Book Review: Dear Carolina
In Kristy Woodson Harvey’s debut novel, Dear Carolina, we read about two distinctly different young women. This is a summary and book review.
There is Khaki, an accomplished designer married to Graham. And then there is Graham’s teenaged cousin Jodi, a less than perfect young woman.
This book is about motherhood. And all that it means. Does motherhood mean birthing a child? Or does it mean nurturing a child?
Does it have to be both? I think we all know the answer to that.
But just because the birth mother is somewhat flawed, and not quite able to rise above her very humble beginnings, that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have a good heart. Or that she doesn’t know what is the best solution for her unplanned pregnancy.
Khaki, wants another child so badly, yet getting pregnant with her love just isn’t happening.
Jodi accidentally gets pregnant and the father doesn’t stick around. Just as well, as he wasn’t worth much to begin with.
This book is a puzzle with many intricate pieces. It is written in the voices of two mothers in writing to one child. A child can’t have too many people who love them.Â
And two mothers? Why not?
This is a southern story about family and love and trying to right wrongs. It is about second chances and trying to get them right.Â
It is about wanting what you can’t have. And not having what someone else seems to have so effortlessly.Â
It is about finding a way to make everyone happy.Â
It is a journal by two mothers who dearly love one child. A child they share. One by birth. One by love.
Harvey’s plot is rich with great characters. I believe that is her strongest talent. And the fact that she can interweave a story with well fleshed out characters is merely icing on the cake.
Harvey is also co-author of the blog Design Chic along with her mother, Beth Woodson. They live in North Carolina.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for my honest book review.
I put this on my want to read list…sounds like I might need to keep the tissue box handy for this one…lol…
I read this book, too, Brenda. I enjoyed it! 🙂 Nice review.
Great review 🙂
xo
Nice review I would read that book for sure.