Summary of Summers at the Saint a novel by Mary Kay Andrews

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Summary of Summers at the Saint a novel by Mary Kay Andrews
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Summers at the Saint is a captivating summer read by Mary Kay Andrew, a bestselling author of The Homewreckers and The Newcomer. Set in the St. Cecelia hotel on the coast of Georgia, the story follows Traci Eddings, the widowed owner, who must turn the hotel around despite staff shortages and financial troubles. The novel features a blend of friendships, budding romance, and secrets within the hotel's walls. The story is filled with warmth, humor, twists, and a deep understanding of human nature. The book is a fun, heart-warming, and intriguing summer read for readers who enjoy a blend of mystery and romance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: XinXii
• Release date: May 17, 2024
• ISBN: 9783989830509

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Traci Eddings first saw the Saint Cecelia resort when she was six or seven years old. She was with her grandfather, Pops, who suggested they visit the enchanted pink castle. However, Pops was afraid of the rich people and the bobber, which Traci was intrigued by.

Traci's first experience with the Saint came when her best friend Shannon invited her to a birthday party at the Saint. Traci was initially reluctant to attend, but eventually decided to attend. She bought a new bikini for the party and bribed Shannon's older brother Joe to drop her off in exchange for doing his English homework.

Two years later, Traci and Shannon worked at the Saint's ice-cream parlor, biking across the river on the causeway from their working-class neighborhood to the resort. They were educated about the two distinct social classes in their small coastal community. Gayla, the ice-cream shop's twenty-year-old manager, warned them not to mess with the hotel guests or members' kids, as they were considered Ain'ts.

Traci found out that instead of living on the wrong side of the railroad tracks, she lived on the wrong side of the causeway until she met Hoke Eddings. The story highlights the tension between loyalty to her best friend Shannon and the excitement of finally experiencing the Saint.

CHAPTER 1

Traci Eddings, the manager of the Saint Cecelia, is dealing with the news that her GM, Charlie Burroughs, is leaving the resort. Charlie, who has worked at the Saint since the age of 14, has witnessed numerous disasters and disasters, including the 1972 hurricane, the food poisoning debacle in 1988, and the drought of 1996. Traci is concerned about the loss of Mehdi and Sam, who are leaving the resort. Charlie suggests hiring more help, but Traci is hesitant due to the lack of interest in summer jobs.

Traci suggests recruiting from farther away, as the locals are attending tennis camps or doing TikTok videos for energy drinks. She also mentions the changing rents in the area, as people who used to rent to summer help have turned their cottages or garage apartments into short-term vacation rentals.

The Saint Cecelia, a venerable beach resort and country club, has been a mainstay destination for generations of upper-crust families who have flocked there for over a hundred years. Traci can almost picture walking along the beach with Hoke after their first real date, even at twenty-nine. She is grateful for Charlie's support and the memories they shared together.

Charlie and Traci discuss the idea of turning their old golf cart barn into a dorm, but Traci insists it is not suitable for their summer help. They plan to replace the roof, electrical, and heat and air units, but Charlie is concerned about the financial impact and the need to open by Memorial Day. Traci suggests a minimum of nine employees, but they could use seven if they offer overtime and signing bonuses. Charlie agrees to make calls to find someone in the kitchen and front desk, but Traci is hesitant about the high-visibility job, as it would appear family-owned. Charlie, who has grown up in the business, knows where all the bodies are buried and Traci knows he will do whatever it takes to keep the company afloat.

PARRISH

Parrish Eddings is packing for her upcoming trip to Europe, and she is excited to leave her husband Ric and Maddy behind. She is unsure of the reasons behind her dislike for her bedroom, which she has decorated without her consent or input after marrying Ric. Traci, her favorite aunt, offers to pick her up in ten and they head to BluePointe, a new planned development fifteen miles north of the Saint. They visit a restaurant in the resort's faux village and are greeted by a server who shows them vinyl-covered menus. Parrish is disappointed with the prices and the quality of the food, but they decide to have a nineteen-dollar club sandwich instead.

