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The Lady
South Georgia, 1956.
When sixteen-year-old Quincy Bruce goes to live with her Aunt Addy, she has no idea that what happened thirteen years earlier in wartime London can destroy her future. Her parents have gone to Africa as missionaries, leaving Quincy with her free-spirited and lively aunt, a war widow, and the only person who supports Quincy's ambition to become a musician. When another aunt accuses Addy of having been the inspiration for the adulterous woman in Nathan Waterstone's infamous wartime novel, The Lady, Quincy vows to prove her wrong. As Quincy settles into her new life with Addy, she sets about unraveling the secrets of Addy's life, and of Nathan's, in an effort to discover the true identity of the Lady. When she makes a discovery of a different type, Quincy's dreams of becoming a pianist come crashing down.
When sixteen-year-old Quincy Bruce goes to live with her Aunt Addy, she has no idea that what happened thirteen years earlier in wartime London can destroy her future. Her parents have gone to Africa as missionaries, leaving Quincy with her free-spirited and lively aunt, a war widow, and the only person who supports Quincy's ambition to become a musician. When another aunt accuses Addy of having been the inspiration for the adulterous woman in Nathan Waterstone's infamous wartime novel, The Lady, Quincy vows to prove her wrong. As Quincy settles into her new life with Addy, she sets about unraveling the secrets of Addy's life, and of Nathan's, in an effort to discover the true identity of the Lady. When she makes a discovery of a different type, Quincy's dreams of becoming a pianist come crashing down.
330 pages, Paperback
First published March 20, 2012
229 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
March 15, 2018
I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down.
The book takes place in 1956 in southern Georgia, land of extreme heat, extreme prejudice, extreme religion.
Quincy Bruce is 16 years old when her minister father and mother leave for Africa to be missionaries. Quincy is left behind to live with her Aunt Addy (thankfully not her aunt Mildred who was wound so tight it's unbelievable she didn't just spring up into Heaven). Addy is wonderful. She loves that Quincy's dream is to become a concert pianist, as opposed to her father and Aunt Mildred, who want her to forget her dreams and be a secretary like all good girls. To top it off, Addy has the money and the connections to help make her dream come true.
Addy's life is somewhat of a mystery. Where did all her money come from? What is the truth behind her relationship with the late author, Nathan Waterstone, for whom he typed manuscripts while living in London. At that time she was a married woman whose husband was serving in the war and it was a stroke of luck that she met Waterstone at all. She accepted is offer of a job typing after he accidentally knocked her down after slipping on some wet steps. Waterstone eventually wrote the hit novel "The Lady". Both returned to the U.S., Addy a war widow and Nathan determined to be a renowned novelist (he succeeded).
Addy returned to her native Georgia where people talked about her, especially her sister, the highfalutin' Mildred. When The Lady became a hit, gossip about whether or not Addy was the lady of the book fame (the book was about an extramarital affair).
This book is about young Quincy's desire to find out the truth about her beloved Aunt Addy, her inherent talent with the pano, a crush on her teacher (for whom she is writing a paper based on her research into Nathan Waterstone, using her relationship with her Aunt Addy for inside info).
Add into this mix a handsome Minister, his dying wife, and their connection with Addy back in London also.
Well written and gripping, you will root for Quincy, fall in love with Quincy's wonderful teacher, and worry that the best character of all, Addy, really is the tainted lady of the novel.
I absolutely hated it when the book ended. I'd love to see a sequel.
The book takes place in 1956 in southern Georgia, land of extreme heat, extreme prejudice, extreme religion.
Quincy Bruce is 16 years old when her minister father and mother leave for Africa to be missionaries. Quincy is left behind to live with her Aunt Addy (thankfully not her aunt Mildred who was wound so tight it's unbelievable she didn't just spring up into Heaven). Addy is wonderful. She loves that Quincy's dream is to become a concert pianist, as opposed to her father and Aunt Mildred, who want her to forget her dreams and be a secretary like all good girls. To top it off, Addy has the money and the connections to help make her dream come true.
Addy's life is somewhat of a mystery. Where did all her money come from? What is the truth behind her relationship with the late author, Nathan Waterstone, for whom he typed manuscripts while living in London. At that time she was a married woman whose husband was serving in the war and it was a stroke of luck that she met Waterstone at all. She accepted is offer of a job typing after he accidentally knocked her down after slipping on some wet steps. Waterstone eventually wrote the hit novel "The Lady". Both returned to the U.S., Addy a war widow and Nathan determined to be a renowned novelist (he succeeded).
