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Beach House #6
On Ocean Boulevard
The New York Times bestselling author of The Summer Guests returns at long last to her beloved Beach House series in this breathtaking novel about one family’s summer of forging new beginnings against the enduring beauty and resilience of the natural world.
It’s been sixteen years since Caretta “Cara” Rutledge has returned home to the beautiful shores of Charleston, South Carolina. Over those years, she has weathered the tides of deaths and births, struggles and joys. And now, as Cara prepares for her second wedding, her life is about to change yet again.
Meanwhile, the rest of the storied Rutledge family is also in flux. Cara’s niece Linnea returns to Sullivan’s Island to begin a new career and an unexpected relationship. Linnea’s parents, having survived bankruptcy, pin their hopes and futures on the construction of a new home on Ocean Boulevard. But as excitement over the house and wedding builds, a devastating illness strikes the family and brings plans to a screeching halt. It is under these trying circumstances that the Rutledge family must come together yet again to discover the enduring strength in love, tradition, and legacy from mother to daughter to granddaughter.
Like the sea turtles that come ashore annually on these windswept islands, three generations of the Rutledge family experience a season of return, rebirth, and growth.
It’s been sixteen years since Caretta “Cara” Rutledge has returned home to the beautiful shores of Charleston, South Carolina. Over those years, she has weathered the tides of deaths and births, struggles and joys. And now, as Cara prepares for her second wedding, her life is about to change yet again.
Meanwhile, the rest of the storied Rutledge family is also in flux. Cara’s niece Linnea returns to Sullivan’s Island to begin a new career and an unexpected relationship. Linnea’s parents, having survived bankruptcy, pin their hopes and futures on the construction of a new home on Ocean Boulevard. But as excitement over the house and wedding builds, a devastating illness strikes the family and brings plans to a screeching halt. It is under these trying circumstances that the Rutledge family must come together yet again to discover the enduring strength in love, tradition, and legacy from mother to daughter to granddaughter.
Like the sea turtles that come ashore annually on these windswept islands, three generations of the Rutledge family experience a season of return, rebirth, and growth.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published May 19, 2020
About the author
Mary Alice Monroe
85 books4,584 followersMary Alice Monroe is the New York Times bestselling author of 27 books, including The Summer of Lost and Found, the latest installment of her beloved Beach House series.
Monroe has also published children’s books which complement the environmental themes she is known for in her adult novels. Monroe’s middle grade series, written with Angela May, The Islanders, debuted #2 on the New York Times Best Sellers List in 2021. The second book in the series, Search for Treasure, debuted #3 on the New York Times Best Sellers List.
Nearly eight million copies of her books have been published worldwide.
Mary Alice has earned numerous accolades and awards including induction into the South Carolina Academy of Authors’ Hall of Fame; South Carolina Center for the Book Award for Writing; the South Carolina Award for Literary Excellence; the SW Florida Author of Distinction Award; the RT Lifetime Achievement Award; the International Book Award for Green Fiction; the Henry Bergh Award for Children’s Fiction; and her novel A Lowcountry Christmas won the prestigious Southern Prize for Fiction.
Mary Alice is also the co-founder of the popular weekly web show and podcast Friends & Fiction.
The Beach House is a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, starring Andie McDowell. Several of her novels are optioned for film.
Mary Alice has championed the fragility of the earth’s wild habitat. The coastal southern landscape in particular is a strong and important focus of many of her novels. For her writing, Monroe immerses herself in academic research, works with wildlife experts, and does hands-on volunteering with animals. She then uses the knowledge and experiences to craft captivating stories that identify important parallels between nature and human nature. Sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, monarch butterflies, shorebirds are among the species she has worked with and woven into her novels.
Mary Alice is also an active conservationist and serves on several boards including the South Carolina Aquarium board emeritus, the Pat Conroy Literary Center Honorary Board, and the Leatherback Trust, which she received the Leatherback Trust Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022. She is especially proud to be a state-certified volunteer with the Island Turtle Team for more than twenty years.
Mary Alice splits her time between her home on the South Carolina coast and her home in the North Carolina mountains. When she’s not writing a novel, she is with her family or busy working with wildlife somewhere in the world.
Monroe has also published children’s books which complement the environmental themes she is known for in her adult novels. Monroe’s middle grade series, written with Angela May, The Islanders, debuted #2 on the New York Times Best Sellers List in 2021. The second book in the series, Search for Treasure, debuted #3 on the New York Times Best Sellers List.
Nearly eight million copies of her books have been published worldwide.
Mary Alice has earned numerous accolades and awards including induction into the South Carolina Academy of Authors’ Hall of Fame; South Carolina Center for the Book Award for Writing; the South Carolina Award for Literary Excellence; the SW Florida Author of Distinction Award; the RT Lifetime Achievement Award; the International Book Award for Green Fiction; the Henry Bergh Award for Children’s Fiction; and her novel A Lowcountry Christmas won the prestigious Southern Prize for Fiction.
Mary Alice is also the co-founder of the popular weekly web show and podcast Friends & Fiction.
The Beach House is a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, starring Andie McDowell. Several of her novels are optioned for film.
