The Newcomer: A heartwarming, feel good novel perfect for an escapist read

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This the first book I’ve read by Mary Kay Andrews, which makes me - you guessed it! - a MKA newcomer. From what I understand, it’s a little different than most of her other books primarily due to a slightly darker tone and subject matter. A woman, with her 4-year-old niece, is hiding out in Florida from her sister’s baby daddy after he kills her and is looking for said 4-year-old. Andrews expertly builds the tension (and a sweet romance) while exhibiting her deft hand at developing quirky characters, strong southern women, and charming locations.” Tanya Carnahan warned her sister Letty that if anything happened to her to take her daughter Maya, a go bag containing a bunch of cash, diamond "push" ring and leave New York. She was worried that her ex boyfriend Evan was planning to get rid of her. When Letty found her sister dead inside her plush brownstone and Maya crying nearby, she grabbed what they needed along with the bag and left town. She has to get away from not only Evan but the police who will want to question her about Tanya's death and her taking Maya. Inside the bag was an old Southern Living ad for motel in Treasure Island, Florida, near St. Pete. Not sure about the significance of the ad, that is where they headed. The old motel is for long term residents who stay for the winter but she is able to talk the owner Ava into letting them stay there. She actually works for Ava and settles in, gets to know Ava's son Joe, a cop, her daughter Isabelle and residents. This story is long as it develops with Letty's story eventually unraveling to Isabelle and then to Joe and an FBI agent from New York investigating Evan. It is a complicated story with connections from years ago with Tanya and others in Treasure Island. Tanya had lots of secrets that are finally revealed. Maya is the star at the motel among the residents but it is obvious that Letty is a good person. I enjoyed the mystery in the story although slow moving at times. The setting is great with some likable characters. I felt there is far more language than needed for the story but that is my opinion. A little bit romance, a little bit suspense, and everything you’ve come to know and love from a Mary Kay Andrews story, THE NEWCOMER is sure to be a summer favorite!”

Letty learns to love being at The Murmuring Surf Motel even with all the grumpy snow birds because her landlady Ava was the best. Her son Joe wasn't bad to look at either. A large hand-painted sign was posted at the entrance to the motel lot: guest parking only in assigned spaces. trespassers’ cars will be towed. this means you.

Do you find hotels like The Murmuring Surf appealing? What is your ideal vacation spot? What is your ideal hideaway spot? Have you ever stayed in a hotel like The Murmuring Surf?

Sooner or later, though, Letty’s worst fears are bound to be realized, as Maya’s father is hot on her tail… The calendar shows May 4th: happy release day to this smart, entertaining beach read! Grab one of the books and start planning your holiday!👙🏄🏻‍♀️🏖🍹 I received a copy of this book from St. Martin's Press and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review. Look for THE NEWCOMER on 5/04/2021!Letty and Tanya were both drawn from small-town life to big-city life. What do you think attracts people to cities? Do you think that feeling has changed over the course of the past few years? Which appeals more to you? Has that changed over time? Letty Carnahan found her sister, Tanya dead in her New York Townhouse. Letty knows who did it - Tanya's ex, Evan. Her sister had previously told Letty, that if anything should ever happen to her that Even was responsible and she wanted Letty to take Maya, her four-year-old daughter and run. Letty nodded and thought about the wad of cash she’d stuffed under the front seat of the Kia. She could already feel it shrinking. “If I empty it out and clean it up, what would the weekly rate be?” What do you think motivates someone like Evan Wingfield? Have you ever known anyone like him? Do you think he really wanted to have custody of Maya? This is different from Mary Kate Andrews' earlier books but similar to her newer book, Sunset Beach, in setting and theme.