Addy returned to her native Georgia where people talked about her, especially her sister, the highfalutin' Mildred. When The Lady became a hit, gossip about whether or not Addy was the lady of the book fame (the book was about an extramarital affair).
This book is about young Quincy's desire to find out the truth about her beloved Aunt Addy, her inherent talent with the pano, a crush on her teacher (for whom she is writing a paper based on her research into Nathan Waterstone, using her relationship with her Aunt Addy for inside info).
Add into this mix a handsome Minister, his dying wife, and their connection with Addy back in London also.
Well written and gripping, you will root for Quincy, fall in love with Quincy's wonderful teacher, and worry that the best character of all, Addy, really is the tainted lady of the novel.
I absolutely hated it when the book ended. I'd love to see a sequel.
September 23, 2018
This was a great read that at times reminded me of To Kill a Mockingbird because of the Southern setting and the narrator's naiveté. And also because of the writing style, straightforward and yet layered. Quincy is a very believable teenager, so often self-centered and unaware of the deeper implications of what she's hearing or seeing.
If this novel had a weak point for me it was the ending, which seemed a little too eager to wrap everything up nicely. There were a few editorial misses here and there, but that didn't detract from what for me was a fine piece of writing.
If this novel had a weak point for me it was the ending, which seemed a little too eager to wrap everything up nicely. There were a few editorial misses here and there, but that didn't detract from what for me was a fine piece of writing.
January 1, 2016
I thought this book was brilliant. The plot was so unique, and I really liked the main character Quincy. This was great historical fiction with a mystery involved too, as well as the human interest element. I wish there were a whole lot more of her books to read. This may just be one of my books of the year.
September 12, 2018
3.5 stars
Pretty good, a bit predictable but wrapped in a good story. Characters are well drawn even if time period not completely immersive. I enjoyed this and will look for more from this author.
Pretty good, a bit predictable but wrapped in a good story. Characters are well drawn even if time period not completely immersive. I enjoyed this and will look for more from this author.
July 12, 2015
The Lady!
This book captivated me just by the cover and synopsis alone, and I just had to discover like Quincy who she (the lady) was. I was not disappointed and who could have predicted that ending?. I read it in two days and I want more, I look forward to reading more from this author.
This book captivated me just by the cover and synopsis alone, and I just had to discover like Quincy who she (the lady) was. I was not disappointed and who could have predicted that ending?. I read it in two days and I want more, I look forward to reading more from this author.
July 15, 2015
This was a really enjoyable book. Set in Georgia, home for me, added to my enjoyment. I liked the characters, the mystery, and the resolution. Great Kindle freebie!
April 2, 2018
Beautiful story of love that holds many surprises
I could barely stop reading this book once I started. A large part was I'd forgotten what it's like to be a 16 year old girl. Quincy grew up in a fundamentalist Baptist Church where her father was the minister. I grew up in a family much like Quincy's. We went to a Baptist Church. I've said many times I'm a recovering Baptist. Fear of going to Hell, and the damnation that faced sinners frightened us into Salvation.
Growing up in that environment made Quincy feel conflicted about the sins she thought people she dearly loved had committed. Her search for what she thought was the truth led her down a path of heartache and disappointment. The truth Is amazing, and its what makes this book spellbinding. The simple truth is none of us is without sin, and love is the most important thing in life.
I could barely stop reading this book once I started. A large part was I'd forgotten what it's like to be a 16 year old girl. Quincy grew up in a fundamentalist Baptist Church where her father was the minister. I grew up in a family much like Quincy's. We went to a Baptist Church. I've said many times I'm a recovering Baptist. Fear of going to Hell, and the damnation that faced sinners frightened us into Salvation.
Growing up in that environment made Quincy feel conflicted about the sins she thought people she dearly loved had committed. Her search for what she thought was the truth led her down a path of heartache and disappointment. The truth Is amazing, and its what makes this book spellbinding. The simple truth is none of us is without sin, and love is the most important thing in life.
