Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Summers at the Saint. I received the audiobook free in exchange for my honest review. While I’ve heard wonderful things about Mary Kay Andrews, I unfortunately couldn’t get past the first 20% of the book due to the narration. I requested an eBook copy but did not receive one, so I ultimately had to DNF the audiobook. I still hope to revisit this title in print someday, as I think I would enjoy the story more that way.

4.5 - Thank you so much to MacMillan Audio for the complimentary audio!

This is my very first Mary Kay Andrews so I had no idea what to expect from her writing. All I knew in my head is that she is one of the queens of summer books and I thought it was women's fiction. Perhaps her other books gear towards women's fiction but I would say that this book is not that. It definitely would be a great summer read as this book as a little of everything - smidge of romance, a murder without being scary and friendships.

There was a lot happening with this book. At one point I wrote down at least 8 point of views/characters that we had heard from (unclear of what the exact number is). Usually when there are that many point of views I tend to get confused but somehow it worked. Each character had their own distinguished voice and we didn't linger too long on each which helped keep the story moving.

I had done the audio of this and Kathleen McInerney did an excellent job handling all the different characters. It is easy to get storylines confused when there is only one narrator taking on multiple POVs but because of how Andrews wrote it worked really well. Even though this clocked in at almost 15 hours, I felt like it went by rather quick. When I still had 2 hours left, I thought what more could happen at this poor hotel and then more does!

This would be a great pool side or beach reach for the summer if you are looking for something that has a little bit of everything!

I'm such a fan that so many authors are adding a little depth to the genre they write. Instead of a chick lit or summer light read, this one had a little suspense with it. You would never classify it as a mystery, but it had me guessing about a few things.

I love that there are multiple ages of characters represented that are all relatable and interesting. All of them leading into multiple storylines of love, family, grief, secrets and scandal. This might seem like a lot, but the layers align and make for an easy to follow plot.

While I never want to lose anyone in my family, I always dream of inheriting a hotel/spa/inn to run. This is the perfect backdrop for a summer read. It kept me engaged and wanting more. The complex layers and unique and likable characters, made this a great read.

I read this as an immersive read while listening to the audiobook. Kathleen McInerney was a terrific choice of narrator and made listening a pleasure. She brought it all to life and let the story shine.

If you're looking for a book to kick back with this summer, Mary Kay Andrews's 'Summers at The Saint' is a pretty solid pick. You know her vibe – Southern charm, a little family drama, maybe a secret or two popping up? Yep, it's all there.
You'll follow Traci Eddings as she tries to keep her family's old resort, the St. Cecelia, from going under. It's got that whole 'against all odds' feel, plus she's digging up some old family skeletons along the way. Andrews really paints a picture of that Georgia coast, too; you can practically feel the sand between your toes and smell the salty air while you're reading.
Honestly, it's just a good, easy read. The story keeps you hooked without being too heavy, and it's got that satisfying ending you want from a beach read. If you're a fan of hers, you won't be disappointed, and if you're new to her stuff, this is a great place to start for some laid-back summer vibes.

It is really Summer if you don’t have a MKA book?!?
One of my favorites from her so far!

A little romance, paired with some twists and turns brought to life by the vibrant vision of the Saint.

Love able characters who were given a voice by the wonderfully talented Kathleen McInerney.

Thank you for the opportunity to listen to this audio production.

Andrews excels at creating vivid, atmospheric settings, and The Saint feels like a character who is full of tradition, secrecy, and glamour. The pacing is swift but includes enough twists to keep readers engaged. It's a perfect beach read for fans of layered characters and a good old-fashioned whodunit.

This book was very good. I found it very engaging! I read it right before actually getting to meet the author, so that was awesome. I loved the plot line of not giving up on what you believe, especially when your gut tells you something isn’t right.

This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it.
It was a good combination of mystery and romance.

And as always this narrator did a great job.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchanged for my honest review.

3.5 STARS

Summer at the Saint is a captivating read that defies the typical lighthearted summer book, offering much more depth and complexity. With multiple intertwined storylines, it keeps you engaged, but at times I felt like there was too much happening with lots of side plots and characters. The characters were not as well-developed as previous books from Andrews, likely because this book had so many characters. It was a fun book to read and entertaining.

Fun story with a great narrator. A who- dunit at the Saint hotel. Secret among a family, college students, a murder and so many suspects. The only downfall is that this novel is much longer than needed. Another fantastic MKA novel.

Mary Kay Andrews is an author who I always look forward to her new releases. Summers at the Saint had a little bit of everything. This book contains some mystery and romance. The perfect read for anyone.

A Charming and Nostalgic Summer Read

Mary Kay Andrews delivers another delightful summer escape with Summers at the Saint. Set against the backdrop of a historic coastal resort, the novel is filled with mystery, romance, and a touch of Southern charm. Andrews’ signature storytelling shines through, bringing the setting and characters to life with vivid descriptions and heartfelt moments.

The novel blends past and present seamlessly, weaving together a compelling mystery with engaging personal drama. The characters are well-developed, each with their own secrets and motivations that keep the story intriguing. While the pacing slows in some places, the engaging atmosphere and rich storytelling more than make up for it.

