Picture a Southern storyteller who weaves tales of family, charm, and coastal life with a wit as warm as a Carolina summer—meet Kristy Woodson Harvey! A New York Times bestselling author, Harvey has captured hearts with her Peachtree Bluff series and standalone novels like Under the Southern Sky. Her stories, brimming with complex characters and heartfelt themes, make her a standout voice in contemporary Southern fiction.
With accolades like the Lucy Bramlette Patterson Award and a Southern Book Prize nomination, Harvey’s work resonates with readers who crave stories of resilience and connection. Whether she’s penning novels or sharing design tips on her blog, Design Chic, her signature warmth shines through, inviting readers into her vibrant world.
The Making of Kristy Woodson Harvey
Born and raised in North Carolina, Kristy Woodson Harvey’s Southern roots run deep. A Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s journalism school, she honed her storytelling craft early on. She later earned a master’s in English from East Carolina University, focusing on multicultural and transnational literature. Her love for writing blossomed through her blog, Design Chic, co-run with her mother, Beth Woodson, where she explored how beautiful homes inspire beautiful lives.
Harvey’s leap into fiction came with her debut novel, Dear Carolina, in 2015, a moving story of motherhood and adoption. Her journalism background and passion for Southern culture shaped her narrative style, blending authenticity with emotional depth. This foundation set the stage for her rise as a beloved author.
Kristy Woodson Harvey’s Unforgettable Stories
Harvey’s Peachtree Bluff series, starting with Slightly South of Simple (2017), is a love letter to family and small-town life. The series follows the Murphy sisters—Caroline, Sloane, and Emerson—and their mother, Ansley, as they navigate love, loss, and secrets in a charming coastal town. The Secret to Southern Charm (2018) delves into Sloane’s grief as her military husband goes missing, while The Southern Side of Paradise (2019) ties the sisters’ stories together with humor and heart. Christmas in Peachtree Bluff (2021) adds a festive twist, showcasing the family’s resilience during a hurricane.
Beyond the series, Harvey’s standalone novels shine. Under the Southern Sky (2021) explores love and loss through a journalist’s discovery of abandoned embryos, earning praise for its emotional depth. Feels Like Falling (2020) follows two women finding strength after personal setbacks, blending humor and hope. Her latest, A Happier Life (2024), weaves a multigenerational tale of love and discovery. Harvey’s style—warm, witty, and rich with Southern charm—creates worlds readers can’t help but linger in.
Her themes of family bonds, resilience, and second chances resonate deeply, often set against picturesque Southern backdrops. Critics and fans alike praise her ability to craft relatable characters and evoke a range of emotions, making her books perfect for beach reads or cozy nights in.
Why Kristy Woodson Harvey Matters
Kristy Woodson Harvey has carved a niche in Southern fiction, blending the genre’s traditional warmth with modern, relatable struggles. Her stories celebrate the strength of women and the power of community, inspiring readers to find joy amid life’s challenges. With her books optioned for film and television, including the Peachtree Bluff series with NBC, her influence continues to grow.
Through her Friends & Fiction web show and podcast, co-hosted with authors like Mary Kay Andrews, Harvey fosters a vibrant literary community, connecting readers and writers. Her design blog and lifestyle contributions further amplify her voice, proving she’s more than a novelist—she’s a cultural influencer shaping how we view home, heart, and story.
- Born: North Carolina, USA
- Key Works: Peachtree Bluff series, Under the Southern Sky, A Happier Life
- Awards: Lucy Bramlette Patterson Award, Southern Book Prize finalist
- Fun Fact: She co-runs Design Chic, a celebrated design blog with her mom.
Ready to fall in love with a Southern tale? Snag Slightly South of Simple or Under the Southern Sky and dive into Kristy Woodson Harvey’s heartwarming world!