Summer State of Mind

by Kristy Woodson Harvey

“Queen of the beach read,” (Cosmopolitan) New York Times bestselling author Kristy Woodson Harvey returns with a heartfelt escape to coastal Carolina.

After the worst day in her professional life, burnt-out NICU nurse Daisy Stevens runs to Cape Carolina, North Carolina, looking for a new life—and possibly new romance. On her first day at her “simpler” job, high school baseball coach Mason Thaysden discovers an abandoned baby, sending ripples through the entire tight-knit town of Cape Carolina.

Mason is still struggling to reconcile the scars of the injury that kept him out of the big leagues, stuck in his hometown, and searching for a way out. This newcomer and the child they’ve saved together might be just the motivation he needs to stay put. Sparks fly as Mason acquaints Daisy with Cape Carolina, introducing her to his friends and family, including his batty Aunt Tilley, who is looking for relief from long-buried family secrets and her own fresh start.

But as Daisy becomes increasingly attached to this abandoned child, and begins facing her own demons in the process, a startling discovery is made that threatens to rip the entire town of Cape Carolina apart, placing Daisy, Mason, and Tilley in the center of the storm. In a novel that proves that “Kristy Woodson Harvey is (the) go-to for elevated beach reads” (People), they will each learn that with love, understanding—and a community theater production of Hello, Dolly!—sometimes life conspires to bring us just exactly where we belong.

Genres: Summer, Romance, Fiction, Summer Reads, Contemporary, Southern, Summer Romance

384 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication May 5, 2026

About the author

Kristy Woodson Harvey is the New York Times, USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of eleven novels including A Happier Life, The Summer of Songbirds, and The Peachtree Bluff Series. Many of her books have been optioned or are in development for television and film and have received numerous accolades, including Good Morning America’s Buzz Pick, Southern Living’s Most Anticipated Reads, Katie Couric’s Featured Books, and Joanna Garcia Swisher’s The Happy Place Read. Kristy is the winner of the Lucy Bramlette Patterson Award for Excellence in Creative Writing and a finalist for the Southern Book Prize.

A Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s school of journalism, her writing has appeared in numerous publications, including Southern Living, Parade, Traditional Home, USA TODAY, and many more. She also holds a master’s in English, with a concentration in multicultural and transnational literature.

Kristy is the cocreator and cohost of the weekly web show and podcast Friends & Fiction with fellow New York Times Bestselling authors Mary Kay Andrews, Kristin Harmel, and Patti Callahan Henry. She is also the co-founder of the interiors site Design Chic, with her mom, Beth Woodson.

She lives on the North Carolina coast with her husband, son, and dog, Salt, where she is (always!) working on her next novel.

Reviews

[Dallas Strawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s a reason Kristy Woodson Harvey wears the crown as the Queen of the Beach Reads, y’all, because she’s done it again! Summer State of Mind is another beautiful family drama you’ll want to pack in your beach bag as Harvey sweeps you away to coastal North Carolina, leaving you longing for sunshine, salt air, and a big glass of sweet tea.

When a rising star high school baseball player and his coach, Mason Thaysden, find an abandoned newborn baby in a dumpster, their world changes forever. After rushing the baby to the hospital, they meet Daisy, a darling young NICU nurse who’s just moved to the small town. What follows is a touching, emotional story that will keep you turning the pages late into the night.

Harvey fans will be thrilled to see some familiar faces return from her New York Times bestselling Under the Southern Sky, as Mason and his quirky, big hearted family steal the spotlight once more; especially the delightful Aunt Tilley. In true Harvey fashion, every character is layered, charming, and faced with decisions that tug at the heart. At one point, it seems like everyone’s keeping secrets, and you can’t help but wonder… will it all blow up in their faces, or will this coastal crew truly find their perfect summer state of mind?

