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Miss Julia #18
Miss Julia Inherits a Mess
In this entry in Ann B. Ross's New York Times bestselling series, Miss Julia finds herself an executrix on a desperate hunt for a valuable antique so she can honor her friend's last wishes. Don't miss her newest, Miss Julia Raises the Roof , coming April 2018 from Viking.
When Miss Julia hears that Miss Mattie Freeman has taken a fall and is in the hospital, she wishes she'd spent more time getting to know the woman--and not just because she's last to hear about the accident! So when the tumble proves fatal, the last thing Miss Julia expects is a phone call from Ernest Sitton, Attorney at Law. Suddenly Miss Julia finds herself the executrix of Miss Mattie's estate, and from what Ernest has to say, Miss Mattie's coffers weren't exactly full.
Determined to find something of value for Miss Mattie's beneficiaries, Miss Julia is faced with a room full of clutter that's now hers to disperse. With the lovelorn caretaker Etta Mae Wiggins working overtime, her good friend Mildred Allen on bed rest, and Helen Stroud cataloging Miss Mattie's furniture, Miss Julia soon realizes she's got a blue-million things to do to honor her friend's last wishes. Thank goodness for Miss Mattie's handsome young neighbor, Nate Wheeler, who's ever ready to help out, and of course for Sam, who's always willing to lend an ear.
But when a young man claiming to be Miss Mattie's great-nephew turns up, demanding to live in her apartment while he writes a family history, Miss Julia will find herself closer to Mattie Freeman and her mysterious family than ever before. In this seventeenth installment in the Miss Julia series, Ann B. Ross delivers another hilarious and big-hearted novel celebrating the South's favorite steel magnolia and the unforgettable residents of Abottsville.
When Miss Julia hears that Miss Mattie Freeman has taken a fall and is in the hospital, she wishes she'd spent more time getting to know the woman--and not just because she's last to hear about the accident! So when the tumble proves fatal, the last thing Miss Julia expects is a phone call from Ernest Sitton, Attorney at Law. Suddenly Miss Julia finds herself the executrix of Miss Mattie's estate, and from what Ernest has to say, Miss Mattie's coffers weren't exactly full.
Determined to find something of value for Miss Mattie's beneficiaries, Miss Julia is faced with a room full of clutter that's now hers to disperse. With the lovelorn caretaker Etta Mae Wiggins working overtime, her good friend Mildred Allen on bed rest, and Helen Stroud cataloging Miss Mattie's furniture, Miss Julia soon realizes she's got a blue-million things to do to honor her friend's last wishes. Thank goodness for Miss Mattie's handsome young neighbor, Nate Wheeler, who's ever ready to help out, and of course for Sam, who's always willing to lend an ear.
But when a young man claiming to be Miss Mattie's great-nephew turns up, demanding to live in her apartment while he writes a family history, Miss Julia will find herself closer to Mattie Freeman and her mysterious family than ever before. In this seventeenth installment in the Miss Julia series, Ann B. Ross delivers another hilarious and big-hearted novel celebrating the South's favorite steel magnolia and the unforgettable residents of Abottsville.
308 pages, Hardcover
First published April 5, 2016
229 people are currently reading
1664 people want to read
About the author
Ann B. Ross
59 books935 followersAnn B. Ross, who taught literature at the University of North Carolina at Asheville, is the author of Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind, one of the most popular Southern debut novels in years, Miss Julia Takes Over, Miss Julia Throws a Wedding, and Miss Julia Hits the Road. She lives in Hendersonville, North Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 275 reviews
June 30, 2020
Three and a half stars.
Miss Julia regrets that she has not taken more time to understand and be a true friend to Miss Mattie Freeman. But when Mattie has a fall and is hospitalised, Julia is surprised to learn that she has been designated power of attorney. She is left to sort out the mess which becomes even more of a dilemma after Mattie dies and Julia finds out she is executor of Mattie’s estate. To make matters worse there doesn’t seem to be anything like the amount of money and resources needed to pay for the bequests Mattie has designated. Julia brings in a furniture appraiser hoping to find something of value and sets herself the task of doing the best she can. But a lot of people are not happy with Julia. And then a man claiming to be Mattie’s great nephew turns up? Is he really? Will that impact the estate? Will Miss Julia be able to hand over the task of being executor? Will she find a solution to the problems she is encountering?
