Writer in Residence: A Bookish Small-Town Romance with Southern Charm, Literary Themes, and Emotional Depth
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.
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Community Reviews
Writer in Residence was like a hot pot of gumbo—full of savory deliciousness, layered with different flavors, slowly simmered to perfection. It’s a true labor of love that takes time for all the ingredients to come together, but in the end, the wait is worth it. 🍲💕
This started off admittedly slow, but the story had so many different elements that kept me invested- Alex’ discovery into her genealogy and family history, her wrestling with writers block and trying to find her next big story, and one of my favorites- her mentorship of the youth.
One of the key highlights of the story was Ms. Kate. How I’d give anything to be welcomed into her kitchen for a feast of all things Gulla Geechee. She was full of wisdom, warmth, and life lessons. I loved her trying to help Alex see her mother’s POV and the tough decisions parents sometimes make.
The slow budding romance between Alex and Gabe was sweet, wholesome and just enough. I enjoyed their conversations about writing and comparisons - how constantly measuring ourselves against others can keep you from appreciating your own work and success.
As with every Rhonda McKnight book I ended this one with a smile on my face. I love how she continues to bring the South Carolina Lowcountry to life while highlighting its roots, history, food, and culture. There’s something so special about the way she weaves all of those elements into her stories.
Bahni Turpin is the narrator and she did a nice job, but her voice made the characters feel a lot older than they were to me. Still, a nice listen!
A slow simmer, flavorful story, with a satisfying finish. 🍲✨
💝Thanks to @netgalley and @librofm for my review copies!
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