Secrets of Southern Girls by Haley Harrigan

When August, Reba's first love, begs Julie to come home to find the diary that Reba kept all those years ago, Julie's past comes creeping back to haunt her. Now, raising her daughter and struggling to make ends meet, Julie still can't forget the ghost of a girl with golden hair and a dangerous secret. Consumed by guilt, she left the small town of Lawrence Mill, Mississippi, and swore nothing would ever drag her back. Ten years ago, Julie Portland accidentally killed her best friend, Reba. This could've been a great read but unfortunately fell short due to this.'Harrigan's novel, part mystery and part coming-of-age, explores the process of healing from tragedies and misunderstandings.'-Publishers WeeklyĪn atmospheric novel about a young woman who uncovers devastating secrets that will resurrect the people she lost and the lies she buried-a suspenseful spin on the tender Southern novel. Overall, the author is gifted in word but seemed to have a bit of difficulty with completing the story of each of her characters. Again, August, as the afterthought he seems to be throughout the story, unfortunately, just ends. It honestly could've ended once the diary was completed and Julie and August left Mississippi to head back to their respective homes, but it didn't. It ended as though she didn't know where else to go with the story. I thoroughly enjoyed his character and kudos to the author for working her magic on him. The paint strewn tank, joint in his mouth and music blaring around him. I could imagine every but of him as he's painting his walls. Jumping off the pages through his anger, grittiness and just plain old bad boy self. He was beautifully written and came to life. She was definitely not what others thought she was or who she even believed she was. Reba we learned about through her diary and the other characters. Reba and Toby, now these characters were interesting. August seemed to be an after thought or one not much thought was placed in.

I enjoyed Julie in the beginning but the more the story went along I became frustrated with her character. Second, the story line was intriguing, the start up slow and the characters were not all what I wanted them to be.

I know many may not consider this when choosing a book, but I think it matters since one will be holding the book for so long while reading. First, the cover feels amazing in your hands. I really wanted to love it but just kind of liked it.

Secrets of Southern Girls by Haley Harrigan