ECONOGAL

A “new to me” author, Kristy Woodson Harvey will delight summer readers with her 2025 release Beach House Rules. This original novel is full of diverse characters, has a bit of romance and lots of dilemmas for the main characters. So, if you are looking for a great summer read, find a copy!

Bill Sitterly is under arrest for embezzling vast amounts of money from clients, young and old. Everything is seized leaving his wife Charlotte and daughter Iris at the mercy of others. Both want to believe in his innocence, but naturally doubts crowd in.

After a public melt down, Charlotte is invited to stay at the local “mommune” until she gets back on her feet. As rumors spread in the small Carolina beach town, the pair find friendship among the other residents. Furthermore, all turn to clearing Bill.

Inhabitants of the home follow beach house rules which were created by the Black Widow, Alice. Current residents include her niece Julie and her three grade schoolers and Grace whose son is the star quarterback at the high school and his junior high sister. Social media plays a large part telling the stories of the four women.

Harvey’s novel is not a cozy murder mystery. Nonetheless, sleuthing, mostly done by Iris, is key to #freebill. Plus, a heaping of help from a social media blitz as well as old-fashioned reporting from Julie. The families’ bond as each face a personal crisis. Fortunately, the closeness keeps them from turning against one another as the past catches up to the Black Widow.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel with a bit of old-fashioned mystery, much like the “whodunit” books I devoured as a child. Even though I am unfamiliar with Harvey’s previous work, Beach House Rules showcases her talent. So, I will look for more of her novels. The southern location appeals, the writing is superb, and the plotting is solid. Beach House Rules is a winner!