Seems I had read and enjoyed book 1 of this series some years back before I was on Goodreads. Then forgot about it, until now. So here I am reading this only to find out this is book 18 in the series. It made no difference, not having read the books in the middle. I quite enjoyed Miss Julia and the other assorted characters. The story resonates with a gentle sense of amusement. Julia is a worrier who likes things to go logically and smoothly. But many things in this story don’t. I liked the interaction between her and her second husband Sam and also between her and some of the other characters.
It’s not a gripping read and not really meant to be taken seriously. It’s light entertainment but does that well. And sometimes that’s all you want - to be entertained. Enjoyable enough to spend time in, I found it a nice light read that is good for when you want a change of pace. I enjoyed it.
Miss Julia regrets that she has not taken more time to understand and be a true friend to Miss Mattie Freeman. But when Mattie has a fall and is hospitalised, Julia is surprised to learn that she has been designated power of attorney. She is left to sort out the mess which becomes even more of a dilemma after Mattie dies and Julia finds out she is executor of Mattie’s estate. To make matters worse there doesn’t seem to be anything like the amount of money and resources needed to pay for the bequests Mattie has designated. Julia brings in a furniture appraiser hoping to find something of value and sets herself the task of doing the best she can. But a lot of people are not happy with Julia. And then a man claiming to be Mattie’s great nephew turns up? Is he really? Will that impact the estate? Will Miss Julia be able to hand over the task of being executor? Will she find a solution to the problems she is encountering?
Seems I had read and enjoyed book 1 of this series some years back before I was on Goodreads. Then forgot about it, until now. So here I am reading this only to find out this is book 18 in the series. It made no difference, not having read the books in the middle. I quite enjoyed Miss Julia and the other assorted characters. The story resonates with a gentle sense of amusement. Julia is a worrier who likes things to go logically and smoothly. But many things in this story don’t. I liked the interaction between her and her second husband Sam and also between her and some of the other characters.
It’s not a gripping read and not really meant to be taken seriously. It’s light entertainment but does that well. And sometimes that’s all you want - to be entertained. Enjoyable enough to spend time in, I found it a nice light read that is good for when you want a change of pace. I enjoyed it.
September 5, 2016
I absolutely adore Ann Ross's 'Miss Julia' books! When a new one comes out, I can't wait to dive in and settle down. Hilarious fun. Ms. Ross insists she is not a funny person, but she sure does write funny books. Miss Julia is a wonder and always manages to find herself the most impossible predicaments. The cast of characters are always wonderful: Sam, Lillian, Etta Mae Wiggins, Hazel Marie, JD, Little Lloyd, LuAnne, Pastor Ledbetter, Mildred, and the list goes on. I love these people! I hate to see a Miss Julia book end.
May 3, 2016
I really needed this book. No thinking, just enjoying a cast of familiar characters.
May 30, 2016
With the Miss Julia series, I think it may be time for Ann B. Ross to fold her tent. In this latest, Ross has lost her comedic flair, or at least chosen to sacrifice it to a cautionary tale. I suspect that the author, like her readership by now, is confronting decisions associated with aging and mortality, whether for themselves or their parents.
As a public service announcement, the book has value in nudging us to clean out our useless stuff before we go, and not leave it to our survivors. As a novel, though, it falls short.
For one thing, reading the mundane details of executing a will is like watching paint dry. For another, the absence of so many beloved characters shows that Miss Julia cannot carry a plot without a strong supporting cast.
The strategy might have worked if Ross had given us someone like a Thurlow Jones to add comedic value and texture to the book. Instead we got the two most irritating and exasperating (read: unfunny) people in Julia’s life, LuAnne Conover and Pastor Ledbetter.
The plot line involving Mildred Allen, Julia’s overweight and dithering friend and neighbor, adds no value. Ross would have done better to focus instead on the dilemma facing Lillian’s pastor, the Rev. Abernathy, which she introduced then inexplicably ignored.