Mary Alice has championed the fragility of the earth’s wild habitat. The coastal southern landscape in particular is a strong and important focus of many of her novels. For her writing, Monroe immerses herself in academic research, works with wildlife experts, and does hands-on volunteering with animals. She then uses the knowledge and experiences to craft captivating stories that identify important parallels between nature and human nature. Sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, monarch butterflies, shorebirds are among the species she has worked with and woven into her novels.
Mary Alice is also an active conservationist and serves on several boards including the South Carolina Aquarium board emeritus, the Pat Conroy Literary Center Honorary Board, and the Leatherback Trust, which she received the Leatherback Trust Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022. She is especially proud to be a state-certified volunteer with the Island Turtle Team for more than twenty years.
Mary Alice splits her time between her home on the South Carolina coast and her home in the North Carolina mountains. When she’s not writing a novel, she is with her family or busy working with wildlife somewhere in the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 926 reviews
July 26, 2020
On Ocean Boulevard by Mary Alice Monroe is a 2020 Gallery Books publication.
A comforting return to Sullivan’s Island
Linnea Rutledge returns home to South Carolina's Sullivan’s Island after having left home full of verve and ambition, and high on love. With her relationship in tatters and her career plans squashed, Linnea feels like a failure and must face down her humiliation. However, Linnea quickly adjusts to familiar surroundings and feels certain she is where she is supposed to be. However, she still needs to find her true calling while she sorts out her personal life.
Meanwhile, Cara is preparing for her big wedding with little enthusiasm. Going through the motions to make her fiancé happy, she tries to squelch her growing resentments. But Cara soon learns that life is too short to sweat the small stuff when life throws her a terrifying curve ball.
However, the Rutledge family is strong, and has survived setbacks and tragedies before, so they buckle down, determined to survive whatever adversity crosses their paths together.
Mary Alice Monroe is a perennial summertime favorite for me. With only one exception, this series has been one my favorites. Touching base with the Rutledge family is always a treat and I so enjoy watching these characters blossom and evolve as cope with life’s ups and downs, always rising to the challenges they face no matter how difficult they may be.
This latest installment is centered around Cara in a big way, which I was relieved to see. However, I was also happy to see Linnea return and get a nice story of her own, which could lead to her own place at center stage in the future.
If I had to voice a complaint, it was be that the romantic elements were too rushed, which prevented any real chemistry from developing. But, there is one really special, magical revelation that was a nice touch.
The gentle message is very timely, though the circumstances are different. I would imagine many of us are learning the same lessons Cara did after a close call. Value every day, every minute, and hold close the ones you love.
3.5 round up
A comforting return to Sullivan’s Island
Linnea Rutledge returns home to South Carolina's Sullivan’s Island after having left home full of verve and ambition, and high on love. With her relationship in tatters and her career plans squashed, Linnea feels like a failure and must face down her humiliation. However, Linnea quickly adjusts to familiar surroundings and feels certain she is where she is supposed to be. However, she still needs to find her true calling while she sorts out her personal life.
Meanwhile, Cara is preparing for her big wedding with little enthusiasm. Going through the motions to make her fiancé happy, she tries to squelch her growing resentments. But Cara soon learns that life is too short to sweat the small stuff when life throws her a terrifying curve ball.
However, the Rutledge family is strong, and has survived setbacks and tragedies before, so they buckle down, determined to survive whatever adversity crosses their paths together.
Mary Alice Monroe is a perennial summertime favorite for me. With only one exception, this series has been one my favorites. Touching base with the Rutledge family is always a treat and I so enjoy watching these characters blossom and evolve as cope with life’s ups and downs, always rising to the challenges they face no matter how difficult they may be.
This latest installment is centered around Cara in a big way, which I was relieved to see. However, I was also happy to see Linnea return and get a nice story of her own, which could lead to her own place at center stage in the future.
If I had to voice a complaint, it was be that the romantic elements were too rushed, which prevented any real chemistry from developing. But, there is one really special, magical revelation that was a nice touch.
The gentle message is very timely, though the circumstances are different. I would imagine many of us are learning the same lessons Cara did after a close call. Value every day, every minute, and hold close the ones you love.
3.5 round up
April 29, 2020
A delightful story of new beginnings for the Rutledge family.
SUMMARY
Linnea Rutledge returns to Sullivan’s Island near Charleston, South Carolina with her tail between her legs after losing both her job and her boyfriend in San Francisco. The first place she stops after her flight lands is Primrose Cottage to see her Aunt Cara. She’s been homesick for the Atlantic Ocean and she needed advice from Cara, who sixteen years ago had also returned to the island after losing a job.
Cara is busy panicking over the elaborate and expensive wedding festivities for her June marriage to the wealthy David Wyatt. At fifty-five, she just want something small and intimate, but that is not what was being planned. As wedding plans progress a devastating illness hits a member of her family, and brings Cara and David’s wedding plans to a screeching halt. Will they ever be able to get married?
REVIEW
Love the characters, love the setting, love the story! Mary Alice Monroe has written another delightful addition to her immensely popular Beach House Series. Place this one on your night stand or in your beach bag, it’s a perfectly charming and comfortable escape.
