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 ( )

New Girl in Little Cove by Damhnait Monaghan pulls me in from the very start with a reference to a childhood favorite – Anne of Green Gables. The charm of the book continues throughout this story about being an outsider who finds acceptance in a small community. A little romance, a beautiful setting, and an insight into Newfoundland culture, music, and language all make this a charming debut.

Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2021/05/new-girl-in-little-cove.html

Reviewed for NetGalley and a publisher's blog tour. ( )

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. ( )