Miss Julia Knows a Thing or Two

Miss Julia #22

by Ann B. Ross

The delightful new installment of the beloved and New York Times bestselling Miss Julia series

Miss Julia has decided to turn over a new leaf -- it's time to stop meddling in other peoples' lives. But her hands are full before long! Mildred is sent into a tizzy when a grandchild she's never met shows up on her doorstop. With her husband fighting a mysterious illness, she's all on her own. Meanwhile, Etta Mae is worried about losing her job now that the retirement care center is closing. Luckily Miss Julia has experience dealing with children dropped on doorsteps, and sweeps in to lend a hand. But there's something just a bit strange about the child, and Miss Julia can't quite put her finger on what it is.

As always, hijinks ensue as Ann B. Ross delivers this delightful and entertaining installment in her bestselling Miss Julia series.

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

336 pages, Hardcover

Published April 14, 2020

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

[Joan Happel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Julia is back and has turned over a new leaf. She has decided to no longer interfere in the lives of her friends, neighbors and relations. However, her resolution doesn’t last long. Miss Julia’s neighbor Mildred Allen has had a child, Penelope, foisted on her by her daughter Tonya and Mildred’s husband seems to be losing his memory. Meanwhile, old friend Etta Mae Wiggins may be losing her job when her boss decides to sell her business and relocate to Florida. Finally, with Christmas fast approaching Miss Julia needs to shop, decorate, plan, and host everyone at her house for happy holiday. Juggling all of that leads to many amusing and often convoluted situations. But this is Miss Julia, who always perseveres in the end.

I have been following the adventures of Miss Julia from the first installment and I have enjoyed every minute of them. This time around is no exception, Miss Julia does things her way, often finding herself in awkward situations and juggling more balls that you would think one person could handle. In the end, Miss Julia always comes out on top, somehow with everyone her around still intact. Fans of this series will not be disappointed with this latest!

Thank you to Penguin Group Viking and NetGalley for the e-ARC.

[Mburrows · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can always count on Ms. Julia to brighten my day.

[Debra B · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are always so fun, but it was just what I needed right now... a light cozy that let me escape the reality of life right now.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

For long time readers, this book might satisfy you...for the time being. I am a long time reader, though I have not read every book by Ms. Ross. This book entertained me but I had issues that had me skimming certain parts. Yes, this book is about Mildred and her woes, (and I sure did want to smack her and repeatedly smack Tonya) however, it was even more about Etta Mae and the possible purchase of a business - so there were pages and pages of Etta Mae whining and Miss Julia finagling a deal. No mystery in this book. so don't expect one. I did happen to think that there was a mystery going on with Mildred and her husband, but...

The Miss Julia series is ranked on Amazon:

#244 in Women's Detective Fiction
#412 in Women's Crime Fiction


This is also a holiday book (Christmas) though it didn't seem too Christmasy.

We still had Miss Julia's hidden snark, her bustling essential goodness, and her very astute brain -so all is well.

*ARC supplied by the publisher.

[Stacy · Rating 2 out of 5]

A digital book that I borrowed "on a whim". I've read Miss Julia books in the past, though it has been at least 6 or 8 years, probably, since I read one. The characters were all familiar and I was not lost at all, even though I skipped many books in between the last one I read and this one. I don't know if it's the timing, as I tend to be a moody reader, but this one just didn't work for me. So much wordy dialogue, saying the same thing over and over. Not a lot of action, no mystery, nothing for Miss Julia to figure out except how to meddle in situations of two of her friends. It is probably just me, but this one was just ok, nothing special.

[Heidi Burkhart · Rating 3 out of 5]

I consider myself to be a big fan of the Miss Julia series, having read a number of titles over and over.

I don’t know what happened in this book. Ross has traditionally sprinkled laugh out loud humor throughout her books. I didn’t even crack a smile until I was more than halfway through this book.

I was weary of the business arrangement that Julia attempted to arrange for Etta Mae as it dragged on and on. Also overworked, and without making much sense, was the drama with Mildred, Julia’s neighbor. Tonia, Mildred’s daughter, has dumped her adopted daughter on Mildred’s doorstop, while Mildred’s husband has sunk into severe dementia in a matter of weeks.

I cannot help but throwing lemons at the editor. The editor should have saved Ross by either reworking or not publishing this one. But the drive for the almighty dollar seems to have overcome any good judgement about the quality of this title.

