Have you ever read a book and you really thought you knew where it was going only to be so shocked at where it actually went but in the best way possible? For me Summers at The Saint fits this description to a tee. Widow Traci Eddings runs the posh hotel The St. Cecelia or “The Saint” for short. If you’re wealthy enough to stay here you’ll be called a Saint by the locals. Don’t worry it’s a compliment (sort of, maybe?) and if you’re not you guessed it - you’re an Ain’t! Traci definitely knows full well what it is to be an Ain’t. One summer fate however would change all of this for her. In true Mary Kay Andrews fashion there were twists and turns but it was the depth of those twists and turns that kept me glued to this story right until the very end. Decades long unsolved mysteries and deceptions are met with present day traumas and intrigue. A mix of interesting and vibrant characters with varying motives and allegiances keeps the story flowing seamlessly. If you’re looking for iconic scenery, rich characters, fast paced intrigue and a genuine modern take on the whodunit story look no further this is the book for you. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this pre release copy. 81 s7 comments Sally HananAuthor 8 books145

I was looking forward to reading this as I've enjoyed Mary Kay's previous books. Sadly, this was not as good. The setting was lovely - who wouldn't enjoy a beachside resort with all the trimmings? - but there was so much going on and far too many characters for it to be a good read.
The cover makes it look it's a beach read, but it's actually a mix of a murder mystery with new adult with romance. It starts out with Traci Eddings missing her husband who died in a helicopter crash and then we are introduced to her lovely niece and toxic in-laws, followed by multiple characters who are hired to work at the hotel for the summer followed by an out-of-town detective. Mix in murder and theft and attempted murder and you have a book that doesn't really know what it is.51 s18 comments Carrie3,369 1,605

Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews is a women’s fiction novel that mixes a bit of romance with a murder mystery. The story in Summers at the Saint is one that is told by changing the point of view between the characters and also by a bit of flashing back to the past.

Traci Eddings grew up along the coast of Georgia where she came from a modest background and was one of the locals who’s family couldn’t afford the luxury St. Cecelia, a landmark hotel, also know as the Saint. It was known in town that the rich came from all over to stay at the Saint and others were simply known as the Ain’ts. One summer Traci and her best friend from town got jobs at the Saint and that is where Traci met her husband, the son of the wealthy owners of the Saint.

Now twenty years later Traci is running the Saint herself after he husband passed unexpectedly. Looking to fill the staff Traci tries some new ideas to recruit staff and make it a profitable summer including getting her niece to stay and help despite her brother in law’s objections. Things definitely don’t go as planned however when a murder takes place on the secured grounds of the hotel and Traci’s father in law passes leaving her ownership of the Saint in question.

Mary Kay Andrews is one of those authors that if I get in a slump or find myself muddling through some sub par books I can also count on one of her books to bring my spirits back. Summers at the Saint was no exception to that fact when I immediately found myself transported to this old resort and watching as the summer staff took over. Just as I had images of Baby’s time at Dirty Dancing lodge popping into my head we get murder and mayhem to dive into making this story fly by! Definitely one I’d recommend and an author I’ll always return to reading.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more please visit https://carriesbook.com/netgalley42 s2 comments Jenny158 248

Wow, what a cute and captivating story "Summers at the Saint" turned out to be! I'm all in for suspenseful tales, and this one had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

Mary Kay Andrews weaves a narrative that's not just a murder mystery but also a rollercoaster of family drama and a sprinkle of romance. The multiple storylines add a layer of complexity that keeps you hooked, though I'll admit, it took a moment to catch up with all the characters and their perspectives.

The plot is intriguing right from the get-go. Two lifeguards, Traci and Shannon, working for the "saints" among the affluent crowd! Fast forward a few years, and Traci's life takes a turn when she marries into the family that owns the resort. The joy is short-lived as tragedy strikes, leaving Traci to manage the struggling hotel on her own.

The mix of mystery, shady histories, and the challenges of running a high-end resort in a post-pandemic world adds layers to the story. Traci, along with her crew of young employees, becomes the heart of "The Saint Cecelia." Their struggles to maintain the legacy of the resort while dealing with suspicious activities create a compelling narrative.

