Member Reviews
Mary Kay Andrews doesn’t disappoint with her latest. In fact, does summer even begin without MKA? Another delightful tale, as always.
I loved this book and will definitely be purchasing it for our library.
What I thought was going to be a more chill spring/summer read - ended up being filled with twists, turns & some warm fuzzy feelings too 🙌🏼
Exploring the lives of those who work at, own or manage The Saint Hotel and the various story lines that bring each person into the world of The Saint - I was mesmerized by the intricacies that the pages of this book entailed. It also allowed for the opportunity to see the depths of which people will go for money, power & to hide family secrets.
This book not only contained elements of contemporary fiction but threw in various aspects of a mystery & that hooked me back in when I wasn’t 100% sure of the book to begin with - but Mary Kay’s writing style and plot twists are impeccable! I’d highly recommend The Summers At The Saint!
Also - I flipped back and forth between ebook and audiobook & I have to say, the narration was very well done and provided such a great connection to the characters!
i was really nervous going into this one because I haven't picked up any other Mary Kay Andrews books before. My nervousness only escalated when I realized the first 6 chapters were all told from different points of view. i didn't think I was going to be able to keep track. But WOW this book shocked me in so many ways. I was partially shocked because I didn't read the synopsis, so the whole premise of this book was entirely different than what I had assumed based on the cover. This book was a gripping mystery that left me playing detective. The conclusion made sense without being too predictable. Overall this was a great read!
I don’t know how, but this was my very first book by Mary Kay Andrews. It won’t be my last.
This book has a lot of characters and I was worried I’d get overwhelmed. I did not. There are so many storylines, twists, and turns that I thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
Definitely a read just in time for summer.
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews was a laid-back pool-side read. Summers at the Saint follows Traci, a widowed woman who runs the swankiest hotel in town. Traci's hotel, The Saint, was left in her care by her late husband. She doesn't get along with her husband's family members since she's an "Ain't" and from the wrong side of town. The story unfolds when many other characters come into play. There's a murder from the past, a murder from the present, under-the-table dealings, arson, and romance. Summers at the Saint has it all. It was a good way to escape real-life and dive into life at The Saint.
I enjoyed Summers at the Saint, but I didn't love it. I enjoy a story (even a beach read) with a little more substance and depth. There was a little too much going on in this story. Every tragedy that one could imagine happened, so the whole novel felt to be a little much. It also felt unusually long and drawn out. I'm hoping that by the time it's published, some of it is tightened up and shortened.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC of Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews in exchange for an honest review.
Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrew’s drew me right in just like an undertow at the beach. I started this fun read one afternoon and finished it by the next. It’s a story of full of relatable characters that feel like you know them, or at least know someone similar. Just the right mix of romance and intrigue. It’s a great summer vacation read and I will be recommending it to my friends and family. (Thank you NetGalley & St Martins Press for letting me preview this book. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to leave a positive review & all opinions are my own.)
Welcome to the St. Cecelia, a landmark hotel on the coast of Georgia, where traditions run deep and scandals run even deeper. In Mary Kay Andrews' Summers at the Saint, readers are whisked away to the charming world of the St. Cecelia, affectionately known as 'the Saint.' Traci Eddings, the widowed owner of the hotel, is determined to restore it to its former glory despite staff shortages, financial troubles, and the scheming of her greedy brother-in-law. When new revelations about a long-ago drowning and a tragic death rock the hotel, Traci finds herself at the center of a mystery that threatens to unravel everything.
The novel offers a delightful blend of murder mystery, family drama, and romance. Although the multiple points of view at the beginning may be overwhelming for some readers, the novel quickly finds its stride, offering a compelling storyline filled with twists and turns. With its mix of suspense, humor, and heart, Summers at the Saint is sure to satisfy fans of cozy mysteries looking for their next engaging read.
Thank you NetGalley and Mary Kay Andrews for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
📚ARC Review📚
The Summer at the Saint ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Traci Eddings runs the St. Ceclia, a posh resort on an island of the coast of Georgia. She used to work there as a teen since she was a local (an “ain’t”). She married the owners son and inherited the hotel after he passed away. Still grieving the death of her husband, Traci losses two key employees. This happens right before the upcoming summer season. She hires new employees but her brother-in-law is constantly interfering, especially since one of them is his daughter. She has to think outside the box to save the resort but she has a plan. However, once the summer begins, tragedy hits the island.
Overall, this was a good read. Think murder mystery with a little romance thrown in. The beachy summer vibe and rich atmosphere was great for a scandal. It was a little slow at the start but once you get into it, it’s good. I think it will be a great read for the summer!
This book will publish on May 7, 2024. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for my advanced readers copy. This is my honest and voluntary opinion.
Much different than the normal Mary Kay Andrews read. This book had murder, romance, friendships, and drama.
Traci Eddings runs the St. Ceclia. She inherited the hotel after her husband Hoke passed away. Traci, still grieving after the death of her husband, losses two key employees and is trying to prepare for the upcoming summer season. She hires new employees but her brother-in-law in constantly interfering.
With a whole list of characters this mystery novel takes off. At times, it was hard to follow for me with all the characters. Definitely more of a murder mystery than a romance and once I was able to get all the characters straight it was enjoyable.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read!
