Cover Image: Christmas in Peachtree Bluff

Christmas in Peachtree Bluff

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Member Reviews

Did not finish.

This is my first Kirsty Woodson Harvey book and unfortunately her writing is just not for me. The characters and their relationships all felt really one dimensional. There are adult characters who obviously have issues about certain things and make passive aggressive comments rather than acting like an adult and talking about it. Perhaps because I didn't read the previous books in this series I missed out on something, but I was told this could be read as a standalone. Also there is a line where a character is worrying about going on a cruise ship, "I reminded myself that it was an American ship with American doctors aboard." What is that suggesting? I stopped reading shortly after.

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Enjoy the holidays early with the Murphys, with a hurricane on the way both in the story and literally (stay safe East Coast!)

This book is perfect for the chilly weather rolling in and the Christmas mood I am in early this year. Bonus perk for newbies— you won’t be lost if you haven’t read the series!

Do yourself a favor and get the decor out early, make a cup of cocoa, put on @hallmarkchannel Christmas movies in the background, and enjoy. You’re welcome.

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This book was amazing and everything of the sort. I will definitely be reading more from this author.

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I have really enjoyed every book I have read by Kristy Woodson Harvey. This one took me a while to get into it. I did not realize it was part of a series, and I do believe this one would have been better for me if I had read the others in the series first.

From the very beginning there were a lot of characters thrown at me. And there are multiple POVs. Thank goodness I had the print copy, as I was constantly flipping back and forth to learn the relationships of all the characters and who the “I” was for a particular chapter. This one brought together three generations of the family which is why there were so many characters.

There is plenty of drama in this book. With all three Murphy sisters having challenges in their lives, they head to “home” - the place they grew up and where their mother awaits. But when a hurricane looms over them, part of the family evacuates to New York. Then after the hurricane hit, the tension is palpable when the ones in New York cannot get information on how the family members still in Peachtree Bluff are. With the bridges closed, they have no access to Peachtree Bluff. So, they arrange a rescue mission.

There is also plenty of romance. Some relationships end, others begin, others renewed.

The quaintness of small towns is always a bonus. I loved the idea of the drive-in movie but with boats – a “boat-in”.

This book is loaded with Southern charm and the importance of family and second chances. Overall, it is a feel-good cozy read. But I highly recommend you read the other books in this series so you can keep up with all the characters and have the backstories on them.

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Going back to Peachtree Bluff is like wrapping yourself up in your favorite blanket. I love this family and their bond. Of course there is drama but I would expect no less with these women who know their minds, even 15 year old Vivi.

I was happy we got one last visit with these characters especially around the holidays.

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I have been dying to get my hands on "Christmas in Peachtree Bluff" and I am so excited to snag it with NetGalley - THANK YOU! I am a huge fan of Kristy's stories and this one was no exception. Her characters are some of my favorite and they are getting better and better with each novel. The warm and cozy storyline in "Christmas in Peachtree Bluff" was fantastic from start to finish.

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This was so good! I was so glad to be able to visit Peachtree Bluff again! I felt like all of the characters got a nicely wrapped up story. I would imagine that this is the last one but I will definitely keep reading them if there is more! I love all the characters and would just love to keep following them. I highly recommend this book and the others in the series.

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I’m so glad we get to visit Peachtree Bluff and the Murphy girls one more time. Although a little predictable, this was a solid way to end up the series. I have enjoyed each book in this series and this one did not disappoint.

