Mary Alice Monroe's Blog, page 14

WHAT’S IN A NAME—OR BOOK TITLE?

Most people don’t know that titles of books are not copyrighted.

For example, I could write a book titled Gone with the Wind. Surprised? I know I was when other books titled The Beach House were released! Most of the time, publishers want to avoid a title that’s already been taken, but sometimes books do emerge with the same title.  This can be confusing to readers and I’ve received many letters asking me about this.  Here’s my attempt to explain it.

My book The Beach House came out in 2002.  This was an important book for my career and me personally because I had decided with this book to bring awareness to important environmental issues–especially those confronting my home and community on the southeastern coast–through the power of story.

The Beach House is the story of a mother-daughter reconciliation set against the back drop of the nesting cycle of the loggerhead sea turtles. Word of mouth catapulted this book to the New York Times bestsellers list—my first!  Two months after my release, James Patterson came out with a thriller titled The Beach House.  That was a big surprise to all of us.  I had many readers write to tell me they read The Beach House but there were no turtles in it.  Of course they’d picked up Patterson’s book!  (I wonder if James was asked where the turtles were in his book?)

Fast forward several years and Jane Green came out with a book titled The Beach House set in the northeast.  Georgia Bockoven published a series of books called The Beach House.  Now it was getting extremely confusing for readers.

So to clear things up: my original The Beach House series has had a follow up every five years or so. I’ve continued the series as new issues about sea turtles emerged and I had something new to say.  My readers enjoy revisiting favorite characters years later to peek into how their lives are developing—the ups and downs, marriages, babies.

2002 The Beach House

 2008  Swimming Lessons

2013 Beach House Memories

On June 20, 2017 my new novel, Beach House for Rent, will bring the The Beach House series full circle.  

The book can be read as a standalone novel if you’ve never read the others. For those who have, this story will be more meaningful.  And I’m excited to mention that my original The Beach House will be a Hallmark movie later this summer starring Andie MacDowell.

As confusing as all the same title The Beach House books may be, one thing is certain.  If you’re interested in my series of The Beach House, look for my name: Mary Alice Monroe.  I hope that clears things up. I also hope you enjoy Beach House for Rent coming June 20, 2017!

Click here to read more about Beach House for Rent and to pre-order your copy today.  

 

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A LOWCOUNTRY GROOM GONE TOO SOON

In memory of Ryan Jacob Query

October 11, 1982 – March 23, 2017

This cross was built for a wedding. But today it was used for a memorial service.

Along the banks of the May River in Bluffton, South Carolina, we remembered the life of Ryan Query. He was an Army veteran, son, brother, father, and the fiancé of Julie Robbins. They were the winning couple of our Lowcountry Wedding giveaway, and they were all set to experience their dream wedding in Charleston, South Carolina. But on March 23rd–just a month before their wedding day–Ryan passed away unexpectedly.

Today, his bride, stood in front of the cross Ryan built–for their wedding ceremony–and shared her broken heart with all of us.

Ryan’s legacy lives on in their son, Caden, a beautiful baby boy who was born with spina bifida. It’s a health condition that comes with tremendous medical bills. May we honor Ryan’s memory together by contributing to the GoFundMe account set up in their names. Any monetary amount is appreciated.

My hope and prayer is the generosity of friends and strangers alike will brighten dark days and lighten the burden for Julie and her son.

https://www.gofundme.com/julierobbinsryanquery

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A Lowcountry Wedding: Groom Spotlight

For this week’s #WeddingWednesdays, the spotlight is on the groom. In less than five weeks, this beautiful couple–Ryan and Julie–will exchange their vows at Charleston’s historic Legare Waring House and begin the next chapter of their lives as husband and wife.

Their wedding day will be something like a scene from A LOWCOUNTRY WEDDING, all thanks to the abundant generosity of top wedding businesses here in Charleston. They are talented, hard-working, local creatives who are contributing their time, resources, and talents to make this wedding dream come true.

Ryan Query recently made a trip to historic downtown Charleston to get fitted for his wedding day attire at Charleston Tuxedo on Wentworth Street in downtown Charleston’s historic district.

 

The staff took meticulous measurements to make sure he has the perfect fit for his April 24th Lowcountry wedding day. Charleston Tuxedo is an award-winning business that takes pride in blending southern style with Charleston class. The shop has a large collection of the latest trends, handsome classics, and unique styles for every man’s taste.

