What Southern Women Know (That Every Woman Should): Timeless Secrets to Get Everything You Want in Love, Life and Work

Okay now, don't get all uppity. I know, I'm not supposed to be reading this, but heck, my wife had a copy and there was nothing on the TV, it not being Monday night and all, and so I picked this little book up and started in, thinking to myself, "Okayyyy, let's just see what the ladies are up to." Two hours later I had finished it (yes, contrary to popular belief, ladies, we CAN read--just don't tell our golfing buddies we do this). Anyhoooo, I now find myself skimming Cosmo, The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya thing, and a host of others, trying to figure out exactly how y'all think. To be honest, I find it fascinating and a great education. So I'm giving this one five stars. Two other great books the little woman, uh, I mean WIFE brought home were also great. One was something called The Heart is a Lonely Hunter and the other was The Bark of the Dogwood--A Tour of Southern Homes and Gardens. She does have good taste--what can I say?

I am a southern woman to the core and I love this book! ... Suddenly, our region is filled with as many non-Southerners as it is with Southeners. As a result it is increasingly hard to keep our traditions and cultures completely intact. ... I am thankful that Ronda Rich took the time to sit down and write a book that reflects the beauty of the South and our women. A land of women who write thank you notes, bake casseroles for those who are ailing and who know that charm and hospitality are the essence of kindness. If you are a true southern woman in your heart and your mama raised you to be lovely, charming and thoughtful, this book is for you. If you're looking to celebrate the greatness of a culture that is interesting and intriguing, this book is for you. If you need a good laugh, you'll get it when you read about the author's Cousin Wilma and an array of other characters who are eccentric, funny but heart warming. This book beginning with the chapter called "It's More Than The Drawl, Y'all" delights, entertains and inspires. The author reminds us of a southern woman's persistence and never-give-up attitude coated with sugar and a bit of spice. I'm proud to be one of these women and I, for one, hope that a sequel is soon to come. For those who have been a bit envious of southern women and their allure and never understood it, read this book! But especially for southern women who want to celebrate their inheritance of graciousness and femininity, you cannot miss out on this sparkling gem.

A couple of years ago, I was at a wedding where every man there flocked around a guest who was a Southern woman. She was lovely but not particular pretty so I and the rest of my Southern California female friends couldn't figure out what was going on. She had cast a spell on the men and we, quite frankly, were disgusted by it. That was jealousy, because deep inside we all wanted to possess that kind of magic. Recently, I accidentally stumbled across this book and the title was so intriguing that I had to buy it. I certainly am glad I did. Until I read this book, I was positive that the magic of Southern women was woven between the lyrical lines of their drawl. But as the author points out, "It's More Than The Drawl, Y'all." And, is she ever right! It's a beauty that radiates from within and spills over onto those fortunate to be close to the stream of their thoughtfulness and kindness. It's also a special potion of femininity, some of which comes natural and some which has to be practiced --- pretty lingerie, manicures and pedicures. This book answers every question I've ever had about Southern women and now I know that even though I'm a California girl --- and very proud of it --- I can practice the secrets of the women of the South. A big thank you to the author for her generosity in sharing these secrets. If I had her address, I'd write her a thank you note!

I have read and memorized Rhonda Rich's book and consider her to be something of a Biblicist on propriety, the southern version, in particular. What else need be said? Her book and the woman herself are testimonies to the oh so rare consideration of a civilized society - one where women are allowed to be feminine and men are men - but so much more - I would advise all women from everywhere to read this book and apply it to their lives and further, I would encourage all men to read this book to help them understand. Grace and charm are, for some completely stupid reason, undervalued in today's society. And while Rhonda may be tongue-in-cheek sometimes, and God bless her for that, she only does it to serve a most valued end to her argument that life would be ever so much nicer if we were polite, forgiving, and God forbid, NICE to each other. I say Bravo! Rhonda, please write a thousand books! You are a wonderful sage!

I'm a "stay at home" mother of 3 and I recently finished reading the book, "What Southern Women Know". I want to tell you that I enjoyed it very much and while I laughed at some parts I also have taken many things to heart. (Gotta work on some things). Actually, I was born in Reading, PA. But my parents moved south and I was raised in the Sunny South. It was, after all, the only decent thing to do.... So while I consider myself a southerner, I'm really just a transplant, but love it and will never leave it. I think Ronda is a very special and strong lady and while I know people say that about her I only hope they will say it about me too. "That which does not kill us, (really does) make us stronger". I have not lived through some of the more difficult life experiences that she has gone through but seeing how she dealt with big tribulations and little inconveniences gives me understanding and insight. And that, means more than you know!Ps. I recently met Ronda at a Book Signing, she truly is a wonderful southern lady, and certainly as charming, if not more so, than her portrayal in her beautiful book.