Cara’s beloved yellow Primrose Cottage on the Isle of Palms is like one of the characters in the book. It’s the heart of the story, bursting with wild roses, honeysuckle and a pergola, it’s just the perfect beach cottage. And the loggerhead sea turtles are back! In Mary Alice Monroe’s signature flair, she creatively and smartly weaves the sea turtles return into the story and gives us all a lesson in starting again.
My favorite part was the special relationship between Linnea and Cara. They keep each other grounded and in check despite their differences in age. Thanks to Netgalley and Gallery Books for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher Gallery Books
Published May 12, 2020
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
SUMMARY
Linnea Rutledge returns to Sullivan’s Island near Charleston, South Carolina with her tail between her legs after losing both her job and her boyfriend in San Francisco. The first place she stops after her flight lands is Primrose Cottage to see her Aunt Cara. She’s been homesick for the Atlantic Ocean and she needed advice from Cara, who sixteen years ago had also returned to the island after losing a job.
Cara is busy panicking over the elaborate and expensive wedding festivities for her June marriage to the wealthy David Wyatt. At fifty-five, she just want something small and intimate, but that is not what was being planned. As wedding plans progress a devastating illness hits a member of her family, and brings Cara and David’s wedding plans to a screeching halt. Will they ever be able to get married?
REVIEW
Love the characters, love the setting, love the story! Mary Alice Monroe has written another delightful addition to her immensely popular Beach House Series. Place this one on your night stand or in your beach bag, it’s a perfectly charming and comfortable escape.
Cara’s beloved yellow Primrose Cottage on the Isle of Palms is like one of the characters in the book. It’s the heart of the story, bursting with wild roses, honeysuckle and a pergola, it’s just the perfect beach cottage. And the loggerhead sea turtles are back! In Mary Alice Monroe’s signature flair, she creatively and smartly weaves the sea turtles return into the story and gives us all a lesson in starting again.
My favorite part was the special relationship between Linnea and Cara. They keep each other grounded and in check despite their differences in age. Thanks to Netgalley and Gallery Books for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher Gallery Books
Published May 12, 2020
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
May 19, 2020
Captivating, heartfelt, and sentimental!
On Ocean Boulevard is an enchanting, tender tale that sweeps you away to the idyllic South Carolina Lowcountry and immerses you into the lives of the Rutledge family and all the wounds, secrets, smiles, tears, compassion, strength, and loyalty that surround them.
The writing is fluid and clear. The characters are multi-layered, resilient, and authentic. And the plot, including all the subplots, intertwine and unravel into an optimistic, heartwarming tale about life, love, loss, family, friendship, romance, contentment, plastic pollution, sea turtles, and the importance of environmental conservation.
Overall, On Ocean Boulevard is a big-hearted, insightful, timely, family saga by Monroe that reminds us that life is comprised of not only the lovely, special, wonderful moments but all the complicated, messy, challenging, heartbreaking ones too.
Thank you to Gallery Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
On Ocean Boulevard is an enchanting, tender tale that sweeps you away to the idyllic South Carolina Lowcountry and immerses you into the lives of the Rutledge family and all the wounds, secrets, smiles, tears, compassion, strength, and loyalty that surround them.
The writing is fluid and clear. The characters are multi-layered, resilient, and authentic. And the plot, including all the subplots, intertwine and unravel into an optimistic, heartwarming tale about life, love, loss, family, friendship, romance, contentment, plastic pollution, sea turtles, and the importance of environmental conservation.
Overall, On Ocean Boulevard is a big-hearted, insightful, timely, family saga by Monroe that reminds us that life is comprised of not only the lovely, special, wonderful moments but all the complicated, messy, challenging, heartbreaking ones too.
Thank you to Gallery Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2020
I don't know if I didn't like this book because I should have read the other's in this series, or if I didn't like this book because it was a convoluted mish-mash of storytelling.
I did learn a whole lot about the loggerhead turtles, and I did get pounded with eco politics - so those two issues cancel each other out.
There were so many story-lines that I wasn't quite sure just who this book was supposed to be about -I had thought it was supposed to be about Linnea. Still, it really wasn't; it was more about Cara and Linnea's mother and the descriptions of everything. Descriptions of clothing, what each person looked like, of course, the beach, the water, and the turtles.
The personalities rang flat to me, and the plotlines must have been written for someone who has followed this series. I would suggest if you are looking to start here, you do not do so.
*ARC supplied by the publisher.
I did learn a whole lot about the loggerhead turtles, and I did get pounded with eco politics - so those two issues cancel each other out.
There were so many story-lines that I wasn't quite sure just who this book was supposed to be about -I had thought it was supposed to be about Linnea. Still, it really wasn't; it was more about Cara and Linnea's mother and the descriptions of everything. Descriptions of clothing, what each person looked like, of course, the beach, the water, and the turtles.
The personalities rang flat to me, and the plotlines must have been written for someone who has followed this series. I would suggest if you are looking to start here, you do not do so.
*ARC supplied by the publisher.
May 18, 2020
This is my most cherished summertime series (as is the Lowcountry Summer series by this same author.) I’ve enjoyed reading all these books and can’t recommend them enough. The latest one, On Ocean Boulevard, is book six in the Beach House series where turtle season is in full swing along the South Carolina coastline, and challenging times have taken hold within the Rutledge family.
