Book Review – The Southern Side of Paradise by Kristy Woodson Harvey

How are we approaching the end of July already?  Well, don’t let this summer pass you by without adding The Southern Side of Paradise to your reading list!

As I have mentioned many times, I am a huge fan of Kristy Woodson Harvey’s work.  From her previous novels to her blog, Design Chic, I always look forward to everything she writes.  Obviously, I felt honored when she had Gallery Books send me an advance copy of the 3rd book in her Peachtree Bluff trilogy!  *All opinions expressed are my own.

*Please also note that this post contains affiliate links.  I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on my links below (with no additional cost to you).

The Southern Side of Paradise Review:

Book by Pool - The Southern Side of Paradise

The Southern Side of Paradise

Summary from the back cover:

From bestselling author and “rising star of Southern fiction” (Mary Alice Monroe, New York Times bestselling author) Kristy Woodson Harvey comes the next novel set in her beloved town of Peachtree Bluff .

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, her youngest daughter Emerson, an actress who just landed the role of a lifetime and recently got engaged, 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.

 

The Southern Side of Paradise Book

3rd Book in the Trilogy

Beginning a third novel in a series is always bittersweet because you know the time you’ve spent in that fictional world is coming to an end.  After reading the first two novels in this trilogy, I was already invested in the characters and their life stories.

Each of the three books in the series highlights a different daughter.  As you read above, The Southern Side of Paradise focuses on the youngest, Emerson.  Although her life seemed to be headed on one direction, it takes a surprise turn which changes everything.  Isn’t that the way life goes sometimes?  Through it all, we are all reminded of the importance of a close, loving family.

Although I wasn’t quite ready to say goodbye to the characters I had grown to adore, Kristy Woodson Harvey does a wonderful job of wrapping up all the story lines.  In her sweet southern style, she gives us a satisfying end to this charming trilogy.

The Southern Side of Paradise Book

So much to love about The Southern Side of Paradise:

If you are looking for a perfect book to escape with this summer, this is it!  Not only did I love the characters and their relationships but I also loved the sleepy southern town where the story took place.  It’s a world of beaches and beautiful southern architecture…where the women are adored by the men in their lives.  I mean, where else do you find an adorable coffee guy who makes deliveries to all the locals?  Why don’t they exist where I live? 

Most of all, I loved the bond between the sisters and their mother.   Since I am very close to my own sister and mother, I could relate to those loving yet sometimes complicated relationships.  Overall, the story touched my heart and I highly recommend this lovely book!

 

Book Recommendation for the beach

Be sure to pack The Southern Side of Paradise in your beach bag this summer!

Even if you haven’t read the previous novels in the series, Kristy Woodson Harvey does an amazing job at catching you up!  Though trust me, if you start with the 3rd book, you will want to go back and read the first two!

While you are adding The Southern Side of Paradise to your beach bag, be sure to also check out her previous novels:

*Once again, thank you to Kristy Woodson Harvey and Gallery books for the advance copy of the book.  Kristy, I was honored that you mentioned me in the acknowledgements along with the other bloggers.  I almost fell out of my beach chair when I read my name!  Thank you! 

What books are on your summer reading list?

Follow along so you don’t miss a post!

Subscribe by email – HERE

PinterestInstagram / Facebook / Twitter

The Southern Side of Paradise Review

 

Similar Posts

10 Comments

  1. I must read this author. I looked for her in our library but they don’t have any of her books.

    1. Thank you so much, Kristy! I was happy to write it since I loved the book so much. Another fabulous beach read!

    2. Thank you so much, Kristy! I was happy to write it since I loved the book so much. Another fabulous beach read!

  2. OTM 185 Feature Picks can be found at
    Peach Galette by Miz Helen’s Country Cottage, Peach Cobbler by Julie’s Creative Lifestyle, Grilled Cheeseburger Salad by Little Frugal Homestead and Gluten Free Blackberry and Apple Scones by April Harris

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *