I loved "A Happier Life" so very much! All of the characters are fantastic, and the book made me want to pack my bags and move to Beaufort, NC!! The structure of the book and how the main character Keaton's grandparents' story is told is just perfect. There is so much love in this book--love of family, love of traditions, love of friends, and love of romantic partners. I have no doubt that this will be one of my top books of 2024! I give it all the stars and recommend it highly!

Dual timeline historical fiction is my favourite, and this one was such a delight.

The present timeline follows Keaton Smith after a hurtful breakup that causes her to search for her place in life. Her search takes her to her deceased grandparents abandoned home in Beaufort North Carolina, which is to be fixed up and put on the market.

The past timeline is told from Keaton’s grandmother Becks’ journals and these allow Keaton to get a glimpse of what her grandmother was like and of course, some secrets are divulged. As Keaton works to fix up the house, she gets to know the town’s people and is ultimately determined to find out what really happened to her grandparents.

Oh, and of course there’s a handsome neighbour with a sweet young son who find their way into Keaton’s heart.

Add this one to your beach bag if you enjoy:
-historical fiction with a bit of must
-dual timelines
-dinner parties
-historical homes
-sweet romance
-seaside settings

I love books written with a setting in the south, with the historical homes and charm. Was very excited to read "A Happier Life" as part of Brenda Novak's monthly book box. I have read some of Kristy Woodson Harvey's books before, and I love them. This one did not disappoint. Keaton is floundering after a break-up with her boyfriend, and leaving her job, when her mom drops the bomb that they have a house in Beaufort, North Carolina. I have been to Beaufort before, and loved the charm. The house that is to be sold has been in the family for a couple of centuries. When Keaton arrives, it looks like her grandparents just decided to up and leave. Everything from plates, to shoes, are still sitting there. Keaton knows that she has a humungous job ahead of her, and, with the help of her new friends, a little boy that steals her heart (as well as his dad), and the journal of the famous Rebecca Saint James, she can tackle the job. The love of family and new friends may lead Keaton to exactly where she needs to be. LOVED, LOVED, LOVED!

Thank you to my partners, Gallery Books and NetGalley, and the author. I appreciate the gifted eARC and I am leaving this review voluntarily!

1. 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 - When Keaton arrives at her grandparents’ house, it is as if time never moved forward. Sometimes it is truly just too difficult to deal with the aftermath of traumatic events, and if you don’t need to, it might just be easier to ignore it.

2. 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 - We move from Keaton’s present to the past of Becks, her grandmother. I loved the way these timelines were perfectly orchestrated. The flow from one to the other was seamless, and I wanted to get back to each timeline every time!

3. 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 - Man, between the buildup of love between Keaton and Bowen and the timeless, everlasting love of Becks and Townsend, I felt like I got my quota of heart-filled bliss!

4. 𝐀 𝐂𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐊𝐢𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐂𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐠 - I mean, can it get better than this? Anderson is just the sweetest kid and it takes Keaton about a millisecond to fall for him. And then there’s Salt…the dog that you will want in your own life!

5. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐲 - The whole story is shrouded in the secret of what ultimately happened to Becks and Townsend all of those years ago. I think the reader is able to uncover it more quickly because we know the truths behind why it happened, but the family in the story finds out at just the right pace to keep their hearts intact!

Loved loved this book! ❤️ Perfect summer read! Family secrets, mystery set in my home state! What's not to love!

Kristy Woodson Harvey says that of all the books she has written to date, A Happier Life is her favorite. She describes it as the story of Keaton Smith “going back to Beaufort, North Carolina, to clean out and sell the house of the grandparents who died long before she was born and, in the process, finding out what actually happened to them — and discovering the next step on her own life’s journey.¬”

The premise of the book may sound unbelievable. But, in fact, the story was inspired by actual events. Harvey’s great-aunt and uncle died under mysterious circumstances in the 1970’s and at just ten years of age, she was “one of the first people to enter their home after it had been closed up for fifty years.” She remembers that “it was just as though someone walked out of the door fifty years ago, sealed the door, and we walked back into it the moment after they left.” In A Happier Life, Keaton’s grandparents, Rebecca (“Becks”) and Townsend Saint James, hosted their final supper of the summer on August 28, 1976 . . . and then vanished. Their vehicle was found submerged in a creek, and neither seatbelt was buckled. But search parties found neither clues as to their whereabouts . . . nor their remains. The mystery of what happened to them is still unsolved. And for the nearly five decades since that fateful night, their home has remained just as they left it (although a handyman has looked after the property). Virginia, Keaton’s mother, and her uncle, Lon, have never been able to bring themselves to return to Beaufort to settle their parents’ affairs. In fact, Keaton had no idea that her grandparents simply disappeared or that her mother and uncle still owned the house she has heard so much about but never visited. Now, to avoid any conflict among their heirs, Virginia and Lon have decided the time has come to get the house ready to sell and put it on the market. Keaton is thirty-three years old, and has just been dumped by her boyfriend and lost the job she loved on the same day, so she welcomes the opportunity for a change of scene and to earn a commission that will make her career transition – whatever that turns out to be – easier, at least from a financial perspective.