Even Etta Mae, who appears too late in the book to save it, lacks zip. Then there’s the ending: ironic, bitter, and supremely unsatisfying. Miss Julia Inherits a Mess was not worth the wait. Or worth the read. See my longer review on Wordpress: http://bit.ly/1sXdNuc
As a public service announcement, the book has value in nudging us to clean out our useless stuff before we go, and not leave it to our survivors. As a novel, though, it falls short.
For one thing, reading the mundane details of executing a will is like watching paint dry. For another, the absence of so many beloved characters shows that Miss Julia cannot carry a plot without a strong supporting cast.
The strategy might have worked if Ross had given us someone like a Thurlow Jones to add comedic value and texture to the book. Instead we got the two most irritating and exasperating (read: unfunny) people in Julia’s life, LuAnne Conover and Pastor Ledbetter.
The plot line involving Mildred Allen, Julia’s overweight and dithering friend and neighbor, adds no value. Ross would have done better to focus instead on the dilemma facing Lillian’s pastor, the Rev. Abernathy, which she introduced then inexplicably ignored.
Even Etta Mae, who appears too late in the book to save it, lacks zip. Then there’s the ending: ironic, bitter, and supremely unsatisfying. Miss Julia Inherits a Mess was not worth the wait. Or worth the read. See my longer review on Wordpress: http://bit.ly/1sXdNuc
July 4, 2016
I'm a sucker for novels full of southern charm and this book delivered big time. I received it as a Goodreads giveaway, not knowing that I was coming in at the 17th book in a series. Normally this would have been the kiss of death, but Miss Julia and her neighbors are so sweet and funny that I felt right at home with them. Miss Julia exudes the good manners of a bygone era that can only be found in small southern towns.
The troubles Miss Julia encounters as unwilling executrix of an acquaintance's estate are handled with grace laced with exasperation. Her inability to refuse even the most outrageous request of friends and family are typical of those raised to avoid insulting anyone at their own expense. Although the mystery of the theft of Miss Mattie's property is settled before the halfway point in the book, it's still a delight to follow Julia's determined efforts to guard Mattie's valuables and fulfill her bequests.
If not for the delightful characters and the author's humorous depiction of life in a small town in the south, I would have given this a 3, or a 3.5 at the most. But I enjoyed the story so much I felt the need to upgrade to a 4. This book went down like a smooth sip of bourbon.
The troubles Miss Julia encounters as unwilling executrix of an acquaintance's estate are handled with grace laced with exasperation. Her inability to refuse even the most outrageous request of friends and family are typical of those raised to avoid insulting anyone at their own expense. Although the mystery of the theft of Miss Mattie's property is settled before the halfway point in the book, it's still a delight to follow Julia's determined efforts to guard Mattie's valuables and fulfill her bequests.
If not for the delightful characters and the author's humorous depiction of life in a small town in the south, I would have given this a 3, or a 3.5 at the most. But I enjoyed the story so much I felt the need to upgrade to a 4. This book went down like a smooth sip of bourbon.
September 30, 2018
I haven't read a Miss Julia book for quite some time. My sister read this one and posted the review on Goodreads, so I decided it was high time I read it, too! It was very enjoyable. It was nice to catch up with all those characters that are in all of the "Miss Julia" books!
September 6, 2020
Miss Mattie Freeman passes away after a fall, and to her surprise Julia finds that she is the nominated executor. There are some nice pieces of furniture, but it doesn't look like nearly enough to cover all the bequests that Mattie specified, so it seems likely there will be some disappointed beneficiaries.
Then a man turns up claiming to be Mattie's long lost nephew. Is he who he says he is? And why does he say he wants nothing but the family photos? Miss Julia is determined to solve the mystery.
This is probably the last Miss Julia that I will read, as they were sent round by a bookish friend who very sadly is no longer with us. I enjoyed it, and it makes a good farewell to the series.
Then a man turns up claiming to be Mattie's long lost nephew. Is he who he says he is? And why does he say he wants nothing but the family photos? Miss Julia is determined to solve the mystery.
This is probably the last Miss Julia that I will read, as they were sent round by a bookish friend who very sadly is no longer with us. I enjoyed it, and it makes a good farewell to the series.
