Beach House Reunion (Beach House #5) by Mary Alice Monroe Also by this author: A Lowcountry Christmas (Lowcountry Summer #5), Beach House for Rent, On Ocean Boulevard
Published by Gallery Books on May 22, 2018
Genres: Women's Fiction
Pages: 400
Format: ARC
ISBN: 1501193295
Goodreads
Whisking you back to the shores of her bestselling Beach House series, Mary Alice Monroe weaves together a tale of the struggles and triumphs of the historic Rutledge family of Charleston, South Carolina. Beautifully wrought and rich with keen insight, this is an illuminating tale of new beginnings, resilience, and one family's enduring love.
Cara Rutledge returns to her Southern home on the idyllic Isle of Palms. Everything is comfortingly the same, yet each detail is rife with painful memories. Only through reconnecting with family, friends, and the rhythms of the lowcountry can Cara release the hold of the past and open herself to the possibility of a new love, career, and hope for the future.
Meanwhile, her niece Linnea, a recent college graduate who doesn't know where her life will take her, leaves her historic home in Charleston, with all its entitlement and expectations, and heads to her aunt's beach house. On the island, she is part of the freer, natural ocean lifestyle she loves, rejoining the turtle team, learning to surf, and falling in love. Remembering the lessons of her beloved grandmother, Lovie, the original "turtle lady," Linnea rediscovers a meaningful purpose to her life and finds the courage she needs to break from tradition.
In this heartwarming novel, three generations of the Rutledge family gather together to find the strength, love, and commitment to break destructive family patterns and to forge new bonds that will endure long beyond one summer reunion.
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Are you looking for the perfect beach or poolside read? Look no further than Mary Alice Monroe’s latest chapter in her series The Beach House. Beach House Reunion is set on the Isle of Palms, a spot near and dear to my heart because it is close to my birthplace Charleston, SC. I’m not sure if the author considers this book a standalone. I will say that if you haven’t read books 1-4, not only are you missing out on meeting the engaging characters introduced in these books, but you won’t get the significance of their history as the storyline plays out.
Cara Rutledge has once again returned to her beloved beach house on the Isle of Palms. Three years ago she left her home and family behind to escape the bittersweet memories of her late husband and their life together. She doesn’t return alone, however. In the face of devastating loss, Cara has achieved a dream she and her husband once shared — to have a child. Baby Hope needs a mother and Cara is anxious to fill that role even though being in her 50’s and single is not ideal. Cara’s niece Linnea is at loose ends following her graduation from college and she comes to Cara’s rescue when it becomes difficult for Cara to work from home with a baby. Sounds idyllic so far, right? As we all know, where you find families, you find family drama. As the summer days slip away, the stage is set for the Rutledge family drama to play out with the same devastating effects as the hurricane which threatens the island. Throw in some “turtle ladies”, a couple of potential love interests for Cara and Linnea, and you have a perfect book to pack for your vacation.
Mary Alice Monroe is more than just a nice lady who writes books. She is a well-known conservationist and advocate for the environment who includes her passion in her stories. Readers will learn a lot about the ways of the turtles who struggle to keep their species viable and about those who have devoted themselves to aiding them. You will hold your breath as the turtle mothers make their way to shore to lay their eggs and as the hatchlings leave their shells and make their way back to the sea. Beach House Reunion is a heartwarming story of family loyalty and love which is educational without being preachy. I highly recommend it as well as the other books in the series. Please remember me as you visit the Isle of Palms in its pages! If you think you hear music, it’s no doubt coming from The Seaside, a favorite hangout from my younger, wilder days.?
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About Mary Alice Monroe
New York Times bestselling author Mary Alice Monroe found her true calling in environmental fiction when she moved to coastal South Carolina. Already a successful author, she was captivated by the beauty and fragility of her new home. Her experiences living in the midst of a habitat that was quickly changing gave her a strong and important focus for her books.
Mary Alice Monroe writes richly textured books that delve into the complexities of interpersonal relationships and the parallels between the land and life. Monroe’s novels are published worldwide. She has achieved many lists, including the New York Times, USA Today and SIBA. She has received numerous awards, including several Readers’ Choice Awards, RT Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2008 South Carolina Center for the Book Award for Writing and was featured at the National Festival of the Book. In 2011 THE BUTTERFLY’S DAUGHTER won the International Book Award for Green Fiction.
Mary Alice is an active conservationist and serves on the Board of the South Carolina Aquarium, The Leatherback Trust, and Charleston Literacy Volunteers. She is a frequent speaker at book festivals, conferences, and private events.
Monroe lives with her family on a barrier island outside Charleston, South Carolina.
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