New Girl in Little Cove

by Damhnait Monaghan

When a new teacher arrives in a tiny fishing village, she realizes the most important lessons are the ones she learns outside the classroom. 

It’s 1985. Rachel O’Brien arrives in Little Cove seeking a fresh start after her father dies and her relationship ends. As a new teacher at the local Catholic high school, Rachel chafes against the small community, where everyone seems to know her business. The anonymous notes that keep appearing on her car, telling her to go home, don’t make her feel welcome either. 

Still, Rachel is quickly drawn into the island’s distinctive music and culture, as well as the lives of her students and fellow teacher, Doug Bishop. As Rachel begins to bond with her students, her feelings for Doug also begin to grow. Rachel tries to ignore her emotions because Doug is in a long-distance relationship with his high school sweetheart. Or is he? 

Eventually, Rachel’s beliefs clash with church and community, and she makes a decision that throws her career into jeopardy. In trying to help a student, has she gone too far? Only the intervention of the ‘Holy Dusters,’ local women who hook rugs and clean the church, can salvage Rachel’s job as well as her chance at a future with Doug.

    

Genres: Fiction, Canada, Romance, Historical Fiction, Chick Lit, Audiobook, Adult Fiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published March 2, 2021

About the author

Damhnait Monaghan won the 2022 Rakuten Kobo Emerging Writer Award in the Romance category for her debut novel New Girl in Little Cove. The book was inspired by the years Damhnait spent teaching in outport Newfoundland. Her debut was also named a Most Anticipated Rom/Com by Chapters/Indigo. The Globe & Mail called it “a warm hug of a book” and Post Media said “This charming fish-out-of-water tale practically begs to make the leap from page to screen as a heart-warming movie.”

Damhnait (pronounced “Downith”) is an award-winning flash fiction writer with numerous publication credits. Her novella-in-flash, ‘The Neverlands,’ was voted Best Novella in the 2020 Saboteur Awards. She was born and grew up in Canada (Ontario and Newfoundland & Labrador) but now lives in the south of England, with her family.

Reviews

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adored my time with this book!
Rachel is a mainlander (from Toronto) who takes a teaching job in the very tiny town of Little Cove, Newfoundland. Her trials and tribulations are there for everyone to see. She struggles with the language and traditions of a province that isn't too far from her home yet feels a world away. There is some romance, some humor, and some exploration of deeper topics that I wasn't expecting. Throughout everything, Rachel and the various residents learn about acceptance and friendship.

I could really relate to Rachel and the challenges she faces. Even though I've never been to Newfoundland (I want to though!) I think many of us reading this can identify with being the new person in a place or situation. I liked the 80s time period, because it let us get to know the characters more without the intrusion of present-day technology and for this book it really fit.

If you've seen the musical Come From Away (set in Gander, Newfoundland with the events of 9/11), some of the phrasing will be familiar and cause you to smile. There's a glossary included so you shouldn't get too lost!

I highly recommend this quirky, humorous, yet poignant novel about making the best of an unfamiliar situation and learning to fit in when you feel completely different. I loved my time with these characters.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.

[Chris C - A Midlife Wife · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly delightful story! Hard to not be sucked into this one!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I don’t think I’ve ever read a story that was based in Newfoundland before. But the uniqueness of the story and the way the authors subtle humor comes through in the characters makes this a heartwarming story that really settles into your soul and leaves you with a smile on your face.

I love that the characters are interesting and so different from any other’s I have read before. They’re not perfect by any means and that’s what’s great about it. The characters are so lovable and believable! You just get wrapped right up in the story.

The location, descriptions, and creativity just paint a beautiful picture that make you wish this place actually existed. Not sure I would live in the middle of nowhere like that but it certainly sounds beautiful and compelling. Plus, it makes the story come to life.

Interesting, well developed, humorous, even splashes of sadness can’t take away from the story this author has built. A well-rounded, highly entertaining, beautiful story that burrowed right into my soul.

I can’t wait to read her next book, whenever it comes out. Bravo!

* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/new-girl-in-...

[Karen Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love a book where the place it's set almost feels like a character in itself, and that's exactly how I felt about New Girl in Little Cove. It's a fabulous debut novel - well-written, funny, full of great characters, and I loved learning about the way of life, language and customs of the people in this tiny place in Newfoundland. I stayed up far too late reading, kept telling myself, 'Just one more chapter,' but I had to keep going because I loved it so much. It's one of those books you finish and instantly miss the characters and want to read again so they'll stay with you a while longer. Now I can't wait for Damhnait Monaghan's next book - she's such a great writer.

[DeB · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming tale set in 1985 a wee Newfoundland village, depicting Rachel O’Brien who comes “from away”, or Toronto to begin her teaching career in a Catholic school, after the former French teacher has left in disgrace. For those unfamiliar with the singularity of Newfoundland culture and dialect, as the innocent Rachel finds herself to be, vignette upon vignette creates a theatre of humour, uniqueness especially of the more isolated coastal towns and the fortitude of its people.

I was mindful that this novel caught a snapshot of a time nearly thirty years ago, prior to the majority of its young men heading off to oil rigs for extended periods in Alberta or on the far reaches of the Atlantic. Small townships still retained their schools, even with dwindling enrolment and community values maintained the high value they had for hundreds of years, pulling people together, through hardship and celebrating each other’s skills. It is a story written with great affection, and the author herself was a teacher at one time in an outport in Newfoundland.

A lovely, feel good story which captures a complex era, a poignancy about Newfoundland which is so special - and describes the women who hooked rugs, the “hookers”. Deanne Fitzpatrick, whose work hangs in The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and The Canadian Museum of Civilization, https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/exh... - inspired mention by the author. I was thrilled to read this, since I have a piece of Deanne’s art myself, and could envision the rugs described in the story- a craft which has been continued to this day.

Four strong stars- Canadiana with charm and heart.

[Pattie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I have not yet seen "Come From Away" nor read the book it's based upon ("The Day the World Came to Town"). So I began "New Girl in Little Cove" with few expectations other than a cute romance.

It was so very much more than that.

I really, really enjoyed this book. The location, Little Cove in Newfoundland, feels both unique as well as the same as every other new place I've been. Of course, Newfoundland is a unique place, thinking of itself as outside Canada, calling everyone else CFA (come from away) and with their own distinct dialect. And yet, it's a lot like any small town anywhere: everyone knows everyone else's business, there are no secrets, if you're not from here you're not "in," etc.

Rachel is a new teacher in a small school, and yes, I've been there too. You make mistakes and you over- or under-discipline students, you make unfortunate gaffes with the administrators and your fellow teachers, all of it. Rachel was a very relatable character, especially since she is teaching in this book around the same time as I was in college to be a teacher. So many things are so very true.

The romance is there, and yet it is almost secondary to the romance of Rachel and Newfoundland.

Highly, highly recommend this novel. It was a lovely read.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a Newfoundlander this book was like a warm cup of tea - comforting, wonderful and simply grand! I would recommend this book to anyone. While it made me homesick, it also made me even prouder, if possible to be a Newfoundlander. I LOVED all the endearing characters and Rachel and Doug were just perfect. So much to squee about!! I ADORED!!

[Laurie • The Baking Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS - New Girl in Little Cove is a heartwarming story that features the beauty, people and distinct culture of Newfoundland. This is a warm and comfy read with some humour, a bit of romance, and a unique bunch of relatable characters (with Newfoundland almost being a character herself).

This novel has its poignant bits and is a story about friendship and community as readers witness Toronto native Rachel's 'fish out of water' experiences as she tries to fit into the very small and tight-knit community of the tiny fictitious town of Little Cove, Nfld. The story is set in the pre-cell phone era of the 1980's and it draws readers into its time, place and people, who are a flawed and an easy to like bunch.

The story introduces some bigger issues, but maintains a lighter feel making it an easy-going, page-turner of a read and a good pick for readers who want a happy ending. But what stood out for me the most was Monaghan's detail in describing the Newfoundland culture and, in particular, its unique accent and dialect in a way that was clear for the reader to imagine.

