Saturday, January 10, 2015

Miss Julia’s Marvelous Makeover


Miss Julia's Marvelous Makeover - Thoughts in ProgressMiss Julia may come off as a bit stiff, prim and proper, but underneath she’s a force to be reckoned with that has a heart of gold.

Narrator Cynthia Darlow does a superb job giving distinct voices to all the characters. She beautifully captures the full spectrum of voices from the pre-teen girl to the mature gentlemen and everyone in between. She especially captures the essence of Miss Julia with her proper Southern lady exterior to her sweet internal feelings for her family and friends.

As summer approached Miss Julia thought her days would be filled with campaign-related issues as her husband Sam decides to run for the state senate. However, when a long forgotten cousin sends her granddaughter to Miss Julia to transform, the summer gets hotter than she ever imaged.

If the sullen Trixie isn’t enough to deal with, the sudden appearance of an on-line boyfriend adds to the maddening summer. It seems Trixie’s beau Rodney has his heart (and mind) set on building a cemetery on a piece of Miss Julia’s property. No matter that she doesn’t want to sell it, Rodney and his not-so-silent partner are determined to change her mind one way or another.

An uninvited houseguest, a senate campaign, and land grabbers have Miss Julia wishes she’d taken Sam up on his long summer vacation suggestion.

Author Ann B. Ross once again combines Southern etiquette with laughter and suspense for an entertaining story. The characters are likable and full of flare. The secondary characters enhance the story.

The political backdrop in the small town setting adds depth to the story. Filled with humor and intrigue, the story flows quickly and holds your attention as you wonder how certain issues will be resolved.

MISS JULIA’S MARVELOUS MAKEOVER is a charming story that will have you shaking your head at the nerve of some people. This story can be read/listened to on its own, but you will probably have a better appreciation of the characters’ relationships if you read/listen to the series in order.

Miss Julia doesn’t disappoint when it comes to hilarious adventures and proper etiquette.

Miss Julia’s Marvelous Makeover by Ann B. Ross, Miss Julia Series Book #14, Narrated by Cynthia Darlow, Recorded Books, @2014, ISBN: 978-1470395551, Unabridged, 8 Discs, Run Time: 9.75 Hours 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Have you read or listened to any of the Miss Julia series? Do you like stories where the protagonist is a ‘woman of a certain age’ or do you prefer younger protagonist?

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10 comments:

  1. I am endlessly fascinated by stories from the south. I have read an earlier Miss Julia, and thoroughly enjoyed it. The protagonist's age doesn't bother me, but as I claim dinosaur status, I am starting to lean more towards protagonists with life experience to draw on.

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    1. Elephant's Child, I can't believe you are anywhere near dinosaur status. But I too am starting to lean more toward those protagonists that have lived a bit. The Miss Julia character is such fun.

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  2. Elephant's Child, you are not a dinosaur! And I am living a story in the South.
    As far as age, I admit I at least prefer them to be adult. I just can't relate to teen angst.

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    1. Alex, there's nothing like life in the South is there?

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  3. Sounds like a fun context for a romance, and it is interesting to read a book with a strong connection to a local culture.

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    1. Margot, the Miss Julia series does have a strong connection to Southern traditions which makes for some interesting adventures and conversations among the characters. :)

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  4. It sounds like a very charming story--and UNIQUE. That's very important when you have a huge TBR list!

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    1. Stephanie, I agree about the huge TBR list. The Miss Julia series is one of my favorites and it is definitely unique.

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  5. Sounds like this book has just the right amount of humor to it. Adding to the library list!

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    1. Pamela, this book definitely has some of those 'laugh out loud' moments, as well as some of those moments that has you saying, 'Can you believe someone would do THAT.'

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