for the 'sufferagettes' and other women who sacrificed for the rights I totally take for granted.

Not too heavy reading, very enjoyable story.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though I didn't read it on vacation, it's that kind of book.
fun, easy, low key. interesting characters and a few "messages", but overall, well done.

[Kit★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was on my wishlist for years, ever since I read The Scandalous Summer of Sissy LeBlanc maybe like 5 or 6 years ago. So when I found a copy on one of my usual Goodwill ventures, I was psyched! And it was a brand-new looking hardback too. Even better as I'm a fool for a hardback, especially for books I plan on hanging on to. The time finally felt right to read this book, and I dove right in. I was hooked from that quirky beginning. I immediately liked Belle as a character, she was totally relatable, and made me laugh. I could feel for her when she was down too. I never stopped rooting for her, even when she did silly things. And I can say I'm damn sure glad that the women back then went through the things they did to ensure the equal treatment and the rights I have today. I wasn't expecting to really learn anything about that with this book, and was pleasantly surprised. I think it helped give the story even more depth and impact. In fact, it wasn't the only weighty issue in this story. And I loved it. I went in thinking it was going to be a light, fluffy romp with some comedy and mischief, but I came away feeling like I had seen a moment in time in a real small town, good and bad. I even liked Miss Effie by the end, when in the beginning I didn't like the old battle-ax at all. All the characters interested me though, the Rubinsteins and Rafe especially. Man, I would've hated being back then, everyone in town all up in my business about who I'm dating, who I'm hanging out with, telling me I can't have the most excellent farm manager in the county because of his race, telling me I can't date a guy who's a different religion, all up in my business if I get a damn haircut! Sheesh. Poor Belle, no wonder she wanted to be rebellious at times. I was interested in Claude too, I was actually sad he died so soon, I wanted to see more of him lol. But I liked Rafe, and I liked their relationship, how she kinda earned to live a little. Oh man, but Bouree, while it was intriguing to see him, he made me so mad! What an ass, I would've shot him probably. Even though I got frustrated at Belle's place in the time period, I still found it awesome to see the story set in this era. I can count the number of stories I've read in this time period probably on a finger or two, so I loved it. The emergence of the modern warring with the old-fashioned ways, the atmosphere of something new coming over the horizon... Even though technically I know the Depression was coming, I still could feel that excitement of a new day when the vote to ratify womens' voting was announced there at the party. It was also the small glimpses into the family life back then, seeing Cady and Nina dealing with teenage things that don't seem too different than nowadays (minus all the nonstop in-your-face social networking and crap). The family dinners, the work on the farm. It was good. The slower pace of things back then was nice too. I want to learn more about the era now, I have a craving to start looking stuff up. There was even some action towards the end, the showdown moment, with the townsfolk on both sides, the anger-inducing way the Rubinsteins were being treated... it kinda got my heart going, I was worried, lol. It was a good ending, even if it was sort of open ended and not necessarily the expected HEA. I have a craving to give Sissy LeBlanc a re-read now that I know Belle's story. I remember the basic outline of what happened, but all the fascinating little details have faded with time. Seriously thinking about digging it out and going for it, though I know I've got like 200 books on the ol' TBR mountain... So, we'll see. Really tempted though...
So glad I found this book. I'm really hoping the author comes out with another story of some sort, I really like the style, the way she gets me right into the characters and the town. Not necessarily even a story related to the other two, just a new story would be cool, I hope it happens one day :D

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not sure that this book would be accurately described as chick-lit but as I think women will enjoy it more than men I guess it works. I really enjoyed this book. The main character is interesting and spunky. This book has a little bit of everything from romance to dealing with social issues in the south at the beginning of the last century. I especially enjoyed the characters involvement in the women's suffragette movement. Definetely pick up this book if you have time.

[Andrea · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book tries to add slapstick triviality to a serious and horrible chapter of the history of the American south. The main character, Belle, is, I suppose, to be cunning and adorable but comes of as indignant and self-righteous.

I kept going thinking that the story would have some redeeming value but it does not. My advice: Abandon this book at all once.

