Very sweet story, almost causing cavities. I read this for a book club and it's not normally the type of book I would read but I did enjoy knowing the places mentioned in the book since I lived in Kinston for 8 years. I felt more connection with Jodi than Khaki. Khaki always seemed so stuck in her own drama and her life was so far from anything I've ever experienced, I just couldn't relate. Jodi was so much more down to earth and relatable.

The author did a good job separating the voices of the two women; giving them their own chapters to tell their stories was a nice touch.

I only gave it 3 stars because it wasn't some grand story that knocked me off my feet but I know there are people who really enjoy this type of book. It's not horrible and worth the time if you like this type of chick-lit.
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As a cynical Northerner, I typically resist having my heartstrings yanked. I confess, however, that Dear Carolina did a job on me.

The chapters alternate between the voices of the birth mother, Jodi (young, naïve and short on self-worth), and the adoptive mother, Khaki (bold, loving and lucky), telling Carolina her story, and theirs. The structure is ambitious because we know the outcome at the start, yet Harvey expertly weaves tension into each chapter, finding angles to the storyline that glued me to the page. And the writing is impeccable.

Dear Carolina is a very sweet story, no doubt about it, but also a very real one. Told with humor and compassion, it explores the nuances of motherhood, family and devotion in a completely fresh way. Take it to the beach, or curl up with it in your favorite sunny chair, then pass it on to someone you love. It’s that sort of story.
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"My belly might've reached dern near to Tennessee when I faced west, but that didn't mean that I couldn't think a boy was cute."

"Pauline came in carrying Alex, and I could tell by the way her lips were moving that she was praying harder than a sinner on his deathbed."

I rate this book 4 stars based on the fact that I was highly amused through the whole book. I thought this southern, feel-good story was predictable which is why I couldn't give it 5 - everyone knows I don't like predictable - but I did like the characters and the story plus I chuckled throughout which is a plus.

I'm going to recommend this one to anyone who likes feel-good southern fiction. ( )

DEAR CAROLINA, a stunning southern and compelling debut of love and sacrifice by Kristy Woodson Harvey, of two mothers, one biological, one adoptive—with plenty of love to go around for one little girl, “You can never have too many people to love you.”

Frances “Khaki” Mason had it all with homes in both North Carolina and Manhattan. A successful interior designer, a loving husband, Graham and a son, Alex. She has the Best of two worlds (city and country). However, she has been unable to conceive a second time. They have tried everything and still coming up empty, very disappointed when they both wanted a house full of kids.

Jodi, is a 19-year old cousin of Grahams; an alcoholic, out of rehab, now pregnant, and a boyfriend long gone. She goes to Khaki for money for an abortion. Khaki, cannot believe here is a girl, who does not need to be pregnant, while she would give anything to be able to get pregnant. However, sometimes God just has other plans in mind. Adoption was not something she had ever thought about.

Speaking to baby Carolina in alternating chapters from voices of both Khaki and Jodi, with letters to their beloved daughter, from two totally different women, with one common interest – the best for their baby girl.

Written with southern charm, humor, compassion, and sensitivity, Dear Carolina will warm your heart. Being a Southern gal myself (native of NC), with clients in Charleston, SC, spending most of my adult career in Atlanta, GA, and South Florida being home for the last twelve years; I enjoyed the North Carolina/southern references, as Kristy knows her south, well. (would make a great gift for mother’s day).

An author to follow, she will be a big hit as a southern author, and enjoy her design blog, Design Chic, as an avid follower on social media.

I wanted to wait on the audio book; however, it is not currently out yet; however, enjoyed the Kindle e-book. Kristy, not sure who will be the narrator, but would love to hear January Lavoy narrate this one- One of my favorite performers for southern fiction.

Well-done, a beautiful debut! Look forward to many more bestsellers to come. ( )

Dear Carolina is a love story of two mothers to their infant daughter. One mother is the biological mother, Jodi, who has made some bad decisions in her life and is poor in money but so rich in spirit and hope for the future. The other mother is the mother who adopts Carolina, Khaki. She is ambitious, nurturing, caring and loving. Both of the mothers love their daughter and Khaki realizes very early that 'you can never have too many people to love you'. I live in North Carolina and these characters are so well done that I feel like they are people that I know in my daily life. Jodi is a serious gardener and canner and Khaki is a designer who has great thoughts and a heart of gold. The book made me laugh out loud and it made me cry. These are characters and this is a book that I won't forget and I really look forward to Kristy Harvey's next book. I see great things ahead for her and for her readers. ( )