One of the best books I've read in a long time is The Secret to Southern Charm by Kristy Woodson Harvey. Need a little escape? Here you go!
The Secret to Southern Charm
I'm so glad Kristy Woodson Harvey reached out to me several years ago to ask if I'd like to read her first book, Dear Carolina. Since then, I've read Lies and Other Acts of Love, which was fantastic, and then the first book in the Peachtree Bluff series, Slightly South of Simple.
Now Kristy has released the follow- up to that book, The Secret to Southern Charm, which continues with the lives of Ansley, her three daughters, and her mom.
From Amazon: Leaving fans “practically [begging] for a sequel” (Bookpage), critically acclaimed author Kristy Woodson Harvey returns with the second novel in her beloved Peachtree Bluff series, featuring a trio of sisters and their mother who discover a truth that will change not only the way they see themselves, but also how they fit together as a family.
After finding out her military husband is missing in action, middle sister Sloane’s world crumbles as her worst nightmare comes true. She can barely climb out of bed, much less summon the strength to be the parent her children deserve.
Her mother, Ansley, provides a much-needed respite as she puts her personal life on hold to help Sloane and her grandchildren wade through their new grief-stricken lives. But between caring for her own aging mother, her daughters, and her grandchildren, Ansley’s private worry is that secrets from her past will come to light.
But when Sloane’s sisters, Caroline and Emerson, remind Sloane that no matter what, she promised her husband she would carry on for their young sons, Sloane finds the support and courage she needs to chase her biggest dreams—and face her deepest fears. Taking a cue from her middle daughter, Ansley takes her own leap of faith and realizes that, after all this time, she might finally be able to have it all.
Harvey’s signature warmth and wit make this a charming and poignant story of first loves, missed opportunities, and second chances and proves that she is "the next major voice in Southern fiction” (Elin Hilderbrand, New York Times bestselling author).
My thoughts
Ansley is such a strong woman, and I instantly felt a bond to this character in Kristy's last book, Slightly South of Simple. Ansley is beautiful, smart, and almost perfect; just what you'd expect from a well-to-do Southern woman. That is... until you look beneath the surface.
Ansley is too busy being strong for her family to even think about herself. With her adult daughters all living their own lives, you'd think maybe it would be time for Ansley to start having a life of her own again. In Slightly South of Simple, we learned that Ansley's husband died on 9/11, and since then, she has had no time for anything or anyone besides her family.
If it's not enough that her daughters are all going through difficulties, Ansley's mother has an accident which brings her to Peachtree Bluff where she can recuperate. Can five strong women (not to mention a few kids) live in the house on the beach and not kill each other?
You will laugh, cry, and look forward to the next book in the series! I am so routing for Ansley. I know you will be, too. Take a look at the author as she talks a little about this book.
Annette
I have no plans for this summer, but I hope I can make it to the beach.
Kelly D
We are going to VA beach this summer.
McConahay
We will be going to Texas in June, and Florida in August.
Stacy F.
No definitive plans as of yet! But probably going to explore PA some since we just recently moved here.
Linda Kish
I will most likely stay home.
Kristy Harvey
Thank you so much for reading and hosting a giveaway of The Secret To Southern Charm!
Ellie Wright
We're having a staycation this year. With maybe a couple of trips to Shreveport for the casinos.
Christina Meade
Camping and fishing
Ann Fantom
We are going to Myrtle Beach, SC for vacation
margaret porter
Grand Cayman and Cozumel on a cruise
Meghan Malicoat
We are planning to head to Florida this year. My husband and I have been a few times on solo trips but this time we are taking the kids.
Kristin
Story Land in Northern New Hampshire. The kids love it - it’s a lot of fun!
Angie Middleton
All my vacationing lately has been at home, traveling vicariously through books. I have a little elderly, blind dog that I can't take or leave now. Thank you for the opportunity to enter your giveaway.
Liz N.
I'm going to Budapest to see my sister!
sandra
we may visit family in san francisco
Annmarie W.
We're spending a week this summer as we always do...at the beach in Maryland with my hubby's sister & her family!
mami2jcn
We are vacationing in Myrtle Beach.
carol clark
going to the beach in texas
Linda O'Brien
We'll be heading to the beaches. Clearwater, St. Augustine, New Smyrna and Cocoa are all on the list this summer.
Darlene Owen
Originally we're from Buffalo , NY, but right now we're vacationing in Myrtle Beach, SC
Terri S.
We will be visiting my cousin in Louisiana in July.
Jen Essad
south Florida and the UK
kesha
My family and I are heading to Disney World. We are all so excited!
cheryl s
Florida in May and a 10 night cruise to the Caribbean early fall
Renea
We are vacationing in Jacksonville, Florida!! I have lots of family in Duval county. This will be the first time in four years that we have been able to go. So excited!!
