Etta Mae's Worst Bad-Luck Day

Miss Julia #16

by Ann B. Ross

Fan favorite Etta Mae Wiggins takes center stage in the latest novel in the New York Times bestselling Miss Julia series

Bestselling author Ann B. Ross is back with another lively adventure set in the town of Abbotsville. For the first time, though, she writes from the perspective of another resident: the hardscrabble, heart-of-gold Etta Mae Wiggins. Etta Mae is frustrated with her trailer-park life and her no-good family, and she has big dreams for something better. Working as the home nurse for the elderly but wealthy Howard Connard, Senior, she finally sees her chance—with her sexy curves and infectious charm, Etta Mae is determined to become his wife. Unfortunately, Connard’s scheming, money-hungry son and stuck-up daughter-in-law are equally determined to make sure she doesn’t. To make matters worse, Etta Mae’s ex-husband Skip (her first ex, that is) has shown up with a winning lottery ticket in his hand and local thugs hot on his heels. Plus, her dreamy former flame, officer Bobby Lee, keeps popping up to remind her that she’s not over him yet. In the middle of all this mayhem, Etta Mae has to get that
marriage license—before it’s too late!

A hilarious wild goose chase that takes us from the mansions of Abbotsville to the trailer park that Etta Mae calls home, this book is filled with familiar faces (including Miss Julia, who pens the first chapter), features Ann Ross’s signature wit and southern charm, and will appeal to fans of the beloved series and newcomers alike.

Genres: Fiction, Humor, Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Southern, Audiobook, Chick Lit

320 pages, Hardcover

First published August 19, 2014

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

[Marty · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a spin-off of Ross’s series on Miss Julia. … Unfortunately, this one lacks the charm of the series. Yes, there is the poor daisy who blossoms into a rose while still remaining a bit quirky, but somehow the charm is missing. It was an OK story, but a bit to glib. I needed more of the backstory… What was the story between Etta Mae and her granny? How about Etta Mae and Lurline? Or Etta Mae and Bobby Lee???? Even Miss Julia, when she does show up at the end of the book, doesn’t have the charm she does in her own series. Her actions at the bridal shower don’t seem true to fashion.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

If you are a fan of the Miss Julia books you have already been introduced to Etta Mae Wiggins. If you have not had the pleasure this is a great book to start with. After that you will want to start from the beginning with Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind.

Ann B. Ross writes in a way that engages you into this crazy story right away. Etta Mae sure get herself into zany predicaments. Her heart is in the right place but nothing for her is ever easy. Her dilemmas will have you chuckling and some will tug at your heart. Etta Mae is a strong sassy woman and I absolutely love her!!!

The entire series is absolutely charming and full of wonderful characters. There is always a bit of mystery, a dash of romance, and a barrel full of humor. The dialogue has a true southern feel and the settings from the trailer court to high class homes of the upper crust of Abbotsville are delightfully described.

I need to catch up with Miss Julia in Miss Julia Stirs Up Trouble and Miss Julia’s Marvelous Makeover and I will be doing that very soon.

It is never a Worst Bad-Luck Day when you travel to Abbotsville courtesy of Ann B. Ross!

[Lilly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the character of Etta Mae when she appears in the Miss Julia series so I wanted to read this book hoping to find out more about Etta Mae. I was hoping this book would have contained information about her growing-up years. The story mentioned that Etta Mae's granny pretty much raised her but that's it as it pertains to her growing up years. I felt disappointed by this lack of back story. I had no problem placing the time line of this book - it fits in-between books #3 and #4 of the Miss Julia series.

The story focuses on Etta Mae wanting to obtain a name for herself, which she obtains via a marriage to a prominent senior citizen. This liaison lasts all of 24 hours! Too much of the story involved Etta Mae and her first ex-husband, Skip, attempts to dodge the grips of a pair of thugs who want something Skip has. The ending with Etta Mae talking to Police Officer boyfriend Bobbie Lee Moser about a honeymoon to Disney World leaves me thinking if perhaps there may be another Etta Mae book down the line.

