I just love reading a new Kristy Woodson Harvey story.
She never seems disappoint!
Beach House Rules was absolutely impossible to put down! The characters were so well-crafted and relatable, each with their own unique depth and charm. The story kept me hooked from the first page to the last.
I can always rely on Kristy Woodson Harvey to deliver a heartfelt, feel-good read with a dash of Southern charm, but Beach House Rules exceeded my expectations in every way.
I loved every moment of it and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating read

4.25 rounded down. This was not at all what I was expecting, it was better! This has some mystery, drama, romance, it really has multiple genres all mixed into one! The characters are likable, and the book flowed really well. The ending was NOT at all what I was expecting!!

I did not coin this but I concur that KWH is the new queen of the beach read! I really enjoyed this book and honestly want to join a mommune of my own! I loved the mystery element and the different perspectives. The writing felt familiar and the story felt unique, not much more I could ask for.

The Southern Queen of Beach reads and NYT Bestselling Author (long-time favorite), Kristy Woodson Harvey, returns following A Happier Life with her latest—a simply irresistible, charming, unputdownable, and the season's hottest beach read—BEACH HOUSE RULES.

Top beach read of 2025!

When a husband is arrested for a white-collar crime, the wife and daughter are locked out of their home by the FBI. They find solace and much more at a local B&B for single moms in this coastal North Carolina town with plenty of gossip, fun, scandal, and commentary from Juniper Shores Socialite: @junipershoressocialite (check it out on IG).

About...

IG @junipershoressociate Juniper Shores, NC. Sharing bad behavior and delicious drama in North Carolina's most exclusive zip code. DM with tips, pics, and juicy deets.

Alice Bailey runs a local former B&B on the beach; however, she has turned her home into a 'Mommune' for single moms to help them get back on their feet. This unique concept is a shared living space where single mothers can support each other, share responsibilities, and rebuild their lives. It started when she took in her niece, Julia (journalist), and three children after a messy divorce.

Grace (Growing with Grace) is a cool it mom (with millions of followers on IG) with a heartthrob teen son and daughter who also reside there. When Alice sees Charlotte at the Suncoast Bank and overhears the conversation about her financial situation, she invites Charlotte and her teen daughter, Iris, to move in.

Charlotte Sitterly is accustomed to the finer things of life, but now her husband, Bill, is in the middle of an FBI investigation for a white-collar crime. She must move out of the house with her teen daughter, Iris. She does not know whether to support her husband or not. Some think she knew about the fraud. She didn't.

They are lucky to be taken in by this diverse group of ladies who share housework, childcare, cooking, homework, and chores. Alice has specific beach house rules— they must turn off their phones during dinner and stay off the remainder of the evening. (great rule). They also have family beach time.

At first, things are awkward, and Iris is not happy about the rules, but when she discovers Grace's hot teen son, who lives there as well, she is excited.

Between the ongoing juicy gossip and scandal from Juniper Shores, with their wild conspiracy theories about Alice murdering her three husbands (and who is next), Charlotte's struggle to find a job while her husband is in jail, all while trying to prove his innocence, there's never a dull moment. Add in the fun and drama with the teens, mystery, romance, and you've got a story that's as entertaining as it is enlightening.

Let the games begin! Who will solve the mystery of the white-crime?

My thoughts...

In Kristy's classic signature style, she has brilliantly crafted another bestseller, which I adored! BEACH HOUSE RULES would make a great TV series (think Grosse Pointe Garden Society, which I love).

BEACH HOUSE RULES is a delightful summer read that resonates with its fresh, timely, and clever narrative. I enjoyed the POVs from Alice, Iris, and Charlotte. (Great job with the teen's POV as well as the adults).

Filled with humor, mystery, and plenty of Southern sass, it's a must-read for anyone who appreciates the complexities of family, the power of female friendships, and the resilience of the human spirit. Don't head to the beach without this gem in your bag!

BEACH HOUSE RULES introduces a fabulous cast of characters, both teens, moms, and friends. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that family is not always blood-related, and sometimes the best family is the one we create for ourselves.

As I have said from Kristy's debut and every book since (I have read them all), Kristy is a superstar. She writes from the heart of real Southern women and their challenges, and her love of her coastal town and family shines through every page. So happy to be a part of her journey from afar. As I said from the beginning, she is a mix of Dorthea Benton Frank, Mary Kay Andrews, and Emily Giffin with her own winning signature style.

Get this treasure on your summer list!

