Helpful Score: 8
While most readers may not immediately recognize the author's name, many will be familiar with her TV work. She's written for Dynasty, The Waltons, Love Boat, and Knots Landing and is probably best known for the "Who Shot J.R.?" episode of Dallas. Her television background serves her well in this debut novel. Her timing is excellent and the plot twists are both delightful and surprising. Sissy LeBlanc lives by a code she calls "The Southern Belle's Handbook." When a pithy idea pops into her head, she instinctively knows how that code applies to her life. Sissy understands her role as granddaughter of a suffragette, daughter of a newspaper editor, wife of PeeWee, and mother of three, but lately she's been feeling restless. When her high school sweetheart comes back to Gentry, LA, after a 14-year absence, Sissy decides that it is time to make some changes in her life if they cause a little scandal, so be it. Readers may be reminded of the movies Fried Green Tomatoes and Something To Talk About. Despres's heroine has spunk, her villains get their comeuppance, and her ending is psychologically satisfying. Recommended for public libraries with large collections of women's fiction. Pam Kingsbury, Florence, AL
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Helpful Score: 7
This enjoyable story started out as so much entertaining fluff, but about half-way through, it took on greater depth. Turns out, this is a touching and thought-provoking novel that illustrates how easy it is to lose ourselves. A worthwhile read with hilarious moments and a likeable protagonist.
Helpful Score: 5
I was pleasently surprised by this book. I had just gotten done reading a few "heavy" books so I thought I would switch is up and read something more light hearted and fluffy. While this started out fluffy, it eventually took on some very serious subject matter which made for an interesting story. I couldn't help but like Sissy and her "Southern Belles Handbook". She was not only funny but also very smart and sneaky. I disliked her husband Peewee and son Chip (what an evil child) and her father in law (for being such a pig, etc...) I was very satisfied with the ending. I would definately recommend this.
Helpful Score: 5
I took this book on vacation with me and it's probably the only time in my life that I couldn't wait to get back to my room - all because I was anxious to find out what Sissy did next! This is a great, fun, scandalous read!
Helpful Score: 2
Really fun story! More than your average chick lit!