January 6, 2022
(First Read) This is a very good episode of a Miss Julia. Really good. Been a lot of fun, I enjoyed it so very much. Yea. When she hears that Miss Mattie Freeman has taken a fall and is in the hospital, she wishes she had spent time getting to know the woman --and not just because she's the last person in town to hear about the accident! When Miss Julia hears that Miss Mattie Freeman has taken a fall and is in the hospital, she wishes she'd spent more time getting to know the woman--and not just because she's last to hear about the accident! So when the tumble proves fatal, the last thing Miss Julia expects is a phone call from Ernest Sitton, Attorney at Law. Suddenly Miss Julia finds herself the executrix of Miss Mattie's estate, and from what Ernest has to say, Miss Mattie's coffers weren't exactly full.
So when the tumble proves fatal, the last thing Julia expects is a phone call from Mr. Ernest Sitton, attorney-at-law; Miss Julia is named executor of Mattie Freeman's last will and testament, and it looks like her last wishes are more generous.
Faced with a house full of clutter and with her good friend Mildred Allen on Bed Rest, Miss Julia enlists an accredited furniture appraiser and Helen Stroud to sort through the mess and find something of value for Miss Mattie's beneficiaries. Thank goodness for Miss Mattie's handsome young neighbor Nate Wheeler who's ever ready.
(Second Read) In this seventeenth installment in the New York Times, bestselling Miss Julia series, Ann B. Ross delivers another hilarious and bighearted novel celebrating the South's favorite Steel Magnolia and the and the unforgettable residents of Abbotsville. Great book. One I truly enjoyed and shared with others.
Cozy fans more interested in character than plot should enjoy Ross's 17th series mystery set in the small North Carolina town of Abbotsville (after 2015's Miss Julia Lays Down the Law). When Mattie Freeman breaks her hip in a fall and goes into the hospital, elderly widow Julia Freeman, who barely knows the woman, is flabbergasted to learn that Mattie, who has no known living relations, has given her power of attorney. And Julia's responsibilities to a relative stranger become even more onerous after Mattie dies of her injuries, having named Julia the executor of her estate. Julia finds that Mattie's bequests exceed the estate's value, and she becomes suspicious when a man calling himself Andrew F. Cobb turns up out of the blue and claims to be Maddie's great-nephew. Ross provides plenty of local color, though some readers may be uncomfortable with the cartoonish portrayal of Julia's servant, Lillian "Yessum, they's a whole box full in the pantry". Highly Recommend.
So when the tumble proves fatal, the last thing Julia expects is a phone call from Mr. Ernest Sitton, attorney-at-law; Miss Julia is named executor of Mattie Freeman's last will and testament, and it looks like her last wishes are more generous.
Faced with a house full of clutter and with her good friend Mildred Allen on Bed Rest, Miss Julia enlists an accredited furniture appraiser and Helen Stroud to sort through the mess and find something of value for Miss Mattie's beneficiaries. Thank goodness for Miss Mattie's handsome young neighbor Nate Wheeler who's ever ready.
(Second Read) In this seventeenth installment in the New York Times, bestselling Miss Julia series, Ann B. Ross delivers another hilarious and bighearted novel celebrating the South's favorite Steel Magnolia and the and the unforgettable residents of Abbotsville. Great book. One I truly enjoyed and shared with others.
Cozy fans more interested in character than plot should enjoy Ross's 17th series mystery set in the small North Carolina town of Abbotsville (after 2015's Miss Julia Lays Down the Law). When Mattie Freeman breaks her hip in a fall and goes into the hospital, elderly widow Julia Freeman, who barely knows the woman, is flabbergasted to learn that Mattie, who has no known living relations, has given her power of attorney. And Julia's responsibilities to a relative stranger become even more onerous after Mattie dies of her injuries, having named Julia the executor of her estate. Julia finds that Mattie's bequests exceed the estate's value, and she becomes suspicious when a man calling himself Andrew F. Cobb turns up out of the blue and claims to be Maddie's great-nephew. Ross provides plenty of local color, though some readers may be uncomfortable with the cartoonish portrayal of Julia's servant, Lillian "Yessum, they's a whole box full in the pantry". Highly Recommend.
