Miss Julia's Gift: A Penguin Special from Viking

Miss Julia #14.5

by Ann B. Ross

From the New York Times bestselling author, comes a delightful story in which Miss Julia discovers the joy of giving and receiving gifts—and just in time for Valentine’s Day!     Featuring the beloved stars of the Miss Julia novels—Luanne, Lillian, Hazel Marie, and of course, Miss Julia herself—Miss Julia's Gift is a funny and moving meditation on love, marriage, and the purpose of gift-giving. Miss Julia finds herself reminiscing about her first year of marriage to Sam Murdoch. Everything seemed perfect—alarmingly so. Miss Julia feared that Sam would morph from a sweet and loveable man into a replica of her loathsome first husband, the boring and deceitful Wesley Lloyd Springer. Even Sam's adorable habit of giving her gifts for all holidays and occasions—no matter how minor—caused Miss Julia anxiety. When will the other shoe drop, she wondered? After some soul-searching and valuable advice from her friends, Miss Julia comes to understand that Sam is nothing like Wesley—and never will be. Then, just in time for Valentine's Day, she thinks up the perfect romantic gift for her husband and realizes which gift she values most of all.

Genres: Fiction, Humor

44 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 29, 2013

About the author

Ann 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.

Reviews

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a mini cute story. 2 more Miss Julia books and I will have read the entire 23.5 book collection. I started reading them while in Sanibel Island with friends- took a 6 year break and am now finishing the series. Cute, light reading

[Vivian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Miss Julia has seen her fair share of drama and adventure. Just a few weeks after her first husband's death she learns that he had a mistress and child out-of-wedlock. She then stuns her friends and neighbors by taking the mistress and child into her home and under her wing. Her ex-husband didn't exactly provide her with a glowing example of what a husband should be. Now she's in her second marriage and although she dearly loves her new husband, Sam Murdoch, she isn't quite sure what to do about his spontaneous gift giving.

Miss Julia's Gift is a short story that was a special release earlier this year. Ms. Ross provides a little more insight into what makes Miss Julia tick with this story. The reader is allowed to appreciate how Miss Julia thinks and although she is quite happy in her second marriage, she obviously still has issues remaining from her first. Miss Julia's Gift is not so much about the actual practice of giving and receiving gifts as it is a lesson to appreciate the effort that is made and intention behind the gift. Although Miss Julia's Gift was released as a Valentine's Day read, it is perfect for anytime of the year. If you enjoy reading the Miss Julia series, then you definitely want to add this to your to-be-read list. If you haven't read any of the Miss Julia series, what are you waiting for?

[Heidi Burkhart · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a tiny short story. It felt like an attempt by the publishers to make another buck. I was quite disappointed.

[Kristin Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Miss Julia Series is tied with The Southern Sisters Mysteries by Anne George and The Cat Who Series by Lilian Jackson Braun for my all time favorite series!! The characters are lovable and once you start reading the first one, you just can’t stop! You are on the edge of your seat dying to know what happens next until you get through every book! I searched for years for another great series like this and I couldn’t be happier to have found this one! A true treasure! There aren’t many great writers that can capture my attention like Ann B. Ross has in this series. Well worth the time! If you’re on audible, the narrator is amazing! They are just so fun and enjoyable!

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute little short story in the Miss Julia series. Miss Julia is struggling to accept the many gifts her new husband Sam bestows on her because she had spent decades never receiving gifts or kindness from her first husband. Most of this story illustrates her insecurities, but it also makes her very human. She has seen how the people she loves have responded to her generosity, and she wants to learn how to receive gifts with grace and genuine gratitude as well. Although her relationship insecurities can be a little annoying in several books in this series, I appreciated that this short story really illustrates how badly she wants to grow and develop new healthier relationships.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is just a little story written about Miss Julia's early married days to Sam. After having been married for many years to a not very nice man, Miss Julia keeps waiting for dear old Sam to turn into the only kind of husband she's ever known. And when Sam keeps showering her with gifts, she is confused and unsure how to return his affection. Fortunately, after much thought, she comes up with the perfect gift!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read as Miss Julia tries to come up with the perfect gift for her husband, Sam. After a disastrous first marriage Miss Julia has found true happiness. She goes on a journey to be more appreciative of Sam's small gifts and why he gives them. It's a lovely, warm story that delights.

[Stacey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not worth the read. If you’ve read the summary below, you’ve pretty much read the book. It is very short, and not very enjoyable because nothing really happens. Miss Julia goes on and on a bit about gifts, talks to her friends, then gives Sam a gift. The end.

