“They’ve lived right here in Branson all their lives. I already went over and introduced myself, and they seem like the kind of people that like to have fun,” Joyce said, grinning. “A nice couple moved in the house next door this morning and they’re just a few years younger than us. Now, the Watsons must tread carefully to keep the Hamiltons from destroying their perfect world. The Watsons soon find them invading every area of their lives and discovering their long-held secrets. But the Hamiltons won’t be dismissed so easily. And Odell won't introduce crude, unsophisticated Milton to his friends-but is happy to let Milton ply him with free booze.Īs much as the Watsons want to get along with their new neighbors, the gradual revelations of Yvonne and Milton’s seedy past make them think twice about how much time they spend together. For Joyce, Yvonne is someone she can show off to-and look down on. When their new neighbors turn out to be high-steppin’ bootleggers Milton and Yvonne Hamilton, the Watsons plunge headlong into good times and fast living. Just once, Joyce and Odell want to break loose and taste life’s wild side, without consequences.

But all that respectability and status comes at a cost.

Their marriage has given well-off Joyce a chance at the family she’s always wanted-and granted Odell a once-in-a-lifetime shot to escape grinding poverty.

Ī solid marriage, a thriving business, and the esteem of their close-knit Alabama community-Joyce and Odell Watson have every reason to count their blessings. New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe returns to the 1930s era of her acclaimed novel The Upper Room with a dazzling portrait of two very different couples whose friendship and fast times are no match for shattering betrayal.

God Don't Like Ugly by Mary Monroe