Harvey opens the book with a Prologue in the house’s voice. It is an unusual, but effective technique, signaling that the setting will serve as a vibrant character in the story, establishing the particulars of the setting, and drawing readers into the mystery. The two hundred and fifty-four-year-old structure has been owned by one family since it was the first house erected on Sunset Lane in 1769, and it reveals that it alone knows the truth about Becks and Townsend. It has “held the truth right here all this time, if anyone had bothered to uncover it.” Harvey wanted to emphasize that “houses forever hold the stories of their inhabitants.”

Harvey then employs a first-person narrative from Keaton to relate her journey to Beaufort and experiences there. Two third-person narratives are told from the perspectives of Becks, primarily, and Townsend, relating how they met, fell in love, and married, undeterred by the objections and ultimatums of their families because of religious differences. (His family was Catholic and Becks’ father was a Methodist minister.)

Keaton is overwhelmed when she first enters the house with her dog, Salt. (Salt is Harvey’s own dog and “a local celebrity” in Beaufort where she resides with her husband and son in a is one hundred and three-year-old house.) The Saint James family house is obviously dated, and dust coats the interior. Keaton bemoans that it “is like an untouched crime scene . . .creepy.” It feels to her “like everyone walked out of here almost fifty years ago, locked the door and never came back.” Seeing that Salt has immediately put something in his mouth, she retrieves it and finds it is a white leather notebook with “Rebecca Saint James’s Guide to Entertaining – 1976” embossed on the cover. She, like readers, instantly wants to devour its contents and Harvey obliges, starting each chapter focused on Becks with excerpts from her Guide. She wrote it for Virginia, and it is comprised of recipes, menus, guest lists, and tips for successfully hosting parties. Harvey recalls that as she started writing each chapter, “I would just think about something my grandmother would have said,” and the excerpts wound up being one of her favorite elements of the book. Keaton also finds Townsend’s journals. The entries begin in 1935 when he meets the woman who will become his wife. He was a highly decorated pilot who flew missions during World War II before settling in Beaufort with his bride and practicing medicine there for many years.

In alternating chapters, Harvey details the challenges Keaton faces as she begins organizing and sorting through her grandparents’ belongings and working to make the house livable. They include squirrels in the kitchen and necessary repairs, but the grand old home is full of antiques and other valuable collectibles . . . as well as charm and memories galore. She meets Alex, the handyman who has been looking after the house when he’s not dressed as and conducting pirate tours, as well as the next-door neighbors. Anderson is a precocious ten-year-old who is eager to help with renovations but his father, Bowen, a marine biologist, is initially stand-offish and rude, although Keaton finds him “hunky.” She also meets Violet, who was Virginia’s friend when they were young woman, and the other Dockhouse Dames – Suzanne, Arlene, and Better – who fold Keaton into their tribe and provide support, camaraderie, and dating advice, in addition to details about and insight into her grandparents’ lives. She also develops a better understanding of her mother, and not just how different she is from Becks, but why.

Townsend and Becks lived a happy, productive life, although they did experience heartbreak. It was a different era, to be sure, but one in which Becks relished her role as the best hostess in Beaufort and being a traditional wife and mother fulfilled her. Harvey believes “there is a lot you can learn about a person from the way they take care of other people.” And Becks is very much a caregiver, but also a determined woman whose graciousness is matched by her inner fortitude. Becks was completely satisfied with her life, and cherished both her husband (Townsend taught her to fly and they loved taking flights several times per week in their private plane) and children, as well as her friends. There is an especially poignant aspect of her story concerning her estrangement from her parents and how she ultimately deals with it. And her entries expose a potentially scandalous situation involving a Beaufort resident who comes under suspicion. Could Townsend and Becks have been victims of foul play, as some of the townspeople have long postulated?

As her days in Beaufort fly by, Keaton develops an appreciation of and admiration for the grandparents she never had a chance to meet. And she falls in love – with the town, her family’s house, her newfound friends, Anderson, and, naturally, his father. But she spent twelve years establishing her career in New York City. Is she ready to give up her professional dreams? She is readying the house to be sold and it will become the property of a new family for the first time in its long history. Although she is finally getting to know her grandparents, she knows that even if the mystery surrounding their disappearance is solved, they will not be coming back to Beaufort. And Bowen, her initially grumpy neighbor, has his own complicated romantic history in addition to a son who needs to have a healthy and consistent relationship with his mother, if that is possible.