[Georgette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually didn't think I'd like this book. It took me FOREVER to pick it up and start reading it because I was scared I'd hate it. It was actually a very easy read about a 33 year old woman during women's suffrage in the United States and her feelings and thoughts towards discrimination. Belle is not your typical southern woman in the 1920's. Pretty good book!

[Florence Csage · Rating 2 out of 5]

Guess I would rate this book as O.K. Takes place in the 1920 Era--women getting the right to vote and the Ku Klux Klan in the south. The main character, Belle's guilt over her husband's death and wanting to move on with her life. The main reason I finished the book was because a friend shared it with me and I wanted to tell her I did!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had me laughing out loud and gasping at the venomous racism of the KKK that the author unflinchingly tackles. Smart, impeccable historical women's fiction with a passionate romance and a great heroine.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not sure which book I enjoyed more... LOVED this book. But then again, I love stories of southern women

[Diane Sugars · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this book started out great! The beginning was funny and I immediately enjoyed the main character Belle. Then the book took a serious turn with the way of life of the ku klux klan in southern Louisiana during the time frame that this story took place. So the storyline became deeper and the characters more complex suddenly in the story. I felt that the story was very well written, I loved Belle’s strong beliefs, her courage and her humor. The ending of the story was fantastic and just right!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

My friend recommended I read The Scandalous Summer of Sissy LeBlanc, so I ordered it. I alerted her to this fact, so she alerted me that there was a prequel, The Bad Behavior of Belle Cantrell. I decided to read this first, even though it was written after the other novel, and I think I still stand by that decision. I'm NOT big on 'The South' (a Yankee through and through), but I appreciated the layers and interweaving. It also made me appreciate Sissy's story so much more.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

This book is just as great at The Scandalous Summer of Sissy Leblanc. The author absolutely made the characters just as wonderful as in that book. The story kept me interested the entire time!!

[Lindsay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Alright, not great. Some of the random characters had good lines that made me laugh. Really disliked the main antagonist, as is expected, but did not see why or how the main character was attracted to him. That made little sense to me.

[Sandy Montero · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a prequel to The Scandalous Summer of Sissy LeBlanc. I wish I would have read this first. It has a lot of the same characters and since I knew how they turned out later in life I felt a little cheated but I really enjoyed this and I recommend it.

[Maslela · Rating 2 out of 5]

It started off good but slowly the amateur dialogue and the simplistic descriptions got to me and so I tossed it by page 140. Between plowing through to find something to appreciate about it and using my precious time on another worthy book, I picked another book.

[Chelsea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Of all the things this book does right, it has a rape scene (woman says no, stop) where the woman ends up enjoying and appreciating it -- and I can't overlook this at all. I can't recommend a book that does not call rape what it is, or acts like a woman needs to be taken to realize she wanted it.

[Mahala Church · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bravo Belle who gave them hell!

[Theresa Lloyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good read

[Gaylon Holder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally enjoyed the book.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would actually give this 3 1/2 stars.

[Monique Olivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

It does speak lightly of a very dark subject but sometimes that's a great way to shine and remember dark times in an easier and approachable manner.

[Letty Owen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was OK. Just OK.

[Debbie Baeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hell’s Belle

Love this heroine with all her human emotions. My we all endeavor to be more like her: growing in love and acceptance.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Belle Cantrell is a delight. She is a woman born before her time though or maybe not. Belle is humorous, tough and has her own way of surviving being a woman in the 1920’s. The Southern Girls Guide to Men and Other Perils of Modern Life are Belle’s rules that she has made up and continues to make up as she goes through life.

Married at a young age because of becoming pregnant the surrounding community view Belle as somewhat wild. Widowed the day her husband comes home from the war Belle’s life changes dramatically. Thank goodness she has Luther, her black farm manager who is not only an employee but a friend. He and his wife were always there for Belle when she was younger and had problems at home. Town people do not accept her friendship with Luther or how well she treats the blacks in her employee. This is the deep South in the early 1920’s and trouble is brewing over this.