April 30, 2018
I know it has been a good book when a few days after finishing it I am missing the characters. The author has created very engaging characters, and a story line that keeps you reading. Finished it in a day and a half! The 1950's are realistically portrayed, with cultural references that make you smile if you lived through them. The protagonist, Quincy, exemplifies the emotional roller-coaster of adolescence, as well as the the complexity of a maturing intellect that discovers that life is seldom black and white. There is mystery that keeps you guessing, the satisfaction of goals pursued and reached, and downright pleasure in good writing. Definitely a must-read.
May 3, 2018
There are many things to like about this book, but a nearly equal list to not like.
This book seems almost entirely un-edited. Words run together, spacing is off, line breaks mis-placed. Is there something about the creation of ebooks that makes them up-editable once created?
I was disappointed with the ending. For a book so much about forgiveness and learning acceptance of others SO MUCH work had to be done to make sure in the end she was actually a good girl the whole time, so everything can be okay. It would’ve been just as okay and way more real if she had actually done anything worth forgiving.
April 12, 2018
The Lady was a great book and I look forward to reading more Judy Higgins books.
The Lady was intriguing from start to finish. Ending was some what of a surprise. I had decided that Nathan had a debilitating disease that had been kept secret and suspected Addy had played a large part in the writing of his books, but was surprised she had actually written most of them herself. Book was definitely a good read and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading novels full of suspense and intrigue.
The Lady was intriguing from start to finish. Ending was some what of a surprise. I had decided that Nathan had a debilitating disease that had been kept secret and suspected Addy had played a large part in the writing of his books, but was surprised she had actually written most of them herself. Book was definitely a good read and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading novels full of suspense and intrigue.
April 20, 2018
Good read
This was a good read. My only issue is that the editing is terrible. I am guessing that if I read the actual book it would not have been this way. It is very difficult to read a book and have space, and grammar errors. Even with these things the story was very well told and gives a few twists I didn't even figure out!
This was a good read. My only issue is that the editing is terrible. I am guessing that if I read the actual book it would not have been this way. It is very difficult to read a book and have space, and grammar errors. Even with these things the story was very well told and gives a few twists I didn't even figure out!
September 18, 2017
The Lady, A Novel by Judy Higgins
I had not heard of Judy Higgins before reading The Lady, and was happily surprised at how riveting it was. I couldn't put it down. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
I had not heard of Judy Higgins before reading The Lady, and was happily surprised at how riveting it was. I couldn't put it down. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
March 9, 2018
Great story with love lost and found, and encouragement of life goals.
Love lost and found and the sins presented without vulgarity! Lessons learned and the best ending that makes you glad you spent time reading!
Love lost and found and the sins presented without vulgarity! Lessons learned and the best ending that makes you glad you spent time reading!
March 24, 2018
Couldn't read
I was looking forward to reading this book, but it was improperly formatted. After two or three pages I was developing a headache trying to sort the words apart and have up.
I was looking forward to reading this book, but it was improperly formatted. After two or three pages I was developing a headache trying to sort the words apart and have up.
March 28, 2018
Excellent
This book kept me reading until my neck hurt and I was nearly blind. Great surprise ending. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more of Ms Higgins work.
This book kept me reading until my neck hurt and I was nearly blind. Great surprise ending. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more of Ms Higgins work.
May 8, 2018
A really good book. A tale that held my interest from beginning to end. I think that many otherwise good books have endings that are just “closeouts”, but the ending of ‘The Lady’ is a well written continuation of the story. I enjoyed this book, and hope to read more by this author.
March 11, 2018
Very good story
This was a truly good book. A little mystery, a little romance, and relatable to our struggles about what is right or wrong and how we justify our decisions.
This was a truly good book. A little mystery, a little romance, and relatable to our struggles about what is right or wrong and how we justify our decisions.
March 13, 2018
To many editing mistakes
March 16, 2018
The Lady Has Some Surprises
At first the reader believes the plot is predictable and the outcome easily guessed. That turns out to be vastly incorrect.
At first the reader believes the plot is predictable and the outcome easily guessed. That turns out to be vastly incorrect.
March 24, 2018
An interesting, well written book and a good look at attitudes from the 1950s.
April 2, 2018
I didn’t figure it out until the end
I didn’t figure it out until the end. I really liked the questions I asked myself trying to figure it out. It kept me hooked until the end.
I didn’t figure it out until the end. I really liked the questions I asked myself trying to figure it out. It kept me hooked until the end.