Sure, the start might be a bit busy with numerous points of view, but once you settle in, it's an absolute delight. Mary Kay Andrews creates a perfect balance between the suspenseful mysteries and the warmth of summer vibes. It's a literary vacation you never want to end.

This book is perfect for a vacation read. Picture yourself under the sun, trying to unravel the mysteries alongside Traci and her team. It's engaging, fun, and just the right amount of suspense to keep you turning those pages. "Summers at the Saint" is a delightful escape that I wholeheartedly recommend, especially if you love a good mix of mystery and summer vibes.netgalley uno-202438 s2 comments Chantal638 621

Right from the start, the story grabs your attention with its mix of mystery and charm. Traci, along with many interesting characters, navigates the resort's history and hidden secrets. The story blends a murder mystery with the challenges of running a fancy resort after a big crisis, keeping you hooked until the end.

Even though there are many characters, the story moves along quickly, making it easy to read. Some parts might feel a bit sudden, but the overall mystery and relationships make up for it.

At its heart, this book is about Traci's strength and the friendships she forms during tough times. She becomes the soul of the Saint Cecilia, fighting to keep its legacy alive while uncovering the truth behind the mysteries.

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillian Audio for the opportunity to listen and review this audiobook ARC. 36 s Coco (Semi-Hiatus)943 68

Don't judge this book by its cover; it's not as lighthearted as it appears, but it was still a solid read.

The story revolves around Traci, the owner of the St. Cecelia Hotel, and her staff navigating a series of challenges during the summer. Right from the start, the hotel is beset by one problem after another. Adding to the intrigue, another death occurs on the premises! Are these events connected? Will Traci succeed in saving the hotel and ensuring its survival?

If you're a fan of the show The White Lotus, you'll definitely appreciate this novel. Keep in mind, the book takes on a more serious tone, blending mystery with a touch of romance. Despite the introduction of numerous characters, the author skillfully ensures the story remains easy to follow. It's an entertaining read and perfect for anyone seeking a summertime murder mystery.

***Thank you to NetGalley, Mary Kay Andrews, and Macmillan Audio for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***adult-romance arc-giveaway-freebie contemporary34 s10 comments Kerrin 336 221

"Everyone refers to the St. Cecelia as “the Saint.” If you grew up coming here, you were “a Saint.” If you came from the wrong side of the river, you were “an Ain’t.” Traci Eddings was an Ain't, until she married one of the owner's two sons. When her husband tragically died, Traci found herself as the operator of this luxury property on the coast of Georgia. Unfortunately, there are people, both known and unknown, who are working against her.

"Summers at the Saint" marked my inaugural journey into the literary world of esteemed author Mary Kay Andrews, and it certainly won't be my last. I enjoyed the twists, the theme of misplaced trust, and a new opportunity for love.33 s8 comments Lori1,892 118

Just finished this amazing and delightful novel by new to me Mary Kay Andrews.
Yes, it might be 400 pages but I didn't let that stop me. There's just so much going on in this adventure.
Yes, I would read another Mary Kay Andrew's novel. I loved every minute of it.
And I loved the idea that my last name Parrish was used as a first name! How cool is that?!
There's a few characters in there that I wanted to strangle of course. Garrett, Madelyn and KJ.
I think my favorite part was the setting. She described that place so well that I felt I was there.
I do agree with another reader that we could do without the profanity. I'd rather she use other words. In my opinion it would still be well received without that. Only thing I didn't about the book. Otherwise, 5 stars
I highly recommend it! Great storyline with mystery mixed in to keep it going.
My thanks to Netgalley and St..Martin's for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.27 s Gloria926 126

