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 was pleasently surprised by this book. I had just gotten done reading a few "heavy" books so I thought I would switch is up and read something more light hearted and fluffy. While this started out fluffy, it eventually took on some very serious subject matter which made for an interesting story. I couldn't help but like Sissy and her "Southern Belles Handbook". She was not only funny but also very smart and sneaky. I disliked her husband Peewee and son Chip (what an evil child) and her father in law (for being such a pig, etc...) I was very satisfied with the ending. I would definately recommend this.

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!

Sissy LeBlanc is a wild little character who, as a woman with limited resources within a small southern town, must come to terms with what it is to live by the rules of the Southern Belle Handbook. Though a pleasurable, fast read, the language the author employs is more enjoyable, in my estimation, than most chic lit novels. Despres seems to relish her words and comes up with creative ways to relay and describe familiar situations. The book is a guilty pleasure and a great summer read, as long as you are ready and assured that Sissy LeBlanc is no saint.

A entertaining read. I have to say, I did not like the main character at all. However, about halfway through the book, I started to feel for her. After reading the beginning (and the back cover) of the book. I was so surprised at the end that I actually cheered! Quietly, of course. :)
If you're a fan of Southern fiction and you're in the mood for a light read, then be sure to read this book.

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Loved it. Very engrossing characters,especially if you enjoy books about the south and southern women. A very enjoyable read!

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 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.

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