Palmer and Julia are no longer residing in their grand estate on Tradd Street. Cara is under pressure and running on borrowed time planning her second marriage, when a life threatening illness changes her plans. And her niece Linnea is also navigating through life’s challenges; figuring out where it is she fits in the world, thank goodness she has her Aunt Cara to help, and finding what could possibly be a new love in her life after breaking up with fiancé John, leaving California and moving back in with her parents.
Once again, Mary Alice Monroe has written another unputdownable, fun and highly entertaining novel! My summer wouldn’t be complete without a Monroe novel in one hand and a sweet tea in the other. 😊☀️📖🥤🌊
Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Releasing May 19, 2020
Palmer and Julia are no longer residing in their grand estate on Tradd Street. Cara is under pressure and running on borrowed time planning her second marriage, when a life threatening illness changes her plans. And her niece Linnea is also navigating through life’s challenges; figuring out where it is she fits in the world, thank goodness she has her Aunt Cara to help, and finding what could possibly be a new love in her life after breaking up with fiancé John, leaving California and moving back in with her parents.
Once again, Mary Alice Monroe has written another unputdownable, fun and highly entertaining novel! My summer wouldn’t be complete without a Monroe novel in one hand and a sweet tea in the other. 😊☀️📖🥤🌊
Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Releasing May 19, 2020
July 21, 2021
This was a step up from the last book in the series. Monroe focuses on the Rutledge family in this one, but we also get appearances from other characters from some of her other works (see Lowcountry Summer) which was nice. I think this one did very well with switching between Cara and Linnea. But honestly, I would have liked the focus to remain on Cara. Monroe used to be really good I think on focusing on just one character at at time, with maybe some "glances" at other characters, but since both Cara and Linnea have some huge things going on with both of them, it would have been nice to have a follow on book with the focus on Linnea. Also, going to say this, things were wrapped up way too neatly. There's a huge problem that emerges in this book considering Palmer (again) and I just sighed my way through it. I don't know why Monroe never haves him pay for his mistakes, but his constant lecturing of Cara is on my last nerves.
"On Ocean Boulevard" follows Cara and Linnea Rutledge, two years after the last book in the series. Cara is happy with her daughter Hope, and is engaged to David. She still thinks/loves her first husband, but is looking forward to starting something new. However, part of her still wonders if this marriage will work since her and David seem to be on the opposite sides of what they expect their marriage to be. Linnea runs back home from California after her relationship with her long-term boyfriend John breaks up. It doesn't help that she lost her job and can't find another one. Being back home in Charleston though has her meeting new friends and a potential new romance.
So Cara's story I was more intrigued with while reading. We know that Cara hoped to have a baby with her first husband, they were unable to, and then he refused to consider adoption. I always thought that Monroe did a great job with showing how much he loved Cara, but how stubborn and wrong he was though with not telling her about the business and how much that cost her. David is more steady and I loved reading the preceding books and how slow Cara was to care/fall for him. It felt realistic. I know a lot of romance readers don't like books revolving around widows/widowers, but always thought Monroe handled things very well. She also does a great job of showing the friction between Cara and David.
Linnea's story-line was okay, but I did get bored with it. Her ex sounded exhausting, and the back and forths between them that we hear about are too. I was more interested in her new romance and her getting/finding her footing.
We get updates on Flo and others in this one which was nice. But I have to say as I did above, Palmer continues to get a thousand chances and it's aggravating to the extreme.
Returning to Charleston and the turtle season was great. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
"On Ocean Boulevard" follows Cara and Linnea Rutledge, two years after the last book in the series. Cara is happy with her daughter Hope, and is engaged to David. She still thinks/loves her first husband, but is looking forward to starting something new. However, part of her still wonders if this marriage will work since her and David seem to be on the opposite sides of what they expect their marriage to be. Linnea runs back home from California after her relationship with her long-term boyfriend John breaks up. It doesn't help that she lost her job and can't find another one. Being back home in Charleston though has her meeting new friends and a potential new romance.
So Cara's story I was more intrigued with while reading. We know that Cara hoped to have a baby with her first husband, they were unable to, and then he refused to consider adoption. I always thought that Monroe did a great job with showing how much he loved Cara, but how stubborn and wrong he was though with not telling her about the business and how much that cost her. David is more steady and I loved reading the preceding books and how slow Cara was to care/fall for him. It felt realistic. I know a lot of romance readers don't like books revolving around widows/widowers, but always thought Monroe handled things very well. She also does a great job of showing the friction between Cara and David.
Linnea's story-line was okay, but I did get bored with it. Her ex sounded exhausting, and the back and forths between them that we hear about are too. I was more interested in her new romance and her getting/finding her footing.
We get updates on Flo and others in this one which was nice. But I have to say as I did above, Palmer continues to get a thousand chances and it's aggravating to the extreme.
Returning to Charleston and the turtle season was great. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
March 21, 2020
Just like every book I have read by Mary Alice Monroe, I loved this one!! I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of it. I inhaled it as quickly as I could!! Revisiting these wonderful characters is always such a treat. This time around, there are so many delightful surprises!!
