The Southern Belles of Honeysuckle Way

Rating:
Summary: The Ultimate Southern Novel
Review: A recent review in the The Courier Journal sparked my interest to read this book. I love the South, small towns, and family. Linda Bruckheimer brings all of this to life in her new book. The women are strong characters with a grand sense of humor -- my kind of people. When I bought the book, I thought I would start out slow with a couple of chapters a night, but found myself finishing the book at 3:00 AM in the morning. I do believe I see several of my relatives in this book!! If you are looking for a fun read, this will be your favorite novel.

Rating:
Summary: Fresh & Vibrant Read
Review: Being a Southerner is definitely not a requirement to appreciate the keen humor, biting wit and imaginative, descriptive verse loaded in "The Southern Belles of Honeysuckle Way". This is a book that has been tenderly-though not cloyingly-written about family, personal history and what really reigns important in life. The dialogue-especially from Miz Olive-is laugh out loud funny. The turn of phrase is fresh and vibrant. As in any compelling tale, the characters drive the story and keep you turning the pages to learn their fate. As Miz Olive would say, "Let's get ooon with it."

Rating:
Summary: A colorful read
Review: Enjoyed this book from start to finish. I found myself laughing and crying (mostly the former). I have a family in Arkansas that keeps me laughing over the same kind of situations. If you don't 'get it', you should broaden your horizons because there really are such colorful characters in the South.

I smell a movie - I hope!

Rating:
Summary: Would not have finished it - if not for my book club
Review: I thought the author tried too hard to be funny and it just wasn't working for me. It kind of reminded me of a slapstick movie (I know some people love that stuff but not me).

This was chosen as a book in the book club I attend. I really don't think I would have finished it otherwise.

I am not "Southern" but if I was, I would be insulted by how so many of the characters were portrayed (complete imbeciles). I can't believe that the people in Kentucky or Tenessee are that dumb.

Rating:
Summary: Like a good book gone bad...
Review: I'm Southern and love books about Southern women, but this book left me irritated. It started well then went downhill from there. The plot jumps around so much, it's difficult to figure out where you are in timeline or with which character. I skimmed the last few chapters just so I could say I finished it. This is one of the few books I've ever read in which I didn't like ANY of the characters. It's poorly written; Ms. Bruckheimer cannot seem to make her characters and scenes come alive without use of similes. The result is a work that reads as if written by a high school sophomore. I was disappointed!

Rating:
Summary: Timeless Story of Good vs Evil that Makes You Laugh Out Loud
Review: In this homerun sequel, the zany Wooten clan continues to entertain you as a reader. As I eagerly read through the pages of this book, I found myself recognizing the characters as dear old friends. Ms. Bruckheimer really captures the 'quirks' of the patchwork society here in the south. This feel-good novel gives great insight to southern life and its intoxicating power. People who "ain't from 'round'ere" don't truly understand the beautiful way of life we enjoy. For any Southern Belle, this book will evoke wonderful memories from your past, and for any woman, or man for that matter, it will certainly make you desire the southern way of life. This brilliantly crafted novel helps us to search for a way to balance the old with the new, and not to forget about our heritage while embracing the future. This uplifting tale of southern life is one of the best of its kind.

Rating:
Summary: One reason . . .
Review: One reason I DIDN'T like this book is because I started reading it one afternoon and couldn't put it down until two in the morning! Thanks, Linda Bruckheimer. And my husband thanks you also. That said, this was just fascinating reading. This is not some corny "moonlight and magnolias" book about the south, but a real, honest-to-goodness book with well-drawn characters, a plot that moves, and, well, something else I couldn't put my finger on. Heart? Truth? The ability to touch people? Perhaps. Whatever it was, it stuck with me. And I totally disagree with a review that criticized the author's use of dialect and colorful descriptions. Get real! That's what the south is all about! If you like books such as Flagg's "Fried Green Tomatoes" or McCrae's "The Bark of the Dogwood" you'll love this one.

Rating:
Summary: HYSTERICALLY FUNNY!
Review: You don't have to be from the South to enjoy this hilarious story about family and going home. I just read this over the weekend. Unlike most sequels, this one lives up to Bruckheimer's DREAMING SOUTHERN-which I also loved. I just bought copies of SOUTHERN BELLES for my sisters, mom and grandma for Mothers Day. I give this 2 thumbs up!!