Summer State of Mind

by Kristy Woodson Harvey

INSTANT NATIONAL BESTSELLER

“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: Romance, Summer, Fiction, Summer Reads, Contemporary, Audiobook, Southern

Audible Audio

First published 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

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer State Of Mind written by Kristy Woodson Harvey was so perfect, emotional, beautiful, poetic, heart warming, raw, unfiltered, inspiring, heart breaking, pure, and authentic. As a North Carolinan, I am so ashamed to say that I have never read a book by this author before, but after loving Summer State Of Mind I can proudly say that I see why Kristy is the Queen of Beach Reads, her writing was just so poetically beautiful, she made me feel like I was on the beach enjoying one of the most perfect days of summer. Kristy made me feel like I was walking on the beach with sand between my toes, watermelon slices in my hand, and lathered in sunscreen with her perfect beach read. This book better be in everyone's beach bag this summer because if it's not you best believe I will bully you until I see this beautiful book in your hands. There's just certain authors that can bring out all of my emotions and Kristy is one of those authors because she had me crying, laughing, smiling, but she also had me feeling angry. If you are looking for a perfect beach read this summer, please mark your calendars for May 5th, 2026 for the publication of Summer State Of Mind written by the queen herself. I couldn't put this book down, it was attached to my hip the entire time, I just never wanted it to end but I needed closure for my emotionally damaged heart. I absolutely loved every single minute of this precious story, there's absolutely nothing I would change about this summery book.

THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND GALLERY BOOKS FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!

♪♡ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ : Empire State Of Mind- Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys♪♡
2:05 ───|──────5:08

"❣️🦋If a butterfly could flap it's wings across the world and make it rain in another part, anything was possible, really❣️🦋".

"💝😭People who have never had to face the source of their greatest trauma head on don't know how hard it is💝😭".

"❤️🕊️It only takes a moment to be loved a whole life long❤️🕊️".

"🖤🥀I will never be the woman who runs away🖤🥀".

"💖💫It's hard to evolve in a place that wants you to be who you always have been💖💫".

"🍻🌹How did girls slug rosé down and stay sober🍻🌹?"

"♥️🌱Life is just all about taking the next best step♥️🌱".

💘🌈Aunt Tilley- "Sometimes, when you spend so much time pretending to be someone else, you forget who you are💘🌈".

"🥰🤞Sometimes loving someone means letting them just be happy🥰🤞".

Daisy Stevens has been a neonatal intensive care nurse for more than a decade in Charlotte, North Carolina. Daisy's name is actually Marguerite, but in French it means Daisy. Daisy has just been newly promoted at the level one trauma center, but she doesn't know if she wants that position because she's burnt out and mentally exhausted after a traumatic experience when a newborn baby had a heart condition and died two days later, the newborn baby's mom didn't want to watch her baby die so being the kind hearted amazing nurse that she is, Daisy stayed by this precious baby's side and later judged the mom for abandoning her baby. Daisy has wanted to be a nurse since she was a little girl, but watching her in action was truly so inspiring. When Daisy was five years old, her family took a vacation to Cape Carolina and Daisy instantly fell in love with this beautiful beach town and had dreams of living there, at twenty-nine years old, Daisy's while sandy beach dreams came true, she is now a NICU nurse at Cape Carolina Regional Medical Center. When Daisy was just thirteen years old, her own mother walked away which then gave Daisy the inspiration to become a foster parent, and Daisy has went through classes and certification credentials needed to become a foster parent. At Cape Carolina Medical Center, Daisy is the nurse on duty when a baby gets rushed through the emergency doors. Daisy called the baby "my girl" until her parents were found, but Daisy wanted to take her home and love her to pieces forever and always. Daisy's adoring love for this baby was so pure and beautiful it had tears streaming down my face. During her time caring for this sweet little girl, Daisy showed that motherhood wasn't always perfect. 💛💎Daisy Stevens is such a pure golden diamond with the most genuine soul and one of the most beautiful hearts💛💎. I love this woman so much.