At its heart, this is a story about what it really means to be a family, and how sometimes, the people who choose you can love you just as fiercely as the ones you’re born into. Harvey is at her best when writing about strong Southern women with moral dilemmas and the messy, beautiful choices they have to make, and she absolutely shines here.

I can’t wait to see Summer State of Mind tucked into beach bags everywhere this May… just in time for Mother’s Day weekend. (Wink, wink, nudge, nudge... get those preorders in, friends!)

A big thanks to Gallery Books for the early peek at this heartwarming Southern gem.

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, isn’t this cover adorable? Love the Easter egg she shared with readers before the reveal. Kristy, her husband and dog Salt providing inspiration for this cover!

Daisy, a burnt out NCIU nurse returns to Cape Carolina. On her first day in her new job, a local man Mason has found an abandoned baby and Daisy is smitten with this baby.

When they meet and experience this little one, their chemistry is obvious. Mason is the local baseball coach and is trying to move past is bad boy past.

Daisy is determined to foster this little girl and hoping to adopt her. They each work together to help this little girl and will discover an unexpected love for her and possibly each other.

Add in some family drama, local characters and the charm of small town North Carolina this novel is magical. Woodson knows how to draw her readers in with small town charm.

Already preordered to add to my other novels by Woodson. If you have not read her books I highly recommend them all.

[Meagan (Meagansbookclub) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sadly, Summer State of Mind was a big miss for me 😩 Especially coming off last year’s release that was a 5 star for me!

This did not feel like a beach read at all. So much drama. Even some ethical questions towards the end? I don’t know. For me, this story felt pretty convoluted. The romance was instantaneous and lacked emotion and depth. I found Daisy to be a pretty insufferable main character that was hard to connect with. I’m bummed to report a less than favorable review but I also can’t seem to give it any less than 3 stars because I’ve had good luck with Kristy’s books in the past but this one was just off.

[callistoscalling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher for a gifted copy; all thoughts are my own!

📖 Book Review 📖 I read this book in December so I was certainly not in a summer state of mind but I had just returned from a vacation to the low country so I had Carolina on my mind and obviously this one immediately moved to the top of my TBR list. There is something magical about the coast that draws people in from all walks of life and when life reaches its breaking point for NICU nurse Daisy, she starts fresh in Cape Carolina. But when she bonds with a newborn abandoned in a dumpster on the first day of her new job, she quickly realizes that small town life is not as quiet as anticipated.

Sometimes people come into our lives in the most unexpected ways, and hitting things off with local high school baseball coach Mason was not on her bucket list. Neither was falling immediately in love with this little baby in need of love and a caregiver. But it certainly takes a village and Cape Carolina is just that. The roots of a Southern town run deep and Kristy Woodson Harvey delivers yet another beautifully emotive read that channels the connections that run like the waterways of this enchanting coastline.

[Holly McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting to revisit characters from Under the Southern Sky felt like catching up with old friends, and Kristy Woodson Harvey pulled me right back into their world. Her writing is so vivid and warm that you really feel like you’re there with the characters. Daisy and Mason’s love story was beautiful, raw and emotional in all the best ways. I also love connecting deeper with Tilly and understanding her story. Summer State of Mind quickly became one of my favorite reads of the year, it was easily a 5 ⭐️ read for me and I cannot recommend it enough!

[Alissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come on sites not corporately-owned, but couldn't not leave 5 stars for this gorgeous gem. KWH's best yet.

[Cindi_loves_to_read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer State of Mind by Kristy Woodson Harvey completely transported me to the North Carolina coastal setting of Cape Carolina. Kristy introduced us to this beautiful setting in her book Under the Southern Sky and I love that in Summer State of Mind we get to revisit the characters that I fell in love with (Aunt Tilley) and meet some new ones.

