POSTED ONFEBRUARY 9, 2021
Under the Southern Sky
Kristy Woodson Harvey‘s newest book Under the Southern Sky is my first ARC (Advance Reader Copy). An ARC book is given to reviewers before the book hits mass distribution in exchange for an honest opinion.
Right from the first page, I was sucked in. It wasn’t just the story or characters but a freshness and energy in the writing. Originally I was a bit hesitant about the topic, but Harvey brought hope and joy to a tricky, sensitive situation.
When journalist Amelia digs into her research for a story, she discovers that her childhood friend Parker and his late wife Greer have frozen embryos that have been classified as “abandoned.” Bringing it to his attention adds to Parker’s pain of his loss but also gives him new options to consider.
I had to keep turning the pages to see how their friendship would evolve as they dealt with these adult situations. A nice addition to the list of characters included best friend/meddling mother characters that were patient and subtle. I also enjoyed Aunt Tilley’s character. She’s lovable, quirky, and more complex than first meets the eye. Plenty of twists and turns in the story keep readers engaged.
I would highly recommend reading Under the Southern Sky by Kristy Woodson Harvey. It comes out in April 2021, but you can pre-order a copy from your favorite bookstore today. Pre-orders are very helpful to authors so if you think you’ll buy this book, why not pre-order today? If your sweetheart is looking for a special gift to get you for Valentine’s Day, ordering this book would be a great suggestion.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. I have only read a few of Kristy Woodson Harvey's books but have been following her on social media since Covid began. This was a great book that keep me entertained. And I love how it wrapped up very tidy. Sometimes that is what you need in life - a story that wants you to know more but then also wraps everything up. Thanks again for letting me read this book!

I could not put this book down! It kept my attention the entire time. Parker & Greer have the perfect marriage until tragedy strikes. His close friend Amelia has been there for him every step of the way. Friendship becomes more as things are learned. Such a good read!

This was my first read by this author and I am very glad I was able to experience it. I will definitely be adding more of her books to my library. I loved so many things about this book. The characters were well thought out and the relationships were believable. The story drew me in and held my attention from start to finish. I definitely recommend this book.

Kristy Woodson Harvey writes the most incredible characters. Amelia and Parker were childhood friends. When Amelia is researching a news story she reconnects with Parker. Parker is having a hard time moving on since his wife died. As Amelia and Parker's lives intertwine, we are taking on an amazing journey of friendship, grief, and moving on. And absolutely beautiful scenery! I received an advanced readers copy and all opinions are my own.

Oh how I loved this story! Kristy Woodson Harvey quickly became one of favorite southern writers! Her stories make me want to grab a glass of sweet tea and a chair and head to the beach. This story is about finding your one true love, loss, infertility and coming back around and finding your passion and love for family. I never miss a new book by Kristy! You are always in for a warming story.

Let me tell you this book and it’s characters found their way right to my heart. A friend recommended this author to me and I found this book and I’m so glad I did I enjoyed this read with all its secrets and how they are exposed. The family , friends, loves and past loves makes this one a special read.
I was given an advance reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my review from the publisher through NetGalley and I’m going to let my fingers do the walking to see if I can find another book by this author her writing really rates the five stars and they should be sprinkled with gold glitter.

Wow - a wonderful story about friendship, family, love, and the choices one makes on life's journey. The main setting is Buxton Beach in Cape Carolina. Parker is still mourning his wife's death, three years after she's gone (Greer). Amelia, newly divorcing, is starting her life over. Amelia is pouring herself into her job as a journalist, when her current article's research about frozen embryos brings her across her friends Parker and Greer's names on that list. Immediately she knows she has to let her childhood friend, Parker, know about the embryos, a possible connection he could maybe have to Greer through a future child.

Parker is surprised with this news. Amelia volunteers to be the surrogate for him. But can he accept this generous offer, knowing he has had feelings for her since they were young next door neighbors? What will their relationship develop into, even though Amelia has made it clear this will strictly be a friend doing something for a friend? NO SPOILERS - so I'm stopping here, but there are many twists and turns in the plot.

This book is so heartwarming, not only from a romantic point of view, but in the ways families can stick together and neighbors can become your family. The author has developed the characters so well that you feel you are part of their group. I highly recommend this book.

I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Gallery Books) and/or author (Kristy Woodson Harvey) via NetGalley, so I could give an honest review of this book. Thank you! This book is scheduled to be released on April 20-2021. #gallerybooks #kristywoodsonharvey #underthesouthernsky

I love this author! I’ve read (I think) everything she has written and wait not so patiently for her next work of art. I know if I start her book it will either be a long night, or during the day nothing will get done until the back cover closes. Her characters have become dear friends who I will think about for weeks. Kristy’s storytelling is like having a conversation with your best friend. I don’t want to keep gushing so I will close by saying run out and buy this woman’s books. You won’t be disappointed

I enjoyed this book and I am a fan of Kristy Woodson Harvey's novels. That being said, I thought this one was a bit busy with so many life changing events coming one on top of another. There was a lot of angst and emotion packed into this story but it was all wrapped up neatly at the end. I liked the different viewpoints but adding the mothers was a bit of overkill. Their points of view could have been part of the main characters' story. The subject matter is timely, especially the IVF and frozen embryo storyline which adds interest. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a fast paced but meaty story of the women's fiction/chick lit variety.

