Loraine Despres is a bestselling novelist and screenwriter whose works often delve into the depths of Southern narratives and societal themes. Her novels, such as 'Sissy LeBlanc,' explore themes of freedom and independence through unforgettable female characters. Her style is known for its wit and keen observation of human nature. Beyond fiction writing, she has also contributed to television and taught screenwriting, influencing a generation of creators.
Struggling with guilt after her husband's death, Belle Cantrell grapples with her emotions and the societal expectations of a woman. Her internal conflict reveals her desire to adhere to personal rules, particularly the notion that a lady should avoid actions leading to regret. This tension sets the stage for a deeper exploration of morality, identity, and the complexities of womanhood in a challenging emotional landscape.
It's a steamy June afternoon in Louisiana, circa 1956, and Sissy LeBlanc is sitting on her front porch, wondering -- half seriously -- if she could kill herself with aspirins and Coca-Cola. She's been living in stifling old Gentry since the day she was born and trapped in a sham of a marriage to PeeWee LeBlanc since she was only seventeen. In short, she's fed up, restless, and ready for an adventure. Sissy just never imagined temptation would come into her life that breathless summer day as she sat smoking on her porch swing. For although she may have been fixated on the taut muscles of the lineman shimmying down the telephone pole across the street, she hadn't allowed herself to imagine that he'd be none other than her high school sweetheart, Parker Davidson, who left town fourteen years before without so much as a wave good-bye. But suddenly, here he is, leaning in for a kiss that will stir up more excitement than Sissy could ever have imagined...