This book took me by surprise in the nicest way. I’ll be honest—my cynical side expected sappy, but I was soon immersed in a story of family secrets, infidelity and money troubles.

Traci and her friend Shannon grew up wanting to be a part of the Saint. When they were old enough, they got jobs as lifeguards. However, one awful incident resulted in Shannon being fired. Traci went on to marry the owner’s son and her friendship with Shannon fell apart.

Now years later, Traci is running the saint as a widow and trying to keep the place out of the red. She spends the money to provide free housing to her staff and hires some enthusiastic young women to work for her. One woman just happens to be her niece, Parrish.

Parrish is observant and carries around a small notebook of things she needs to check into. Little does she know how important the notebook will come to be before the summer ends.

I must say I was a bit disappointed at what happened to one of my favorite characters, but the story kept me guessing and I did not think the ending was predictable, except for the romantic connection.

This was one of my favorite reads of the summer. I highly recommend this one to my reader friends.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read a copy. I am happy to give my honest review. ( )

I was pleasantly surprised by this book, as I haven't really enjoyed MKA's previous books. But, this one is her best that I read.
Traci Eddings is head of the resort The Saint, managing it after her beloved husband, Hoke, died in a plane crash. Traci had been a townie, or an "Ain't", and Hoke was heir to the fortune of the Saint. Traci met him while she was working at the resort. One summer years earlier, she and her best friend, Shannon, were lifeguards when a child drowned in the pool. Shannon was fired, and hasn't spoken to Traci since.
Now Traci is trying to keep the resort afloat, while money is hemorrhaging. She begs her niece, Parrish, to help out. Her BIL Ric is not happy, and is conspiring to cheat Traci out of any inheritance when his father dies. Traci also hires Olivia, Shannon's daughter, to help at The Saint.
When a tragedy occurs, Traci tries to solve the crime. She uncovers some sinister activity. The staff gardener helps her.
All in all, a satisfying novel. ( )

I was so happily surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. Reading the synopsis was hmm, the haves vs the have-nots and not one of my favorite subjects. But wrapped up in a twisty, hateful family dynamic, this story was well plotted and very interesting. Mary Kay Andrews nails the stereotypes, which are tightly and truly drawn. While it might have been easy to see where this story was going the getting there was well thought out. The book held my attention and I ripped through it. Rounding up because it was just that good.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for a copy. ( )

A perfect summer beach read! Mary Kay Andrews has knocked it out of the park with this book. It held my interest from beginning to end! ( )

Thanks to NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press for a digital advance reader's copy. All comments and opinions are my own.

This was another summer page-turner from Mary Kay Andrews. It starts out by introducing one character after another, and at first, I couldn’t see where the story was going. But suddenly it was all about the layers of relationships, a long-ago drowning accident, questions, secrets, and scandals. I couldn’t put it down.

The story takes place at “The Saint,” an upscale resort officially known as “St. Cecillia,” located on the Georgia coast. Family-owned and operated, the hotel is in the midst of financial troubles and staff shortages. The newest staff members, fans of true-life murder podcasts, begin investigating a suspicious death as well as questionable product issues on the hotel property. The plot thickens and kept me on the edge of my seat.

Andrews offers clues, twists, and suspense, a variety of bad guys and dangerous situations as well as revealing secrets from over 20 years ago. All the puzzle pieces fit together by the last page, and there’s even a nice bit of romance, too.

This is a summer mystery/thriller that’s a perfect beach read. ( )