On a personal note: I resonated with this story so much. I had to laugh as I once lived temporarily (many years ago) for a few months in the historic Beverly Hills Inn B&B (prime location) in Buckhead (Atlanta), GA, when I moved back to the area as Associate Publisher for Atlanta Business Magazine. My condo off Peachtree in Midtown, a few miles away, was not ready yet, so I lived in the inn for several months. It was so much fun, and the owner and his girlfriend gave me the complete history, plus fun brunches at the Ritz-Carlton.

History: The Beverly Hills Inn began as a historic apartment building for widowed women in 1929. It later transitioned into an 18-room bed and breakfast in 1982, and now functions as private townhomes and gardens. The building is known for its alleged haunting, with reports of ghostly apparitions, orbs, and whispers attributed to the former residents. Specifically, three widowed women are said to linger around the third floor. (I got to tour this one)! Reading this story reminded me of those times and the special people I met there.

Audiobook...

I can't wait to listen to the audiobook narrated by Cassandra Campbell (fav), Mia Hutchinson-Shaw, Suehyla El-Attar Young.

Recs...

This stunning beach read (cover crush) is for fans of the author and those who enjoy works by Mary Kay Andrews, Elin Hilderbrand, Emily Giffin, Viola Shipman, and Rochelle B. Weinstein's We Are Made of Stars. (featuring another inn in the Mountains of NC and spunky teen daughter).

Special thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for paperback and digital ARC copies in exchange for an honest review. Thanks, Kristy, for the shout-out (truly honored)! I always look forward to your next adventure!

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Pub Date: May 27, 2025
May 2025 Must-Read Books
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Top Beach Read of 2025

Thanks to the author, Uplit Reads, Gallery Books, and NetGalley for early access to this book. Even though it doesn't come out until the end of May, I knew I had to read Beach House Rules while at the beach in April for spring break!
Beach House Rules is a fun Southern fiction read with a little bit of everything - a scandal, a secret social media gossip account, plenty of drama, and a mommune! What's that, you don't know what a mommune is? Well it's obviously a gorgeous beach house where moms and their kiddos live communally and share typical mom responsibilities. Charlotte and her daughter Iris end up in the Juniper Shores mommune after her husband Bill is accused of skimming off the top of the accounts in his investment firm. Bob maintains his innocence, but he isn't allowed out on house arrest, and their he assets are frozen, so the mommune is the best bet. Even though it's run by the “Black Widow” - a woman in her mid-forties who has three dead husbands.
I enjoyed that the chapters alternated points of view often, keeping everything feeling fresh. I liked hearing from some of the characters more than others 🤣 Some parts were a little far-fetched, but overall this was an entertaining read while relaxing at the beach. And I may as well mention that the author's 2024 release, A Happier Life (which was one of my top ten reads last year!) just came out in paperback. Check that out while you're waiting for this one to publish 🥰

Nobody does summertime family tale as good as Kristy Woodson Harvey! Her southern family dynamics are unmatched. She always creates such a quintessential upscale southern beach town that jumps off the page. I truly look forward to her books every single summer. She just writes gossipy small town book to perfection!

Thank you #Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Charlotte and Iris find themselves without a place to live. They’re invited to move into the Mommune.
This was a good story about female friendships.
It had a few surprises along the way. I really liked the comments from the Instagram account too.

When Charlotte Sitterly’s husband is arrested and her life unravels, she and her daughter Iris take refuge in a quirky beachfront home for single moms known as the “mommune”—becoming the subject of local gossip and an anonymous Instagram account. As unexpected bonds form and long-buried secrets surface, Charlotte must decide whether this unconventional new family is her true second chance—or just another illusion.

Beach House Rules was one of my most anticipated summer reads, and it absolutely delivered. Kristy Woodson Harvey’s signature warmth and cozy charm shine through every page, creating a story that feels like a seaside escape with heart. I especially loved the choice to tell the story through three perspectives—it gave such depth to the characters and made it easy to connect with each one, including 14-year-old Iris, who felt just as real and relatable as the adults.

Set in the picturesque, upscale beach town of Juniper Shores, the novel is sprinkled with short, juicy interludes from the mysterious @JuniperShoresSocialite, whose sharp observations and town gossip added a clever twist of intrigue. I had so much fun trying to guess their identity—spoiler: I was way off, and I loved that!

But the true heart of the story lies in the “mommune”—a haven of single mothers forming unexpected friendships and showing up for one another in the best ways. It was emotional, empowering, and full of feel-good moments. If you’re craving a summer read with drama, found family, second chances, richly developed characters, and just the right dash of romance, Beach House Rules is the perfect pick.

