New York Times Bestselling Author Kristy Woodson Harvey, has a new book out TODAY! Christmas In Peachtree Bluff is in stores everywhere Tuesday, October 26th!
The fourth book in Kristy’s beloved Peachtree Bluff Series, this book was inspired by her Peachtree fans and is, she hopes, in the words of Mary Kay Andrews, “the kind of gift readers will unwrap with glee.”
Fans of the Murphy family and their charming coastal town will delight in this story full of secrets, complications and Christmas cheer in a place where the sky is blue, the breeze is fresh and nothing is ever quite as simple as it seems. Whether you’re new to Peachtree Bluff or waiting patiently for a new installment, you’ll feel right at home.
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.
Order copies from Simon & Shuster. Watch the book trailer. Add Christmas in Peachtree Bluff to your GoodReads shelf.
Other buying options: AMAZON ** BOOKSHOP ** TARGET ** Or get Signed Copies From: Oxford Exchange, E.Shaver or anywhere on Kristy’s tour calendar! Christmas in Peachtree Bluff is also available everywhere books are sold!
Since I am a huge fan of the Murphy family and this series since reading Slightly South of Simple, I was thrilled to get an ARC of this latest Peachtree Bluff story, so I could read the book before the official release. It was great fun to get together with the family again and share in the wonderful way they faced the challenges of getting everyone there for Christmas.
And then the big storm.
Juggling kids and grandkids and exes and new loves isn’t easy under any circumstances, but with an impeding hurricane, there’s an added level of stress. Still, for Ansley, it’s so important that her “girls” come home for Christmas, that all the extra work and hassle is worth it. I could relate to that desire, as I share her need to have the kids around, no matter how old those kids might be. And preparing for the homecoming is so satisfying for someone whose heart belongs to those kids and grandkids. That comes across so clear in the way Ansley works at the decorating, baking, cooking, and polishing, to make everything just perfect for that magical day of Christmas.
Those are all such great ways to build lasting memories, and I delighted with the girls as they recalled moments from the past that are so special to them, especially the fun holiday traditions of the Murphy family. I suspect the festival of lights is based on a real event in the author’s hometown. If not, she certainly makes it believable, and it should be a real event.
The backstory from previous books is seamlessly woven in, so the reader gets to know enough about what has happened before to understand the importance of something now. Like the reason Vivi decides to run away as the hurricane approaches. It’s a biggie – the storm and the reason. Why the trip that Jack and Ansley have to cancel was so important to them. How do past loves fit into present day relationships. And what are people willing to let go to have more in the present.
The stories in the Peachtree Bluff series are light entertainment on the surface, but below the surface comes insights into relationships and families that are true to real life. After reading all the books in the series, I’ve come to know the people in the stories like they are real, complete with the good and the not-so-good, and that is a credit to the deft hand the author has with characterization.
I’m always a little disappointed when a story comes to an end, and I hope this isn’t the last time we share an adventure with the Murphy family.
Kristy Woodson Harvey is the New York Times, USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of nine novels including Under the Southern Sky, The Peachtree Bluff Series, and the forthcoming The Wedding Veil. Kristy is the winner of the Lucy Bramlette Patterson Award for Excellence in Creative Writing, a finalist for the Southern Book Prize, her work has been optioned for film and her books have received numerous accolades.
She blogs with her mom Beth Woodson on Design Chic about how creating a beautiful home can be the catalyst for creating a beautiful life. Design Chic is the inaugural member of the design blogger hall of fame, sponsored by Traditional Home, and winner of Amara’s Best Luxury Blog, as chosen by Roberto Cavalli.
Kristy is a co-founder and co-host of the hit weekly webshow and podcast, Friends & Fiction, with fellow authors Mary Kay Andrews, Kristin Harmel, Patti Callahan Henry and Mary Alice Monroe. She is a proud member of the Tall Poppy Writers, serves on the board of The University of North Carolina’s Library Board, the Beaufort Historical Association, and is a member of the University of North Carolina’s Women’s Leadership Council. She is a frequent speaker at fundraisers, book conferences and private events. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and seven-year-old son where she is working on her next novel.
You can follow Kristy on her website – Facebook – Twitter and Pinterest She can also be found on Instragram as @kristywharvey
Thank you for this lovely review!!!
You’re welcome, Kristy. This was such a fun story to read. Love that Murphy family.