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is on brand, but there is a major continuity issue with the placement… I don’t think this should be book 14.5, as Hazel Marie isn’t married and doesn’t have the twins yet… so, that was annoying.

[Angela (Kentuckybooklover) Brocato-Skaggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute addition to the Miss Julia series.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Julia tries to figure out what is the best Valentine's gift for her husband, Sam.

[Kim Collins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute. Too short!

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think Ann B. Ross is still writing this series, so it was nice to find this little gem. It was a fun, one-day read.

[Dana McReynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute (very) short story about Miss Julia and Sam.

[Mary Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a lighthearted read; the Miss Julia series is cute and entertaining.

[Elizabeth Meadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Miss Julia and this was a cute little story. However I felt like this story line could have probably been woven into one of the bigger books.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Julia's Gift is an eSpecial! from Ann B. Ross. It's a short piece, novella size, but no less rich for it.

Sam Murdoch, her second husband, has a habit of giving her gifts for every possible holiday including Groundhog Day and sometimes just because. Miss Julia doesn't quite know how to handle this kindness. She studies other people's reactions when they get gifts for clues as to how she should react.

And she talks to some of her trusted friends about "waiting for the other shoe to drop." She wonders if marriage will change Sam for the worse like it seemed to do to her first husband.

While there is not a lot of action in this book, the introspection is wonderful. It allows us a window into Miss Julia's state of mind just after her marriage that is sweet and could belong to many a second bride. Miss Julia makes it her own though when it's her turn to give Sam a gift for Valentine's Day. Hurray for Ann B. Ross bringing us closer to Miss Julia!

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

[Cassie Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having followed Miss Julia since the first book, I find that this short story is a very nice break between longer works. Reflecting on the early time in her marriage, Miss Julia shares how she learned to both give to and receive gifts from her husband, Sam. It's a short, powerful, sweet book that portrays the beauty of their relationship while showcasing the growth that can occur over time to a person. Who you were yesterday is not who you are today nor who you will be in the future. Miss Julia has gone through a lot since book one, and it's wonderful to see her realize it. Recommended for solid fans of Miss Julia.

[Bonnie Gleckler Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Julia, a lady of a certain age, is one of my favorite fictional characters. Honestly, i can relate to some of the messes she finds herself in and I was delighted to find that her Author, Ann B Ross, had decided to give Kindle format a try. I've previously read six or seven of the books in the Miss Julia series and thoroughly enjoyed all of them. If you are looking for some light reading and enjoy the same character base I highly recommend you give these books a try!!!

[Marla Knaack · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Love

Miss Julia is a wonderful former southern belle. She knows her manners and etiquette, but sometimes her common sense goes flooey when thinking about new husband, Sam. Her dead first husband was a real bad egg. Miss Julia is trying to come to cope with Sam being a truly loving and considerate husband, instead of expecting him to be a jerk like her former husband. But she gets a good idea!

[Karen R · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novella was a light and easy read but fell flat for me. Maybe I should have read it in conjunction with a few of the other Miss Julia books to appreciate the style of writing and Miss Julia's character. I kept waiting for something to happen or thinking maybe it would end with a revelation or surprise. Not a lot of time invested as it was only 40 pages but I was still disappointed.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet novella about learning to appreciated what you have. Miss Julia dispenses wise advice. I enjoyed looking back on the early days of her marriage to Sam.

I was given a complimentary copy from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was somewhat disappointed; I so hoped it was the next installment in the Miss Julia series but it was not to be. However, I always love Miss Julia and her family, even if I've been with her in that time frame before.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reread

I didn't realize that I had read this a few years ago. Since my memory isn't the greatest, I didn't remember it all! I enjoyed it as I have enjoyed all the Miss Julia books.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ann ross

Love these characters, ms.julia is so funny,especially in situations involving family and friends.look forward to each new book.love the audio books best,reader is fantastic,feel I am with them through out book.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this Story

I loved this story as much as I have enjoyed all of Ms. Ross’ books.
Miss Julia is a delightful, charming yet smart and determined woman. I love the adventures she gets in and always seems to handle with great aplomb.

[Nancy Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another entertaining Miss Julia story

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the Miss Julia books but this short was a little disappointing. It was very short. But I'm looking forward to the next full length book in the series.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

another cute Miss Julia.

[Rebecca Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with all Ann N. Ross books this one was entertaining and you felt you lived right there in Abbotsville with them.