Mason Thaysden is a baseball coach at Cape Carolina High School and as a baseball coach, Mason wants his players to have a special bond with each other. Mason is thirty-eight years old but has the personality of a twenty-six year old and has dimples that had broken a million hearts in his youth. Mason used to be the greatest pitcher in baseball once upon a time, but had a game changing injury. Mason briefly ran away after his injury but claimed it was because he was eighteen years old and stupid, but he soon later came back and let the people who love him heal with him. I absolutely loved and adored the bond Mason and his family had, even though he made stupid decisions his family has always loved him unconditionally and supported him through thick and thin. Mason and his star baseball player Drew found a baby in a recycling dumpster on the school grounds, this poor baby girl was covered in gunk and blood. Mason and Drew are truly life saving heroes, their rescue broke me to pieces, but I'm so thankful they were there at the right time because if it wasn't for these two men, this baby girl would have never made it, she was barely hanging on and it just broke my heart that anyone can just abandon a baby like that. Mason's house on Cape Carolina is an octagon shaped house because it's a hurricane proof house- yes I know it's useless information, but I thought it was super cool. 💛🧸Mason, you have a heart of gold and the best personality💛🧸. This man seriously had me swooning. I need Mason Thaysden in my life, this man truly is one of a kind.

💛🎀Daisy and Mason were truly the most two perfect humans with the biggest hearts and the most gentle souls💛🎀. Daisy was the nurse of shift when Mason and Drew brought this precious abandoned baby girl to the hospital, well actually it was Daisy's first day at the hospital. This baby girl is way too precious to be a Jane Doe, so now her new name is Maisy which is a character in Dr. Seuss books and Mason plus Daisy equals Maisy, okay but like this was so heart warming and so beautiful how they combined their names for this sweet girl. Mason's family made Daisy feel at home on her first week in a new town, they welcomed her with opened arms and they even invited her to family dinners. Mason's words were like a warm blanket wrapped around you on a chilly autumn day, 🎀🧸Mason to Daisy- "motherhood looks good on you🎀🧸". I absolutely love and adore how supportive Mason was the entire time, he truly stepped up from the questionable decisions he made when he was younger, so his growth as a human was truly so inspirational. Grown-up relationships with baggage and trauma were super tricky, but Mason and Daisy put their differences aside and stepped up as parents for this baby girl, which honestly had me in tears because it was so wholesome to witness. Maisy taught Mason that being a father will be something he will cherish forever even though he has doubts that he won't be the best dad. Mason and Daisy's fears and doubts had my heart shattering, but I just want them to know that they are the true heroes of this book, but their banter brought light to this book as well which also had me giggling throughout the heart breaking moments.

[Jonetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

the setup…
Daisy Stevens is a NICU nurse in Charlotte ready for a respite after a particularly traumatizing case. She packs up and escapes to a new, less stressful job and life in Cape Carolina. But on her first day, Mason Thaysden rushes into the hospital with a newborn he discovered in a dumpster. Mason is the high school baseball coach and member of a close-knit, established family in the community and is immediately drawn to Daisy and she to him. They’re equally connected to baby Jane Doe and Daisy becomes inexplicably attached. She’s also drawn to Mason’s family, including Aunt Tilley who has a reputation for being a little “off” but is harboring a 40-year old secret that threatens to emerge.

the heart of the story…
Family and the small town coastal setting are central to everything in this story. Mason was a baseball star in high school whose athletic career was shattered before it got started following a barroom fight. It’s taken years for him to get his act together. Daisy has her own demons stemming from her past. Their relationship ramped up pretty quickly but both are ready for a commitment and baby Jane brings them even closer…and adds conflict. I loved how Mason’s frequent family dinners were a regular element, adding so much flavor (and drama) to the story.

the narration…
Cassandra Campbell (a favorite), Stephanie Einstein & Matt Pittenger were the voices for Daisy, Tilley and Mason who provide the narratives. Each defined their characters beautifully and made them believable. All were excellent storytellers.

the bottom line…
I always enjoy Harvey’s multigenerational stories that have so much depth. This isn’t a traditional beach read but one with lots of family drama and messiness. Issues regarding abandonment, teen pregnancy, grief and buried secrets gave this added heft. The coastal setting in a small community just made this even more palatable. 4.5 stars

Posted on Blue Mood Café

(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio and Libro.fm for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)

[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.

