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 with six books to her credit, 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.Since then, she has explored the problems of endangered sea turtles (The Beach House), raptors (Skyward) and the indigenous grass and endangered ecosystem (Sweetgrass). In Swimming Lessons, her new novel and a sequel to The Beach House, Mary Alice returns to the southeastern coast to explore the rehabilitation of injured and sick sea turtles.Mary Alice is an active conservationist. She is a dedicated member of the Isle of Palms/Sullivan's Island Turtle Team, a volunteer at the South Carolina Center for Birds of Prey, and she serves on the Board of the South Carolina Aquarium. A source of pride for Mary Alice is the fact that thousands of dollars have been raised to support environmental causes, specifically through her books.Mary Alice continues to write richly textured books that delve into the complexities of the human psyche and the parallels between the land and life. Her ten novels are published worldwide and have won acclaim and awards. She also has the honor of being a four-time RITA Award finalist, she's published her first children's book, and is a frequent speaker at conferences and private events. Mary Alice lives with her family on a barrier island off South Carolina.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The Summer Guests
The novel unfolds as a powerful hurricane approaches the southeastern coast of the United States, prompting an eclectic group of people to seek refuge at a horse farm in North Carolina. As they gather, each character brings their own personal struggles and secrets, which are gradually revealed amidst the storm's chaos. The forced proximity and shared experiences foster unexpected bonds and personal growth, as the guests confront their fears and reevaluate their lives. Through themes of resilience, friendship, and healing, the story highlights the transformative power of community and the beauty of second chances.
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2. Sweetgrass
Set against the backdrop of the lush South Carolina Lowcountry, this poignant tale explores the complexities of family, heritage, and the relentless march of time. As the Blakely family faces the potential loss of their ancestral land, they are forced to confront long-buried secrets and simmering tensions. Through the lens of love, sacrifice, and redemption, the narrative weaves a rich tapestry of human emotions, highlighting the delicate balance between preserving the past and embracing the future. The story is a heartfelt tribute to the enduring bonds that tie us to the land and to each other.
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3. The Beach House
Set against the backdrop of the South Carolina coast, this heartwarming tale explores themes of family, healing, and the enduring bond between a mother and daughter. As the protagonist returns to her childhood beach house, she is drawn into the rhythms of the sea and the nesting rituals of the loggerhead turtles, which mirror her own journey of self-discovery and reconciliation. Through the gentle guidance of her mother, she learns to navigate life's challenges, finding solace and strength in the natural world and the power of love and forgiveness.
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4. On Ocean Boulevard
Set against the picturesque backdrop of South Carolina's Isle of Palms, this heartwarming tale follows the journey of a woman returning to her roots as she navigates the complexities of family, love, and personal growth. As she grapples with the challenges of planning her wedding amidst the backdrop of her family's historic beach house, she discovers long-buried secrets and rekindles her connection to the natural world, particularly the endangered sea turtles that nest along the shore. Through the ebb and flow of life's tides, she learns the importance of embracing change and finding strength in the bonds of family and community.
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5. Skyward
Set against the backdrop of the South Carolina coast, this heartwarming tale explores the transformative power of nature and the healing bonds of friendship. The story follows a young girl who, grappling with personal challenges, finds solace and strength in the company of a dedicated wildlife rehabilitator and the majestic birds they care for. As she learns to navigate her own struggles, she discovers the beauty of second chances and the importance of nurturing both the environment and the human spirit. Through vivid descriptions and emotional depth, the narrative weaves a touching journey of growth, resilience, and the enduring connection between humans and the natural world.
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6. Swimming Lessons
Set against the backdrop of the South Carolina coast, this poignant tale explores themes of healing, family bonds, and the transformative power of nature. The narrative follows a woman who returns to her childhood home to care for her ailing mother, only to find herself confronting past traumas and rekindling her connection with the sea turtles she once loved. As she navigates the complexities of family dynamics and personal growth, she discovers that the lessons learned from the ocean's gentle creatures can offer solace and guidance in her journey towards self-discovery and reconciliation.