April 19, 2016
Quaint setting, although it wasn't described as much as I would like. Maybe I needed to start with the first book n the series, but I wasn't even sure WHERE this takes place, just vaguely in the southern US. I found Miss Julia to be seemingly well-meaning, but a bit awful. She's selfish, complains a lot about everything under the sun, and is incredibly judgmental. Yet she puts herself on a very high pedestal- the paragon of charity and thoughtfulness. When your main character is this self-absorbed, narcissistic and loves to throw her money around when she's not talking about it and how it means she never has to actually DO anything, like prepare her own lunch or clean anything- it's damn near impossible to write an effective mystery around her. I couldn't focus on the plot at all.
*Received this book for review from the publisher via Goodreads giveaway*
*Received this book for review from the publisher via Goodreads giveaway*
August 6, 2016
Like the other books in this post I checked Miss Julia out from the library in audio book form. I read the first book in this series several years ago and was not that impressed. This time I picked for fun listening and Miss Julia filled the bill. The book is read in a southern accent and sometimes it does get old but it fits the characters and the story. Miss Julia (who is not a miss) once again finds herself with a job she does not want. It is fun to see her working toward a solution that will please everyone. If you want something lighthearted, full of fun characters and a bit of a mystery pick this one up. while it is book 18 in the series it can stand-alone.
June 24, 2016
Miss Julia is such a joy! She only wants to help and sometimes that gets her into so much trouble! This time one of her friends dies after a fall and Julia discovers, much to her chagrin, that she is the executor of her estate! The thing is, Mattie has bequeathed more than what she is worth! What to do, what to do! Of course Miss Julia comes through, dodging a wanna-be relative and an attempted kidnapping along the way!
April 20, 2016
Well, of course, Miss Julia makes a mountain out of a molehill. This time, one of her friends has died, and this woman leaves Miss Julia as the executor of her will. Supporting players such as Hazel Marie, Lloyd and Coleman are all but absent from this story. Some, such as a Binky, don't even make an appearance. The story is fairly standard fare for Miss Julia, but we've read better.
March 23, 2016
If you look up "Cozy Mystery" you will find this book as the definition. This is the first book I have read by Ms. Ross and really enjoyed the character Ms Julia. Maybe because she thinks like me :). All in all a good story and cozy mystery.
July 23, 2023
Lesson: don’t throw away your parents old stuff. It could be worth a lot of money.
September 9, 2020
This was a fun escape to fictitious Abbottsville, NC, with Miss Julia, her family, friends, and the surrounding annoying but decorously dealt with acquaintances. The book began with a call from Luanne, prime gossip spreader and one who loved being first to announce new news. Miss Mattie Freeman, an older and increasingly peripheral member in Miss Julia's social gatherings, had collapsed in her floor the previous night and was unable to get help until the mailman heard her cry of help the following day. Julia and Luanne decided a visit to her in the hospital was apropros, only to discover that she was mentally stuck in her early years.
Miss Julia subsequently received a phone call from Miss Mattie's lawyer only to learn that, unbeknown to her, Miss Mattie had appointed her legal and health care guardian. But it doesn't stop there. Upon Miss Mattie's unexpected demise, she also was appointed executor of the meager "estate," such as it was. Even though she didn't want the job, of course she took it upon herself to do it properly and in utmost detail. In the tale, she was forced to make a decision about every single item and scrap of paper in Miss Mattie's apartment. Enter secrets, furniture appraisals, a nomad claiming to be related, theft, spending the night in the apartment with Etta Mae's support, trying to help Helen and Mildred with problems, and avoiding half of the town because Miss Mattie had left so many bequests that were unlikely to be fulfilled. All in all, a great adventure.
Miss Julia subsequently received a phone call from Miss Mattie's lawyer only to learn that, unbeknown to her, Miss Mattie had appointed her legal and health care guardian. But it doesn't stop there. Upon Miss Mattie's unexpected demise, she also was appointed executor of the meager "estate," such as it was. Even though she didn't want the job, of course she took it upon herself to do it properly and in utmost detail. In the tale, she was forced to make a decision about every single item and scrap of paper in Miss Mattie's apartment. Enter secrets, furniture appraisals, a nomad claiming to be related, theft, spending the night in the apartment with Etta Mae's support, trying to help Helen and Mildred with problems, and avoiding half of the town because Miss Mattie had left so many bequests that were unlikely to be fulfilled. All in all, a great adventure.
