Writer in Residence: A Bookish Small-Town Romance with Southern Charm, Literary Themes, and Emotional Depth

by Rhonda McKnight

From award-winning author Rhonda McKnight comes a new story of faith, history, and the power of legacy that merges the romance of The Bookshop Sisterhood with the rich Lowcountry setting of Mary Alice Monroe.

Alexandra Chambers is a writer who has run out of words. Struggling with writer's block and the pressure to secure a new book deal, she wins a week in a writer-friendly cabin through a drawing held at a Lowcountry literacy center.

What she finds is far more than she expected--a vibrant community brimming with inspiration, a past steeped in history and culture, and a man who both intrigues and unsettles her.

Gabe Scott, a bestselling author and the former writer-in-residence, is everything Alex feels she's not--acclaimed, award-winning, and unshakably confident. When their paths cross at the center, his literary brilliance and dedication to helping struggling Gullah students stir feelings Alex isn't ready to confront. Though undeniably attracted to him, Alex wrestles with the fear that her books pale beside his celebrated work.

When a surprising family connection unearths long-hidden truths about her past, Alex is forced to confront a lie that has shaped her life. Guided by the quiet wisdom of Ms. Kate, an elderly Gullah cleaning woman with losses of her own, Alex finds the strength to forgive truths long withheld, embrace her voice, and write the story only she can tell.

Writer in Residence is a rich and layered choice for book clubs eager to explore themes of identity, family secrets, creative reinvention, and the power of place. McKnight's lush Lowcountry setting and unforgettable cast of characters spark meaningful conversation about Gullah Geechee culture, the stories we inherit, and the courage it takes to tell our own truth. An included discussion guide makes it easy for groups to dig deeper into Alex's journey of rediscovery--and perhaps reflect on the hidden roots in their own lives.

A map and discussion questions can be found in the audiobook companion PDF download.

Genres: Romance, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Contemporary, African American Romance, Womens Fiction, Books About Books

Audible Audio

Published September 8, 2026

About the author

Even as she pursued degrees in Textile Technology, Organizational Leadership and finally, Adult Education, Rhonda McKnight’s love for books and desire to write stories was always in the back of her mind and in the forefront of her heart. Rhonda loves reading and writing stories that touch the heart of women through complex plots and interesting characters in crisis. She writes from the comfort of her South Carolina home with black tea, potato chips and chocolate on hand. At her feet sits a snappy mixed breed dog. She can be reached at her website at www.rhondamcknight.com and on social media at www.facebook.com/booksbyrhonda www.twitter.com/rhondamcknight www.instagram.com/authorrhondamcknight

Reviews

[Terah Harris]

Set against the lush backdrop of South Carolina's Lowcountry, WRITER IN RESIDENCE follows a blocked writer whose temporary retreat becomes a journey into love, identity, and the Gullah Geechee heritage she's kept at arm's length. Dripping with atmosphere, romance, and emotional depth, this novel explores what it means to confront the past in order to finally claim yourself. McKnight excels at walking women out of dark places and into the light.

[MJ]

A story wrapped in generational trauma, history and the power of forgiveness. I adored it! The writing was beautifully done without being overly descriptive. I felt like I was watching a movie.

Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for this advance readers copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Lit_eraryqueen (Salena C.)]

Rhonda McKnight is well-known for giving us an emotional story with ancestral ties, finding home, and some delicious food! This story was no different, but also surprising in the plot line.
Alex is a writer who is struggling with writer's block and up against a deadline from her editor. She wins the opportunity to retreat to the Low Country to find peace, solitude, and tap into her writer's muse... but what she truly finds is much deeper! She uncovers hidden family secrets that threaten to unravel her relationships, but with the help of some amazing community members she finds love, forgiveness, and purpose again.
This book surprised me in the best way! I love me a good old small town romance and Gabe was a dream of a love interest. Ms. Kate was also a favorite of mine serving up wisdom and Gullah cuisine you could smell a mile away!
I highly recommend this book!

[Charnis Irvine]

Review of advanced reader copy from NetGalley.

This books was so beautifully written. The way she describes the people, places and everything else is almost poetic. In this novel we get to watch a woman rediscover who she is while also finding love. She has to let go of who she feels she is supposed to be to find her new voice. She also is learning a lot about her past and family. The love she finds in this book was so well written I could feel their connection through the pages. Excellently done.

[Amber (amberreadsitall)]

4.5 rounded up for Goodreads.

Alex Chambers is an author suffering from severe writer's block and pressure to secure a new book deal.

She wins a week-long stay in a writer's cabin, and she thinks it might be the thing to cure her writer’s block.

She meets Gabe Scott, a charming, bestselling author. When their paths cross at the writing center, Alex is drawn to him because of his dedication to helping struggling Gullah students and his writing brilliance. She’s afraid that she can’t measure up to him.

When Alex stumbles upon a family secret that has been buried for years, she is forced to confront a past that might threaten her future.

I really enjoyed this sweet, southern romance novel. It had lots of emotional depth and had a strong plot that did not focus solely on the romance. Alex’s character showed lots of growth throughout this story, and I enjoyed her journey.

I loved that the author included Gullah Geechee cultural references in this story. Be sure to listen to her author’s note at the beginning of the book for additional resources and information.

✔️themes of faith and love
✔️literary themes
✔️southern charm
✔️family legacy
✔️small town romance
✔️Gullah Geechee culture
✔️Low country setting
✔️forgiveness
✔️courage
✔️identity
✔️kisses only
✔️no profanity

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.

[Glenda Nelms]

Writer in residence is the third Rhonda Mcknight book that I have read. It's about a gentle romance story, family secrets, identity and uncovering family history. Author Alex Chambers is struggling with things from the past and find her future is not as bright as they hoped. The slow burn romance developing between Alex and Gabe. Alex mentoring the writing students at the student center was interesting. Most heartfelt part of the story was when Alex learned about her family history and self-discovery.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson books, Rhonda McKnight and hear our voices book tours for choosing me as one of the hosts of this book tour.

"Growing up with challenges, overcoming them is a testimony."

"For the first time, in my life, I was holding both my father's truth and my mother's lie."

"I wasn't sure whether, I was more broken or freed by the knowledge."

"The leaf on my neck. That earthy smell. and always, the hand slipping away."

"Lying for thirty-eight years? that could never be right."

"These books saved my life. They saved my sanity."

[Nae]

Thank you @thomasnelsonfiction @authorrhondamcknight for the opportunity to be an early reader.

Something about this story felt warm. I think that’s one of Rhonda’s main signatures I’m obsessed with. The descriptive writing magically transports you from wherever you are to the exact settings of her books. I was able to envision myself with Alex in the Lowcountry, in her cabin, on Edisto Island and especially in Ms. Kate’s house smelling the delicious food she cooked through her descriptive writing.

Alex’s character really resonated with me in many ways. Apart from her being a former teacher, I loved her belief in the students she worked with at the Center. It reminded me of the depths I go to for the students I have had the pleasure of working with along my career. Most people don’t understand this but, I did and that meant so much to me that Rhonda was able to capture this level of commitment for Alex’s character. There was a surprising thread of mystery in this story that I was obsessed with, gobbling the breadcrumbs to get to the truth of Alex’s family secret and identity.

This story is about finding your roots and I’d even dare to say resilience in coming back to the drawing board when what you’re trying to achieve isn’t easily achieved. It also challenged the habit of comparing our journeys to others, which I know is hard not to do but it’s so real!

⭐️ 4.5 stars!!

[Latoya (jamaicangirlreads)]

Whenever I see a book being described as a warm hug, I'll always think of Writer in Residence

This book was a warm hug. The writing, the storytelling, soothing even during the hard parts.

It was comfort for my soul

Its the kind of story that makes you smile, feel hopeful, cant wait to learn more about something new. The history, the life experiences of the characters, their communities and all they survived.

Its a book I wish I was reading while sipping some cool lemonade on a porch on a warm summer day surrounded by a garden..........

[Charnell]

4.5⭐️ love the main character and her journey to find her father’s story and family history. This is a classic Rhonda McKnight love story and self love story. Highly recommend

[Stacey]

Clean romance

Though it is a romance there are other elements of self discovery and recreating your path. Alex was struggling and fought to find a new space for herself.

There is lots to learn about the Gullah culture. I enjoyed the dialect and descriptions of the area.

This started well and I liked the ending but the middle was a bit slow for me. I found the drama a bit contrived. Didn’t pack the emotional punch I was hoping for.

This is a clean romance so those who don’t like spice in their books will enjoy this one.

