today, i have a special guest. author Kristy Woodson Harvey has joined me today with my interview series Over | Under which sheds the spotlight on female entrepreneurs. Kristy will be our guest host on Monday, July 8th 7pm EDT at book club with Style. here’s a synopsis of the book we’ll be discussing The Southern Side of Paradise the third installment of the Peachtree Bluff Series.
From internationally bestselling author and “rising star of Southern fiction” (Mary Alice Monroe, New York Times bestselling author) Kristy Woodson Harvey comes the third novel in her Peachtree Bluff series, in which a secret threatens the tight-knit bond between a trio of sisters and their mother.
With the man of her dreams back in her life and all three of her daughters happy, Ansley Murphy should be content. But she can’t help but feel like it’s all a little too good to be true.
Meanwhile, youngest daughter and actress Emerson, who is recently engaged and has just landed the role of a lifetime, seemingly has the world by the tail. Only, something she can’t quite put her finger on is worrying her—and it has nothing to do with her recent health scare.
When two new women arrive in Peachtree Bluff—one who has the potential to wreck Ansley’s happiness and one who could tear Emerson’s world apart—everything is put in perspective. And after secrets that were never meant to be told come to light, the powerful bond between the Murphy sisters and their mother comes crumbling down, testing their devotion to each other and forcing them to evaluate the meaning of family.
With Kristy Woodson Harvey’s signature charm, wit, and heart, The Southern Side of Paradise is another masterful Peachtree Bluff novel that proves she is a “Southern writer with staying power.”
not only is kristy a rising author with five published books to her credit. but she blogs alongside her mom Beth Woodson on Design Chic a popular interior design blog that takes pleasure in creating a space surrounded by the things you love. what an accomplished young woman! where does she find the time to juggle all the balls in the air? along with being a mother to a seven-year-old who undoubtedly keeps her on the run?
are you ready to find out a bit more about Kristy? i know i am.
Kristy, are you over or under the age of forty?
Under.
Tell me more about one of your main characters. What does he/she do that is so special?
Ansley was one of my favorite characters to write. She is the 58-year-old mother of three grown daughters, and she is in a position where she is starting over in every sense of the word. She has created an incredible career for herself, is mothering and being a daughter on her own terms and is taking control of her life in a big way. She has overcome some major adversity and fought some serious battles and her scars have taught her so much. She’s brave and selfless and talented, and I adore her!
What’s the best advice anyone has ever given you?
My grandmother is the absolute best font of knowledge and advice I know of. She oozes wisdom, and one of the best things she ever told me was, “This too shall pass.” Sometimes we can be mired so deeply in a problem we let it consume us. And most of the time it isn’t that big of a deal!
Do you work from an outline or plot or do you prefer to see where an idea takes you?
I am not an outliner in the least. I love to see where an idea takes me! It is one of the biggest joys of being a writer for me.
Ocean, lake, or pool?
Ocean!
What do you think of first impressions?
This answer has changed for me, but, honestly, they aren’t everything. Who hasn’t had a bad day or been in a bad mood? (That said, the first time I laid eyes on my husband, I said, “That’s the man I’m going to marry,” so… They aren’t nothing either!) I also am really big on forming my own impressions of people. I try really hard not to let others’ opinions influence mine—and I’ve made some good friends I never would have had because of that.
What is your favorite book? And Why?
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. I read it for the first time when I was eight-years-old, and I think it was the book that taught me the power of story to bond us to people in totally different situations that we will never meet. I’ve never forgotten that.
Do you have a favorite quote?
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus.) It can be taken so many ways and essentially covers everything.
Do you know the ending of your book before you start writing?
I think I do, but I’m almost never right!
How do you relax?
I am a huge bath person, so I love a warm bath and a good book. I also live at the beach so I spend long days on the beach writing and editing, especially during the summer. I’m lucky that writing relaxes me!
What three words describe your current life?
Sunny. Fulfilling. Happy. (Or maybe: Work in progress! Or: Is this happening? )
kristy, thanks so much for taking time from your busy schedule to stop by. ladies, please join us on book club with Style Monday, July 8th to hear more about this talented woman.
is the Founder and CEO of Style at a Certain Age. She writes Sundays-Fridays on all topics ranging from fashion, health, wellness, home design and more.
What a “Sweetie pie”! I can’t wait to read her books! It’s nice to hear about someone young who is so positive and uplifting! Thank you for sharing yourself so we can get to know you better!
Lovely! I’m so happy that this young author reveres “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,” a true classic.
I have never read her work, but I will definitely check it out.
Just finished this book 2 days ago.
Purchased 2 others.
Delightful interview. Kudos to her for finding her passion early in her life. Happy 4th!
What a “Sweetie pie”! I can’t wait to read her books! It’s nice to hear about someone young who is so positive and uplifting! Thank you for sharing yourself so we can get to know you better!