Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
29th out of 50 books
—
114 voters
Beach House Memories
by
Mary Alice Monroe (Goodreads Author)
She felt it now. She was slipping into the insistent undertow of the past. There was no use fighting it. It was so easy to simply close her eyes. And relinquish.
Autumn brings its own haunting beauty to the sun-soaked beaches and dunes on Isle of Palms, where Olivia “Lovie” Rutledge lives in her beloved Primrose Cottage with her daughter, Cara. Looking back as summer fade...more
Hardcover, 400 pages
Published
May 8th 2012
by Gallery Books
(first published May 1st 2012)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
2,985)
Lovie, Olivia, has spent her grown life being the perfect wife, homemaker and best mother she could be. Her husband shows little appreciation for what Lovie does for his family and business as long as she keeps his cultivated professional appearance. Deciding to further his career goals her husband decides to go to Europe and not spend time with his family this summer.
Lovie takes her 2 children to her beach home, the only place she finds solace and can be herself. The people of Isle of Palm know...more
Lovie takes her 2 children to her beach home, the only place she finds solace and can be herself. The people of Isle of Palm know...more
Olivia is a strong female, but does not realize know that she is. She lived in a different time and age than we do today. I think that many are much stronger than they know. We find out how strong we are when life gets hard.
I'm giving this book a 4 on the chick-lit scale. Girly books and romance novels are my not so secret passion and, though I'd love to say I read Important Books all the time, the fact is that I don't. Reading for pleasure should be just that; pleasurable. (Note I am reading a non-fiction book about the Titanic and some sort of class thing right now, so I don't get to have mind candy all the time), therefore, when I do choose a chick-lit book, Mary Alice Monroe is one of the people I always look f...more
This was a great book. I had very mixed emotions about the book. If I had given my opinion in the middle of the book, it would be different than now.
The book is set in a time when women and career was not said in the same sentence. Given that I lived in that time period I understand completely. The expectation of most of my family was after high school I would get a job, find a good husband, and have a family. I choose a different path and thanks to my dad signing the college application and hi...more
The book is set in a time when women and career was not said in the same sentence. Given that I lived in that time period I understand completely. The expectation of most of my family was after high school I would get a job, find a good husband, and have a family. I choose a different path and thanks to my dad signing the college application and hi...more
I love a good storyteller and this book did not disappoint. This is my first read by this author and definitely plan to read her other books ... especially since this was the third in a trilogy. Even so, it is a good stand alone read.
In 1974, America was changing, but Charleston remained eternally the same. Lovie had always done what was expected—marrying the son of a historic Charleston family, Stratton Rutledge, and turning over her fortune and fate to his control. But one thing she steadfastl...more
In 1974, America was changing, but Charleston remained eternally the same. Lovie had always done what was expected—marrying the son of a historic Charleston family, Stratton Rutledge, and turning over her fortune and fate to his control. But one thing she steadfastl...more
Beach House Memories....what a phenomenal book to follow Beach House and Swimming Lessons. My heart soared and broke right along with Lovie. I adored her character after the first two books but to find out her story...Wow! It is an amazing journey of heartache, love, loss, devotion, and friendship.
Growing up and still going to the beach every summer I've always loved the ocean and all it's marvelous creatures. However, after reading Beach House and Swimming Lessons my love for sea turtles grew....more
Growing up and still going to the beach every summer I've always loved the ocean and all it's marvelous creatures. However, after reading Beach House and Swimming Lessons my love for sea turtles grew....more
I have such mixed emotions after reading "Lovie's story!" I loved learning about the Loggerhead Turtle Project! How exciting to witness the miraculous journey of the Mother Loggerhead as well as the babies back to the sea! They have to overcome such adversity and dangers just to survive. It is my sincerest hope that the Loggerhead Turtle Project is still functioning and that many lives are saved as a result. I wish we had Loggerheads on the West Coast. I, too, am a beach girl, having grown up on...more
I saw the cover of this book and was excited to begin reading it.
It was a very predictable book that follows the following plot:
Unhappy woman in an empty marriage
Unhappy woman flees to the beach cottage she loved as a child
Unhappy woman unexpectedly meets a new love interest
Unhappy woman has to make decision that will impact her life
I really enjoyed the South Carolina low country beach setting and the sea turtle knowledge obtained, but the plot was just too predictable.
I did not see Lovie as a s...more
It was a very predictable book that follows the following plot:
Unhappy woman in an empty marriage
Unhappy woman flees to the beach cottage she loved as a child
Unhappy woman unexpectedly meets a new love interest
Unhappy woman has to make decision that will impact her life
I really enjoyed the South Carolina low country beach setting and the sea turtle knowledge obtained, but the plot was just too predictable.
