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

The Southern Side of Paradise is the third book in the author’s Peachtree Bluff series. I enjoyed it as much as I did the first two in the series! I recommend reading the first two books in the series before reading this book although it could be read as a standalone.

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From The Publisher:

From internationally bestselling author and “rising star of Southern fiction” (Mary Alice Monroe, New York Times bestselling author) Kristy Woodson Harvey comes the third novel in her Peachtree Bluff series, in which a secret threatens the tight-knit bond between a trio of sisters and their mother.

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, youngest daughter and actress Emerson, who is recently engaged and has just landed the role of a lifetime, 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.

With Kristy Woodson Harvey’s signature charm, wit, and heart, The Southern Side of Paradise is another masterful Peachtree Bluff novel that proves she is a “Southern writer with staying power” 

My Thoughts:

I have adored this entire series. The characters are deeply developed with Ansley and one daughter featured in each book in the series. This book was all about the youngest of the three sisters, Emerson.

Emerson is an actress and well enough known to make a good living out of acting. She’s had some medical issues recently but luckily these were easily treated. She’s recently engaged to be married and has been offered the role of a lifetime. So why is she feeling so out of sorts?

Ansley is still hiding a large secret from her children – there’s never been the right to share something this big. She’s happy with her long-lost love Jack who moved in next door but feels threatened when someone from Jack’s past comes for a visit.

The bond that these family members have for one another feels genuine. The ability of the author to share these characters throughout three books and still have the reader wanting more speaks highly of her skills. There is the right amount of drama to make the book compelling but for me, it is the draw of family love between the characters that keeps me coming back for more. The secret itself would generate great discussion at a book club!

This book was the last in the series – that is until the author generously decided to write a Christmas novel in 2021 “Christmas in Peachtree Bluff”. Can you guess what book I’ll be reading and reviewing soon?

What I Liked:

• The theme of family love throughout the series
• The choices that Emerson is forced to make
• The well-developed and likeable characters

Some of the Other Books I’ve Reviewed by Kristy Woodson Harvey:

Slightly South of Simple (Book One)

The Secret to Southern Charm (Book Two)

The Wedding Veil