Sunday Obsession: Mary Kay Andrews

Photo Op with Mary Kay Andrews

Y’all, summer is just around the corner. For those of us in Florida, we can surely tell it’s on the horizon, as it’s hotter than the pits of Hell already. Why my ancestors chose Florida is beyond me. Lawsy mercy, every year I say “I am far too chunky for all this heat”…and every year I somehow manage to pull through.

If you, like me, enjoy the simple pleasures in life, you will understand this post. To me, there is nothing better than a “Beach Read.” Some fun, frivolous book to soak up as you’re sunnin’ with your toes in the sand. 

Now, last year, I can safely say that I was probably the only one that came home from the beach without a lick of sun. Truthfully, sitting in the heat is just not my cup of tea. I don’t like to sweat. But nevertheless, a good time was had by all. As my sister was out roasting on the beach, I was sitting in the air conditioning, fully immersed in a beach read.

The Queen of the Beach Read is the fabulous Mary Kay Andrews. I absolutely love her books. One of my absolute favorite books is Summer Rental. I’ve read it, and re-read it, and read it again. I know what is going to happen, but it’s like an old friend…I just can’t help but keep coming back to it. My other favorites include: Spring Fever, The Fixer Upper, Ladies Night, Hissy Fit, Little Bitty Lies, and Beach Town. 

Last year, I read Beach Town. As I was reading it, I was thinking “this sounds a lot like our area…” And it was! In reading an interview of Mary Kay Andrews, she stated that the book was based in and around Cedar Key. In the book, she did not call the town “Cedar Key,” because she changes some of the things around town. But how cool is that?!

Once you start one of her books, you quickly find yourself entranced. The characters are much like what you see around you day to day. All of her books have sassy, Southern women…you will just fall in love with the characters.

A few years back, I had the opportunity to meet her. She came to speak at the Alachua County Library. It was one of the neatest experiences. She was so incredibly sweet.

If you have not had the opportunity to read one of her books, or if you are on the hunt for an excellent beach read, I would highly recommend checking hers out!