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Miss Julia #23
Miss Julia Happily Ever After
The delightful final installment of the beloved and New York Times bestselling Miss Julia series.
Wedding fever hits Abbotsville and several of Miss Julia's friends have plans to tie the knot. But, as usual, nothing is so simple. Christy Hargrove suddenly gives up a lifelong dream and drops out of medical school to marry, Helen Stroud and Thurlow Jones decide to change their commercial arrangement into a marital one, and, to Miss Julia's consternation, Lillian, her housekeeper and closest companion, is considering a less-than-romantic offer to wed a local businessman who turns courting into a job interview. And then there's LuAnne who just wants to be married, and Janelle who doesn't.
Miss Julia wants to properly celebrate each ceremony, insofar as anyone will let her. But Helen wants a private, even secretive, wedding; Christy's fianc� wants a destination wedding, and Lillian can't decide if she wants a wedding at all. In the middle of it all, a strange figure keeps showing up in town, streaking across lawns and vandalizing the gardens of Miss Julia's neighbors. Abbotsville's liveliest resident finds herself trying to solve it all---matters of the heart and petty crime alike---and once again save the day.
Wedding fever hits Abbotsville and several of Miss Julia's friends have plans to tie the knot. But, as usual, nothing is so simple. Christy Hargrove suddenly gives up a lifelong dream and drops out of medical school to marry, Helen Stroud and Thurlow Jones decide to change their commercial arrangement into a marital one, and, to Miss Julia's consternation, Lillian, her housekeeper and closest companion, is considering a less-than-romantic offer to wed a local businessman who turns courting into a job interview. And then there's LuAnne who just wants to be married, and Janelle who doesn't.
Miss Julia wants to properly celebrate each ceremony, insofar as anyone will let her. But Helen wants a private, even secretive, wedding; Christy's fianc� wants a destination wedding, and Lillian can't decide if she wants a wedding at all. In the middle of it all, a strange figure keeps showing up in town, streaking across lawns and vandalizing the gardens of Miss Julia's neighbors. Abbotsville's liveliest resident finds herself trying to solve it all---matters of the heart and petty crime alike---and once again save the day.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published April 6, 2021
149 people are currently reading
500 people want to read
About the author
Ann B. Ross
61 books937 followersAnn 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
April 4, 2021
The indomitable Miss Julia is back again. This time around it seems that wedding fever has overtaken Abbotsville, and Miss Julia is not happy for all the blushing brides. Helen Stroud is planning to marry the cantankerous Thurlow Jones; Christy Hargrove, daughter of the town doctor, has a finance who wants her to quit medical school and is planning a destination wedding; LuAnne is husband hunting, but ignoring may have chosen the wrong man; and even Miss Lillian is threatening to tie the knot. Amidst all the wedding preparations a streaker is frequenting the back yards of Miss Julia and her neighbors. As usual, Miss Julia has a hard time not stepping in to set things right and show everyone the error of their ways.
I came across this entertaining series back in 1999 when the first book was published and have eagerly anticipated each new addition. Miss Julia’s outspokenness and no-nonsense approach to her family, friends and neighbors continues to be a delightful escape for a few hours of cozy reading. A cup of tea and a comfortable reading chair are all you need to feel a part of the small southern town of Abbotsville, where you will find quirky characters, an entertaining story line and always a happy ending.
Thank you to Penguin Group/Viking and NetGalley for the e-ARC
I came across this entertaining series back in 1999 when the first book was published and have eagerly anticipated each new addition. Miss Julia’s outspokenness and no-nonsense approach to her family, friends and neighbors continues to be a delightful escape for a few hours of cozy reading. A cup of tea and a comfortable reading chair are all you need to feel a part of the small southern town of Abbotsville, where you will find quirky characters, an entertaining story line and always a happy ending.
Thank you to Penguin Group/Viking and NetGalley for the e-ARC
April 29, 2021
There are definitely some Cackle-out-loud moments in this book.
The publisher said in the description that this will be Miss Julia’s "final installment."
But…
Ann Ross said that it is just the last installment “with this publisher.”
She is already working on her 2022 book.
Wah-Hoo! Long live Ann Ross!
The publisher's description:
The delightful final installment of the beloved and New York Times bestselling Miss Julia series.
Wedding fever hits Abbotsville and several of Miss Julia's friends have plans to tie the knot. But, as usual, nothing is so simple. Christy Hargrove suddenly gives up a lifelong dream and drops out of medical school to marry, Helen Stroud and Thurlow Jones decide to change their commercial arrangement into a marital one, and, to Miss Julia's consternation, Lillian, her housekeeper and closest companion, is considering a less-than-romantic offer to wed a local businessman who turns courting into a job interview. And then there's LuAnne who just wants to be married, and Janelle who doesn't.
