Cat Walsh-Phelan
asked
Mary Alice Monroe:
I read most of the beach series while on vacation what other books have the same characters in them? I just noticed The Summer Guests has Cara Rutledge. Does - The Summer Guests come after the Beach reunion? If not what should be read first?
Mary Alice Monroe
Cara Rutledge is a main character in The Beach House Series, and she does make a cameo in my newest novel THE SUMMER GUESTS. But, the book is not officially a part of the aforementioned series.
When I was writing THE SUMMER GUESTS, the main characters were fleeing the hurricane's threat zone (the 'cone of uncertainty' as the meteorologists call it). But, I wanted one character to run toward the storm, so readers could feel and experience that part of hurricanes too. I thought, who better than my beloved character Cara Rutledge! The history of her life was her seaside home "Primrose Cottage." She needed to race back to the island to try to protect it. (I don't recommend people doing that in real-life though). And, adding Cara to the story was a fun surprise for my longtime readers, and they got to experience a major development in her story line.
For anyone who's new to my work and they want to get into a good series, I'd recommend The Beach House Series first. The titles ideally should be read in the following order:
1. THE BEACH HOUSE
2. BEACH HOUSE MEMORIES
3. SWIMMING LESSONS
4. BEACH HOUSE FOR RENT
5. BEACH HOUSE REUNION
Then, pick up your copy of THE SUMMER GUESTS for a completely fresh new story but with a little thread of connection to The Beach House Series. I do go to great lengths to write all my books in a way that each is a stand-alone. So, no matter which book in a series you read first, you'll feel satisfied with the story. But of course, when possible... starting from the beginning is always the best!
When I was writing THE SUMMER GUESTS, the main characters were fleeing the hurricane's threat zone (the 'cone of uncertainty' as the meteorologists call it). But, I wanted one character to run toward the storm, so readers could feel and experience that part of hurricanes too. I thought, who better than my beloved character Cara Rutledge! The history of her life was her seaside home "Primrose Cottage." She needed to race back to the island to try to protect it. (I don't recommend people doing that in real-life though). And, adding Cara to the story was a fun surprise for my longtime readers, and they got to experience a major development in her story line.
For anyone who's new to my work and they want to get into a good series, I'd recommend The Beach House Series first. The titles ideally should be read in the following order:
1. THE BEACH HOUSE
2. BEACH HOUSE MEMORIES
3. SWIMMING LESSONS
4. BEACH HOUSE FOR RENT
5. BEACH HOUSE REUNION
Then, pick up your copy of THE SUMMER GUESTS for a completely fresh new story but with a little thread of connection to The Beach House Series. I do go to great lengths to write all my books in a way that each is a stand-alone. So, no matter which book in a series you read first, you'll feel satisfied with the story. But of course, when possible... starting from the beginning is always the best!
More Answered Questions
Deby
asked
Mary Alice Monroe:
Just returned from St George Island, my granddaughter saw her first sea turtle come to the beach and return to the water this week! As she exclaimed, " Grand Dee, I am the luckiest girl EVER!!!" She also witnessed a turtle team examine and tag the 250 pound wonder. It was my first as well. What a kismet, as I packed your book TURTLE SUMMER: A JOURNAL FOR MY DAUGHTER. We read and reread this jewel. Thanks? DebyColey
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