Miss Julia Renews Her Vows

Publishers Weekly Southern flower Miss Julia re-materializes in her droll 11th adventure, and this time out, the busybody is as busy as ever: she wraps up some business from Miss Julia Delivers the Goods by making sure thrice married rogue Mr. Pickens settles down with Hazel Marie, who is pregnant with their twins. She also contends with the return of rival doyenne Francie Pitts and puts on her detective hat to clear the name of her friend and hired help, Etta Mae Wiggins, who?s accused of burglary and assaulting Francie. Meanwhile, Sam, Julia?s long-suffering husband, has the audacity to suggest marriage counseling. Worse, the shrink is a man from her past?Dr. Fred Fowler, a ?Christian psychologist with thirty years of experience in rekindling the flame of Christ-like love in limping marriages.? Can feigning the flu save her from a confrontation and, gasp, rekindle their passion? And does Francie have designs on Sam? Ross answers these questions in trademark tart fashion. Series fans will have a ball, but those unfamiliar should definitely start with an earlier volume. (Apr.)