Miss Julia wants to properly celebrate each ceremony, insofar as anyone will let her. But Helen wants a private, even secretive, wedding; Christy's fianc� wants a destination wedding, and Lillian can't decide if she wants a wedding at all. In the middle of it all, a strange figure keeps showing up in town, streaking across lawns and vandalizing the gardens of Miss Julia's neighbors. Abbotsville's liveliest resident finds herself trying to solve it all---matters of the heart and petty crime alike---and once again save the day.
The publisher said in the description that this will be Miss Julia’s "final installment."
But…
Ann Ross said that it is just the last installment “with this publisher.”
She is already working on her 2022 book.
Wah-Hoo! Long live Ann Ross!
The publisher's description:
The delightful final installment of the beloved and New York Times bestselling Miss Julia series.
Wedding fever hits Abbotsville and several of Miss Julia's friends have plans to tie the knot. But, as usual, nothing is so simple. Christy Hargrove suddenly gives up a lifelong dream and drops out of medical school to marry, Helen Stroud and Thurlow Jones decide to change their commercial arrangement into a marital one, and, to Miss Julia's consternation, Lillian, her housekeeper and closest companion, is considering a less-than-romantic offer to wed a local businessman who turns courting into a job interview. And then there's LuAnne who just wants to be married, and Janelle who doesn't.
Miss Julia wants to properly celebrate each ceremony, insofar as anyone will let her. But Helen wants a private, even secretive, wedding; Christy's fianc� wants a destination wedding, and Lillian can't decide if she wants a wedding at all. In the middle of it all, a strange figure keeps showing up in town, streaking across lawns and vandalizing the gardens of Miss Julia's neighbors. Abbotsville's liveliest resident finds herself trying to solve it all---matters of the heart and petty crime alike---and once again save the day.
August 3, 2021
Not my favorite Miss Julia book... but still 5 stars for the Finale of this Series. Such enjoyable characters, so much fun... who knew a middle aged lady could be so entertaining for me! It's the longest series I've ever completed for sure, and I wouldn't have changed a thing!
May 9, 2021
Another delightful Ms. Julia story. I never tire of reading about her adventures. My favorite few lines from the book: Then he (Sam) said, “Well, come on, tell me about your week. Anything going on in town I should know about?” “Oh, nothing much, I said with a straight face. “Somebody got married. A few others are planning to. Another one is hoping to. Mildred is planning a party. A naked man came to visit. I got shot at, and Lillian speaks Japanese.” I sure hope this isn’t the final installment. 🙁
January 16, 2022
I'm sorry Miss Julia ended without a fanfare! This book lacked the plots of others in the series, with Miss Julia getting involved in some mystery or predicament, with her ragtag friends helping her out of the mess. This book was about a number of her good friends getting married or wanting to marry. The highlight of the book was the exhibitionist targeting single women at night. Nice twist to the plot with this one. Good-bye Miss Julia. I've enjoyed our stories.
May 4, 2021
There were a few things about the plot of this book that were off-putting for me.
1. The storyline of the naked man running around town, exposing himself to older women who were home alone. This was treated almost as a joke by the male characters and not taken nearly as seriously as it should have been.
2. Treating the elderly woman who was accosted by the naked man and who was terrified of being "ravished" as something to laugh about. This was a woman who was scared of being raped. NOT FUNNY.
3. The idea that it was not absolutely disgusting and predatory that a 90 year old man wanted to marry a pregnant teen.
1. The storyline of the naked man running around town, exposing himself to older women who were home alone. This was treated almost as a joke by the male characters and not taken nearly as seriously as it should have been.
2. Treating the elderly woman who was accosted by the naked man and who was terrified of being "ravished" as something to laugh about. This was a woman who was scared of being raped. NOT FUNNY.
3. The idea that it was not absolutely disgusting and predatory that a 90 year old man wanted to marry a pregnant teen.
April 16, 2021
I don’t know why I continue to read these books, but as this one has been advertised as the last one, maybe I won’t have to worry about that anymore. The Miss Julia books used to be charming and sweet and funny, and such a welcome escape. Now, and for the past few installments, they’re just a vehicle for the author’s Republican political agenda. Old Ann apparently misses the bygone days when she could use the N word freely and without recourse (there’s an entire paragraph, apropos of NOTHING, dedicated to this topic), and she follows it up by making fun of an elderly lady who feared sexual assault, even going so far as to suggest that the woman regretted that the assault didn’t actually happen to her. I don’t even have words for how offensive this book is. If indeed it is Miss Julia’s swan song, then we are well rid of her.
June 13, 2021
Several weddings are planned and Miss Julia isn’t sure any of them are the right thing. The town is also having a naked man appear at the windows of older women who are home alone. Lots for Miss Julia to worry about.
August 31, 2021
This is supposedly the last book in the Miss Julia series. We will see!
