by Ann B. Ross
Part of Miss Julia, book 14
First published 2013
Miss Julia settles by her fireplace as autumn arrives in Abbotsville, ready for some peace. Her tranquil moment shatters when James, who works as housekeeper for Hazel Marie, takes a serious fall down the stairs. Hazel Marie faces a crisis. She must care for the injured James while managing her husband and twin babies, but her kitchen skills barely extend beyond boiling water. Miss Julia steps in with a practical solution. She rallies the women of Abbotsville to teach Hazel Marie proper cooking through organized lessons. The plan progresses smoothly until an unwelcome face appears at the door. Brother Vern Puckett, Hazel Marie's disreputable uncle, arrives with his usual schemes. He has spent his entire life making poor choices and causing trouble for others. Miss Julia wonders what this unreliable man wants from his already overwhelmed niece. She must navigate family drama while keeping her cooking project on track.
Genres: mystery, contemporary, family-drama
Vibes: emotional, intimate, suspenseful
Tropes: found-family, unlikely-allies
Setting: Abbotsville
Period: Autumn
354 pages · Hardcover · Viking