This story has two mysteries and a little romance. The mysteries are the center of the story and they eventually make a connection. The twists and turns made it a fun read. The foul language was strong and constant. The language took away from the enjoyment for me. This is not Andrews normal beach, so know that before you pick it up.

There was a large cast of characters to keep up. It was also a little repetitive which made it move on the slow side. There was some amateur sleuthing, which always annoys me. Overall, not your typical MKA book.

It isn't summer until MKA is here! Let me tell you ... SHE IS HERE! I absolutely adored everything about "Summers at the Saint"! The drama, the suspense, the ROMANCE! I couldn't put this down. "Summers at the Saint" is sure to make the perfect beach companion!

This book was absolutely captivating. I couldn’t put it down! What I thought was going to be a happy beach read turned out to be a book full of mystery and deception and I was so here for it!

When I started the book I was definitely intimidated by the introduction of sooo many characters but if you can get past the first few initial chapters it all makes sense. Lots of POV’s too.

The story takes place at the ritzy Saint. A resort for high-class, wealthy people to vacation at. Traci went from being an Ain’t to a Saint when she married into the family…changing her life forever. Traci went through so much and losing her husband did not help the situation. She quickly found herself in charge of the Saint with her late husband’s brother and father (truly despicable men). She was in charge of hiring and maintaining the reputation of the resort. With their finances in the red, Traci had her work cut out for her…not to mention hiring was nearly impossible because housing was so costly in that area. Her solution? Offering dorm-styled housing for her employees. The employees came from all over and were from different walks of life. Some were Ain’ts and some were Saints.

When the employees moved into the dorm, it seemed all was good and that it’d be an outstanding summer. One thing led to another and Traci became aware of many lies and deceptions that were happening right under her nose. Some as menial as stealing, others as drastic as murder.

When I tell you this was a page turner, I mean it. This is a must read for the summer! Huge thanks to @netgalley and @ for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Mary Kay Andrews has assembled an ensemble cast of characters all of whom have issues and you know from the beginning that there is going to be trouble at Saint Cecilia Resort. The hotel and its adjacent membership housing development is located on a private island off the Georgia coast. It is of longstanding, catering to the monied southern aristocrat and in sharp contrast to the townies who work there and live on the other i.e wrong side of the causeway. There is the Eddings family, owners, who have survived the inclusion of two outsiders by marriage, one a dreaded townie and the other just dreadful. Both have positions in the family business.
Traci Eddings, the former townie, is now in her early forties and the CEO, having assumed the position after the tragic death of her husband Hoke in a plane crash. Traci seems capable of running the hotel despite heavy debt, staffing shortages, and post pandemic financial issues in the hospitality industry. A group of new employees have taken up residence on the property as a result of Traci’s idea to offer the perk of free dormitory style housing during the summer high season.
It’s not a spoiler to reveal there is a murder. After all, it’s an MKA thriller. Plus there is a subplot of someone sniffing around looking into a drowning that occurred at the resort 20 years previously.
Written exceptionally well, it was hard to put down ‘Summers at the Saint’. MKA is such an accomplished storyteller, with a voice and style that just flows effortlessly. The characters run the gamut of social class and moral fiber or lack of it, but everyone is relatable. The twists and reveals fit perfectly. There’s lots of dramatic excitement to grab the reader’s interest and keep the pages turning. In my opinion, this is the best of her novels I have read so far.
Thank you to the author for another great read, to the publisher St. Martin’s Press and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an ARC.

This was surprisingly my first Mary Kay Andrews book! Her writing style reads very similarly to Elin Hilderbrand’s books so it felt very familiar. It reminded me a lot specifically of the Hotel Nantucket (mostly just because of the hotel/restaurant setting and the multiple POVs). I liked most of the characters well enough and generally enjoy books like this with multiple POVs. The dialogue kind of felt stilted and awkward though, especially with the younger characters (what 20 year olds are saying “ugh as if!” in 2024????)

This book is advertised as a romance, but it feels like it’s half trying to be an easy breezy beach read and half trying to be a thriller/murder mystery. But it ends up not fully committing to either vibe and just feels kind of muddy and confused. I overall enjoyed the book though and will probably go back and pick up some of her other books!

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!!

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.