Townsend and Becks are lovingly conceived, memorable characters. They are both accomplished, intelligent, opinionated, and strong. They built a life together, raised two children, and cultivated lasting friendships in a community they loved. Through the years they remained steadfastly devoted to each other, still delighting in each other’s company. All of which makes their story a moving, thoughtful meditation on several themes, including aging, dignity, and autonomy, as well as the importance of choosing what we will leave to the next generation and the power to craft one’s own legacy.

Harvey’s love for the “quirky, historic, seaside town and the people in it” is evident on every page, as is her compassion for the characters she brings to life. A Happier Life is an homage to what she calls “that sacred space that is held between the future and the past, the push-pull of preserving tradition while keeping today’s pace, of trying to reconcile the beauty of what those who came before created with the reality of how we live today.” The story is a delightful mixture of genres. It is replete with the kind of light-hearted moments readers expect in romantic comedies and the requisite happy ending. But it is also riveting mystery (within which Harvey deftly weaves yet another mystery) and examination of profound topics, adeptly presented with a light touch and nonjudgmental tone that invite readers to contemplate the characters’ dilemmas and ponder what they would do under similar circumstances in order to find their own happier life.

"A Happier Life" is a heartwarming novel that beautifully captures the essence of Southern charm and the deep bonds of family and community. Set in the picturesque town of Beaufort, the story immediately draws readers into its close-knit world, where neighbors genuinely care for one another.

At the heart of the narrative lies the mysterious disappearance of Rebecca and Townsend Saint James in 1976, a compelling subplot that keeps readers eagerly turning pages, desperate to uncover the truth behind that fateful night.

The character development is particularly strong, especially in the case of Keaton Smith. Her journey of self-discovery and personal growth as she prepares to sell her family home is not just relatable, but also deeply inspiring. The house itself emerges as a character in its own right, its walls seemingly whispering secrets and stories that connect Keaton to her past and shape her future.

Harvey masterfully weaves together various relationships, including Keaton's burgeoning connection with her neighbor and his son. These interactions bring warmth to the story, highlighting how interconnected and essential we all are to one another.

As the novel drew to a close, I found myself reluctant to leave the world of Beaufort and its endearing inhabitants. Harvey's vivid storytelling transported me right alongside the characters, making me feel like a part of their community.

In what may be her finest work yet, Kristy Woodson Harvey has crafted a novel that resonates with authenticity, emotional depth, and the timeless appeal of Southern fiction. "A Happier Life" is a testament to the power of connection, the importance of understanding our roots, and the joy found in embracing life's unexpected turns.

My new favorite book from Kristy Woodson Harvey. I loved the multi generational story focused on a grandmother and granddaughter. That is such a special relationship for me and I always love reading about them! I also loved how the house was a huge part of the story, and almost a character in itself. I loved the love stories woven in, the friendships built, and the cutest little boy ever! 😍

What makes you happy?⁣
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It just doesn’t feel like summer if there isn’t a new Kristy Woodson Harvey book to read! - and that makes me happy!
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A Happier Life is the sweetest treat on a hot summer day - guaranteed to keep your feet planted in the sand until the very last page. ⁣
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I love getting swept up in her stories and there’s always a wonderful cast of characters you can’t help falling in love with. And this one has plenty of them - including Keaton, who you root for to get a much needed fresh start, a charming neighbor and his hilariously snarky ten year old son, a group of endearing and fun gossipy ladies who lunch, Salt the dog!, and a couple whose disappearance years ago is one of the town’s biggest mysteries. What truly happened to Keaton’s grandparents?⁣
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Past and present collide in so many ways as you dive deep into the shocking disappearance of this well respected couple years ago. And as Keaton unearths clues in their untouched home, those who knew them also reveal secrets - and she begins to put together the pieces of what really happened. ⁣
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And as she slowly pieces together her family’s fractured past, her future starts to look brighter - and happier.

Thank you for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review! I loved this one so much. This was my first read by this author and certainly won' be my last. I absolutely adored this writer's story telling and characters. I brought this one with me to the pool, and it was a great summer read! I will be reading more from this author in the future.

I picked up A Happier Life by Kristy Woodson Harvey when a lighthearted beachy read with depth called to me, and this novel was that and so much more!