We meet Daisy who has recently moved to Cape Carolina. On her first day as a NICU nurse, Mason, the high school baseball coach, discovers an abandoned baby girl, and that horrible situation brings these two together. As sparks begin to fly between Daisy and Mason, she is also fighting her attachment to the baby girl and her own past. Mason's family, including his Aunt Tilley become attached to Daisy as well. Incredibly written to bring the emotions of what you'd feel if this happened to you.
This book has so many layers and each chapter tells a part of the story of these unique and beloved characters. This book reminds me what it means to be a family. And family can be who you choose. I absolutely fell in love with this family in Under the Southern Sky and love that the author continues their story with characters you love and how family and community come together.
With her attachment to the baby, Daisy sets off on a journey to make sure this little girl has a home. No spoilers here. I highly recommend this beautiful story.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Kristen McDaniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from NetGalley for A Summer State of Mind. I’ve read many books from Kristy Woodson Harvey over the years so I was excited to dive into this one. It was a very cute book. A great summer time read that Kristy is known for. I struggled with parts of the book though, to be honest. I know it’s fictional… but the main character is a nurse and the amount of patient information (past and present patients) that the character gave out on a regular to community people made me lose interest and respect for the character. Again, I know it’s fictional. It was hard to put aside my healthcare knowledge for this one though. I did like all of the other supporting characters. Can Tilley have her own book? How fun would that be to read?!? The confidentiality flaws dinged a star for me but it’s still a four star read. 100% would recommend. Thank you for the ARC!

[Alissa Manning-Telisak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summer State of Mind by Kristy Woodson Harvey is an incredibly touching novel set in a small southern town. Daisy, a nurse searching for a fresh start, meets Mason, a high school coach. Together they discover an abandoned baby—a moment that changes everything. They uncover secrets that could impact the entire community. There are so many layers to this story and it ranges from heartbreak to hope. Talk about an emotional rollercoaster!!! This is one that will stay with me for a long time!! Easily my favorite KWH novel yet!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the opportunity to read Summer State of Mind!

[Christy Dodd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kristy Woodson Harvey is one of my most favorite authors for a reason, and this book gives me another reason to love her writing. It was nice to get to visit with characters I was already familiar with from a previous novel of hers. This story is a clear study of the family, how things can get terribly messy, but love and family prevail. I hope Harvey finds it in her heart to make this a trilogy so that we can learn the rest of the story.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

The story is set in Cape Carolina, a lovely coastal community and centers around the Thaysden Family, primarily 35 something Mason. He, with his parents, a slightly touched aunt, a good friend of his mother’s, and his brother’s family all live on a lovely property on the shore, the setting feels pretty idyllic. The family is interwoven in known and unknown ways that unfold throughout. Mason Thaysden was a Highschool baseball star with big dreams but an incident his senior year left him unable to pitch. However, he went off to college, was a lost soul and a cad but is now back in Cape Carolina where he is the coach of the Highschool baseball team. He is passionate about his job as coach, which is a piece of a greater puzzle for Mason as he is finally finding himself.

Daisy Stevens is a burnt out NICU nurse who has transferred to Cape Carolina to get her wits back about her after the loss of a tiny patient. This is all the perfect set up for when Mason and his Highschool pitching star, Drew, find a baby in a dumpster and deliver the baby to the hospital. Daisy is in love, with the baby, maybe with Mason.

Meanwhile, there is a lot of other things going on, yet the story is very readable and easy to follow. Ultimately, the power of love is tested on many fronts. Like a true Rom Com (Author Katherine Center said it!) it leads to a fairly neat and sweet end but not without some expected hurdles and heartaches. Despite feeling somewhat predictable, the characters were likable and dealing with some big issues that would challenge anyone. Abandoned baby, childhood abandonment, mental illness, teenage pregnancy - some big hurdles for any book, but it worked here in a sensitive and realistic way in spite of being a relatively light read. It feels like Steel Magnolias, I think I’d like to live in Cape Carolina with this cast of characters if I could. I found them very easy to root for.

