Southern Living posted about “dressers” a few weeks ago. If you haven’t heard the term, a “dresser” is a cute little sip of something you drink while you’re getting ready for a big night out. Sort of the prim and proper cousin of the pregame.
So, my now husband Will and I had our first “real” dinner date, and he was supposed to pick me up at 7. He showed up at my house at 6. Y’all, if I invite you over at 7, and you come at 6, it is a miracle if I have even showered. Fortunately, I had at least done that because this was a big date, and I wanted extra time to get ready. But I still had to dry my hair, put on my makeup, get dressed, etc. Let’s just say: Not the early impression I was hoping to make on a boy I really liked.
But. BUT. He came early to bring me a “dresser.” I truly thought it was the cutest, sweetest, most adorable thing in the whole world.
Anyway, I obviously knew I was going to marry him then. And he’s been bringing me “dressers” ever since. Only, now I’m a little, um, older. And a drink or two on a night out is about all I need. So… given my advanced age ;)… this is actually cold brew. Blended with chocolate whey. I pretend it’s an espresso martini while meeting my protein goals. Everyone wins. And the legacy of the dresser continues on—just in a slightly different form.
I love little phrases like these. They’re part of the reason I love to write about the South so much.
So, now, I’m about to head out on tour for a few weeks (No dressers for me!) to get out in the world and talk about SUMMER STATE OF MIND, a story with more than a few Southern-isms in it 😉 And, oh my goodness, would I ever love to see you!
Tour Dates
Greenville, SC and Raleigh, NC are SOLD OUT — and Greensboro, NC has maybe a ticket or two remaining, so grab that now if you want to come!
I’m hitting Washington—a state I’ve never toured in!—and California, where I haven’t been in years, and it would mean so much if you’d come hang out with me!
Preorder Freebies
Last few days to claim your preorder freebies! When you pre-order your copy of SUMMER STATE OF MIND from your retailer of choice (including the Friends & Fiction Spring Subscription with Oxford Exchange and the Nantucket Books special preorder), fill out the form to receive:
1. A custom, acrylic SUMMER STATE OF MIND bookmark with tassel.
2. SUMMER STATE OF MIND signed book plate.
3. “Live Your Story” refrigerator magnet.
4. Page-by-page readers guide with videos, excerpts, and special insight from KWH.
If you preorder multiple copies, feel free to email ashley@kristywoodsonharvey.com to get your swag in one package!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for ALL your support of this novel already. I’m just over-the-moon about sharing Daisy, Mason, Aunt Tilley, and the abandoned baby discovered in Cape Carolina that will change everything!
Friends & Fiction Subscription
The 2026 Subscription Box is here! Once again we’ve partnered with our dear friends at Tampa’s Oxford Exchange for this exclusive opportunity to get all three of the forthcoming 2026 novels by our hosts and founders all in one easy purchase.
This subscription includes three separate shipments:
1. MAY 2026: A hardcover, signed, first edition of my forthcoming book SUMMER STATE OF MIND!
2. JUNE 2026: A hardcover, signed, first edition of ROAD TRIP by
3. AUGUST 2026: A hardcover, signed, first edition of MEET ME IN PARIS by !
Plus fun F&F swag!
Thank you, thank you, thank you, love for all your support. For your preorders and your posts and your kind words. You guys make this a dream job every day! I cannot wait for May 5. Until then, wishing you sunshine, blue skies, and a SUMMER STATE OF MIND!
Reader Interactions