ImageImage [Image description: A photograph of a woman standing in front of a white house with a red door. The woman is wearing a white dress and black sunglasses. The house is surrounded by a white picket fence and a lush green lawn.] Content A Happier Life by Kristy Woodson Harvey is a story about love, loss, self-discovery, and mystery. It follows Keaton Smith, a young woman who travels to her hometown to prepare her grandmother’s house for sale. As she cleans and explores the house, she uncovers her grandmother’s secrets and begins to suspect that her disappearance was not an accident. The novel is set in the American South and features a cast of well-developed characters. The writing is engaging and the plot is suspenseful. A Happier Life is a perfect read for fans of Jodi Picoult and Kristin Hannah. About the Author Kristy Woodson Harvey is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of eleven novels, including A Happier Life, The Summer of Songbirds, and The Peachtree Bluff Series. Many of her books have been optioned or are in development for television and film and have received numerous accolades, including Good Morning America’s Buzz Pick, Southern Living’s Most Anticipated Reads, Katie Couric’s Featured Books, and Joanna Garcia Swisher’s The Happy Place Read. Kristy is the winner of the Lucy Bramlette Patterson Award for Excellence in Creative Writing and a finalist for the Southern Book Prize. Book Review by Cathy Lay Mayor Cathy Lay Mayor grew up in Cullman and graduated from Cullman High School in 1976. She says that when she writes book reviews, she tries to remember what Mrs. Gilbert taught her in 11th grade English. She lived in Dothan for more than 30 years and is married with three adult children and six grandchildren. She retired to Panama City but still calls Alabama home.
“A Happier Life” is told by two family members. In the present, Keaton Smith begins her story about her boyfriend and career problems in New York City. As the book progresses, Keaton tells about her experiences in North Carolina. The other story is told by her grandmother, Rebecca Saint James, who disappeared in 1976.
Keaton is adrift, both personally and professionally. She is desperate for a fresh start. So she asks her mother for help. Her mother and uncle ask her to go to their hometown of Beaufort, North Carolina, to live there and prepare the house for sale. Keaton and her brother are never told about the house or its disappearance. Keaton is stunned to learn about this house that has been closed for decades, after Rebecca (Becks) and Townsend Saint James disappeared. Keaton is hesitant to take on this project because she doesn’t want to leave New York. She also finds abandoned houses creepy. Keaton finally agrees after being promised a hefty commission.
Upon arrival, Keaton is astonished by the grandeur of the house. The interior is beautiful. The furnishings include antiques, china, crystal, silver, and rare books. The house is very dirty and is home to several squirrels. She realizes that this project is bigger than she thought.
The more she cleans, the more Keaton realizes that the house is full of secrets. When she finds her grandparents’ diaries, she begins to understand who they are. She learns that Becks is known for her “Summer Suppers,” a legendary event held throughout the summer. In Becks’ diaries, she finds recipes, menus, guest lists, and party planning ideas for various themes. Her diary also suggests that there may be a killer living next door. Becks and Townsend disappear after her last party in August 1976.
The more Keaton reads the diaries and befriends the local ladies (who have long been friends with Becks), the more she sees signs that the Saint James disappearance could be a murder. Keaton keeps the knowledge to herself, but her suspicions grow. If it was murder, who is the killer?
This is a story about love, loss, self-discovery, and mystery. It is the perfect beach or lake read. This is the first book I have read by Kristy Woodson Harvey. I am impressed with her writing style. And I always enjoy a novel set in the South.
“Kristy Woodson Harvey is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of eleven novels, including A Happier Life, The Summer of Songbirds, and The Peachtree Bluff Series. Many of her books have been optioned or are in development for television and film and have received numerous accolades, including Good Morning America’s Buzz Pick, Southern Living’s Most Anticipated Reads, Katie Couric’s Featured Books, and Joanna Garcia Swisher’s The Happy Place Read. Kristy is the winner of the Lucy Bramlette Patterson Award for Excellence in Creative Writing and a finalist for the Southern Book Prize.” (www.kristywoodsonharvey.com)
Cathy Lay Mayor grew up in Cullman and graduated from Cullman High School in 1976. She says that when she writes book reviews, she tries to remember what Mrs. Gilbert taught her in 11th grade English. She lived in Dothan for more than 30 years and is married with three adult children and six grandchildren. She retired to Panama City but still calls Alabama home.
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