[erin (readingwithremy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer State of Mind is a beautifully written story about family in a fantastic North Carolina coastal setting. This book will transport you to Cape Carolina and you won't want to leave. I fell in love with Cape Carolina in Under the Southern Sky and I love that in Summer State of Mind we return and see Mason's story, along with more of Aunt Tilley.

Daisy has moved to Cape Carolina, looking for a little quieter life but on her first day as a NICU nurse, Mason, the high school baseball coach, discovers an abandoned baby, and it brings these two together. As sparks fly between Daisy and Mason, she is also fighting her attachment to the baby girl and her own past. Daisy also starts to fall in love with Mason's family, including his Aunt Tilley who has secrets of her own.

This book is layered and looks at what does it mean to be a family. I fell in love with this family in Under the Southern Sky, so I feel like I'm coming back home reading this book. KWH has the best mix of a summer beach read with emotional depth and characters you love. You don't need to read Under the Southern Sky first, but I think reading both helps you fully understand the themes of family and community.

This book reminds me of her earlier books and that life is beautiful, yet complicated and I loved Summer State of Mind. I can't wait to see everyone reading it this summer!

The biggest thanks to Gallery for an advance copy of Summer State of Mind by Kristy Woodson Harvey. I binged this the day I got it and I know I'll read it again before May 5th!

[Charlotte Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Southern writing its best. Kristy Woodson Harvey is must-read southern hospitality writing. Summer State of Mind took me right into Cape Carolina with Daisy, Tilly, and the rest of the wonderful characters.

Very quickly, I became attached to Daisy. Her career as a nurse, especially as a baby nurse, put her as a hero in my eyes and as I learned more about her life she became more of a hero and someone I was invested in. I loved seeing her find her way in a new hospital and with her new friends.

Tilly, oh Tilly! This character is a character. Her spells had me giggling a little but realizing how much they affect her life. As an friend and family member, she is the favorite and the one that you know will always have your back. She is also the one who is most likely to get you in trouble and then get you out of it. The adventures she has have her living life to the fullest. She is learning to open her heart to new relationships and adventures, while not forgetting her past.

Summer State of Mind is an amazing, must-read book. I will recommend this book to anyone who loves a book with wonderfully developed characters, a storyline that pulls you in from the very beginning, and a setting that is beautiful.

Thank you Gallery Books for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

[Valerie Moody · Rating 4 out of 5]

A special thank you to Gallery Books for the advanced copy of this novel.

Summer State of Mind is another delightful feel-good escape from Kristy Woodson Harvey, blending Southern charm, heartfelt growth, and sunny beach-read vibes. The novel follows teenage protagonist Ansley, whose summer plans take an unexpected detour after one too many shopping sprees. Sent to a rustic camp to gain some much-needed perspective, Ansley finds herself navigating cabin chores, embarrassing moments, unexpected friendships, and—of course—a sweet summer crush.

Harvey excels at writing relatable characters, and Ansley’s transformation from image-obsessed teen to someone more grounded and self-aware is handled with humor and genuine warmth. The camp setting is vibrant and nostalgic, capturing everything from awkward team-building games to quiet moments of self-discovery. The supporting cast adds depth, especially as Ansley begins to understand the value of connection beyond material things.

The novel is light, uplifting, and perfect for readers looking for a quick dose of sunshine. While the plot is somewhat predictable at times—leaning heavily into familiar coming-of-age tropes—the emotional payoff is satisfying, and the writing is charming enough to make the journey worthwhile.

Verdict: A sweet, spirited summer read packed with heart, humor, and growth. Ideal for fans of YA coming-of-age stories and anyone wanting to slip into a warmer, happier state of mind.

#netgalley

[Annissa Joy Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first read of 2026 and it’s a resounding ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!! Loved returning to Cape Carolina and meeting up with Mason, Aunt Tilley and all of the family members!! Kristy first introduced us to these memorable characters in UNDER THE SOUTHERN SKY. This is not a sequel but I highly recommend that you read that book as it will enhance your reading experience of SUMMER STATE OF MIND!!!

