“Under the Southern Sky” (400 pp. Gallery Books) is Kristy Woodson Harvey’s seventh novel. This is the book that will land her a screenwriting deal and solidify her presence not just on the Southern literary scene, but on the shelves of women’s fiction lovers across the globe; it is a truly good read.

Amelia Paxton, the novel’s protagonist, knew early in life that motherhood was not in her DNA, biologically or otherwise. She has created a fabulous, carefree life centered around her career in investigative journalism and built in Palm Beach, Florida, with her husband of many years. Yet when Amelia uncovers her husband’s infidelity, her world instantly collapses, and she slowly comes to understand the lack of depth in her relationships since leaving her childhood home, Cape Carolina.

As Amelia returns home, there is a great romance to unpack here, along with a “crazy” Aunt Tilley (complete with tragic backstory) and a host of other characters who round out this extremely readable and compelling tale. Most importantly, this novel is centered around strong female voices (along with an incredible male ally, Amelia’s childhood friend, Parker).

Each woman in the story makes incredibly painful choices — to raise a child not biologically theirs, to give birth to a child not biologically theirs, to harvest their embryos while deathly ill — yet these maternity choices are not the only ones their characters face in “Under the Southern Sky.” There is such depth of characters and plot on display; Cape Carolina comes alive in this novel.

Mark your calendars to come into South Main Book Company on Thursday, April 22, from 4-6 p.m. for Woodson Harvey’s book signing. All of Kristy Woodson Harvey’s titles are available at Salisbury’s independent bookstore, South Main Book Company, located at 110 S. Main St. Call 704-630-9788 or email southmainbookcompany@gmail.com to confirm store hours and events. Alissa Redmond is the owner of this store.

Kristy Woodson Harvey is an author and Rowan County native. She lives with her husband and son in Beaufort, N.C.