Ann B. Ross Books in Order

This reading order guide provides the complete list of Ann B. Ross books in order, from the very first to the latest, so you won’t miss anything!

Ann B. Ross is a beloved name in Southern fiction, especially known for creating the unforgettable Miss Julia—a character who has won hearts with her wit, charm, and bold sense of justice. But before she became a bestselling author, Ann walked a very different path. After raising her three children, she decided to return to school and follow a dream that had been quietly growing inside her for years. She enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Asheville, where she earned her degree in literature. But she didn’t stop there. Her passion for learning pushed her to earn both a master’s and a Ph.D. in English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Later, she returned to teach literature and humanities at UNC Asheville, inspiring students with her deep love for storytelling and language. It’s easy to see how this academic background shaped her thoughtful, character-driven novels. But Ann didn’t just want to study stories—she wanted to tell her own. And that’s exactly what she did.

During her early years of writing, she produced three novels, although they are no longer in print. Still, these were the first sparks of something special. The real turning point came when a certain Southern lady began to take shape in her imagination. Ann couldn’t let go of the image of a proper, church-going woman, living a quiet life filled with good manners, strict routines, and strong beliefs. This woman would eventually become Miss Julia—the fierce widow who finds herself in one hilarious and heartfelt situation after another.

Ann’s first book in the Miss Julia series, Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind, was published quietly at first, but it didn’t stay quiet for long. To Ann’s own surprise, the book became a runaway success. It was reprinted six times in its first year and even translated into twelve different languages. It also caught the attention of Reader’s Digest and made its way into homes all over the world. From there, the series only grew stronger, with each new title becoming a must-read among fans of Southern fiction and cozy mysteries.

What makes Ann’s books so special is their ability to blend humor, heart, and a little bit of mischief. Readers often say that they see themselves in Miss Julia—or wish they could be more like her. She’s not perfect, but she’s smart, curious, and brave. Through her adventures, Ann explores topics like friendship, independence, aging, and the unexpected joys (and chaos) of late-life love.

Each book in the series feels like a warm visit to a small Southern town, where gossip travels fast, neighbors always have opinions, and a strong woman like Julia can shake things up in the best way. Whether it’s solving a small-town mystery, planning a wedding on short notice, or standing up for what she believes is right, Miss Julia never fails to entertain—and inspire.

Ann B. Ross’s writing is deeply rooted in storytelling traditions, yet always fresh and engaging. Her tone is light, but her characters are layered and relatable. She writes nearly every day when she’s not traveling to promote her books or mentoring other writers. Yes, she also makes time to help new authors, sharing her experience and encouragement with generosity and grace.

Over the years, Ann has written seventeen novels in the Miss Julia series. Many of them have become bestsellers and have been featured on the New York Times Extended Bestseller List. Her books are now available in multiple formats, including large print and audiobooks, and are being translated into languages like Japanese, German, and Croatian—proof that Miss Julia’s charm crosses all borders.

When asked if she is Miss Julia, Ann is quick to laugh and say, “I promise you I am not Miss Julia. She has more money than me—and I have more children than her!” It’s that blend of honesty, humor, and humility that makes both the author and her character so easy to love.

With a clear writing routine and a mind always open to new ideas, Ann B. Ross continues to capture the hearts of readers around the world. Whether you’re new to Miss Julia or a longtime fan, one thing is certain—there’s always something to enjoy, learn, and laugh about in the world Ann has created.