Hail to the queen of beach reads! This was the perfect distraction with all the craziness in the works right now. I loved this! Fast paced with a little bit of family drama sprinkled in!

On her last day at the Atlantic newspaper where she worked, Conley Hawkins finds the paper who was to be her new employer has gone belly-up. With no job or prospects, Conley returns to her hometown Silver Bay to figure things out. However, she soon becomes involved in investigating a mystery when a prominent citizen and Congressman dies suddenly in an accident. Conley and an old school friend are the first one the scene of the tragic accident, but can do little to help the Congressman who is trapped in his burning car. Being the investigative reporter that she is, Conley has a few questions about the accident. What was the legislator doing about 40 miles from home at 3 AM? Had he been visiting someone, and, if yes, who? Conley agrees to work temporarily for her family owned hometown paper The Silver Bay Beacon, while searching for answers to her many puzzling questions. As her investigation moves along, Conley discovers a story full of secrets and innuendos that few people, if any, in the town want or dare to answer or seek answers for. Nevertheless, Coley’s determination and investigative skills push her forward into a small town’s past and the people in it, who, for the most part, would prefer she just let sleeping dogs stay right where they are.

This is a fairly well-done book. I admired Conley. Some might have found her an elitist, who looked down on her small-town family and neighbors, but I thought she was just an out-of-work journalist trying to figure out what to do with the rest of her life. I admired her determined efforts to trudge ahead in this story, though the going sometimes got hard or difficult to maneuver. I likewise admired her grandmother, a true matriarch in her family, ready to support the family as needed. She and the housekeeper were definitely colorful characters, as was the elderly gossip columnist, who submitted articles for the paper to print that needed almost total overhaul before they could become part of the paper. There were conflicts between Conley and her older sister, who managed and ran the paper, but these were really the sort of conflicts that usually arise among siblings who each have ideas of their own they want to put forth. This is one more of the author’s books that I have enjoyed and will remember long after reading it. All the characters were well developed and realistic, just what you would expect in a small town. The setting was also very well done. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.

I read my first Mary Jay Andrews book a few years ago and I became a fan immediately. The characters of this story are so charming and the writing style is superb. I love the southern charm that exudes from this book. Grab a chair and enjoy this book this summer, you won't be sorry.

Hello, Summer by Mary Kay Andrews is not what I expected at all and was my introduction into Andrew’s immersive writing style.

The novel started off quick and never dragged. I finished it in one sitting. As the story goes, more and more storylines start go get added. The clear writing helped this story stay easy to follow throughout. I was not expecting the mystery that took over the plot. Silver Bay was picturesque, and I found myself wanting to visit. The descriptions were beautiful and lucid.

I connected and loved each of the characters. Sean/Skelly had such a sweet and warm heart. I love the love he has for his mother and others. I enjoyed Sarah/Conley’s family dynamics. The family felt real and looked out for each other, even in adversity. I respected Conley for not backing down and compromising her values and morals. Conley and Sean’s back story was interesting and I admired the dynamic between them. Grandma’am was full of wisdom and love. I wanted to adopt her into my own family with her fierce love for her family and positivity.

The mystery kept changing, and I was shocked at several of the plot twists and reveals. I never had it figured out completely, which made it so enjoyable.

Hello, Summer is the perfect book to read over the weekend or for a fun and quick beach read. This was my first book by Andrews, and it did not disappoint. I will definitely be reading more by her in the future.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions are 100% my own. Thank you, St. Martin’s Press, Mary Kay Andrews, and NetGalley

Hello, Summer by Mary Kay Andrews is an enchanting book about starting over. Conley Hawkins just accepted a great job in Washington D.C., but before she could go, the newspaper collapses. Her old job has been filled, so she heads home to the small town she grew up in. Conley's family owns a small newspaper there, The Silver Bay Beacon, which is run by her sister. Conley is assigned the local gossip column, which she feels is beneath her. When Conley witnesses an accident that kills the local congressman, she can't help but investigate. Ms. Andrews is one of my favorite authors, she never disappoints. I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

When you pick up a Mary Kay Andrews book you know you will be more than satisfied and very entertained. Small town, Southern...you are right there with the characters. As I leave the book, I know I will read it again another time...I always do with MKA books. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed “Hello Summer” by MKA. A perfect summer read or a great read to get your mind off the events going on in the world. I appreciate that MKA takes her time to write and only publishes one book a year. She fully develops her characters and I was drawn into the book from the first page. The book has everything, family dynamics, mystery, and romance. Excellent book!

Hello, Summer is the story of Conley Hawkins. Conley resigns from her job at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution only to find herself in job limbo. She goes home to Silver Bay, Florida, a small coastal town where her sister and grandmother live. Conley ends up working for the family newspaper, flirting with her childhood crush, and reluctantly involved in a local mystery.

I wanted to read Hello, Summer because I LOVE Mary Kay Andrews books. They are always perfect beach reads, and this novel was no exception!

The small southern beach town setting was captured so well and I enjoyed spending time there with this book. Conley is a sweet, sassy protagonist and her "boy next door" crush, Skelly, is dreamy small town perfection!

The mystery aspect of the story was well written and it kept me guessing until close to the denouement.

There are short newspaper articles (by Conley and her coworkers) interspersed between chapters. They are fun to read and really help move the story along too.

