Fiction
2021 Graydon House
Finished on August 16, 2022
Rating: 3.5/5 (Good)
Publisher's Blurb:
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?
Apparently, I'm a sucker for book covers with watercolor scenes. I bought New Girl in Little Cove for my mom after reading several bloggers' glowing reviews, but had I spotted it on a bookstore display, I would have purchased it simply for its lovely cover.
Damhnait (pronounced Downith) Monagham's debut novel is a charming story about a young woman from Toronto who finds herself living in a quaint community of 389 residents, teaching French at the local high school. Initially considered an outsider from "up in Canada" (fyi, Newfoundland is a province of Canada!), it doesn't take too long for Rachel to settle into the quirky fishing village of Little Cove.
I enjoyed New Girl in Little Cove, particularly the 80s references, but found it somewhat twee and predictable. Not quite a rom-com, nor serious literature, it has the feel of a Hallmark movie. Perhaps fans of Jan Karon's Mitford series would enjoy it more than I did.
Interesting, from the cover I would have immediately thought it was a middle grade book. Sorry it wasn't what you expected; the cover is sweet.
ReplyDeleteI can see how you would have thought that, Diane. I did enjoy reading it, but it's not one I loved.
DeleteI guess I'm a sucker for those watercolor covers, too! Haven't seen many reviews of this one, but was wondering about it for my mother. Your comparison the Jan Karon sealed it!
ReplyDeleteJoAnn, my mom enjoyed this one better than I did. I would have liked a little more depth to the characters and plot.
DeleteThe synopsis reminds me just a bit of the movie The Grand Seduction. Have you seen it? If not, it's not what it sounds like. It's actually a bit opposite to the book. A small island fishing village in Newfoundland is trying to seduce a doctor into moving to the island. I thought it was really good. I'm sorry the book didn't work out better for you.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen that movie, Jen, but I'll look for it. After reading New Girl in Little Cove, I want to read The Day the World Came to Town, which is set in Newfoundland. It's been on my list forever.
Delete80s references usually do good things for me, but twee won't really work.
ReplyDeleteHelen, the references were fun and helped set the time period of no cell phones, email, Facebook, etc. But, yeah, it's a little too sweet and predictable, which is fine if you're in the mood for a comfort read.
DeleteThat is a pretty cover. I would say too sweet may not be quite the book for me but I love the 80s so who knows, maybe I'll give this one a try!
ReplyDeleteIliana, I did enjoy it, but it's not one that I loved. Maybe try it sometime when you're looking for something light.
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