This is an impressive, easy read of a debut that makes me wish that the pandemic hadn't cancelled my tickets to the Toronto production of Come From Away in April 2020. I am sure that I am not the only person who is eager to visit this charming part of Canada in the near future to experience their well-known hospitality and culture first-hand.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was sweet. I REALLY want to visit Newfoundland now. Actually, I REALLY want to visit anywhere right now. Sigh... anyway, this was a charming little book that took place in a small Newfoundland town. I really seem to enjoy these books where the location acts as an extra character. Lovely!

[Alva · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Girl in Little Cove is a warm hug of a book, wrapping the reader in the culture and traditions of Newfoundland. Rachel O'Brien takes up a teaching post in Little Cove after a scandal created a vacancy. Can Rachel fit in? Is she running away? Her first encounters are sprinkled with lessons on the local dialect and Rachel realises she has a lot to learn to become part of this community.
Her students teach her as much as she teaches them. Gradually, she finds out how this tight-knit village operates and how friendship is the most important gift of all. An encompassing read! Brava, Damhnait Monaghan!

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

After experiencing some upheaval in her life, Rachel needs a job. When she accepts a job at a Catholic school she knows she is short on some of the requirements, but she is determined to squeeze herself in the position. The challenges are there right from the start. For one thing, although she has a deree, she hardly has any teaching experience. What is more is that she has not practiced her faith in quite some time, thus that aspect of her new environment might be more than she is prepared to deal with.

Some other things on Rachel's plate are the students. Some simply are not into learning French. Also, considering the location, their English keeps throwing her for a loop. For all of these, and even more reasons, Rachel questions the one-year commitment she has made to the job.

There are some things about the little town that proved appealing, one is the lovely culture in a place where time almost stood still. I loved the little nuances that made that place so unique, and it felt very special. For Rachel, fellow teacher Doug Bishop was one to watch, because she found herself more than drawn to him. As this heartwarming story progressed, Rachel found herself under sharp scrutiny at her new job, so remembering that her commitment is only for a year keeps her rooted for the time being.

I loved this story. In fact, I would love to go to Newfoundland, the location where the little town was in this book. The dialogue was great as the author used the language and accents so well in her writing that I could almost hear the characters speaking in my head. I also loved how Rachel not only sought to fit in, but learned many lessons along the way, including that proper English does not mark one's intelligence. Not only did Rachel learn a lot of new terms, readers can as well with the glossary that is included in this book.

I am so glad for the love, friendship and other lessons that this book provided, and I loved how this lovely story came to a close, leaving me with a very warm feeling.

Many thanks to Graydon House and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Krista Spurr · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an Atlantic Canadian who knows and loves a LOT of Newfoundlanders, I was curious about this book when I first saw it, and skeptical in equal measure about how the local folks would be portrayed (ahem, Come From Away).

The characters are more complex than I anticipated, and there was plenty of light to balance the dark. Ultimately, it was a well-paced, fun, fish-out-of-water story that didn't linger longer than it needed to on any particular part of the story, while giving all of the larger characters meaningful things to do.

The romance was the s-l-o-w-e-s-t of slow burns, but that's not surprising in Canadian fiction.

Giving it 5/5 stars on my scale: would recommend, would read again.

[Cyndi Becker · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Girl in Little Cove is one of those delightful reads that captures your heart and holds onto it. Reading this debut from Damhnait Monaghan was such a joy. I loved the virtual escape to Newfoundland and really loved how the story is set in 1985.

When Rachel O'Brien accepts a position as a French Teacher on the Parochial school St. Jude's in Little Cove, she's doing so as a way to combat her grief. Her father has recently died and her mother also decides to move away. Her heart is heavy, but the move is a good distraction from her melancholy. She soon discovers that the village is filled with a unique mix of characters, some embracing her and some who push back against her presence. But Rachel is optimistic about the move and soon finds her way (as a mainlander) amongst the Newfoundlanders and their sometimes odd behavior, and even odder dialect.

The author does such a spectacular job with the pacing of the story and the setting. It was fun to be in a time period where the "instant" and "always connected" was not in play. It was a pleasure to watch her grow, finding herself being assimilated into the community, to see the locals begin to embrace her. Her love for teaching and her willingness to take chances to engage her students is inspiring. I highly recommend this tale of a courageous young woman taking chances that nurture her soul. She could play it safe but she makes choices that shows just how brave she is. I found myself moved to tears at moments, most happy, but a few sad. I could relate to Rachels grief and her need for isolation and time to reflect. Please be sure to read the authors notes as they shed light on how her personal experience inspired the story. 5 Stars!

