Traci runs The Saint, a resort on the Georgia coast. Since her husband's death, she's struggled with his loss, managing his odious family, and running the resort with a decline in bookings. She hires a cast of characters to help her run the resort over the summer, but nothing is ever easy at The Saint.

I started listening to this book, expecting a nice fluffy beach read, and this couldn't be further from the truth. This book had death, murder, and family secrets. There were so many layers to it, and that made it delightful to listen to. I liked how events from the past played into the present. This made everything wrap up nicely at the end. Some layers to this story were predictable, while others shocked me. This didn't make it any less enjoyable, though. There were a lot of characters, and at first, it was hard to keep them all straight, but it got easier the longer I listened.

I was given an audio version of this book and would highly recommend that as well for audio fans. Listening to it at a 2.0 speed was still smooth. The narrator had a lovely voice. She made it seem like the story was flowing seamlessly. Definitely put this on your list of beach reads for this summer!

I received an advance audio review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I’ve been a loyal reader of MKA’s books since the early 2000’s. I still need to go back and read the books that were before she became MKA——maybe this summer?

All that to say, I really believe this is her best book so far. It had everything—-romance, mystery, thrills, plenty of laughs, and I learned SO MUCH about the hotel industry! I was fortunate enough to listen to the audiobook, and the narrator was spot on. I’m hoping for more of this caliber.

My gratitude to NetGalley, the author, and MacMillan audio for the gifted copy. My review is voluntary.

Mary Kay Andrews is always hit or miss with me but I keep trying as many books of hers as I can.

Luckily, Summers at the Saint was a hit for me. I thought the cast of characters was going to be too much for me, but their stories come together seamlessly and I did not have trouble with the multiple POVs. I also enjoyed the dual timelines to help give the backstory to some of the characters which really helped me connect to the characters and the struggles they were dealing with in the present day. There was so much going on in this novel from the backstory, to the love, family drama and mystery that i had to keep listening to find out what was going on. I also enjoyed the summer vibes that I am desperately needed at this time in my life.

A perfect beach read that will give you all the summer vibes

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for my gifted audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review.

Reading this book made me anxious for Summer. It’s a perfect book to pack along for your day at the beach.

I love a novel about the excitement and challenges of the hospitality industry. Like any resort there is an interesting assortment of employees. Many who aren’t part of the privileged “Saints” elite, are referred to as “Aints”. They are all incentivized to live on-site for the summer rent free at a renovated golf-cart storage building that was converted to employee dorms. What could possibly go wrong?

With several simultaneous storylines, Summers at the Saint is like a scandalous soap opera. @MaryKayAndrews is a storytelling savant, and fans of her work will swoon at the latest work of fiction in her signature style.

Anyone who has congregated at a community pool will chuckle at the chaos of a classic “Code Brown.” But this tasteless tootsie roll gag has a tragic outcome and twenty years later another mysterious accident raises suspicions that these could be incidents of foul play.

The variation of character voices by the narrator was superb, and I recommend you all add this audiobook to your #TBR lists to kick off the summer season.

Set at an ancient old money summer hotel on a southern island/coast of Georgia, SUMMERS AT THE SAINT carries some mystery, family drama, and strong FMCs. Thank you @stmartinspress for my early copy as well as my early audio copy!

So I haven’t read a whole lot of Mary Kay Andrews’ novels, but I am impressed by her ability to keep up with modern social commentary and dialogue.

I actually thought this was going to be a light beachy read perfect for summer, and what I got was more than that, shockingly more! There is mystery, murder, some mayhem and a WHOLE LOT of family drama!

Some unnecessary use of profanity in strange parts, if that happens to not be your thing. A couple of names didn’t seem to meet the characters’ ages, which confused me along the way.

The audio narration worked great with the characters in the novel- I could picture their voices as such.

Overall a book you can definitely grab to take to the beach and leave in a little free library when you are finished.

I was so excited to receive this ARC of Summers at the Saint because, truthfully, I've never been disappointed in a book by Mary Kay Andrews! This time is no different! Ms. Andrews offers up just the perfect mix of summer sun and fun at a posh resort.
No spoilers, but there's a mystery to be solved, family drama, and old friendships come back into the light; all while being perfectly charming of course.

Fans of Mary Kay Andrews won’t be disappointed in this beach read. The book had humor, murder, and a happily ever after. Four years earlier, when her husband died in a plane crash, Traci Eddings inherited The Saint, an upscale resort started by his family. Traci, who was never really accepted by the Eddings family, is struggling with a host of problems. As she brings in new employees, we’re introduced to a host of interesting secondary characters. I enjoyed all the twists and turns the plot took until its final resolution. I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator did an excellent job.

Mary Kay Andrews never disappoints! Summers at the Saint is perfect for fans of Elin Hilderbrand! Beachy, dramatic, and full of soapy/summery intrigue! It’s a perfect book to tuck into your beach bag this summer.

Speaking of books to tuck in bags, I would recommend picking up the print version of this one. I wasn’t a huge fan of the narration and the various voices for each character and found myself really wanting a physical book to page through instead.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio for a complimentary audio copy! And thanks to Mary Kay Andrews for never disappointing and always delivering a great read!

“Welcome to the St. Cecelia, a landmark hotel on the coast of Georgia, where traditions run deep and scandals run even deeper. . .”

Loved this ARC audio of May Kay Andrews newest book! It’s perfect for summertime by the pool! So many plot lines and twists and turns! It will have you guessing until the last page! If you’re a fan of Hilderbrand’s “Hotel Nantucket” you have to get your hands on this!

