Hissy Fit by Mary Kay Andrews Summary, Characters and Themes
“Hissy Fit” by Mary Kay Andrews is a Southern fiction novel about Keeley Murdock, a talented interior designer whose life takes an unexpected turn when she catches her fiancé, A.J. Jernigan, cheating on her with her best friend, Paige, at their rehearsal dinner.
The scandal sends ripples through their small Southern town, leaving Keeley humiliated and heartbroken. Through a journey of self-discovery, betrayal, and second chances, Keeley begins to rebuild her career and life. Along the way, she finds support from new people like Will Mahoney, a wealthy businessman with a mysterious past, and uncovers shocking truths about her own family. The book is a blend of romance, humor, and personal growth.
Summary
Keeley Murdock’s life in Madison, Georgia, is upended when, on the eve of her wedding, she catches her fiancé, A.J. Jernigan, cheating with her best friend and maid of honor, Paige Plummer.
The betrayal is not just emotional but also public, as Keeley’s explosive reaction at the rehearsal dinner leaves the small town gossiping and her family shamed. The event, dubbed her “hissy fit,” becomes the talk of the town, leading to Keeley’s father, Wade, being expelled from the prestigious country club.
Keeley’s professional life is also at risk as her reputation as a local designer begins to tarnish.
In the aftermath of the scandal, Keeley struggles to come to terms with the betrayal. Although her Aunt Gloria provides emotional support, Keeley remains heartbroken and unsure of what to do next.
At a low point, she’s approached by Will Mahoney, a wealthy and mysterious businessman who has recently purchased Mulberry Hill, a historic mansion in need of restoration.
Will offers Keeley the chance to take on the project, but initially, she resists. Keeley doubts the project’s feasibility, given the mansion’s state of disrepair and the strict deadline Will imposes.
However, Keeley’s professional instincts kick in as she realizes the high-profile nature of the project could help her career. She reluctantly agrees to take on the challenge and soon immerses herself in restoring the mansion.
As Keeley works with Will, she starts to notice that he’s unlike the men she’s known. Will is rugged, supportive, and patient with her, showing a kind of emotional resilience that Keeley finds both comforting and intriguing. Despite her initial reluctance, Keeley begins to trust him, even though she is still haunted by her past with A.J.
Throughout her work at Mulberry Hill, Keeley faces numerous challenges, from finding rare materials for the restoration to managing contractors who don’t share her vision.
She also has to confront the ongoing gossip in town, as everyone continues to talk about her public meltdown. Keeley’s former fiancé, A.J., and best friend, Paige, make attempts to reconcile with her, but Keeley is resolute in her refusal to forgive them.
Her emotional healing is slow but steady as she channels her energy into her work.
As Keeley continues her restoration project, she begins investigating her own family’s past. Her father, Wade, reveals to her that her mother, Jeanine, had left the family when Keeley was a child, but the reason for her disappearance was never fully explained.
Intrigued and unsettled, Keeley begins digging into her mother’s past, and what she uncovers shakes her to the core. It turns out that Jeanine was involved in a scandalous affair and was forced to leave town to protect the reputation of powerful figures.
This revelation brings Keeley a sense of closure, as she realizes that her mother’s actions were not driven by abandonment but by circumstance.
As the restoration of Mulberry Hill progresses, Keeley starts to regain her confidence and sense of self-worth. She also grows closer to Will, and their professional relationship evolves into something more personal.
Will expresses his feelings for her, and although Keeley is hesitant to open her heart again, she slowly begins to fall for him.
Their romantic connection culminates at the grand opening of Mulberry Hill, where Keeley’s work is lauded, and she finds herself standing strong in both her career and personal life.
In the final chapters, Keeley faces down A.J. and Paige, confronting them both with dignity and without anger. A.J. is exposed as a weak and selfish man, and Paige’s manipulative nature is revealed.
Keeley’s successful restoration of Mulberry Hill not only restores her professional reputation but also solidifies her personal growth. In the end, Keeley moves forward with her life, her heart open to love again, and ready to embrace a future with Will by her side.
