This is a wonderful summer (or anytime) read! There are many issues dealt with in this book that keep you turning the pages. Cara, a widow morning the loss of her beloved husband, returns to the beach house she inherited from her mother with her recently adopted baby daughter. She is trying to work from home and raise her daughter on the island off of Charlestown, South Carolina. She will have the love and support of her family and her best friend. She finds working from home with a baby to be almost impossible. Cara hires her niece Linnea, a recent college graduate, to help her for the summer. Linnea is trying to find her path in the world. As the summer progresses Linnea finds her true self and Cara slowly starts to make peace with the loss of her husband and move on in her own life. The beach house is still the sanctuary it has been for three generations of the Rutledge women.
This is a delightful story that should be packed into every beach bag!
I had not read any of Mary Alice Monroe's prior books, but I had no trouble reading this stand alone book. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

The perfect read just in time for the top of your summer reading list. I truly enjoyed this book. I have read all of the books in this group, but you can read this as a stand alone and not feel as if you've missed out on anything, though you should read them all as they are wonderful. Whatever happens life does go on. It is about family, growing up, growing older, discovering what you are capable of, fulfilling your hearts desires and no matter what standing by your family. Family isn't always those you are genetically linked to, but those who love you no matter what. Who are there to hold your hand when you need it most and knowing when to let it go and just be.

At 53, Cara returns home with a newly adopted baby in tow and still mourning the death of her beloved husband. “Things are different on the island” and it is exactly what Cara needs. She rediscovers what makes her heart sing, spends time with her niece, goes nose to nose with her brother and helps him find his way and heal his relationships with his children and wife, gives her niece the courage and space to find herself and new love and rediscovers how important friends are and allows herself to let new love in. As with the series the turtles are a metaphor for all involved. They are survivors that occasionally need a little help from their friends.

Get yourself a copy of this book, read and share with those you love. They will thank you for the delightful heartwarming read.

It was well written but I didn't love the storyline. It is a book about finding love, family issues, dealing with grief, and raising a baby. Cara is Linnea's aunt and they both go back to the beach house to help them. I felt a range of emotions from happy to sad. This isn't a typical romance but has romance in it. I received this book from Net Galley.

An Island Summer

Cara Rutledge is back on Isle of Palms, a small barrier island off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina, in the house she inherited from her beloved mother, Lovie. Cara has always loved coming to the beach house, but now there’s a difference. She has an adopted baby. Cara is an experienced business woman, but she’s finding a baby, even a delightful baby like Hope, to be a challenge. She needs the support of friends and family.

Linnea, Cara’s niece, has just graduated from college. She’s back in her beautiful Charleston home, but being home also has responsibilities that Linnea isn’t ready to accept. When Cara offers her a job taking care of Hope for the summer, she jumps at it.

This is a beautiful story of women finding themselves. Cara, in addition to the baby, is trying to recover from her husband’s death three years ago. Linnea feels the weight of family expectations and wants to discover who she is and what she wants. The beach house is a catalyst for recovery from grief and anger. Family and friends join in supporting the new mother and her niece, and there are the turtles.

This is the fifth book exploring the lives of the Rutledge family of Charleston. It can be read as a standalone, but the family is so entertaining, you may want to go back and meet them in the previous books.

I received this book from Net Galley for this review.

You would never know it from the weather around here but it must be time for summer. The telltale sign? A new Mary Alice Monroe book! The Beach House series continues with this novel. The Rutledge family returns with some new characters and many old favorites.

In Beach House Reunion, Cara has returned to her beach house from working in Tennessee. She loved her time in Tennessee but since she has adopted a baby, she feels the need to come home to her beach house to take care of her new love and share her with the people she feels are the most important to her. Her niece Linnea joins her for the summer to help take care of the baby. Linnea needs some time to find out what she wants to do with her life post-college.

Can both women find love and happiness on the Isle of Palms? It is once again the restful and replenishing home that both need to make their life decisions. And when crisis hits the Rutledge family, can they bond and believe in their love to hold them through the crisis? Can they hold firm through life altering changes?