This is a fast moving story - perfect for a weekend read, well written escapism, and just great fun. Five stars from me!

Looking for your next beach read…check out Mary Kay Andrews’ new book, Hello Summer! It’s got suspense. It’s got drama. It’s got southern charm. It’s got humor. It’s got murder. It’s got romance and so much more. Once you start, it’s hard to put down.

Conley Hawkins is a journalist in Atlanta headed for bigger and better things…or so she thinks. In the middle of her farewell party at work, she’s hit with the news that the job she had lined up…is no longer. So instead of heading to Washington, DC…she’s headed home to Silver Bay, Florida…home to her grandmother…home to her sister, who she doesn’t get along with…and home to her family’s hometown newspaper, The Silver Bay Beacon. But in a small town like Silver Bay where nothing ever happens…somethings happening and Conley Hawkins is the woman who’s going to solve this mystery one way or the other.

This e-ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Netgalley, St Martin’s Press for such an enjoyable read.
Fun, interesting read which during these trying times was so appreciated.
Loved the characters and you really were able to be transported to sunny Florida and leave your troubles behind.

Family is complicated. Conley has come home to try and regroup after her dream job went up in smoke. While home, she has to find a way to reconnect with past, including her grandmother and sister. As events in the town unfold, Conley finds herself with choices to make which will affect not only her career, but also the relationships that she finds mean more to her than she once thought. Written with heart and humor, this a great summer read that takes you in to heart of a small town and welcomes you.

I am a big fan of Mary Kay Andrews. Her stories are always a great Summer read. This one is one of her best! Small town scandal, mystery, romance, family, with a beach setting. Love the characters, very well developed and definitely held my interest. Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

I loved this book! It really isn't the start of summer until I've read a Mary Kay Andrews book. This one definitely did not disappoint! I loved the sister relationship and the mystery involved in the story. Highly recommended!

A wonderful mix of mystery meets romance. While, it's an easy read, the characters are loveable and memorable. Hello, Summer was a perfect first read of summer for me!

Another good summer read by MKA featuring a small town, some mystery, some romance and a good dose of suspense at the end. My only complaint would be that it was a bit long for my tastes, and in the beginning I had to push myself to keep going, but I'm glad I did. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced copy of this book.

This book had everything: a mysterious death, romance, and family drama. I always look forward to Andrews new book and this was an interesting read. I did find myself skipping over some pages because it became a bit boring. I also think the name of the book is off topic and misleading. Overall if you need a beach and a mystery during this quarantine, pick this one!

Mary Kay Andrews is a summer staple, and her latest book had me longing for sunsets at the beach with a local newspaper. I loved every character and every plot twist that I never expected. This was definitely one of my favorite books from MKA, & I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!

4.5 stars
This is my first Mary Kay Andrews book. I was not disappointed. I think I need to go read some of her other books. I really enjoyed this one so much. Reading has been my escape from reality right now. I was glad to escape to the beach with likable characters and a well written plot.

Newspaper reporter, Conley Hawkins, is getting ready to leave her job in Atlanta for a brand new one in Washington, D.C. To say she’s excited about the new position is an understatement. However, things don’t always go as planned as her new company closes down before she ever gets to start her new job.

Left with no job and nowhere else to go, she returns to her hometown of Silver Bay, Florida. She’ll give her older sister some help with the family newspaper, which is sinking fast. Her sister isn’t all that thrilled to have Conley around, but that’s okay since Conley isn’t that thrilled to be there. For their grandmother’s sake, they put their differences aside and try to make things work. Besides, it's only a temporary situation until Conley gets back on her feet.

One of Conley’s first assignments is to proofread the local “Hello, Summer” gossip column. The author of it doesn’t make it easy.

To add to Conley’s stress, she sees a car go up in flames and is shocked to later learn the identity of the victim. A very popular Silver Bay politician. Conley is determined to find out what caused this accident, especially since only one car had been involved. She stumbles upon a number of nasty town secrets and starts receiving her own death threats. What could possibly be going on in this small town that’s so dangerous?

This story is filled with drama, intrigue, secrets, mystery and a little romance, too. The characters are realistic and the plot is captivating. I couldn’t put it down.

Mary Kay Andrews has been a favorite of mine for awhile and this one did not disappoint. This would make a great book to take to the beach. I could also see this book playing out on a movie or TV screen.

Well, summer has officially started with Mary Kay Andrews book Hello, Summer!! A fun and witty story about a journalist trying to figure her life out when her job falls apart and find herself smack in the middle of a scandal. I love her books and this one does not disappoint. It has family drama (more than one family...), love interest, friendships tested, a stalker and a dead man wrapped up in mystery. The makings of the perfect beach read!!! There's action, excitement, fun, some sass, and love all on the beach!!

I love the southern settings and MKA always puts just the right mix of suspense with southern charm. It was entertaining and will keep you guessing! I loved the characters!! I mean, who doesn't love a boy next door love interest??!! While the book is a hair long, it reads very quickly. She keeps a good pace and the plot line interesting enough that you won't put it down. MKA fans will love this one!! If you haven't read any of her books, jump on into the world of MKA and summer with this one!!! You'll love it!!

My thanks to Mary Kay Andrews, St. Martin's Press and netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.