I was pulled into Summers at the Saint from the beginning, and it only got more engrossing as I read. The Saint is a fictitious resort on the lovely coast of Georgia where the rich are members and guests called the Saints and th0se who cannot afford to stay at the resort are the Ain'ts. Traci was an Ain't until she married into the family. Now a widow, she is CEO and President of the resort, against the s of her nasty in-laws. Her brother-in-law Ric and father-in-law Fred can't change her place in the family business as her husband's will dictates. Ric runs the real estate portion of the business. It is summertime and the resort is getting busy, but events happen to hinder things. We get flashbacks from when Traci and her friend Shannon were teen lifeguards at the pool and tragedy struck. This story is a rich tale as MKA is known for with interesting characters, both likable and ethical as well as unlikable and unscrupulous. It has long held secrets and new secrets, thievery, suspense, murder, romance, and downright meanness. Buckle down for a wild ride.
Coarse language.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.2024 contemporary-romance-suspense family-relationships ...more26 s2 comments Tammy1,023 239

MKA is my favorite go-to author for the perfect pool/beach read to kick off summer. She has hit the ball out of the park yet again with this mind-bending, creative and edgy novel. SUMMERS AT THE SAINT has all the goodness of mystery, murder, lies and secrets.. family dysfunction.. and a wholesome second-chance romance with sweet touches of funny banter. All take place on the grounds of a luxurious, landmark hotel of the wealthy.. The St. Cecelia called “The Saint,” that is on an island off the Georgia coast. Andrews captures riveting suspense with all the feels of a soap opera in a picturesque southern summertime setting. This is fast-paced with sooo many (edge-of-your-seat!) twists and turns, is a bit dark in places but Andrews balances those well with (her) signature style of heart-touching, endearment within her characters. What a tale, loved it! ? 5 stars — Pub. 5/7/24

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.release-202423 s theliterateleprechaun1,673 27

When her husband Hoke passes away, Traci Eddings inherits the St. Cecilia resort. She feels as though she’s been thrown into the deep end and is struggling to survive. It doesn’t take long before she realizes that she’s inherited more than the resort; she’s inherited the family drama, too. As readers learn more about Hoke’s family-run business, they discover that there’s more than meets the eye at this fictional island resort on the Georgian coast. Can Traci right the wrongs of the past and carve a new history for ‘the saint’?

Allow MKA to set the scene and introduce the characters before she dives into the mystery, history and secrets in this luxury resort. She’ll take you back to Traci’s past when she did lifeguarding for the ‘saints’ and then immerse you in the present-day running of the resort. It’s a wonderful armchair travel on a dark, dreary winter’s day. I was immediately sucked in by the summery atmosphere and compelling mystery, rich in tradition and scandals.

This is a great mystery with a touch of romance and one that highlights betrayal and long-buried secrets. I can always count on MKA’s ability to write a heartfelt story, giving us a realistic view of human nature. For me, this one had the perfect balance; a main course mystery with a side dish of romance. I really look forward to my biannual MKA literary treat.

I was gifted this copy by St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review. 2024-reads mystery-suspense netgalley ...more21 s2 comments Anne Wolters329 16

Traci and Shannon grew up in Bonaventure, a working-class neighborhood, and when they were older, they realized there is a well-defined different social class in their small community. There are those who live in their neighborhood and those on Cecilia Island at the Saint Cecelia Resort complex. Traci and Shannon realize that they live on the wrong side of the causeway, however, at age 19 both Traci and Shannon got jobs at the resort as lifeguards. That summer experience changed the trajectory of both their lives.
Traci meets and marries Hoke Eddings, grandson of the founder of the beach resort, and Shannon, now a nurse, raises her baby daughter as a single mother. At age 40 Traci is a widow resulting from a tragic airplane accident that took the life of her bellowed husband. She inherits the hotel on the property and takes over Hoke’s role of overseeing the management and ensuring the success of the hotel.
All the main characters are strong and unforgettable. This story takes you on a a wild ride with many moving parts and surprising situations. The revelation of a tightly held secret of over twenty years has the potential of changing many lives. Traci and Shannon’s relationship has been estranged for over 20 years although they are brought back together as the result of a shocking discovery.
Mary Kay Andrews is a master storyteller and I’ve enjoyed every book of hers that I’ve read, although I would love it if some of her characters didn’t use profanity. Her stories would be just as fascinating and heartfelt.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions expressed are my own.20 s Heather~ Nature.books.and.coffee748 183

I always enjoy MKA summer reads! This is another enjoyable beach read full of mystery, romance and suspense. I listened to this on audiobook. It was narrated by Kathleen McInerney and she was excellent! I got all the summery vibes while listening to it.