[Joan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not the best story in the series. Miss Julia trys to set Etta Mae up in business and help Mildred deal with her husband's dementia and sudden appearance of an adopted granddaughter. Most of the other main characters are missing. No Hazel Marie and family (with a one page appearance by J.D. and Lloyd). None of the other lady friends make an appearance. Without these missing characters, the story really suffers.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Julia is a perfect southern lady....and a wonderful person. This newest addition to the Ann Ross series is very good. Flows smoothly, has a great plot, and great characters. Loved it. Light and cozy.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have enjoyed the Miss Julia books a lot. The characters are charming and quirky and it takes place in a town close to where I live. However, this latest in the series does not measure up. In a way, it reflects this depressing year. It is darker than most of Ms. Ross's books and there is very little humor in it. In the worst transgression, Hazel Marie, Lloyd, and Mr. Pickens are only nominally included. The book is weaker for it. Even when the police are involved, Sheriff Bates isn't there. I missed these wonderful people. And although there is a happy ending, there is absolutely no rationale for why.

[Barbara Nutting · Rating 2 out of 5]

Miss Julia has lost all her charm and spunk. She has become an interfering and crotchety old bat! Etta Mae is dumber than a box of rocks. I only finished this book because I’d read the 21 previous books in the series.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Miss Julia has decided that she won't help other people out by reorganizing their lives, as she's rather in the habit of doing. It's occurred to her that some folks might think she was meddling! Of course, when her good friend and next door neighbor starts having problems with her husband--could it be Alzheimer's?--and then learns that she has a newly adopted granddaughter she's expected to take care of--well, somebody has to watch out for the little girl! And when Julia sees a chance to do a good turn for her friend Etta Mae, who really needs a secure job, what's a Christian woman to do, especially since buying the home care service where Etta Mae works would be a profitable investment. Fortunately, Julia's husband Sam is on hand to give good advice and help her work her way through the problems that arise. Those who follow Miss Julia's adventures will be disappointed by the absence of some of the regular characters in this series.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 5 out of 5]

'There is such a thing as outsmarting your own self and I certainly did not want to do that.'

Miss Julia is starring in her twenty-second book! I love Miss Julia and will never tire of reading what all she's up to in Abbotsville, NC. She and her family and the cast of characters populating each book are so entertaining and I always find myself laughing right out loud every so often. This go round, Miss Julia has promised herself she is going to turn over a new leaf and stop meddling in everybody's business. Of course, we all knew that wasn't going to last very long. And sure enough, Miss Julia is soon embroiled in several situations that she soon wishes she'd left alone. But, in her defense, they are good causes. As they always are. (smile) Miss Julia must decide what to do about Etta Mae's suddenly precarious job situation because Etta Mae has always been such a help to her. And Miss Julia's neighbor and best friend, Mildred Allen, has just found herself in two quite unsettling situations.

I have loved the Miss Julia books from the start and eager await each new offering in the series. Miss Julia is the most outspoken resident in Abbotsville and is never afraid to speak her mind on any subject, all the while being a quite mannerly southern lady. Ann B. Ross has once again given me a book that will have pride of place on my shelves as I enjoy another delightful and hilarious romp with dear Miss Julia. And of course, it's so wonderful to see Lillian, Sam, and all the other wonderful characters Ross has created. Highly recommended.

*My thanks to the publisher for an early copy of this book. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

[Carol Ann Labosky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Miss Julia and all her antics! As with all the previous books I was not ready for the story to be over. See you next year Miss Julia!

[Carol Jones-Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I discovered the “Miss Julia” series of reads serendipitously, and have never had any regrets. Yes- they are not “classic literature” in any sense of the word(s). However, all the characters are well-drawn with a depth that the reader will appreciate.

These are simple, easy to read books in the Southern-genre. The characters mostly remain the same and experiencing their life-changes is enjoyable.

So- if you are looking for a simple, well-written and enjoyable series of books that-at least for me- brings comfort in these unknowing times, any “ Miss Julia” book will fit the bill.
I will end with this observation. The main character- Miss Julia- is obviously an “older woman “ who has found peace in a second and mutually loving second marriage. All her novels begin with a few “problems” either she or one or two of her friends are facing for which she discovers a way to aide and assist them. She is totally likable, in fact, I wish she was a friend of mine!

I discovered the “Miss Julia” series of reads serendipitously, and have never had any regrets. Yes- they are not “classic literature” in any sense of the word(s). However, all the characters are well-drawn with a depth that the reader will appreciate.

These are simple, easy to read books in the Southern -genre. The characters mostly remain the same and experiencing their life-changes is enjoyable. So- if you are looking for a simple, well-written and enjoyable series of books that-at least for me- brings comfort in these unknowing times, any “ Miss Julia” book will fit the bill. I will end with this observation. The main character- Miss Julia-is obviously an “older woman “ who has found peace in a second and mutually loving second marriage. All her novels begin with a few “problems” either she or one or two of her friends are facing for which she discovers a way to aide and assist them. She is totally likable, in fact, I wish she was a friend of mine!

Enjoy your reading - GOOD LUCK

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Julia Knows a Thing or Two. (hardback) by Ann B. Ross.