January 7, 2024
This was my second time reading this book. I first read it out of order when I found this series. Miss Julia is a delight. She is a true southern lady to the core. Believes in formality and etiquette from everyone. She doesn’t care who you are you should treat everyone with respect and kindness.
I laughed so much following her through the executrix position she was awarded when a semi-friend passed away unexpectedly.
I laughed so much following her through the executrix position she was awarded when a semi-friend passed away unexpectedly.
February 17, 2021
Another fantastic adventure with Miss Julia!
June 22, 2021
An absolutely delightful read! Southern tongue-in-cheek humor kept me in stitches, while superb writing kept me engaged in the mystery.
July 11, 2021
Fun read- parts were laugh out loud enjoyment. As Sam says, “Miss Julia is a mess.”
September 4, 2025
Whew, she does always get herself in a fix, but usually she gets the last sassy word.
November 3, 2025
This book felt more serious than the others as Miss Julia dealt with Mattie's death and bigger issues concerning life after death. Still, it was very enjoyable and made a great Sunday read.
August 4, 2024
Fast read, includes quite a few details about being an executor of a will.
A daunting task for Miss Julie! She takes her “job” very seriously and focuses almost exclusively on completing this project in a timely manner! Love Lillian and her pithy quips—LOL!! 💕
A daunting task for Miss Julie! She takes her “job” very seriously and focuses almost exclusively on completing this project in a timely manner! Love Lillian and her pithy quips—LOL!! 💕
September 23, 2025
After an unexpected fall leads to Miss Maddie Freeman unable to care for herself, Miss Julia finds out that for some reason, she has been chosen by Miss Maddie to make medical decisions for her. Miss Julia reluctantly takes up the job, but her new position doesn’t last long. When the fall proves to be fatal for Miss Maddie, Miss Julia is put in a harder position. She has been named the executor of Miss Maddie’s will. But the figures don’t add up. She wants to leave money to quite a few people and organizations, but the bank simply doesn’t have the funds. Then a man turns up, claiming to be long-lostkin o Miss Maddie. Miss Julia is most willing to turn everything over to him… until she makes a discovery amidst Maddie’s possessions that might just be the answer to Miss Maddie’s monetary problems. She just has to keep it safe long enough to get it appraised and sold.
A wonderful continuation of the series, if not a bit sad. Miss Maddie is gone now, but her legacy lives on in an unusual way. The twists and turns of this book were fun to follow, and what Miss Julia finds is so unique and astounding that it casts a whole new light on Miss Maddie. Finding out her past and looking into her life for just this one book really showcases Ross’s skill at constructing characters. If you’ve enjoyed the rest of the series, this book is one you just have to read. Definitely not a good place to start, but if you have some background on the characters, give it a try.
A wonderful continuation of the series, if not a bit sad. Miss Maddie is gone now, but her legacy lives on in an unusual way. The twists and turns of this book were fun to follow, and what Miss Julia finds is so unique and astounding that it casts a whole new light on Miss Maddie. Finding out her past and looking into her life for just this one book really showcases Ross’s skill at constructing characters. If you’ve enjoyed the rest of the series, this book is one you just have to read. Definitely not a good place to start, but if you have some background on the characters, give it a try.
November 5, 2018
Another slice of life with Miss Julia, a wonderful woman of mature age that shows humanity, spunk, and common sense in dealing with life’s problems. I have enjoyed all of Miss Julia’s adventures so far and was delighted to find this one. Miss Julia lives in a small southern town with all the problems of knowing most of the people in town. One of the older residents, Miss Mattie, hasn’t many friends, but must be included in all functions because of “propriety.” Miss Mattie had taken a fall and taken to the hospital, where she expired. Miss Julia was dumbfounded when she was notified that she was named as the executor of Miss Mattie’s will. Luckily, Miss Julia’s husband Sam is a lawyer and is able to help her with some of the legal problems, but Sam was going to be out of town on a fishing trip. Not only was Miss Julia given an apartment crammed full of a lifetime of furniture and things, she had to deal with the jealousies from other town members who couldn’t understand why Miss Mattie had chosen Julia and not them. –Actually, having personally been executor of several estates, this book would be a help to anyone having to face that responsibility. Besides Miss Julia is simply charming!!!
