The dark and winding Winnow River separates the northern and southern regions of Mabyn State. On the northern bank of the water, people live spoiled, luxurious lives. They feast on lamb and shop boutiques and want for nothing. On the southern side of the river, however, life is quite the opposite. Downtown residents know nothing but destitution and poverty, and they are not welcomed by their northern neighbors. Spinster Ursula Underwood shares an apartment with a gray and white cat on the impoverished southern side. Because of the loss and hardship she’s endured, Ursula has earned the nickname “Unfortunate”. She harbors great resentment at her lot in life, but a call on a diner payphone changes her outlook and gives her new purpose. Unfortunate Ursula Underwood takes us on a journey through an unknown world riddled with prejudice and hate, but one woman may change it all− as she learns to love the unlovable, forgive the undeserving and heal the intolerance in her heart.
Susannah B. Lewis is an author, humorist, and podcaster. She has written nine books, including Can’t Make This Stuff Up and How May I Offend You Today, both USA Today Bestsellers published by Thomas Nelson. Her work has been featured on Erma Bombeck’s Humor Writers, TODAY, and US Weekly, and her articles have appeared in Parents Magazine, Reader’s Digest, and more. She is the winner of the Southern Writers’ Magazine Short Story Contest and a recipient of the BlogHer Voices of the Year Award. Susannah also hosts the Moral of the Story Podcast, produced by AccessMore.
She lives on 90 beautiful acres in Tennessee with her husband, their three children, and a "whole bunch" of dogs and cats.
The Author of Unfortunate Ursula Underwood, Susanna B. Lewis, said it best, “So this was different, right? She carries you to an “entirely new world.” In the beginning, I wasn’t sure that I wanted to journey that way, but after another couple of chapters, I was set for the adventure.
This is one of those books that my imagination exploded, while reading it. The scenery was so vivd in my mind, that I was able to follow Ursula as she tracked along the northern and southern banks of Winnow River, showering the most unfortunate with her generosity.
I was intrigued by the mystery threads that were woven through the story, and was delighted when each ironic answer was revealed. The religion theme was also compelling.
Susanna B. Lewis, aka Whoa Susanna, is a favorite of mine. She’s an everyday Southern mom who shares her ups and downs on facebook and other social media. I am delighted that she is a talented author, as well.
If you are looking for something out of the ordinary, this is the book for you. As an old ad use to say, “Try it. You’ll like it.”
I couldn't really get into this book! I love every book Susannah writes but this one was a let down. It seemed like the story line was a little slow. I felt like it was all over the place and there were too many characters in the book. I loved the message of the book, but I just could not for the life of me get into it. I had to force myself to finish the book and reading it felt like a chore instead of something I wanted to do.
The world created in this story captured me and I don't want to leave...ever. I enjoyed every character, even the less savory ones. Any book that leaves me wanting more and asking questions about the destiny of the characters is awesome. I hoping for a Fortunate Ursula Underwood, maybe???
Unfortunate Ursula Underwood is very much a preaching book. It pushes this theme of forgiveness above all else. This is so toxic. Ursula 1000% did NOT have to forgive the man who killed her father. She needed to process her trauma in relation to him and move on. But she certainly didn't have to forgive him. I also couldn't like Ursula because she came off as whiny about her terrible life, which wasn't that terrible by the way. Also, this author has clearly never been truly bullied a day in her life. Bullies will not say Unfortunate Ursula underwood. It takes too long to say it, too many syllables for their small minds. They will usually pick one thing about you to pick on you for. Your appearance, your personality, sometimes what's going on in your life if it's public knowledge. But even then, they keep it to one word or two. I laughed too hard when her "bully" called her the book title. It was so unrealistic. I DNFd this book about halfway through. I couldn't deal with the unlikable main character and the plot was flimsy at best.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book was hard to get through. So many random characters, so many random places, I just really struggled following. I felt the author focused too much on so many side characters, that it was hard to connect with the main character. This was a book I had started a couple times and couldn’t get into. But I like this author so I wanted to keep trying. About half way through, I just wanted to quit. I just couldn’t connect. I did finish the book though, but I don’t feel like it was even worth it.
Thought this was great. I usually don't like books with religious themes, but her writing wasn't heavy handed. It was very subtle. Ursula is a lovely and gentle woman who looks too far behind her and not ahead at all. She does good things but still has much anger in her heart. This story is her journey to thaw her heart and claim her fortunes!
I have been enjoying this author's books since becoming a Facebook fan. This one is in an entirely different style. Not a fan of dystopian fiction, but this story was intriguing so I persevered. I'm glad I did! Great message, dear characters. I highly recommend it.
I had no idea what this book was going to be about and once it dawned on me I was a happy camper. Both of my parents died two years ago only 4 months apart. This made me feel closer to both of them. God is good and I feel close to Susannah after this one. She is such a good Christian and I thank her for all the good feels in this one!!
Really, I'm not sure what I expected as this is the first of Ms. Lewis's books I have read. It was riveting, emotional, spiritual, touching and most of all...I needed it! Thank you, Ms. Lewis...from the bottom of my heart!
If it weren't for book club, I probably wouldn't have kept reading it. It was a bit slow and the characters talked too properly and it was just odd reading it like that. I guess overall the message was nice and it was an ok story. Just glad is was a short, quick read!
This book started out wonderfully, but about halfway through I quickly started enjoying it less. The book has a slow, steady rise, but compared to the exposition the climax feels rushed and incomplete.
I so enjoyed this! It is well written and encouraging! A great reminder of what can be accomplished if only we truly seek to give of ourselves, even when it seems unfair. I needed this!
Amazing book! Not easy for me to begin, but as I read, I became increasingly fascinated by the writer’s story & style! A most interesting read. Will definitely read more by Susannah B. Lewis.
Wonderful book! Easy read. Heavy subject in an easy to digest form. well written, characters are likable, or at least interesting. Message on power of forgiveness and being kind to everyone not just those who deserve kindness. You never know what another person is going through.
I picked this up to read and became so absorbed in the story that I could not put it down. Characters that you become in invested in. Its quite different than any book I normally would read but I'm so glad that I stumbled on this story.
The story is as uplifting and touching as the message it carries. You should read this book. Then you should read the author's other books. Each is a unique gem!
I loved this book! It's not something i would normally resd but i love the author. This book is good for all ages!! Now go follow the author on Facebook!(whoa susannah)
I loved this book! Really great story- very original. Loved all the characters too. I highly recommend it... it was left in such a way that could open up a sequel- which would be great!
This was a very different type story but I did enjoy it! I loved Ursula and her kind, forgiving heart......so much like our Father God! Looking forward to more!
I would absolutely recommend this book to others. Bringing two sides back together is absolutely amazing and should happen more often in this cruel world!?