I read this book in one sitting - five hours - and I regret nothing.

Reading the first book in this series, Slightly South of Simple, I finished the day before so I could dive into this one immediately.

Sloane is the sister I've grown attached to. I felt as though I could feel her heartbreak and sadness, going day after day not knowing if her husband was still alive. As a military mom, I understand the constant worry about the safety of our soldiers, but I still attest, being a military wife is not for the weak.

I love how Kristy drew the picture of Adam and Sloane, how they came to be, using the letters he wrote to her. It is the kind of love story everyone dreams about.

This book is one you will not want to put down until you are finished. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will feel as though you were there all along, loving this family as much as they love one another.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley for my honest review.

I had no idea it was the second in a series. I just got the first book and will read it first then get to this one. I hate to read them out of order and from what I read in the reviews it’s not good to read this one first. I appreciate being given this book very much and promise to read it and leave my review where I can. I’m so sorry I had no idea about the series thing.

The Peachtree Bluff series continues...

Life isn't always easy. For this family, that couldn't ring truer. With all of the lies and secrets, this family is barely holding on. Through all of their struggles, they still keep trying to move forward, each one being concerned with everyone but themselves.

I need Kristy to write these books faster and her publisher to publish them faster. I need to know more. I need to get closer to the end of these characters pain and suffering. I need them to live happily ever after, however that may look.

Kristy's writing is superb, top-notch. She weaves a story so engaging and emotional, you won't be able to let these characters go. They will linger in your mind long after you finish each book.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley for my unbiased opinion of the book. When I requested this book, I was unaware it was part of a sequel. I happily purchased the first book, I hate reading sequels out of order. I read both books within 48 hours. I could not get through them fast enough! This is a book about a family of women and the men they love. The second book is about the mother Ansley and her second daughter Sloane. Ansley is torn between dating her first love Jack and whether her daughters will find out that Jack is the father of her first two born. Sloane's military is listed as missing in action. Sloane shuts down and hides from life and her two sons trying to hold on to the belief her husband is alive when everyone around her believes he is dead. You need to read the second book and find out what happens!!! You will not regret it! Where is book 3 ??? lol

Upon being given the opportunity to read this book, I knew that I would enjoy it more if I read the first book in the series, "Simply South of Simple". I believe this book could stand alone because important pieces from the 1st book were explained, but because I read them both in quick succession I felt so close to the characters and their stories. Loved both books. Captivating and heartwarming characters possessing strength and resilience. The story is filled with lots or charm and humor.

I love this series! This is the second book in the Peachtree Bluff series. This story pretty much picks up where the first book left off. The beachy cover definitely doesn't hint at the depth of the story behind it. I will admit that I had a stuff time with some of the subject matter because it was very emotional. I'm hoping that there is a third book to this because some of the storylines are not complete. I can't wait to read it, if there is!

My chat with Kristy Woodson Harvey is up on the podcast - I couldn't wait to talk about how I love the series and THE SECRET TO SOUTHERN CHARM. Listen here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/womenwithbooks/WWB_Ch._18-_Kristy_Harvey.mp3

This was a fast and fun read! Perfect book to take to the beach this summer!

Similar to the first book, this book centers around one of the three sisters Sloane. Sloane's husband has been in deployment and at the end of book one he is categorized as MIA. The sisters' mother is also a big part of this book as she is dealing with quite a bit on her plate.

Without repeating yesterday's thoughts, this book was just like the last in that the sisters were such a joy to read about. I loved how they felt so real; they argued and held grudges and made up, I loved it!

What I loved about this book is that yes it centers around Sloane, but the other sisters don't just make an appearance their stories are continued. I think the author did the right balance of focusing on one sister while at the same time giving each sister a moment in the spotlight so the readers could see how Caroline and Emerson's lives were moving forward.

The one thing that didn't set right for me during book one and continued and was more center of this book was the paternity of the girls. I just didn't get it at all. I understand how it was needed to justify some actions of the characters, but I just didn't enjoy that part.

After finishing this one, I am hoping that there is a book three lined up that centers around Emerson. I want to know more about her and read more about these sisters.

A thoroughly enjoyable read by Kristy Woodson Harvey! I am glad I picked up a book by a new-to-me author.

The beachy covers of of Kristy Woodson Harvey's Peachtree Bluff series belie the deeper stories that these books hold. The Secret to Southern Charm further develops Ansley's relationship with Jack, as well as with her daughters and mother, and this time the story revolves around Sloane, who is trying to find her way while dealing with her deepest fear. The story has all the trappings of an easy beach read (great setting, close knit if somewhat quirky characters, a little romance), but there is deep heart in this book. The author has done a great job with the way she develops characters in these books- while Sloane was introduced in the last book, this book really let her shine while still keeping Caroline's story moving. I'm assuming Emerson's story is coming next, and I can't wait.

