Fredericka Mercedes Hildebrand Ware (Frede to her friends) believes she has it all -- an adoring husband, a beautiful home in one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Willow Creek, Texas, and she's a member of the exclusive Junior League of Willow Creek (JLWC), where she's on the fast track to be the next president-elect. She is rudely jolted out of her dream world when her husband's mistress shows up at her home, claiming pregnancy. The worst blow comes, however, when Frede discovers, too late, that her husband has made off with her fortune, leaving her virtually penniless (which, to the fabulously wealthy doesn't mean quite the same thing as it does to the rest of us!). Frede is in dire straights and is desperate for help from someone who will keep her situation private from Willow Creek society.

Howard Grout is just the man for the job. Frede's next door neighbor is completely uncouth and newly wealthy, but he's also an outstanding lawyer. Not only that, he has a score to settle with Gordon Ware, who did his best to keep the Grouts from moving into the elite neighborhood. Even better, Howard isn't going to charge Frede his usual exorbitant fee for his services. No, all Frede has to do is get Nikki Grout, Howard's high-heeled-spandex-wearing- bottle-blonde wife into the ultra-conservative tres chic Junior League of Willow Creek.

And so begins the laugh-out-loud adventure of Frede Ware's journey of self discovery. Frede's efforts to change childhood friend Nikki into a clone of beige-toned respectability, acceptable to the ladies of the JLWC, shines a glaring spotlight on the fact that Nikki, with her outrageous clothing and over-teased hair is happier in her life than Frede is in her own. And Frede, with the help of sinfully sexy artist Sawyer Jackson, is finally determined to make up for all she's been missing out on...just as soon as she gets even with her no-good-fortune-stealing ex.

Linda Francis Lee has written a winner with THE DEVIL IN THE JUNIOR LEAGUE. Readers will laugh out loud (and maybe cry a bit, too) as Frede evolves from a self- absorbed junior league princess to a likable woman who cares more for her friends and herself than she does about appearances. Fans of Ms. Lee, be prepared. This isn't what we've come to expect from this author. It's something new and fun and fabulous. I didn't like Frede Ware on page one, but her story is one that entertains throughout, so keep reading! You'll be glad you did!