Robin’s Rave Reviews 2026
Women’s Fiction – Contemporary Fiction – Southern Fiction –
Romance – Family Drama – Secrets – Series
Ready for fall? A crispness to the air. A pumpkin spice latte. A walk through the colorful leaves. Pumpkins and mums. Football games and fire pits. A cozy blanket while you read a good book. Then you’re ready for FALLING FOR PEACHTREE BLUFF by Kristy Woodson Harvey, coming out today, Sept. 15, 2026. Happy book birthday!
Although this is book five in the Peachtree Bluff series, you can certainly jump into this one and enjoy it without having read the others. Kristy has done a skilled job of establishing the characters and situations for new readers and reorienting readers who have been away from Peachtree Bluff for a while. However, in my opinion, without reading the others, you’ll miss out on the depth of the story. It’s a family saga. If you jump into this one first, be forewarned that you’ll learn secrets that were revealed along the way in the other books, and you’ll end up wanting to read the rest of the series anyway!
The Book Series
If you haven’t read the series, why not? Start with SLIGHTLY SOUTH OF SIMPLE. Then follow up with THE SECRET TO SOURTHERN CHARM, THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF PARADISE, and CHRISTMAS IN PEACHTREE BLUFF. Finish off with this new one, FALLING FOR PEACHTREE BLUFF.
The series follows the Murphy family. Ansley’s first husband died in the 9/11 attacks, leaving her to pick up the pieces and raise their three daughters alone. She moves from NYC back to Peachtree Bluff, NC, to start again. Within the series, she marries again, but the relationship is, shall we say, complicated.
Through the series, eldest daughter Caroline is confident, organized, and strong, and the other sisters heavily rely on her. She’s going through a long divorce, struggling to fully let go. She’s also considering her daughter, Vivi, in all her decisions.
Ansley’s middle daughter, Sloane, who loves to paint, is a military wife. When her husband goes MIA in a previous book, she needs all the support she can get from her family. Youngest daughter, Emerson, is chasing her dream to become a successful actress. Each book intertwines several storylines of this close-knit family and the joys and trials they go through.
Book Summary
In FALLING FOR PEACHTREE BLUFF, Ansley is content. She’s living in the town and house that feel like home, and she’s enjoying being a mom, grandma, new wife, and business owner. Then rumors spread around town that her husband is involved in a decision she doesn’t agree with and that would change the town she loves. At the same time, as her husband experiences a taste of retirement, his need for fulfillment could lead him (and her) away from Peachtree Bluff.
The eldest daughter, Caroline, continues to straddle the line between marriage and divorce while running a store in NYC. Then she meets younger man, a famous actor, who is all about her, and her almost-ex decides to step up his game. Can we say love triangle?
Caroline’s daughter, Vivi, is now a teenager, struggling with emotions of her own—of first love and jealousy. She lives in NYC with her mom, but her long-term boyfriend lives in Peachtree Bluff. Can she handle her jealousy of the small-town girls who hang around him when she’s gone?
Middle daughter, Sloane, wants to get away from responsibilites of the family business to have more time for her baby that’s due soon and to paint. How much can she rely on her big sister? Can Caroline whip the contractors into shape so Sloane’s new house will be ready in time for the baby? After all, Caroline is also planning Emerson’s wedding.
Emerson, the youngest, is acting on a TV show that films in NYC. Her quickly approaching wedding, however, will be back in Peachtree Bluff. She also wants a baby, but that’s easier said than done. Could her older sister Caroline help out there as well?
My Thoughts
I loved returning to Peachtree Bluff and the Murphy family. It’s a cozy, coastal, small-town story. Even after the girls have grown up and left home, this town draws them back for frequent visits.
It’s been a while since I read the last book in the series. I shouldn’t have worried about remembering who’s who and their past stories. It didn’t take long to fall right back into the lives of this family.
The storylines were dramatic, yet sweet. I love the sister bond. They are in each other’s lives so much, but it’s all welcomed and helpful. It makes me wish I had a sister. (Don’t get me wrong. I wouldn’t trade my brother in for a sister. My brother’s great!)Â Back on track…It’s a story with warmth, humor, gossip, love of family, and Southern charm. The fall vibes in this small town with this family is special and alluring.
FALLING FOR PEACHTREE BLUFF by Kristy Woodson Harvey felt like a satisfying way to wrap up the series. But is it, Kristy? (I know that was your intention, but you mentioned getting another idea for this family!) I’m always ready for more Murphys.
If you don’t know the Murphy family, you need to. You’ll FALL in love with them and enjoy the journeys they go through in life, both in NYC and Peachtree Bluff.
And I’ll start the request – boxed edition with sprayed edges, please!!
Rating
For me, returning to Peachtree Bluff and the Murphy family was nostalgic. I’ve spent hours with this family in previous books and fallen in love with their stories. I totally enjoyed this book, so I’d rank it a 5 out of 5. Perfect choice for a fall read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the ARC of this novel. The opinions are my own.
Order Your Copy
FALLING FOR PEACHTREE BLUFF by Kristy Woodson Harvey came out TODAY, September 15, 2026. You can get a copy just about anywhere books are sold, but I suggest ordering through Bookshop.org. I’m an affiliate because I love their mission to support small, independent bookstores across the country. I may received a small commission from your order, but it doesn’t increase your cost AND you’re helping small bookstores! Win-win! You can order HERE. And check out my Bookshop page with other great recommendations HERE.
About the Author
Kristy Woodson Harvey is a New York Times bestselling author. Beyond her novels, her writing has appeared in many publications, including Southern Living, Parade, Traditional Home, and USA Today.
She is also a co-founder of and co-anchor on the Friends and Fiction weekly podcast with novelists Mary Kay Andrews, Patti Callahan Henry, and Kristin Harmel. Every Wednesday at 7 PM ET these ladies talk books. They interview authors with recent releases and talk about their own upcoming books. It’s a great way to discover new titles and authors! Join in the fun by joining the Friends and Fiction Facebook group or go to their YouTube channel where you can watch live and catch up on older episodes.
If You Like…
If you like the description of FALLING FOR PEACHTREE BLUFF by Kristy Woodson Harvey, check out my past reviews of the other books in this series and other KWH books: The Peachtree Bluff series (review from 2023), SUMMER STATE OF MIND, BEACH HOUSE RULES, A HAPPIER LIFE, THE SUMMER OF SONGBIRDS, UNDER THE SOUTHERN SKY, and FEELS LIKE FALLING.
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