BEACH HOUSE REUNION by Mary Alice Monroe
Mary Alice Monroe’s books are all about circles – the circle of life, the circle of nature, the circle of love, the circle of friends. In her latest novel BEACH HOUSE REUNION she weaves them all into a heartfelt story that elates the reader.
At the center of this story is Cara Rutledge, a woman who has seen how these circles turn. She has come home to her mother’s cottage at the Isle of Palms, which is located on the South Carolina coast. She brings with her a one year old baby named Hope. She adopted this child even though she is in her fifties and hopes the people and the place of her mother’s cottage retreat will provide her with the strength and wisdom to be a good mother.
When doing some part time work to support herself and her daughter Cara finds herself in need of a nanny – an affordable nanny. She finds her in her niece Linnea, a recent college graduate who is looking for a summer job. When Cara offers a small salary plus free lodging at the beach house Linnea is all in. This is entirely fortuitous as Linnea is so much like Lovie, Cara’s mother, and has a deep love for Primrose Cottage which is the name of the beach house.
At the beach Linnea once again becomes part of the group dedicated to helping the offspring of the sea turtles survive. The loggerhead turtles come out of the ocean and lay their eggs, then they return to the sea. When the eggs are hatched the new babies make their way to the sea, guided by light and instinct. The turtle group help them survive predators of all sorts, as well as the chance humans may interfere with nature’s plans.
Cara learned about the turtles’ journey from her mother. It was a cause to which Lovie was devoted. It took a while for Cara to become as involved as she now is but it has become one of the passions of her life. She is inspiring Linnea and hopes to do the same with Hope.
The turtle saga is used by Monroe to make her readers aware of the cycle of life. This is a recurring theme of the “Beach House” books. Cara grew up loving the Isle of Palms, but as an adult she moved away and up north. Then she returned and found love. After he died she moved away again. This time she has returned to stay as this is where she wants to raise her daughter. Its another circle coming to fruition.
To read Mary Alice Monroe’s books is to love Mary Alice Monroe’s books. They are so soothing, so tender, so beautiful in their characters as well as their landscapes. Each book is a blessing for those who love a meaningful story set in a paradise that exists on earth. Once you have been exposed to Monroe’s way of telling a story you will be as drawn to them all.
BEACH HOUSE REUNION is vintage Mary Alice Monroe, a beautiful and poignant visit with those who inhabit “the beach house.” They are waiting for you right inside the door.
BEACH HOUSE REUNION is published by Gallery Books. It contains 400 pages and sells for $26.00.
Jackie K Cooper
www.jackiekcooper.com