I did not see Lovie as a s...more
This trip back to 1974 and Primrose Cottage on the Isle of Palms was a wonderful story of what might have been for Olivia "Lovie" Rutledge as well as a story of what was for Lovie, her greatest loves--her family and the sea turtles. I'm now looking forward to reading Swimming Lessons (the story of Lovie's mother Toy Sooner) to round out this Lowcountry trilogy.
Quotes of Note (to me):
Lovie Rutledge believed memories were like the tides. Sometimes they rushed in with a pounding roar to topple you...more
Quotes of Note (to me):
Lovie Rutledge believed memories were like the tides. Sometimes they rushed in with a pounding roar to topple you...more
Mary Alice Monroe has outdone herself again! I re-read The Beach House, before reading this pre-quel that was published ten years later to refresh my memory of the characters. I think this novel was even better! The characters are believable, likable and recognizable to those of us lucky enough to live in South Carolina. The coast is a special place, and true to herself, Mary Alice encourages her readers to respect the wildlife in our state. You can genuinely feel Lovie's relief when she escapes...more
Once again I am transported to the Lowcountry by Ms. Monroe's tale. I wonder if because it has been an impossibly long and cold winter here that I am drawn to this locale,although I am sure that my love for the beach plays a larger part in these reading choices.
Olivia is a typical Southern belle who defers to all her husband's wishes. Feminisim has not yet reared its head in Charleston during 1974 and therefore Olivia tows the line to avoid Stratton's abusive rantings. She has not yet tested he...more
Olivia is a typical Southern belle who defers to all her husband's wishes. Feminisim has not yet reared its head in Charleston during 1974 and therefore Olivia tows the line to avoid Stratton's abusive rantings. She has not yet tested he...more
My first read by Mary Alice Monroe. I never tire of reading of life on the Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island, and Charleston...life in the South. Monroe's intertwining of the adventures Lovie has with the annual sea turtle migration, and the expectations of women's roles in the 1970's, especially Southern women, is both philosophical and psychological. One of the study guide questions is: How ere the issues of class, women's rights, and spousal abuse handled 1974 and how have things changed in mo...more
I enjoyed this novel more with each chapter I read. Not quite a 4 star but certainly a very solid 3 star. There's a lot to this book. Its metaphorical comparisons of the life of a female sea turtle to the main character of the book are really insightful. I like historical and/or educational novels where I can learn something new. However, the heroine, Lovie, in Beach House Memories could have been my contemporary. But what I learned from Lovie's experiences is there are woman who sorely regret p...more
I learned more than I ever thought to know about loggerhead turtles! But the details about their nests, the hatchlings, the return to the sea, etc. certainly linked Lovie, the protagonist, with the love of her life, Dr. Russell Bennett in short order! The author's descriptions of the sea and life in the Carolina Lowcountry in the seaside community of Isle of Palms put you right there. Also her glimpses into Charleston society were well done. Monroe also did an excellent job of presenting the obs...more
Since I loved Beach House so much, I had to read this one right away and learn more about Lovie. I was not disappointed with the author's portrayal of her young life and the development of the Isle of Palms. I also learned a bit more about the Loggerheads - again, without trying - my favorite kind of learning! I did find one thing annoying and that was that in one or two places I felt the author referenced the first book incorrectly (I hate when they do that) but I didn't go back and actually ch...more
This was an amazing book; I'm so lucky I won it on Goodreads! Set in South Carolina, Beach House Memories is a wonderful blend of romance, nature, and women's issues. Lovie, the main character, is a young mother of two with a passion for sea turtles. Some of her struggles are unique to the time period such as the expectation that women should stay at home with the children. But the importance of raising children while trying to maintain some sense of individualism remains the same today. I think...more
Lovie Rutledge's Primrose Cottage holds all the memories that mean the most to her. One summer in particular she discovers her true self and learns what she values most in life. Her southern upbringing, her love for her children, her passion to see to the survival of the Loggerhead turtles she loves and a visiting biologist are the threads that cause Lovie to examine the tapestry of her life.
This is a prequel to Mary Alice Monroe's novel Beach House. No need to worry if you haven't read it, for...more
This is a prequel to Mary Alice Monroe's novel Beach House. No need to worry if you haven't read it, for...more
Beach House Memories is the third book in a trilogy of beautifully written books by Mary Alice Monroe. This third book brings the life of Lovie fullcircle enlightening the reader on how this classy Southern lady became the "Turtle Lady". When I read Mary's books I am taken to my favorite place, the seaside and I feel like I am right there when she describes the sounds, smells and sights of the habitat of the sea turtles. I always come away learning something new but never in a "textbook" way. Af...more
Olivia “Lovie” Rutledge knows what it means to be the perfect homemaker, mom, and all around Southern wife. She was raised to put her husband’s values, successes, and prospects before her own. Now that she is nearing the middle of her life, she is starting to realize just how unsatisfactory her own life really is. With an unappreciative husband, two kids to care for, and a mother who is constantly telling her how to raise those kids and how to be the perfect wife, Lovie decides she needs a break...more
This book is what the title says. It's a book to read at the beach with stock characters and very little plot. It is easy reading with the typical unappreciated intelligent wife, abusive husband, and caring stranger who make the usual romantic triangle. The issue of abuse is addressed in detail and shows how wife abuse affects not only the spouses, but also the children, other family members and friends. In the early 1970's (as well as now), women were told they had the choice to leave an abusiv...more
I read this immediately after I read the Beach House, so I knew some of the story from the beginning. Even so, I think Ms Monroe did an excellent job weaving the story together.