The St. Cecilia hotel is called “The Saint”. It was an exclusive luxury hotel back in the day and the rich patrons who had connections would spend their summers there. Traci Eddings wasn't one of those, but she did spend a summer working there, and ended up marrying her boss's son. She's now a widow and has inherited the hotel. She feels she's in over her head. She also has to deal with the unexpected drama of her hubbys family. She wants to bring The Saint back to its glory. She plans to spend the summer doing just that. There is a full cast of fleshed out characters, and decades of secrets and unsolved mysteries that get revealed. This is entertaining, fun and captivating. If you enjoy a good whodunnit, pick this one up!!

Thank you to the publisher, Macmillan Audio and netgalley for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. 15 s Elizabeth of Silver's Reviews1,139 1,521

Who wouldn’t want to be a guest at the Saint?

The exclusive resort was only affordable to the rich, but the next best thing would be to work there.

But was it the best place to work?

Traci worked there in the summers as a teenager, met the owner’s son, married him, and is now running the place since her husband was killed in an airplane accident.

It all sounds wonderful, but things happened when Traci was a teenager and things are happening now.

Murder, mystery, great characters, behind-the-scenes scams, cunning characters, but all of it wrapped up for another wonderful, can't-put-down read by Mary Kay Andrews.

Don’t forget to pack this in your beach bag or even for reading on your back porch.

You won't want to miss it.

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.15 s Anita2,310 185

When I selected this book, I thought I was getting a nice, fun, summer read. What I got was something very different. Mystery, suspense, backstabbing and a whole cast of characters that start out as strangers, but end up as a cohesive unit. Mary Kay Andrews continues to blur the lines between Romance, Cozy-Mystery and Chick-Lit. This book has all those elements, but to label it just one is a disservice to the author who has crafted a wonderful plot with interesting characters.

Since covid the hospitality industry has faced a challenge and a lot of hotels have struggled just to survive. With newer, flashier competition opening up just down the coast the St. Cecelia is a dinosaur struggling to survive in a modern world. Finding good employees is a constant problem and for Traci Eddings, owner of The Saint, that is so true especially heading into the summer high season. But not anyone can do the job required of a Saint employee. The highest standards must be upheld in the tradition of the 100-year-old hotel and the family that runs it.

This year Traci has an idea that has caused friction with her tradition bound family. In order to attract and keep quality employees, she is building an employee dorm. As the young widow of the owner, Traci has battled her depression and Hoke's family to uphold the traditions of The Saint and make it a profitable enterprise. Traci has felt deeply the chasm between the patrons of "the Saint" and the people who weren't, "an Ain't". As a former Ain't, Traci has had to battle for her position at the hotel and in the family against her father-in-law and her brother-in-law. But Traci is a survivor and is determined to make the Saint a success.

The employees living in the new dorm are a mixed bag. A waiter who has working at the Saint since he was old enough to; a new chef with wonderful ideas; the daughter of Traci's estranged friend; the son of a rich patron who needs to grow up; and her niece who has the hotel in her blood. Each has secrets and each has dreams. Throw into the mix the brother of a long-ago drowning victim who wants to know what exactly happened and the death of one of their own and you have a mystery that will draw them all together or tear them apart.

My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.arc mystery-w-romance15 s8 comments Chris C - A Midlife Wife1,638 331

Murder mystery with loads of twists and a well deserved HEA.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It is always interesting to expect one thing from a story and then be surprised to find the story is different. This one I expected a woman’s fiction with romance but we are delivered a murder mystery. This is a multiple murder mystery, perfect for the cozy mystery lovers out there.

This story blends in a bit of building romance with this mystery based on a delightful setting anyone would love to visit if it was a real location. I literally consumed this book. The story is fresh and interesting.