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Review will be posted on 12/1/21
It's the holiday season on the idyllic island of Peachtree Bluff. Ansley and Jack finally have plans to take that trip they always wanted. They should be back in time for the holidays, but it appears it won't be the trip they initially imagined. Caroline has returned home with her children. She is divorcing her cheating husband, James, but things are very complicated. Her teenage daughter, Vivi, is acting out as a result of the divorce. Caroline has enlisted her mother's help, because how much trouble can Vivi get into at Peachtree Bluff compared to New York City? Well, it appears Vivi can make some trouble anywhere she is and combine that with a hurricane and you have a recipe for a disaster. All of their plans come crashing down when a hurricane is coming to their island (much to Ansley's disbelief) and things start to get serious. The Murphy sisters will have to ban together to help their mother, Jack, and Vivi left behind on the island, not to mention their beloved Peachtree Bluff. Kristy Woodson Harvey's holiday tale, Christimas in Peachtree Bluff, is a delightful visit with the Murphy women whom many readers have come to enjoy through the Peachtree Bluff series.

I especially felt for Caroline in Christmas in Peachtree Bluff. It's not easy dealing with a divorce and a rebellious teenage daughter who blames you. She returns home for some support from her mother and Jack, but things get confusing. Caroline hopes that a return home to quiet Peachtree Bluff might save things between her and Vivi.

The Murphy women are so heartwarming in Christmas in Peachtree Bluff. I enjoyed re-visiting each of them and falling right back into their stories and relationships. This holiday tale is an unexpected gift as I thought the Peachtree Bluff series had come to an end, so ultimately, it was nice to be back in the beautiful coastal town with its charming residents.

There's so much holiday charm in Christmas in Peachtree Bluff. I always adored the setting of Peachtree Bluff, but at Christmas it was even more special. The tree lighting, the holiday traditions, and the coastal Southern beach town vibe were all well done.

The looming hurricane definitely balanced the story from becoming overly sweet, so that was definitely a suspenseful part of the story, but have no fear though...it's a holiday tale, after all! Readers can count on the holiday themes running strong throughout Christmas in Peachtree Bluff. There's a focus on the power of forgiveness and the power of community, which make it pitch perfect for a holiday read.

So, are you a fan of the Peachtree Bluff series? Do you plan on reading Christmas in Peachtree Bluff? Let me know your thought in the comments below.

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When I finished the last Peachtree Bluff novel, I thought it was indeed the last novel but then Kristy Woodson Harvey came in clutch with a Christmas installment and I couldn’t be more excited to read more about the ladies of Peachtree Bluff! I have adored all of Kristy Woodson Harvey’s books and obviously this was going to be a welcome read this holiday season!

I read it over the long holiday weekend and I was so happy to return to Peachtree Bluff and reconnect with the characters—I read this one super fast and enjoyed every single minute of it! And seriously check out that cover, doesn’t it scream CHRISTMAS!? I love it and it’s probably one of my favorite holiday book covers of the season!

Woodson Harvey writes such great small Southern town novels that are more contemporary with relatable characters that have real struggles but end up growing and thriving. I relate to many of her characters and having this lovely Christmas installment with some of my favorite characters was just what I needed this holiday season! If you haven’t discovered Kristy Woodson Harvey yet, you absolutely need to! She’s a fantastic writer and this book was a welcome treat for the holiday season!

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. (summary from Goodreads)

Review
Some holiday books are really really heavy on the holiday cheer. There’s a fine line between festive and corny—this book is firmly in the festive category. It doesn’t cross over into corny territory and for that I am so appreciative! It made me happy and full of Christmas cheer without being nauseating! If you are a big reader of holiday romances/stories then you will know exactly what I am talking about here! Since I have read the other books in this series, I felt orientated and familiar with the story and characters but I think new readers of the series will be fine without going back and reading the other books. The author does a great job setting the stage and getting readers mostly up to speed on things in the larger narrative so if you are thinking of picking this one up but aren’t sure since it’s part of a series, I would say don’t worry—you will be fine! BUT—why would you want to miss out on the Murphy women? Do yourself a favor, read this one for the holidays but then add the other books to your Christmas list. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

The thing I love about the Peachtree Bluff series is how real the women are. They all deal with real issues just like every other woman out there— marriage, careers, friendships, love, and complicated parental issues. I feel like I could actually be friends with the Peachtree Bluff women, like I could be meeting any one of them for wine and a good old fashion girl talk/venting session! I think that’s why this series resonates with so many women and fans. And now with this Christmas book not only do we get to revisit and catch up with them all but we also get to be part of their holiday traditions! This book is just such a treat and I am so happy that we got this little surprise book for the season!

