Search - The Scandalous Summer of Sissy LeBlanc

While most readers may not immediately recognize the author's name, many will be familiar with her TV work. She's written for Dynasty, The Waltons, Love Boat, and Knots Landing and is probably best known for the "Who Shot J.R.?" episode of Dallas. Her television background serves her well in this debut novel. Her timing is excellent and the plot twists are both delightful and surprising. Sissy LeBlanc lives by a code she calls "The Southern Belle's Handbook." When a pithy idea pops into her head, she instinctively knows how that code applies to her life. Sissy understands her role as granddaughter of a suffragette, daughter of a newspaper editor, wife of PeeWee, and mother of three, but lately she's been feeling restless. When her high school sweetheart comes back to Gentry, LA, after a 14-year absence, Sissy decides that it is time to make some changes in her life if they cause a little scandal, so be it. Readers may be reminded of the movies Fried Green Tomatoes and Something To Talk About. Despres's heroine has spunk, her villains get their comeuppance, and her ending is psychologically satisfying. Recommended for public libraries with large collections of women's fiction. Pam Kingsbury, Florence, AL
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

This enjoyable story started out as so much entertaining fluff, but about half-way through, it took on greater depth. Turns out, this is a touching and thought-provoking novel that illustrates how easy it is to lose ourselves. A worthwhile read with hilarious moments and a likeable protagonist.

I could not get into this book at all. I found it to be tedious and, at times, ridiculous. I felt the author put in twists just for the sake of putting in twists...and even they didn't hold my interest.

I took this book on vacation with me and it's probably the only time in my life that I couldn't wait to get back to my room - all because I was anxious to find out what Sissy did next! This is a great, fun, scandalous read!

Really fun story! More than your average chick lit!

This debut novel by prominent television writer Despres (whose credits include the infamous "Who Shot J. R.?" episode of Dallas) tells the story of an unhappy housewife and the trouble she stirs up while conducting an adulterous love affair during the long, hot summer of 1956. Set in the small southern town of Gentry, Louisiana, this tale of lust, jealousy, and regret unfolds playfully amid a colorful cast of eccentric small-town characters. And although the story maintains a humorous bent, it doesn't shy away from addressing serious issues, such as racism, sexism, anti-Semitism, and sexual abuse. Sissy LeBlanc, married for 14 years to a man she detests and mother of three children she can barely stand, finds herself bored, lonely, and up for some excitement. Conveniently, her old high-school sweetheart mysteriously appears back in town. Their reacquaintance sets in motion a series of events that reveals shocking secrets and hard truths for many of the story's main characters. Fans of romance and contemporary women's fiction will especially enjoy this rather quirky novel.

great! Sissy has a crazy summer that will keep you enthralled!

I didn't absolutely hate this book, but I definitely didn't love it either.

Overall I found the whole thing a bit contrived and boring. Told mostly from the viewpoint of a bored housewife of 14 years (who dropped out of high school at 16 to have her first child and get married), the language was inconsistent and the plot twists were weak and somewhat predictable.

While it had a happy ending, the journey itself left me cold.

Great book with a good twist that I wasn't expecting. Loved the "Southern Belle Handbook"!

Not your typical chick lit book, much deeper than that. I actually found myself rooting for Sissy Leblanc and Parker Davidson!

This a great summer beach read, you will not want to put it down. Its full of laughs and fun surprises.

I loved reading this book! Very entertaining and hard to put down. Hard to believe it was a first for this author.

This book had a totally unexpected ending. I did find it hard to believe that it was written by a Southener though, as it seemed much more NYC to me.

A steamy Southern novel -- a wife and mother in a tolerable marriage, Sissy is astonished when her high school love returns to town. As we dig deeper, we learn Sissy, with her Southern Belle Handbook of rules for behavior, in fact has a more sordid history than we imagined. Builds to an unexpected climax in a story that I enjoyed following.

A fun book that follows Sissy LeBlanc in 1950's Louisiana. She's in a drab marriage with three kids...and life is just dull. When her high school sweetheart Parker returns to town, she has to decide if she wants to stay with the status quo or go after her passions. Lots of scandal and twists.

very scandalous.

Light read. Good beach book.

A very enjoyable book!

A good book a little slow to start.

Wildly funny, surprisingly touching.