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 likes 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.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
What a wonderful book!! I love all of MKA’s books but I think this one maybe my favorite!! It takes place in Bonaventure GA at the Saint Cecilia Resort which is lovingly called “The Saint”. All of the characters were so full of personality. This book has romance and mystery, some parts will bring tears to your eyes and others will make you smile. I have to admit that I finished it late at night and when I got close to the ending it was a little scary!! This book has a little bit of everything!!! Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My review can be found on Goodreads and Amazon (publishing day).
This is the best of both worlds from Mary Kay Andrews. It's a beach read and a cozy mystery all in one. The Saint Cecilia Resort is more a character than a location in this book. A Landmark family run hotel on the coast of Georgia, when we meet this Grand Dame, she is struggling to survive in a world of five star amenities, but the current owner, Traci, is determined to turn it around. But when a new murder on the property threatens to turn up all kinds of family secrets, it gets more complicated quick.
The Saint is chock full of the great characters and Southern Lady drama MKA is known for. The beach breezes and the full of hormones and teen angst summer help will have you turning the pages while lounging in your beach chair.
I am a huge fan of Mary Kay Andrews' novels! Summers at the Saint has become my new favorite. It has family drama, mystery, intrigue, wonderful characters who I cared about, great scenery and of course, romance! I highly recommend this captivating novel. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
I read a Christmas book by this author a few months ago and really enjoyed it so I decided to try out a warmer weather book by her. She does love her “holiday” settings. When I first picked up this book I assumed this book setting was in Europe, but sadly it wasn’t. It was a good book beachside resort, with a murder mystery vibe. The character development was very detailed and even not the main characters of the book had a lot going on. I enjoyed the ending It did wrap up nicely with a little twist.
I discovered Mary Kay Andrews' books within the last few years. Since then, I've enjoyed each one I've read. Summers at the Saint is no different. It's another fine example of how well she writes characters. They are well developed and animated. You feel as if you know them personally in some ways. In addition, the storyline itself was rich with activity. Not only was there family drama, there was a side story that you don't necessarily see coming. There are tears and smiles. It's a well rounded conglomeration of just about everything and it's all blended together so well that you aren't exactly sure what your favorite piece is.
Overall, I think the thing that I liked most about this book is the fact that you're left wanting everyone to be able to feel equal with everyone else. Also, you can't help but be impressed by the level of story development that is involved. I enjoyed it all.
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: I recommend the audio. The narration was spot on in my opinion and really fit the characters. 5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley for early copies of both the audiobook and ebook.
This book keeps you entertained. There are many characters and a fabulous setting at a 5 star resort.
There are a couple plots throughout the series which includes:
Shady business
Rich customers
Murder
Jaded family history
Found love after loss
Previous accident at the resort
Reconnection of best friends
The book follows a group who all work at the Saint Cecilia. The resort is hemorrhaging money but Traci is determined to keep the business afloat in memory of her late husband, regardless of what her brother in law tries.
Traci hires a group of twenty-somethings who end up living on site. Things start happening and someone ends up dead.
The group is all involved and are determined to get to the bottom of the tragedy.
The Saint is no stranger to tragedy, 20 years ago a little boy drown and someone from the boy's life enters to figure out what truly happened.
Overall, this was a great story with a lot going on. So it is hard for me to summarize without giving anything away.
If you like a murder mystery with shady, rich characters with a splash of romance this is for you!
Thank you Netgalley, publishers and author for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.
I always love reading Mary Kay Andrew’s books, they’re so charming and have great plots.
Summers at the Saint is about Traci Eddings who spent her teen summers working at the towns posh resort with her best friend. Traci married one of the owner’s sons and was widowed, leaving her with ownership of the hotel business. The young widow struggles with the owner’s other son, Ric, trying to take over the business. Ric is jealous that his daughter is so close with Traci and has agreed to work at the Saint for the summer.
Once the season is in full swing is when intrigue and tragedy visits the island.
I love the way Mary Kay Andrews develops her characters, it makes me want to keep reading. This is a book I definitely recommend. Thanks to St Martins Press and NetGalley for this eARC to review.
I was unsure how to feel about this one at the very beginning. It's definitely a slow burn type of thriller, but once I got into the story I was HOOKED! The writing style is a bit different than I expected from Mary Kay Andrews' previous works, but her character development is unparalleled. Another win!
*Thanks to NetGalley for providing this ARC!*
I have always seen Mary Kay Andrews books but had never read one. I think Summers at The Saint was an excellent first read by this author. I went into this book expecting a romance with a side of mystery. What I got was a mystery with more mysteries and a shocking twist, with a tiny bit of romance. I truly enjoyed this book. There were many characters introduced in the beginning and I was afraid I would not like it but the character development was perfect and it helped peel back the layers of the mystery and add to the story. The author did such a good job describing the setting and characters of the St. Cecilia. I could truly picture it and felt like I was a guest right along with everyone else. This may have been my first Mary Kay Andrews book but it certainly will not be my last. Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the chance to read this Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review
Something sinister is simmering at the Saint . . . and this summer, it’s going to explode!
Mary Kay Andrew’s has crafted a story of mayhem, mystery, and even murder—all tossed together with her trademark wit and grit, sunshine and sass, and plenty of twists and turns. I couldn’t put it down! A perfect book for beach season or any season at all!
*Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.