Mason is now the high school baseball coach and one day after practice, he and his star pitcher find a baby in the dumpster. When they get the baby to the hospital, they meet Daisy who is a nurse and new resident of Cape Carolina. Daisy will care for this abandoned baby like she is her own!! There will be family dinners, babysitting, a play and so much more!!

I have read every book that Kristy has written and this is my favorite. It’s a book about family, it’s about pain, it’s about secrets, it’s about deep friendship, it’s about love, and it’s going to be one of the big winners of this summer!! Preorder now so you can travel back to Cape Carolina!!

[Jessica Paige (Exercise_Read_Repeat) · Rating 5 out of 5]

KWH is back with another amazing, family filled drama with beach read vibes and equal parts emotional depth. Daisy, a nurse, moves to Cape Carolina for a quieter lifestyle. On her first day on the job, Mason, the town’s high school boys baseball coach, brings an abandoned baby to the hospital, instantly bringing these two together. Daisy and Mason balanced each other out beautifully, and I loved even the smallest ways they supported one another. There were so many nods to found family and full circle moments, and as the story progressed, I loved seeing all the pieces come together. If you read Under the Southern Sky, one of my all time favorites, you get to see Amelia and Parker again as side characters, which was perfect. We also get to see Tilly again, who has her own chapters and a second chance at love storyline.

Thank you Gallery for the early copy!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

While winter's chill impacts January's weather, Kristy Woodson Harvey's readers are treated to a 'Summer State of Mind.' Resident nurse, Daisy Stevens' first day includes a baby found in a dumpster. High school baseball coach Mason Thaysden with his star player rush in to place the newborn under her care. Daisy instantly falls in love with her new charge and volunteers to be Maisy's foster parent.

When the meet-cute turns into dating, Daisy and Mason are sworn into secrecy to protect the parents. Will their fledgling romance survive the twist and turns of the summer season's family dynamics and foster care?

Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the early edition in exchange for an honest review. Having been a fan of the author since 'The Wedding Veil' I eagerly awaited her summer read. While enjoyable, it wasn't a carefree novel or the assumed beach read.

[BHK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every summer, I look forward to Kristy Woodson Harvey’s newest release! Her books are the definition of feel good and heartfelt beach reads, and Summer State of Mind did not disappoint. I was completely swept away to Cape Carolina, a charming coastal town full of warmth, gossip, and heart. I loved Daisy, a burnt out NICU nurse trying to start over, and Mason, the small town baseball coach. Their chemistry felt so natural and sweet, and the mystery surrounding the abandoned baby added just the right touch of tension. I also loved Aunt Tilley! Her humor and vulnerability made her unforgettable. The writing has the perfect mix of Southern charm and emotional depth. This book made me smile, tear up, and dream of beach sunsets. Definitely one to add to your summer reading list!

[Pietro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it when authors bring back characters from a previous book; it gives stories a chance to expand and evolve (without actually creating a sequel). Here, members of the large and interesting Thaysden family (from Under a Southern Sky) reappear for a story centered around son Mason and newcomer Daisy. While the fact that their relationship goes through some significant ups and downs is not unique, the way that the story involves others in the community was at times very surprising, and very interesting. Harvey's books always pull on your heart and this one is no different. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come.

Quick thoughts:

I received this book from the author right before I left for a spa weekend and I absolutely devoured it after the most relaxing massage ever.

Love the characters, the settings, and the cover.

Aunt Tilley made me laugh and cry. Mason was a character you could root for as his story arc was definitely something we could learn something from, and Daisy.. oh sweet Daisy. My heart felt equal parts of awe for how unbelievably strong she was AND for all the reasons she had to be strong.

Put this on your summer reading list!

