Summary: Traci Eddings grew up on the wrong side of the river as an "Ain't" who worked at the Saint in the summer. One fateful summer she met the boss's son and married him. But life changed drastically for her when her husband died and she was left with the hotel trying to bring it back to its glory days. Between her greedy brother-in-law, staff shortages, and financial troubles, Traci is trying to turn it all around in one summer. However, when one of their own dies tragically, Traci must use her gut to save everything her husband built.

Thoughts: This was my first Mary Kay Andrews that wasn't set at Christmas and I loved it so so much!! Traci was such a strong FMC throughout this book, not only being a widow but also trying to save the hotel that her husband loved so much. In addition, I love how she never really took anything from her horrible brother-in-law, always seeking a way to get around his schemes. To begin, this book had A LOT of characters to keep track of, but they are all very different so that helped a lot. I loved how this had a mystery when one of the members tragically died, and even though there were some clues as to where the story was leading, some twists changed it all up. The small love story of Traci and Whelan added a lighter piece to this story and I loved that Whelan was there when Traci really needed someone in her corner. A great summer beach read, especially if you want a little mystery sprinkled in with your romance.

I was able to listen to the audio of this book. Kathleen McInerney, as usual, did a fantastic job bringing this story to life. Listening to this one I think made it even more mysterious because I felt like I was living the story right alongside the characters.

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC of this book!!

Summers at the Saint is classic Mary Kay Andrews. Her fans will love this beach read just in time for summer.

THOUGHTS:

I was so fortunate to be able to listen to this audiobook through @netgalley but I will admit it took me a while to fall in love with this book (I did but it was not immediate). I felt kind of like I was reading The Hotel Nantucket at first but it definitely took a turn pretty quickly. The Eddings family (other than Traci and Hoke) were an awful lot let me just start with that. Rick and his father were definitely cut from the same cloth. Traci is just trying to keep the Saint afloat but there is definitely some shady stuff going on behind the scenes and not with the people you expect. I had a hard time pausing this audiobook because I just wanted to know what was coming next. This will be a wonderful book to read sitting by the pool or on the beach!

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LOVE:
• Murder Mystery
• Hotel Life
• Shady Business

This book was so good. I'm very pleased with it. It took a bit to really get into it. but when i did i couldn't get enough!

I’m always a big fan of behind-the-scenes books in hospitality since I worked in it for so long. This story had it all: great characters (both good and bad), a fun setting of a resort on a private island, romance, and a mystery. There are so many twists and turns that will keep you guessing, all the while falling in love with the characters who are well-developed and who you can’t help but root for. I loved everything about this book and highly recommend for a beach vacation, a rainy day, or any other situation where you just want to read.

There is something about a new Mary Kay Andrews book that indicates summer is coming. Her novels always put me in that laid back summer mood. This book takes us to the Saint....a beach hotel that has been family owned. It is currently under the management of Traci Eddings who has put her heart and soul into the place ever since her husband's tragic passing. The hotel is floundering a bit so Traci decides to progressively hire an assortment of people, including her niece and the daughter of her former best friend. When tragedy strikes and scandals come to light, Traci has to fight even harder to keep the Saint going.

Andrews writes her characters like no other author I've read. They are fun, scandalous, and bursting with personality. I loved Traci and her messy crew. She has real grit and as events come to pass we see secrets uncovered and Traci comes to find out who she truly has in her corner. Not all the characters are lovable as they are not meant to be. As a reader, you love to hate them. The ending is super satisfying. The beach setting on the coast of Georgia is great for this time of year. Kathleen McInerney narrates and puts you right in the story. You feel like you are right there in a beach chair sipping a drink and watching this all unfold. From the first word, her narration grabs you. I couldn't stop listening as I wanted to see it all unfold.

I have been a long time fan of Mary Kay Andrews and this book is a perfect example of why. She's a storyteller and does such a great job of doing so. I highly recommend you pick this one up for your next beach read.

This book was simply average for me. While I did finish it, this plot was a bit all over the map for me and I found I wasn't wanting to reach for it often. I found the plot to be a bit repetitive at times and didn't hold my interest well. A good summer read but forgettable overall.

I listened to this one on audio and it was very binge worthy. In true MKA fashion there were twists and turns but it was the depth of those twists and turns that kept me hooked to this story right until the very end. If you’re looking for well developed characters, beach side atmosphere, friendships through the hard times and a hint of romance here is an awesome beachfront or pool side read

Summers at the Saint is an intricately layered story written from the perspectives of multiple characters. This story is full of mystery, heartache, and character growth. It also discussed financial class, and current societal issues worth discussing.

Mary Kay Andrews did an excellent job delivering characters who were unique, which isn’t an easy task when delivering multiple perspectives. There were so many details within this story, too.