This is the perfect summer read. If you’re on an airplane, at the beach or by the pool, Summers at the Saint is a lighthearted, easy read with a little bit of murder and intrigue.
You’ll join Traci Eddings and the crew she cobbles together (think Breakfast Club) in an attempt to save The Saint, a luxury hotel and resort that’s been in her deceased husband’s family for years. Will Traci be able to preserve his legacy or are there too many forces working against her?
The audiobook was enjoyable and the narrator kept the story moving but I would have liked more variety in the character’s voices and accents.

Mary Kay Evens is certainly an established author with a very strong following. I had not yet read any of her work and decided to try this one out. I’ve come to the conclusion that she is not for me.

Summers at the Saint is a mix of mystery and romance set in a southern hotel resort. I was hoping for more of a cozy mystery, but I felt overloaded early on being introduced to what (I guess ) becomes a cast of suspects one at a time through their point of view. This made it rough going from the start as many of these characters are not very likable.

As the story progressed for me it felt very contrived. There was little I was surprised about and the characters are not much more than their plot function. When someone is murdered about 1/3 of the way in, one mystery becomes two, but neither was all that interesting.

I will say I did feel for the main character ( despite the fact she can’t see what is right in front of her) and the romance in this was quite sweet. I freely admit this may simply be a matter of my personal taste, but I don’t see myself picking up another book from this author.

I did enjoy the narration of the audiobook- even though I wasn't having the best time the narrator kept me interested enough to finish the book,

Thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan audio and St martins press for advances audio and e copies of the book for review purposes.

Unfortunately, this book was a bit of a train wreck for me.

The character dump at the beginning gave me a headache as I tried to keep up.

The drama irritated me and the excessive backstories didn't hold my interest.

I didn't like the narrator's interpretation. Her voice was overly emotive, like listening to an excited child.

DNF

Okay this was really wonderful. It felt vacation-y and camp-y and was just so fun. I was not expecting so much mystery, but it kept me guessing up until the end. This would be a PERFECT beach read! Mary Kay Andrews is so wonderful-- I've loved all of the books I've read of hers.

If you're vacationing near the water this summer, pick this up for sure!

Summer at the Saint was a great read. I read and listened to the audiobook.
I thought this would be a lovely beach reach read with romance and a little drama but I was wrong. There was an event that happened that shocked me ( I did not see it coming) and then the investigations to figure it out were jaw dropping. Yes, there was romance drama as well as family and customer drama with mysteries thrown in for good measure. This book has it all!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC.

Thank you Macmillan Audio for allowing me to read and review Summers at the Saint on NetGalley.

Published: 05/07/24

Narrator: Kathleen McInerney

Stars: 2.5

Disappointing.

This simple cozy story had potential. This could have been a fun summer read for all ages if Andrews had written to her cover audience.

Cozy, beach, summer fun mysteries don't have layered profanity. Andrews added these words for a word count? I have never read a review where I could audibly feel relief while hearing yes! there is swearing throughout the book. I have never seen a comment praising an author for dropping F words.

The story itself was all over the place. It really felt like a young person's first submission to publish. The characters never fully developed. The ending went on for what felt like hundreds of pages. Once the a reveal is made I like for a story to round up quickly; that is personal preference.

Without spoiling there were two positives in the book: Kathleen McInerney was really good. I liked Olivia's Mom.

Thank you so much to Macmillian Audio and netgalley for the ALC of this book in exchnage for an honest review!

This story follows a resort that is struggling. For the summer, a bunch of new people are hired and you follow along for the ride through the summer.

I'll start by saying that I did like this audiobook! The narrator had a great voice and the pacing worked well for me.

However, I did not like the book itself. I did like the resort setting and the summer atmosphere. I also think the cover is great.

I felt like there were too many backstories and characters to follow. I just felt a bit bored throughout. I didn't really connect with anyone or the story itself. I wish it would've only followed a few characters instead of all of them.

I hope others love this book but it was not for me.

I really enjoyed this audiobook. There are a lot of characters to keep straight but once I had those down it was a delightful listen. I didn't see the twist coming and liked that there was suspense and romance.

Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews is an absolute hit! This book has a little bit of everything- a current day murder mystery, a death from the past being investigated, colleagues at a hotel trying to navigate friendships, a widow trying to find her way in her deceased husbands family business, and much, much more. There’s family drama, found family, past trauma, and some amateur sleuthing at work. And of course, you get your HEA! You are in for a real treat with this one!

Highly, highly recommend picking this one up. The audio was fantastic! McInerney does an amazing job with her narrations. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

Thank you NetGalley and Mary Kay Andrews and team for this ARC.

“Summers at the Saint” by Mary Kay Andrews is a captivating novel set against the backdrop of the St. Cecelia, a landmark hotel on the coast of Georgia. Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you in this delightful read:

The St. Cecelia, affectionately known as “the Saint,” is a place where traditions run deep and scandals run even deeper. Whether you’re a “Saint” (someone who grew up vacationing here) or an “Ain’t” (from the wrong side of the river), the hotel holds secrets and memories for all. Traci Eddings, once an outsider, now owns the hotel after marrying the boss’s son. Determined to restore its former glory, she faces staff shortages, financial troubles, and a conniving brother-in-law who wants her to fail. Traci enlists a motley crew of recently hired summer help, including the daughter of her estranged best friend. Together, they have one season to turn the hotel around.

There is mystery, tragedy, romance and redemption. Mary Kay Andrews weaves warmth, humor, and twists into this beach read with depth and heart.

Whether you’re a cozy mystery lover or simply seeking a captivating tale, “Summers at the Saint” promises an engaging journey through love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. 🌊📚✨

I loved this sm! The characters were well-developed, the multiple povs were easy to follow, and I appreciated the twists. I actually didn't go in to this thinking it was a mystery so I was pleasantly surprised.