Fantastic second book in the series. I love the characters and the story line. This book focuses more on Sloan and her MIA husband, Adam in Iraq. She struggles to take care of herself and her boys. Her mother and sisters help her out of the dark place and back into reality.
Caroline and James are on the mend and I'm glad they have managed to work through their issues. Caroline is a strong character but I like that she still needs James.
Emerson has fallen in love with an old flame. I am worried about her health and hope the 3rd book will focus on her.
Jack and Ansley are working through their past so they can have a future. Fingers crossed for them!
Looking forward to the next book!

This is the first book I have read by Kristy Woodson Harvey and I must say I am eager to read more of her books. It is so exciting to find a new author! The Secret to Southern Charm is the second book in the series. I recommend reading Slightly South of Simple first to learn the characters and family history. This book is filled with family drama so keep your tissues handy. I grew to love some of the characters and others I wanted to tell them to wake-up!

I'm not a huge fan of the military theme, but there was enough here to keep me reading. I still love the richness and complexity of the character, Ansley and the relationship between the sisters.

This book oozes Southern charm, heartbreak, family and finally, I think, resilience. Don't read it if Southerness bothers you. Don't read it if family drama is not your style, and don't read it if you don't want to shed a few tears. Otherwise, pick up this book and enjoy the well drawn characters and situations. Second in a series of beachy reads.

Although I was a bit tentative to start this one given how book 1 in this series ended, I am pleased to say that I loved this book even more than the first. First, the characters are all so well developed. Next, I love the alternating POV just as much as I did in the first book - so well written and seamless. Finally, I love the setting. Such a perfect beach read! These books are not trite at all but they are so enjoyable even in the midst of hard times and a realistic portrayal of family. I can't wait for book 3!

The Secret to Southern Charm comes out next week on April 3, 2018 and you can purchase HERE. You can read my review of the first book in this series HERE.

But, no matter how happy you are in your marriage--and, believe me, I was--marriage is real life and it's real work. There are bills to pay, taxes to figure, laundry to be done, decisions to make. The love is real, but the stress is real, too. While I was deeply happy in my life with Carter, there was no doubt that my mind wandered every now and then to that simpler time.

I understand with every ounce of my being that this is why people have affairs; this is how they convince themselves that they are in love with someone else. It's easy to resurrect that forgotten feeling when you have no responsibilities.

What IS The Secret To Southern Charm?

On April 3, The Secret To Southern Charm by Kristy Woodson Harvey hit the shelves of your favorite book store. Should you pick it up? Most definitely!

This is the second book in the Peachtree Bluff series by Harvey and I really enjoyed the first book when it came out last year. Slightly South Of Simple was a wonderful read and I was highly anticipating this second installment. I wasn't disappointed in any way and now I can't wait to read the next one! I suppose it will be a long wait, but one that's well worth it.

The series follows the Murphy family women; mom, Ansley, and sisters, Caroline, Sloane, and Emmerson. Caroline is by far my favorite sister. They are funny, flawed, and fiery women and readers will immensely enjoy this group of charming southern gals.

The town of Peachtree, Georgia is a place that I want to visit - heck, I want to live there in one of the old, renovated beach houses. It's a cute little town full of quirky, personable characters. Every town needs a "Coffee Kyle." I can't get enough of Peachtree and its inhabitants.

So, what IS the secret to southern charm? Turns out, it’s more than the accent.

Kristy entertains her readers with great characters and a their very real stories. It’s a family of strong women who pull each other up in times of need and share in each other’s joys and successes. While I would classify The Secret To Southern Charm as Women’s Fiction - it’s so much more than Chick Lit. It’s a great novel with heart and soul that will make you fall in love with it.

Since this is the second book in a series, I recommend you start by picking up Slightly South of Simple first as you'll get a better feel for the characters and their story. However, have The Secret to Southern Charm on hand to start right away - you'll want to dive right in.

Thank you to NetGalley, Gallery Books, and Kristy Woodson Harvey for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This is the second book in the Peachtree Bluff series and just as fun as the first one! It is the story of 3 sisters and their mother and the secrets and situations that have shaped their lives. This book focuses more on middle sister Sloane and her struggles when her husband goes MIA while protecting our country. It also explores her personal growth and her finding herself as someone other than just a mother and wife. The sisters' relationship is lovely to read and how their bonds are unbreakable despite differences in their personalities. A fun and entertaining read that is great to read on the beach on vacation. Can't wait for the third one!

A beautifully written novel about a beautiful family each struggling with their own set of issues. The relationships between Ansley and her mother, daughters, brothers, Jack and the Peachtree Bluff community drew me in and made me love all of them. This book made me smile and cry and laugh. I loved every page.

Thank you to Netgalley for letting me read an early copy. The only downside to this is that I will have to wait that much longer for book 3!!

This is the 2nd book from a series, and I didn't realize that when I received this book from NetGalley. The Secret to Southern Charm is s a delight: mothers and daughters, sisters and lost love...I got wrapped up in it! , . It yanks on your heart strings and you just have to continue reading. I honestly thought it was a light and fluffy piece of reading but it was a strong complex story with characters you easily become emotionally invested in. Prepare to become engrossed in this book once you start reading it! I received an advanced copy from Netgalley for a review.