Whether you’re drawn to its beachy nostalgia, intriguing mystery, or endearing characters, Summers at the Saint is a perfect read for those looking for a mix of romance and suspense wrapped in a summer setting. A strong 4-star novel—warm, engaging, and perfect for a vacation read!

The mood of Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews is warm, uplifting, and full of charm, with a cozy, beachy vibe that's perfect for a relaxed read.

I really enjoyed this book! It was such a heartwarming escape, with the right mix of family drama, personal growth, and of course, a beautiful setting. The characters were so relatable, and I loved how the story explored themes of second chances and finding your true self. The audio narration was fantastic too—very engaging and perfectly matched the tone of the book. If you’re looking for a feel-good read, this one’s definitely worth checking out!

Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews is a delightful, heartfelt novel that immerses readers in the charm and intrigue of the St. Cecelia Hotel, a beloved landmark on the Georgia coast. The story revolves around Traci Eddings, a widowed hotel owner struggling to restore the St. Cecelia to its former glory. With staff shortages, financial trouble, and family drama, Traci's resolve is tested, but she’s determined to fight for the legacy of the hotel and for herself.

Andrews expertly blends the drama of the hotel's past with the present-day challenges Traci faces, including her complicated relationship with her brother-in-law and the shadow of a tragic drowning that may soon resurface. The narrative is filled with quirky, endearing characters—including a team of summer help, and even the estranged daughter of Traci's old best friend—who add both humor and emotional depth to the story.

Rich with atmosphere and layered with twists and turns, Summers at the Saint is a compelling mix of mystery, romance, and family drama. The author’s signature warmth and sharp eye for human nature shine through, making this book a perfect summer read with heart and depth. Fans of beach reads with a touch of suspense will find this novel captivating, and Traci’s journey of resilience and self-discovery will resonate long after the last page is turned.

My first book by this author, whose acclaimed by all people love Mary Kay Andrews, and I’ve always wanted to read her books and listening to this one. Makes me want to pick up any book of hers when I see it’s available.

Oh! This one starts out slow but don't give in, keep going because you will soon not put it down! Traci is the widowed owner of St. Cecelia, a high-end resort on the coast of Georgia. This has always been known as The Saint and if you were from the wrong part of town you were known as the Ain't's and Traci being a former Ain't marrying into the family she is battling her brother-in-law now trying to keep things running. This is full of intrigue, scandal, and secrets. Great beach read or really anytime you want something great to delve into!

Mary Kay Andrews consistently proves to be a fantastic choice for a summer read, especially for anyone looking to relax by the pool or beach. In her latest novel, Summers at the Saint, she skillfully blends mystery, murder, and family secrets with humor and heartfelt second-chance romance.

Set against the backdrop of "The Saint," a luxurious hotel on a Georgia island, the story unfolds with a captivating mix of suspense and emotion reminiscent of a soap opera, perfectly suited for a summertime atmosphere. The narrative keeps readers engaged with its fast pace and unexpected twists. While some moments delve into darker themes, Andrews masterfully intertwines these elements with her signature character development style that is heartwarming and relatable. Overall, this novel is a compelling read that balances intensity with charm—highly recommended!

This book definitely wasn't what I was expecting, but I did enjoy the mystery aspect of this book (in addition to the romance). I enjoyed the storytelling of the book and how it pulled me in. Lots of characters involved in this story - which can be confusing - but it seemed appropriate, given the mystery aspect.

3 ⭐️’s

I will start by saying that this book wasn’t for me, but I believe a lot of people will find joy in it. For example, what kept me going was the interesting characters, writing, and plot that kept me on my toes, but I just couldn’t connect with the story like I wish I could. This is not a fault of the book, I suspect many people will enjoy this story, but I will repeat that this just wasn’t for me. I finished the book and that’s a testament to the writing and characters, but I don’t think I will continue to check out more from this series. However, I hope other people will give it a chance, and the audiobook narrator was superb.

This story follows characters at the hotel St. Cecelia through scandal, a historic crime, and family affairs that twist and turn to keep the reader guessing. With humor and whit, Mary Kay Andrew’s captures the readers attention and creates an atmosphere that is impeccable for this story’s setting.

When her husband Hoke passes away, Traci Eddings inherits the St. Cecilia resort. She feels as though she’s been thrown into the deep end and is struggling to survive. It doesn’t take long before she realizes that she’s inherited more than the resort; she’s inherited the family drama, too. As readers learn more about Hoke’s family-run business, they discover that there’s more than meets the eye at this fictional island resort on the Georgian coast. Can Traci right the wrongs of the past and carve a new history for ‘the saint’?

Allow MKA to set the scene and introduce the characters before she dives into the mystery, history and secrets in this luxury resort. She’ll take you back to Traci’s past when she did lifeguarding for the ‘saints’ and then immerse you in the present-day running of the resort. It’s a wonderful armchair travel on a dark, dreary winter’s day. I was immediately sucked in by the summery atmosphere and compelling mystery, rich in tradition and scandals.

This is a great mystery with a touch of romance and one that highlights betrayal and long-buried secrets. I can always count on MKA’s ability to write a heartfelt story, giving us a realistic view of human nature. For me, this one had the perfect balance; a main course mystery with a side dish of romance. I really look forward to my biannual MKA literary treat.

I was gifted this copy by St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.