This book lacked the substance and humor that author Ann B. Ross so engagingly includes in her Miss Julia series. I will continue to read the Miss Julia series as the author writes more of those.

[Kelly W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book gratis from Goodreads, which did not influence my review.

I know Etta Mae Wiggins. I grew up with her, went to school with her and stood up with her at her wedding(s). Ann B. Ross surely knows her,too. Ms. Ross has an ear for that sweet Southern dialogue that makes me homesick every time I hear it. She knows those girls who strive to "better themselves", but who'd give you their last five dollars if you needed it.

Etta Mae's Worst Bad-Luck Day was a charming book and made me laugh out loud at times. The characters drew you into their world. This book would make a great "beach read" if you don't mind a few odd glances your way since you're laughing to yourself.

It is hoped that Ann B. Ross will share some more books about Etta Mae. I know I'll be waitin' on my porch swing with a glass of iced tea.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

To begin, I am required to mention that I received an advance, uncorrected copy of the book for free through Goodreads First Reads giveaway (YIPPEE!!).
I must say I wasn't sure whether I would enjoy this book or not, but I really enjoyed reading Etta Mae's Worst Bad-Luck Day. Though it began slowly (and seemed to drag for a bit), I loved how Ms. Ross was able to convey the southern style and language. I was able to visualize each part of the story and laughed out loud when I pictured the people I grew up with as characters in the story (I am from the south, after all!). Though it did seem to start out slowly, with each chapter I became more and more interested in knowing what would happen next. I was even tempted to read the last few pages just to see how it would work out in the end! Thankfully I didn't. I don't want to add anything that might be considered a spoiler so I leave you with this: If you are a southern girl, you will love this book as much as I did!

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had not read any of Ann Ross' books previously so did not know what to expect. This is not the type of book I normally read but I enjoyed it immensely. It was a fun, light read. The writing was very descriptive and pulled me right into Etta Mae's little southern community. Wherever Etta Mae went there seemed to be trouble tagging along. Etta Mae has a huge heart and fortunately has some great friends. She certainly needed them.

I received an advance, uncorrected copy of the book from Goodreads and the publisher.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have so enjoyed the Miss Julia series over the years. This isn't a bad book, just not my favorite in the series. I have always liked Etta Mae Wiggins, but for me she is a better secondary character. Maybe its because I enjoy Miss Julia so much and how she always has to question the propriety of her actions. There was just so much going on in this story for the two-three day time period. Maybe if there were fewer confrontations (physical and verbal) I would have liked it better. It certainly would not keep me from the series, however.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of Miss Julia will love Etta Mae. All the weird characters and strange plot turns you have come to love. Guess I'll go to Wal Mart and get me a genuine Cathy Lee rayon dress for best.

[Mburrows · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a day Etta Mae was having.

[Mikayla · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had a lot of action and adventure, which was fun to read. However, I did not know that this was a spin-off of a series, meaning that I’m unfamiliar with the characters and their backstories. Even so, I couldn’t decide if I liked Etta Mae or not. I liked how feisty and independent she was; however, I can only like a character that’s a gold digger and body shames others so much. The best part of the book was the ending, which was a rollercoaster. Granny had some good one liners and I liked Bobby Lee popping up throughout the book. However; I don’t think I would read this book again or other books in the series.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This started out slowly and the voices weren't right for the characters, but it ended up being one of those laugh out loud, fun stories. It was good having a story which wasn't Miss Julia centered and was able to take a look at her as others saw her.

