April 15, 2021
When Rachel saw that a Catholic school in Newfoundland was hiring a French teacher, she jumped at the chance to leave Toronto. Fresh off a bad breakup and still mourning her father's recent death, she thought a change of scenery might help put things in perspective. But Little Cove is much more than a change of scenery, it's an outright culture shock. The people of Little Cove are insular and prone to gossip, with a dialect all their own and a strong distaste for "mainlanders." After embarrassing herself and redeeming herself more than a few times while proving she values the town's culture as much as its inhabitants, Rachel's surprised to find herself comfortable with small-town life. But is her impulsive move worth a permanent change? Monaghan paints a full picture of a mysterious little town, giving supporting characters compelling backstories without resorting to caricature. 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.
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April 23, 2021
DEBUT A new French teacher has been hired in Little Cove, Newfoundland, after the last one ran off with the village priest. When Rachel O'Brien arrives from the mainland, she's shocked that everyone seems to already know everything about her--except for why she's there. After a few missteps, and with the help of local teacher Doug Bishop, she begins to find her place. She tries to ignore her growing feelings for Doug and sets about making a home for herself. When Rachel gives a student advice that conflicts with the Little Cove community and its church, she throws her job into jeopardy. The friends she's made among the "Holy Dusters," a group of women who clean the church and hook rugs, step in to help salvage Rachel's job and her relationship with Doug. Set in a fishing village in distinctive Newfoundland, Canada, the location itself is like another character. The story comes alive in the local language with ancient Celtic roots, traditions and music just as old, and food that will have readers drooling. VERDICT Humorous and charming, this novel is a perfect pick-me-up for readers looking for an escape. The ending leaves open the possibility of a sequel.--Terri Lent, Patrick Henry High School, Ashland, VA
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