On Ocean Boulevard

April 1, 2020

It's been a couple of years since the last entry (Beach House Reunion) in the author's "Beach House" series, but Monroe includes enough information to bring new readers up to speed without alienating fans of the series. The story involves the Rutledge family, as usual, but this time centers on Linnea as she returns home to the South Carolina barrier islands without her boyfriend or a job. Her parents are starting over on Sullivan's Island in their small beach house, struggling to get out from under a bankruptcy and hoping her father remains sober. Her Aunt Cara is having trouble juggling her full-time job, a young child, and her upcoming wedding, so she's happy to offer Linnea an internship at the aquarium. Linnea also gets involved with the turtle ladies and a good-looking visiting professor from England. A worsening case of dementia, microplastics in the ocean, and, of course, the turtles add a serious note to this charming Lowcountry novel. VERDICT This is an excellent addition to a popular series by a best-selling author. Readers of Mary Kay Andrews and Dorothea Benton Frank should feel at home here as well. [See Prepub Alert, 11/11/19.]--Stacy Alesi, Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Lib., Lynn Univ., Boca Raton, FL

Copyright 2020 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2020
When it seems like image is everything and gossip travels at the speed of light, there's power in spinning your story the right way. Monroe (The Summer Guests, 2019) brings her beloved Beach House characters back to the idyllic Isle of Palms as two of the Rutledge women take charge of their narratives. Linnea, recently returned to South Carolina after an unexpected layoff and a tumultuous breakup, jumps at the chance to combine her passion for environmentalism with a new career. Cara, on the verge of her second marriage, finds strength and comfort in familiar surroundings. This is a heartwarming story of Low Country love, loyalty, and longstanding friendships. Proving that life's unexpected curve balls can end up launching its greatest successes, the resilience of the Rutledge family is stronger than ever. Infusing her story with respect for the local flora and fauna, Monroe continues her focus on environmental conservation in her latest multigenerational story of the Rutledge women. Followers of the series and fans of Mary Kay Andrews will adore this next chapter.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)