[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.

[Maren’s Reads]

I have become such a KWH fan and anxiously await her book each spring knowing it will be the perfect summer beach read. So it makes me sad to say, this is going to be a DNF at 20%. Being a reader also means knowing when a book just isn’t meant for you and/or one you, yourself, will love.

As a NICU mom who drove an hour a day to be with her baby all day for 9 weeks, the way main character Daisy is presenting her role as a NICU nurse feels yucky to me. While these nurses do see their babies as their responsibility, they work on behalf of the parents and as a unit with the parents. The idea that Daisy has a hard time turning them back over to their parents is very triggering for me, personally.

I’ve seen a lot of glowing reviews, so I’d say to go with your gut on this one.

Thank you Gallery Books, Simon Audio, and Uplit for the gifted copies.

[A Mountain Man’s Point of Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to say thank you for the opportunity to be able to read this book before it’s released and give a review. This will be the first book I have read of Kristy Woodson Harvey. I can tell you that I will be adding more of her books to my TBR.

This is not a typical book I would normally read but I thoroughly enjoyed it. As a man that does not get very emotional, this book had a few chapters that were very tough for me to get through. It struck home for me… being a father and imagining myself going through what the characters in this book went through. I fell in love with the characters, and absolutely loved Aunt Tilley.

I’d like to encourage any manly men that think this may be just a woman’s book to pick it up and read it- it is well worth the read. This is a five star review. It had me completely captivated and couldn’t put the book down till it was done.

[BookLoverAmanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer State of Mind by Kristy Woodson Harvey
5 Stars
Blog Post: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...

What a great book! This book will stay with me! My first Kristy book and now I need to read them ALL!

This is a secular, contemporary romance/women's southern fiction read and I am impressed!

Kristy tells a beautiful family story, a journey of love, friendship, reconciliation, healing...I loved it.

We follow Mason, a high school baseball coach, who finds an abandoned baby and then Daisy who is a NICU Nurse that helps take care of the baby. Mason and Daisy get close, form a deep connection, romance and bond over the baby throughout the book. Daisy has her own old wounds she is trying to heal from, with her mother leaving her many years ago, that ties in with her need to protect this little girl. Then, we follow Mason's batty Aunt Tilley....who is hiding her long-buried family secret as well....looking for a fresh start.

What I loved about this book was the family, the characters, the realness of it all. It just connected so well. I love all the southern bits too since it's set in Cape Carolina in North Carolina. So many great details.

Even when I didn't agree with the characters choices or motivations, I empathized with them. I found some parts of the romance relatable for when Blake and I first met. It was just a real look at life. Her character depth was so well needed too. We even had characters going to easter service at church and it felt like a look at the family times I had back in the day, when you better have new clothes for easter Sunday haha.

I even teared up in the end....so much emotion and healing that needed to happen.

Mason and Daisy, really liked them. They were in the mid to late 30s and felt relatable to Blake and myself in some way. Daisy was very complex, I could see the desperation she had with the little girl and the reasoning behind it...seeing her journey to heal in her own issues, wow, it was just great.

The characters were not perfect, they made messy choices, carried old wounds and worked through believable emotions. That authenticity made their journeys resonate in a deeper way for me. Especially as someone who values stories that reflect real life rather than a polished story sometimes.

Thank you to the publisher for an ebook copy to read for review. I did purchase a physical copy and audiobook too, the audiobook was fantastic. Now I have a copy for my shelves too, since I loved it so much. All thoughts are always my own.

Content/Trigger Warnings: Mild to moderate language (9 Sh*t, 17 D*mn, 1 B*tch, No F words or GD/JC that I saw), Fade to Black/Closed Door Sex Scene - it was not explicit or gratuitous in my eyes, mentions of parental abandonment, miscarriage, loss of a child in NICU situation in the past discussed (side character briefly discussed from Daisy's past work situation), baby abandoned storyline, Aunt Tilley has some mental health things working through, adoption thread things to think about

[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.