Andrews adds loads of twists and turns with characters that keep you guessing throughout. Her characters are spiteful, sneaky, trusting, and oblivious to reality. I enjoyed each of them as they added so much to the plot and kept us on our toes as we dive into each of the issues at hand.

There is plenty to keep track of in this story but it flows easily and Andrews manages to surprise me a time or two. The HEA at the end is so well deserved and worth it all. This just isn’t a beach read. It is an anytime read!
~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/summers-at-t...contemporary-fiction crime ...more15 s Elle7

This was a fun, easy read! I had an ARC from NetGalley. I was entertained enough to read the entire thing in a day, so that’s something. There are a lot of characters to keep up with, but the story is pretty good and moves along at a good pace. There were a few clunky transitions in the plot, but if you want a light read with a side of “whodunnit”, this is a good pick. 15 s Bam cooks the books ;-)2,026 272

Looking for a good read to take on summer vacation? No need to look further than Mary Kay Andrews' latest summer romantic mystery. It's set on a private island off the Georgia coast at the Saint Cecelia, an exclusive beach resort and country club. It's been in the Eddings family for a hundred years and is now being run by Traci Eddings, the widow of the family's youngest son.

The busy season is about to start and Traci is having trouble with staffing. She's decided to create a dorm out of an old garage to provide free housing for her employees as an added incentive, along with an attractive signing bonus. And she begs her niece Parrish to postpone a European trip to man the front desk as guest relations director.

Parrish soon notices guests are reporting some strange problems, such as uncomfortable mattresses and poor television reception, and starts keeping a 'bitch book.' There are complaints from restaurant diners too about not receiving top-notch liquors and the new executive chef notices less-than-fresh-fish from longtime suppliers. What's going on at the Saint?

When one of the staff is found dead, two of her dorm mates team up to figure out who killed her. But are they putting themselves in harm's way? Meanwhile Traci is becoming entangled in a possible romantic relationship. Is she ready to begin again?

Although some parts of the mystery are easy to figure out, there is still a nice twist up MKA's sleeve. This is a fun, light, and entertaining read. I've read some complaints about the number of f-bombs in this story but I was thinking as I read that MKA is a master of creating realistic conversations in this day and age.

Bookreporter interview with MKA about her book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPgCO...

Many thanks to the author and publisher for an arc of this new novel via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.2024-netgalley 2024-reads mystery ...more14 s4 comments Stephaniesbooks 457 35

I was in my happy place reading Summers at the Saint. It is a fun, entertaining read that takes you to summertime in Georgia at an inclusive family resort.

The main character, Tricia, is very able, there are some great secondary characters, there is a murder, family dysfunction, betrayals, secrets, friendships, and even a budding romance. The story is written in an easy to read style and the pacing was good although I think the book could have been a bit shorter (than its current 400 pages). I was absorbed by the novel and looked forward to picking it back up the few times I had to leave it to do other things. I found the ending maybe not quite as strong as the rest of the story. However, overall, I had a great, enjoyable experience reading this novel and recommend it as a solid summer read!

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.13 s2 comments Nancy Macintosh23

I am biased because I am such a fan of Mary Kay Andrews (MKA). I had very little knowledge of this book, just that MKA had recently completed it and it would be available in May., according to her FB posts. I was elated when I received this DRC! And I was not disappointed. MKA wove such an intricate web of shady dealings, family intrigue, murders, and thefts set in an exclusive St. Cecilia resort, known as the Saint. When I started reading the book, this description of the Saint, brought to mind the Don Cesar in St.. Petersburg Florida. You will root for the good guys, while a few reptilian characters will repulse you. This book will be a juicy summer read - whether by the pool, on a beach or in an air conditioned room. Enjoy!13 s The Gist175 21

Mary Kay Andrews never disappoints!
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I've read a few other books by Mary Kay Andrews, and I enjoyed this one just as much. What sets this one apart is that it has some suspense and mystery in addition to the romance.