 

Here are two examples of some of the new styles of the season available at Charleston Tuxedo. First, a gray print paired with a light blue button-down and matching bow tie. The bow tie is a classic Charleston fashion statement. And this is the perfect suit to wear for a spring occasion.

Here is a beautiful blue tuxedo with a custom-made bow tie. Suits are available for purchase and rental. Click here to see more styles offered by Charleston Tuxedo or follow them on Instagram.

Ryan’s tuxedo selection and his groomsmen’s attire haven’t been revealed yet, but I know they will look picture perfect on wedding day. Another generous vendor contributing to the Lowcountry wedding is Brackish, home of the original feather bow ties. And I adore their work! 

Every tie is handcrafted in South Carolina, and every single feather is hand-selected. So each creation is unique. Brackish has quickly become a popular must-have wedding accessory for the groom, groomsmen, and even the ring bearer.

For Ryan and Julie’s wedding day, Brackish is providing a bow tie for the groom and his groomsmen. And I heard that the couple is considering buying a custom bow tie for their baby boy to wear too. How adorable!

Every wedding is special, no matter it’s location or guest list size or budget. But there’s something special about a Lowcountry wedding that cannot be replicated anywhere else. It’s partly because of the landscape–from historic mansions, and avenues of moss-draped grand oak trees, to panoramic views of the marshes and seaside ceremonies overlooking the Atlantic. But Lowcountry weddings are unforgettable too because of the people in the industry. These local businesses are first-class, seasoned veterans of hospitality. They know how to make each person’s wedding day feel like a dream come true. Thank you to all of the incredible businesses working to make Ryan and Julie’s wedding dreams a wonderful reality.

Meet Charleston’s wedding vendors from “A Lowcountry Wedding” Giveaway

 

 

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COUNTING DOWN TO A LOWCOUNTRY WEDDING DREAM COME TRUE

photo provided by Charleston Tuxedo

I’ve been married for more than forty years, yet I’m checking the calendar each week, counting down to the April 24th wedding date for one special couple.

The winners of last summer’s Lowcountry Wedding Giveaway will experience the charm, beauty, and allure of a southern wedding in the top wedding destination of Charleston, South Carolina.

In typical southern hospitality and generosity, some of the best businesses in the local wedding industry are donating their time and talents to make this one-time idea of giving away a dream wedding an actual reality for one deserving couple.

The venue, the catering, the wedding dress, the flowers and so much more are all covered in this $40,000 Lowcountry Wedding giveaway. All of our generous sponsors are among the best in the Charleston wedding industry.

The Robbins-Query wedding will take place on the pristine historic property of the Legare Waring House, surrounded by giant moss-draped oak trees. It will be a scene right out of my novel, A LOWCOUNTRY WEDDING. The property is a popular wedding and reception location.

© Dana Cubbage Weddings 2015. Legare Waring House (Charleston, SC)

I’m working on getting a little sneak peek from our busy contributors to see what’s trending in spring weddings here in Charleston and what we can expect to see at Julie & Ryan’s special day. So stay tuned! Details rolling out next week. #WeddingWednesdays

Read an excerpt now

Want to feel like a bride yourself and experience the allure and beauty of southern weddings?

Get a copy of A LOWCOUNTRY WEDDING today. Available in all formats. If my husband and I ever renew our wedding vows, I’m picking one of the two locations highlighted in my novel. Longtime readers will undoubtedly know which location I’d choose!

What would be the ideal setting for your dream wedding or vow renewal? 

 

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A LOWCOUNTRY WEDDING: THE MAKING OF A DREAM DRESS

The search for the perfect gown is an important part of the wedding planning process for many brides. And when the search is in downtown Charleston, it’s all the more special. There’s a scene in my novel A LOWCOUNTRY WEDDING of the Muir sisters going on their downtown adventure to the Kate McDonald Bridal shop in the historic city in search of the dream dress.

Recently, the winning bride of A Lowcountry Wedding Dream Wedding Giveaway got to experience it for herself. Julie Robbins went to Kate McDonald Bridal on Spring Street to meet the talented, nationally recognized bridal designer Katherine McDonald.

Katherine sketched out a wedding dress design that aligns with Julie’s vision of her perfect wedding dress: an off-the-shoulder French lace with a tulle skirt. Simple, romantic, and designed just right for Julie.

