The Secret to Southern Charm

I enjoyed the audio but I did not like Sloane’s narration. Every other sentence ended with a lilting question.

Just what I needed. Light beach read perfect for escaping reality.

Horrible book. Never even got 100 pages in. I could care less about military wives and it was droning on that right from the getgo so it totally lost my interest.

I figured that because I received the ARC to the third book in this trilogy/series I should have read at least the first one. So because I got a discount on it, I read it. And I thought this about the book--- ¯_(ツ)_/¯ Because the first book ended on sort of a cliff hanger I figured I would pick up the second so my ARC review would be a good one. My mistake. I wasted 11.99 and hours of my life to re-read the same crap that was in the first book. I paid that much to dislike the character's even more than I did with the first book. I spent hours of my life wasted to be even more disgusted with the mother's spineless and whining behavior.There was so much back story, self-flagellation, misery, death, and illness that I just wanted to grab the biggest bottle of Zinfandel, that I could find and lose myself in it. That and to take some really heavy duty anti-depressants! I read NOT to get more depressed than I already am -yet this book had nothing in it but despair. Yes, we get a semi-HE...sort of. However, the younger sisters (and the next books main character, besides the mother) problems offset the middle sisters 'happy ending'.And let us never forget the mothers ongoing crap with the father of her first two daughters. I am sooo over her whining. I can clearly see that I am going to hate the third book and I probably can even tell you how the story is going to play out even before I read it. Blech! I really hope that this is not the case and I sure hate going into this next book with the taste of these last two books on my tongue.Wish me luck!

Yes, this book was that good that I finished it in two days. Sad, how long until the next installment for Peachtree Bluff. This writer covers all the bases that make an interesting, nice paced summer book to take on vacation and enjoy. Can't wait for the next one.

I was so excited to return to Peachtree Bluff. The first book had so many adventures and laughs. I loved it!!!In this book, the family matriarch (Ansley's mother) gets cancer, Sloane's husband, Adam, is missing in Iraq and Ansley is overplaying a somewhat teenage role far beneath her age over Jack. For me, it was mostly all sadness and a LOT of complaining going on. I like these characters a whole lot better with some happiness and fun going on. This one was just too sad, gloomy and depressing for me.That's not to say that I didn't enjoy the book, but I definitely did not enjoy it as much as the first one.The next book is setting up to answer some serious questions and I hope to see a lot more fun and sisterly rivalry in the next one.Thanks to Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

I grew up at the beach so I guess that is why these books have a certain appeal to me given that I generally do not read “modern” fiction. I did enjoy the first book in the Peachtree Bluff series – Slightly South of Simple – so I suspected that the second book would also prove to be a good read. This book picks up where the first left off; I don’t want to give plot points away but the synopsis tells you that this book will circulate around Sloane and her missing in action husband.The series is about a family of women – strong Southern women – and the house that calls them all together. Ansley is the magnet really. The mother to three daughters and the daughter to a mother that is slowly slipping away. The first book focused on one daughter while dancing around major aspects of Ansley’s life. This book does the same. While this book can stand alone, like most books that are part of a series the subsequent books are much richer for having read what came before.Sloane is devastated by the receipt of the news that her husband is MIA in Iraq. In this I found her to be a bit indulgent for lack of a better word. She has two very young children and yet after receiving word she goes to bed. For a month. She assumes her children are being cared for by her mother. She wallows in old love letters and videos of her husband. I get grief but she has children. This annoyed me to no end. I have difficulties with characters that I don’t understand and I didn’t understand this.It got better once she got out of bed. Then the book revolved around dealing with the fact that life does go on, children do need care no matter how awful a hand you are dealt and there are other people in your life that have problems too.It did make for the type of read that has you wanting to yell at people so in that Ms. Harvey has created very real characters that stay with you long after you have finished the book. Outside of Sloane’s main story Ansley’s romance that was developing in the first book moves forward and big life changes occur with her mother. The next book focuses on the third daughter Emerson. I will look forward to reading it.

