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If you read the title of this piece, then you know exactly what's coming - Kristy Woodson Harvey, author of 10 of the most beloved novels in the Southern Fiction genre, is back with a new announcement following her 2023 smash-hit, The Summer Of Songbirds. This time, she is taking things in a new-yet-familiar direction, introducing us to not only the plot of her upcoming 2024 novel, but also the stunning cover art!

That's right, we are getting a full-faced view of Harvey's upcoming work, almost 7 months ahead of its release!

The novel will be called A Happier Life, and promises to show off Harvey's prose-crafting talents in new and exciting ways. A split narrative, a multi-generational mystery, and a heartwarming tale full of light and love - what more could a fan ask for?

In this article, we will explore Harvey's latest announcement, discuss the stunning cover reveal, and ponder what a new artistic direction could mean for this upcoming release. Stay tuned!

This latest reveal introduces fans to a new direction in Harvey’s work, forgoing her usual photorealistic cover designs for a more stylized, colorful artistic rendering.

The cover features a figure - presumably the book’s main character, Keaton Smith - reclining on a beach chair overlooking the house which sits at the center of the story’s plot.

However, the chilled-out vibe of the cover may hide a darker side to Harvey’s work, as evidenced by the accompanying plot details that she provided in the announcement...

“A Happier Life”, while still following in the feel-good tradition of the author’s other novels, promises a story filled with intrigue and mystery - a new stylistic direction for Harvey.

According to Harvey, the narrative will follow Keaton Smith as she prepares her grandparents’ opulent estate to be listed on the market. However, the house that her mother called home as a child may hide unanswered questions and secrets worth unraveling, possibly in connection with the mysterious car accident that caused her grandparents’ deaths.

If that all sounds a bit intense, have no fear! If you've been a fan of any of Harvey's previous works, you will feel right at home here. The announcement promises that the story will not depart from the overall feel-good tone that Harvey’s readers have come to love.

Throughout her journey, Keaton will connect with a cast of characters both eclectic and endearing as she gets to know the community and learns why her mother still holds such a love for the town.

Notably, the story is set in Beaufort, NC, whose real-life counterpart is near and dear to Harvey. Not only did the author spend her summers there in her youth, but she is an active member of the Beaufort historical society, and even hosted a luncheon event there during her 2023 book tour.

To read the full announcement and see the cover for yourself, check out the author's website at the link in the description. The book is also available for pre-order now, and is due to hit store shelves and online retailers on June 25th, 2024. In the meantime, you can hear more from the author on her blog or through the Friends & Fiction Podcast, which she co-hosts.

Kristy Woodson Harvey, Author City: Beaufort Address: 1619 Live Oak Street Website http://www.kristywoodsonharvey.com Phone +1-252-916-6931 Email kristywharvey@gmail.com