[Shantha (ShanthasBookEra) · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

Daisy Stevens is on the run to Cape Carolina after tragedy strikes at her Level 1 NICU in the city. With a broken heart, she is looking for a simpler life and a fresh start. Serendipitously, a handsome man named Mason brings a baby he found in the dumpster to the hospital on her first day at her new job. They have an instant attraction and he introduces her to his family, including Aunt Tilley.

Daisy becomes attached to her newborn patient and becomes her foster mom with plans to adopt. The idyllic situation becomes complicated and it's hard to know if anyone's plans will come to fruition. Mason often seeks advice from Aunt Tilley, a widow of many years. Will anyone get their happy ending?

This is a solid read from Kristy Woodson Harvey who has become an auto-buy author for me. The chemistry between Mason and Daisy is great. Their commitment to helping youth in the community is admirable. The family relationships are uplifting and heartwarming. On the other hand, Aunt Tilley is a woman in her late fifties but it was off putting how she was portrayed like a batty old lady. I didn't think fifty somethings were old. While I appreciated Daisy wanting to help out with the baby, having worked in a NICU, I felt some professional lines were crossed. That said, this is an enjoyable and light read for when you want to relax and feel cozy. Prepare for a much needed escape.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Gallery Books, UpLit Reads and Kristy Woodson Harvey for the gifted advance reader's copy and finished copy. All opinions are my own.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

What in the amoral, unethical, convoluted, dramatic, baby-found-in-a-dumpster, wild story did I just read?!

Here is my formal petition to remove these three things from any and all adult books from here on out...

1. Describing ANYONE as having "Disney princess eyes."
2. Referring to anyone as "whipped." As in "I now understand why my brother is whipped by his wife."
3. Any casual references to Ozempic.

This book just did not work for me. I think I am on the every other book track for Harvey. I loved her release last spring. But this one was a total miss for me. It saddens me too because it was the same universe/family from Under the Southern Sky and that is my favorite of her books.

Not only was it dramatic and over-the-top, but it was also so corny and goofy. The cover is beautiful though!

I will probably always read Harvey's books though. They kinda scream summer to me even when they miss the mark.

[Judy Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Kristy Woodson Harvey's enchanting novel, SUMMER STATE OF MIND, which shines as a quintessential beach read, we meet a weary NICU nurse grappling with the emotional toll of her demanding profession. Her life takes an unexpected turn when it intertwines with that of a once-celebrated baseball star who is now navigating the complexities of a quieter existence.

Daisy and Mason's stories collide in a small, picturesque Cape Carolina, North Carolina town, where the discovery of an abandoned baby sets in motion a chain of events that challenges their pasts and reshapes their futures. This heartwarming tale weaves together themes of resilience, redemption, and the deep bonds that form in times of crisis, making it a compelling read for the summer.

Small-town family secrets are unraveled within the community. Mason's eccentric Aunt Tilley—a returning character from Harvey's previous novel Under the Southern Sky—is at the center of many of these revelations as she searches for her own fresh start.

The novel cleverly culminates in a local community theater production of Hello, Dolly!, which serves as a backdrop for the characters' personal growth and reconciliation.

Themes:
~Second Chances & Redemption
~Found Family & Belonging
~Small-Town Secrets & Family Dynamics
~Grief and Healing:
~Ethical & Moral Dilemmas

My thoughts...

Oh, how I adore Kristy Woodson Harvey, and her captivating Southern storytelling! Her ability to weave rich narratives filled with warmth and complexity is truly unmatched. In this latest work, fans like myself are in for a delightful treat as Kristy resurrects beloved characters Aunt Tilley and Mason Thaysden from her 2021 gem, "Under the Southern Sky".

Although this new novel can be enjoyed independently, having a grasp of Tilley’s history bestows a profound layer of understanding to her journey of healing, allowing readers to fully appreciate the nuances of her character development and the challenges she faces along the way.

The Vibe
Atmospheric, Harvey captures the salty air and humidity of the beautiful North Carolina coastal town, balancing the joy of a new love and new baby with the heavy grief of loss and trauma.

In the earlier novel, Tilley is introduced as a mentally ill, eccentric woman living in the East Wing of the family home, Dogwood, in Cape Carolina. With a Southern Gothic element—a "ghostly figure" who roamed the halls and often pretended to be someone else to mask childhood trauma.