This is a great read.

I listened to the audiobook, which had a great narrator. I listened at 1.75x speed (1.75-2x speed is my normal audiobook listening speed).

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this advanced audiobook copy.

Mary Kay Andrew’s Summers at The Saint is a fun and captivating cozy mystery. There is a lot going on in this book with several story threads and a large cast of great characters. There is something for every reader in this story; in addition to the mystery, there is light romance and some big family drama. If that isn’t enough, there is dreamy setting of an upscale resort on a coastal island.

The story starts with the building of the summer staff, and that allows for the introduction of many of characters and their motivations for taking a job at The Saint. Traci Eddings, who inherited the hotel when her husband passed away, has a lot on her plate running the resort, and to make matters worse, she is dealing with ungracious in-laws, curious guest complaints and a lot of red ink on her ledgers. The tension builds as more and more minor mysteries are threaded into the story. There are long unsolved mysteries, day-to-day drama, and plenty of lies and deception. In her usual panache, Ms. Andrews weaves together the various threads to a surprising story zenith and culmination.

Summer at The Saints is the perfect vacation read, and the audio book narration is fabulous.

Summers at the Saint - 2.5⭐ - SPOILERS INCLUDED.⁠
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I was lucky enough to read this book as an ARC through NetGalley. Thanks to Macmillan audio.⁠
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I felt 'in the middle' on this book; there were some really fun parts and some parts that didn't work as well for me. ⁠
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THE GOOD: I thought the women in this book were fun! I like the way it handled some of the women's issues (TW: SA and pregnancy). The story felt appropriately mysterious, and the clues provided all play into the final result. I liked the way we received clues through a combination of character sleuthing and memory. I think the drama level was appropriate for the story. While many people on Goodreads complained about the "profanity," I honestly didn't even notice it...Overall, I'd say it felt like an indulgent summer murder mystery.⁠
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THE LESS GOOD: I don't want to say these things are "bad" but I didn't particularly like them. First, the story was overdrawn. In hindsight, I probably would have cut 10 or 11 chapters in the second half of the book. Second, a lot of information was reiterated. For example - SPOILER - We find out Shannon was SA by Frank Eddings via Shannon telling Traci. We then get a scene where Shannon tells Liv. Then, we get the information all over again when Liv tells Felicia. Third, the love story for Traci was kind of cringe. I thought the guy was pushy and not understanding, and she should not have gone out with him. Fourth, I felt that the whole story was a bit predictable, but it dragged on like all the revelations were surprises for the reader. If I were surprised, this might have been more enjoyable for me, but I don't think any of the revelations were particularly difficult to come to if you were paying attention. ⁠
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TO NOTE: There was one little scene where a Black character calls someone out for accusing another Black character of the murder, and they resolve the scene by saying the original character overreacted. It was small, but such a big YIKES.⁠
#thespicymslove #bookreview #summersatthesaint

Summer at the Saint is, in my opinion, rates at the top of Mary Kay Andrews’ excellent and prolific catalog. This family melodrama takes place on an exclusive Georgia barrier island where the Eddings family began an exclusive resort, The Saint Cecelia, in the early 1900s. Today, the holding company is run by eldest son Ric, while the resort is run by Traci, widow of second son Hoke.

The story juxtaposes the issues with the resort with the growth of the holding company. As Traci works diligently to make the resort a success, she pursues staffing a flailing resort as she bucks her brother-in-law and father-in-law to prove she is capable of carrying on her husband’s legacy.

As the story follows a darker strand there is a murder, attempted murders, arson, and betrayal which sets forth a mystery that will lead the reader on an adventurous trek. With well developed characters, an exotic setting, and a mystery that is difficult to untwine, Ms. Andrews has penned a wonderful story that will thrill her readers. I very much enjoyed this book and I absolutely do recommend this book!

There are several authors that when summer roles around I know I will gravitate to one of their books. Mary Kay Andrews is one of those authors for sure. In the summer you will always find one of her books in my summer tote!

I was so excited to get to read Summers at the Saint early. The cover just pulls be in and makes me think vacation. I loved the setting at the ritzy hotel and the cast of characters you were introduced to. There were lots to keep track of, but I always feel that the writing style is so superb, that I never struggle to remember each of them. You get flashbacks to a summer at the Saint years before when a tragic accident occurred and changed the lives of several different characters. Definitely add this one to your summer TBR

Mary Kay Andrews' Summers at the Saint, narrated by Kathleen McInerney, will have you wanting a tropical cocktail in your hand, and a detective's notebook in the other, as Andrews deliciously weaves a mysterious and romantic novel is released just in time for pool season! I was instantly hooked by the playful banter, beautiful scenery and loveable (and not so loveable) characters. The betrayal, secrets, and second-chance romance kept me on the edge of my seat, and the pacing of the narration was perfect. Don't miss out on this one!

