Discovering (or Rediscovering) Anne George on the 25th Anniversary of her passing.

 

If you're in the mood for books that wrap you in warmth like a favorite quilt on a chilly Southern evening, let me introduce you (or gently remind you) of Anne George's utterly delightful Southern Sisters series. These aren't brand-new releases—far from it. The series wrapped up in 2001, sadly cut short by the author's passing—but time hasn't dimmed their sparkle one bit. If anything, they feel even more precious now, like discovering a hidden box of family letters full of laughter and love.

Anne George, Alabama's 1994 state poet and co-founder of Druid Press, was a literary talent through and through. Her poetry collection Some of It Is True earned a Pulitzer nomination in 1993, yet it's her cozy mysteries that captured so many hearts. The Southern Sisters books earned the coveted Agatha Award, and it's easy to see why: they blend clever whodunits with pitch-perfect Southern humor, sibling banter, and characters who feel like old friends.   

At the center are the incomparable sisters: prim, proper Patricia Anne "Mouse" Hollowell, a retired English teacher who values order and good grammar, and her flamboyant, thrice-married sister Mary Alice "Sister" Crane, larger-than-life in every way. Together, these two diametrically opposed siblings stumble into murders across Birmingham and beyond, trading quips, solving crimes, and reminding us that family ties (and rivalries) endure.

The series spans eight wonderful books, each a gem:

 

 Murder on a Girls' Night Out (1996)

Murder on a Bad Hair Day (1996)

Murder Runs in the Family (1997)

Murder Makes Waves (1997)

Murder Gets a Life (1998)

Murder Shoots the Bull (1999)

Murder Carries a Torch (2000)

Murder Boogies with Elvis (2001)

I mourn Anne George's death to this day—complications from heart surgery took her far too soon. But what she left us is pure joy: stories that are charming, real, and laugh-out-loud funny. The characters are so vividly drawn, so lovable, that they linger long after the final page. These books make the perfect palate cleanser between heavier reads—light, witty, and utterly comforting.

 And speaking of comforting... no Southern Sisters adventure would be complete without the sisters' beloved indulgence: Sister Schubert's Orange Rolls. Those gooey, citrusy treats appear throughout the series, tempting Mouse and Sister (and us readers) every time. You can still find packages in the freezer section, but for the full homemade magic, there's a recipe in Sister Schubert's Secret Bread Recipes cookbook (sometimes a bit tricky to find affordably). So, in the spirit of sharing the delight, here's the recipe that captures that sweet, orange-scented essence:

 Sister Schubert's Orange Rolls

2 c. sugar

1 c. butter, melted

¾ c. coarsely grated orange rind (about 5 oranges)

1 recipe Parkerhouse Rolls dough (see below)

1½ c. flour, divided

½ c. butter, melted

2½ c. sifted powdered sugar

¼ c. fresh orange juice

½ c. coarsely grated orange rind (3 oranges)

Combine the first three ingredients; set aside. Grease 4 (8-inch) round cake pans.

 After the Parkerhouse dough has risen, sift ½ cup flour over your work surface. Turn half the dough out (it's soft!), sift another ¼ cup flour over it, and roll into a 30x20-inch rectangle. Spread half the orange rind mixture over the dough. Roll jellyroll fashion from the short side to the center, cut to release, then repeat with the other half.

 Cut each roll into 16 (1¼-inch) slices. Place 16 slices cut-side down in each pan, spaced slightly. Brush with melted butter. Let rise in a warm spot (85°F, draft-free) for about 1 hour until doubled.

 Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake 15–18 minutes until lightly browned. Cool slightly, then drizzle with glaze made from powdered sugar, orange juice, and remaining rind. Yield: 64 irresistible rolls.

 Bake a batch, brew some tea, and settle in with Mouse and Sister. Trust me—these books (and rolls) are pure delight. Have you read the series? Which adventure is your favorite? I'd love to hear in the comments!

 PARKERHOUSE ROLLS

The secret to the light-as-a-feather texture to these rolls: Don't knead the dough!

 1 package active dry yeast

1½ c. warm water (105º-115º F)

5 cups sifted al-purpose flour, divided

½ c. sugar

1 ½ t. salt

½ c. shortening, melted

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

½ c. butter, melted

1¼ c. flour

 Combine yeast and warm water in a 2-cup liquid measuring cup; let stand 5 minutes.  Combine 4 cups sift flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.  Stir in yeast mixture and shortening.  Add eggs and remaining 1 cup sifted flour; stir vigorously until well blended.  (Dough will be soft and sticky.)  Brush or lightly rub dough with some of the melted butter.  Cover loosely; let rise in a warm place (85 degrees F), free from drafts, 1-1/2 hours or until doubled in bulk.  Proceed with above directions.

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