Slightly South of Simple: A Novel (The Peachtree Bluff Series) Paperback – April 25, 2017 by Kristy Woodson Harvey (Gallery Books)

Kristy Harvey’s devotion to realistic character development pays off by the end of the novel, which provides clear resolutions to some plots and leaves other hanging in a way that practically begs for a sequel…because Harvey is meticulous about closing out each character’s arc in a satisfying way….SLIGHTLY SOUTH OF SIMPLE is so warm, inviting and real

When Kristy Woodson Harvey released her debut novel, Dear Carolina, just over two years ago, I had found a new favorite author. Then, Lies and Other Acts of Love was released in the spring of 2016, and I was even more impressed. I am not one who re-reads books often, but each of these are re-read worthy, and I've given each as gifts to friends many times over. There is an ease and flow to her writing that I adore. Her southern settings are quaint and fun, especially for this North Carolinian. Shortly after the release of LAOAOL, I found out that Kristy would be releasing a trilogy of books about three sisters, and Slightly South of Simple is the first in the series.

In SSOS, our narrators are Ansley, the fifty-something mother of the three sisters, and Caroline, the eldest sister. We learn quickly that the personalities of each sister are starkly different, but somehow there is something relatable within each one. Ansley was easily likeable, and while Caroline was gruff and tough and even condescending at times, by the end of the book, I found her softer vulnerability. Overall, this is one of the best types of beach reads-full of depth, family secrets, entertaining, easy-reading, and characters to love. I will be preordering the next in this series as soon as it's listed.

If you are new to KWH's books, while her books are all favorites of mine, I would suggest starting with Dear Carolina, then reading Lies and Other Acts of Love (which is probably still my favorite- so incredibly good!), and then moving on to this series. I think reading them this way gives a real taste for the flavor of her writing, and all of them are perfect escape reads with added depth. I absolutely love this author!