What are the: Beach House Rules

by Kristy Woodson Harvey

Not long ago, I read and reviewed Under the Southern Sky. I very much enjoyed that book and am glad to say that I think that Beach House Rules will also be a delight to the author’s audience.

When reading novels, I always look to meet people with whom I want to spend time. The parents and children who live at the mommune fit the bill.

To back up, Charlotte’s husband is in jail as the story begins. He is a high flyer whom Charlotte loves and who provided for his wife and daughter very well. Is he guilty of the financial crimes of which he is accused? While this waits to be resolved, Charlotte and teen daughter, Iris, are cast adrift. Alice sees Charlotte in a moment of supreme meltdown at the bank and offers that they could stay at the mommune.

There live a group of mothers and children who need a bit of help. Alice, who has her own backstory, offers this. In addition to Charlotte and Iris, there are several other families there and readers get to know all of them. What will be revealed about them both as individuals and in any connections that they may share?

I liked the way that the narrative was structured. Each chapter is told from a character’s point of view. Interspersed are postings from a gossip site. What trouble will this unleash?

This is a very readable book that I very much enjoyed. It seems like a perfect summer read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 27 May 2025

Women’s fiction

368 pages

From the Publisher

What makes for: A Happier Life (Kristy Woodson Harvey)