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

[Paige Kusmec · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stand by the 5 stars. Sure, this book isn’t going to be for everyone. But it was exactly what I wanted and hoped for out of this book. It really was the coziest page-turner that had some real depth blended seamlessly in. I truly adored this one! I haven’t seen new teacher moves to new town premise before and thoroughly enjoyed it. A bonus that I learned a lot about Newfoundland culture a long the way!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sunshiny bit of cheeriness in an uncomplicated story of new beginnings, friendship and love. The dialogue was a tad formulaic but it still worked well for this entertaining and easy read.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachel, a young French teacher, trades in mainland Canada to teach at a Catholic high school in a small town on the island of Newfoundland. Set in 1985, isolated from her friends and family back home and trying to escape the recent death of her father, can Rachel help her students without judging their parents for being set in their ways and traditions?

"Sometimes you come across a student who seems past help, but when you finally reach them, it turns out that the troublemaker is merely a lost soul."

OK I’ll admit it. When I first received an advance copy of this book, I was not excited. But, boy was I wrong! This was a cute, fun, heartwarming tale about a teacher's year abroad. She thought she was there to teach but instead, she learns so many great lessons from her fellow teachers, townspeople, and students. If you love stories set in small towns, then be sure to try this one. With the inclusion of the Newfoundland accent/dialect, you'll feel fully immersed in the lives of the people who live in this quaint, charming town.

Location: Little Cove, a fictitious town in Newfoundland, Canada

I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I loved this book! I needed something light and funny after some interesting non-fiction reads and this was perfect! I, too, started my long teaching career as a secondary school French teacher in BC on Canada’s other coast and Grade 9s were definitely a challenge. I laughed out loud when Rachel is asked, “how do you say ‘seal’ in French, Miss?”, such a common question!!! Her description of a Newfoundland outport and its delightful characters was wonderful. I do hope we see more novels from this author!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't remember where I heard about this book--it kept appearing on my Libby library suggestions and I finally read it. I loved this book--what an antidote to the last book about a lapsed Catholic going to work for the church where the protagnist was angsty and self-absorbed--not the case with this book at all! The protaganist moves to the village of Little Cove in the far reaches of Newfoundland following the death of her father and the breakup with her long time boyfriend to teach in the local Catholic school. She is not sure about her own brand of Cathlicism but she is committed to teaching, to her students, and to the subject she teaches, French. In the village she meets a broad and interesting cast of characters from the woman who is her landlady and the leader of the local group of crafters to another teacher who was born and raised in the town with whom she shares the trials of first year teaching. Rachel comes to the village to escape and finds herself at home. A very heartwarming book set in 1985 so there are no cell phones and no social media-a relief!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

ETA (Nov. 18th, 2022):
Read the novel in English this time - that was just the right decision! It was just as lovely as before, with the added plus of being able to enjoy the Newfinese in all its glory. It just has something incredibly charming to it that not many other dialects do.
---

This was such a sweet, funny, feel-good read! There was not one character that wasn't likable in any way, even the "difficult" ones had their charm ;)

Only "bad" aspect: reading this book made me long to visit Newfoundland even more - which I had not thought was even possible, lol.

Final note: I read it in German, but will have to read it one more time in the original because - despite the translation being quite good over-all - the dialect of course doesn't come across that well.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this. And as others have said, I immediately missed the characters who are so vividly and lovingly portrayed. Having grown up in a small town I laughed repeatedly at Rachel’s surprise at how fast everyone knows everyone’s business. Other reviews have been spot on describing this book as charming, funny, and a warm hug. I will add “generously open-hearted” to the list. It’s also a love letter to Newfoundland and its people - so offers two things we all need a year into pandemic life - hugs and travel.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: New Girl in Little Cove
Author: Damhnait Monaghan
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 5 out of 5

This was such a good read! The culture and landscape of Little Cove is a vivid character in this novel, and the author does a stellar job of bringing it to life. The characters are quirky yet relatable, and, despite the setting being such a tiny place, it’s full of life and activity. This was an easy read, but just so warm and comfortable, like a cozy sweater on a cold day.

