One Old, One New features two books – one old, one new, which are connected in some way. Today I am featuring two books by Kristy Harvey Woodson.
Published by Gallery Books on DATE
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Fiction
Goodreads
"Southern bestselling sensation” (Katie Couric Media) Kristy Woodson Harvey returns with a delightfully moving new novel about a mother-daughter duo learning to lean on their community of women—and each other—after their world is turned upside down.
When Charlotte Sitterly’s husband is arrested for a white-collar crime, she and her daughter Iris are locked out of their house by the FBI and—what’s potentially even worse—thrust into the spotlight of @JuniperShoresSocialite, the town’s snarky anonymous Instagram account. Cut off from her bank accounts and feeling desperate, Charlotte takes up an acquaintance’s offer to stay at a beachfront former bed-and-breakfast that’s home to a community of single mothers and draws plenty of gossip in the small coastal North Carolina town.
Charlotte and Iris find solace and are surprised by how much fun they’re having with the other families despite their circumstances. But when the women discover a secret link between them, it changes everything they thought they knew about the unconventional family they’ve created and leaves them wondering whether their coming together was a coincidence at all. Will the skeletons in the mommune closets help Charlotte and Iris reclaim their place in the Juniper Shores community—or shatter the sisterhood forever?
“Perfect for fans of Elin Hilderbrand and Jennifer Weiner” (Country Living), Beach House Rules is a charming exploration of the joy of friendship, the true meaning of family, and reclaiming the power to reshape our own destiny.
When her husband is jailed for wire fraud, Charlotte and her daughter find themselves locked out of their home with Charlotte unemployable. The Mommune to the rescue! This former B&B was now inhabited by moms and their kids in need of a soft place to land and regroup, and though Charlotte had some reservations, she finds comfort and safety with these women who quickly become family.
I was late the Kristy Woodson Harvey party, but it was love at first read. As with her other books, the strength of Beach House Rules is the incredible female friendship at the center of this story. Though Charlotte was the main focus, Alice, Grace, and Julie were also working through some personal issues, and they were doing it together. I loved the whole concept of this home which was filled with love and support and people working together as they recover.
The friendship and found family element was expected. What I didn't expect was the bit of mystery woven into this tale. Did Bill commit the crime? Or was he framed? If so, by who? This subplot was seamlessly incorporated into the story, and I was delighted when it all came together.
Overall, another hit from Harvey! This heartwarming tale won me over with its beachy, found family vibes and surprising twist.
Published by Berkley on May 5, 2015
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Fiction
Goodreads
A moving debut novel about two mothers—one biological and one adoptive—from a compelling new voice in Southern women’s fiction.
One baby girl.
Two strong Southern women.
And the most difficult decision they’ll ever make.
Frances “Khaki” Mason has it all: a thriving interior design career, a loving husband and son, homes in North Carolina and Manhattan—everything except the second child she has always wanted. Jodi, her husband’s nineteen-year-old cousin, is fresh out of rehab, pregnant, and alone. Although the two women couldn’t seem more different, they forge a lifelong connection as Khaki reaches out to Jodi, encouraging her to have her baby. But as Jodi struggles to be the mother she knows her daughter deserves, she will ask Khaki the ultimate favor…
Written to baby Carolina, by both her birth mother and her adoptive one, this is a story that proves that life circumstances shape us but don’t define us—and that families aren’t born, they’re made…
I knew this was a good fit for me when I was shedding tears during the first few minutes of the book. Dear Carolina was a beautiful story of family and friendship and love. Both Khaki and Jodi were dealing with personal issues, and it was lovely that they had the support of each other as they worked through it.
Harvey is so good at writing these unlikely friendships. On paper, I couldn't imagine Khaki and Jodi being friends, but their worlds collided when Khaki married Jodi's cousin, and their lives became intertwined when Carolina was born.
I adored both women, but I have to admit, I was rooting for Jodi with my whole heart. She had a tough life and was doing the best she could. She also wanted to do better, and I was really pleased with all the wonderful opportunities and people who entered her life.
Once again, Kristy Woodson Harvey crafted a story that was filled with warmth and humor which touched my heart.
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