Title: Christmas in Peachtree Bluff by Kristy Woodson Harvey
Peachtree Bluff Series Book Four
Publisher: Gallery Books
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Length: 368 pages
Book Rating: B
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
In the newest installment of New York Times bestselling author Kristy Woodson Harvey’s Peachtree Bluff series, three generations of the Murphy women must come together when a hurricane threatens to destroy their hometown—and the holiday season in the process.
When the Murphy women are in trouble, they always know they can turn to their mother, Ansley. So when eldest daughter Caroline and her husband, James, announce they are divorcing—and fifteen-year-old daughter Vivi acts out in response—Caroline, at her wits end, can’t think of anything to do besides leave her with Ansley in Peachtree Bluff for the holidays. After all, how much trouble can one teenager get into on a tiny island?
Quite a lot, as it turns out.
As the “storm of the century” heads toward Peachtree Bluff, Ansley and her husband, Jack, with Vivi in tow, are grateful they’re planning to leave for the trip of a lifetime. But Vivi’s recklessness forces the trio to shelter in place during the worst hurricane Peachtree has ever seen. With no power, no provisions, and the water rising, the circumstances become dire very quickly…and the Murphy sisters, who evacuated to New York, soon realize it’s up to them to conduct a rescue mission. With the bridges closed and no way to access Peachtree Bluff by land or air, they set sail on Caroline’s boat, The Starlite Sisters, determined to rebuild their beloved town—as well as their family.
In “pitch perfect tones” (Publishers Weekly) and written with her signature Southern charm, New York Times bestselling author Kristy Woodson Harvey explores the magic of Christmas, the power of forgiveness, and the importance of family in a tale that reminds us that, no matter the circumstances, home is always where we belong—especially during the holidays.
Review:
Christmas in Peachtree Bluff by Kristy Woodson Harvey is a warm and inviting holiday novel that is full delightful family traditions. Although this installment is the fourth book in the Peachtree Bluff series, it can be read as a standalone.
The Murphy family is very close even though two of matriarch Ansley’s daughters live out of state. Caroline lives in New York and this year is difficult for her because she and husband James are divorcing. While Caroline has no regrets about ending her marriage, their teenage daughter Vivi is angry about the divorce. Concerned for her daughter, she hopes the holidays with the extended family will prove to be just what they need to reset their troubled relationship. Youngest daughter Emerson, her boyfriend Kyle and their young daughter Carter live in California. Emerson has followed her dream of becoming an actress and she is surprised at how much the trip home alters her viewpoint on her future. Sloane lives in her childhood family home with her husband Adam and their two young children. She is not thrilled with an idea of Adam’s but she knows how important compromise is to marriage. Adding to the tension are the increasingly worrisome hurricane warnings. Will the “hurricane of the century” ruin the holiday traditions that are near and dear to Ansley’s heart?
The happy family reunion is slightly marred by Vivi’s attitude toward Caroline. Ansley well remembers just how difficult Caroline’s teen years were so everyone is understanding of the tense moments between mother and daughter. When the Thanksgiving celebration is over, everyone but Ansley, her husband Jack and Vivi head for New York to enjoy the fun holiday activities Caroline has lined up for them. Ansley, Jack and Vivi are finishing up last minute hurricane preparations when Vivi’s anger gets the best of her. With the powerful hurricane moving ever closer, will Ansley and Jack bring Vivi safely home before it makes landfall?
Christmas in Peachtree Bluff is a heartwarming novel of family, love and new beginnings. The characters are richly developed which makes them quite appealing. Peachtree Bluff is a lovely town that is close-knit with a storied past. The storyline is engaging and well-executed. In between the family drama and terrifying hurricane, there is also time for unexpected romance. Kristy Woodson Harvey brings this family centric novel to a wonderful conclusion that is uplifting and quite touching.
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