This month’s pick of the month from Andrea Peskind-Katz from GREAT THOUGHTS, GREAT READERS is Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews
Skip directly to the ENTRY FORM for the Book Giveaway.
What is Summers at the Saint About?
“Andrews perfectly balances the second chance-romance with the twisty mystery against a beachy backdrop that will please any armchair traveler.” –Publishers Weekly
The St. Cecelia, a fictional landmark hotel on the coast of Georgia, caters to the wealthy, If you grew up going there, you were “a Saint”. If you came from the wrong side of town, on the other side of the river, you were “an Ain’t” and considered an outsider. The present day story introduces the hotel struggling to survive post-Covid. Good employees who meet the high standards of the 100 year old hotel and the family that owns it are hard to find. Additionally, there is now flashy new competition from a high end luxury hotel that recently opened nearby.
The owner, Traci Eddings, was an “Ain’t” until she married the boss’s son. Widowed at age 40, she inherits “The Saint”, as the St. Cecilia is known. Now, four years later, she is determined to return the resort to it’s glory days, despite severe financial troubles and her husband’s unscrupulous family who would love to see her fail.
We get flashbacks from when Traci and her friend Shannon worked as lifeguards at the resort one summer when they were 19, an experience that changed the trajectory of their lives when a child drowned. Traci and Shannon’s relationship became estranged, though they are brought back together more than twenty years later as the result of a shocking discovery. Now with Shannon’s daughter Livvy working as a server in the hotel restaurant, star chef Felice in the kitchen, and her niece Parrish at the front desk, it seems that a good summer is in store for The Saint. However, a tragic death, suspicions of mismanagement and an investigation of that long ago drowning seriously complicate the situation. Traci must uncover the secrets hiding in The Saint to right past wrongs and avoid further tragedies.
At its heart, this book is about Traci’s strength and the friendships she forms during tough times. She is the soul of the Saint Cecilia, fighting to keep its legacy alive while uncovering the truth behind the mysteries.
My Review of Summers at the Saint
Summers at the Saint is a captivating read with multiple storylines and a layer of complexity that hooks you right from the start. Mary Kay Andrews is a masterful storyteller who weaves a narrative combining a murder mystery with a rollercoaster of family drama. Once you add a broken friendship and a love interest to the mix, you will see this book has it all!
Initially, the story seems a bit busy with multiple points of views represented, but after you learn the background, it’s a delightful easy read. The author beautifully sets the scene and introduces the characters before diving into the history and long-buried family secrets. The author’s characteristic heartfelt details, warmth and wit paint a realistic picture of human nature.
With strong and unforgettable characters and an unpredictable ending, Summers at the Saint is a suspenseful, impossible to put down mystery with a sprinkle of romance. This novel is an engaging, fun and a delicious escape that I wholeheartedly recommend for anyone who loves a good mix of mystery and summer vibes.
About the Author: Mary Kay Andrews
Mary Kay Andrews is The New York Times bestselling author of The Beach House Cookbook and more than twenty novels, including The Santa Suit, The Homewreckers, The Newcomer, The Weekenders, Ladies’ Night, Spring Fever, Summer Rental, The Fixer Upper, Deep Dish, Blue Christmas, and Savannah Breeze. A former journalist for The Atlanta Journal Constitution, she lives in Atlanta, Georgia. Learn more about Mary Kay Andrews on her website.
Little Known Facts About Mary Kay Andrews
Mary Kay Andrews is a popular author, but there are some lesser-known facts about her:
Real Name: Mary Kay Andrews is a pen name. Her real name is Kathy Hogan Trocheck. She started writing under this pen name when she began her career in mystery writing.
Former Journalist: Before becoming a successful novelist, she worked as a journalist for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Her background in journalism influenced her writing style and research skills.
Mystery Novels: While she is best known for her women’s fiction and beach-themed novels, Mary Kay Andrews initially wrote mysteries under her real name, Kathy Hogan Trocheck. She authored the Callahan Garrity Mystery series.
Historical Preservation: Andrews has a passion for historic preservation and often features historic homes and properties in her novels. She has been involved in the restoration and preservation of historic buildings.
Antiques Expertise: Her knowledge of antiques, which she acquired while working as a journalist covering auctions and estate sales, is evident in some of her novels, particularly “Savannah Blues.”
Southern Roots: Mary Kay Andrews was born in St. Petersburg, Florida, and she has a deep connection to the South, which is reflected in the settings and characters in many of her books.
Beach-Lover: Many of her novels are set in beach towns and often revolve around beach houses or coastal settings, reflecting her love for the beach and the sea.
Cookbooks: In addition to her fiction, she wrote cookbooks with a Southern flair, including “The Beach House Cookbook” and “The Weekenders Cookbook,” which feature recipes inspired by her novels.
While Mary Kay Andrews is widely known for her novels, her background in journalism and her versatility as a writer in different genres and formats contribute to her unique perspective and storytelling abilities.
Other Books by Mary Kay Andrews
These are just a few of Mary Kay Andrews’ novels. Her books often feature strong female protagonists, Southern settings, and a combination of romance, mystery, and humor.
“The Fixer Upper” (2009):
Dempsey Jo Killebrew, a recent divorcee, finds solace and new purpose in renovating a dilapidated historic mansion in Savannah. Along the way, she uncovers secrets of the house and her own past.
“Summer Rental” (2011):
Three friends facing personal challenges decide to spend a summer in a beachfront cottage in North Carolina. As they navigate life’s ups and downs, their bond grows stronger.
“Ladies Night” (2013):
After her marriage falls apart, Grace Stanton is court-ordered to attend a “Divorce Recovery” group, which leads to new friendships, personal growth, and even an unexpected romance.
“Christmas Bliss” (2013):
We revisit characters from a previous book, “Blue Christmas” as Ella, Eloise’s best friend, plans a Christmas wedding. However, the holiday season brings its share of chaos and surprises, making for a humorous and heartwarming story.
“The Weekenders” (2016):
Riley Griggs looks forward to her family’s summer weekends on Belle Isle, but when her husband goes missing, she unravels the mysteries of the island, her marriage, and her future.
“Sunset Beach” (2019):
Drue Campbell’s life takes a surprising turn when she inherits her estranged father’s law practice in the Florida panhandle, leading to intrigue, romance, and personal discoveries.
“Hello, Summer” (2020)
Conley Hawkins, a journalist, returns to her hometown to work for her family’s newspaper, uncovering secrets, scandals, and her own path to self-discovery.
“The Santa Suit” (2020):
When Ivy Perkins stumbles upon a vintage Santa suit in the attic of her historic Georgia home, she decides to wear it to bring some cheer to her small town. As she takes on the role of Santa, she finds herself making a positive impact on the community.
“Bright Lights, Big Christmas (2022):
About Andrea Peskind Katz from Great Thoughts, Great Readers
Andrea Peskind Katz runs Great Thoughts, Great Readers, a Book Salon presented via her private FB group where approximately 5,000 prolific readers and authors interact. To quote Robert Frost, she created her “second act” career to “unite my avocation and my vocation”. After 20 years in high-pressure sales, Andrea retired to spend time doing what she loves best: hanging with her family and reading good books.
Looking forward to reading this new book. I have read all of MKA previous books and loved all of them.
I think this is her best yet!