Belle is extremely independent and marches for woman’s rights. After Luther is beaten and run off she insists on taking up the bookkeeping for the farm. In order to do this, someone has to teach her how to do the books. Her best friend’s married brother is in town. Rafe has had many problems of his own since being in the war and coming home to a wife who has left him for another man. He offers to teach her. Another black mark for Belle in the eyes of the town. They begin to care for one another which goes against everything in The Guide to Men and Other Perils of Modern Life and everything Belle believes in.

Events begin to roll out of control. This is the time of the birth of the KKK and it has a strong following in Gentry Louisiana including the farm manager that Miss Effie, Belle’s mother-in-law, insisted that they hire after Luther left.

This book is a thoroughly enjoyable read. It is a great portrayal of a woman who does not want to accept the constraints of the times. She is modern, independent and a thinker all of which make life very difficult at times but also very humorous. It becomes so easy to see life from Belle’s perspective and definitely sympathize with some of the situations she gets herself into.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I was reading this book, I thought a lot about my grandmothers. My maternal great, great grandmother Minnie, was a flapper who ran a "boarding house for gentlemen", whatever that is, after she kicked her drunk of a husband out of the house and divorced him. I am told she wore red lipstick and smoked, and probably didn't give a hoot what anyone thought of her. Her daughter, my great grandmother, Ruth, worked three jobs after her husband died, leaving her alone to raise five children during the Depression. My grandmother, Lillian, would never put a bite of pancake in her mouth. She said she had enough flour and water pancakes during her childhood to last her. She told me a story once about slamming the door on the foot of a social worker who had come to her house to remove the children while my grandmother was watching her younger siblings. Apparently, a neighbor had called officials to complain that my great grandmother was not taking care of the kids.

I also thought about my paternal grandmother, Catherine, who had to quit school after eighth grade to work in a shoe factory. Her older brother went to work also, and her six younger siblings were raised in orphanages. Her father has also died during the Depression, and her mother was unable to keep the family toghether.

My point is, we all think the issues that face us today are new to our gender, but they aren't! Women have always fought an uphill battle in the face of adversity and ridicule from those who would delight in our failures. Thank God for our mothers who came before us to fight for the vote, civil rights and equal rights. And bless all those who were brave enough to cut their hair and wear indecent bathing suits.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always feel constricted by the 1-5 scale and would give this book a 3.5.

I thought this book was going to be sort of a trashy beach novel. (Large print editions don't always do a great job on the back cover-description...)

So, I'm at the beach and it was not a trashy novel that I was expecting (hoping?) for. However, it was a good, interesting, historical romance read. There was SO much to cover that I often wondered how Belle was able to just right some big moments off...but I think it's because the author moved through so many years of the young woman's life.

I was not expecting the historical commentary on the racial conditions of the time. I find it hard to read about the injustices of race inequality but it was treated in a matter-of-fact manner that was not as hard to read as some. And I appreciated Belle's stand on the subject and her repeated stand of social justices...how she sort of didn't think twice, just that they shouldn't exist. She didn't even need specific reasons, she just didn't think it was right.

But that is not the "meat" of the book; Belle's life whether you think it tragic, accomplished, etc. Belle is capable enough to get through it all. (and I *think* there's another book that she appears in and/or her daughter that is a character in this book is a character in) I actually would be inclined to read another Loraine Despres book.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to the abriged audiobook. Once again, I wished that I had the full text to hear. Throughout the book I was conscious that I must be missing things. Oh, well. I could always check out the book.

Belle Cantrell lives in the small Louisiana town of Gentry during the 1920's. Having lost her husband the very day he returns from WWI, Belle has to create a life for herself as a single woman. Though she lives with her southern matron mother-in-law and has raised her daughter to abide by the "Primer of Propriety", Belle is a decidedly unconventional woman.

Belle draws fire--or at least arch looks--from polite society due to her bad behavior: taking part in the movement for women's suffrage, being arrested wearing an "indecent" swimming suit, giving too much authority to her black foreman, and taking up with a married Jewish man.

The book touches on such topics as Prohibition, women's suffrage, racism, and the Ku Klux Klan. All of these things come to a head as the Gentry chapter of the Ku Klux Klan takes action, seeking both personal revenge as well as increased membership.

Not great literature, but basically entertaining.