July 23, 2020
I always enjoy Her books, but this one was a long lecture on climate change and plastic. I read books to relax and escape. Especially now. The last thing I need is another lecture.
July 19, 2020
A beautiful book. The Rutledge family and beach house were back and the sea turtles preservation.
I loved the writing, every word had a hidden depth which enveloped the emotions. The descriptions blew me away and transported me to the Seaside.
It was a perfect read during stressful times.
I loved the writing, every word had a hidden depth which enveloped the emotions. The descriptions blew me away and transported me to the Seaside.
It was a perfect read during stressful times.
March 24, 2020
We are back with Cara and the Rutledge family in Charleston, South Carolina.
Cara returned to her roots sixteen years ago. Since then she's married, been widowed and has a baby! She has been through some of life's cruelest situations. Now, she is still working at the aquarium and turtle rescue as well as planning her own wedding! Yes, Cara is getting married again.
Now it's time for her niece to come home. Linnea went to California with big dreams of a career and hopefully a husband. Neither has happened and now she is back on Sullivan's Island living with her parents and feeling discombobulated. Her parents are holding up well after they lost everything and moved to the island. Palmer seems to be doing well building a house on Cara's lot and Julia is finding herself as well.
Just when it seems as if they all may come out all right, a major illness strikes and everything comes to an abrupt halt. But we know these people. Together they can move mountains. And just like the turtles that return every year to their beach, they too will find strength in their love for one another and their family.
I adore this series. My momma is a Charleston girl and when I read Monroe's books I actually know most of these names! Personally, we are Pinckney's. There is so much family love and tradition in these stories that now is the perfect time to read this!
Thanks so much Ms. Monroe!
NetGalley/ May 19th, 2020 by Gallery Books
Cara returned to her roots sixteen years ago. Since then she's married, been widowed and has a baby! She has been through some of life's cruelest situations. Now, she is still working at the aquarium and turtle rescue as well as planning her own wedding! Yes, Cara is getting married again.
Now it's time for her niece to come home. Linnea went to California with big dreams of a career and hopefully a husband. Neither has happened and now she is back on Sullivan's Island living with her parents and feeling discombobulated. Her parents are holding up well after they lost everything and moved to the island. Palmer seems to be doing well building a house on Cara's lot and Julia is finding herself as well.
Just when it seems as if they all may come out all right, a major illness strikes and everything comes to an abrupt halt. But we know these people. Together they can move mountains. And just like the turtles that return every year to their beach, they too will find strength in their love for one another and their family.
I adore this series. My momma is a Charleston girl and when I read Monroe's books I actually know most of these names! Personally, we are Pinckney's. There is so much family love and tradition in these stories that now is the perfect time to read this!
Thanks so much Ms. Monroe!
NetGalley/ May 19th, 2020 by Gallery Books
July 8, 2020
Having been born and raised in the Northeast, stories set in South Carolina’s Lowcountry are about as far as I can get from what I know. Which is why I started reading Mary Alice Monroe’s Beach House series in the first place. On Ocean Boulevard is the sixth book in the series. And while it could certainly stand alone, it helps to have read some or all of the other books. Reading this book was a comfort and a delight. Nice to get back into the lives of people you’ve come to know.
We are back on the Isle of Palms. The loggerhead turtles are preparing to return to nest on the beach. And Linnea, who had moved to California, is back. Cara is carrying on the traditions of her mother. Now 55 years old and a widow, a mother to Hope (who she adopted,) Cara is preparing to wed David. Cara‘s brother Palmer (Linnea’s father) is building a spec home next to the Beach House.
Life for the Rutledge family continues to have its ups and downs and how enjoyable it is to have them back. Fans of the series will love this book and new fans will be pleased to join in. Looking forward to book number seven. Keep ‘em coming Ms. Monroe.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
We are back on the Isle of Palms. The loggerhead turtles are preparing to return to nest on the beach. And Linnea, who had moved to California, is back. Cara is carrying on the traditions of her mother. Now 55 years old and a widow, a mother to Hope (who she adopted,) Cara is preparing to wed David. Cara‘s brother Palmer (Linnea’s father) is building a spec home next to the Beach House.
Life for the Rutledge family continues to have its ups and downs and how enjoyable it is to have them back. Fans of the series will love this book and new fans will be pleased to join in. Looking forward to book number seven. Keep ‘em coming Ms. Monroe.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
May 21, 2020
Mary Alice Monroe has turned into one of my favorite writers! I think it is partly because she cares deeply about the environment and the plight of the Loggerhead Turtles.
This story is about the women of Sullivans and the other area islands. They have been involved in protecting the Loggerheads for many years. Cara, newly returned from California, becomes involved with the cause as soon as she gets back. But, she's jobless and homeless so her family becomes involved with her life, as all families do. This is the story of Cara and the rest of the family on Sullivan's Island and it has some very interesting and emotional dilemmas coming at them.
I loved this book and devoured it in one day! I'm thinking I should go back and reread the entire series again!
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book!