“Hissy Fit” is a story about finding strength in the face of betrayal, healing from past wounds, and discovering that second chances can lead to new beginnings.
Characters
Keeley Murdock
Keeley Murdock starts as a successful and hopeful interior designer with a bright future ahead, expecting a fairytale wedding to A.J. Jernigan. However, her world is completely turned upside down when she catches her fiancé cheating on her with her best friend, Paige, at the rehearsal dinner.
This shocking betrayal becomes a public spectacle, and Keeley spirals into emotional turmoil. She struggles with the humiliation of being abandoned at the altar and the backlash from the small-town gossip machine.
Keeley’s character arc is one of growth and self-discovery as she rebuilds her career and her confidence. Throughout the book, she confronts her trust issues, especially with men, due to her painful experience with A.J.
Yet, over time, as she becomes more involved with Will Mahoney, she starts to believe in love again. Keeley also unravels the mystery of her mother’s disappearance, which adds to her personal growth and healing.
By the end of the novel, Keeley emerges as a stronger, more independent woman, not defined by her past heartbreak but by her ability to overcome it and move forward. Her journey is about reclaiming her self-worth, both professionally and personally.
Will Mahoney
Will Mahoney is a newcomer to Madison, a wealthy businessman who purchases a historic mansion, Mulberry Hill, with the intention of restoring it. He becomes Keeley’s client and later her romantic interest.
At the start, Will is a mysterious, reserved man who doesn’t conform to the ideal Southern gentleman stereotype that Keeley is familiar with. Unlike A.J., he doesn’t use charm to manipulate or deceive.
Instead, Will is patient, supportive, and understanding, standing by Keeley during her public humiliation and offering her a chance to rebuild her career. His role in the story is that of a quiet but steady force, someone who proves that trust and loyalty can be found in a man.
As the novel progresses, Will and Keeley’s bond grows, and he becomes someone who challenges her emotionally. His emotional maturity and dedication allow him to be a stabilizing presence in Keeley’s tumultuous life.
Will represents a new beginning for Keeley, someone who helps her heal from the wounds caused by A.J. and Paige. By the end of the book, Will has won Keeley’s heart, symbolizing both her personal and professional restoration.
A.J. Jernigan
A.J. Jernigan begins the story as Keeley’s perfect fiancé, the epitome of a Southern gentleman—charming, wealthy, and seemingly committed to Keeley. He represents the ideal partner in Keeley’s mind, and their upcoming wedding is supposed to be a symbol of her perfect life.
However, A.J.’s true character is revealed in a shocking betrayal when Keeley catches him in bed with her best friend, Paige, just before their wedding. A.J.’s behavior reveals him to be self-serving, entitled, and emotionally immature.
After the scandal breaks, he shows no real remorse and attempts to manipulate Keeley into forgiving him, only to be further exposed as a man who lacks integrity. His arc is one of entitlement and failure, as he loses Keeley’s love and the respect of the community.
A.J.’s downfall is complete when Keeley confronts him, and he is forced to face the consequences of his actions. His character serves as a foil to Will, highlighting the contrast between a man who uses charm to manipulate and one who genuinely supports and cares for Keeley.
Paige Plummer
Paige Plummer, Keeley’s best friend since childhood, plays a pivotal role in Keeley’s emotional breakdown. She represents the friend who, despite outward appearances of loyalty, is driven by her own selfish desires.
Paige’s betrayal is not only personal but deeply hurtful because she is involved with A.J., Keeley’s fiancé. Her competitive nature and tendency to prioritize her own interests over Keeley’s highlight her lack of genuine friendship.
After the scandal is exposed, Paige tries to play the victim and manipulate others, but her true nature is ultimately revealed. Unlike A.J., who at least tries to justify his actions, Paige shows no remorse for the pain she causes Keeley.
Her downfall is cemented as she is isolated by the very people she tried to impress, including A.J., who ultimately discards her as well. Paige’s arc represents the toxic friend who, in the pursuit of personal gain, ends up losing everything.
Gloria Murdock
Gloria Murdock is a strong, independent woman who serves as a maternal figure in Keeley’s life after her own mother, Jeanine, abandoned the family. Gloria is practical, no-nonsense, and business-savvy, and she acts as a steady anchor for Keeley throughout her emotional turmoil.
When Keeley is humiliated by A.J.’s betrayal, Gloria offers her unwavering support, encouraging her to focus on her work and find strength in herself. Gloria’s role in Keeley’s life goes beyond that of a mere mentor; she is a protector who helps Keeley navigate the hardships that arise from both personal and professional challenges.
Gloria’s emotional wisdom helps Keeley find her way through moments of doubt and uncertainty. By the end of the story, Gloria continues to be a guiding force in Keeley’s life, proud of her niece’s transformation and the woman she has become.
Wade Murdock
Wade Murdock is a respected businessman in Madison, Georgia, but his relationship with Keeley is somewhat distant, as he tends to be more focused on his business dealings than on his emotional connection with his daughter.
However, when Keeley’s world falls apart due to A.J.’s betrayal, Wade shows a different side of himself. He becomes more supportive of Keeley, offering her both emotional and financial backing.
His role in the story is significant when he reveals the painful truth about Keeley’s mother, Jeanine, providing her with the closure she needs regarding her mother’s mysterious disappearance.
Wade’s character arc is about reconciliation and emotional openness. By the end of the story, he has mended his relationship with Keeley, offering her the support she needs to move forward with her life and career.
Jeanine Murdock
Jeanine Murdock is a mysterious and absent figure in Keeley’s life, having left the family when Keeley was a child without any explanation. Her disappearance has long been a source of emotional pain for Keeley, and the novel explores the mystery behind her departure.
As Keeley investigates her mother’s past, she uncovers that Jeanine’s departure was not voluntary but rather a result of a town scandal involving an affair and a pregnancy. The powerful figures in town forced Jeanine to leave in order to cover up the scandal, a truth that gives Keeley closure.
In discovering the circumstances of her mother’s departure, Keeley realizes that her mother’s actions were not a reflection of her own worth or future, and that she is not doomed to repeat her mother’s mistakes. Jeanine’s story, though tragic, serves as a catalyst for Keeley’s emotional growth and self-realization.
Themes
The Destructive Nature of Betrayal and the Long Road to Forgiveness
One of the most central themes in “Hissy Fit” is the destructive nature of betrayal, particularly when it comes to love and friendship. Keeley’s journey starts with the ultimate betrayal—discovering her fiancé, A.J., cheating on her with her best friend, Paige.
This moment of emotional devastation ripples through her life, affecting not only her personal relationships but also her professional career. The impact of betrayal is profound, leading Keeley into a phase of public humiliation, loss of social standing, and emotional turmoil.
Throughout the novel, Keeley struggles with how to forgive and whether she ever should. She is forced to confront the true character of the people she once trusted, coming to the realization that A.J. was never the man she thought he was, and Paige was never the friend she imagined.
The theme of betrayal is further explored as Keeley also uncovers the truth about her mother’s abandonment, linking the idea of betrayal with generational pain and forgiveness. By the end of the novel, Keeley’s decision to forgive herself and let go of the bitterness she once harbored is a crucial step in her personal growth.
The Intersection of Identity, Reputation, and the Struggle for Self-Worth in a Small Town
In a small-town setting like Madison, Georgia, reputation is everything. Keeley’s identity is initially tied to her role as the beloved daughter of a respected businessman and the fiancée of a wealthy, charming man.
However, once the scandal of her public meltdown at the rehearsal dinner unfolds, Keeley becomes the subject of gossip and ridicule. The small-town environment amplifies her struggles, as everyone seems to have an opinion about her.
The pressure to uphold a pristine reputation weighs heavily on Keeley, and she feels she is constantly being scrutinized. Throughout the novel, Keeley embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning that her worth is not determined by the opinions of others.
She realizes that her true value comes from within and not from the external validation of a town that had once adored her. This theme also touches on the ways in which women, particularly in Southern communities, are often judged by their relationships with men and their ability to maintain a certain image.
Keeley’s path to regaining her self-worth is marked by her professional accomplishments, particularly in restoring Mulberry Hill, as well as her growing independence and the choices she makes about her personal relationships.