This book, the 22nd in the series, was a joy to read.
Miss Julia has decided to stop fiddling or interfering in other people's lives. That is until Mildred, her neighbor tells her about Tony. Tony and Mildred were quite close at one time and then Tony became Tonya. Now living in New York and interested in acting Mildred barely ever hears from tonya at all. Then comes a letter from tonya about an adopted child and the next thing Mildred knows that child is on her doorstep. Penelope appears to be more than just quiet, more like withdrawn.
Horace, Mildred's husband, has entered a new phase in his life. a sad phase called dementia. Mildred has her hands full trying to keep Horace from wandering away. Miss Julia finds she has no choice but to step in and help with Penelope and do what she can if and when Horace takes off again.
Then there's Etta Mae. A smart young lady except when it comes to men. But she is a responsible employee at the Handy Home Helpers. She basically runs the business and that's when Julia has an idea.
I just loved this story. so well written with the usual cast of characters I've grown accustomed to. Highly recommended.

[Lelia Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Living in small towns such as Abbotsville, NC, tends to make people a little busybody-ish and Miss Julia has recognized in herself an inclination towards being overly critical and obdurate so she’s decided to make an effort to be more open to other ideas, more sensitive and less prideful, especially after what’s been going on with her friend and next door neighbor, Mildred Allen. Poor Mildred really has a lot on her plate right now.

Mildred is coping, not very well, with her husband, Horace’s, growing cognitive impairment while her son, Tony, has recently become estranged, following his transition to daughter, Tonya. Then, out of the blue, a previously unknown grandchild shows up practically on Mildred’s doorstep. What is the beleagured woman supposed to do? Well, quite naturally, she seeks out advice from her friend and it doesn’t take long for Miss Julia to realize that things are more than a little suspicious and her tendency towards snoopiness aka sleuthing rises to this new challenge.

While Mildred’s problems are absorbing much of Miss Julia’s time and effort, she’s also concerned about Etta Mae Wiggins who may be about to lose her Handy Home Helper job for dubious reasons. Miss Julia’s determined to ferret out some truths so her good intentions of becoming more conscious of how she can rub people the wrong way just might have to wait. On top of all this, the Christmas holidays and all that entails are fast approaching and demanding her attention.

The mystery elements are lightweight here but that’s not really what the Miss Julia stories are all about—enjoy this for the appealing characters and setting as well as the warm-hearted, enjoyable read.

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

Another delightful read in the Miss Julia series.

We start out in the fall and Miss Julia has decided to not interfere in the lives around her but as soon as the thought enters her mind she finds herself involved more than ever. Etta Mae Wiggins is in a turmoil about her job, Mildred is having a family crisis of epic proportions, and the Mildred has a surprise shipped to her that ropes Miss Julia in by the heartstrings. It is a bumpy ride from one season to the next. By the ending on Christmas Day the pretty bow is a wrapped up on several story lines.

Usually Miss Julia is an escape read for me but this book and the book before hit close to home. This book has a dementia story line that made me think of my daddy. So many similarities but at the same time I was thankful he didn’t do some of the things mentioned.

I still loved my time with Miss Julia and am sad I only have one book left.

[Tc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of the 21 books in the Miss Julia series and this one is my favorite. The story flowed well and it was a fast and fun read. It was just what I needed during this time of quarantine. I could forget what was happening in the real world for several hours. I felt like I was visiting with family because after reading all of the books in the series, the characters become family. The nice thing is that as is the case with all of the books in the series, this book can stand alone and still be a delightful read.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page one, Miss Julia decides to turn over a new leaf and stop her meddling. Hahaha.

Another delightful adventure as Miss Julia come to the rescue for neighbor Mildred Allen and provides career advice for Etta Mae.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

In spite of her best intentions, Miss Julia just can't help getting involved in the lives of her family and friends. As she says in this book... "Sometimes, regardless of how determined one is to mind one’s own business, there are good and imperative reasons to speak one’s mind and to go as far as to meddle in the affairs of others in order to make things come out right. In such situations it really doesn’t matter how many new leaves you try to turn over." So once again, she is right in the thick of things as she tries to provide a better life for Etta Mae and help next-door neighbor Mildred with the sudden appearance of a little girl who is supposed to be her "granddaughter."

There's not much mention of the regular recurring characters in this book - mostly just Sam and Julia and Lillian and Latisha. Mildred doesn't come across well in this book at all, but maybe that's always been her underlying character. I don't like how she treats the little girl or even her husband for that matter, but maybe that is realistic. Etta Mae is her usual self, while the story line about buying out the Handy Home Helpers doesn't have quite the suspensefulness I expect Ross was going for.

And I'm left wondering if Ross has a family member with a McDonald's franchise in real life - she only mentions three times how wonderful the food is there, lol!

Overall, a good addition to the series and I enjoyed it. But what will Ross do for the next book? Will she include the pandemic since she usually writes to reflect current times? Which begs the question - just how much trouble can Miss Julia get into if she can't even leave her house?!