I am hooked on Kristy Woodson Harvey’s southern charm. While reading I was actually hearing the characters with southern accents, picturing them in their houses with wraparound porches, and drinking sweet tea.The Secret to Southern Charm is the second book in The Peachtree Bluff Series. I think that the books are better read in order. Book two starts off exactly where book one ended. The storyline continues with Ansley, Caroline, Sloane, and Emerson all back in Georgia together. We learn about Sloane’s life as a military wife and the fears she had when she was first married. I saw Sloane’s strength when dealing with her husband’s MIA status, while she needed a little push to get out of her own head and back into the real world I could see her figuring out how to put one foot in front of the other getting back to living. She took care of her children, she painted again, and she found out what was missing of herself even before the MIA. While this is mostly Sloane’s story the spotlight is shared with the rest of her family. I loved catching up with Ansley and her long ago love Jack, seeing Emerson and Mark being together, and watching Caroline figure out if James is who she is meant to be with. These are storylines that are not quite done. There is more in store for each of these characters. I am excited for more of Peachtree Bluff series and the amazing Southern Charm.

First off...I would read Slightly South of Simple first. It really gives you the true feel of the family dynamics and leads you right into this book.
When this book started...let me say, I dang near cried in the first chapter. Sloane is a military wife and her husband is MIA. Sloane is completely devastated. She is unable to care for her children or even get out of bed. With the help of her family, Sloane is able to regain her footing and even chase a few dreams or two!
I love all the characters in this book. There is such great chemistry! The sisters are like true sisters, you know, the kind with snide comments which actually ooze the love they have for each other.
This book is the whole package as far as southern fiction goes. The characters, the setting, the amazing story is the perfect combination. It is a powerful tale about the strength of family. The way they have your back when you are at your worst.NOT TO BE MISSED! 
I received this novel from the author for a honest review.

My Review of “The Secret to Southern Charm” by Kristy Woodson HarveyKudos to Author Kristy Woodson Harvey, author of “The Secret to Southern Charm”, the sequel to “Simply South of Simple” for writing such a captivating, heartwarming, emotional, intriguing and enjoyable novel. I spent the weekend having a Kristy Woodson Harvey Marathon,, because I wanted to read both books, and enjoyed them. I loved both books and do want “MORE” as soon as possible. I think this novel can be read as a stand alone, however, I enjoyed the colorful cast of characters and became involved in the family drama and dynamics. The genres for this novel are Fiction and Women’s Fiction. The timeline for the story is mostly in the present, but going to the past only when it pertains to the characters or events in the story. The story takes place mostly in the southern town of Peachtree Bluff.Kristy Woodson Harvey has written about several generations of mothers, daughters, and sisters, and now there is a new generation,as the grandmother comes back to the home. Ansley owns the house, her daughters, their children and her ailing mom. The author describes her characters as complex and complicated, perhaps due to the circumstances. The daughters,(sisters) each have their own problems, and there are some dark secrets that exist in the family setting, that could possibly change the course of events in the story.The theme in this story seems to deal with second chances. Do people deserve a second chance? Can things be forgiven? Do you move on, or work at it? I love the way the author discusses the importance of family, support, love, and hope. I would highly recommend this charming, delightful, and intense family drama for readers that enjoy Women’s Fiction. I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.

