I just want to make a comment about this cover before I review the book. The cover I had on my ebook version of the book was of a woman on a beach stool reading a book. So, you wonder, what's so special about that? Well, on my version is she reading a book while on other versions I have seen is she reading on a tablet. Yes, perhaps it's not a big deal however, I just love that little detail that changes from version to version.

Now for the story. THE SECRET TO SOUTHERN CHARM is the sequel to SLIGHTLY SOUTH OF SIMPLE. For the fans of the first book, this book is, I bet, a dream come true. For me, it was a new experience since this book is the first book I have read by Kristy Woodson Harvey.

Life isn't easy for army wife Sloane, she is left alone with her two young children when her husband goes missing in action. Thankfully she has her sisters Caroline and Emerson, mother Ansley, and Grammy to get her back on her feet. This is a trying time for Sloane, and she and the rest of the family have a lot of challenges ahead of them, but also moments of joy and love. Caroline is back with her husband after trouble in their marriage and Emerson seems to be falling in love. Ansley thinks that she has lost her second chance for love, but perhaps she still has a shot.

I don't want to spoil too much of the story in THE SECRET TO SOUTHERN CHARM. However, I think if you loved the first book will you love reading about what's next for the women. There are a lot of heartbreaking moments in the book, but also some very lovely moments. I wished sometimes that I could enjoy the story in this book a bit more, but I felt a bit disconnected with the characters. It happens, even if I want to like a book really much, and all the ingredients for a great book are there can I not completely immerse myself in the story. Of course, there are several moments that I liked in the book, but now and then I felt a dip in my interest in what was going on. However, I still want to read the first book and would definitely read a sequel to this one.

Book Summary

Leaving fans “practically [begging] for a sequel” (Bookpage), critically acclaimed author Kristy Woodson Harvey returns with the second novel in her beloved Peachtree Bluff series, featuring a trio of sisters and their mother who discover a truth that will change not only the way they see themselves, but also how they fit together as a family.

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.

Harvey’s signature warmth and wit make this a charming and poignant story of first loves, missed opportunities, and second chances and proves that she is "the next major voice in Southern fiction” (Elin Hilderbrand, New York Times bestselling author).