Far better than Miss Julia #22 which seemed to have hit an all-time low, I went through the story gingerly, wondering if the book would hold up, and missed some of the characters that I grew very fond of (Lloyd and Latisha to name two) who were only barely mentioned here.
I'd say the book was carefully crafted so as not to be offensive, and to wind things up neatly with most characters. It lacked the mirth and hilarity that I have enjoyed so very much with most of the volumes though.
It was alright, but I wouldn't go back to read it again for laughs.
Far better than Miss Julia #22 which seemed to have hit an all-time low, I went through the story gingerly, wondering if the book would hold up, and missed some of the characters that I grew very fond of (Lloyd and Latisha to name two) who were only barely mentioned here.
I'd say the book was carefully crafted so as not to be offensive, and to wind things up neatly with most characters. It lacked the mirth and hilarity that I have enjoyed so very much with most of the volumes though.
It was alright, but I wouldn't go back to read it again for laughs.
December 4, 2022
I’m so going to miss this series. I binge listened to every audiobook. The narrator made Miss Julia come alive. Just a wonderful series.
July 15, 2021
Miss Julia must be somewhere in her early seventies but….she sounds like she got stuck in the 1950’s trading gossip and drinking coffee with June Cleaver! I’m almost eighty-two and even at that I find her a bigoted, bossy, interfering old biddy!
Id like to give the author the sobriquet Ann B Racist. Lillian is supposed to be Miss Julia’s friend, but is not treated as such. She refers to her as the maid, which is just one step above slave or hired help. Domestic companion has a nicer ring. Ms Ross has her speaking with poor grammar and a distinct dialect which I find demeaning.
Too much old time religion - outdated views on alcohol, premarital sex, sin, teen pregnancy, abortion, marriage, divorce etc. They all should have eloped and forsaken this ridiculous wedding nonsense!! Do women really cry, worry and pray over such trivial happenings?
If this was supposed to be the final book in the series I would have liked to have seen it end with Mildred throwing Miss Julia a huge funeral and Sam running off with LuAnne!
But, if there is a Book#24, I’ll read it just so I can write another scathing review!
PS - Yes, Danny snuck into Abbotsville!
Id like to give the author the sobriquet Ann B Racist. Lillian is supposed to be Miss Julia’s friend, but is not treated as such. She refers to her as the maid, which is just one step above slave or hired help. Domestic companion has a nicer ring. Ms Ross has her speaking with poor grammar and a distinct dialect which I find demeaning.
Too much old time religion - outdated views on alcohol, premarital sex, sin, teen pregnancy, abortion, marriage, divorce etc. They all should have eloped and forsaken this ridiculous wedding nonsense!! Do women really cry, worry and pray over such trivial happenings?
If this was supposed to be the final book in the series I would have liked to have seen it end with Mildred throwing Miss Julia a huge funeral and Sam running off with LuAnne!
But, if there is a Book#24, I’ll read it just so I can write another scathing review!
PS - Yes, Danny snuck into Abbotsville!
October 4, 2025
Man, what a great ending to this series I've been stuck in these past few months. I laughed so hard so many times because there's nothing more hilarious than tough old Southern birds handling an unknown streaker in town. Miss Julie and her friend Mildred can handle themselves.
May 15, 2021
Well, I read the last Miss Julia book and enjoyed it. I am sorry that there will be no more of them.
April 10, 2021
I have been reading Miss Julia since Ann Ross began writing about her. The first several were just funny and great and I loved reading them. The last few, before this one, were close to being boring and I felt it was about time for me to find another light hearted southern story teller. I bought this as my last hurrah and so glad I did. The story is wonderful with an intriguing number of characters and a clever interwoven plot. I so enjoyed it!
I would not recommend this as a first Miss Julia book. The history of these people is integral to this novel.
I would not recommend this as a first Miss Julia book. The history of these people is integral to this novel.
May 31, 2021
I've loved this series, so I'm severely disappointed this will be the last Miss Julia book. I wanted to see Lloyd, Latisha, the twins, and the new child from the last book just a while longer. I've been invested in Lloyd and Latisha so long, they're like neighborhood children I've watched grow up.
Miss Julia is the title character, but Lillian has been my overall favorite, I think. Hazel Marie, Etta Mae, Mr. Pickens, and Sam hold places in my heart, and Julia and Lillian's friends and neighbors have been fun to know. One of the things about this series is that there are seldom dead bodies. I don't mind DBs - I write them in my own books - but I admire that Ms. Ross created well-paced mysteries that centered on other issues.
If the series must end, it ends well enough. Thanks, Ann B. Ross, for hours of reading joy!
