A warm, witty and entertaining book perfect for a sunny day at the beach
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SUMMARY This is the second novel in the Peachtree Bluff series which features the three Murphy sisters and their mother as they struggle with the hardships life throws at them. Sloane‘s world is turned upside down when she is told that her military-strong husband, Adam is missing in action in Iraq. Finding the strength to climb out of bed or parent her two boys was impossible. Thankfully, her mother and sisters are there to help. Her mother Ansley puts her personal and work life on hold in order to support Sloane and to care for her own aging mother. Sisters, Caroline and Emerson are finally after three weeks able to coax Sloane out of bed. As she was emerging from her funk Sloane’s strategically place painting easel called out to her. She began painting again, and painting helped. But other family issues soon arose. Ansley’s mother health was declining, and Emerson didn’t feel well either. In the midst of all the chaos, a new neighbor moved in next door to Ansley. Actually, it was not a new neighbor but it was Jack, a lifelong friend and love-interest of Ansley’s. Jack holds all the secrets of her past. Jack was the one person she wanted a future with, but just not right now.
REVIEW
This little gem should be devoured on a beautiful day at the beach with wine and special brownies. The Secrets of Southern Charm is three generations of strong women who face life’s major challenges and overcome. It may not be easy, but they do it. The characters are well-developed and the sense of family is beautiful and strong. Even the family friends are delightful. I want Kimmy and Hippie Hal hosting my next birthday party. And Kyle can deliver my coffee everyday…and I don’t even like coffee. Do you think I can get him to bring me a sweet ice tea instead!
Kristy Harvey’s story telling is witty and warm. She creatively uses letters from Adam to Sloane before he was MIA to exhibit their loving relationship and highlight some of their issues. The tension Harvey created by Ansley’s fears of her past coming to light is very palpable and masterfully done.
While I did not read Harvey’s first book in the Peachtree Bluff series it did not stop me from enjoying this one. Never once did I believe I was missing something, but just the same, I have ordered the first one, Slightly South of Simple, which will just have to be read second! I’ll bet it will be just as entertaining as this one. The Secret of Southern Charm is recommended for those who love Southern fiction or anyone who wants to know what the secret is!
Thanks to Netgalley, Gallery Books, and Kristy Harvey for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Published April 3, 2018.