The Secret to Southern Charm
Peachtree Bluff
Fiction
Gallery
April 3, 2018
Advanced Reader Copy
400
Free from publisher
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.
My review:
3.5 stars
The second novel in the Peachtree Bluff series (slated for three so far) was enjoyable, but paled for me in comparison to the first (Slightly South of Simple, which I would recommend reading first, reviewed here). However, there are several very good reasons why this one didn't dazzle me as much, and they are all personal taste. The writing is still just as captivating as all of Ms. Harvey's books have been, and she really knows how to make you feel you are transported into these characters' lives!
What worked for me:
The continuing story of the mother, Ansley. This is a great character and I can relate to many aspects of her life. I loved her interactions with the many people in her life, and the way she is always trying to fix everything for everyone (in typical mother fashion).
Oldest daughter Caroline, who is one of my favorite literary characters ever! The first story was centered around her, and herein lies my bias for all further books.....I just want more one liners from this feisty gal! She gets a few zingers in that made my heart soar, but alas she is not the focus this time around (much to her chagrin I am sure 🙂 ).
The storyline involving the elderly mother/grandmother. Very touching, and very well played out!
Coffee Kyle! Such a minor character, but I was thrilled to see him have some cameos in this second installment.
What didn't work (for ME, this is a case of it's not you, it's me!):
Ansley and Jack's relationship. Come on already, you are old enough to just make up your dang minds, time's a wastin'. Their relationship in this one reminds me too much of a young adult novel where the protagonists aren't old enough to know what they want.
Sloane....UGH! I really only need one explanation for why she drove me nuts, I HATE romance novels! Her relationship with her husband was so off putting to me, she's about as far away from a feminist as I can imagine. I got it, he's the love of your life and you even changed your life track because of something he wanted. Nope, just nope, not for me!
In summary, four things that worked and two that didn't still adds up to a really good read, especially when you add in wonderfully written characters! And if you are not as sensitive to romance as I am, and you aren't still stuck on your "favorite sister", you will absolutely want to grab a copy of this one and continue the saga.