Janine Hwang
I plan to go to Canada this summer
donna fulton
This summer we are visiting our children in Charlotte NC
Kelly Stilwell
I love Charlotte, Donna. Enjoy!!
Scott
Probably wherever my 35 year high school reunion is.
Kelly Stilwell
Sounds like a fun plan, Scott!
Ina Fowler
Can’t afford a vacation so I dream and meditate about a sand sea &sun.
Kelly Stilwell
Been there right with you, Ina. Maybe next year or something will work out and surprise you. 🙂
Loren A.
We will be 'staycationing' this summer in NC, but lots of family is coming to visit for an extended period!
Kelly Stilwell
Sounds like a fun summer, Loren. Enjoy your family!
Liz Waller
Vail is our big trip this summer. Besides Camps/Grandma/Camping
Kelly Stilwell
Vail in summer is the best-kept secret, isn't it Liz? Lucky you!
Melissa
This summer, I'll most likely be visiting the Jersey Shore!
Kelly Stilwell
We used to go to Ocean City & Cape May, Melissa. Beautiful part of the country! Enjoy!
KENNETH a OHL
We are road tripping to Wisconsin
Kelly Stilwell
I haven't been to Wisconsin in years, Kenneth. Enjoy! It's beautiful there!
Hawl
My Sister and I are spending a week on the beach with our mother. All them men folk are going up north.
Kelly Stilwell
That sounds like a great plan, Hawl. Girls weeks are the best! Have fun!
Katie Bellamy
We go the lake for a week every Summer!
Kelly Stilwell
I know families who do this and I'm jealous. Do you see friends every summer that you only see there?
Wehaf
I don't have any vacations planned but we may take some day trips.
Kelly Stilwell
Day trips can be the best trips, Wehaf. Enjoy!
Lisa
I will not be vacationing I will just be working.
Kelly Stilwell
I've been there, too, Lisa. Hope you have a little time to relax.
Christy Peeples DuBois
We usually always have a beach trip during the summer months. But due to not knowing schedules yet we haven't made any set plans for vacations.
Kelly Stilwell
With 2 kids in college, I know that feeling, Christy! I'm sure it will all work out!
melanie huttner
We're headed to Disney World!
Kelly Stilwell
90 minutes from where I live, Melanie. Have a blast!!
Sandra Coulter
Not sure where I will be this summer!????????????
Kelly Stilwell
I'm in Canada now, Sandra, in Jasper. It's gorgeous here! Where are you headed?
Sandra
I’m not sure yet hope to be going somewhere hot!
bn100
not sure
Jamie
The first time to the Pacific Northwest
Kelly Stilwell
I love that area, Jamie. I'm heading to Seattle next month and was in Vancouver a few days ago. Beautiful part of the world. Enjoy!
kathy Persons
We are going to COlorado~
Kelly Stilwell
I'm going to Colorado in June, Kathy. So beautiful there!! Have fun!
Rust
We're hoping to visit the Gulf Coast beaches of Florida.
Kelly Stilwell
I love the Gulf Coast beaches, Rust. Have a blast!!
Crystal F
I don't see us vacationing this year. We don't have any one to take care of our dog. Thank you!
Kelly Stilwell
We are so lucky to have a neighbor with a teenage son, Crystal. My girls are both in college so we wouldn't be able to travel without our neighbor to take care of our cat and bird. It's tough.
sarah s
Don't have any vacation plans this year.
Kelly Stilwell
Maybe a staycation, Sarah? We've had a few of those and it can be fun, too!
Lauryn R
We will be going camping this summer! Most likely more than once. 🙂
Teresa Moore
I wont be able to go on vacation this summer so I bought a couple passes to our local water park so we can have a little bit of summer fun!
kim brooks
this year we will be staying close and doing road trips ! our first road trip/ mini vacation is going to be dutch wonderland in PA. my daughter is so excited as well as i. then we will be heading to ocean city MD for the weekend !
carole harris
we've already had our vacation. looks like we'll be enjoying the sun in Joliet il.
Carolyn Daley
I am going to Daytona Beach next month.
S. Carter
We are headed to Florida for a week at the beach in May.
sheila ressel
We aren't planning a vacation this summer. Hopefully we can take in some local events on the weekends.
Lisa L
Staying local and going to Ocean City, MD this Summer!
Breanne
I'm going to Texas.
KATE ROCK
I plan on a California coast road trip with extra time in San Francisco.
Holly Thomas
We will be doing day trips to Busch Gardens.
stella methvin
Gonna do some fishing in St. Augustine.
Jen Rodrigues
I will be vacationing in vermont and local beaches this summer.
Cassandra D
I am planning on going back to Hawaii.
Laurie Emerson
This summer we are driving from MS to Maine to see family.