[Eileenjp · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give this a three and a half stars. It was fun, as all of the Miss Julia series books are. It was not the best of them, but it is always fun to see what all of the kooky characters in this series are up to.
I enjoyed the focus on Etta Mae and her continued, hard working struggle, to grow and better her circumstances in life. While Julia works hard to control her self with being over involved in that process, it seems she can't help herself, but it is sweet to see that her heart is in the right place. This book also focuses on Julia's friend and neighbor, Mildred and the difficult life changes that she is facing. Again Julia tells herself to not get to involved, but by the end she is actually a positive influence on the outcome of the ways that Mildred is handling new challenges in her life.
I missed seeing some of my favorite characters in this book and I do feel there is a slight change in the humor in this book. Julia is dealing with real life problems instead of some of the lighter fare of past books. It was still fun. I enjoyed the more self controlled Julia although I missed some of her more hair brained antics of past books. It does show how the love and acceptance of her second husband, Sam, has given her security and stability as she grows older. I will look forward to new books in this series.

[Nd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Julia gets so involved, and when she plunges headlong her activity it is completely absorbing. This book may be a three on political correctness, but it's a definite five in engrossment and readability. In spite of her instincts, Miss Julia was determined to turn over a new leaf and not always think she knew what was best for others, and this she was able to do in several circumstances. However, when two completely different and separate friends needed some guidance in their lives, she couldn't help but try to figure out ways to make their lives easier, even if some of the nudging might have been contrary to their inclinations.

In spite of not keeping in constant contact, her independent and self-involved next door neighbor Mildred was a friend. Mildred's husband, Horace, had begun to move quickly into dementia and was wandering off at all hours. Her son-turned-daughter, Tanya, as completely self-absorbed as her mother, had suddenly become distant; until, that is, she decided to do a housewives show on the west coast. Tanya suddenly notified her mother not only that she had a previously undisclosed adoptive daughter, Penelope, but that she was on her way to Abbottsville to Mildred's to be cared for while Tanya filmed the show. Miss Julia also overheard a rumor that that Etta Mae, someone else she had not kept in touch with as intended, might be about to lose her job as a health care aide because her employer was about to sell the business and move to Florida.

So, in spite of turning over her new leaf, she tried to help in both situations. Mildred was too worried about the effects of events on herself to pay attention to her new granddaughter and Etta Mae was so self-d1sparaging that every step forward contrived by Miss Julia required encouragement and coaxing. In the meanwhile, Christmas was approaching and everything Miss Julia tried to do seemed to be met with resistance.

[Elizabeth Meadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this installment, Miss Julia comes to the aid of her neighbor Helen. I felt like this book dealt with a couple of heavier topics than usual, but Miss Julia stepped up to the task and did what she needed to.

In another story line, Miss Julia decides to help Etta Mae Wiggins become a business owner by doing a bit of investing herself.

I'm starting to get a bit melancholy since it looks like the Miss Julia series is coming to an end in the next book. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and will happily reread each and every book!!

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Julia never disappoints - always leaves me in stitches as she encounters life’s twists and turns!

[Kim Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Julia never disappoints!

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poor Miss Julia tries to stay out of other people’s business- she just can’t help herself!
Two favorite quotes:
St. Augustine “Pride lurks in every good deed.”

... she(Mildred) might see that the Lord has sent her a child(Alicia/Penelope) who could change her life too.
Sam: He’s good about that.
Miss Julia: what?
Sam: sending a child to change lives.

[Jean Blankenship · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series. Can’t get any better than reading a book by Ann B. Ross! So much fun!

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fantastic Miss Julia story! I love this series, and the continuity between novels and characters. I did miss Hazel Marie, Lloyd and their family in this story, but there was lots of Lillian and Latisha and Etta Mae to enjoy. I did not quite believe the whole Tonya adopting then abandoning a child storyline though. In all the other novels, Tonya has not been portrayed as unthinking and uncaring, so I found this plot hard to swallow, along with ignoring her parents who were in dire straights with Horace's increasing dementia. I think that part of the story could have been written differently and more gently, especially since the child was basically ignored by all her "family" and only cared for by Miss Julia and Lillian.

[Susie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as her previous Miss Julia novels.

[Frances G Shannonhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Minding Her Own Business?

I gave this book five stars. Here we see Miss Julia deciding to give up her habit of trying to fix everything for everybody. She is determined to change her ways and mind her own business. That is, until Etta Mae needs a push to improve her career. And until Mildred Allen is woefully in need of good advice when a new family member suddenly appears. And finally until a neighbor's mental difficulties disturb the quiet nights. Miss Julia handles it all with her usual verve and determination, bringing us another taste of the southern charm and humor we've come to expect from Ann B. Ross.