The restaurant has not been open for a year, but it has received free publicity from the Atlanta paper and Southern Living. The dining room features expensive wallpaper and window treatments, which are made from Scalamandré fabric. Parrish remembers her uncle Hoke, who had a pillow made out of the same fabric for her birthday as a joke.

Parrish is left feeling misty-eyed by her aunt, even though Hoke has been gone for four years. She hopes that the restaurant will allow her to keep her tips and work in the dining room today.

Traci, the owner of a hotel called the Saint, is facing financial difficulties and needs to find more staff to open the hotel. Mehdi, the head chef at the Verandah restaurant, has quit and Sam, the guest relations manager, is going with her. Traci is desperate to find someone who knows the property, guests, and how things work at the Saint.

Parrish Eddings, who has worked at the Saint every year since she was fourteen, is determined to leave the family business and start her own life. She is tired of living in her house, dealing with her father's erratic behavior, and the idea of working at the hotel with Madelyn. Traci offers her a solution: postpone her summer program and pay for the cancellation fees. She also promises to provide a dorm for summer staff, which she believes will be well-paid and enjoyable.

Parrish is reluctant to return to the family business, but Traci assures her that she is not the problem. She believes the Saint is her legacy and that she can continue working there. Traci suggests that she could offer her a dorm or stay with her aunt, Lola, and their gassy, wire-haired dachshund. Parrish, however, prefers to live in a dorm, as she feels her summer in Europe is slipping away.

The situation is dire, as the Saint is already shorthanded and needs to recoup some losses from the pandemic. If she doesn't follow her aunt's wishes, the Saint may close, leaving the family struggling to survive.

Traci is unsure if she wants to live in a dorm for the summer and wants to be paid what Sam paid. Parrish insists she explain the deal to her father, who is livid about the nonrefundable fees. Traci is relieved and decides to talk to her father. She brings the check to the dining room, but is disappointed with the uneaten food. Parrish sympathizes but Traci suggests going to the car.

OLIVIA

Olivia noticed a wealthy woman at table six at BluePointe, who seemed to be a tourist from Bonaventure. She apologized for the sandwich she had eaten and offered to take it off her bill. The woman, Traci Eddings, asked Livvy if she enjoyed working there and she agreed. She mentioned that she was looking to hire staff for a resort near her, and she was offered two dollars an hour more, a hundred-dollar bonus, and free on-site housing.

Livvy was surprised by the offer but couldn't help but stare at the woman. In the end, Mr. Godby intervened in the dispute, and Livvy felt unfairly treated. She had a headache and blisters from her new work shoes by the time she returned home. Her mother was still at work at the hospital, and Livvy still felt guilty about pouring herself a glass of wine while she soaked in a bubble bath.

Shannon had found religion and had let it be known that she didn't approve of alcohol. Livvy liked an occasional glass of wine to relax, but she didn't want to run wild in the streets. The story highlights the challenges faced by servers and the importance of maintaining a professional demeanor in the workplace.

Livvy finds Traci Eddings's business card, offering her a job at BluePointe. She is excited about the two-dollar an hour increase and a $100 signing bonus, which could help her save up for college or buy a new car. However, she is also concerned about her mother's strict rules, which she has always loved.

Livvy decides to call Traci and leave a voice message, hoping to talk to her about the job. When she arrives home, she finds her mother home and feels ashamed but relieved. Traci informs her that they are starting to staff up for summer and have several positions open at the Verandah restaurant. They offer a dorm-type experience with furnished private rooms and shared communal baths.

Livvy agrees to the job and is told that they will start training immediately if the interview goes well. She is excited about the change and the opportunity to work at BluePointe.

After disconnecting, Livvy is surprised to receive an incoming text from her manager, Charlie Burroughs, who sends her a photo of a man's unzipped fly with an erect penis and a series of hot dog emojis interspersed with tongue emojis. The photo is a sign from the universe that Livvy needs, and she downloads it and forwards it to [e-mail].

Livvy decides to quit and turn in her uniform when she picks up her last paycheck. She is grateful for the opportunity and the support she has received from her mother, Shannon, who has always been a strict and strict mother.

SHANNON

Shannon finds Livvy's bedroom locked and rapes on the door twice.