Eeks! I just got to chapter 52!
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Mary Kay Andrews has hit it out of the park with her latest book, “Beach Town,” due to hit stores May 19th, just in time for Memorial Day Weekend. Not only does it mention many of the familiar Gulf Coast towns where I was raised (and pokes a bit of fun at the newer, shinier “instant towns” we locals give a big eye roll to), but it has that quick-paced, yet funny and relaxed quality that are trademarks of MKA stories.
You may remember what darling BFFs MKA and I are (HERE) so I was privy to know ahead of time that she had planned to set this story somewhere along the Gulf Coast. I’ve spent a year anxiously awaiting the outcome (but there was no reason for her to block my calls, now was there?), and it’s even better than I thought it would be.
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It’s obvious the intricate details of the story are the result of thorough research and planning – a hallmark of MKA’s background in the hard-core world of newspapers, (with a journalism degree from The University of Georgia). Because of this, the quality of her stories seem to have a higher level of twists and turns than your average summer tale.
Another thing that endears me to Mary Kay’s stories is her ability to cut to the chase. No overly long, drawn-out, boring descriptions for a pair of shoes or excessive flowery language describing a kitten. That always bugs the fire out of me (the long descriptions, not the kitten). MKA tells the tale and keeps the story moving. You go girl, tell it!
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This new story explores what happens when Greer Hennessy, a beautiful scout for movie locations finds the perfect “old Florida” town for a new film, but runs into difficulties and, could it be . . . romance, with the local folks. It’s a fun concept that brings fast paced Hollywood and a small Southern town colliding.
Although I love a story that moves along, I’m always a little sad to finish Mary Kay Andrews’ books. When I’m on the last page, I feel like I’m leaving good friends behind. Sigh. This book is fun, relaxing and exciting and perfect for your summer reading list. Whether you live on the beach or mountains, city or desert, you’ll love Beach Town.
But wait! There’s more!
If you live in or close to Fairhope, make plans to attend the Wine and Sign Cocktail Party Page and Palette Bookstore is hosting for Mary Kay Andrews this coming Wednesday, May 20th at 6:00pm! If you’ve never heard Mary Kay speak, you are in for a huge treat. She’s as funny and clever as the characters in her books (well, I guess that makes sense), and you’ll absolutely adore her.
Things will kick off at The Venue, and your $15 ticket will get you delicious hors d’oeuvres and a $5 off coupon for the purchase of the book.
If you live out of the area, click HERE to see MKA’s other stops on her book tour. (To my loyal readers in Houston and Marietta, she’s headed your way too!). Tell her I said “Hi,” and she’ll run away love you!
Hope to see you at The Venue this coming Wednesday!
Oh, you little cutie! This little read sounds good and thanks for the info about it. I may pick this up. I don’t read like I used to but need to read some! Too busy chasing after those little people! 🙂 Thanks for popping in and my upstate little town is kinda fun like your down south town. Our towns are little twinkies but separated by many miles! 🙂 I’m feeling good this morning, can you tell?
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Coffee is good food!
I was thinking the same thing about our towns when I was looking at your post. Such nice towns with nice people everywhere!
Leslie Anne, I love this photo of you! Can hardly wait to get my hands on Beach Town, and feel like you do when I reach the end…a bit sad to let go of these characters that I just know would be my best friends!
When I moved to Atlanta 20 years ago and scoured the library for suspense, I discovered an author, Kathy Hogan Trocheck, whose fun mysteries were set in Atlanta. It’s the same cast of quirky folks in each one and I was hooked. Now they’re being re-published and Kathy is Mary Kay. A little bonus for fans of MKA!!!
She’s one multi-talented woman. I heard she also wrote a comic strip under the name of Charles Shultz.
I just love MKA Leslie Anne, and have lapped up every one of her books! I can’t wait to enjoy this on the porch this summer!! I know y’all will have a blast at the party~
How I wish you could be here. It’s going to be so much fun! Next time, definitely!
Hi Leslie Anne! Great pic of you on the beach. Sounds like a great book. I always wanted to be a movie scout or casting agent. Sounds like it would be so much fun. I lived in Florida for 4 years so I definitely have to pick this book up! Have a great week.
Well, this one is right up your alley. MKA is originally from Tampa, so she knows the area well.
Right now I am busy laughing at what you wrote but I will certainly look for the MKA book later.
You’ll be glad you got it. Great story!
It was a SUPER evening! Mary Kay Andrews is so down to Earth and her passion for her “readers” really shines. Love all these photos of Beach Town in different locations.
As a native Gulf Coaster, I will definitely have to check out MKA’s book! I wonder if she will ever write a book about another Gulf Coast town, Clearwater, FL, and how it has been taken over and is now the world headquarters for the Church of Scientology. 😉
Mary Kay’s originally from Clearwater! Who knows what the future will hold!
Yea! A new MKA book to read during my upcoming beach vacation (if I can wait that long…). They’re the perfect poolside read!
Poolside, beachside, lakeside, bedside . . . anywhere is a good place for MKA!