A Happier Life (and Kristy Woodson Harvey Book Tour)

Looking for a feel-good book to read this summer?  Today, I’m sharing a novel I highly recommend – A Happier Life by New York Times bestselling author, Kristy Woodson Harvey.  Along with my review, I’m also sharing photos and a recap from the New Jersey stop on the Kristy Woodson Harvey book tour!

*For your convenience, please note that this post contains affiliate links.  If you make a purchase after clicking my links, I will receive a small commission.  (No additional cost to you.)

A Happier Life by Kristy Woodson Harvey:

A perfect summer read!..

Summary of A Happier Life:

Present day life and a mystery from 1976…

A Happier Life centers around a young woman, Keaton Smith and her need for a fresh start in life.  Her journey begins when her mother asks her to head down to North Carolina to put her grandparents historic house on the market. Since the house had been abandoned for decades, walking into it feels like she stepped into a time capsule from 1976. Basically, the house was left as it was the night her grandparents died in a car accident. 

Upon arrival, Keaton meets a sassy 10 year old and his charming father who live next door.  While she gets to know them and a group of local busybodies, Keaton starts to feel attached to the small town and its people.  As she learns more through conversations and items she finds in the house, she also begins to question the details of her grandparents’ deaths. 

For a full synopsis of the story, see more on Amazon.

So much to love about A Happier Life…

If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you know I’m a huge fan of Kristy’s novels and her blog, Design Chic.  Over the years, I’ve read every one of her books but I think A Happier Life is my favorite so far! 

As with her other books, Kristy’s personality and humor comes through on the pages.  In this charming story, she perfectly blends romance, nostalgia and a family mystery.  Not only are the characters so likeable but the town of Beaufort, NC sounds like a dream.  After reading this book, I definitely want to head south and visit the area!  

Kristy Woodson Harvey Book Tour:

Meet and greet event at the Jersey Shore…

Last week, my friend and I headed “down the shore” (as we say in New Jersey), to Brielle Library for Kristy’s New Jersey event.  As in previous years, her book event was hosted by Booktowne in Manasquan, NJ.

In a room filled with enthusiastic Kristy Woodson Harvey fans, Kristy entertained us with stories and took questions from the audience.  She explained how this book was actually inspired by the unsolved deaths of some distant family members. 

In addition, when Kristy was young, she actually did enter an abandoned house that had been closed up for fifty years. Apparently, a family had a fight at Thanksgiving, left everything as is and never returned.  As she told the story, we laughed as she commented that she touched the petrified turkey that was still sitting on the table!

Other random tidbits she discussed at the book event…

• Kristy included her real life dog, Salt as a character in the book.
• The precocious boy next door was inspired by her son.
• She’s not a fan of flying but flew in a small plane as an experience for the book.
• The story takes place in her real home town of Beaufort, North Carolina. 
• In most of her previous books, she created fictional towns which she mentioned gives her more freedom.  Apparently, when writing about real places, people tend to call you out on details such as “You actually make a right on that corner, not a left”…or they get insulted if you don’t mention a place of business etc.  
• Her favorite book is A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith.

With most book events, the author signs copies of their book.  As always, Kristy was friendly and took the time to talk with each person while signing.

This time, I brought my friend who hasn’t read any of Kristy Woodson Harvey’s books yet.  After attending the event and meeting her, I think she’s already a fan!  As soon as she finishes reading the book, I look forward to discussing it with her…I know she’s going to love it!

Once again, thank you to Kristy Woodson Harvey and your team for including New Jersey on your book tour!

If you want to read about the last time I attended one of Kristy Woodson Harvey’s book events, see – The Secret to Southern Charm at the Jersey Shore.  That time, her stop of the book tour was in a lovely coastal furniture store.  Be sure to check out all those photos and the beautiful store displays.

And while you’re at it, be sure to also check out Kristy Woodson Harvey’s previous novels:

• Slightly South of Simple
• The Secret to Southern Charm
• Dear Carolina
• Lies and Other Acts of Love
• The Southern Side of Paradise
• Christmas in Peachtree Bluff
• Under the Southern Sky
• Feels Like Falling
• The Wedding Veil
• The Summer of Songbirds

In addition, be sure to visit KristyWoodsonHarvey.com where you can see the list of her numerous accolades.  You can also keep up with all her news and to learn about any upcoming appearances.

Is A Happier Life on your summer reading list?

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