April 9, 2018
Intriguing
An intriguing book about secrets and lies, but the truth will set you free in the end, plus many life lesson on the way.
An intriguing book about secrets and lies, but the truth will set you free in the end, plus many life lesson on the way.
June 12, 2018
It was fine. Nothing too special. Main character is a little annoying but I guess that’s to be expected from a 16 year old.
December 18, 2019
Good book. It was a little slow to start but after a few pages it had me sucked in.
September 4, 2021
Interesting characters and plot. Easy to read but too long.
June 21, 2025
2.5 stars. Hidden secrets re: a controversial author in late 1950's in South Georgia.
January 5, 2014
Title: The Lady
Author: Judy Higgins
Genre: Coming of Age*
Story Takes Place: 1943; 1956; 2000
Published By: GossArt (October 16, 2013)
Pages: 332
ASIN: B00FYY34AA
"An interesting read with some compelling answers that will appeal to a cross-section of people in the same way that 'The Help' personalized the struggles of black maids in 1960's Mississippi."
--ABNA Expert Reviewer.
“Quincy is an engaging protagonist, part young woman, part immature girl, who is at once trying to forge a future for herself while seeking to uncover hidden details about the past. Racial divides and small-town prejudices add depth to this uniquely crafted novel with expert plotting and effortless pacing.”
— ABNA Publishers Weekly Reviewer.
About the Author: Judy Higgins grew up in South Georgia. She enjoyed playing baseball, reading and taking piano lessons. She raised chickens and sold eggs to her community to pay for those lessons.
Judy attended both Mercer University, in Macon, and Baylor University in Waco, Texas where in Baylor she received her Bachelor of Arts in German Literature. She also received a masters in German Literature from the University of Michigan. Once graduated, she taught German for a couple years and then decided to pursue further education. She did a Masters of Art in Library Science at Kutztown University in Pennsylvania. Somewhere between all this wonderful pursuit of learning, Judy had two children.
Judy, only recently returned from Qatar where she had taken an eight year post as Head of Library with the Learning Center School of Qatar Foundation. She is now back living in the U.S. residing in Kentucky.
About the Story: Sixteen year old Quincy had a dream to be a concert pianist, but came from a poor family who could not afford piano lessons. When her father and mother decide to do missionary work in Africa, she could not go with them. She could stay with either one of her two aunts, Aunt Mildred or Aunt Addy. Luckily her mother insisted she stay with Aunt Addy, who had the means to support Quincy.
In the process of understanding who she was, and learning how to be a better piano player, she was also learning about how much she loved her Aunt Addy and how glad she was that she hadn’t had to stay with Aunt Mildred. Quincy discovers that decisions made can direct the rest of a person’s life.
My Thoughts: I have never been to South Georgia except this once when Judy Higgins took me there. Her description of the rural town where Quincy grew up and the slightly larger town where her Aunt Addy lived made me feel that I knew the place and the people. Her writing style is easy flowing and the story well-paced. From the first couple of pages she captured my attention. I particularly enjoyed that Quincy’s was telling the story in the novel. It is not that common to have a character narrate the story and can be a bit tricky. Judy pulled it off without a hitch! Judy, with her background of growing up in Georgia was able to touch on social issues of the time. We were able to see how the young people were influenced by the beliefs of older generations. When Quincy was learning the piano, it took me back to my lessons and how my instructor taught. Again Judy made me hear the music with her words alone, as if I were playing the piano. I highly recommend this book to young people and older. It is a book of inspiration and love in following your dreams. I hope it won’t be too long until she writes another book.
*A main characteristic of a coming-of age novel is that the protagonist will undergo experiences resulting in inner growth and development as a person. These experiences may involve the death of a loved one, a war, family turmoil or adventure. The goal of such experiences is to make the protagonist stronger and wiser. Another characteristic is that the protagonist is often young and naive at the beginning of the story, and the coming-of-age marks his transition into adulthood.
Author: Judy Higgins
Genre: Coming of Age*
Story Takes Place: 1943; 1956; 2000
Published By: GossArt (October 16, 2013)
Pages: 332
ASIN: B00FYY34AA
"An interesting read with some compelling answers that will appeal to a cross-section of people in the same way that 'The Help' personalized the struggles of black maids in 1960's Mississippi."
--ABNA Expert Reviewer.