I quickly got whisked away, transported to the oceanside small town of Beaufort, North Carolina; the sights, the sounds and the smells of this quaint community knocked against my senses while its members welcomed me with open arms. Main characters Keaton, in present day, and Becks, in 1976, drew me in with their personalities and charm! These two timelines provided different love connections - one solid, withstanding the many tests life has thrown out and one newly blossoming. Found family and emotional character arcs round out this southern belle of a novel!

Twice I thought I knew where the plot was heading, and twice I was pleasantly surprised when what was delivered was far better than my expectations - one of these surprises easily making me cry! The tears fell fast and hard as I was so invested in Becks’s journey, and the eerie mystery surrounding the deaths of her and her husband!

Southern hospitality, an abandoned home and decades of secrets make this a bingeable summer read!

Bonus: added recipes! Second bonus: fantastic audiobook!

For those who liked Summers At The Saint, Welcome To Beach Town and The Hotel Nantucket - A Happier Life is sure to also be a hit!

Thank you NetGalley, UpLit Reads and Gallery Books for the complimentary copy to read and review.

The perfect summer read! I absolutely loved this book and am growing to really enjoy Kristy Woodson Harvey’s writing! This book was a little mystery, romance but mostly the story of a woman finding herself while also learning about her history. I love this gem of back in time chapters and all the summer vibes.

Always a great time down south when you read KWH novels. I liked the mystery element to this one. Dual timeline and I actually preferred the grandmother's entries so much more. I do like how it all wrapped up.

I LOVED this book! The whole aspect of the book was intriguing and I was completely invested. The characters were lovely and their relationship timeline authentic and relatable. I love the small town feel and the southern charm! The time capsule of a house- I mean, SWOON. This was a very enjoyable read and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with it. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely love everything KWH writes and look forward to her new releases! Her books take me to wonderful places full of kind, caring characters, people I wish in knew in real life.

A Happier Life is told with dual timelines—the present where Keaton goes back to her mother's house to get it ready to sell, and the past of the grandmother she never knew. The neighbors, the house, and journals she finds fill in the unknown of the lives of her grandparents.

Once again, Kristy has created a world that was such an amazing escape for me. The story is filled with interesting, fun characters who charmed me the first time I met them. There was plenty of drama to keep me intrigued and I devoured this story. I absolutely loved A Happier Life, as I have all of Kristy's other books. It's the perfect book to add to your summer reading list. I highly recommend it!

I loved it! Kind of like a NOTE BOOK romance. Becks and Townsend were so bold and strong. Anderson was a real hoot that boy could make me laugh. One of your best Kristy. In my opinion.
This is one that I highly recommend !!
I will someday pick it for a Bookclub read

There is definitely more substance to A Happier Life than the typical Summer read. Kristy Woodson Harvey has once again spun a family tale with intrigue and drama. Along the line of the Notebook, a romantic look at an aging couple that is very much in love.

Thank you Gallery Books and NetGalley for an early copy. All opinions are my own.

Every year Kristy Woodson Harvey releases a new novel, and every year I anxiously await it because I know that reading it will be one of the highlights of my reading year. A HAPPIER LIFE more than delivers. Reading it made my heart happy and I couldn't put it down. I love the way she wove together the story, filling it with emotion, heart, and characters that will stay in my heart and mind for a long time to come.
There is so much to love about this novel. Kristy Woodson Harvey has written a story with beautiful characters, including the town of Beaufort, NC, and a bit of mystery with Keaton’s grandparents’ disappearance that adds depth to the story, especially when we learn more about their life together. Following Keaton’s journey into discovering her Grandparents and their lives, we learn about them as she does. With the help of a group of women who knew her grandparents, her neighbor and his son, and the rest of the town, Keaton discovers more than she expected about her family and herself, finding her path to a happier life.
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the novel. All opinions are my own and freely given.

I always look forward to Kristy Woodson Harvey's yearly book and A Happier Life is her best yet! It has dual timelines, a charming Southern town, a family mystery, and engaging characters. It made me want to live in Beaufort, NC and be friends with Keaton and the women that befriended her. I highly recommend this novel!

Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the advanced digital copy of the book.

KWH has done it again! This book will stay with me for years to come. I loved all the characters, and really took my time with this book because honestly I didn't want it to end. Historical fiction mixed with current times, our MC, Keaton Smith goes to the historic seaside town of Beaufort NC to sell her mothers childhood home which she didn't even know existed. While there she finds her grandmother and grandfathers journals and you get a glimpse into their lives too. Alternating chapters between Keaton and her grandparents, whom she had never met. You also get a fun next door neighbor enemy to lovers trope mixed in and I must say, the build up to the ending was so beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time.