New Girl in Little Cove: A Novel

by Damhnait Monaghan

Overview

"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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781525811500
Publisher:	Graydon House Books
Publication date:	05/11/2021
Edition description:	Original
Pages:	336
Sales rank:	1,047,825
Product dimensions:	7.80(w) x 5.20(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Damhnait (pronounced Downith) Monaghan grew up in Ontario and Newfoundland. A former teacher and lawyer, Damhnait is an award-winning flash fiction writer with numerous publication credits. She lives in the south of England with her husband, two children and the family dog. New Girl in Little Cove is her debut novel, inspired by the years she spent teaching in outport Newfoundland.

Editorial Reviews

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

From the Publisher

04/23/2021

DEBUT A new French teacher has been hired in Little Cove, Newfoundland, after the last one ran off with the village priest. When Rachel O'Brien arrives from the mainland, she's shocked that everyone seems to already know everything about her—except for why she's there. After a few missteps, and with the help of local teacher Doug Bishop, she begins to find her place. She tries to ignore her growing feelings for Doug and sets about making a home for herself. When Rachel gives a student advice that conflicts with the Little Cove community and its church, she throws her job into jeopardy. The friends she's made among the "Holy Dusters," a group of women who clean the church and hook rugs, step in to help salvage Rachel's job and her relationship with Doug. Set in a fishing village in distinctive Newfoundland, Canada, the location itself is like another character. The story comes alive in the local language with ancient Celtic roots, traditions and music just as old, and food that will have readers drooling. VERDICT Humorous and charming, this novel is a perfect pick-me-up for readers looking for an escape. The ending leaves open the possibility of a sequel.—Terri Lent, Patrick Henry High School, Ashland, VA

Library Journal

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

Damhnait Monaghan has written a charming and funny novel about a come from away teacher finding herself, finding love, and sometimes finding more than she bargained for, in a very special part of the world. A fine storyteller at work.

two-time winner of the Stephen Leacock Medal for H Terry Fallis

Prepare to have your pants charmed right off by this warm hug of a book.

Globe and Mail (Toronto)

A charming, romantic, and often comic tale of falling in love with people and a place.” 

Edward Riche

New Girl in Little Cove is a fish-out-of-water romantic comedy set against the backdrop of one of Canada’s most distinctive landscapes and cultures. Anyone who loves Newfoundland will appreciate the attention to detail in these pages: the fiddle music and fish cakes; the scarcity of fresh groceries and opportunities for young people; the painful legacy of men lost at sea; and the incomparable Holy Dusters, who keep the local church tidy and the community together. If you loved Come From Away, don’t miss this charming debut novel.” 

Kate Hilton