(Galley courtesy of Harlequin/Graydon House in exchange for an honest review.)

[Beggars Banquet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Newfie chick lit, we need more! Fun and fulfilling, with a tender heart.

[Gaele · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you aren’t familiar with Canada, you won’t know of Newfoundland: or if your memory extends back far enough you will have had your first mention of it during the groundings of flights on 11 September in 2001. But I have relatives and family (and friends) who are either from or frequent visitors to the island and have been myself every summer during my childhood for a ‘sail-in, sail-out' visit.

But when the opportunity for a teaching position AND a total change of life for Rachel appears, she applied and was hired. Coming from Toronto and onto the island was going to be a huge change, none of which she really expected. But from her first moment setting foot on the island and getting near everything wrong – as they DO speak differently with an accent that can confuse, confound and frequently gobsmack visitors, she’s bound to make a mark.

After her father’s death and her boyfriend’s infidelity – running seemed the best option to forget and ignore the ‘embarrassment’, so being nominally “Catholic”, Rachel is unprepared for both the resistance and the regulations that surround her new job. A first-year teacher come to work with students on their French, she’s not expecting the pressure from the parish priest after the last teacher left in disgrace. She’s comparing her new place to her old – with their strange ways, their unique dialect, the sing-song rhythm of the speech or the oddly placed verb tenses. But other things shine through – after finding herself bored in the first week and at loose ends, she takes a chance and joins in with her landlady, the “hookers” who are also the cleaning women for the parish church, the beauty of the island with its contrasts and confusing moments.

Bit by bit the openness and willingness to ‘give’ from the islanders, and Rachel’s own fascination with (and willingness to) learn what she doesn’t know- asking questions and learning from those all too willing to teach and share brings her both a new appreciation of her life, her place in it and the work – as well as learning the people, their hearts and a bit of ‘interference’ from her landlady doesn’t go amiss. With plenty of references and explanations of the dialect used, as well as a small ‘dictionary’ of “Newfoundland-isms” (a topic that is full of academic study and work) Monaghan gives us a story of finding home in the most unlikely places, with a found sense of family and community that shines brightly. I’m excited to see what this author will next produce as I add this book to my “Canadian Author” shelf, in pride of place.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review; all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at I am, Indeed

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Girl in Little Cove by Damhnait Monaghan

Small conservative Catholic community in need of a teacher
Novice teacher in need of change seeks it in new community
Will she be welcomed?
Will she fit in?
Will she find what she needs?
And how will the community react deal with this new person from away?

Filled with community, culture, and so much more – this story drew me in, made me care, and hope for happy endings for more than one character in the story.

What I liked:
* The setting – having never been to Newfoundland it felt as if I was making the trip with the main character.
* The writing: skillful, friendly, descriptive and immersive.
* Rachel O’Brien: newly graduated, early twenties, grieving, modern, giving, good friend, caring, kind, immersed in a new culture, grows a LOT during the story, someone I admire.
* Doug Bishop: teacher of science and phys ed, probationary teacher, from Little Cover, loving son, caring, kind, intelligent, intriguing.
* Lucille, Biddy and the rest of the hookers – wonderful, caring, giving, creative, strong, community minded women that provide social and emotional support for one another (and others)
* Patrick Donovan: Principal, knowledgeable, patient, kind, a good man, there for his teachers and students
* Students with their individual needs, problems, and potential
* The ways Rachel ended up connecting with her students and others
* The romance that slowly developed between Rachel and Doug
* Sheila’s BFF
* Rachel’s backstory
* Feeling like I was becoming part of the community/story
* The music and art elements of the story
* All of it really, except…

What I didn’t like:
* Thinking about the sadness and loss experienced by more than one character in the story
* Knowing that too often the best option for individuals is overlooked due to moral, religious, educational or societal values.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and harper Collins-Graydon House-HQN for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