Miss Julia is the title character, but Lillian has been my overall favorite, I think. Hazel Marie, Etta Mae, Mr. Pickens, and Sam hold places in my heart, and Julia and Lillian's friends and neighbors have been fun to know. One of the things about this series is that there are seldom dead bodies. I don't mind DBs - I write them in my own books - but I admire that Ms. Ross created well-paced mysteries that centered on other issues.
If the series must end, it ends well enough. Thanks, Ann B. Ross, for hours of reading joy!
May 12, 2021
Delightful
Miss Julia is back and so is all of Ann Ross’s wonderful characters. Marriage is on the minds of several of Miss Julia’s friends and she is not sure she is too pleased for most of them. Then there is the naked man who keeps running through people’s yards in the middle of the night and of course Miss Julia must find out who it is. Laugh out loud clean read.
Miss Julia is back and so is all of Ann Ross’s wonderful characters. Marriage is on the minds of several of Miss Julia’s friends and she is not sure she is too pleased for most of them. Then there is the naked man who keeps running through people’s yards in the middle of the night and of course Miss Julia must find out who it is. Laugh out loud clean read.
April 30, 2021
Not my cup of tea.
April 15, 2021
"Goodness knows, I am not one to interfere in the personal lives of my friends," says Miss Julia, then proceeds to do just that with her typical aplomb and perseverance! This time around, several of her friends or acquaintances are contemplating matrimony in some form, and Miss Julia feels it her bounden duty to keep an eye on the goings on. To complicate things, an unknown man has taken to running around town late at night and flashing the older, unsuspecting ladies, which creates quite a to-do and causes Miss Julia to come up with a plan for catching him in the act. Needless to say, it all comes right in the end, but much entertainment ensues as Miss Julia tries to keep everyone in Abbottsville on track!
July 21, 2021
Another relaxing and fun read from Ann B. Ross. We join Miss Julia as she contemplates the weddings of her friends. Whatever their reason for marriage, Miss Julia wants to make sure everything is on the up and up even if it means hiring a detective. It's fun to join Miss Julia in her world where everything seems a bit more simple and relaxed--even with a streaker in the neighborhood. What would Miss Julia without her friends!
April 23, 2021
I’ve never been disappointed in any of these books. They always make me laugh through her misadventures.
October 8, 2021
I love this series
This book made my heart squeeze at the end but I laughed so much until then. The characters are such lovable misfits.
This book made my heart squeeze at the end but I laughed so much until then. The characters are such lovable misfits.
November 3, 2021
Thank you Miss Julia for helping me get through the pandemic. It was a fun ride!
June 13, 2022
This ended the 23.5 book series on a high note.
January 1, 2023
Series started with Lloyd, but the final book barely mentions him
October 24, 2021
This is apparently the last in the Miss Julia series. It's a satisfying read that centers on weddings-traditional first, romantic try agains and practical arrangements. Miss Julia accepts them all which in itself shows how she has evolved. A good feeling place to let them go. Almost everyone makes an appearance.
April 17, 2021
I’ve been a bit disappointed by the last few Miss Julia books and was wondering if I would need to give up on one of my favorite series. This book is like the Miss Julia series of old. It had several laugh out loud moments and certainly didn’t disappoint. I loved reading about the old characters that hadn’t been as prominent in recent series. It’s like meeting up with old friends. Well done Ann B Ross!
April 11, 2021
“Miss Julia Happily Ever After” is another enjoyable and light-hearted read that transported me back to the world of Miss Julia and all of her adventures and quirky friends and neighbors. I have read all of the “Miss Julia” books in order, and they are one of the best and funniest series I have read as an adult. The books and characters are funny and insightful. I devour each of them in only a couple of days as they are truly an escape. A reader can start with any of the books in the series, including her latest, but I urge you to also go back and read all of them as Miss Julia’s madcap adventures and her well-intentioned meddling keeps readers engaged. Since this book marks the official end of this beloved series, I plan to go back and re-read the whole series again.
April 13, 2021
As always, Miss Julia has her nose in all the business around town but she worries about everyone and just wants to help. This book does not disappoint. You never know what she is going to be involved in and who will be assisting her but you can rest assured that Mildred, Lillian and Luanne will be part of the escapades. Loved the book and was upset that it was going to be the final one until I read there will be one next year by a different publisher.
March 31, 2021
Miss Julia is a genial widow of a certain age who seems to be the hub of all in small town Abbottsville where the crime is minor but pesky. If you, like me, have only read one or maybe two of this long running series, you will still find yourself pulled into the town and the excitement over several weddings. Most cozies feature murder but that's not the case here- the problem is a nude man who has been messing with gardens. What's more important are the dynamics between the characters and the angst and joy that goes with weddings. I know I missed fine points about these lovely people but the novel is a relaxing read. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC. I know Ross's fans will welcome this one.
June 21, 2021
I always listen to the audio versions of the Miss Julia books. Narrator Cynthia Darlow rocks!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews