Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind

I picked up the first book in the Miss Julia series on a whim, based on the recommendation of one of my teen patrons at the library. Never heard of it before. Figured it would be either cheesy or a Mitford imitation.

As lovely and comforting as the Mitford novels are, the Miss Julia books spin off into a different world. If the plot were a news blurb, it would be this: Wealthy widow of self-righteous Presbyterian banker takes in dead husband's love child and lover in small-town scandal... and it only gets crazier from there! Miss Julia's search for a voice and independence in the wake of her husband's death is endearing and funny all at once, as she wrestles through the very real ramifications of doing the right thing with a philandering dead husband and a gossiping small town looking over her shoulder. You cannot help but love her. And if you grew up Presbyterian like I did, you will spend quite a bit of time snorting at her endless quests to overcome the session (of elders), the newest building remodel plans, and the Calvinist machinations of the world.

Verdict: It is a truly funny, silly, enjoyable read. I will definitely be treating myself to the rest of the series in-between more serious reading.