[Ashley Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, author Damhnait Monaghan, Graydon House publishing for giving me a free arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
5 stars
This book was an amazing heartwarming read! Author Monaghan did a wonderful job capturing the culture and heart of the very special place that is Little Cove. This story was full of lot of lovable and realistic characters that created a very addictive book.
This book follows our main character, Rachel, who has just recently taken a job at St. Jude's as the French Teacher. Moving from the main land , Toronto to Little Cove, Newfoundland, Rachel finds herself learning the ins and outs of the small close knit community. The difficulties in navigating the culture and the unique language are just some of the issues Rachel has to face. Set in the 1980's, Rachel starts out as feeling lonely and set apart from the other teachers as well as finding it hard to build a connection with the students. Slowly, another new teacher to the school, Dong begins to help Rachel open herself to the people and their culture. What started out as a one year teaching contract, Rachel finds herself possibly willing to make the small community her new home.
I loved this story so so much! I could defiantly relate to Rachel's situation, as I have been in a similar place when I lived and taught overseas for a few years. I enjoyed getting to know the people within Little Cove and believe the author did an incredible job showing the growth and depth of the important characters, while leaving some characters to just fade in the background without really needing to wrap up their plot line. The author also handled some very sensitive topics with care. While there are talks about abortions, suicide, lung cancer, and death, the author addressed these topics within the context of the story, which allowed for the reader to remain fully in the story from start to finish. There were a lot of funny moments that happened throughout the story that had me laughing out loud! I would have liked to see the ending flushed out a little more, it seemed rushed, but it was very satisfying. Overall, this was a great debut novel! Well done! I would highly recommend this book to those who have ever thought about teaching aboard or moving to a place where the culture is not their own. I can't wait for this author's next book!

[Jen Gilroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of gentle charm and subtle humour, and with warm affection for people and place, 'New Girl in Little Cove' is the story of a French teacher in a 1980s Newfoundland fishing village. There’s romance, as well as friendship, community and some grittier real-life issues too which are handled sensitively and with compassion.

Not least, 'New Girl in Little Cove' makes me want to visit Newfoundland again, an island off the east coast of Canada and a beautiful and unique part of our country.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are charmed by the lovely cover of Damhnait Monaghan's debut novel, New Girl in Little Cove, wait until you read the delightful story inside.

Rachel O'Brien left the metropolis of Toronto for the small town of Little Cove in Newfoundland, which, while technically part of Canada is a province unto itself.

After the death of her beloved father, and her mother heading to Australia on sabbatical, Rachel takes the only job she can get as a French teacher at a small Catholic high school in Little Cove. She replaces the teacher who ran away with the parish priest.

Set in 1985, we meet the interesting people in the small town of Little Cove. The first person she encounters is Phonse, the kindly school handyman who is also a mean fiddle player. He directs her to the home of Lucille, the woman who rents Rachel a room.


Rachel has a hard time adjusting to the small town vibe of Little Cove. Everyone is curious about her, and in true small town manner knows everybody's business. There is no library, big grocery store, or restaurants. A fun Friday night is hanging out with the Holy Dusters, Lucille and her friends who hook beautiful rugs.

The other new teacher at school is Doug, who has lived in Little Cove his entire life, caring for his mother. Rachel is attracted to Doug, but he has a fiancee who lives elsewhere. Rachel works hard to connect with her students, but she has a few missteps, including one that could seriously jeopardize her employment.

Seeing Little Cove through the eyes of Rachel is enlightening. As she gets to know the residents, she becomes attached. Growing up she played the violin, and Phonse gave her fiddle lessons that she put to good use as she joined him and some of her students playing in the local pub. Her rescue of a dog that fell through the ice makes her hero in the eyes of the town.

New Girl in Little Cove combines elements of the Broadway show Come From Away and Schitt's Creek, with a dash of Netflix's Derry Girls. If you enjoyed any or all three of those (like I did), pick up New Girl in Little Cove. 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, and I can't wait to read what Damhnait Monaghan writes next.

[Kiara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love it when people respect a dialect

[Katie Proctor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and light and fun— I love reading about teachers who make an impact.

[Addy Cullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

a romp! i bought this because i thought the cover was cute and it did not disappoint!

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute read!!