ASIN: B00O2BS3KW
Publisher: Penguin/Berkley
Publication Date: 5/5/2015
Format: e-book
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
"DEAR CAROLINA is Southern fiction at its best....Beautifully written."—New York Times bestselling author Eileen Goudge
A moving debut novel about two mothers—one biological and one adoptive—from a compelling new voice in Southern women’s fiction.
One baby girl.
Two strong Southern women.
And the most difficult decision they’ll ever make.
Frances “Khaki” Mason has it all: a thriving interior design career, a loving husband and son, homes in North Carolina and Manhattan—everything except the second child she has always wanted. Jodi, her husband’s nineteen-year-old cousin, is fresh out of rehab, pregnant, and alone. Although the two women couldn’t seem more different, they forge a lifelong connection as Khaki reaches out to Jodi, encouraging her to have her baby. But as Jodi struggles to be the mother she knows her daughter deserves, she will ask Khaki the ultimate favor…
Written to baby Carolina, by both her birth mother and her adoptive one, this is a story that proves that life circumstances shape us but don’t define us—and that families aren’t born, they’re made…
About the Author
Kristy Woodson Harvey is the author of Dear Carolina. She blogs at Design Chic about how creating a beautiful home can be the catalyst for creating a beautiful life and loves connecting with readers at kristywoodonsharvey.com.
She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's school of journalism and holds a Master's in English from East Carolina University. She is a regular contributor for The Salisbury Post, Domino magazine and Houzz.
My Review
DEAR CAROLINA, a stunning southern, witty, and compelling debut (lots of love, charm, and wit) by Kristy Woodson Harvey, of two mothers, one biological, one adoptive—with plenty of love to go around for one little girl, “You can never have too many people to love you.”
Frances “Khaki” Mason had it all with homes in both North Carolina and Manhattan. A successful interior designer, a loving husband, Graham and a son, Alex. She has the best of two worlds (city and country). However, she has been unable to conceive a second time. They have tried everything and still coming up empty, very disappointed when they both wanted a house full of kids.
Jodi, is a 19-year old cousin of Grahams; an alcoholic, out of rehab, now pregnant, and a boyfriend long gone. She goes to Khaki for money for an abortion. Khaki, cannot believe here is a girl, who does not need to be pregnant, while she would give anything to be able to get pregnant. However, sometimes God just has other plans in mind. Adoption was not something she had ever thought about.
Speaking to baby Carolina (adorable)..heartbreaking, and witty; in alternating chapters from voices of both Khaki and Jodi, with letters to their beloved daughter, from two totally different women, with one common interest – the best for their baby girl.
Written with southern charm, humor, compassion, and sensitivity, Dear Carolina will warm your heart.
Taking me back to my Southern Roots!
Being a Southern gal and designer myself (native of Charlotte, NC), enjoyed the Carolina, southern and design references. Kristy knows her SOUTH; as well as her design, gardening, journalism, and culinary topics--Plus everything which makes the South so spectacular. (Would make a great gift for Mother's Day)!
An author to follow, she will be a big hit as a southern author, and enjoy her design blog, Design Chic, as an avid follower on social media.
Well-done, a beautiful debut! Look forward to many more bestsellers to come. The next Dorothea Benton Frank and Mary Kay Andrews meets Emily Giffin. Elin Hilderbrand of the South.
My favorite part is Palm Beach from Jodi's eyes. I can see The Breakers Hotel and Worth Avenue from my apartment window, and smile seeing Jodi there, experiencing all the luxury it has to offer. Kristy makes everything so witty, special and charming---loved it!!! Jodi and Khaki together -priceless. Second chances. Have never laughed so hard.
After reading the e-book, purchased the audiobook. Narrated by Carla Mercer-Meyer and Meredith Mitchell --outstanding southern performance!
If you enjoyed Dear Carolina, a mother's love (strong bonds and sacrifices), also recommend, Amy Hatvany's Somewhere Out There.
Review Links:
Wait until you read Kristy's upcoming LIES AND OTHER ACTS OF LOVE, Coming, April 5, 2016. Top Southern Fiction of 2016! (5 Stars) Enter Giveaway Apr 5-15.