This story is about the women of Sullivans and the other area islands. They have been involved in protecting the Loggerheads for many years. Cara, newly returned from California, becomes involved with the cause as soon as she gets back. But, she's jobless and homeless so her family becomes involved with her life, as all families do. This is the story of Cara and the rest of the family on Sullivan's Island and it has some very interesting and emotional dilemmas coming at them.
I loved this book and devoured it in one day! I'm thinking I should go back and reread the entire series again!
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book!
January 21, 2021
On Ocean Boulevard is a nice addition to Mary Alice Monroe’s Beach House series but I can’t help but feel it is running out of steam. This one felt like an end to the series. I thought the story was sweet and heart warming but all the romance elements between both Cara and Linnea’s partners felt very forced and rushed.
3.5 stars ⭐️
3.5 stars ⭐️
May 18, 2020
This is my most cherished summertime series (as is the Lowcountry Summer series by this same author.) I’ve enjoyed reading all these books and can’t recommend them enough. The latest one, On Ocean Boulevard, is book six in the Beach House series where turtle season is in full swing along the South Carolina coastline, and challenging times have taken hold within the Rutledge family.
Palmer and Julia are no longer residing in their grand estate on Tradd Street. Cara is under pressure and running on borrowed time planning her second marriage, when a life threatening illness changes her plans. And her niece Linnea is also navigating through life’s challenges; figuring out where it is she fits in the world, thank goodness she has her Aunt Cara to help, and finding what could possibly be a new love in her life after breaking up with fiancé John, leaving California and moving back in with her parents.
Once again, Mary Alice Monroe has written another unputdownable, fun and highly entertaining novel! My summer wouldn’t be complete without a Monroe novel in one hand and a sweet tea in the other. 😊☀️📖🥤🌊
Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Releasing May 19, 2020
Palmer and Julia are no longer residing in their grand estate on Tradd Street. Cara is under pressure and running on borrowed time planning her second marriage, when a life threatening illness changes her plans. And her niece Linnea is also navigating through life’s challenges; figuring out where it is she fits in the world, thank goodness she has her Aunt Cara to help, and finding what could possibly be a new love in her life after breaking up with fiancé John, leaving California and moving back in with her parents.
Once again, Mary Alice Monroe has written another unputdownable, fun and highly entertaining novel! My summer wouldn’t be complete without a Monroe novel in one hand and a sweet tea in the other. 😊☀️📖🥤🌊
Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Releasing May 19, 2020
June 26, 2020
I love Mary Alice Monroe, gravitating toward her titles, and each new book in the Beach House series. Reading each new book in the series is like coming home again; reuniting with familiar characters, and diving into their new adventures. My “hopes”( Cara Rutlidge’s daughter’s name) were high, but I was let down, almost immediately.
The story was boring, frankly. I found the writing simple, the story formulaic, and predictable. Everything was too perfect; her other stories were more than one dimensional, interesting, and heartwarming.
I’m really disappointed that this one was the exact opposite!
The story was boring, frankly. I found the writing simple, the story formulaic, and predictable. Everything was too perfect; her other stories were more than one dimensional, interesting, and heartwarming.
I’m really disappointed that this one was the exact opposite!
February 11, 2020
Nothing like a book written about Charleston, the beaches surrounding Charleston, and turtle nesting to get me out of this blaah winter mood I’ve been in (it’s so cold outside today) ... Mary Alice Monroe knows how to pull you into a story!! Another great book! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
August 10, 2020
"On Ocean Boulevard" by Mary Alice Monroe was a Goodreads Giveaway from Gallery Books I received in exchange for an honest review.
I joined this South Caroline Beach House series with this book and, in fact, have not read any books from this author previously. It is evident that Ms. Monroe loves her main characters, The Rutledge Family of Charleston, South Carolina as this series circles around them. She also has a deep love affair with South Carolina, Charleston and Loggerhead Turtles. The Wildlife knowledge offered at the beginning of each chapter also speaks to her deep passion of the preservation of the local environment!
This is the sixth book in a series where the author has proudly stated each book will "stands on its own" without having to read the entire series or in sequential order. However, it felt like it was missing that something special, that sparkle from an author of a series of this length. The characters did not seem to have much to say to one another beyond the obvious on topic conversations. Even the main characters, The Rutledge's, were superficial. No depth and their conversations all small talk.
The cover is beautiful and colorful. Within the covers, the story was easy to read and follow but not memorable. I wish I could say it was, but it wasn't. I wanted to I loved it, but I didn't. Everything happened in a predictable way from the beginning to the end of the book. It was just okay....
I joined this South Caroline Beach House series with this book and, in fact, have not read any books from this author previously. It is evident that Ms. Monroe loves her main characters, The Rutledge Family of Charleston, South Carolina as this series circles around them. She also has a deep love affair with South Carolina, Charleston and Loggerhead Turtles. The Wildlife knowledge offered at the beginning of each chapter also speaks to her deep passion of the preservation of the local environment!
This is the sixth book in a series where the author has proudly stated each book will "stands on its own" without having to read the entire series or in sequential order. However, it felt like it was missing that something special, that sparkle from an author of a series of this length. The characters did not seem to have much to say to one another beyond the obvious on topic conversations. Even the main characters, The Rutledge's, were superficial. No depth and their conversations all small talk.
The cover is beautiful and colorful. Within the covers, the story was easy to read and follow but not memorable. I wish I could say it was, but it wasn't. I wanted to I loved it, but I didn't. Everything happened in a predictable way from the beginning to the end of the book. It was just okay....
March 30, 2020
Review Coming!
June 11, 2021
If I hadn’t read the previous books in the series, I would probably only give this book 3 stars. It wasn’t too exciting but it was nice to see what these characters were doing a couple of years down the road from the last book. As always, the author does a nice job of bringing environmental issues into the narrative.
July 10, 2020
Unfortunately, I just found this SO disappointing. To be blunt, this book seems to be written for the boomer demographic. There is an OBSESSION with houses, buying houses, switching houses, building houses, having two houses, even giving a house to someone as a gift...I can't believe anyone under the age of 50 resonates with that. Linnea, one of the main characters, is supposedly 25 and is a bit better, but as an actual 25 year old, her portrayal rubbed me the wrong way as superficial and jarringly inaccurate. Like, "oh, millennials, and their San Francisco startups and living with their parents," come on.
And, the environment! I expected to love that aspect of the book, you know, the push for ocean-focused environmental activism, but it seemed so hollow when you have characters spending a fortune and creating so much environmental waste building houses, flying to New York for an expensive wedding dress (and eating foie gras, so disgusting and cruel) when maybe stopping that would be more helpful than picking up beach trash (which you should also do) and something individuals could even more easily do.
I wanted to love this since I've been to Sullivan's, IOP, and the SC aquarium many times and I love them, and my heart breaks for turtles suffering from ocean pollution, but this book just took such a shallow tack that I feel gross after reading it. I give two stars for intent.
And, the environment! I expected to love that aspect of the book, you know, the push for ocean-focused environmental activism, but it seemed so hollow when you have characters spending a fortune and creating so much environmental waste building houses, flying to New York for an expensive wedding dress (and eating foie gras, so disgusting and cruel) when maybe stopping that would be more helpful than picking up beach trash (which you should also do) and something individuals could even more easily do.
I wanted to love this since I've been to Sullivan's, IOP, and the SC aquarium many times and I love them, and my heart breaks for turtles suffering from ocean pollution, but this book just took such a shallow tack that I feel gross after reading it. I give two stars for intent.
February 10, 2022
From the first page, On Ocean Boulevard was like revisiting good times & old friends of summers past. It was a sweet, summer story perfectly suited for an afternoon of sun at the beach or a lazy evening on the porch. The 'regular cast of characters from the other Beach House books are present as well as a few new faces. And while it is great to catch up with our old friends from previous books, this book also works well as a standalone read. To her credit, Monroe does an excellent job of "catching up" her new readers when characters or situations from previous books pop up. She does this without the annoying synopsis at the beginning of the book that so many other series authors use as their go to method. For that reason alone, this book is worth a read.
The story itself is a bit predictable but isn't that what we love about slipping into our summer favorites? It may not be crisp or trendy, but it is comfortable and soothing - attributes that I crave most in my summer reading. This book embodies summer and is the perfect companion to a cool drink and a warm breeze.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book.
The story itself is a bit predictable but isn't that what we love about slipping into our summer favorites? It may not be crisp or trendy, but it is comfortable and soothing - attributes that I crave most in my summer reading. This book embodies summer and is the perfect companion to a cool drink and a warm breeze.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book.
March 14, 2020
Mary Alice Monroe never disappoints!!!!!!!!!!! I love her Lowcountry series and this new one was just as great and wholesome as the others!!!!!!! I love how you can fall right in love with her characters and fall right bck into their lives no matter how long it is between books!! She continues the series with Cara Rutledge and this adds in her grown up nieces story also. I give this one a definite 5 stars. Thank you to Netgalley and Gallery Books for my honest review
May 19, 2020
I’ve read all the previous books in this series so I was excited to have the chance to read an early copy. It was like visiting old friends once again. It touched on some current issues. It felt true to her previous ones in this series.
I loved it! Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy
I loved it! Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy
June 14, 2020
A story of friends and family; how they all gathered on the South Carolina Coast to renew friendships, encourage family and watch the sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach and then return to the sea.
There was beginning romances and marriage too; with in the family.
I won this free book from Goodreads first reads.
There was beginning romances and marriage too; with in the family.
I won this free book from Goodreads first reads.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2020
Great, easy read!
February 7, 2020
On Ocean Boulevard by author Mary Alice Monroe highlights the second chance at love and a new marriage for Cara Rutledge. This book can easily be read as a stand-alone novel, but fans of the generations of Rutledge Family drama will enjoy reading about much loved characters. Several events are happening on Sullivan's Island during this season. Most of the book is about life situations as the generations age and grow. Emmi is helping Cara to finalize her wedding plans, Linnea returns with a broken spirit and questions about her future, and the current turtle team seems to be stronger than ever. Most of the story is focused on Cara as she gets ready for her wedding. The trip to Kleinfield's in New York for Cara to "Say Yes to the Dress" is magical! Family bonds for Linnea with her father and mother come full circle for an acceptance of past problems and a new direction for Julia. It is sad to visit with Flo and learn of how tenuous living has become for her during this age in her life. Poor little Hope has an unexpected crisis and brings Cara and David to the brink of break-up.