I thoroughly enjoy stories about the Low Country and this was no exception. I wish there were more Primrose Cottages left instead of all of the McMansions along the coastlines.
While I don't condone Lovie's choices, I can understand them. I think Ms Monroe did a good job in relaying Lovie's angst in making her choices.
T...more
I thoroughly enjoy stories about the Low Country and this was no exception. I wish there were more Primrose Cottages left instead of all of the McMansions along the coastlines.
While I don't condone Lovie's choices, I can understand them. I think Ms Monroe did a good job in relaying Lovie's angst in making her choices.
T...more
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 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...more
So many of us have waited so long to hear more of 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...more
I loved this memoir of the fictional Turtle Lady Lovie Rutledge from The Beach House novel. The book was an accounting of the Lovie's summer in 1974. Not only was it informative about the loggerhead sea turtle, it was an interesting study of Southern women during that time. So many things my daughters take for granted in their lives that were not so easy then. It was a time when women "dressed" and there was a great stigma with divorce which was not so easily obtained. I didn't love this book as...more
This was a romancey beach read with well-drawn characters and a good story line, but it's easy to guess how it will end. Lovie (Olivia) Ruttledge is ensconced in her Isle of Palms beach house with her 40 year old daughter Cara. She is dying of cancer and spends much of her time thinking about a special year in her life...the year she met naturalist, Dr. Russell Bennett. At 38, She had spent years up to that time recording the activity of the loggerhead turtles who come up onto the dunes, lay the...more
Beach House Memories is a good old-fashioned star-crossed lovers story set in the 1970's in South Carolina. Women's rights haven't quite reached the good ol' South yet, and Lovie Rutledge is in what appears to be a satisfactory, if not passionate, marriage. She lives the life of a well-to-do society wife in Charleston, South Carolina. In the summer of 1974 while staying at her beach house on the Isle of Palms, Lovie's life changes forever when she meets Russell Bennett.
Having read Monroe's other...more
Having read Monroe's other...more
I love reading books by Mary Alice Monroe. They exude the smells and sights of the locale of her books. Beach House Memories is a prime example. The other reason I love reading her books is that she "gets" her characters. You find yourself mimicking their emotional state as you follow their life. Her characters are drawn richly and you find yourself wanting to stay with them for as long as you can.
is about Lovie (Olivia) who loves the island and her cottage, Primrose Cottage. She is the Turtle...more
is about Lovie (Olivia) who loves the island and her cottage, Primrose Cottage. She is the Turtle...more
I won this book from First Reads.
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 whe...more
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 whe...more
May 21, 2012
Catherine
marked it as to-read
I have not yet read this book, but based on her previous writing I'm sure it will be wonderful! I have lived along the Carolina coast for 10 years, witnessing the development and protection of sea turtle nests from environmental and human factors. The Topsail Sea Turtle Hospital has always played an important role in the local culture. I appreciate Monroe's talent for writing and her ability to convey the Carolina culture and landscapes, important relationships, personal growth, and of course, t...more
Mary Alice Monroe's descriptions of the life of Lovie Rutledge intertwined with the beloved sea turtles keeps you captivated throughout the entire novel. Lovie was one of my favorite characters in The Beach House. I was very excited that Mrs. Monroe decided to tell her story. Once I started reading, it was very hard to put down.
I loved this book! It tells the story of a very special summer in the life of an old woman who is nearing the end of her life. The author captures your heart almost immediately as she weaves the tale of Lovie. Having lived through those years I can appreciate the way the world treated women at that time. Along with the memories are wonderful descriptions of the South Carolina shore and an equally marvelous depiction of the lifestyle of the day.
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fans of Mary Alic...: Beach House Memories | 6 | 16 | Apr 12, 2013 04:10am | |
| Journal | 1 | 13 | May 01, 2012 11:51am |
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 textur...more
More about Mary Alice Monroe...
Mary Alice Monroe writes richly textur...more
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“Pride of one's work is not improper, unladylike, or vain. We can all take a lesson from the sea turtle. She does not travel thousands of miles or risk all for her ego. She has an instinct for greatness --- one that I believe is found in all living creatures. ”
—
1 person liked it
More quotes…
You finished this one before me, but I am at about half way through now, just not reading...more
Oct 09, 2012 05:26am