“Quincy is an engaging protagonist, part young woman, part immature girl, who is at once trying to forge a future for herself while seeking to uncover hidden details about the past. Racial divides and small-town prejudices add depth to this uniquely crafted novel with expert plotting and effortless pacing.”
— ABNA Publishers Weekly Reviewer.
About the Author: Judy Higgins grew up in South Georgia. She enjoyed playing baseball, reading and taking piano lessons. She raised chickens and sold eggs to her community to pay for those lessons.
Judy attended both Mercer University, in Macon, and Baylor University in Waco, Texas where in Baylor she received her Bachelor of Arts in German Literature. She also received a masters in German Literature from the University of Michigan. Once graduated, she taught German for a couple years and then decided to pursue further education. She did a Masters of Art in Library Science at Kutztown University in Pennsylvania. Somewhere between all this wonderful pursuit of learning, Judy had two children.
Judy, only recently returned from Qatar where she had taken an eight year post as Head of Library with the Learning Center School of Qatar Foundation. She is now back living in the U.S. residing in Kentucky.
About the Story: Sixteen year old Quincy had a dream to be a concert pianist, but came from a poor family who could not afford piano lessons. When her father and mother decide to do missionary work in Africa, she could not go with them. She could stay with either one of her two aunts, Aunt Mildred or Aunt Addy. Luckily her mother insisted she stay with Aunt Addy, who had the means to support Quincy.
In the process of understanding who she was, and learning how to be a better piano player, she was also learning about how much she loved her Aunt Addy and how glad she was that she hadn’t had to stay with Aunt Mildred. Quincy discovers that decisions made can direct the rest of a person’s life.
My Thoughts: I have never been to South Georgia except this once when Judy Higgins took me there. Her description of the rural town where Quincy grew up and the slightly larger town where her Aunt Addy lived made me feel that I knew the place and the people. Her writing style is easy flowing and the story well-paced. From the first couple of pages she captured my attention. I particularly enjoyed that Quincy’s was telling the story in the novel. It is not that common to have a character narrate the story and can be a bit tricky. Judy pulled it off without a hitch! Judy, with her background of growing up in Georgia was able to touch on social issues of the time. We were able to see how the young people were influenced by the beliefs of older generations. When Quincy was learning the piano, it took me back to my lessons and how my instructor taught. Again Judy made me hear the music with her words alone, as if I were playing the piano. I highly recommend this book to young people and older. It is a book of inspiration and love in following your dreams. I hope it won’t be too long until she writes another book.
*A main characteristic of a coming-of age novel is that the protagonist will undergo experiences resulting in inner growth and development as a person. These experiences may involve the death of a loved one, a war, family turmoil or adventure. The goal of such experiences is to make the protagonist stronger and wiser. Another characteristic is that the protagonist is often young and naive at the beginning of the story, and the coming-of-age marks his transition into adulthood.
August 15, 2014
Although I rarely read young adult fiction, this novel is outstanding. The young protagonist is an aspiring concert pianist who idolizes her aunt. When Quincy's parents leave for a year to be missionaries in Africa, she is sent to live with her sophisticated, wealthy aunt. Quincy realizes there is much she does not know about her aunt but is determined to find out (who is 'the Lady' of a popular best selling book and what caused the death of its author). The setting is the deep South in the 1950s with racism, prejudice, small town gossip. I particularly found Quincy's descriptions of her piano lessons and piano playing very authentic which helped the tempo and mood of the book. Really nice by a first time author whom I knew before she had published anything, but whose writing sessions I attended years ago. Congratulations!
July 11, 2015
Started out as a 5 star for me but then flagged during the middle and turned into more of a common mystery than really nice literature. The first half has some really beautiful writing in it and introduces characters you really care for. But then in the middle, the characters become more of a plot device to run the story than the story themselves. I understand the point the author is trying to make, that everyone makes mistakes and the theme of forgiveness, I just missed the quality of writing and character development from the first half. It seemed as if it was a bit rushed to finish the story rather than taking its time. Overall, though, I would definitely recommend it and read this author again.
December 30, 2013
I'm a fan of reading about the 50's era South, which is why I picked up the book in the first place, and I'm glad I did. While there is not a lot of action, the mystery and secrets are so intriguing as they unravel in the novel. I highly recommend, because toward the end you won't be able to put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews