I read the audio version, thanks to NetGalley.

Story: 5 ⭐/ 5 ⭐
Narration: 5 ⭐/ 5 ⭐
Overall: 5 ⭐/ 5 ⭐

Mary Kay Andrews, Thank You For This Story

"Summers at the Sain" is a story that resonated with me. Having experienced the sudden loss of my father, I've been drawn to books that explore grief and overcoming it. This book didn't linger too long on the topic but addressed it enough to offer comfort and understanding, which I found helpful. The protagonist's journey, marked by resilience and a hidden depth beneath her goodie-two-shoes exterior, was enjoyable to follow.

Narration Review:
The narration was outstanding, making for a pleasant and immersive listening experience. The narrator's voice was engaging and matched the story's tone, enhancing the overall enjoyment.

Final Thoughts:
"Summers at the Saint" is enjoyable fiction. It is an uplifting narrative, highlighting the protagonist’s resilience and capacity for overcoming hardship and helping understand the needs of others. The happy ending left me feeling uplifted. This audiobook delivered exactly what I was looking for, and I recommend it to anyone seeking an enjoyable read or listen.

This is an amazing new romance title! It was surprising, full of complicated relationships and a perfect summer read. There were surprises and it felt real in terms of being set in todays world with impacts Covid, etc.
I really enjoyed that it showed real friendships and relationships as well as different aged characters. Having it being told from different points of view added a lot.

Mary Kay Andrews is one of my auto-buy authors because I know I can always count on her to deliver one heck of a story and she does exactly that with her latest, Summers at the Saint!

I love a good underdog story so I was immediately engrossed in this story as soon as I met the main character Traci Eddings. Traci is a widow who inherited the St. Cecilia Resort when her husband passed away. Faced with numerous obstacles, including another resort stealing away her most experienced employees, and a despicable brother-in-law who would love nothing more than to see the resort go under, Traci is determined to return the Saint to its glory days and honor her late husband’s memory.

Traci is such a fantastic character and in many ways, this story is about her personal journey as she is finding her path forward after the loss of her husband. She’s smart, brave, and tough, and I admired her resilience in the face of mounting obstacles, including a mysterious death and the emergence of some long-buried secrets about a tragic drowning from years ago. I also loved the summer crew she hires to replace those who left her. They may not be the most experienced resort workers out there, but a few loyal diamonds in the rough emerge and they pull together as a team and make things happen.

Mary Kay Andrews is a gifted storyteller and Summers at the Saint is one of those wonderful books that has a little something for everyone. There’s drama, mystery, suspense, a compelling personal journey, and even a hint of romance. I devoured the book in a couple of sittings and was just thoroughly entertained every step of the way. I switched back and forth between the ebook and the audiobook and highly recommend both formats. Kathleen McInerney narrates the audiobook and does a brilliant job, as always.

Summers at the Saint is out now so be sure to pick up a copy. You won’t regret it!

Thank you @netgalley @macmillan.audio and @marykayandrews for this ALC to listen to and give my honest review.

I have grown to really enjoy Mary Kay Andrews books. They are the perfect read to bring you out of a slump. This book was such a mix of so many things - women's fiction, a little romance, and some murder mystery. So well intertwined. There are some flashbacks and quite a few characters but all added such a wonderful element to the story and it was easy to follow.

Perfect summer vacation read to pack in your bag. Or if you love a good audio Kathleen McInerney narrates this one and does a fantastic job. Such a good book to kick off my summer vibes.

Traci Eddings, a former outsider who married into the esteemed family that owns the St. Cecelia, a landmark hotel affectionately known as "the Saint." Now a widow, Traci is determined to restore the hotel to its former glory despite facing financial challenges and staff shortages. Adding to her woes is her manipulative brother-in-law who wants to see her fail.

Traci enlists the help of a diverse group of new summer employees, including the daughter of her estranged best friend, to help turn the hotel around. However, secrets from the past, including a mysterious drowning and a recent tragic death, threaten to unravel her plans. As she navigates these obstacles, Traci discovers the strength to fight for what she loves and perhaps even finds a new chance at romance.

Review:
Mary Kay Andrews delivers another engaging and heartwarming story with "Summers at the Saint." The novel is a perfect blend of romance, mystery, and drama, set in the charming and vividly depicted St. Cecelia hotel. Traci Eddings is a relatable and compelling protagonist, whose determination and grit in the face of adversity make her a character to root for.

Kathleen McInerney's narration brings the story to life with warmth and nuance, capturing the essence of each character and the setting beautifully. The cast of secondary characters, from the motley crew of summer staff to the conniving brother-in-law, are well-developed and add depth to the story.

The plot is rich with twists and turns, including the unravelling of past secrets and the development of new romantic interests. The themes of redemption, resilience, and the power of community are woven seamlessly into the narrative, making it more than just a typical beach read. Andrews' trademark humour and keen observation of human nature shine throughout the book, providing both laughs and moments of poignant reflection.

Tropes
-Second Chances
-Enemies to Lovers
-Found Family
-Overcoming Adversity
-Mystery and Secrets

"Summers at the Saint" is a delightful and immersive read that will appeal to fans of Mary Kay Andrews' previous works as well as those looking for a story with depth, heart, and a touch of mystery. It's a perfect addition to any summer reading list.

Thanks, Macmillan Audio, for the audiobook. #macaudio2024 (Available now)

If you can afford to stay at St. Cecilia, you’re a “Saint.” If you can’t, you’re an “Ain’t.” The main character, Traci, was an “Ain’t” until she married the owner’s son. Now a widow, she runs the Saint as CEO and president. With a prestigious resort as a backdrop with all the comings and goings of staff, guests, and mattress complaints, the book also mixes mystery, murder, scandal, secrets, and a little romance.

This was my first from this prolific and popular author whose books kick off summer for many. But at 448 pages, this was all just too much for me. I might have enjoyed it more as an eye-read, but as an ear-read, the narrator set my teeth on edge. Every character was a caricature, whether it matched the description or not. Traci was too breathy and helpless-sounding despite being a strong character standing up for herself and her resort. The employees sounded like whiny teenagers, though they were all 20-somethings. And don’t get me started on the smarmy/sneaky/devious characters! They were practically twirling their handlebar mustaches while tying maidens to the railroad tracks.

Mary Kay Andrews is my comfort read author. She writes southern fiction with the perfect blend of romance, mystery, and family drama.

This latest book is another complete success in my opinion. Set in a club/resort on a fictional island in Georgia, it tells of a family property and a woman currently running it that began with humble beginnings. There is an old mystery, a new death, and definitely some shady dealings going on.

The narrator did a great job telling the story!

Unfortunately this book didn't live up to the hype for me. I struggled a lot with the narrator's voice (sounded like a child trying to do a play and act out scenes) and her depictions of Southern characters. As someone who grew up in the deep South, I found it very distracting and offensive to depict all southerners as shallow country bumpkins. Can a southerner not just have a simple southern accent instead of some bad woods redneck hick sounding accent? Insert eyeroll....It frustrated me too much and I couldn't focus on the actual book.

When I was able to focus on the book itself, I have to admit it didn't draw in well. I didn't find myself rooting for any of the characters or finding them likable or interesting at all. This is possible it's because of the aforementioned narrations though. I ended up having trouble listening to the entire book on Netgalley's app which is a must for NG audiobooks so I wasn't even able to download the entire audiobook and therefore have no idea how it ended. I probably would've been dnf'ing it by then though just because of the horrible narrator.

I'm very appreciative to the publisher for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook early on.

It’s been awhile since I read MaryKay Andrews and was surprised by how “young” this story felt. It was full of modern references and current hot topics, which felt different from previous MKA books I have read. I loved that! Although I had suspected the killer from the beginning there were plenty of other twists and turns that had me gasping aloud on the streets of NYC as I listened to this book on my commute. I found that I was able to connect with (most of!) the characters and with the dreamy setting of the Saint Cecilia. Thank you for this audiobook copy of Summers at The Saint! I really enjoyed it!

It's not summer without Mary Kay Andrews!
.
Traci Eddings runs the posh hotel/resort The Saint Cecilia, or The Saint, for short. In this town, you're either a Saint or an "Ain't"! When Traci was younger, she worked at The Saint and eventually married her boss' son. When he died, she had to take on the role of overseeing this huge compound.
.
From cooks, to hotel staff, landscapers to security- all report to Traci. Secrets and mysteries from both the past and present are rising to the surface when an incident occurs one night post-employee party.
.
This cast of characters did not disappoint! Will Traci be able to keep the elegant legacy of The Saint going while others want to see its demise?

Tell me this beautiful cover doesn’t make you want to dive right in with a summery drink and read by the water. Another great read by the beach read queen herself! I’ve enjoyed so many books by MKA, and Summers at the Saint is a new favorite. Nestled along the Georgia coastline is a fictional swanky hotel resort called the Saint Cecilia, which was once the place to be for wealthy vacationers looking for luxury.

Traci Eddings is the widowed hotel owner after her husband dies tragically in a plane crash, and now it’s up to her to try and restore the Saint to its glory days.

Filled with mystery, romance, family drama, and a great cast of characters, the story pulled me in from the start, and I loved the summery beach setting that immediately made me think of the Jeckyll Island Club Resort in Georgia. I loved the short chapters and multiple POVs, and was glued to the murder mystery plot that took place at the hotel.

🎧I paired the physical book with the audiobook, and loved being immersed this way. Narrated by Kathleen McInerney, I really enjoyed her southern storytelling, and have also enjoyed her narration of other books by Mary Kay Andrews. She does a great job of narrating a full cast of characters.

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧
🏖️a fun beach read
🩵a touch of mystery
🩷some romance
🐚family drama
🌊wealthy people behaving badly
🏨behind the scenes look at running a hotel

*many thanks to St Martin’s Press, Netgalley, and Macmillan Audio for the gifted copy for review

"They say money can't buy happiness but you know what it can buy...Choices!"

"Appearances can be deceiving."

If ever a cover is deceiving it's this one for the soap opera dishy Summers At The Saint by widely acclaimed author Mary Kay Andrews. Looking like a fun time at a summer resort it cloaks the twisty mystery story filled with secrets, lies, forbidden liaisons and second chance romance.

Traci Eddings at the age of 40 finds herself a widow, fighting for control of her husband's summer resort, while trying to keep it afloat after the financial hit from the pandemic, and suppliers, customers and employees bailing on the once popular high end institution. Throw in a 20 year old drowning and a current suspicious death and Traci knows there's no time for a new romance; but a certain undercover PI has other intentions.

This famed writer never disappoints and this new page turner is another perfect beach read from her prolific creative mind. I paired the book with the audiobook and voice actress Kathleen McInerney has the perfect blend of soap opera twisty reveal with just the right shock and awe in her voice acting inflections.

During summers at the Saint, greed, family dissension, buried secrets, and disloyalty are just the start to this poor vs rich, sibling vs spouse, and good vs evil White Lotus themed soap opera.

I received free copies of this book/audiobook from the publishers via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own

Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews
I would like to thank McMillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to read/listen to an ARC copy of this audiobook.
The narrator did a great job, voices fit the characters and was distinct enough to differentiate the characters. The pacing was excellent and the story flowed well. The audiobook definitely enhances the book experience.
You have mystery, murder, secrets, and love, what more could you want in a story? How about a luxury hotel on an island with all the perks of paradise. Traci Eddings was a well developed character. The complex plot was exciting although a little predictable at times. The details made everything so interesting and kept the pages turning with the reader at the edge of their seat. The story was executed so well and all the pieces wrapped up in the end. I really enjoyed reading this one.
The only negative thing I will say, if you introduce a pet like Lola, please develop the animal’s part in the story, especially including the care for the animal to fit the description. Lola’s was described as a “velcro” dog but for most of the book she was barely mentioned and left alone.. This was rectified somewhat in the final chapters but I think she could have been mentioned in a little more detail at the beginning, to fit her description and role as a supporting character..
Overall I give this book a 4/5 stars.

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

🏝️🕵🏼‍♀️ A beach mystery
👩🏼‍🤝‍👩🏻 Multiple POVs
🎆 Perfect summer read!