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7. A Lowcountry Christmas
Set against the backdrop of the picturesque South Carolina Lowcountry, this heartwarming tale weaves together themes of family, healing, and the spirit of the holiday season. The story follows a young boy, Miller, and his family as they navigate the challenges of his father's return from war, struggling with PTSD. Amidst financial hardships and emotional turmoil, the family finds solace and hope in the unexpected arrival of a service dog, who helps bridge the gap between past wounds and the promise of a brighter future. Through the magic of Christmas, they rediscover the strength of love and the importance of coming together.
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8. Time Is A River
In this poignant tale of healing and self-discovery, a woman named Mia Landan seeks solace in the serene beauty of the North Carolina mountains after surviving breast cancer and a tumultuous marriage. While staying in a rustic cabin, she uncovers the diary of a woman who lived there decades earlier, whose passion for fly-fishing and resilience in the face of adversity inspires Mia to embrace her own journey of renewal. As she learns the art of fly-fishing, Mia finds unexpected friendships and a deeper connection to nature, ultimately discovering the strength to rebuild her life and embrace new beginnings.
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9. Beach House Memories
Set against the backdrop of the idyllic South Carolina coast in the 1970s, this poignant tale explores the transformative journey of a woman named Olivia "Lovie" Rutledge. As she navigates the complexities of her marriage and the societal expectations of her time, Lovie finds solace and purpose in her passion for protecting the endangered loggerhead sea turtles. Through her commitment to conservation and the unexpected friendship with a young biologist, she discovers her own strength and the courage to embrace change, ultimately leading to profound personal growth and a renewed sense of self.
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10. The Long Road Home
Set against the backdrop of the picturesque South Carolina Lowcountry, this poignant tale follows Nora MacKenzie, a woman grappling with the aftermath of her husband's financial ruin and subsequent suicide. Seeking solace and a fresh start, she retreats to her family's neglected mountain farm, where she confronts her past and rediscovers her passion for life. As she navigates the challenges of restoring the farm and healing her heart, Nora finds unexpected support from the local community and a budding romance that offers hope for a brighter future. This story beautifully weaves themes of resilience, redemption, and the healing power of nature.
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11. Girl In The Mirror
In this poignant tale, a young woman grapples with the complexities of identity and self-discovery as she navigates the turbulent waters of her past and present. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque coastal town, the story delves into themes of family secrets, personal growth, and the transformative power of love and forgiveness. As she confronts the reflections of her own life choices and the shadows cast by her family's history, she embarks on a journey of healing and redemption, ultimately finding strength in vulnerability and clarity in the truth.
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12. Beach House For Rent
In this heartwarming tale set against the serene backdrop of the South Carolina coast, two women from different generations find their lives unexpectedly intertwined. The story follows Cara, a seasoned artist who rents out her charming beach house to Heather, a young woman grappling with anxiety and the recent loss of her mother. As they navigate personal challenges and forge a unique friendship, the healing power of the ocean and the bonds of sisterhood help them discover new paths to happiness and self-discovery.
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13. Second Star To The Right
In this enchanting tale, a young girl named Wendy embarks on a magical journey that intertwines the realms of reality and fantasy. As she navigates the challenges of adolescence, she discovers a mysterious connection to the world of Peter Pan, where dreams and adventures await. Through her encounters with whimsical characters and her own inner struggles, Wendy learns the importance of belief, courage, and the enduring power of imagination. This heartwarming story explores themes of family, friendship, and the timeless allure of never growing up, leaving readers with a sense of wonder and nostalgia.
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14. Beach House Reunion
In this heartwarming tale set against the backdrop of the South Carolina coast, a family gathers at their beloved beach house to reconnect and heal old wounds. As the matriarch of the family, Cara, navigates the challenges of motherhood and the complexities of family dynamics, she finds solace in the timeless beauty of the ocean and the enduring bonds of family. Through laughter, tears, and shared memories, the family learns the importance of forgiveness, love, and the strength that comes from being together.
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15. Where The Rivers Merge
In a tale of resilience and renewal, the story unfolds in a small Southern town where the lives of its inhabitants are intricately woven with the natural beauty surrounding them. As the community faces environmental challenges and personal struggles, they find solace and strength in the merging rivers that symbolize unity and hope. Through heartfelt connections and a shared commitment to preserving their cherished land, the characters embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and the enduring power of nature to bring people together.
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