*This book was sent to me by the author for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.*

[Carol Deegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy the way Kristi Woodson Harvey writes her books and the descriptions of individuals and places so that you feel you are right there with the characters. This book is not an exception. It is about a high school baseball coach and one of his players finding a new born in a dumpster and is very good. The baby is rushed to the NICU where she’s cared for and loved by one of the nurses. Although a romance the romance is not the main focus of the book. I enjoy a book written this way. If you’ve read any of KWH other books you may remember Mason and Aunt Tilley; they are back in this book. I received a copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer State of Mind is quintessential Kristy Woodson Harvey and absolutely wonderful from start to finish! Harvey has the ability to really make you feel like you are living right in the cozy communities of the South that she develops in each of her stories, and I loved the setting of Cape Carolina for her new book. This book had me feeling all the emotions from happiness to sadness to nostalgia. It is the perfect book to read when you need to feel something, and it had me yearning for summer. It is sure to be one of the hottest books this summer!

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though this is thought to be a beach read, I feel like it's a bit too much for that. The plot is excellent and it's a good book, but if you're looking for something with less depth, this isn't for you. I found the title to be a little misleading, but the description of the book explains fully what you're about to encounter. There should be some trigger warnings for those of us that are a part of the adoption triad, but other than that, it reads like Harvey's other books and would be a good travel read.

Thanks to netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will be the ultimate beach read this summer. The author has captured all the feelings of finding an abandoned baby and dealing with the proper protocol while everyone puts their heart on the line. Many secrets are revealed and emotions are raw when past and present collide. Love and personal growth are shown through many of the characters. This is the type of women’s fiction that I truly enjoy.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced eGalley of the book. All opinions expressed are truly my own.#SummerStateofMind #KristyWoodsonHarvey #NetGalley

[Courtney · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC for review.

This turned out to not be the type of book I like to read. This was cozier and overdramatic, which isn't what I favor. Every single character has a bonkers back story. The main plotline felt unrealistic (a high school coach finds a baby in a dumpster, and brings it to the new-to-town nurse at the local hospital). Of course these two characters fall immediately in love. I couldn't connect with the characters, especially the wacky aunt. It wasn't for me.

[T. Rash · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story has lots of drama, and it was hard to see how it can have a satisfactory ending everyone.

I particularly liked Tilly. She gave most of the entertainment value of the story. Also, although Drew was a secondary character, he gave the story more depth. I also thought the baby was a great emotional tie to pull everything together.

I wasn’t quite as sure about the main characters. Sometimes I felt like Daisy was more in love with the thought of a ready-made family and extended family than she was with Mason.

[Lyn Liao · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kristy Woodson Harvey has been a long time favorite author of mine and once again, she does not disappoint in Summer State of Mind. I love getting immersed in the world of her books, always with serious themes but so lyrically written and with light hearted moments that I'm transported right into the story. You all don't want to miss this one. Can't wait for it to come out so you all can read it too!

[Crissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting for this book - thanks NetGalley for the advanced copy. It was so good. So many different parts of what makes a family weaved together in this story. I loved Tilley and her quirks, the way Daisy overcame her story, and how Mason redefined his life. Easy read with depth, hope, and love.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daisy Stevens moves to North Carolina to start a new life. She begins a job as a nurse at the local hospital. On her first day, Mason Thaysden (the high school baseball coach) brings in a newborn baby discovered in a dumpster at the school. Daisy and Mason both become very attached to the baby and ended up naming her Maisy (a combination of the two names). A romance between Daisy and Mason is also developing. Mason has been somewhat of a playboy until now. Is he ready to commit to something long term. Will Maisy's birth parents be discovered or will she be adopted? Daisy is registered as a foster parent and does get Maisy after she's released from the hospital but will she get to keep her for her own? Pick this fun read up in May 2026 to find out.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

KWH writes a great beach read and this book lives up to that! Set in a small coastal NC town, we get to learn all about how complicated families can be but as long as there is love and support, all works out. Totally recommend this book and KWH somehow writes a great one again!