April 27, 2016
If you’ve ever found yourself ensnared in a problem and wondering how you got there, you can identify with Miss Julia in this tale of trouble. Finding herself saddled first with power of attorney and then named as executor of the estate of a person she only had a nodding acquaintance with, Miss Julie nevertheless is up for the challenge. She manages to deal with the problems as they occur, but when a stranger comes to town claiming to be a relative of newly deceased, the odds for serious trouble increase tenfold. Sprinkled with humor yet still a bit mysterious, this quick read is entertaining and fun. Perhaps not one of the author's best, it still has some of the characters you've come to know and love.
April 19, 2016
You are not going to get fast paced adventure or a riveting who done it with Miss Julia. You are going to get a page turning story with characters you can't help but love or hate, lots of laughs, "antics and shenanigans", a dose of etiquette and a lesson on propriety. Miss Julia does all sorts of things, but what she does best is entertain.
June 19, 2016
Really like all the Miss Julia books - enjoyable, relaxing reading, but I agree with the reviewer who said Miss Julia is making a mountain out of a molehill with this one. I got impatient with her lack of self-confidence but rash actions. She doesn't deserve Sam - I do!
March 13, 2016
3.5
It was like being with an old friend - glad to catch up and find a familiar rhythm. But later missing the madcap adventures of the past.
It was like being with an old friend - glad to catch up and find a familiar rhythm. But later missing the madcap adventures of the past.
Read
June 29, 2016I love the Miss Julia series...just fun and light and reminds me of a million small Southern towns. Easy beach reading!
November 11, 2025
Set in small town North Carolina, well-meaning yet eccentric neighbors convene around a dilemma that the one balanced resident can puzzle together. A cantankerous woman has died and they are left dealing with her estate. But do they even want to?
I felt like I connected with my inner grandmother but delighted in the mystery to solve as a schoolkid would. Miss Julia is indeed a perfect blend of both. Her organizational leadership skills are top notch too – tapping in to her community members’ strengths and weaknesses to wrap up her duties well.
Miss Julia is principled, and so is the story. There is no gore, no horror, just a good old-fashioned navigation around people and life.
I thought of Jan Karon fans while reading this book, especially upon finding out Miss Julia has other adventures. They’ll enjoy how connected people still are in this town, similar to Mitford. Bonus: this series can be read both contiguously or stand-alone. So while Jan Karon fans never know if another Father Kavanaugh book is coming, with this series they can stay entertained in the meanwhile.
I plan on sharing this book in another group I am a part of: the Swedish Death Cleaning support group. Before you get concerned about me, I am simply fascinated by the concept. But this book fictionally portrays the effects of death in a way that could help those going through the process visualize what a successful end result looks like. And I know that sometimes the pictures of fiction motivate people more than the genre of self-help.
I do plan on checking out more of the Miss Julia series. My brain was engaged, while in a cozy spot.
I felt like I connected with my inner grandmother but delighted in the mystery to solve as a schoolkid would. Miss Julia is indeed a perfect blend of both. Her organizational leadership skills are top notch too – tapping in to her community members’ strengths and weaknesses to wrap up her duties well.
Miss Julia is principled, and so is the story. There is no gore, no horror, just a good old-fashioned navigation around people and life.
I thought of Jan Karon fans while reading this book, especially upon finding out Miss Julia has other adventures. They’ll enjoy how connected people still are in this town, similar to Mitford. Bonus: this series can be read both contiguously or stand-alone. So while Jan Karon fans never know if another Father Kavanaugh book is coming, with this series they can stay entertained in the meanwhile.
I plan on sharing this book in another group I am a part of: the Swedish Death Cleaning support group. Before you get concerned about me, I am simply fascinated by the concept. But this book fictionally portrays the effects of death in a way that could help those going through the process visualize what a successful end result looks like. And I know that sometimes the pictures of fiction motivate people more than the genre of self-help.
I do plan on checking out more of the Miss Julia series. My brain was engaged, while in a cozy spot.
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