While this book captures the cozy, cheeriness of the holiday season and the magic of a small town, having the storm ,making a bee line for shore really added a lot of drama and tension to the novel and I thought it was a fun element to the plot. This book was easily 5 stars for me. I just adore how relatable the characters are and as a woman reader there is so much I can relate to with each of the Murphy women and I see myself in them in many different ways. Readers will find connections with the characters not only in this series but in all of Woodson Harvey’s novels. She is a master at writing honest, believable female characters and I am so here for it!

Book Info and Rating
Format: 368 pages, paperback

Published: October 26 2021 by Galley Books

ISBN 9781982185206

Free review copy provided by publisher, Gallery Books in partnership with Tall Poppy Writers/Bloggers, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.

Rating: 5 stars

Genre: holiday, contempo lit

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Another fabulous trip to Peachtree Bluff! I am so in love with all of these characters. I love the warmth of the family the love between them, especially with the cozy holiday plot in this one. Thank you for another fabulous story!

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A warm, sweet, Southern Christmas novel for fans of Harvey’s Peachtree Bluff series. This was my first KWH novel and now I want to read all the Peachtree Bluff series. This can be read as a stand alone as Harvey does an excellent job of given the backstories for each character in her writing seamlessly. The novel is told in alternating voices from Ansley, the mother, her three daughters, Caroline, Sloane, and Emerson, and her grand daughter, Vivi. It is a Christmas novel, but also has the excitement and tension from a hurricane hitting the town a few weeks before the holidays. A solid 4 star book in my opinion. #southernchristmas #peachtreebluffsisters #kristywoodsonharvey

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Christmas in Peachtree Bluff, fourth in the series, by Kristy Woodson Harvey continues the story of the three Murphy daughters – Caroline, Sloane, and Emerson -- and their families along with their mother Ansley’s. All have gathered for Thanksgiving in the home Ansley shares with her second husband Jack in Peachtree Bluff, Georgia. Ansley and Jack are preparing to leave on a vacation to Australia, while the other families are going to Caroline’s place in New York.

But what if Caroline’s daughter Vivi – who is going through the terrible teens made worse by the divorce of her parents – went to Australia with her grandparents? Would that give Vivi a chance to reset her anger and get a better perspective about the divorce caused by her father’s womanizing? It sure would give Caroline a break from a disrespectful, troubled daughter for a while.

Ansley and Jack are agreeable to the plan, and Vivi is delighted…right up to the moment she has a conversation with Jack that causes her to run away, just hours before they should head for Atlanta to depart for Australia. Time is of the essence as a predicted Hurricane Pearl is headed toward Peachtree Bluff, although Ansley insists it is not likely to do anything but head out to sea. However, Grandma plans and Moms Nature laughs as they must evacuate within the next couple of hours or be confined to the island.

Where could Vivi be as most everything has been boarded up on the island? How can they find her in time to evacuate Peachtree Bluff? If they cannot leave the island, how will they shelter without having provisioned for a hurricane? How will Caroline take the news that her only daughter is missing?

Readers of the series will enjoy this next episode of this strong, loving family as they pull together to resolve these complications so they can have Christmas in Peachtree Bluff.

Kristy Woodson Harvey is a North Carolina writer of contemporary fiction. She lives with her family in Beaufort. Besides this series, she writes standalone novels, and her next one, The Wedding Veil, comes out in March, 2022.

My review will be posted on Goodreads starting November 22, 2021.

I’d like to thank Gallery Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in return for an objective review.

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I felt like I was going back in time revisiting this fun, somewhat dysfunctional, loving family. Although it really hadn't been THAT long since I last read them, it was nice to return to Peachtree to get caught up with their lives.

