The Secret to Southern Charm by Kristy Woodson Harvey: Book Review

The Secret to Southern Charm is the second book in the author’s Peachtree Bluff series. I love reading about this family and thoroughly enjoyed this book. I recommend reading the first book in the series Slightly South of Simple before reading this book although it could be read as a standalone.

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From The Publisher:

After finding out her military husband is missing in action, middle sister Sloane’s world crumbles as her worst nightmare comes true. She can barely climb out of bed, much less summon the strength to be the parent her children deserve.

Her mother, Ansley, provides a much-needed respite as she puts her personal life on hold to help Sloane and her grandchildren wade through their new grief-stricken lives. But between caring for her own aging mother, her daughters, and her grandchildren, Ansley’s private worry is that secrets from her past will come to light.

But when Sloane’s sisters, Caroline and Emerson, remind Sloane that no matter what, she promised her husband she would carry on for their young sons, Sloane finds the support and courage she needs to chase her biggest dreams—and face her deepest fears. Taking a cue from her middle daughter, Ansley takes her own leap of faith and realizes that, after all this time, she might finally be able to have it all.

My Thoughts:

I love finding a book series I become invested in. The story of this family was too wonderful to leave after the first book and I wanted to spend more time unwrapping their story.

In this second book, the story is told from the alternating viewpoints of Ansley and Sloane, Ansley’s middle daughter. Sloane’s husband Adam is in the military and is reported missing in action. Ansley’s mother’s health deteriorates and Ansley’s relationship with Jack is taken to a new level.

The author punctuates the romantic relationship between Sloane and Adam with a series of letters written by Adam to Sloane while serving overseas. Sloane spends most of her time reading these letters, forgetting about her children and how they are coping with the news of their father. This felt very real to me – the shock value of learning such news even when reality tells you it is a possibility. Sloane’s sisters have provided this support in Sloane’s absence but now know they need to get her back into the land of the living to support her children both emotionally and financially.

Ansley feels the burden of carrying a secret she has held for years- initially disclosed in the first book in the series. She isn’t aware that her mother and daughters are beginning to put together clues about the secret. I love how the story is coming together concerning these relationships.

The message in this book is one of surviving and moving forward no matter what comes your way. We’re also given insight into the third book in the series which I’ll be happily reading and reviewing soon. I want to know if the secret is revealed and the impact on this family.

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

What I Liked:

• The well-developed characters
• The love and support the family shows one another
• The use of a secret throughout the series

Other Books I’ve Reviewed By Kristy Woodson Harvey: