New Girl in Little Cove - by Damhnait Monaghan (Paperback)

About the Book

"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?"--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

"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.

Review Quotes

"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." --Booklist

"Prepare to have your pants charmed right off by this warm hug of a book." --The Globe & Mail

"There are times when a story just touches you. Funny, endearing...New Girl in Little Cove is a glorious mix of customs and oddities that survive through generations." --Fresh Fiction

"New Girl in Little Cove combines elements of Come From Away and TV's Schitt's Creek, with a dash of Netflix's Derry Girls... It will put a big smile on your face as you read, and if you come from a small town, or wish you did, you'll love it even more. I give it my highest recommendation." --The Auburn Citizen