[☯Emily Ginder · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rather a silly, improbable tale about Etta Mae's misadventures over a 2-3 day period when she plots her third marriage while in love with another man. It was rather farfetched and the protagonist is not very likeable. I think I have outgrown the Miss Julia series.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED this from Etta Mae's vantage point and how it shed light on her backstory. Hysterical if you've been following the story. if you dont *know* Etta Mae, you might not appreciate her as much.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a Miss Julia book. Remember that. Miss Julia has a speaking part in the very beginning and she makes 2 appearances via phone and one in person near the end of the book, but this is all Etta May Wiggins's story. And what a story it is! Taking place over 3 days, with one thing after the other happening, I could barely catch my breath during the reading of it!

I read one reviewer's remark 'delightful read that will make you smile'. This book will make you roll in the floor laughing to beat the band! Seriously, I was reading during my lunch and nearly choked on my food! I roared all through lunch.

This book takes places years before when Etta Mae and Miss Julia didn't get along very well. In fact, they practically couldn't stand each other. Etta Mae is a spitfire, that's for sure, giving as good as she gets when it's thrown at her and not letting anyone push her down. I loved her brashness, too. But deep down, Etta Mae is a big hearted woman with wonderful characteristics. And she tries her best to be polite and well mannered. But sometimes a girl just has to take a stand!

I declare to goodness, this book was a laugh riot from beginning to end! I'd surely like to see more of Etta Mae if Ann Ross feels so inclined. Maybe a novella? This was just a wonderful read. Now warning to all the Miss Julia fans: Etta Mae is not prim and proper and she's quite rowdy at times. I loved every minute of it.

Now I'm waiting for the next Miss Julia book in April 2015.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance uncorrected proof of this book from a giveaway on here. With that said there were a few spelling errors, but it didn't ruin the book. This book was very cute and has a bit of southern charm to it. Etta Mae Wiggins had trouble in marriage, trouble getting respect, and the list goes on. She felt that the only way to get the respect that she deserved was to marry the richest and most powerful guy in town. She's a gold digger if you get my drift or that's the way she was portrayed in my eyes while reading this book. The characters came to life in this book and I enjoyed it. I highly recommend that you read this book.

[Kristi Lamont · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Between you and I".....I was in the mood for some total fluff, and boy did this fit the bill. Even though it's a Miss Julia book, she was mostly absent from it (and more likeable, to me, than usual when she did make her appearances). Really wish I could give this a 2.5 because it was so slapstick/farcical, but I'm going with a 3 because it did make me laugh out loud a few times, and was fairly accurate in the way it delineated between people without much money and people without much money or class. Not to mention the people with money and no class. :-)

[Karyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not sure when this book was supposed to take place (no cell phones, but cable), but it was an easy read, even with the southern slang. It was difficult to get past the male chauvinists (the men were either incredibly dumb or jerks, with 2 exceptions) in her life and how she is too nice, never able to say no. Add in some really stupid criminals, stereotypes, Walmart's and rich snobs and you have a quick read without much substance.

[Vykki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the funniest books I have read. I just don't understand how one person can get into so much stuff but I 'm glad everything works out in the end. This was a wonderful fun book. I won this on Goodreads Thank you

[Heidi Burkhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Etta Mae is quite a character! This is a very entertaining and humorous book. Getting more and more fond of the Miss Julia books.

I would love for Etta Mae to have her own series! A wonderful literary character.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy listening to these books by Ann B. Ross. This one had some zingers that had me laughing out loud! Great read

[Russell Sanders · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author Ann B. Ross is known for her Miss Julia books, a series of delightful novels featuring the indomitable Southern matriarch Miss Julia Springer. But, while including Miss Julia and her “adopted” daughter Hazel Marie, Ross’s book Etta Mae’s Worst Bad-Luck Day is a stand-alone novel, not dependent on the timeline of the series. Taking a character we’ve grown to know and love, Etta Mae Wiggins, Ross has Etta Mae tell a story of an incident in her life that happened long before she and Miss Julia became chummy. The book is entertaining and fun. I was lamenting that it wasn’t as funny as the series books when suddenly, at the end, it got so laugh-out-loud funny I was almost choking. That incident features Miss Julia, so perhaps, back on familiar ground, I was able to find the extreme humor. I don’t think this is Ross’s best work, but if you are steeped in the series books, as I am, this is definitely one that should be read. I think that perhaps when I read the next Miss Julia book, I will be able to understand Etta Mae a bit better.