The Secret to Southern CharmKristy Woodson HarveyMY RATING ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️▫️PUBLISHERGallery BooksPUBLISHEDApril 3, 2018A warm, witty and entertaining book perfect for a sunny day at the beach.SUMMARYThis is the second novel in the Peachtree Bluff series which features the three Murphy sisters and their mother as they struggle with the hardships life throws at them. Sloane‘s world is turned upside down when she is told that her military-strong husband, Adam is missing in action in Iraq. Finding the strength to climb out of bed or parent her two boys was impossible. Thankfully, her mother and sisters are there to help. Her mother Ansley puts her personal and work life on hold in order to support Sloane and to care for her own aging mother. Sisters, Caroline and Emerson are finally after three weeks able to coax Sloane out of bed. As she was emerging from her funk Sloane’s strategically place painting easel called out to her. She began painting again, and painting helped. But other family issues soon arose. Ansley’s mother health was declining, and Emerson didn’t feel well either. In the midst of all the chaos, a new neighbor moved in next door to Ansley. Actually, it was not a new neighbor but it was Jack, a lifelong friend and love-interest of Ansley’s. Jack holds all the secrets of her past. Jack was the one person she wanted a future with, but just not right now. REVIEWThis little gem should be devoured on a beautiful day at the beach with wine and special brownies. The Secrets of Southern Charm is three generations of strong women who face life’s major challenges and overcome. It may not be easy, but they do it. The characters are well-developed and the sense of family is beautiful and strong. Even the family friends are delightful. I want Kimmy and Hippie Hal hosting my next birthday party. And Kyle can deliver my coffee everyday...and I don’t even like coffee. Do you think I can get him to bring me a sweet ice tea instead! Kristy Harvey’s story telling is witty and warm. She creatively uses letters from Adam to Sloane before he was MIA to exhibit their loving relationship and highlight some of their issues. The tension Harvey created by Ansley’s fears of her past coming to light is very palpable and masterfully done. While I did not read Harvey’s first book in the Peachtree Bluff series it did not stop me from enjoying this one. Never once did I believe I was missing something, but just the same, I have ordered the first one, Slightly South of Simple, which will just have to be read second! I’ll bet it will be just as entertaining as this one. The Secret of Southern Charm is recommended for those who love Southern fiction or anyone who wants to know what the secret is!Thanks to Netgalley, Gallery Books, and Kristy Harvey for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

the secret to southern charmByKristy Woodson HarveyWhat it's all about...This book is the second book in this author’s Peachtree Bluff Series. It literally takes up where slightly south of simple stops. Ansley...still has her three daughters, their children and all of their issues living with her. In this book even more family drama has been added. The nature of Ansley’s first two daughters conception is always just about to be revealed but Ansley never quite manages to tell them the truth. Her relationship with almost boyfriend Jack is in jeopardy even though he lives just next door. Her mother is living with her, too, due to health issues. Thank goodness for big houses, houses down the street and guest houses. I enjoyed this book but I would have been lost without reading the first book. These books are so connected that their true enjoyment would be lost without each other. And be prepared because this book ends in such a manner that you know another book has to be in the works. Why I wanted to read it...I wanted to read this book because I really enjoyed the first book and this one just began right where the first one stopped. It’s almost difficult to discuss this book without discussing the first book because they are so connected. What made me truly enjoy this book...I loved all of these characters for a myriad of different reasons. Ansley and her daughters Caroline, Sloane and Emerson were entwined in each other’s lives and dramas. There were beautiful as well as sad scenes in this book. While reading it I felt as though I was learning some valuable life lessons. But also while reading it I questioned some of this books issues...everyone but Caroline and Sloane seemed to have some idea of who their sperm donor was...and the way they were conceived just seemed unlikely to me...you will have to read both books and see if you agree with me about this. Seriously! Why you should read it, too...If you love lovely Southern books that take place in quaint beachy towns and that have lots of lovely characters mixed in with a few irritating characters...this is a series that will provide you with delicious enjoyment. I know I shall be waiting for the next book...I received an advance reader’s copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss and Amazon. It was my choice to read it and review it.

Note - this is Book 2 in the Peachtree Bluff series. You need to read these books in order to get the most enjoyment out of them."This putting on a brave face, carrying on, helping others, being kind and humble and giving, believing with all your heart that the world could be a better place and that maybe you could make it that way...that was Southern charm."The second book in the Peachtree Bluff trilogy takes us back to Georgia and the family that we loved from book 1 - Ansley, the mom, and her three daughters - Caroline, Sloane and Emerson. Book 1 centered on Caroline's life and book 2 centers on Sloane but both book are about the issues facing a family and the love and unbreakable bond between the family members.This is a fantastic book by a wonderful author who always writes believable characters. I live in the South and I know these people in my day to day life and I was so happy to have them back for book 2 and can't wait to read about them again in book 3. Once you get to know the family, you'll laugh with them and cry a few tears and think about them long after you read the last page. I received an advance review copy of this book from the Great Thought's Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own.