The Complicated Legacy of Motherhood and the Search for Closure Across Generations
Keeley’s quest to understand her mother’s abandonment and the emotional scars it left is a pivotal theme in the novel. Jeanine Murdock’s sudden disappearance when Keeley was a child has haunted her for years, and Keeley has spent much of her adult life grappling with feelings of rejection and confusion.
As Keeley uncovers the truth about her mother’s past, she begins to unravel a complex web of secrets involving her mother’s affair and the societal pressures that forced her to leave town. This theme delves into the ways in which motherhood, especially when marred by secrets and betrayals, can shape the trajectory of a woman’s life.
Keeley’s investigation into her mother’s life is not just about uncovering family secrets—it’s about reconciling with the past and coming to terms with the hurt she has carried for so long. By discovering the truth, Keeley gains closure, realizing that her mother’s actions were not a reflection of her own worth or deservingness of love.
This newfound understanding helps Keeley break free from the pattern of emotional abandonment she feared she might repeat. It also serves as a catalyst for her own emotional healing and her ability to embrace love again, both in her personal relationships and in her career.
The Healing Power of Second Chances in Love and Life
Another important theme in “Hissy Fit” is the notion of second chances—both in love and in life. Keeley’s relationship with A.J. was supposed to be her happily-ever-after, but after his betrayal, she faces the daunting task of rebuilding her life from the ground up.
The narrative presents her emotional journey as a quest for healing and redemption. This is mirrored by the restoration of Mulberry Hill, where Keeley is tasked with breathing new life into an old, decaying mansion.
The physical transformation of the house parallels Keeley’s own emotional rebirth. The mansion, once filled with neglect and deterioration, becomes a symbol of Keeley’s capacity for renewal.
Similarly, the relationship between Keeley and Will Mahoney exemplifies the theme of second chances in love. Will represents the possibility of a fresh start, free from the betrayal and disillusionment that characterized Keeley’s past relationships.
His patience, understanding, and emotional support help her regain her trust in love and men. The theme of second chances emphasizes the importance of moving beyond past failures, whether in love, family, or career, and creating new opportunities for happiness and fulfillment.
The Impact of Community and the Role of Female Friendships in Personal Empowerment
Throughout the novel, Keeley’s interactions with the people in her community—especially other women—play a critical role in her journey toward personal empowerment. At the start of the book, Keeley’s closest friend, Paige, betrays her, and the small-town gossip machine works overtime to destroy her reputation.
However, Keeley is not alone in her struggles. Her Aunt Gloria, a strong and independent woman, provides the emotional support and wisdom that Keeley needs during this tumultuous period.
Gloria teaches Keeley the importance of standing up for oneself and valuing one’s self-worth over others’ opinions. Additionally, Keeley’s relationship with Will Mahoney serves as a counterpoint to her fractured friendships with other women.
Will’s support is consistent and genuine, and his presence helps Keeley navigate the complexities of love, loss, and personal growth. The theme of community also speaks to the ways in which women can either uplift or undermine one another, as exemplified by Paige’s betrayal versus Gloria’s unwavering support.
The novel ultimately suggests that true empowerment comes from both internal strength and the positive, supportive relationships women can build with others.
The Intersection of Professional Ambition and Personal Healing in a Woman’s Journey
Keeley’s career as an interior designer is another essential facet of her character arc. When the novel begins, her career is already established, but it is entwined with her personal life, especially her engagement to A.J. and the social status that comes with it.
However, after the scandal, Keeley must rebuild her reputation not only as a woman who has been wronged but also as a professional. The Mulberry Hill project becomes her chance for a fresh start, and it offers her both the professional challenge and personal healing she needs.
As she works on the restoration, Keeley is forced to confront her own insecurities and doubts about her worth as a designer and as a person. The theme of professional ambition intertwined with personal healing underscores the idea that growth in one’s career can lead to significant self-discovery and emotional resilience.
By the novel’s end, Keeley has not only restored a historic mansion but also rediscovered her own inner strength and professional confidence, showing that personal healing can often go hand-in-hand with professional success.