Miss Julia Takes Over is the second book in the series. In this book, Hazel Marie and Little Lloyd, along with Lillian, have become part of Julia's unconventional family. When Hazel Marie doesn't return from a dinner date with a church fundraiser, Julia is beside herself with worry. Getting little help from the sheriff's department, she hires J. D. Pickens, P. I. to track Hazel Marie down, with (to his dismay) her help and Little Lloyd's. After a trip across the state on the trail of Hazel Marie's captors, a display of fisticuffs, a chase around a NASCAR speedway and a ride in a race car transporter, Julia reunites the family and discovers the appeal of Mr. Pickens's womanizing ways--as does Hazel Marie.