The Newcomer by Mary Kay Andrews ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

After Nancy Thayer, Mary Kay Andrews is the next author I can't wait to read when beach book season rolls around. If you haven't read one of her summer novels, they aren't fluff. They can be pretty intense reads at times and The Newcomer puts the reader on high alert right from the first page.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

May 2021; St. Martin's Press; 978-1250256966
audio, ebook, print (448 pages); women's fiction

The Newcomer starts off with a woman terrified, on the run with her 4-year-old niece. My anxiety on behalf of Letty and Maya ratcheted up a few notches. We soon learn that Letty discovered her sister murdered when she went to pick up her niece for their weekly playdate. Just a few weeks prior Tanya had confided in Letty that she was terrified of her ex-boyfriend and should anything happen to her, Letty needed to take Maya and run. Tanya even had a go-bag ready with plenty of cash. Not knowing where to go, Letty decides to head to an old motel in Florida. After all, Tanya had a magazine article about it in her go-bag. Ironically, the motel owner's son is a local police detective.

The book is suspenseful and will keep you turning the pages, but it is also a beach read so it isn't terribly dark or gritty. Actually, there are a lot of fun characters at the motel. As it is still the off-season, snowbirds are in residences. These guests have been coming to the motel since their kids were small and now in their retirement they spend the cold, winter months in the Sunshine State. It is an idyllic setting and soon you are lulled into forgetting the danger Letty and Maya are in. 

There's a bit of romance which all beach reads should have and don't worry, there's a happily ever after. It is really the perfect summer read as it has it all - page-turning suspense, romantic overtones with a caring, handsome man, and warm ocean breezes (which are especially important for those of us reading from home). Whether you are turning your backyard into your vacation destination or are heading for the real surf and sand this summer, this is one book you will want to have on hand.

Buy The Newcomer at Amazon

 

Donna Huber is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the founder of Girl Who Reads and the author of how-to marketing book Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour.

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