We’ll have to wait until April 24th wedding day to see the dress, but I know it will be perfect. Katherine has been designing dresses since she was a little girl. But she didn’t turn her talent into a career until later in life, after creating dresses for friends. Katherine launched a successful ready-to-wear bridesmaid clothing line in 2003 called LulaKate. Then she began designing wedding dresses, and in 2014, Katherine launched her bridal gown line, Kate McDonald Bridal.

What I love, too, is you don’t have to be a bride or bridesmaid to enjoy wearing a Kate McDonald or LulaKate creation. I wore one of Katherine’s designs at my book launch party last summer to celebrate the release of A LOWCOUNTRY WEDDING. (That’s my darling book editor Lauren beside me.) I adore this dress, and I believe Katherine’s work is stunning.

See her creations for yourself on the Kate McDonald blog page or visit her website Kate McDonald Bridal.

When Julie was in Charleston to meet with Katherine at the showroom, she also selected a bridesmaids’ dress from the LulaKate collection. Here were the the top picks:

The “Lexington” dress in thistle color

The “Bedford” in blush color

The “Mulberry” in orchid color

Which style is your favorite?

I’m delighted to see the springtime wedding details take shape. We’re less than two months away, and it’s so heartwarming to watch Charleston’s top wedding businesses come together with generous hearts to make this Lowcountry Wedding dream come true for Julie and Ryan. Now, I’m waiting to see what the groom and his groomsmen will wear from Charleston Tuxedo and Brackish. Another wedding update next week!

Here’s a look at all of our generous sponsors who are making A Lowcountry Wedding dream come true. They are among the best in Charleston!

Meet Charleston’s wedding vendors from “A Lowcountry Wedding” Giveaway

 

 

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WHAT MAKES A BEAUTIFUL LOWCOUNTRY WEDDING

Meet Ashley Rhodes. She’s a highly-coveted luxury event planner from the Lowcountry of South Carolina with a reputation for creating breathtaking weddings that have graced the covers of multiple print and online publications.

I see Ashley as a storyteller of sorts. When she plans a wedding, Ashley first sits down with a couple, notebook in hand, asks a lot of questions and then listens intently to the bride and groom’s hopes, desires and visions. Their conversation is about much more than just the wedding. From there, Ashley deftly creates a new chapter of the couple’s life together–their wedding day. And what a story it is!

 

I admire Ashley’s talent and heart so much, I gave her a cameo appearance in my novel A LOWCOUNTRY WEDDING.

I’m honored to have Ashley Rhodes Event Designs orchestrate the wedding planning for our Lowcountry Wedding Giveaway winners, Julie and Ryan. Ashley is working with more than a dozen top Charleston businesses in the wedding industry. And together, they will help write the next chapter of our winning couple’s book of life. I can’t wait to see it all come to life on April 24th.

For those of you who are planning a southern wedding or dreaming of one, Ashley kindly shares some of her insight about what makes a Lowcountry wedding special.

Q: It’s no secret that Charleston, SC is a top wedding destination. What is most alluring about a Lowcountry wedding?

A: SPANISH MOSS AND SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY!  Truly the dreamy scenery is what draws so many to this beautiful place.  Pair that with chivalry and comfort food and its a match made in heaven!












Q: What’s trending in southern weddings this year?
A: Tradition is always trending in “southern” weddings!  But I would say lush fabrics like velvet are trending with all weddings, as well as, the use of unexpected objects in tabletop decor.  Whether that be painted tiles or hand penned agate slices for place cards or bowls of fresh fruit, olives or nuts nestled in for added embellishment and pre-dinner nibbles.
















Q: What wedding themes or details have helped you create your most beautiful Lowcountry weddings?
A: I always like to pull details from the couple. I can plan and design a party any day, what makes it so beautiful and special is for the entire event, from start to finish, to reflect the couple!  Their style, their personality and their vision.
















Q: What advice do you have for couples getting ready to plan their wedding?

A: Hire a wedding planner!  Seriously!  Trust me on this one.
 















Q: You’re happily married, but if you got to do it all over again together, describe your own dream wedding in the Lowcountry.

A: I loved every second of my 200+ person wedding at two historic venues and would do it again in a heartbeat. But if I had to do it over, I would get married on a Thursday afternoon with only my nearest and dearest in a precious ceremony in my church in Beaufort followed by a fabulous seated wine dinner.  Then, on Friday we would all hang out on the water all day and enjoy each other and have a huge party Friday night!  The most meaningful and important part sometimes takes back seat. I wish I had taken the time to let everything sink in.


