Overall, I liked the story and the writing style was engaging. I didn't completely love it, but I'd certainly be interested in reading another book by Ms. Andrews. New York City: Letty Carnahan promised her sister, Tanya, she would take care of her daughter if anything ever happened to her. Tanya told her it would be her ex Evan, if something did. Tanya made her promise that she’d take Maya and run. Letty never imagined she would find her sister's body that morning. Letty grabs Maya and Tanya's go-bag, full of cash and an old magazine clipping of The Murmuring Surf motel. Joe the cop stared at her. “You’re not gonna find anything on the beach this time of year,” he said. “It’s March, and it’s Florida.”

That’s true,” Ava said. She glanced at her son, and then down at Maya, with her bedraggled stuffed toy elephant. I was surprised that my biggest struggle was with the romance. I expected it to be the most fleshed out part, but it was unbelievable to me. It felt rushed and forced. I would have liked to have seen the relationship develop more. She views the magazine her sister left behind and sees the Murmuring Surf’s name has been pencilled. She thinks her sister tried to give her a message by directing her to this motel. If you enjoy being at the beach, finding new friends and a new home, seeing a character blossom, and seeing how things turn out for characters, this book will be for you. But as soon as Vikki arrives at the motel, the woman Evan hired to find her, things get more complicated. Letty has to come clean and instead of running away, she has to face with her demons and find the killer of her sister!I did enjoy the light and snappy writing style, but in case it’s not yet clear, this book is just too long. The mystery and romance aren’t entirely original either, and the characters are somehow simultaneously cliched and unbelievable. The Florida motel setting is great though, and something about it gave me southern Schitt’s Creek vibes. I always love a good Mary Kay Andrews book. Her books are great summer/beach reads and this one is no different. The Newcomer is an exciting story following Letty as she tries to protect her niece from a horrible situation. We see Letty as she begins to figure out the ins and outs of motherhood, starting over, learning to trust society and people again and find her place in this world. Oh, and there's a mystery to solve in the middle of all of this. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, the storyline and the way the author builds up the story and suspense/romance. That magazine article. There was something about this place that meant something to Tanya. Her sister was not particularly sentimental. She was not a saver of magazine articles. And yet, she had saved that article about this particular place. Why?

They are running from authorities because she finds sister lying on a blood bath at her house as her little nice is scared and traumatized. Her sister Tanya warned her about her ex Evan who is biological father of Maya could harm her before and her predictions eventually come true. Letty keeps her promise she gave to her sister: she takes her niece and she runs away because the scumbag ex Evan might have killed her sister and now he’s coming after her!Letty doesn't want to be found by either the detective or the attorney because she knows neither will turn out well. Her sister couldn't have any inheritance or could she? Letty shook her head. “I really had my heart set on this place. I’ve heard so much about it, and I promised Maya we’d be at the beach.” “It’s that doggone Southern Living article,” Ava said. “Forgotten motel, my ass. It’s been five years, and I’m still turning folks away.”

Everything about this particular story was predictable, and while I did enjoy the resolution; the book overall did not satisfy me like I hoped it would! I still can’t wait for her next book though, because MKA is a great writer. I’m really sorry, hon, but if you’d called ahead, I could have told you we’re booked solid. It’s still high season, you know.” The woman paused, then shrugged and pointed to a narrow hall- way. “Right there. But it’s for motel guests only.” Does Maya seem like a typical four-year-old? Why or why not? What effect do you think she had on Letty?

The Newcomer

I have to admit that this book's twists were phenomenal, and I hope that there will be a book about Vikki Hill. She was a great secondary character! So what, you were passed out drunk? With a kid in the car?” The sunglasses obscured his eyes, but he was youngish. Late thirties, very tan, very judgey. This book was filled with mystery, intrigue, family, murder, unlikable characters (and I must admit that it took me a very long time to connect with and warm up to, Letty Carnahan and her niece Maya, our main character's) lies, romance, and the usual luscious descriptions of the deep South. If anything happens to me, Evan did it. Take Maya and run." Tanya always warned her sister that Evan was dangerous. She made Lettie promise to protect four year old Maya. Just run. Run away as fast as you can.

Some of the residents and staff at the motel are highly suspicious of Letty, while others are ready to welcome her and Maya with open arms. The owner’s son, Joe, a former detective, believes something about Letty’s story doesn’t quite add up… but he’s also willing to give her the benefit of the doubt… for a little while, at least. The narrator was excellent, but let’s be honest, no adult can sound like a genuine 4 year old. If that fake baby voice is something that will bother you, then you may want to skip the audio version of this one.

Mary Kay Andrews

Pee-pee,” Maya wailed, right on cue. The kid’s timing was flawless. Like her mother’s, Letty thought ruefully. She’d already met and had a skirmish with Ava’s son Joe, a police detective (whom Lila noticed is nice looking) when first arriving there. Then there’s Ava’s daughter Isabelle, and the fabulous assortment of comical, quirky vacationers that stay seasonally. While The Newcomer is a murder mystery with some romance, it’s a light beach read as you might have already detected by the cover. The cast of characters are endearing. And there is no mistaking who the bad guys are. The circumstances are a bit far-fetched and the story is fairly predictable. And it’s a bit too long. But I liked it. It gave me the change of pace I needed from heavier books.