Tilley shifts from a secondary, "unhinged" figure in the first book to a central protagonist in the sequel. While she spent decades "falling apart" at Dogwood, this novel follows her finally putting her life back together. She now lives with her niece Amelia & Grant, and helps care for her great-nephew and niece, George and Greer.

Mason Thaysden, Amelia’s friend from the first book, returns as the lead male character. His struggle with a career-ending baseball injury (briefly touched on previously) is now a central plot point.

The new protagonist, Daisy, serves as a "foil" for Tilley—readers watch Daisy’s life fall apart while Tilley’s life is finally coming together. Aunt Tilley’s secrets are deeply tied to her inability to move on from the past and a life-altering loss that defines her character.

As Daisy and Mason investigate the abandoned baby's origins, Tilley’s own hidden history becomes a focal point. Tilley acts as a bridge between the town's history and its present crisis. While she is searching for her own fresh start, she struggles with the conflict of keeping these secrets hidden versus finding the relief of the truth.

As in her previous work, the author knows how to pull you into her well-developed characters' world, keeping you turning the pages. SUMMER STATE OF MIND is a beautifully written, layered story of second chances full of romance, family dynamics, and motherhood, full of front porch Southern charm.

Aunt Tilley’s subplot adds a sense of mystery and hidden history to the town, with ultimately a hopeful story about finding home when you feel like an outsider. A significant theme is the "magical, messy, complicated love" found in chosen families.

The big takeaway is that "home" isn't a place you're born into, but a space you dare to build.

SUMMER STATE OF MIND is a quintessential beach read, effortlessly blending humor and heart in a way that makes it perfect for book clubs and thoughtful discussions. I’m anxiously awaiting the arrival of my pre-ordered hardcover edition, which features one of my favorite covers.

As a devoted fan of Kristy’s work, having read all her previous books, I’m continually amazed by her storytelling prowess. She never fails to captivate with each new release. What’s even more special is our shared passion for the enchanting locales of Palm Beach and North Carolina, which adds a personal touch to my enjoyment of her writing!

I can't wait for Falling for Peachtree Bluff(Book #5 of The Peachtree Bluff Series), another gorgeous fall cover, releasing Sept 15th. (the day after my birthday)

Special thanks to Gallery Books and NetGalley for graciously sharing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Pub Date: May 5, 2026
May 2026 Must-Read Books
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[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.

[Delaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m sad to say this is not one I’ll be recommending. While I’ve come to expect an emotionally packed beach read, this is not it. There are so many ethical questions here that just weren’t handled well by the characters, in my opinion. The romance was also very insta love which does not work given everything else that was going on. Heavy topics that are seemingly intended to be lighthearted, lacked a lot of real emotion to captivate me and make me believe the story.

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc

[Jamie Rosenblit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore everything KWH writes and Summer State of Mind was no exception! Daisy, Mason, Maisy and the whole crew wormed their way into my hearts from the onset and won't be leaving any time soon.

[Shannon (The Book Club Mom) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kristy Woodson Harvey’s latest, SUMMER STATE OF MIND is equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking as it explores themes of abandonment, foster care, and adoption.

The story revolves around one big event that quickly turns into a moral and ethical dilemma that left me quite shocked by how a few of the characters handled the situation. My jaw was on the floor a few times, and I was shaking my head a lot!

Even though this novel tackles some deeper issues, it still has the classic KWH charm that her readers have come to love and expect. The well-developed characters, strong family dynamics, sense of community, and summer vibes are all there.

READ THIS IF YOU ENJOY:

- Family drama and secrets
- Foster and adoption stories
- Coastal North Carolina setting
- Fresh starts and second chances
- Light romance
- Multiple POVs
- Full cast audiobooks
- Small town vibes
- Southern charm
- Reflections on loss and grief

The audio route is definitely the way to go as each POV—Daisy, Mason, and Tilly have their own separate narrator. We all know that I’m a total sucker for a full cast! It was SO well done.

4/5 stars for SUMMER STATE OF MIND! It’s available now!

