Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchanged for my honest review.

3.5 STARS

Summer at the Saint is a captivating read that defies the typical lighthearted summer book, offering much more depth and complexity. With multiple intertwined storylines, it keeps you engaged, but at times I felt like there was too much happening with lots of side plots and characters. The characters were not as well-developed as previous books from Andrews, likely because this book had so many characters. It was a fun book to read and entertaining.

Fun story with a great narrator. A who- dunit at the Saint hotel. Secret among a family, college students, a murder and so many suspects. The only downfall is that this novel is much longer than needed. Another fantastic MKA novel.

Mary Kay Andrews is an author who I always look forward to her new releases. Summers at the Saint had a little bit of everything. This book contains some mystery and romance. The perfect read for anyone.

A Charming and Nostalgic Summer Read

Mary Kay Andrews delivers another delightful summer escape with Summers at the Saint. Set against the backdrop of a historic coastal resort, the novel is filled with mystery, romance, and a touch of Southern charm. Andrews’ signature storytelling shines through, bringing the setting and characters to life with vivid descriptions and heartfelt moments.

The novel blends past and present seamlessly, weaving together a compelling mystery with engaging personal drama. The characters are well-developed, each with their own secrets and motivations that keep the story intriguing. While the pacing slows in some places, the engaging atmosphere and rich storytelling more than make up for it.

Whether you’re drawn to its beachy nostalgia, intriguing mystery, or endearing characters, Summers at the Saint is a perfect read for those looking for a mix of romance and suspense wrapped in a summer setting. A strong 4-star novel—warm, engaging, and perfect for a vacation read!

The mood of Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews is warm, uplifting, and full of charm, with a cozy, beachy vibe that's perfect for a relaxed read.

I really enjoyed this book! It was such a heartwarming escape, with the right mix of family drama, personal growth, and of course, a beautiful setting. The characters were so relatable, and I loved how the story explored themes of second chances and finding your true self. The audio narration was fantastic too—very engaging and perfectly matched the tone of the book. If you’re looking for a feel-good read, this one’s definitely worth checking out!

Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews is a delightful, heartfelt novel that immerses readers in the charm and intrigue of the St. Cecelia Hotel, a beloved landmark on the Georgia coast. The story revolves around Traci Eddings, a widowed hotel owner struggling to restore the St. Cecelia to its former glory. With staff shortages, financial trouble, and family drama, Traci's resolve is tested, but she’s determined to fight for the legacy of the hotel and for herself.

Andrews expertly blends the drama of the hotel's past with the present-day challenges Traci faces, including her complicated relationship with her brother-in-law and the shadow of a tragic drowning that may soon resurface. The narrative is filled with quirky, endearing characters—including a team of summer help, and even the estranged daughter of Traci's old best friend—who add both humor and emotional depth to the story.

Rich with atmosphere and layered with twists and turns, Summers at the Saint is a compelling mix of mystery, romance, and family drama. The author’s signature warmth and sharp eye for human nature shine through, making this book a perfect summer read with heart and depth. Fans of beach reads with a touch of suspense will find this novel captivating, and Traci’s journey of resilience and self-discovery will resonate long after the last page is turned.

My first book by this author, whose acclaimed by all people love Mary Kay Andrews, and I’ve always wanted to read her books and listening to this one. Makes me want to pick up any book of hers when I see it’s available.

Oh! This one starts out slow but don't give in, keep going because you will soon not put it down! Traci is the widowed owner of St. Cecelia, a high-end resort on the coast of Georgia. This has always been known as The Saint and if you were from the wrong part of town you were known as the Ain't's and Traci being a former Ain't marrying into the family she is battling her brother-in-law now trying to keep things running. This is full of intrigue, scandal, and secrets. Great beach read or really anytime you want something great to delve into!

Mary Kay Andrews consistently proves to be a fantastic choice for a summer read, especially for anyone looking to relax by the pool or beach. In her latest novel, Summers at the Saint, she skillfully blends mystery, murder, and family secrets with humor and heartfelt second-chance romance.

Set against the backdrop of "The Saint," a luxurious hotel on a Georgia island, the story unfolds with a captivating mix of suspense and emotion reminiscent of a soap opera, perfectly suited for a summertime atmosphere. The narrative keeps readers engaged with its fast pace and unexpected twists. While some moments delve into darker themes, Andrews masterfully intertwines these elements with her signature character development style that is heartwarming and relatable. Overall, this novel is a compelling read that balances intensity with charm—highly recommended!

