Christmas in Peachtree Bluff by Kristy Woodson Harvey: Book Review

Christmas in Peachtree Bluff is the continuing story of a woman and her three adult daughters as they face life’s challenges as a family.

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From The 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.

My Thoughts:

I was happy to hear that Kristy Woodson Harvey was writing the fourth book in the Peachtree series to catch us up on what was happening to the Murphy women. To fully appreciate the journey that these women have gone through as a family I would recommend reading the other books in the series first. Having said that, the book could be read as a standalone.

The book is set three years after the conclusion of The Southern Side of Paradise and we are quickly caught up on what is happening to the family. Caroline’s daughter Vivi is now a fifteen-year-old who is not the sweet and easygoing pre-teen she once was. The author does a wonderful job of writing about the angst of the teenage years with great clarity.

The family is preparing for a hurricane which is expected to hit Peachtree Bluff. Initially, there is little concern given the town’s history of hurricanes having little impact on this seaside town. But as the storm approaches, there is little doubt this one is going to hit Peachtree Bluff and cause significant damage.

It was fun catching up with these women! Despite the characters having had to overcome great hardship in their lives, they are highly likeable and a pleasure to read about. I loved the holiday feel of the book including the many community celebrations.

I listened to the audiobook version of Christmas in Peachtree Bluff which was narrated by an ensemble, I loved that each of the Murphy women had a narrator which brought a realistic feel to the book. I would not hesitate to recommend this format to those that enjoy it.

I recommend this book to readers who appreciate Women’s Fiction.

What I Liked:

• The community holiday celebrations
• The author’s ability to portray the angst of the teenaged years
• The strength and enduring love of this family

Acknowledgments:

I used an Audible credit to to purchase this audiobook.

Other Books In the Series I’ve Reviewed:

Book One – Slightly South of Simple

Book Two – The Secret to Southern Charm

Book Three – The Southern Side of Paradise