Summers At The Saint is now my third book by Mary Kay Andrews, with this being my first non-Christmas and non-novella book from her.

Let me set the scene of this story: Dirty Dancing, but more Johnny Castle and less Baby Houseman; the curtain has been lifted up, allowing all the nitty gritty day to day of the resort and its staff to be on view. (And with a cover and title to perfectly represent this!)

Although there are a lot of characters at the Saint, they are brought into the story in a way that lets you get to know and understand them all before the curtain is peeled back too far. I enjoyed that Traci Eddings had history within the resort community, really aiding proper representation of her age. And although there were a lot of younger characters within this story, none of them acted immaturely, nor were any acting advanced of their ages either. I’m clearly a big fan of the character development within this book!

I love Kathleen McInerney's narration of Andrews's books, and this is again proven to be true! Her voice is honey with its soothing tone, amping up only when truly needed. The voices she used fit so well with the various characters’ descriptions!

With romance, mystery and family drama - this is one beach read that has ample depth!

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for the complimentary copies to read and review.

Summers at the Saint, by Mary Kay Andrews, is a gossipy, salacious summery read with lots of drama and a major mystery component. It reads very much like an Elin Hilderbrand novel with it’s drama, drinking, drugs, secrets, romance, cheating, friendship, mischief and mystery. There is a lot going on in this novel so hang on tight and pay attention, but it will definitely keep the reader engaged.

Our story takes place on an island off the Georgia coast at a family-owned resort called the Saint. Traci is the general manager and has married into the family, but loves the resort like it’s her own. When her husband is killed in a tragic accident, he makes sure that Traci is able to maintain the management of the exclusive resort. She is desperately trying to revitalize the business, but things are happening behind the scenes to undermine her success. Additionally, Traci has to contend with the outright hostility of her brother-in-law who is trying to pull the business out from under her. To make matters worse, while she’s trying to save the family legacy, her beloved niece is killed under suspicious circumstances and no one seems able to solve the crime.

Summers at the Saint is an entertaining, suspenseful story. Don’t be fooled, this is not your typical light-hearted, beach read. There are quite a few heavier topics and issues interwoven into the plot and a lot of difficult characters to contend with. Though some plot points felt a bit unbelievable, I enjoyed the story with all it’s complexities, and found it to be an intriguing plot.

I listened to the audio-version of this book, narrated by Kathleen McInerney, courtesy of MacMillan audio. She does an amazing job voicing characters who are believable and compelling. Her narration always builds the suspense in any plot. Summers at the Saint is a great choice for a quick-reading, scandalous, drama-driven novel you can take pool-side or use to heat up your day regardless of the season.

The Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews was a good, fast pace twisty story. I loved all of the twists and turns that this story had! This was a classic who done it mystery that kept me listening wanting to find out what was going to happen! There were a lot of characters, but I thought it was an easy listen and would recommend to anyone who likes murder mystery type books! Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and Mary Kay Andrews for allowing me to listen to the book in exchange for an honest review!

I went into this book blind and assumed that this would be a fun summer romance novel based on its cheerful cover and title. Surprisingly, this book was more murder mystery than chick lit. MKA packs a lot into this novel, with multiple storylines, POVs, and side characters. It got confusing at times, and it was hard to keep track of who was who. Some subplots seemed unnecessary, and, at 448 pages, I think it could have been shortened a bit without affecting the main plot. While the plot was unexpected, it was still an entertaining and light read that will make a great beach read this summer, especially if you are a fan of cozy mysteries with a hint of romance.

I listened to the audiobook read by Kathleen McInerney. She has narrated other MKA books, and she was excellent, as usual. Her performance was delightful, and she did a great job voicing the full cast of characters with a wide range of backgrounds. She has such a soothing voice that I could listen to her all day.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

I couldn't get into this book. I was expecting more romance. This book had a lot of characters and unfortunately none of them could keep my attention.

💭 MY THOUGHTS: The story centers around the St. Cecilia aka “The Saint”, a five-star hotel off the coast of Georgia. There is a big social segregation between the hotel patrons (the Saints) and the locals/hotel staff (the Ain’ts). This was totally giving me dirty dancing vibes minus the song and dance numbers.

The book is told in multiple POVs which at first was a little confusing and it took a bit to get who was who straight. But overall this world at the Saint was really well developed and the storyline filled with mysteries and secrets kept me interested all the way through. It’s a fun, cozy beach mystery perfect for summer.

Read for:
🏨 High-end Beach Hotel
🌊 Beachside Mysteries
💵 Haves vs the Have-nots
🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Family Secrets
👄 Multiple POVs

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
Spice Level: 🧼 squeaky clean