A review by april_reads
A Happier Life by Kristy Woodson Harvey

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

A Happier Life is a romance with a mystery tied in.

Keaton Smith could really use a fresh start. After discovering that her boss, who she’s spent her entire career helping build her brand, is pregnant with Keaton’s boyfriend’s baby and has asked her to move out of the apartment so she can move in, Keaton is heartbroken and without direction. She decides to jump at the chance to go to the Deep South and get her family’s ancestral home ready for sale.

Upon arrival, Keaton finds the house to be a 60s time capsule. Since her grandparents tragically disappeared and were presumed dead, Keaton’s mom and uncle have been unable to enter the home, and it’s been left exactly as it was the night the couple vanished. Keaton also has the added bonus of a sexy marine biologist and his adorable son next door to keep her occupied.

Told in the present day as well as through journals left by her grandparents, the book weaves together a bit of romance, a mystery, and a ton of small-town charm.

The mystery is pretty obvious from the onset, but watching the characters discover the answer is fun.

This one is great, especially if you like your romance to have more of a plot and if you love all the charm the South has to offer.