“A Happier Life” is narrated by two family members. In present day, Keaton Smith starts her story about her boyfriend and career woes in New York City. As the book progresses, Keaton tells about her experiences in North Carolina. The other story is told by her grandmother, Rebecca Saint James, who disappeared in 1976.
Keaton is adrift personally and professionally. She is desperate for a fresh start. So, she turns to her mother for help. Her mother and her uncle ask her to go to their childhood hometown in Beaufort, North Carolina, to live in and prepare the home to sell. Neither the house nor the disappearance has ever been mentioned to Keaton and her brother. Keaton is astonished to learn about this house that has been closed up for decades, after Rebecca (Becks) and Townsend Saint James disappear. Keaton is reluctant to tackle this project because she does not want to leave New York. Also, she finds abandoned houses creepy. Keaton eventually agrees after being promised a hefty commission.
Upon arriving, Keaton is astonished by how grand the home is. The interior is exquisite. Its furnishings include antiques, china, crystal, silver and rare books. The house is very dirty and has several squirrels in residence. She realizes she this project is bigger than she knew.
The more she cleans, Keaton realizes the house is full of secrets. When she finds her grandparents’ journals, she begins to understand who they are. She learns Becks is known for her ‘Summer Suppers’, a legendary event held throughout the summer. In Becks’ journals she finds the recipes, menus, guest lists and party planning ideas for a variety of themes. Her journal also hints that a murderer might be living next door. Becks and Townsend disappear after her last party in August 1976.
The more Keaton reads the journals and becomes friends with the local ladies, (who were Becks’ longtime friends), she sees signs that the Saint James’ disappearance might have been murder. Keaton keeps the knowledge to herself, but her suspicions grow. If it was a murder, who is the killer?
This a story about love, loss, rediscovering yourself and a mystery. It is the perfect beach or lake read. This is the first book I have read by Kristy Woodson Harvey. I am impressed by her writing style. And I always enjoy a novel set in the South.
“Kristy Woodson Harvey is the New York Times, USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of eleven novels including A Happier Life, The Summer of Songbirds, and The Peachtree Bluff Series. Many of her books have been optioned or are in development for television and film and have received numerous accolades, including Good Morning America’s Buzz Pick, Southern Living’s Most Anticipated Reads, Katie Couric’s Featured Books, and Joanna Garcia Swisher’s The Happy Place Read. Kristy is the winner of the Lucy Bramlette Patterson Award for Excellence in Creative Writing and a finalist for the Southern Book Prize.” (www.kristywoodsonharvey.com)
Cathy Lay Mayor grew up in Cullman and graduated from Cullman High School in 1976. She says when she writes book reviews, she tries to remember what Mrs. Gilbert taught her in 11th-grade English. She lived in Dothan for more than 30 years and is married with three adult children and six grandchildren. She retired to Panama City, but still calls Alabama home.