[Julie Trapp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Etta Mae's turn to shine in this book. Growing up, she had to live with her daddy's name and reputation. Every sleezeball guy in town also had an eye out for her. Etta Mae works as a home health nurse and becomes the nurse for an elderly, filthy rich gentleman. Against the wishes of his family, they plan on getting married - Etta Mae's ticket out of the trailer park where she lives. Miss Julia owns the trailer park and after having too many police calls for incidents in the park, she decides to make EM the on-site caretaker. This book does let you know where EM is coming from, but they story is not particularly engaging.

[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]

Featuring Etta Mae as the main character, this is the only book in the Miss Julia series that isn’t about Julia at all. Etta Mae’s backstory is cute in a somewhat unbelievable way, but it doesn’t come into the series at the right time. Everything in this book occurs before Miss Julia and Etta Mae become friends. That happens in book #8 and this is now book #16 in the series. The reason that matters is because anyone who has read this far in the series knows the outcome of all of Etta Mae’s plans. Nothing in this book is very meaningful because it’s already been spoiled for us. I would have enjoyed it so much more if I didn’t already know how it was going to end.

[Susy Skidmore · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Etta Mae’s character in the “Miss Julia” books, but I was disappointed in her character and didn’t like her goal of marrying the older man just to move herself up and to improve her reputation. Granted, she did seem to care for him, but overall I feel like this book besmirched her character. Also, I’ve read all but just a few of the “Miss Julia’ books and based on what I know of Miss Julia, she would never allow alcohol to pass her lips, no matter how disguised it was, and would certainly never lose control of herself.
It wasn’t a bad book, just not on the same level of the “Miss Julia” series.

[Emma E Frost · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this romp in the Miss Julia series. I read it well out of sequence, and it makes me want to go back and reread the books around the same time. I do vaguely remember Miss Julia talking about some of the events in this book. It was a fun read. As usual Ann Ross did a great job of moving the story forward in a compelling and fun way. I felt so sorry for Etta Mae, and really wished that things would turn out for her. A fun book that you can read without any of the history of the characters.

[Nd · Rating 3 out of 5]

This tale in the Miss Julia series went back to one of Miss Julia and Etta Mae's early encounters. It's told in Etta Mae's voice and shows what makes her tick and how. It's a "hoot" equal in humor to other Miss Julia tales. How Ann Ross concocts the scenarios and escapades in her books, I'll never know -- and I've been in a 1960s beauty shop before. She must have or have had at some point a wide cadre of small town gossips' tales to draw from and embellish.

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed this romp of a story with a very likable and flawed character. It's been several weeks since I updated Goodreads in general, so time has passed since I finished this book. :) It was just fun to read a fun book for a change that you read just to read because you wanted to---and you laughed your way through despite the fact that your copy had a page torn out and ink damage on other sections. Not my best buy from Book Outlet.

[Linda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ettta Mae Wiggins is a familiar character in the Miss Julia series. Watch she isn't in my opinion is a strong enough character to carry an entire book, This was really a tough one to finish. The description and her plotting from page one paints her as a white trash gold digger. Her plan for upward mobility and respectability are only marriage to an elderly Southern gentleman with ungentlemanly intentions.

In between we hear about her exes and one makes an appearance. Moving on.....

[Machelle Helms · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have been enjoying the Miss Julia series, but did not care for this one. I did not feel at all like the Etta Mae character from the series, and did not even feel like it had been written by the same author. I have read the Miss Julia series in order and this does not match the timeline of where they put it in the book order. It feels like it was written at a different time and does not fit well with the series. Disappointing.