The Southern Side of Paradise is the third and final book in the Peachtree Bluff trilogy by Kristy Woodson Harvey. I’m really quite amazed that this is her debut series. It’s well-written, descriptive, moving, and filled with warm, realistic, flawed, but inspiring characters with a focus on family. These stories depict a familial bond that is often stronger than anything else, because these are the people who stick with you through thick and thin, regardless of what life may throw your way.

This particular story was a lovely culmination to the series, though I will admit, that it wasn’t a plot-aggressive novel. Things happened, and they were significant, if not surprising. But overall, it was more focused on the characters and their feelings, reflections, looking back and peering forward, than action and eventful plot points. It did border on repetitive at times and was slower than the previous two, but still a very touching and sentimental story.

This trilogy is truly a charming, cozy series about family; the challenges, the heartaches, the bonds, and the strength we derive from those who drive us batty, but also see us through and make life meaningful. It’s tender, emotional, and always a good laugh leaving the reader with a lingering smile.

Thank you to NetGalley for the free review copy in exchange for an honest review.

I love good Southern Fiction and this book is just that and more. The third in the Peachtree Bluff series is a perfect wrap up this wonderful series. Readers will miss the Murphy women and the men in their lives in this dazzling novel. Secrets that threaten the tight-knit bond a trio of sisters and their mother in this small coastal town of relatable characters and family emotions. This is a series that you'll want to own and hope that maybe in the future we might say hello once again. Kristy Woodsen Harvey will take you to this magical little town and immerse you in the Murphy family and you'll love every minute of it. I look forward to more from this "go to" author. Fabulous!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my early reader copy.

This is actually my first read by Kristy Woodson Harvey and I wasn’t disappointed! This is a series and this book is the last of this series. I am definitely going back to read the others! This story brings the three daughters in The Murphy family together even though they have disagreements they learn that family is what matters most! Being from the South and a big family I loved the Southern atmosphere and can easily relate to these characters!

For the last installment of the Peachtree Bluff this helped bring closure to a lot of aspects of the previous books. I have to say that I felt like the first book in the series was the best. The sequels were not as entertaining and the emotions felt a little forced. I don't want any spoilers so I won't go into detail, but the biggest aspect of the book that comes to a head in the third of the series really did not settle well with me.

The Murphy women are an amazing group of ladies and they face their trials and hardships with grit and determination. And, like most families, they don't always like each other. But when it comes down to it, they bond together and triumph over every tribulation with love and amazing strength.

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Return to Peachtree Bluff for the third and final book in the series by Kristy Woodson Harvey. The Murphy sisters have all had their challenges, and now it’s Emerson’s turn. The youngest sister and an up and coming actress, Emerson has spent her summer in Peachtree Bluff, rekindling her romance with her high school boyfriend and has some tough decisions to make when it comes to her future.
Re-visiting these characters was an absolute delight. Woodson has created a strong family of women with such a wonderful and believable family dynamic. No matter what, they are there for each other. These are women I would love to be friends with and have in my corner. Their struggles made me cry, their jokes and laughter had me laughing out loud. There was so much to keep me turning the pages, I couldn’t help flying through the book, and was sad when I reached “The End.”
I joined the series in the second book, and absolutely love it (Book 1 is on my kindle, I can’t wait to have a free day or two to savor it!). If you didn’t realize this is part of a trilogy, you won’t be lost, but it will have you ready to read the first two.
This was both the perfect Southern read and one that should make the top of anyone’s summer reading list. Grab your favorite summer drink and a comfy spot and get ready to be entertained!
#tallpoppywriters #bloomreads #tallpoppyreviewer

The final installment of The Southern Side of Paradise was delightful. As much as I will miss the Murphy sisters I am so glad I went on this journey. This is a series that needs to be read in order. It is an absolute pleasure. The family that Kristy has created is heartwarming and fun. Perfect summer read!!!

Emerson has just landed her dream role as an actress. Not only that…she is engaged! But, somethings are just not right. Her health is not where it needs to be. She is tired and rundown. Plus, her Fiancé, Mark, wants her to give up her career and stay in Peachtree Bluff. She loves Peachtree Bluff, but she has worked so hard to get where she is in her acting and she is not ready to let that go.

I just adore this family. It is not your usual family. The Murphy girls are funny, strong, and definitely have each other’s backs. And when the secret (of course there is a secret!) comes out they must lean on each other to help forgive.

This is a story full of strength, love and family. It is about overcoming obstacles and accepting people for who they are and understanding their decisions and the circumstances under which those decisions were made. This is a fabulous, southern beach read. This whole series is fabulous. Grab this book, your beach hat…and enjoy!

I received this novel from the author for a honest review.

It’s not often I feel…content after the end of a series. More often than not, I am left wanting more, finding loose ends, not liking what the author decided to do, you name it. The Southern Side of Paradise didn’t make me endure any of that. The end of this era was delightfully satisfying, as I imagine a Starlite Starlet would be (you’ll get it when you read it).

