Sun, Sand, and Scandal at a Southern Coastal Resort
There’s nothing quite like settling into a beach chair with a frothy new novel by Mary Kay Andrews. Her latest offering, “Summers at the Saint,” whisks readers away to the fictional St. Cecelia resort on the Georgia coast – a place where the cocktails are strong, the secrets are juicy, and the divide between the haves and have-nots runs as deep as the Atlantic.
Andrews has long reigned as the queen of breezy Southern fiction, serving up witty heroines and page-turning plots as reliably as a diner churns out sweet tea. But with “Summers at the Saint,” she adds extra depth and nuance to her trademark recipe. The result is a highly satisfying blend of romance, mystery and social commentary that goes down as smooth as a mint julep on a sweltering summer day.
A Plucky Heroine with Something to Prove
At the center of the story is Traci Eddings, a former “Ain’t” (local slang for those not wealthy enough to vacation at the Saint) who worked her way up from lifeguard to become the owner of the storied resort after marrying the boss’s son. Now widowed, Traci is fighting to keep the Saint afloat amid financial troubles and staff shortages.
Andrews excels at creating capable, likeable heroines, and Traci is no exception. Her determination to preserve the Saint’s legacy while dragging it into the 21st century makes her easy to root for. And her journey from outsider to insider gives her a unique perspective on the resort’s entrenched inequalities and long-buried secrets.
A Colorful Cast of Characters
Surrounding Traci is a lively ensemble of supporting players who each get their moment in the spotlight:
- Olivia: The daughter of Traci’s estranged best friend, hired as a server but quickly promoted to the guest relations desk. Smart and ambitious, she has her own reasons for wanting to uncover the Saint’s secrets.
- Felice: A talented young chef with big dreams and a no-nonsense attitude. Her efforts to modernize the Saint’s menus put her at odds with long-time vendors and staff.
- KJ: A college dropout and son of wealthy members, working a summer job at his family’s insistence. His easygoing charm masks deeper insecurities.
- Garrett: A smooth-talking waiter with a dark side and fingers in multiple shady dealings around the resort.
- Charlie Burroughs: The Saint’s long-time general manager, whose loyalties come into question as the plot unfolds.
Andrews deftly juggles this large cast, giving each character depth and motivation beyond their surface archetypes. The result is a rich tapestry of interconnected lives and conflicting agendas that keeps the pages turning.
Mystery and Intrigue
While “Summers at the Saint” has plenty of romantic subplots to satisfy Andrews’ core readership, it’s the central mystery that really drives the narrative. When Traci’s niece Parrish is found dead after a staff party, it sets off a chain of events that threatens to expose decades of corruption and cover-ups at the resort.
Andrews keeps readers guessing with well-placed red herrings and a steady drip of revelations. She also weaves in a cold case from 20 years earlier – the drowning of a young boy at the resort pool – that ties into present-day events in unexpected ways.
The mystery elements allow Andrews to delve into weightier themes than her typical beach reads, touching on issues of class, privilege, and the lingering effects of trauma. It’s a balancing act she pulls off with aplomb, never letting the serious undertones overwhelm the book’s overall buoyant mood.
Setting as Character
One of Andrews’ greatest strengths as a writer is her ability to bring settings to vivid life, and the Saint itself emerges as one of the book’s most compelling characters. From the pink stucco exterior to the old-money atmosphere of the dining room, every detail feels carefully considered.
Readers will practically be able to smell the salt air and feel the sand between their toes as Andrews describes lazy days by the pool and moonlit walks on the beach. But she doesn’t shy away from showing the less glamorous side of resort life, like the cramped staff dormitories and steamy restaurant kitchens.
The contrast between the polished facade presented to guests and the behind-the-scenes reality drives home the book’s themes about appearances versus truth. It also provides fertile ground for culture clashes and class commentary as characters from different backgrounds interact.
Pacing and Plot
At nearly 500 pages, “Summers at the Saint” is a hefty read for a beach book. But Andrews keeps the story moving at a brisk clip, with short chapters and multiple viewpoints that make it easy to devour in big chunks.
The first half of the novel focuses on establishing the setting and characters, with the mystery elements simmering in the background. Things kick into high gear in the back half as secrets come to light and characters are pushed to their breaking points. A climactic sequence involving arson and attempted murder delivers genuine thrills.
If there’s a weakness, it’s that some plot threads feel a bit rushed in their resolution. A late-breaking revelation about parentage, while satisfying, could have used more breathing room to fully land. But these are minor quibbles in an otherwise tightly plotted tale.
Andrews’ Signature Style
Fans of Andrews’ previous works like “The Weekenders” and “Hello, Summer” will find much to enjoy in her latest outing. Her trademark wit is on full display, especially in the snappy dialogue between characters. And she hasn’t lost her talent for mouthwatering food descriptions – readers may find themselves craving shrimp and grits or key lime pie.
What sets “Summers at the Saint” apart is its willingness to dig a little deeper beneath the surface. While still ultimately a feel-good read, it doesn’t shy away from tackling issues like sexual assault, addiction, and the long-term effects of keeping secrets. The result is a more complex and rewarding novel that lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned.
Final Verdict
“Summers at the Saint” is Mary Kay Andrews at the top of her game, delivering a perfect blend of romance, mystery, and social commentary. It’s the kind of book that begs to be read poolside with a frosty drink in hand, but it also offers enough substance to spark lively book club discussions.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to Andrews’ work, this engrossing tale of secrets and scandals at a coastal resort is sure to become a highlight of your summer reading list. Just be prepared to find yourself craving a beach vacation of your own by the time you turn the final page.
Who Should Read This Book:
- Fans of women’s fiction and beach reads with a bit more heft
- Mystery lovers who enjoy ensemble casts and intertwining plotlines
- Readers who appreciate vivid settings and strong sense of place
- Anyone who’s worked in the hospitality industry (you’ll relate to the behind-the-scenes drama!)
Comparable Titles:
- “28 Summers” by Elin Hilderbrand
- “The Summer Guests” by Mary Alice Monroe
- “One Perfect Summer” by Brenda Novak
Mary Kay Andrews has delivered another winner with “Summers at the Saint,” proving why she remains one of the most reliable names in escapist summer fiction. Pour yourself a glass of sweet tea, settle into your favorite reading chair, and prepare to be transported to the Georgia coast for a thoroughly entertaining stay.
