A Happier Life

By: Kristy Woodson Harvey

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell, Devon Sorvari, Fred Sanders

“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.

Critic reviews

"Cassandra Campbell, Devon Sorvari, and Fred Sanders provide an authentic narration of this moving novel...This is a story filled with mystery, healing, and the enduring power of family ties."

Wonderful!

A wonderful and beautiful story of family and friends, with a little twist. This is my first book by Kristy Woodson Harvey that a friend suggested after my reading slump. I was not disappointed and I look forward to more of her books.

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.

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.!

Suspense

I loved the story, you don’t know what is going on until the end and would recommend it.

Great story line!

I loved this book, but there were several grammatical errors. When referring to people, it is correct to use who or whom; not that. That is used for inanimate objects and animals, for instance. Also, when referring to to two brothers, as in this story, they should have been referred to as, the elder or older brother, and the younger brother. If there had been a third brother, there would be the eldest, middle, and youngest brother. Incorrect grammar and mispronounced words in audio books makes me crazy! Does anyone edit these books for those errors?