This book definitely wasn't what I was expecting, but I did enjoy the mystery aspect of this book (in addition to the romance). I enjoyed the storytelling of the book and how it pulled me in. Lots of characters involved in this story - which can be confusing - but it seemed appropriate, given the mystery aspect.

3 ⭐️’s

I will start by saying that this book wasn’t for me, but I believe a lot of people will find joy in it. For example, what kept me going was the interesting characters, writing, and plot that kept me on my toes, but I just couldn’t connect with the story like I wish I could. This is not a fault of the book, I suspect many people will enjoy this story, but I will repeat that this just wasn’t for me. I finished the book and that’s a testament to the writing and characters, but I don’t think I will continue to check out more from this series. However, I hope other people will give it a chance, and the audiobook narrator was superb.

This story follows characters at the hotel St. Cecelia through scandal, a historic crime, and family affairs that twist and turn to keep the reader guessing. With humor and whit, Mary Kay Andrew’s captures the readers attention and creates an atmosphere that is impeccable for this story’s setting.

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.

I liked this book so much, that I sought out an author lunch with Mary Kay Andrews for my mother and I to attend together. It has been a while since the two of us have equally enjoyed a "buddy-read" as much as we did with "Summers at the Saint." Mary Kay Andrews is a fabulous author to meet and interact with. ARC audiobook was narrated well and perfect for my commutes to work this summer.

The story is not as lighthearted as the cover suggests. The St. Cecelia Hotel is beset with problems and adding to this a murder and a romance. The narrator of the audio Kathleen McInerney did a fantastic job.

Love Mary Kay Andrews and this audiobook was fantastic. Fast paced! While kind of cheesy and predicitable, a perfect summer time beach read/listen!

I love Mary Kay Andrews’ books, she’s such a good story teller and this one reminded me of an Elin Hilderbrand beach read. This has a good mixture of family drama, mystery and romance. There’s always something going on so I never wanted to put it down. Also no shortage of characters which is my reason for taking a star off. It’s easy to follow the important characters, however it just wasn’t necessary to have 30+ extras even mentioned. I did a combo of the audio and physical. I really enjoyed the narrator! She held my attention and made it so easy to differentiate between characters.

Thank you, NetGalley, Macmillan Audio & St. Martin’s Press for this ARC.

This book was not as like a "typical" Mary Kay Andrews story. I enjoyed the story. It is about characters who work and stay at The Saint, a hotel in Georgia. One storyline is about challenges between the classes of people who work versus people who own and I typically enjoy reading that trope.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

I am and always will be a fan of Mary Kay Andrews! I love snagging her novels as soon as they release and am so grateful I received a copy of this audiobook to listen to this summer.

Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews is another charming, feel-good story from an author whose novels I always love. Set in the coastal town of St. Augustine, it follows Riley as she returns to help restore her family’s inn, "The Saint." Along the way, she reconnects with old friends, faces family challenges, and discovers a new romance.

True to Andrews' style, the book is filled with vivid descriptions that make the setting come alive, and the characters are warm and relatable. While the plot hits familiar beats, it’s still a heartwarming and enjoyable read. If you love stories about second chances, friendship, and a bit of summer romance, Summers at the Saint is a perfect escape. Andrews once again delivers a delightful beach read that will leave you smiling.

Mary Kay Andrews’s Summers at the Saint is a delightful, heartwarming read that perfectly captures the essence of a summer escape with its blend of romance, humor, and Southern charm. Set against the picturesque backdrop of a charming coastal town, the novel follows the journey of a woman rediscovering herself and finding new beginnings.

The story centers around the protagonist, who arrives at the Saint, a historic and quirky bed-and-breakfast, seeking a fresh start after a series of personal and professional setbacks. Andrews’s writing brings to life the vibrant and eclectic characters who inhabit this seaside sanctuary, each contributing to the novel’s rich tapestry of warmth and community spirit.

Andrews excels at creating a setting that feels both inviting and magical. The Saint becomes more than just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right, with its old-world charm and eclectic personality. The romance that unfolds is both sweet and engaging, complemented by a cast of endearing supporting characters and a plot that balances light-hearted moments with deeper reflections on love and self-discovery.

Summers at the Saint is a quintessential Mary Kay Andrews novel, filled with wit, charm, and a touch of nostalgia. It’s a perfect choice for readers looking to immerse themselves in a feel-good story with a touch of Southern allure and a heartwarming exploration of second chances.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this ARC!