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A Happier Life

By: Kristy Woodson Harvey
Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell, Devon Sorvari, Fred Sanders
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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
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What listeners say about A Happier Life

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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.!

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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.

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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.

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  • Overall
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Great Book

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

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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?

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Loved how the stories intertwined!

I really enjoyed the plot, the varied personalities, the humor and despair of life’s tragedies. To me the narrators really fit their assigned characters. An enjoyable, sweet read! My next step is checking to see if the author has written other books. Fingers crossed!

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Might be a trigger for some

If you are considering this book, check out all the reviews. While the story was captivating and the setting is one of my favorites, I have to agree with other reviewers that one of the aspects of the story disturbed me greatly. While I have no idea what I would do were I in similar circumstances, the outcome took away from my enjoyment of an otherwise delightful book. This is why I’m still debating on whether I should recommend to my friends, especially since I don’t want to give the story away, but am concerned about their shock as well. That being said, Kristy is an expert at story telling and handled the subject well.

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Loved,Loved,Loved!

I loved everything about this book! The characters, the setting and the story telling!!! One of my favorite Kristy Woodson Harvey books!

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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.

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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.

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