The Devil in the Junior League

by Linda Francis Lee

Book Overview

The Junior League of Willow Creek, Texas, is tres exclusive. Undesirables need not apply. Fredericka Mercedes Hildebrand Ware (Frede to her friends) is a member beyond reproach...until her life begins... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312354975
• Release Date: July 2003
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
• Length: 341 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.3" x 0.9" x 5.6"

Customer Reviews

A hilarious tongue-in-chic romp

Frede Ware is on top of the world. She is Texan, gorgeous, fabulously wealthy, married to incredibly handsome (but poor) Gordon, has her own art gallery, and is a member of the Willow Creek Junior League inner circle. As the story opens, she even giddily suspects that she's pregnant after years of infertility treatments. Frede dashes home from her Junior League meeting to use her pregnancy test --- and that's when her world falls apart. Her maid, Nina, is in the foyer with a mousy stranger named Janet Lambert. Janet informs Frede that she's pregnant with Gordon's child. Can things get worse? Yes, they can. Gordon arrives. He's shocked to see Janet and angry when she reveals to Frede that she's been in Frede and Gordon's bed every Wednesday. Then he blurts out that Janet can't be pregnant because he had a vasectomy years ago. Frede, who is way beyond furious, throws Gordon out. When she calls her bank to cut off Gordon's access to her money, she discovers that Gordon has cleared out the accounts. And when she contacts their lawyer, he refuses to help her since he represents Gordon in so many business dealings. Frede can't go to her parents since their money is dwindling, and she can't bear to lose face. Finally, Frede calls on her loud and obnoxious lawyer-shark neighbor, Howard Grout. Howard agrees to help her if she can get his stiletto-heeled, hot-pink, leopard-print legginged wife Nikki into Junior League. That's impossible, yet Frede has absolutely no choice if she wants to retrieve the money Gordon stole from her so she can continue her luxe lifestyle. Nikki and Frede have a history. They were part of a clique in junior high that eventually fell apart in high school due to social status issues. Now Frede has no choice but to concoct a game plan to help her ex-friend. She must recruit five snooty Junior League members to sponsor flamboyant Nikki, and soon. First she plans an intimate tea at Nikki's and tries to avoid the pitfalls --- namely Nikki's jungle room and slutty outfits. Meanwhile, Howard and Frede go to battle against Gordon. Howard insists that Frede must turn a profit at her art gallery and sends her off to persuade eccentric sculptor Sawyer Jackson to show his pieces. That quest opens up an entirely new and different can of worms. Frede has major Attitude as she undertakes her Henrietta Higgins quest; she grows and changes (yet remains her own persnickety self) through the course of the plot, which makes for a satisfying story arc. THE DEVIL IN THE JUNIOR LEAGUE melds a little mystery, a little hot romance, some surprising plot twists and a whole lot of snarkiness into a hilarious tongue-in-chic romp --- the perfect recipe for the ultimate beach read. --- Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon (terryms2001@yahoo.com)

Wonderful Character Transformation

An Spirit-lifting Story That Pokes Humor Well! Although the characters seem a bit stereotypical, it allows readers from other regions of America to understand the ways of a southerner by the over-emphasized personalities. I am from New England and trust me, the image the author paints about us isn't too flattering (thick eyebrows, dark clothes and mostly cerebral) and I only had to laugh at the how the Texans (big hats, long cars and loud JRs.) think we are. Her characters are written with the intention to not insult (certainement pas) but to help emphasize how non-static the main character really is. It is also the only way to convey the character's transition from selfish and unaware to enlightening and understanding Trust me, there's a transformation and it's fun to read as it happens!!! Starting from the "right side of the tracks" and being sent to the "wrong side" only to find it more liberating and satisfying, makes the book a good example for any teenager or young adult. Having followed a very similar path, I know how life can roughen even the most polished edges, strengthening a person and making them much wiser. Life isn't about "m-o-n-e-y". Both Frede and I are vera vera sure!!! Having the silver spoon replaced by a plastic one can be very LIBERATING!!! (ALTHOUGH I still refuse wear an anklet or pierce more than an ear -- LOL!). After reading the author's "mini autobiography" in the book, I realize she is having a great time poking fun at her own upbringing. Comme exemple: competing in a beauty contest and "thinking it was a good idea at the time". I am sure her days associatited with the Junior League are some of her most favorite memories. Being a Debutant is also something of which to be proud, for is it a tradition, very similar to other age-related celebrations in other cultures. Bravo to Fred's husband for it was his nasty affair with Miss Mouse which propelled her into becoming a new and better person.

Channeling Olivia Goldsmith???

It was very upsetting to me when Olivia Goldsmith passed away several years ago as I had loved her wry sense of humor so. I do believe Linda Francis Lee must be channeling Olivia Goldsmith in this wonderful book, The Devil in the Junior League. She has the same fast pace and quick wit that were the hallmarks of so many of Goldsmith's bestsellers. I just loved this book from beginning to end and could hardly stand to put it down once I started it. It was just too much fun to see Gordon get what he justly deserved. I hope we see more of Frede Ware (and Sawyer!) in upcoming books by Ms. Lee. I will be chomping at the bit until I can get my hands on another Frede Ware book!

Very Enjoyable

I loved this book! Although it did have some mild sexual content I let me 15 year old daughter read it because it has such great lessons about life. Besides, it's very funny

Entertaining characters, witty dialogue

Fredericka Mercedes Hildebrand Ware is living the life of her dreams. Frede is 28 years old, gorgeous; happily married to Gordon Ware; dedicated member of the Junior League of Willow Creek Texas; and living in an exclusive gated community. Janet Lambert shows up at her house and tells Frede she's pregnant with Gordon's baby. Frede's life falls apart when Gordon takes off. Months ago, she inadvertently signed divorce papers and gave Gordon the right to close their bank accounts. Frede has to turn to her neighbor Howard Grout, a well-known attorney to help her get her reprisal. His deal is simply for Frede to help get his wife Nikki into the Junior League. In the meantime, Frede has to keep up her perfect image but find new ways to make an income. She meets up with Sawyer Johnson, an artist with many hidden surprises. Fun, engaging, outstanding chick-lit!