Thank you Gallery Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I love books written by Kristy Woodson Harvey, and I look forward to reading her new one every summer. Beach House Rules is the perfect book to start off the summer reading season! It has it all-- the beach, strong friendships, found family, trials and tribulations, mystery, and romance. I read this book in a day and loved every minute of it. Another five star book! Thank you, NetGalley and Gallery Books, for the advance reader copy of this book.

I just love how a book by Kristy is summer to me. The story is so vivid that I felt like I was in the mommune with these ladies and their kids and enjoying the beach right outside the house.

The Juniper Shores Socialite account is a fun way to read about the gossip surrounding the town and the mystery of who is running it, who knows the things that people want to know.

I loved the conviction that Charlotte had in her husband's innocence. She (almost) never wavered in her loyalty to his person.

The mommune- it's an interesting thing that Alice made but they truly felt like this great family that were always there for each other. I kind of want a mommune sometimes myself, sharing burdens with someone else who truly understands the role of a mother.

Iris is a spunky girl...Visiting her dad in prison by herself, trying to do what she can to prove her dad's innocence. She was whip smart in her part of "saving the day".

I devoured this book! It was a little bit mystery, romance, gossip and more. The characters were each trying to recover from a blow life dealt them and together they learned to believe in who they are. There were a couple unexpected twists as this story developed. My favorite part was the theme of found family and how choosing this family is powerful.
I recommend to anyone who likes:
💛Multiple POV’s
🏝️Beach Setting
🩵Found Family
🏝️Juicy gossip
🩷Mystery
🏝️Romance
💛Friendship
Thank you to the author and UpLit Reads for the opportunity to read an early copy!
All thought and opinions are my own.

Book Title: Beach House Rules
Author: Kristy Woodson Harvey
Genre: Women's Fictioin/Beach Read
Publisher: Gallery Books
Pub Date: May 27, 2025
My Rating: 3.4 Stars
Pages: 368

The Sitterly’s live in NYC and loved it. However Bill Sittlerly thought his stepmother had the right idea in living in peaceful Juniper Shores, N.C. a beautiful beach town with more than its share of wealthy residence. Bill decided it was the idea place for him and Charlotte to raise their daughter, Iris. They could stay in his stepmother’s home while they built their own home. He could easily work from home and return to the city when needed. It took two years but their new home was ready.

However their lives were changed in an instant when Bill is arrested for securities fraud. Now Charlotte and their fourteen year old daughter Iris can't access their beachfront home, and the family's assets are frozen.
Alice Bailey, overheard Charlotte is not able to withdraw any money and feels she can help by offering mother and daughter a place in her "mommune," a former beachfront bed and breakfast.
Charlotte and Iris accept. There are two other women with their children who live with Alice.
On the first day, they learn the beach house rules.

This is my seventh Kristy Woodson Harvey and I totally love her ‘beach reads’.
Although I am not a big fan of gossip groups aka @JuniperShoresSocialite ~ I was curious about life in a “mommune” – so found it interesting and thought women helping women is wonderful!

Want to thank NetGalley and Gallery Books for this eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 27, 2025.

This is THE beach read of the summer! With romance, mystery, drama, and a small Southern coastal setting, what more could you want? Definitely be sure to pick up Beach House Rules for your beach trip this summer! 5 stars!

Beach House Rules by Kristy Woodson Harvey was such a pleasure to read over the this long kickoff to Summer weekend. This book is a heartfelt and engaging novel that delves into the complexities of family, friendship, and resilience. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Juniper Shores, North Carolina, the story follows Charlotte Sitterly and her daughter Iris as they navigate the upheaval caused by Charlotte's husband's arrest for white-collar crime. Forced out of their home and into the public eye, they find refuge in a unique communal living arrangement known as the "mommune," a haven for single mothers.

Harvey masterfully portrays the evolving dynamics between Charlotte, Iris, and the diverse group of women they come to live with. Each character brings depth to the narrative, with their individual stories intertwining to create a rich tapestry of shared experiences. The inclusion of the anonymous Instagram account, @JuniperShoresSocialite, adds a contemporary twist, highlighting the impact of social media on personal lives and community perceptions.

For me, this was a compelling story with the emotional depth I always look for. There is a charm here that feels like the perfect Summer escape. I felt the plat was well-constructed and there were surprising developments that keep me engaged. And of course any book that focuses on female solidarity and the strength found in communal bonds is a sure win for me!