Summers At The Saint takes place on a fictional island off the Georgia coast at a resort called Saint Cecilia. Traci manages the resort after her husband, Hoke, died in a plane crash. The resort belonged to Hokes father. Hoke's brother, Ric, manages the financial side of things. Traci just doesn't trust him at all.
After the pandemic, the books are in the red. Traci needs to get them into the green. We get the backstory pretty quickly, and then the story turns into the murder mystery of what really happened.

I didn't predict how this story would end up at all. This was such a great book. It was refreshing but yet thrilling.

Thank you, Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.12 s Linden1,677 1 follower

Traci, a girl from the other side of the tracks, married Hoke, the scion of a wealthy family which owns The Saint, a hotel/resort catering to a rich clientele. When Hoke died, his brother Rick and his father still treated Traci as an inferior, even though she inherited from her husband and managed the Saint. When one of the young people working there is murdered, several people decide to investigate. One of them is Whelan, who is also investigating the death of his younger half brother at the Saint many years ago. This novel is considerably darker than the beach/holiday reads I'm used to from Andrews. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.advance-review-copy12 s2 comments DeAnn1,466

4.0 southern summer stars *now available

This was my first Mary Kay Andrews book, but now I’m ready to read more.

A southern hospitality romance with lies, deception, and even murder thrown in.

The title refers to an upscale hotel in Georgia called the St. Cecelia, also referred to as The Saint by the hotel's members. If you weren’t wealthy enough to stay there, you are an Ain’t.

Traci is one of the rare breeds who started out as an Ain’t but married into the family that owns the hotel, becoming part of the Eddings family. Recently widowed, she’s still working hard to keep up standards at the hotel and keep the guests coming. There are some strange things happening, though, that guests are complaining about uncomfortable beds, TVs that don’t work, alcohol that doesn’t taste right, and poor-quality seafood.

A whole new group of young people has been brought in to help run the hotel for the summer. They live in the newly revamped dorms. We meet them all until tragedy strikes one of them.

Will Traci be able to figure out what happened and what is going on at the hotel? This one has some good twists and a host of characters to track, but I loved the Southern charm and writing.

My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review this one. 2024 netgalley-202411 s10 comments Blue338 5

The huge pink hotel and resort is the place to choose for the summer. Everybody all over town knows The Saint. There is where the rich and those who will follow them in the future are found during the summer. Many buildings are being renovated. Others are being built. Then, there are the new hires. One of the higher ups' sons has been kicked out of school. His dad makes him stay at home and work at The Saint. His housing is the dorm. No one rich stays there. The Saint is the "hit" place. Stay there, go there or be square. The Verandah is the place to eat lunch. It's all about competing with your neighbor. You won't believe what one lady sees in the pool. It almost made me feel sick on the stomach.

KJ is going to get in trouble all over again. He's an innocent turning bad. His father warned him and his mother tried to talk to him too. He has been told what it takes to become a success. He shouldn't follow just anyone who comes along. If he does, in later life, he will have many regrets. He' also taking drugs. Cocaine is mentioned in conversations. I feel sorry for KJ. Someone needs to save him from himself. He is his own worse enemy. The book has the flavor of the Fifties. You can really hear them talking in your head. Reading about their troubles and good times is fun. Remember Ron Howard and the group?11 s Robin524 19

Great read, Story set at the St Cecilia Resort commonly called The Saint. The main character, Traci, started out as a "townie" or as commonly called, an ain't vs. a Saint from the right side of town. Traci started working at the Saint Resort at age 17 as a lifeguard and worked her way up. She and the younger son of the owners fell in love and eventually married. Unfortunately, 5 yrs later, she loses the love of her life in a plane crash. The family never approved of her, but since she now owns a large part of the resort, they are stuck with her. There are many secrets and family scandals that abound. Will they unravel? Page turner for sure. Another great MaryKay Andrews book. Thank you to MKA, Publishers, and Net Galley for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my review.11 s Shereadbookblog743

The St. Cecilia, known as “the Saint”, is a sprawling pink themed resort that caters to only the wealthiest on a private island on the coast of Georgia. Under that lavish, polished exterior, however, all is not what it seems.

