Writer in Residence
A Bookish Small-Town Romance with Southern Charm, Literary Themes, and Emotional Depth
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Thomas Nelson Publishers
Publishing:19th Nov '26
£10.99
This title is due to be published on 19th November, and will be despatched as soon as possible.
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 prolific romance novelist finds herself at a professional and personal crossroads in the resonant latest from McKnight (THE THING ABOUT HOME) . . . McKnight makes palpable the anxieties and self-doubts of a midcareer author . . . It's an upbeat tale about what it means to rewrite one's story.' * Publishers Weekly *
'A smart, intelligent, and intuitive romance which only could have been written by a writer. McKnight's propensity to shine a lens on deft character detail is underscored here by her perfect snapshot of a truly writing life. A joy to read.' * Rachel McMillan *
'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.' * Terah Shelton Harris, bestselling author of WHERE THE WILDFLOWERS GROW *
'WRITER IN RESIDENCE by Rhonda McKnight is a heartfelt and inspiring story about self-discovery, love, and the power of forgiveness. I truly enjoyed taking this journey with Alexandra and watching her grow in ways that felt real and meaningful. As her time in residence unfolds, Alexandra uncovers truths that reach further back than she expected, highlighting how much of our lives are shaped by things we don't always see or fully understand. McKnight's stories always leave readers with a lasting reminder, and this one affirms that we're always right where we need to be, exactly when we need to be there. Overall, this is a warm, uplifting read that will resonate with anyone who enjoys stories about second chances, personal growth, and love that comes at just the right time.' * Lorna Lewis, NAACP Image Award-Nominated author of A SKY FULL OF LOVE *
'WRITER IN RESIDENCE might be Rhonda McKnight's best book yet. Set in the South Carolina Lowcountry, McKnight brings in culture, legacy, identity, and a romance that's sure to knock you off your feet. My heart connected with the rich history of the Gullah Geechee, food, and story from the beginning to the end. WRITER IN RESIDENCE is a book I never wanted to end.' * Toni Shiloh, Christy award-winning author *
ISBN: 9781400354399
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
368 pages