I have been with Kristy Woodson Harvey’s series from the beginning. I’ve adored Ansley and her daughters from the very start. First with Caroline, then Sloan, all while following Ansley’s own life along the way. With Paradise, it’s youngest daughter Emerson’s turn. She has tough decisions to make, life lessons to learn, and with a close family like that, you know each sister will say her piece.

The Southern Side of Paradise was the perfect close to the Peachtree Bluff series. I felt everyone ended up where they should be, even with a few surprises along the way. If you haven’t already, pick up Slightly South of Simple and The Secret to Southern Charm and dig in so you’re ready for Paradise.

I received an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This book is the last of a three-part series, covering the story of three sisters and their mother in smalltown Georgia. Emerson, the youngest sister, is the focus of this book, as she decides whether to settle down with the family and her high school boyfriend in Georgia or fulfill her dreams as an actress in Los Angeles. I found Emerson perhaps the most likeable of the three sisters, and also love the passion brought to Ansley’s storyline, as most romances in this genre focus on younger women.

This series is a little hokey, a little predictable, but In the subgenre of Southern chick lit, Woodson Harvey holds her own. Some better editing and fewer cliches would help put this book in the 5-star range, but it’s a solid 4, as is. I liked this book enough to finish the series and look forward to her next book, and will miss this set of characters.

I received an advance copy from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

While this book was wonderfully written and well plotted I just didn’t love it like I was hoping. I enjoyed the story and I found the plot to be interesting but I didn’t connect with any of the characters. I found Emerson to be whiney and a bit ridiculous at points. The setting of the book is beautiful though and the overall southern charm vibe is really fun. I think a lot of people will enjoy this book, but it just wasn’t a good fit for me.

The final chapter to the Peachtree Bluff series and it is amazing. The Murphy family is wonderful. With each book we meet, learn, and fall in love with them. This book is all about Emerson who is an actress but has come home to marry her high school sweetheart. Emerson is looking for happiness and really loves James but something is still missing. She must take hard looks at her life, take steps back to see where she left her heart, and take a big jump forward to find her future. There are lessons to be learned not only by Emerson but by her family and friends also. They are hard lessons but with the support of her mother and sisters, she can accomplish anything.

The Southern Side of Paradise pulls together all three daughters and their mother in a way that families often are. There are secrets that weren’t meant to be shared, love that shines through everything, and proof that with family anything can be fixed. I love how these 4 can fight, argue, and get mad at each other all while standing up for each other, supporting, and loving each other. They share their feelings, fight for what they each think is right but still come together as a family unit.

Kristy Woodson Harvey is one of the best at Southern Fiction. She brings to life the beautiful southern settings, lets the readers taste the wonderful southern food but most of all show the southern way of being a family and community.

The Southern Side Of Paradise is the third and final installment in the Peachtree Bluff series, which follows the lives of mom, Ansley Murphy and her three daughters, Caroline, Sloan, and Emerson through a tumultuous year of their lives. This installment focus on Emerson, the youngest daughter, an actress from LA who is dating her high school sweetheart, Mark, once again since she returned to Peachtree Bluff to film her latest movie. As the movie has wrapped and she is contemplating her move back to LA, Mark proposes. Mark and Emerson have different outlooks for the future, but their love is strong. Can they compromise and make a long distance marriage work? Emerson’s mom is also reuniting with her high school sweetheart, Jack, the man she can’t forget or get out of her system. Through feelings of guilt that her daughter needs her more now, can Ansley give in and take time for herself to get reacquainted with Jack?

I read the entire series at once and this is probably my favorite one. I love the descriptions of Peachtree Bluff and the beautiful beaches and sparkling water. I love the small town quirky characters that appear in all the books. I’m jealous of the bond this family has and I just want to sit on the front porch with all of the Murphy’s with a glass of wine and watch that pink-orange stunning sunset!

These are the perfect beach reads for the summer. Pick them up now and enjoy!

Kristy dazzles and exceeds all expectations with my favorite book in the series!

A favorite Southern author, Kristy Woodson Harvey delivers a bittersweet heartwarming conclusion to her popular Peachtree Bluff trilogy with THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF PARADISE. (what a knock out cover). Fans will be excited for this final book in the series, yet will miss all the fabulous characters (male and female).

My "favorite book" of the series with some shockers you do not see coming! An avid Jack fan and delighted for a happy ending! Top Books of 2019. Five stars +

Things get heated as secrets from the past come to the surface with this lovable cast of characters: Mother Ansley and daughters Caroline, Sloane, and Emerson.

Emerson takes center stage as she faces whether to marry her childhood sweetheart and be pulled back to Peachtree Bluff, choose her career, or possibly another love interest. Being true to one's self is an ongoing theme.

While there are two weddings to plan, some unexpected characters from the past surface, causing further complications.

Will Jack and Ansley finally get their second chance and happily ever after, and will all the girls understand the choices made out of love?

Set in the charming historic Southern town, Kristy Woodson Harvey delivers top-notch storytelling, with fully developed characters for a multi-generational and inspiring story of love, hope, family, and forgiveness.

