Review: The Secret to Southern Charm by Kristy Woodson Harvey

The Secret to Southern Charm

by Kristy Woodson Harvey

Publisher: Gallery Books

Pages: 400

Format: eARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  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.

Kritters Thoughts:  Similar to the first book, this book centers around one of the three sisters Sloane.  Sloane's husband has been in deployment and at the end of book one he is categorized as MIA.  The sisters' mother is also a big part of this book as she is dealing with quite a bit on her plate.  

Without repeating yesterday's thoughts, this book was just like the last in that the sisters were such a joy to read about.  I loved how they felt so real; they argued and held grudges and made up, I loved it!

What I loved about this book is that yes it centers around Sloane, but the other sisters don't just make an appearance their stories are continued.  I think the author did the right balance of focusing on one sister while at the same time giving each sister a moment in the spotlight so the readers could see how Caroline and Emerson's lives were moving forward.    

The one thing that didn't set right for me during book one and continued and was more center of this book was the paternity of the girls.  I just didn't get it at all.  I understand how it was needed to justify some actions of the characters, but I just didn't enjoy that part.

After finishing this one, I am hoping that there is a book three lined up that centers around Emerson.  I want to know more about her and read more about these sisters.  


Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Ebook 2018 Challenge: 27 out of 100

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from the author.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.