Under the Southern Sky delivers a poignant look at friendship, family and love.

Amelia is an investigative journalist who uncovers that her good friend Parker and his late wife Greer have frozen embryos that are considered abandoned. Amelia knows she must tell Parker about his embryos. What she doesn't expect is that Parker will want to use them.

This book touches on cancer, infertility, loss, grief, love, friendship and family. Woodson Harvey delivers a beautiful and touching description of the frozen embryos that really resonated with me. This book has the quaint Southern small town setting I have become accustomed to in KWH's books. The subject matter of this book really hit home for me. I really loved the story, the dilemma posed by frozen embryos is SO real for many people. This is southern fiction at it's best.

This was my first book by this author, I received a copy from NetGalley for my opinion. I had a hard time connecting to this story, I really didn't care for the style of writing, nor did I care for the main characters. I think I liked Aunt Tilly the best.

“And somehow, if you’re really lucky, you’ll do what I did: you’ll find your way back home.”

Everyone in their families can tell that Amelia and Parker have always loved each other. They grew up next door, their mothers are best friends and they share a passion for their coastal Southern town. But life has separated them. Amelia, a writer, is divorcing her unfaithful husband and Parker, who married into a wealthy publishing family, is still grieving the death of his beautiful wife Greer. When Amelia., who is unable to have children, discovers that Parker and Greer had embryos abandoned after Greer’s death, you think you know what’s coming next. The happy ending, right? It’s not that simple.

Finding their way back home is not easy for Amelia and Parker. There are so many starts, hesitations and stops. Along the way, Kristy Harvey Woodson introduces many vivid supporting characters. There are Amelia’s first husband Thad who is cautiously moving into a new lifestyle, Parker’s long time friends from high school days and both their families, laden with history and long buried secrets. You’ll feel like you a part of their world, part of the little town of Cape Carolina.

This is a story about love and hope. It’s told by Amelia, Parker and Greer in alternating chapters. Be prepared - Greer’s diary, written while she was dying of ovarian cancer, is heartbreaking. Kristy Harvey Woodson has been praised as “a major new voice in Southern fiction” and she is that. However, her novels have universal themes that appeal to all readers. Under the Southern Sky is a gift that will stay with you long after the story ends. 5 stars.

Kristy Woodson Harvey quickly became one. Of my favorite authors when I read her novel. Dear Carolina, in about a day a few years ago. Under the Southern Sky is no different. I quickly became attached to the characters, and cried, laughed and cheered both for them, and along with them. They felt like family, and I hope to hear more about the Thaysden’s, Paxtons and McCanns in the future.

This author has done it again. I loved this book. It was emotional and I couldn't wait to see how it ended. I loved the southern setting and all of the characters. I could not put this one down. If you love great books do not hesitate to read this one once it is released. You will not be disappointed!

4.5 rounded up to 5.

As a Northerner, who desperately wants to move South, this author has become a “Go To” when I need a southern fix. This story was no different, but the storyline was unique and grabbed me from the Page 1.

To me a good story has to make you feel the characters plight. From the beginning you are introduced to a loving “perfect” couple who seem to have it all, and a tight knit community where friends become the family we picked as ours. Add a few secrets and a quirky family member and you will be hooked too! I cried, I laughed and I rooted for the outcome. Modern day issues in the old South. It did feel like it dragged in parts, but on the whole, I couldn’t pit it down. Escapism at its finest.

Thanks to Ms. Harvey, Gallery Books and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone!

Under The Southern Sky is Southern fiction for women as its best.. I love this charming story and am always on the lookout for more wonderful stories Kristy Woodson Harvey. Her stories never disappoint.

This was my first book by Kristy Woodson Harvey and I will definitely be adding her other books to my to be read list. I became fully immersed in both Amelia and Parker's stories. As characters on their own they are both very strong and as their stories started to weave together it only helped to strengthen them. I liked the addition of Greer's journal entries as they pertained to what was happening in the story. This was a really emotional book and I have to say, I truly enjoyed the way it handled grief by showing how hard it is to move on after losing someone, while also showing hope for how to move on.

Parker learns that is possible to have two great loves. His first wife Greer who dies of cervical cancer and his soon to be second wife, Amelia who he grew up with as is the girl next door. These two women are polar opposites. Greer is put together, driven, successful, obscenely rich due to her families business and equally as generous with this money. She has a very successful blog that Amelia follows. Amelia is a hot mess and has no money or drive. These women do have one thing in common though. They both love Parker with all their hearts. I don't want to add any spoilers. This book is full of heart and southern charm!

Amelia and Parker both grew up together in Cape Carolina and have both experienced loss. Parker lost his wife and Amelia walked in on her husband having in affair. They both escape to their home town. Obviously they have meddling parents that hope they get together. Parker is still grieving his wife.
Amelia discovers that Parker's late wife has abandoned embryos and Parker wants to carry on her legacy. Will Amelia be the one to help? This was such a heartwarming story. I 100% recommend this book.