I am a huge Ansley/Jack fan and could not imagine how this would wind up. Kristy once again exceeded all expectations! Some Ah....moments.

Kristy's Ansley reminds me of Wendy Wax's (Ten Beach Road) character: Madeline Singer. Both are mothers and grandmothers. Both have put their family first throughout their lives. However, however, now late in life, they are finally getting their second chance for happiness with the men they love. Since I am in this age group, I adore these two authors, series, and characters!

I have read all of Kristy's books since her first, and knew then she would be a star! As I have mentioned in the past, "think". . . Emily Giffin, Dorothea Benton Frank, Mary Kay Andrews, Mary Alice Monroe, Wendy Wax, Karen White, and Patti Callahan Henry— combined with Kristy's own unique, charming signature style.

With her winning savvy style, her passion, and love of family, community, and the South —resonate throughout each page. What a perfect beach read and furthermore a "must-read" summer series. Do not leave for vacation without it.

Stay Tuned for More: April 22-May 7: A book giveaway contest. A complete three book paperback set of Peachtree Bluff Series. (more details to follow).

Very excited to announce the upcoming Q&A Elevator Ride Interview with Author Kristy Woodson Harvey, coming May 8! Lots of fun facts from this extraordinary author.

I highly recommend each of her books. One of the top Southern Contemporary authors out today!

PS, Thank you, Kristy, for including me in your acknowledgments. Honored, flattered, and humbled. As always, a delight to receive an early reading copy thanks to Gallery Books, Kristy, and NetGalley.

JDCMustReadBooks

I love, love, love this Peachtree Series! Each book has transported me to the Southern community of Peachtree Bluff and into the Murphy family's lives.

There are three books in this series so far (wink, wink, Kristy) and I love how each book focuses on one of the three sisters. All of their lives are intertwined, of course, so we do get to catch up in all of their lives but I do enjoy getting to know a little bit more about the one.

As with all of Kristy's stories, The Southern Side of Paradise is full of drama, humor, family conflict, and family love and support, when it matters. And it always matters, right? That's what family is all about—love and support.

I've read all of Kristy's books, starting back when her very first book came out, and I immediately fell in love with her and her wonderful stories. She is one of my 'drop everything and read' authors when she has a new book coming out. Her books are Southern fiction at its best!

Give this series a try and I guarantee you will fall in love with Peachtree Bluff and the Murphy's just like I did.

I have enjoyed every book in this series and the this latest one did not disappoint. This character driven story will grip you from the very first page and will not let go until you have finished the last page. Absolutely pick up this winner of a book. Make sure not to start it unless you have lots of time because once start reading you won't want to put it down. Happy reading!

THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF PARADISE by Kristy Woodson Harvey is the perfect ending to the Peachtree Bluff series. These are the types of books that make me love reading. I love the way the characters have developed through each of the novels and Ansley most of all. Her relationship with her daughters is so special and she really battles finally telling everyone her secrets as they battle telling theirs. I adore her timeless relationship with Jack and I like the development of Emerson and her relationships. The last few chapters of this book had me muffling laughs so I wouldn’t wake up my husband. For those that have read the other installments, there may be a bit too much recap of prior books in parts of this one but not enough for it to derail your reading experience. Regardless, for anyone that has read the prior installments or is looking for a pool-side read full of southern charm, pick this one up. 4.5 stars
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Requested this book after seeing it on a couple of most anticipated summer books lists. I didn't realize that this is the third book in a series. Unfortunately, it would have really helped to have read the first two books. Not sure that this is my bag, in any case.

Excited to have all three of her grown daughters—Caroline, Sloane, and Emerson—and their kids—Vivi, Adam Jr. (AJ), Taylor, and Preston—home again, mother Ansley might get more than she bargained for, especially since she's harboring a decades old secret. Will her secret be revealed? If so, how will her daughters respond?

After reading the first two books in the Peachtree Bluff series, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one! Alternating between Ansley and her youngest daughter, Emerson, The Southern Side of Paradise drew me in yet again from the very first pages.

This was the perfect conclusion to this wonderful series. I loved the characters (and their intricately real relationships with each other), the writing style, the suspense, the romance, the humor, and the story itself. This last one made me tear up several times, and I am so, so sad this series is over! Sob. In the hopes of cheering myself up, I added two previous works by this author, Dear Carolina and Lies and Other Acts of Love, to my collection heehee.

Location: Peachtree Bluff, Georgia

I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This is the third book in the Peachtree Bluff series. It is a stand alone book, but I recommend starting with the first book in the series to fully appreciate the characters. I love the growth of each character and how they survive the ups and downs of life.

I have loved every single book in The Peachtree Bluff series, and The Southern Side of Paradise is no exception. Every book is focused on a different member of the family, and this one focuses on Emerson, the youngest daughter. While all of the books are special, this one is my favorite. Emerson is amazing. Her strength and personal goals make her really unique. The cast of additional characters is always fun, and I especially love her relationship with her sisters.

I am sad to see this series come to an end, but I can’t wait to see what Kristy Woodson Harvey comes up with next.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book.