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New York Times bestselling author Mary Alice Monroe returns to her classic Southern setting in the Isle of Palms with the sequel to her beloved novel The Beach House.
In the bestselling tradition of Kathryn Stockett’s novel The Help, Mary Alice Monroe skillfully weaves together issues of class, women’s rights, and domestic abuse set in the tumultuous South during the 1970s as she tells the story of Olivia, “Lovie” Rutledge, the mother from The Beach House. As Lovie sits on the porch of her charming beach house and looks out over the ocean, the old woman reflects on the difficult choices she made in many years earlier—during the summer that changed her life.
In 1974, at thirty-nine years old, Lovie hosts a formal dinner party for her unappreciative husband in their lovely home in a neighborhood of privilege in Charleston. The following morning she takes her two children to a nearby barrier island where her family has a modest beach cottage. Behind closed doors, and exhausted from keeping up appearances—her husband’s infidelity and his withering, disdainful looks—she can only find solace and happiness at the beach. But when a handsome biologist arrives to research the status of nesting turtles—a project that is Lovie’s passion—she finds herself falling in love over the course of the summer, with devastating consequences.
Beautifully wrought and rich with keen insight, this is an unforgettable tale of marriage, resilience, and one woman’s private strength.
—New York Times bestselling author Dorothea Benton Frank
“Monroe’s usual resplendent storytelling shines even brighter in BEACH HOUSE MEMORIES, which offers startling insights into the intimate connection between nature and the human heart.”
—New York Times bestselling author Patti Callahan Henry
—Sally R. Murphy, DNR Sea Turtle Coordinator
She found her true calling in environmental fiction when she moved to coastal
Mary Alice is an active conservationist who is a board member of the South Carolina Aquarium and is a member of the Isle of Palms/Sullivan’s Island Turtle Team. For more information, visit her website www.maryalicemonroe.com.
Trish97
Posted May 11, 2012
First I have to say that Mary Alice NEVER disappoints when she writes a book, she is truly one of my favorite authors! She can draw you into a story like no other!
So many of us have waited so long to hear more of the story that started with "The Beach House" and "Swimming Lessons" and "Beach House Memories" was so worth the wait!!
It is set in 1974 and it tells Lovie's story of that fateful year when she fell in love with Russell Bennett! Mary Alice's descriptive prose and beautiful writing makes you feel like you are right there experiencing everything that Lovie experiences. She is truly a gifted writer!! Get yourself a copy of "Beach House Memories" and be prepared to be totally entertained and moved by this story!!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.About 10 years I bought a paperback “The Beach House “to take to the beach. I didn’t know the author but I liked the cover. As I read the first few pages I fell in love with the writing of Mary Alice Monroe and a few pages more I fell in love with the book. It grabbed my heart and wouldn’t let go. I’ve reread it many times and have had to replace that original copy because it was worn out and remains one of my very favorite books.
What a thrill I had last year when I discovered Mary Alice was writing a prequel to The Beach House. Lucky me, I won a hardcover copy from First Reads! I was not disappointed. It took me right back to the beauty of Isle of Palms, the warmth of Primrose cottage, the strength of Lovie Rutledge “The Turtle Lady” and the wondrous story of the loggerhead turtles. I loved this book!!!
This is really Lovie’s story as she is dying of cancer and in her last hours she thinks back to that memorable summer of 1974. I won’t tell you more of the story but I will tell you that this “Southern Fiction” will draw you in, maybe remind you of your childhood, a love you might have had or give you hope that things can be better or just something to dream about. You will not be disappointed.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 22, 2012
Necko enterd. He purre appily.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 17, 2013
Mary Alice Monroe has become one of my favorite authors. I love the stories taking place in the Low Country. This story has to be one of the best love stories I have read in quite some time. Set in 1974, Olivia Rutledge reminisces back to that wonderful, yet tragic summer. This is a book not to miss. Simply a wonderful and moving read.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.KamsProse
Posted March 9, 2013
I truly enjoyed this lovely book. It was a bit predictable but still very much worth the time to read. My only complaint is that the (spoiler) 20 year break in communication between Lovie and her Daughter was never explained... that drives me a bit crazy. Otherwise, I can forgive the other flaws and really had a great time reading this book. Pick t up!
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Posted January 26, 2013
We've got you outnumbered, Hunter, so stop your kitnapping ways.
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Posted November 22, 2012
Well stop being a fricken asshol€ you goto ur daddy and start cryin!!!
0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted November 22, 2012
I appreciate everything you've done for me, Black, but I need to be with my friend Wolfkit
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 25, 2012
Here
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 15, 2012
A black ca wachs from the qindow. His dark blue eyes gleams and he jumps in breaking the window. The cat rips up the two-leg and bites its thriat out and slices its throat up. "Liste up Kittypets. If you want to live make no attempts to exscape whatsoevf and make you way ovr to the fox."
0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted October 16, 2012
Hello?
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 18, 2012
Meoe.
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Posted October 15, 2012
Paws at the fleshy hand play fully
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 17, 2012
Are there more than one Snowkit here?
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 14, 2012
*Stops* yes i do the human stuck me im a cage again. Nnow if ya dont mind id love to get away from here.*takes of out the door to erin humter result ome*
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 14, 2012
At firestrike res one.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted November 22, 2012
Um................................................................................................
.....................................................................
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 14, 2012
Im here! But gtgtb. Sorry! ~ goldenkit
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 14, 2012
...
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Posted October 14, 2012
She scratches the humand hand she drops fluffy.
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Overview
New York Times bestselling author Mary Alice Monroe returns to her classic Southern setting in the Isle of Palms with the sequel to her beloved novel The Beach House.
In the bestselling tradition of Kathryn Stockett’s novel The Help, Mary Alice Monroe skillfully weaves together issues of class, women’s rights, and domestic abuse set in the tumultuous South during the 1970s as she tells the story of Olivia, “Lovie” Rutledge, the mother from The Beach House. As Lovie sits on the ...