[V Shep]

4.5⭐️-Rhonda writes it…I’m gonna read it. Love learning about he Gullah people

[Katja Labonté]

I couldn’t stop crying. RTC

[Tashay]

I received an ARC of Writer in Residence through Netgalley AND won a giveaway through Goodreads for a physical copy 🎉

I will always be a Rhonda McKnight fan! Rhonda McKnight’s writing is so refreshing. I love her way of telling a story. Alex is a writer, struggling to get out of a writing funk & also discover history thats been hidden from her. I loved the process of Alex unraveling the truth beneath all the lies. And how everything was connected. The love story was an added bonus!

[RuthAshley]

I’ve loved all the books I’ve read by Rhonda McKnight…. Except this one. Maybe I wasn’t in the right mindset but I couldn’t stand this book. It felt overly cheesy, predictable, and just… not good. The FMC was annoying and insecure and Gabe was a bit too perfect. Just wasn’t for me. I’m sorry.

[Jasmine VanDross]

As a Charlestonian I absolutely loved this book. The Geechie / Gullah language, the locations described that made me miss home, and the love story in it all. I'd say my favorite part was the we are not our parents speech. That definitely hit home for me. Loved this book.

[Kit Tosello]

Yes please to a novelist heroine and well-drawn supporting characters. The mystery of Alex’s ancestry kept me turning pages, and I was fascinated to learn about the Gullah. Readers looking for a romance with a generous dose of self-discovery and family secrets will enjoy.

I was provided with an advance copy through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Randi Sampson]

What an intriguing and complex read this one was. I picked this one up thinking that I was just going to get a romance between two writers. While it certainly was that as well, and I did thoroughly enjoy the relationship between Alex and Gabe, it was also so much more than that... perfectly blending that romance with the journey of Alex to find out the truth about her heritage, the secrets of her family... and to find her voice as a writer again. Her story takes us on an emotional journey that I couldn't help but find myself drawn into. Prior to this book, I had absolutely no knowledge of the Gullah Geechee culture, so I thought that was a really intriguing part of this story. If you're looking for a book that combines romance with women's fiction and complex family relationships, this is certainly one worth checking out.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Darcy J.]

Writer in Residence — 4⭐️

Lowcountry. Comfort Southern food. Books. Romance books. When I say, “Make me a Black Southern woman in every lifetime,” this is what I’m talking about. And let’s not forget the topics that will pull me in every time—Black land ownership and generational conflict? I’m present.

Rhonda gave us Alex, a romance writer! She has written 29 books and has a best friend who is also a writer of historical fiction. What?! My two great book loves. I feel like I need to be in the story. Put me in the story, Rhonda! 😂

Alex let us into her world and immediately briefed us on the search for her family member. This part of the story was very interesting to me. There was grief, trauma, and a lot of questions that stood between close relatives. And then you add in a family from the other side of town, their land, their money, and more conflict, and you get a very interesting backstory that needs unfolding.

And all the while this is happening, Alex is serving as the writer in residence for Gabe Scott. They are both writers and connect through the residence program.

Although there is some history between the two that isn’t noticed right away, they become friends through a natural flow of events. Alex is making her way through writing her own book and getting to know the kids in the summer writing program. I loved how the relationships formed at first with the kids. She was new, she wasn’t too confident in how she was going to maneuver with them, and then you see that the kids have the same concerns. However, writing challenges with sweets as the prize will pull the kids in every time. 😂

Alex develops relationships not only with the kids, but she and Gabe start to get even more serious. This man knew what he wanted, and he didn’t back down. Alex’s character developed so beautifully. You could tell the relationships she established since being on the island shifted her perspective about herself, her family, and the way she approached certain situations now versus when she first arrived.

It was a beautiful story with an even more beautiful cast of characters that made you cheer for them until the very end.

✨ Generational Conflict
✨ He Falls First
✨ Black Land Ownership

[Alexandria Williams]

“She didn’t let herself love out loud. Her strength looked like calm to most people, but I knew better. It wasn’t calm. It was control.”😭

That line felt like it reached through the pages and said “Yeah… we need to talk babe.”

Writer in Residence by @authorrhondamcknight is about what happens when you’ve spent so much of your life being strong, composed, capable, and in control that you forget what it feels like to simply be.
To want. To love.
To ask questions. To take up space.
To finally tell the truth even when that truth changes everything you thought you knew about yourself.

Alexandra Chambers is dealing with writer’s block and a looming career deadline but also self doubt that makes you question whether you still have anything worth saying. So when she gets the opportunity to escape to the South Carolina as a writer in residence she thinks she’s going there to find her words.

Instead, she finds herself.

Alex uncovers pieces of her family history and realizes that sometimes the stories we inherit aren’t the whole story. There are things buried in families….secrets, pain, silence, traditions, identities that can shape us without us even realizing it.

Oh….and then there’s Gabe.👀
Can’t forget about him🤗

Now listen babes…I love a grown romance where the man doesn’t need to play games to prove he’s interested. Gabe is not only steady but patient. He’s honest. He sees Alex even when she doesn’t quite know how to see herself and I freaking ADORED the way he showed up for her.🤌🏾🤌🏾

Ma Kate🥹
Oh the wisdom….the history, the conversations, the way she helps Alex understand that knowing where you come from can be just as important as figuring out where you’re going. I loved every bit of that.🥹

This book also made me think about how often women are praised for being “strong” when what we’re really doing is holding everything inside because falling apart doesn’t feel like an option.

Sometimes what looks like calm from the outside is actually someone desperately trying to maintain control on the inside.

[Tishyo]

Thank you to BRBF book tours and Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing this as an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Alexandra Chambers is a writer without a story to tell. She wins a week-long stay in a cabin near a local literacy center and hopes the change in scenery will encourage her to write. While becoming immersed in the enriching history and culture of her new temporary home, distance still doesn't take her away from the past. If anything, it brings a new light as wella s new man who challenges her and sees her in a way that unsettles her.

Gabe Scott, is a bestselling author and the epitome of the vision board of her own professional desires. He is dedicated to helping the struggling Gullah students and had no doubts when he offered his own role as Writer-in-Residence to Alexandra. I mean after all, he never stopped thinking of her since their first meeting.

When the distance of home rooted and family secrets comes crashing into Edisto Island, Alexandra must find the strength to grow into herself, relinquish the mistakes of those in her past and learn to love unyieldingly.

What a cute and fun read. I really enjoyed watching Alex coming into her own and finding herself while teaching others. There are so many quotable moments in this book but one of my favorites is "Secrets don't protect people like they think they do..They just leave wounds without names" WHEWW. Alex's new family revelation leaves her wounded and unsure, especially when she finds herself in the love stories she writes with Gabe but a shielded heart due to old AND new circumstances.

[Reading_Utopia!]

3.5⭐️

Writer in Residence was a thoughtful story of self-discovery, family, love, and legacy. I especially appreciated seeing a mature woman navigating a new season of life and opening herself up to love again. I also enjoyed Alex’s relationship with the young writers she mentored and the friendship between Alex and Trish.

Rhonda McKnight clearly put a great deal of research into the Gullah Geechee history and culture woven throughout the story, and I appreciated learning more about that history. The mystery surrounding Alex's father kept me curious, while the story unfolded at a more leisurely pace than I typically prefer. The slow-burn romance between Alex and Gabe was sweet, and I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop throughout the story.

Overall, this was a thoughtful and well-researched story filled with meaningful themes of family, legacy, self-discovery, and finding love in a new season of life. I can definitely see this story resonating with many readers.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio, along with NetGalley, for providing me with complimentary copies of the ebook and audiobook. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Mrz. McCane]

Thank you NetGalley, and Thomas Nelson—Fiction for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this small-town, heartfelt romance!

We follow Alexandra, a writer who is struggling to write her next book. She ends up winning a weeks long stay at a cabin and thinks maybe getting away is exactly what she needs to get inspired and finally make some progress on her book.

While there, she meets Gabe, a bestselling author who’s helping some local kids with a writing class. As Alex and Gabe get closer, she starts falling for him, but she can’t help feeling like she doesn’t measure up to Gabe and everything he’s already accomplished.

But then Alex stumbles across a family secret that connects them, and now she has to deal with some lies and secrets that have been buried for a long time.

I really loved the history included in this story, especially learning more about the Gullah Geechee people. The side characters were amazing and added so much to the story, and Bahni Turpin did an incredible job narrating, as always.

This was so much more than a romance. We had family secrets, history, community, and a little self discovery mixed in. I really enjoyed this one!