Those who stay here are known as “the Saints”; the townies who can’t afford to and only work there are the “Ain’ts”. Lifeguard Traci Eddings was an Ain’t until the boss’s son fell in love with and married her. Widowed when he was killed in a plane crash, Traci now tirelessly runs the resort, trying to continue it’s legacy and save it from financial difficulties. She is often at odds with her unscrupulous brother-in-law who never accepted her into the family. As she strives to staff the resort for the summer, there seems to be something nefarious going on and when someone ends up dead, there is that mystery to solve, along with what is going on with complaints of inferior supplies, as well as what really happened when a young child drown there many years ago. Oh, and, there may be a new man in her life as well!

Mary Kay Andrews is a popular author and this is the first book of hers that I have read. Despite the length, it was a fast, very engrossing read. A multi layered story, some of it was predictable, other times there were surprises. Genre bending and contemporary, there was mystery, family drama, and some romance. I d how the first few chapters introduced the main players and their stories before pulling them together and I loved the setting. This was a pleasing read, perfect for days at the beach!
11 s Toni692 226

One of MKA’s best books ever!

I just finished this an hour ago and wanted to tell you everyone how incredible this book is.

A family of characters, and I mean ‘characters,’ that you probably wouldn’t want as relatives! Wealthy, cunning and cutthroat! A page turner for sure.

Back with more.



Thanks to Edelweiss and St. Martin’s Press. 2024-edelweiss10 s Shanon Gibson17

Mary Kay Andrews has written another great story full of likable and interesting characters along with a well developed plot.

Traci went from an “Ain’t” to a “Saint” when she married the son of the family who owned St Cecelia resort on the Georgia coast. Unfortunately, her husband has passed away and she has been running the resort in his place and barely getting by despite decent bookings and a full restaurant. She lost her chef and guest relations manager to a newer resort just days before their busy summer season and she hires some local kids and her niece to fill those positions. This brings together our cast of characters. Of course, nothing is ever as it seems and we quickly learn about a mysterious drowning when Traci was a young lifeguard at the resort, some family drama is front and center in Traci’s daily life, a death of a beloved person, a bit of employee shenanigans, and a budding new romance round out the story.

I really enjoyed the book despite a busy start with perhaps a bit too many POV’s but after we get a little back story on the characters it move away from that. The ending felt a little rushed but not unrealistic and I closed the book feeling satisfied with it. This is the perfect book to take on vacation or sit in your favorite chair with a cold glass of sweet tea to spend some time trying to solve the mysteries in the story.


I read an advanced copy on NetGalley but this is my honest, unbiased opinion.9 s Lisa681 261

A Delightful Beach Read Full of Substance and Mystery

SUMMARY
Traci Eddings is the owner of St. Cecelia, a historic and renowned hotel painted in pink, located off the coast of Southern Georgia. The hotel is full of traditions and even a few scandals. Traci, an outsider, inherited the hotel from her late husband. Currently, she is facing staff shortages and financial difficulties while striving to restore the hotel to its former glory. Traci has only one season to turn things around.

Rick, Traci's brother-in-law, is greedy and unconscionable and wants Traci to fail. He thinks that an outsider Traci is not fit to run his family's hotel and is willing to do anything to obstruct her every move.


REVIEW
SUMMERS AT THE SAINT is a delightful beach read full of substance and mystery. Traci Eddings’ character is strong, smart, and delightful, and her story is captivating.

Author Mary Kay Andrews has packed the intricate story with many great characters, several plot lines, and some interesting twists. It’s a murder mystery and family drama with just a little bit of romance thrown in for good measure.

I listened to the audiobook of SUMMERS AT THE SAINT, and the narration by Kathleen McInerney is expertly delivered and draws you into the story from the beginning. It was a great book for listening,

Thanks to Netgalley for an advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Publisher St. Martin’s Press/McMillian Audio
Published May 7, 2024
Narrated Kathleen McInerney
Review www.bluestocking.com2024 5-star- netgalley-2024 ...more9 s3 comments Jackie Sunday552 30

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