[Susan Z (webreakforbooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

To me, books by Kristy Woodson Harvey are synonymous with summer. You can count in her to deliver a feel good story full of southern charm and family (blood or found.)

This is a layered story with great characters. It does have some content that may not be a good fit for everyone, so I do recommend checking trigger warnings.

The audiobook was narrated by Cassandra Campbell, Stephanie Einstein, and Matt Pittenger. I loved the full cast narration, it was so well done and really brought the characters to life.

I will say this one was not as good as her prior books. There is some insta love which I am not a fan of, and lacked the character development needed to truly connect with the characters. Also the age of one of the characters, Tilly, doesn't seem to fit.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s just something about a Kristy Woodson Harvey novel that feels like slipping into your favorite beach chair with a perfectly chilled drinkand Summer State of Mind is exactly that kind of magic. Set once again in Cape Carolina, this story blends small town charm with layered emotional depth, following burnt out NICU nurse Daisy as she escapes to start over, only to find herself pulled into something far more complicated—and meaningful—than she expected. Harvey has such a gift for crafting character driven stories that feel both cozy and compelling, and this one is no exception. The relationships are rich, the setting is absolutely transportive, and the plot quietly builds with secrets, moral dilemmas, and just enough intrigue to keep you fully invested.

What really elevates this story is how seamlessly it balances heart and tension. Daisy, Mason, and even delightfully eccentric Aunt Tilley all feel like fully realized people navigating messy, real life choices. The abandoned baby storyline could have felt overly dramatic in lesser hands, but here it’s handled with care, raising thoughtful questions about love, responsibility, and what it truly means to belong. It’s emotional without being heavy, dramatic without losing its warmth—a signature Harvey sweet spot.

I also switched between print and audiobook for this one, and the audio experience was phenomenal. Cassandra Campbell delivers exactly what you’d expect, absolute excellence, while Stephanie Einstein and Matt Pittenger were fantastic additions, bringing fresh energy and depth to the story. The full cast truly brought Cape Carolina to life in a way that made it hard to stop listening. This is peak “elevated beach read” it’s full of heart, a little bit of drama, a touch of intrigue, and that irresistible feeling of being completely swept away. Another home run from my beach read queen.

[Christina (Confessions of a Book Addict) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, but not my favorite of Harvey's. I loved the Southern setting, but ultimately, this felt more of a family drama to me than a "beach read" or "summer read." While the setting was by the coast, there weren't enough "beachy" touches that made this one a strong beach read. On top of that, there were some ethical lines that were crossed by the characters that I couldn't quite get past. Overall, a cute romance, and I enjoyed the high school baseball subplot, too. Full review to come.

[Angelie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up.
I really enjoyed this story, and cruised through it on audio. I liked the people, the way this idyllic town looks out for each other, and I was especially pleased with the outcome.

There were a few things that didn't work for me, but I don't want to spoil anything, because ultimately I recommend this book broadly.

Also, this is my first book by this author, and it won't be my last. I love how swept away you can get in her writing. ✍️

[Jessica Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer always starts with a KWH novel…I don’t make the rules 💁🏽‍♀️ Her writing always transports me to the setting so this felt like an escape to the calming coast of North Carolina.

Summer State of Mind captures your attention right away when an abandoned baby is found in a dumpster. And that’s just the beginning because we’re soon immersed in family drama, big secrets, little mysteries, a sweet romance and all the heartwarming emotions. The found family aspect really shines; I desperately wanted a seat at the Thaysden family table. The community really comes together as this sweet baby girl grounds them in more ways than one.

The characters really stole the show (quite literally), especially Aunt Tilley. She was so much fun to follow with her quirky banter and unrelenting love for her family. Daisy, the FMC is a nurse so of course I was engrossed in her story. I adored the cameos and revisiting Amelia and Parker from Under the Southern Sky, which was the first book I ever read by Kristy. The southern charm feel in her writing is unmatched!

You’ll definitely want to add this to your beach bag this summer!

[Gigi Ropp · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the description, I knew I would love this one and KWH delivered a masterpiece yet again! Baseball, babies, and a romance to die for, this is THE summer year of 2026!

