The Newcomer: A Novel

I have always loved MKA, being from her hometown and reading the stories where she gets her inspiration from feels like I’m really emerged in the story. I’ve been on a kick of listening to the audio and reading along when I can, her audio narrators for each book has been perfect. Couldn’t stop reading, finished in three days. The plot twists and turns were enough to keep me wanting to know more of Letty’s story!

The Newcomer, by Mary Kay Andrews is a lovely, charming feel-good story. It’s the story of Letty Carnahan, the sister of recently deceased Tanya, who is on the run from NYC to a small town on the Gulf Coast of Florida, with her 4 year-old niece Maya, in tow. They reach the Murmuring Surf, a long-term hotel on the beach, and she discovers it’s the perfect place to hide out and where they are meant to be, she just doesn’t know why. They are welcomed by a quirky crew of elderly residents and embraced by the owner, Ava, her son, Joe, and her daughter, Isabelle. Joe, however, is a cop, and knows that Letty is hiding something, something that terrifies her. He’s determined to find out what it is, but also finds himself drawn to this caring, giving newcomer who has shown up out of nowhere. This story has it all: romance, mystery, friendship, family, a picturesque beach setting, and a cozy plot with endearing characters you want to befriend. Mary Kay Andrews creates an environment you want to move into and stay for the long haul. The rustic long-stay hotel setting, situated right along the beach, is descriptive and vivid and makes you feel as if you are there alongside the characters. This story is admittedly very long, as all of her books are, but it’s one you are satisfied to dwell in for as long as it takes. The Newcomer is a relaxing, enjoyable meandering path of a plot that is a bit slower-paced, as Southern fiction often is, but also sweetly satisfying. I was admittedly a bit confused by Letty’s persistent reticence in her romantic relationship, but all-in-all the story was a delight not to be rushed through. Mary Kay Andrews books are really a delightful niche of Southern fiction and a pleasure to read.

A riveting story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Quite the page turner. Intrigue and romance and a total interest grabber. Read it in one day; all 436 pages!

This book contains all the things MKA is known for: a quirky cast of characters, a little mystery and a little romance which all together make for the perfect beach read! For me this was the perfect escape to the rainy, dreary Ohio weather.

MKA had outdone herself with The Newcomer! The characters are people I want to know. (Well, the good guys anyway.) The plot was terrific with just enough plot twists, and who doesn’t like a happily ever after ending? Thank you for a wonderfully satisfying read!