I have read other Kristy Woodson Harvey books before, but Beach House Rules is a standout addition for me. It's a novel that not only entertains but also prompts reflection on the nature of family, community, and the unexpected paths life can take.

For those seeking a summer read that combines warmth, wit, and a touch of mystery, Beach House Rules offers a compelling journey into the lives of women redefining their destinies amidst life's challenges.

This was fine...nothing exciting but just a rip off of a lot of stories we've all read. Wealthy husband is arrested for fraud and family is left in disarray .... it just didn't feel all that unique. It is an easy read but just wasn't my favorite. Hope you have better luck!

Beach House Rules comes out next week on May 27, 2025 and you can purchase HERE.

It was the cicadas that sold me. That, or maybe the May Flower Moon. The May Flower Moon. Has there ever been a more beautiful term? Even now, I can close my eyes and picture the otherworldly orangeness of it, the way it glistened on the surface of the ocean. I remember leaning my head on my husband Bill's shoulder, watching our daughter, Iris, walk down the beach a few yards away with a neighbor girl.

When Charlotte Sitterly’s husband is unexpectedly arrested for a white collar crime, she and her teenaged daughter find themselves locked out of their house. She doesn’t expect an invite to the old BnB that now houses a group of single mothers (aka the mommune) but she has no choice but to accept.

First off, I love the idea of a mommune so much. It’s found family at its finest. Place this mommune in a ritzy beach town and I am totally on board. But even better? There’s also a gossip girl-esque anonymous Instagram posting about the adults and teens in town. I love it all.

I adored each and every character in this book and all the ways they helped each other grow and heal and learn to be strong women. There’s a lot going on but I didn’t mind because I felt connected to every storyline and couldn’t wait to find out how they all played out. Everyone has own their own traumas to deal with but they have the mommune to lean on when times get tough.

Read this book for:
-multiple POV
-a gossipy beach town
-found family
-female friendships
-a bit of a mystery

EeKKKKKKKKK! KWH is a Southern fiction writing queen. I look forward to each and every one of her books. This one was one of my favorites of hers, I loved how it felt like a Southern gossip girl spin off! The relationships between the women were so special and well written. Grace needs a spin off cookbook, her recipes had me drooling. I loved so much about this book, truly. Pre-order this one!

She has done it again!! Another Southern Fiction page turning book. After I started reading and got involved in all these interesting characters and plot that I absolutely could not put it down. I accomplished nothing today except reading this book straight through !. KWH books center on small town beach living and almost always include some incredibly strong women who show their resilience in the face of what'ever adversity they have encountered. I must admit, I have never heard of a "Mommune" in the South but with the right "Beach Rules" and a big enough house,I suppose it could work. The women and teen characters come alive and you might even relate to a few of them as someone you've known or been related to. They are all very conversational as they tell the story from each person involved. The story flows well with the change in person telling their part. The book cover and others have written plot and theme reviews so check them out for the basic premise of the book. Mainly, just read and enjoy a great read! I was provided an Advanced Reader Copy of this book at my request but was under no obligation to provide a review. The opinions expressed are my own. Many many thanks to the Publisher, Author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. It is quite enjoyable.

Charlotte's husband has been arrested for a white collar crime and now she and her daughter Iris have no access to money and can't live in their home. She accepts an offer from an acquaintance, Alice, to live with her and two other women and their families on a beachfront property that used to be a B&B - the town refers to them as the “momune”. While trying to rebuild her life and prove her husband's innocence, Charlotte becomes close with the other women while Iris bonds with the children, especially Merritt who also happens to be the cool, super cute boy from her high school. The families living in the momune each have their assigned roles and support each other and are their own family unit, and while everyone has to figure out their lives and issues, they can do so with this new found family.

I really do enjoy Harvey’s novels, I love the way I feel after reading them (all warm and cozy) and I was excited to grab this one as well. This one had elements of romance, mystery and family drama and I truly enjoyed being part of the momune, if even from the outside. Getting to know the characters, their intra-dynamics and their issues kept me engaged for the whole book - I became invested in each of them. I listened to a lot of this one, and I loved the multiple narrators, but I finally found time to sit down and read about 1/4 of it - loved the audio but I really do like being fully engaged in the story. This is a great beach/poolside read for the summer.

Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for the ARC to review

I was so sad I did not like this one. It was very character driven, and the plot was just not interesting to me. It’s a contemporary fiction, and the ending was wildly unrealistic. The characters were boring and there was a POV that we did not need at all.