I will say, if you're looking at reading this book, it might be very helpful to go and read the previous books (in order) in this series. You will lack much of the back stories and the connections all of these characters have with one another otherwise. Even if you don't read the previous books, you should still be able to enjoy this holiday story.

What better way to ruin but make things more meaningful than a holiday hurricane? The setting, the characters, the little dose of family drama makes for a great feel-good cozy holiday read.

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Thank you to the publisher and the author for my review copy....all opinions are my own.

"Sometimes, the best dreams come true are the ones we don't even know we have."
KWH, Christmas in Peachtree Bluff

Ok.....here is my honest review. This book was fabulous. F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S. Read in all caps.

It is no secret I am a huge Peachtree Bluff fan. I cried when Emerson's story was over in book 3 because I adored the characters, the setting and the writing in general. This was the cherry on top of the sundae. Delightful. I adored every single second being back in Peachtree Bluff. Oh and bonus. It's Christmas. I mean charming Christmas in Peachtree Bluff does not get better. I have loved the Summer's spent in Peachtree....but Christmas, it hits different.

Now, let's talk about whether I "recommend" this title.

Yes ma'am, I do. (or sir). I will say this. I would like for you to start at the beginning. I think you would miss so much by skipping any of the previous books in the series. You need to fall in love with the Murphy sisters and their mama. You need that back story. Could you read this book alone? Sure you could. But Why?

Long story short. This might be my favorite of the Peachtree Bluff series. Maybe....or maybe I love them all like my kids. Equally, with different highlights and personalities? Yep, I think that may be it. Pick it up. For real.

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I was so excited to read another book about the Murphy family! But this one just fell flat for me. It was somewhat predictable and never really pulled me in. I think the moment I realized that I didn't really care for it was when the author used the word "nigh." It felt so forced and antiquated. I hope that the author decides to revisit Peachtree Bluff at some point and give the Murphy family the ending that it deserves.

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Loooove KWH And this was a great return to Peach Tree Bluff! I loved hearing from all of the different characters, this is like getting a nice hug from a friend you haven’t seen in a while. PTB fans will love!

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Thank you to @gallerybooks and Kristy Woodson Harvey for my e-arc of Christmas in Peachtree Bluff!

Y’all. I started my first Christmas book this year on Halloween (of course), and it did not disappoint! In fact, I binged it in 24 hours. Let me tell you more!

The Peachtree Bluff series follows the Murphy sisters, Caroline, Emerson, and Sloan, and their mom Ansley. Each of the prior books in the series focuses on one of the sisters and Ansley, and Christmas in Peachtree Bluff puts the focus on all the women, along with Caroline’s daughter Vivi. I think that the first three books in the series need to be read together, but Christmas in Peachtree Bluff can be read as a standalone. There is enough background information given to catch the reader up to speed, which was really nice.

Now, on to the book itself. Y’all, Christmas in Peachtree Bluff was an incredible read. It made me feel so many emotions, and even made me want to bring out my Christmas decorations (and I’m notorious for being a stickler on decorating around Thanksgiving). This was so much more than a holiday book though - it focuses on relationships, trust, and change, just to mention a few themes. I was so impressed with how much Harvey packed into this novel.

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I really wanted to like this book. The cover photo is really pretty, so I was ready to dive right into a good Christmas story. This was not it. I have to admit, I haven't read the previous books in the series, so I don't know if that had anything to do with it. There were a lot of characters that were confusing to keep track of, and lots of different POV's that had me asking myself, now who is this again? The story is a family drama and although there is a lot of drama, the story just kind of fizzled out for me. The hurricane of the century is headed towards Peachtree Bluffs, but there is a very short chapter written about what happens during the hurricane and that's it. That's it? There is also very little to do with Christmas. Although I'm sure this will appeal to many readers, I just found myself skimming towards the end because it just didn't hold my interest.

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What a wonderful story in this 4 part series. I just love the Murphy Girls and all the characters in these books. It is so fun to have a Christmas story be a part of this. I recommend this entire series to all.

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