[Read_with_Beans]

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing me with an ALC of Rhonda McKnight's Writer in Residence, narrated by Bahni Turpin.

As someone who has lived on the Southeast Coast of South Carolina/Georgia, I was immediately intrigued when I saw the book centered on the Gullah community. I love books that feature authors, books, or literacy; this book does this while also focusing on the Gullah community and African American cultural history in the region. This book was extremely well written, and the characters were well developed, and the plot/story was handled with care.

From an audio production perspective, I found this audiobook extremely well done. The sound quality was clear and balanced. The narrators’ voices were enjoyable to listen to, and their ability to express the spectrum of emotions experienced by the characters made listening to this audiobook feel as though it was authentic storytelling. The narrators had clear enunciation, used even tones, and spoke at a pace that listeners will enjoy whether they listen at the default 1x speed or faster.

I would recommend this book.

[Jenelle H]

Rhonda McKnight has been one of my favorite authors since I started reading again in 2024, and Writer in Residence reminded me exactly why.

I really enjoyed Alex’s journey of learning to trust herself again and finding her voice as a writer. This story explores love, forgiveness, found family, identity, and healing, while showing that our family’s past can be part of our story without determining how the rest of it is written.

I also loved how Gullah culture, family, and the importance of reconnecting with your roots were woven throughout the story.

Heartfelt, meaningful, and full of the kind of characters and storytelling that keep me coming back to Rhonda McKnight.

[CourtneyRenee]

Rhonda McKnight never misses and Writer in Residence was no different. There is a little of everything in this book, romance, trauma, family struggles and some light hearted moments.

Alexandra is having writers block so when she wins a chance to get away to a cabin and get her juices flowing again she jumps at the chance. While there she finds out about a potential cousin and thinks that this will lead to info about her father. Little does she know it will lead to family secrets long buried.

This book was so emotional which is classic Rhonda McKnight. I loved it! 5 starts! I love a HEA.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for this ARC.

[AshleeInPages]

Thank you NetGalley for the A.R.C. Writer in Residence is a heartfelt and emotionally rich story that follows Alex as she navigates a life-altering unraveling of truth. Her journey is both painful and powerful—discovering the devastating reality about her father while also coming to terms with a lifetime of deception from her mother forces Alex to confront everything she thought she knew about her identity and family. The emotional weight of her experience is portrayed with depth, making her growth feel authentic and hard-earned.

Amid the chaos, Gabe stands out as a grounding force. His steady, calm presence provides Alex with a sense of safety she desperately needs. What makes Gabe especially compelling is his honesty—he doesn’t hide his feelings, openly admitting he’s always had a crush on Alex and, later, that he loves her. Even when Alex begins to spiral and tries to push him away, Gabe remains unwavering, refusing to let their relationship fall apart. His quiet strength and consistency beautifully balance Alex’s emotional turbulence, making their connection feel both genuine and deeply reassuring.

Overall, the story captures the complexity of love, truth, and healing in a way that lingers long after the final page. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a wholesome love story.

[Rochelle Bryant Morgan]

This was my third book by Rhonda. I really enjoyed the first two in this series, especially book 1. I didnt enjoy this one as much as I did the others. It was an extremely slow burn and I felt like it took a little too long to get to the point. Overall, not a bad read or listen.

Thank you Netgalley for the ALC

[Stacy]

This was my first time reading this author, Rhonda McKnight and although this book sounded interesting initially, it just was not engaging enough for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion of this complimentary copy.

[Lyn]

This was an absolutely wonderful read. I loved learning about the Gula people, mannerisms, and the things the people experience. I love how Alex and Gabe connected and where their story went. I loved his mother too; I wanted to sit and talk with her and listen. Outstanding read.

[Rae Bradshaw]

Writer in Residence is a warm, emotionally perceptive novel that blends creative ambition with the messy realities of personal reinvention. McKnight excels at writing characters who feel lived‑in, flawed, and deeply human, and the book’s central tension—between the stories we want to tell and the truths we’d rather avoid—gives the narrative a steady, satisfying pull. The setting itself becomes a kind of sanctuary and crucible, pushing the protagonist toward uncomfortable growth. It’s a reflective, character‑driven read that rewards anyone who enjoys fiction about second chances and the courage it takes to claim your own voice.