A Happier Life

By: Kristy Woodson Harvey

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell, Devon Sorvari, Fred Sanders

Length: 12 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

“New York Times bestselling author and southern sensation Kristy Woodson Harvey” (Good Morning America) presents a touching novel about eternal love and the places we call home.

The historic houses in the seaside town of Beaufort, North Carolina, have held the secrets of their inhabitants for centuries. One of the most enduring refuses to be washed away by the tide: What happened to Rebecca and Townsend Saint James on that fateful night of their disappearance in 1976?

Now, the granddaughter they never knew, Keaton Smith, is desperate for a fresh start. So when her mother needs someone to put her childhood home in Beaufort on the market, she jumps at the chance to head south. But the moment she steps foot inside the abandoned house, which has been closed for nearly fifty years, she wonders if she’s bitten off more than she can chew. Wading through the detritus of her grandparents’ lives, Keaton finds herself enchanted by their southern traditions—and their great, big love. As she gets to know her charming next-door neighbor, his precocious ten-year-old son, and a flock of endearingly feisty town busybodies, Keaton begins to wonder if the stories she has been told about her grandparents are true.

Keaton’s grandmother, Rebecca “Becks” Saint James’s annual summer suppers are the stuff of legend, and locals and out-of-towners alike clamor for an invitation to her stunning historic home. But, in the summer of 1976, she’s struggling behind the facade of the woman who can do it all—and facing a problem that even she can’t solve.

As Keaton and Becks face new challenges and chapters, they are connected through time by the house on Sunset Lane, which has protected the secrets, hopes, and dreams of their family for generations.

“The novel to read this year” (Annabel Monaghan) explores the power of family, the boundless nature of love, and the idea that discovering where we came from just might lead us to A Happier Life.

©2024 Kristy Woodson Harvey (P)2024 Simon & Schuster Audio

Amazing character development.

A magical love story about family that pull all the right heart strings. And the setting of the novel, couldn’t sound more idyllic.

Great Book

I could not put it down. I loved it. I am from North Carolina and also enjoy knowing all the towns.

A Plot Like No Other

This was the most beautifully written story. I was enthralled from the very beginning. One can only dream of the love shared by Becks and Townsend. Kudos to Kristy Woodson Harvey!

WOW!

The story was so well written. And the best narrators I’ve heard in a long time. I loved the way the past was portrayed and the characters of the present gained insight from it. My only question is didn’t Becks say the oldest grandson inherited the house? I missed something.

Good read!

I loved the storyline! The author really takes you along Keatons journey of discovering who her grandparents really were and they loved each other so dearly.

Multi generational love and family story

Wonderful story! One of my all time favorites instantly. I love the idea of learning about our family that unfortunately passed before we got the chance to know them to the point of feeling a bond to them. This books does that beautifully in the midst of a little mystery, finding yourself, growing up, and finding your destiny. Great book.

Wow!!! This is AMAZING!!!!

I loved her peach tree Bluff series and have listened to some of her other books but this one by far is my favorite! One of the sweetest and well thought out books. I’ve read in a very long time.!

Good story

This was a very heart-felt, touching story. I really enjoy Kristy Woodson Harvey. This was not my favorite of her books. The Peachtree Bluff series was a 10/10 for me. I keep looking for more of that, I guess. I wasn’t wild about the narration of Keaton and I thought Becks was a little presumptive about the neighbor without having the facts. But, that is real life. People judge others based on gossip all the time. It’s sad, but true.

Over all good story, worth the listen. Very good summer read. Look for to more KWH.

Heart touching!

I absolutely loved this book- Kristy did not disappoint! A perfect combination of drama, humor and love, I loved every minute of it!

Awesome Story

I loved every minute of it. It’s one of those books you don’t want to end but you know it has to the narrators were really excellent and I just hope she’s writing her next book because I’ve read everyone of her books and I definitely want to read more or actually listen. 🥰