[Susan Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summer State of Mind is a heartwarming novel about family, secrets (so many secrets!), and finding one’s true love. Shortly after moving to the small town of Cape Carolina, Daisy, an ICU nurse hoping to escape the hectic pace of working in a big hospital, she takes on the care of an abandoned newborn baby girl. That baby becomes the catalyst for the rest of its story, bringing people together, and bringing both joy and heartache to the people whose lives are turned upside down by her birth and subsequent abandonment. There are many highs and lows in this big family and their small town, and the secrets, confessions and revelations kept me turning pages to see how it all turns out. I received an advance review copy of this book from the publisher.

[Corinne Carson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fabulous, light-hearted read set in a Carolina beach town. When an abandoned baby (trigger warning that some may be put off with how this baby was abandoned) brings two people together, it was written in the stars that they should be together. However, things don't always fall in to place quite so easily, and Daisy & Mason have to muddle through some of their past issues before they can commit to one another. And to round out the wonderful cast of characters is Tilly, who sometimes has "spells" of where she enters into her own realities and leaves others calling her eccentric. She had her own past issues to deal with, but they all are surrounded by a very close-knit family & community that left my heart feeling warm, or like Tilly said, "a summer state of mind."

Many thanks to NetGalley & Gallery Books for the opportunity to read an advanced eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

[Mo Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
All opinions are my own.

Normally this author is an auto-read for me, but this book was a rare miss. I'll state for the record that books about women with baby fever are absolutely not for me, but I was willing to put up with it because usually the author's characters aren't so over-the-top. However, Daisy was almost cartoonish and I thought she was insane. She was also so mean girl to Sarah and Drew that it made me angry. I could not for the life of me understand how she was allowed to take care of sick kids. The "romance" happened so quickly I felt like I had missed something. I will say that the redeeming grace was Aunt Tilley. If the entire book had been about Tilley, I think I would have found it much more enjoyable. I don't recommend this.

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books!

[Karen (kmo.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you @uplitreads @netgalley #partner for the gifted copy.

Daisy is a NICU nurse decides it is time for a change after losing a patient in Charlotte. She flees to the coastal community of Cape Carolina On her first day on the job an abandoned baby comes into the hospital and so does the areas most eligible bachelor. She loves his family, his community and falls for him fast. Can she overcome the traumas for her past family relationships and keep her relationship with Mason in tact? Are some secrets worth keeping?

This story was exactly what I was looking for in a beach read. It was small town, southern charm vibes with romance mixed in. The sense of community and family love is overwhelming. The tie that binds.

[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.

[Edens Book Den · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt and incredibly human. This story was so easy to fall in love with. Emily Dickinson was right when she wrote, “There is no Frigate like a Book to take us Lands away,” and this book completely embodied that quote. From the coastal setting to the unforgettable characters, it carried me somewhere else for a while.

Daisy arrives in Cape Carolina overwhelmed by burnout and emotional exhaustion, while Mason is still wrestling with the life he thought he would have. After a heartbreaking situation brings their lives together, the book gradually becomes as much about healing and hope as it is about finding where you belong.

Filled with complicated family dynamics, fresh starts, and all the emotions that come with unexpected circumstances, I couldn’t put this book down. The relationships are imperfect, which makes them feel so believable. Aunt Tilley was an absolute standout for me.

I loved every second of this book…the characters, the story, the emotion, all of it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

[Tera · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went into this book blind because I have really just loved Kristy Woodson Harvey. However, this book fell a bit flat for me. I think the plot had such potential, but the main female character, Daisy, was a struggle for me. Her behavior just seemed all over the place. Shes becoming quite an experienced nurse, but yet I felt in many of the situations, she was incredibly immature. She behaved much younger than she really was and our main male character, Mason, is a playboy trying to turn over a new leaf, and between the two, of them, he is who I expected to have a touch of immaturity. But I actually really enjoyed Mason.

But Tilley took the cake. She was my favorite and so was her story. I think a whole book could be devoted just to her and her life. It could almost be a fantasy!

Regardless of some character development issues with the FMC, Kristy still gave us a lovable family dynamic with the beautiful coastal vibes and the yearning of summer. This is another book that could definitely be added to summer reading lists!