Click here to see Ashley’s wedding portfolio or visit her website at: ashleyrhodeseventdesigns.com.

I’ll do brief weekly features following the wedding planning process of our Lowcountry Wedding winners. I hope you’ll follow along on my social media pages with the hashtags #weddingWednesdays #ALowcountryWedding.

It will be like a page from the novel A LOWCOUNTRY WEDDING come to life. And it’s going to be wonderful!

Meet Charleston’s wedding vendors from “A Lowcountry Wedding” Giveaway

A question for my readers: Did you have a Lowcountry wedding, or a southern-inspired one?

Feel free to share something special about your own dream wedding. I’d love to know!

 

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SAVE THE DATE FOR A LOWCOUNTRY WEDDING

 

I’m so happy to officially announce the wedding day for our winners of last summer’s “A Lowcountry Wedding Giveaway” who will have their dream come true in Charleston, South Carolina.

On April 24th, Julie Robbins and Ryan Query, will gather under an avenue of ancient oak trees at the historic Legare Waring House in Charleston, South Carolina to say “I do” in front of their closest friends and family. Thanks to all who voted last summer in the national giveaway, Julie and Ryan will have the wedding and reception of their dreams! If you missed it, here’s their contest video entry.

It’s a $40,000 prize package made possible by the immense generosity of our local businesses. They are the best in the Charleston wedding business!

As we count down to their wedding day, I’ll highlight something special each week related to their wedding planning. We’ll follow along together on Julie and Ryan’s wedding journey!

First, every “I do” begins with a love story. Julie was kind enough to share their special story. Here it is, in her own words.

Our Story

Ryan and I actually met online. After a few months of messaging back and forth, I finally agreed to meet him. We both were newly single and just dating around. Neither of us  had any intentions of meeting the one we would spend the rest of our life with.  We met Nov. 28th, 2011.  I still have the empty bottle of wine we shared after a night of wonderful conversation and laughs. Who would have thought that night sparked a turn of events for a life long romance. That night I met my best friend,  future husband,  father of our son, my true soul mate. Once we met I knew within two weeks this was it, I was done looking, I found him. 

Ryan and I just automatically gravitated towards each other. We had all the same interests and similar experiences. We enjoyed concerts, football games, weekends at the beach and mountains. We were and are still inseparable. We share the same values on life and family. Our journey took us from our home in Charlotte, NC to Beaufort, SC in 2014. We wanted a taste of the lowcountry living. Here we had fun fishing, attending festivals, and weekend beach trips with our  dogs. We had really taken to the care free coastal lifestyle.

In April 2015 I found out I was pregnant. We were extremely surprised and excited. We then moved to Bluffton, SC for a little more space to provide for our growing family.  In June 2015 we were told we needed to visit MUSC (The Medical University of South Carolina) to verify some concerning results on a recent blood work exam. That was a bad day. At 24 weeks pregnant we were  told our son was diagnosed with spina bifida. We were devastated and shocked. You go through a whirl wind of emotions.  We leaned on each other and our faith and decided if this was God’s plan we were OK with it. On August 15th, 2015 Ryan asked me to come take a look at the paint job he completed in our unborn son’s room. I walked into the room and turned around, he was down on one knee, and with tears in his eyes he asked me if I would do him the honor of being his wife. My response was “of course I will.” That was a wonderful day.

We had later thought of names for our son and we decided on Caden Jacob. Caden actually means fighter in Irish and Jacob is a family name with strong biblical meaning. It fits our little man perfectly.

Adorable Caden!

Caden entered the world on Dec. 14th, 2015. Our world has definitely changed for the better. We stayed at MUSC for three months and were able to bring him home on March 7th, 2016.

We have had our ups and downs with our little man’s condition. We have numerous trips to the doctor, additional surgeries, and in-home nursing around the clock. It is a life change you just adapt with. You do whatever you need to for your child. It is trying on your relationship, but Ryan and I are very strong people who have learned to lean on each other. One thing I can say we have experienced something most people will never experience in their life time. We have seen a miracle. Our son Caden is a true miracle. He is the most determined, loving little boy. His smile lights up the room. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for our little fighter and our family. 

