The Southern Side of Paradise
Peachtree Bluff
Fiction
Gallery Books
May 7, 2019
Advanced reader copy
400
Free from publisher
From internationally bestselling author and “rising star of Southern fiction” (Mary Alice Monroe, New York Times bestselling author) Kristy Woodson Harvey comes the third novel in her Peachtree Bluff series, in which a secret threatens the tight-knit bond between a trio of sisters and their mother. With the man of her dreams back in her life and all three of her daughters happy, Ansley Murphy should be content. But she can’t help but feel like it’s all a little too good to be true. Meanwhile, youngest daughter and actress Emerson, who is recently engaged and has just landed the role of a lifetime, seemingly has the world by the tail. Only, something she can’t quite put her finger on is worrying her—and it has nothing to do with her recent health scare. When two new women arrive in Peachtree Bluff—one who has the potential to wreck Ansley’s happiness and one who could tear Emerson’s world apart—everything is put in perspective. And after secrets that were never meant to be told come to light, the powerful bond between the Murphy sisters and their mother comes crumbling down, testing their devotion to each other and forcing them to evaluate the meaning of family. With Kristy Woodson Harvey’s signature charm, wit, and heart, The Southern Side of Paradise is another masterful Peachtree Bluff novel that proves she is a “Southern writer with staying power” (Booklist).
My review:
Ansley and her three daughters are back in this third book in the Peachtree Bluff series. This is the conclusion to the series (or is it?) and things wrap up well. As in the first two books (which I do recommend reading in order, to experience the most complete immersion into the family), this book focuses on one of the sisters told in alternating chapters with mother Ansley. This is youngest daughter Emerson's story. Of course she is facing a dilemma and the family has to rally around to help her solve it. I enjoyed the independence of Emerson and her drive to further her career, but alas that usually comes with some cost. The words in Kristy's books seem to flow across the page. Great descriptive places, southern phrases, and likeable characters immerse you into the story. This book was my second favorite of the series. Nothing will compare to Slightly South of Simple as that featured one of my all-time favorite characters Caroline! Of course we still got some good quips from my girl in this one, along with the rest of the family chiming in at every turn. And let's not forget that the big secret the reader knows in book one is revealed in this part, creating yet another drama to weather. And for those who became fans of "coffee Kyle" in the last book, you will definitely want to find out what happens to him in this one!
A lovely series with lots of southern charm! I can highly recommend, especially for fans of southern writers Mary Alice Monroe and Mary Kay Andrews.
Thank you SO much for this wonderful review and ALL your support. You are a gem and I am so thankful to know you!