The reader will recognize names of a few characters from other series and will meet new friends as an ever expanding community. The book content has a bit of character background and turtle nesting review as in other books in this series.
Publication Date: May 19, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The reader will recognize names of a few characters from other series and will meet new friends as an ever expanding community. The book content has a bit of character background and turtle nesting review as in other books in this series.
Publication Date: May 19, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
July 20, 2020
Fall in love with the South Carolina low country in this pleasant day dream of a beach read.
Linnea has just moved from California back to her family home in Charleston after losing her job and breaking up with her boyfriend. Against fears that she is a failure, she looks to rebuild the future that she had planned before life went so completely off track. Bolstered by the inspiring advice from her Aunt Cara, Linnea finds that while the best laid plans may go awry, the unexpected may just be exactly what she is looking for.
Meanwhile, Cara, after mourning the passing of her beloved husband several years before, has, to her surprise, found love again and is planning a big, fancy wedding - all while tending to life's other amazing blessing - a young daughter all her own, after thinking that the opportunity of motherhood had passed her by. But, will this mean big changes ahead for Cara? And, at this point in her life, is she ready and/or willing for those changes?
All of this set against the backdrop of the soothing sand, cicadas, and beaches of South Carolina. Not to mention the loggerhead turtles who prove that they can beat all odds, just like Linnea and Cara.
Sit back in your beach chair, grab a margarita, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Coastal South.
#OnOceanBoulevard
#MaryAliceMonroe
#GalleryBooks
#Giveaways
#GoodReads
Linnea has just moved from California back to her family home in Charleston after losing her job and breaking up with her boyfriend. Against fears that she is a failure, she looks to rebuild the future that she had planned before life went so completely off track. Bolstered by the inspiring advice from her Aunt Cara, Linnea finds that while the best laid plans may go awry, the unexpected may just be exactly what she is looking for.
Meanwhile, Cara, after mourning the passing of her beloved husband several years before, has, to her surprise, found love again and is planning a big, fancy wedding - all while tending to life's other amazing blessing - a young daughter all her own, after thinking that the opportunity of motherhood had passed her by. But, will this mean big changes ahead for Cara? And, at this point in her life, is she ready and/or willing for those changes?
All of this set against the backdrop of the soothing sand, cicadas, and beaches of South Carolina. Not to mention the loggerhead turtles who prove that they can beat all odds, just like Linnea and Cara.
Sit back in your beach chair, grab a margarita, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Coastal South.
#OnOceanBoulevard
#MaryAliceMonroe
#GalleryBooks
#Giveaways
#GoodReads
August 28, 2020
Linnea returns home to Sullivan's Island with her tail between her legs. Not only is her relationship over, but her job that she relocated for is no longer. Now she is returning home to live with her parents and start fresh. Things are going somewhat well for the Rutledge family. Cara, Linnea's aunt, is balancing the job of being a mother to a young child, working a full-time job at the aquarium, and planning a wedding. Cue all the stress. Then there's Linnea's parents who have relocated from their gorgeous Charleston house to their beach cottage full time, but their lives have been downsized tremendously both socially and square-footage wise. Linnea tries to get her footing back at home and finds herself getting involved with the turtle ladies, just like her grandmother did, and meeting new people including a possible love interest. However, the Rutledge family has many obstacles to conquer and serious issues on the horizon. Fans of the Beach House series, as well as new readers, will love to jump right in to the family drama and naturalists will especially appreciate all the beautiful details in On Ocean Boulevard by Mary Alice Monroe.
Read the rest of my review here: http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...
Read the rest of my review here: http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...
February 18, 2020
Your going to need at least a few tissues to read Mary Alice’s latest book. Once again, she will sweep you away to the Lowcountry where you will find familiar faces, places and animals. This is so much more than a beach read though. She focuses on the relationships between and among women. Friendships that are so important to each of the central characters and help them all find their voices. Once again we are treated to the loggerhead turtles and given more of an insight to what happens on the turtle team, the turtle hospital at the downtown aquarium, the conservation groups locally, and the wonderful restaurants that serve local seafood. She ties in protecting our oceans and ways the ladies (and really all of us) can volunteer at beach sweeps and do our part for the animals that live in there.
And of course, there is a story. One of hope, and courage, for reminding us all- that we have a voice and sometimes the easy choice in front of us isn’t necessarily the right one. Enjoy this one, I tried to read it slowly as now I know I’m going to have a wait for her next book. And that thought makes me want to cry (again)!
And of course, there is a story. One of hope, and courage, for reminding us all- that we have a voice and sometimes the easy choice in front of us isn’t necessarily the right one. Enjoy this one, I tried to read it slowly as now I know I’m going to have a wait for her next book. And that thought makes me want to cry (again)!
June 1, 2020
I broke my cardinal rule of never starting a book if I haven’t read the rest of the series and at just dove in - and it was delightful on audio ❤️ it’s a series I had always meant to read and I enjoyed this book a great deal even without having read the others!
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