 

Love endures! We are all thrilled for this special couple, and we can’t wait to see Julie and Ryan (and little Caden) on their very special day in April.

 

Our wonderful Lowcountry Wedding vendors!

Meet Charleston’s wedding vendors from “A Lowcountry Wedding” Giveaway

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MAKING CHRISTMAS EVE MEMORIES

Christmas Eve is the most magical, wonder-filled night of the year.  We always went to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.  Back in the day, we had to fast before receiving holy communion so we were all starving by the time we returned home.  After a snack we were allowed to open ONE present. With the tree surrounded with presents (I am one of ten children!) picking one was both exciting and difficult.  We’d fall asleep by the tree, Christmas music in our ears, like a pile of puppies.

Years later I married the most kind and wonderful man.  But he wasn’t Catholic.  In fact, Markus wasn’t a church goer at all.  When we had children of our own I took the children to church while Markus stayed home to prepare a special dinner. As the years passed, Markus became more and more invested in his Christmas Eve dinners. In fact, they took on a life of their own!  At some point he began creating menus around a specific country.  Markus would surprise us with costumes to wear, or special china and table decorations.  One year we went to Russia and ate caviar and stroganoff.  There was the Hawaiian luau picnic sitting in front of the fire, a Swiss fondue, Italian pasta, a French dinner when we were introduced to Pere Frittard aka “Father Whipping,” (the kids really got into that one), Chinese meals that included candied bugs…  It’s been quite a journey over the years.  

Oh, did I mention that only the men cook?  No women allowed in the kitchen…until clean up duty. The ladies dress up and go to church on Christmas Eve.  We return at dusk to be greeted by carols playing and champagne!

We now have grandchildren and things are changing.  Markus and I travel to our children’s homes for the holiday.  Markus continues to prepare his Christmas Eve dinner but it’s been difficult in someone else’s kitchen.  

This year, however, we are traveling to Ohio where my son lives.  Zack is continuing the tradition in his home!  He is preparing his Christmas Eve feast with the help by phone from Markus.  I hear them laughing on the phone behind closed doors.  I don’t know what country we will be going to this year and I really don’t care.  We will have some dishes that are amazing, some just so-so, and lots of good wine to pair with the food.

Most of all, we will be together continuing a tradition that Markus and I began over thirty years ago because though we have different faiths, this is the time of year that families get together to celebrate love, hope and joy.  Isn’t that the spirit of Christmas?

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A HOLIDAY MESSAGE FROM MY HOME TO YOURS

Festive lights at the Isle of Palms

My dear reader,

I cherish this time of year. Not for the gaiety and decorations, festivities or gifts. Those things are nice. But what I like best is the nostalgia that comes with preparing for this season. Old Christmas ornaments and decorations pulled from dusty boxes bring back memories of family members and loved ones.

The act of receiving and sending greeting cards makes me reminiscent of all the people I’ve come in contact with who make life more meaningful. And seeing a widespread desire among many to do something especially kind and charitable for others. These are a few of the things that fill my heart this time of year.

Feeling festive with Markus

As we prepare our hearts and home to celebrate the Christmas holiday with my children and grandchildren, I wish you and your family a meaningful holiday season filled with love, peace, hope, and joy.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

With love,

Mary Alice

 

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LOWCOUNTRY CHRISTMAS LETTER CAMPAIGN

5 minutes.
One stamp.
One envelope and paper.

That’s all you need to help be a part of the small campaign with big meaning. The Lowcountry Christmas Letter Campaign kicked off last month in partnership with my publisher, Gallery Books, and Operation Gratitude.

The mission: write a short, heartfelt letter to our troops to say we appreciate them this holiday season. Your letter will be included in care packages sent by Operation Gratitude to deployed troops, veterans, and wounded warriors.

You must act now. Letters need to be postmarked by Saturday, December 3rd and mailed to:

Mary Alice Monroe Lowcountry Christmas Letter Campaign

c/o Gallery Books

Simon & Schuster

1230 Avenue of the Americas, 13th floor

New York, NY 10020

Don’t know what to write? CLICK HERE for tips to help you get started. My publisher Gallery Books will randomly select readers who contribute to our letter writing campaign to win a copy of my holiday novel. What a treat!

At no greater time than the holidays are hope and inspiration needed, and together, we can help spread the spirit of Christmas around the world to our heroes this season through this special letter-writing mission. Join me friends!

CLICK IMAGE FOR DETAILS

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