New Girl in Little Cove

By: Damhnait Monaghan

Narrated by: Marnye Young

"Fans of Richard Russo’s That Old Cape Magic, Emily St. John Mandel’s The Glass Hotel, and Patricia Harman’s The Runaway Midwife will enjoy Rachel’s fish-out-of-water journey to acceptance and understanding.” —Booklist

"If you loved Come From Away, don’t miss this charming debut novel.”—Kate Hilton, bestselling author of Better Luck Next Time

After the local French teacher scandalizes the fishing village of Little Cove, Newfoundland, by running off with a priest, the school looks to the mainland to fill the job quickly. They want someone who can uphold their Catholic values and keep a motley group of largely unwilling students in line.

The position is filled by mainlander Rachel O’Brien—technically a Catholic (baptized!), technically a teacher (honors degree!)—who’s desperate to leave her current mess of a life behind. She isn’t surprised that her students don’t see the value of learning French. But she is surprised that she can barely understand their English… Is it a compliment or insult to be called a sleeveen? (Insult.) And the anonymous notes left on her car, telling her to go home, certainly don’t help to make her feel welcome.

Still, she is quickly drawn into the island’s traditional music and culture, and into the personal lives of her crusty but softhearted landlady, Lucille, her reluctant students and her fellow teacher Doug Bishop. But when her beliefs clash with church and community, she makes a decision that throws her career into jeopardy. In trying to help a student, has she gone too far?

Full of warmth, humor, romance and the quirkiest community of characters… Get ready to be charmed by this impossibly delightful debut, perfect for fans of Kristan Higgins and Susan Elizabeth Phillips.

Cozy and Cute

3.25 stars to this cozy and cute story that is a reliable feel good when you need one. Rachel is the new French teacher at the Catholic school in Little Cove, Newfoundland. She is escaping a heartbreak, the loss of her father, and the thready relationship with her mom who has also escaped to Australia to try and survive her own heartbreak. I liked this story a lot. I am a big fan of the single woman who bravely travels and creates her own adventure theme. The uniquely quirky Newfoundland town in this story, Little Cove, becomes one of the lovable characters and that lends to the cozy feel. There also themes of culture and acceptance and unlikely friendships. You will also enjoy the zany cast of characters especially the Holy Dusters who are an elderly group of women clean the church and hook rugs for hobby. Rachel becomes the unexpected hero and you want her to succeed at her own happiness. Fairly predictable but light hearted read and sometimes this type of book is truly just what you need.

Good feel story.

Sweet story of finding your place after emotional struggle amongst a small town with alot of beautiful culture.