Title: Under the Southern Sky by Kristy Woodson Harvey
Publisher: Gallery Books
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Length: 400 pages
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
Two childhood friends discover that love—and family—can be found in unconventional ways in this timely, moving novel from the USA TODAY bestselling author of the “beautifully Southern, evocative Peachtree Bluff series” (Kristin Harmel, internationally bestselling author of The Winemaker’s Wife).
Recently separated Amelia Buxton, a dedicated journalist, never expected that uncovering the biggest story of her career would become deeply personal. But when she discovers that a cluster of embryos belonging to her childhood friend Parker and his late wife Greer have been deemed “abandoned,” she’s put in the unenviable position of telling Parker—and dredging up old wounds in the process.
Parker has been unable to move forward since the loss of his beloved wife three years ago. He has all but forgotten about the frozen embryos, but once Amelia reveals her discovery, he knows that if he ever wants to get a part of Greer back, he’ll need to accept his fate as a single father and find a surrogate.
Each dealing with their own private griefs, Parker and Amelia slowly begin to find solace in one another as they navigate an uncertain future against the backdrop of the pristine waters of their childhood home, Cape Carolina. The journey of self-discovery leads them to an unforgettable and life-changing lesson: Family—the one you’re born into and the one you choose—is always closer than you think.
From “the next major voice in Southern fiction” (Elin Hilderbrand, #1 New York Times bestselling author), Under the Southern Sky is a fresh and unforgettable exploration of love, friendship, and the unbreakable ties that bind.
Review:
Under the Southern Sky by Kristy Woodson Harvey is a heart-felt novel of healing and love.
When journalist Amelia Buxton’s marriage implodes, she turns to her next article to take her mind off her heartbreak. During her research on frozen embryos, she makes a stunning discovery. Her childhood friend Parker Thaysden and his late wife Greer have embryos that are considered to be abandoned. Although she knows the news will upset him, Amelia knows she cannot keep this information from him. In the aftermath of her revelation, neither Amelia’s nor Parker’s lives will be the same.
Amelia is slowly but surely making her climb up the ladder at the magazine she has worked at since graduating college. Certain her next promotion is on its way, she is instead shocked when the magazine restructures after it is sold. Now jobless and homeless, Amelia makes an impetuous decision that takes her back home to North Carolina. However, more changes are ahead of her as things do not work out quite as she expects.
Despite the passage of time, Parker is still mourning the loss of his wife. He is convinced she is the only person he will ever love so he has no intention of becoming involved with anyone else. Parker is completely taken off guard when Amelia tells him about the frozen embryos. Although he has a few options about what to do with them, he decides to begin searching for a surrogate and preparing to be a single father. Parker is reluctant to accept Amelia’s generous offer to be his surrogate, but he overcomes his reservations. As they begin the process to transfer the embryos, their friendship gradually turns into something deeper. But will they have a future together?
Unbeknownst to Amelia, Parker once harbored a crush on her. Their decision to share the surrogacy experience together allows them the chance to get to know each other as adults. Amelia’s feelings for Parker begin as friendship, but she begins to view him in a much different life as they grow closer. Parker’s crush is rekindled as he begins to envision a future that he hopes includes Amelia. But their road to romance is a little bumpy as Amelia follows a long-held dream and Parker continues working through his grief over losing Greer.
With the chapters alternating between different points of view, Under the Southern Sky is beautifully written novel that is fast-paced and engaging. Amelia is a wonderfully drawn, vibrant woman whose fears getting hurt again prevent her from risking her heart. Parker is a charming man whose extended grief keeps him from making any changes in his life. Greer’s diary entries reveal her hopes and dreams for a family. With unexpected revelations, Kristy Woodson Harvey brings this captivating novel to a heartwarming conclusion.
