Christmas in Peachtree Bluff
Fiction
Gallery Books
October 26, 2021
Advance reader copy
368
Free from publisher
When the Murphy women are in trouble, they always know they can turn to their mother, Ansley. So when eldest daughter Caroline and her husband, James, announce they are divorcing—and fifteen-year-old daughter Vivi acts out in response—Caroline, at her wits end, can’t think of anything to do besides leave her with Ansley in Peachtree Bluff for the holidays. After all, how much trouble can one teenager get into on a tiny island?
Quite a lot, as it turns out.
As the “storm of the century” heads toward Peachtree Bluff, Ansley and her husband, Jack, with Vivi in tow, are grateful they’re planning to leave for the trip of a lifetime. But Vivi’s recklessness forces the trio to shelter in place during the worst hurricane Peachtree has ever seen. With no power, no provisions, and the water rising, the circumstances become dire very quickly…and the Murphy sisters, who evacuated to New York, soon realize it’s up to them to conduct a rescue mission. With the bridges closed and no way to access Peachtree Bluff by land or air, they set sail on Caroline’s boat, The Starlite Sisters, determined to rebuild their beloved town—as well as their family.
In “pitch perfect tones” (Publishers Weekly) and written with her signature Southern charm, New York Times bestselling author Kristy Woodson Harvey explores the magic of Christmas, the power of forgiveness, and the importance of family in a tale that reminds us that, no matter the circumstances, home is always where we belong—especially during the holidays.
How exciting is it that we got a Christmas novel about our favorite family? This is the fourth book in the Peachtree Bluff series, and while you don't have to read the previous three in order to enjoy this book, it will definitely heighten the experience. The characters are completely fleshed out in the earlier novels, but because this novel focuses a lot on Vivian (daughter of Caroline.......one of my favorite literary characters EVER), the other characters will be simple side characters if read as a stand alone. Having said that, since I have read and enjoyed all the previous novels, this one was pure joy to experience! I loved sinking back into familiar territory, with familiar and much loved characters. The fact that I live in a hurricane prone area of the country made me totally appreciate that aspect, especially the will it or won't it make landfall here (and the Jim Cantore reference made me laugh out loud!). Once again the author has given us characters who come to life on the page, and their personalities remain true throughout the entire series, which I love and appreciate so much. While I liked the sister's stories and the hurricane plot, I wasn't as big of a fan of Vivi, but I really think that's because I just can't relate to bratty teenagers in my life anymore. I think she was written very well, just wasn't as interested in her shenanigans as much as keeping up with the rest of the family and the townspeople. Speaking of townspeople, I would be remiss if I didn't comment on the hilarious coffee situation the town finds itself in since Coffee Kyle has been replaced by his cousin at the shop.
Absolutely lovely holiday novel for all to read, but if you have been a reader of the Peachtree Bluff series, you are going to lap up every page of this continuation of the family saga. It felt like coming home and being wrapped up in a huge hug.
Thank you SO much for reading & loving Christmas in Peachtree Bluff!