I enjoyed this one, but would not recommend it on audio. There are many characters and it is sometimes difficult to keep track of all of them on audio!!
I really liked the mystery/beach setting, this will be a great pick for people who want a beach read with a twist! I do think it was a touch too long for my taste but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC!

Here I am in year twenty of reading a @marykayandrews summer release. Her books are a summer staple at this point. This one is fabulous with suspense, family drama, laughs and love.

I loved the narration which really brought the story to life for me. I paired audio and print for an immersive reading experience and really enjoyed it.

🌿Read if you like:
✨Beach reads
✨Georgia coast settings
✨Family drama

My thanks to the publisher and @netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book before its publication date.

I've read a lot of Mary Kay Andrews' books and have enjoyed all of them. This new book is no exception--a great summer beach read!

This is the story of Traci Eddings, a young widow who owns a beach resort that she's trying to restore to profitability. She encounters obstacles and personal struggles along the way. The main story line is focused on new employees she hires to help at the resort, one of whom is found murdered after a party.

I liked the interaction of the different personalities in the book and they were portrayed clearly by the narrator. The story line kept my interest in what was a very lengthy book. And, I liked the inclusion of a bit of romance along the way. A truly engaging and rewarding read!

You know that summer is just around the corner when Mary Kay Andrews releases a new novel! Summers at the Saint is that new book!
St. Cecelia is the name of the Georgia hotel and club frequented by the wealthy. Although everyone refers it as The Saint, the employees from the other side of the tracks refer to themselves as 'the ain'ts. Traci Eddings was an ain't - but she's now running the resort after the death of her beloved husband.

I always enjoy Andrews' protagonists. They're driven, smart, kind, intelligent and fair - someone you'd like to know in real life. Traci is very mindful of the staff are doing, providing some perks to keep them happy. It's been hard to find staffing this year.

Readers are going to know what Traci doesn't. We get to see what's going on under the surface. And it's not good at all. I have to say, I didn't expect some of what happens, but it was quite all believable. I was so mad with those characters!

To temper that plotline, is a perfect yes, no, maybe so romance. There's also some twists that I didn't see coming - and they changed my prediction for the final pages. I was happily wrong!

Andrews has done it again. She's written another book that grabbed my attention and held it from first page to last. The page count is a delicious 448 pages!

A must for your beach bag.

I had to DNF this title. There were simply too many characters, far too much backstory, and stuff took far too long to get going. By the time I gave it up at 40%, nothing had happened, and we were still getting new characters.

Side note: The performance of the audiobook was very good. Each character was very well portrayed, but there were just too many of them to keep track of them.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Summers at The Saint
By: Mary Kay Andrews
Narrator: Kathleen Mcinerney
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Pub Date: 5/7/24

This was so good! Everytime I’d think I had it figured out something would change.
On this island you're either a saint or an ain’t. You're either uber wealthy or dirt poor. Traci Eddings grew up an ain’t but married a saint, the son of the owner of the St. Cecelia, a resort off the coast of Georgia. When Traci’s husband is tragically killed in a plane crash it’s up to her to keep the place going. Only she has no idea that there are some employees taking advantage of her and the business. Serving well alcohol instead of the top shelf their customers are paying for, buying cheaper crappy mattresses serving the worst catches of seafood possible to name a few. Cutting corners all over just to make a bigger chunk of the profits. When Traci’s niece, Parrish tragically overdoses at an after party, her roommates start trying to figure out how she died. Things are going to get way more messy before anyone gets answers. This was hands down my favorite Mary Kay Andrews book so far.
Kathleen McInerney did a fabulous job on the narration; her voice keeps you wanting more information.

𝚂𝚞𝚖𝚖𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝙰𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚂𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚝
Mary Kay Andrews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks @macmillan.audio for the audio arc! This is one of those books where I had a whole different mind set on where I thought it was going and was pleasantly surprised with the scandalous twist. This is my first @marykayandrews book (😳) and loved her wit and humor in her writing too!

Read if you enjoy-
☀️beach reads with a bit of scandal
☀️coastal setting (Georgia)
☀️MKA warmth + humor
“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”