The plot may sound trite but it is handled well in the story. It is a beach read and beach reads hold a place in my heart. I need to read these kinds of stories from time to time (or more often…) just to remember why I love to read. With these types of books, you can get lost reading for a period of time. You may be able to figure out what will happen but that doesn’t matter. You get the feeling of the house, the Isle of Palms, the characters and even sometimes the humidity. I like Mary Alice Monroe along with Ann Rivers Siddons, Mariah Steward, Dorothea Benton Frank, Debbie Macomber and the grandmother of this type of book, Rosamunde Pilcher. They all write stories about strong, good women finding love and solving problems.

Review
Beach House Reunion – Mary Alice Monroe
 
Mary Alice Monroe once more unlatches the screen door of the Beach House and allows readers another glimpse into the lives of the Rutledge family.  Cara Rutledge returns home, ready to face the past and hopeful for the future.  Her niece Linnea finds herself at a crossroads, as well.  College life is over but she’s uncertain what her future holds.
Both women find comfort, healing, and enlightenment in the place that has been a safe haven for three generations of Rutledge women.  Can they also find love?  And will another Rutledge girl also share this special place?  
 
Mary Alice Monroe delights readers with authentic characters and the real-life, idyllic settings of Charleston, SC and the surrounding areas.  Like pixie dust, a bit of magic and mystery is thrown in for good measure.  Fans of her Beach House series and previous novels will not be disappointed with this latest work.  New readers should be hooked, as well.  Grab a hat, a chair and a cold drink and come to the Reunion!

A wonderful story of two women at different stages in their lives but both struggling to determine what their next step should be. Cara is 53 and has just made some major life changes. She's adopted a baby girl and moved back to live in her family home on the Isle of Palms. Linnea is a new college graduate, who like most of us has no idea what she really wants to do next. Luckily her Aunt Cara is in need of childcare. Taking that job will give her some time to figure things out. These two women spend an incredible summer making new friends, striving to be better, and taking the time to explore and enjoy life.

A fabulous beach read that I highly recommend.

Readers get to pay a return visit to Isle of Palms, S.C., as Cara Rutledge comes home to the beach house left to her by her late mother, Lovie, who died 10 years ago.
Cara is still trying to move on from the loss of her husband, Brett, and the recent addition of a baby who has come into her life after a the death of a friend. Cara hopes that the move will allow her to take care of Hope while working from home.
Cara’s niece, Linnea, has just graduated from college with a degree in environmental studies and is casting about for a job. In the meantime, she agrees to act as a part-time nanny for little Hope. After all, anything is better than hanging around home. Her brother Cooper has just graduated from high school, and Linnea sees signs of a problem with alcohol not only in him, but her father Palmer as well.
Many of the original characters return to help tell the story, including Lovie’s friends Emmi and Flo, both of whom are active in the turtle rescue program.
This book stands on its own because the author includes enough background information for the reader to understand what occurred in earlier books, but you’re probably going to want to go back and read the others: “The Beach House,” “Beach House Memories” and “Beach House for Rent.” There are others that are also set on Isle of Palms that focus on characters other than the Rutledge family such as “Swimming Lessons
Monroe also wrote a three-book series set on Sullivan’s Island, S.C., that readers will enjoy.

Beach House Reunion by Mary Alice Monroe, book five in the Beach House series. I have loved every book in the Beach House series. With each book I don't think the storyline could be better than the last ones but again the author has given me a top read book for the year. I love the characters, the Rutledges and their friends. The storylines just pull me in from the first page and don't let go. Loved the setting and the turtles. There isn't anything that I can say that I didn't love about the story. A totally heart-warming feel good story that I will think about for days to come. I hope there will be more books in the series. I can't wait to read more by Mary Alice Monroe.

Summer would not be complete without a trip to Primrose Cottage and the Isle of Palms, SC. Mary Alice Monroe’s Beach House Reunion brings all our favorite characters back together with a few surprises along the way. Although, this is the fifth book in the Beach House series it could easily be a stand alone read. But, once you have read this one you will want to read them all because you will find yourself falling in love with the Rutledge family through all their ups and downs. The love, strength and commitment they have for one another is so special.
After living in Tennessee for a few years, Cara learns that she can always go back home where she will be welcomed by her dearest friends. This time she is not alone as she brings her newly adopted daughter-Hope back to Primrose cottage. Her niece- Linnea , who is a recent college graduate, joins them for a summer they won’t soon forget. Mary Alice is my favorite author and I love the way she incorporates environmental issues into her stories. This one includes my favorite- the sea turtle. She teaches us how we can help and protect these gentle creatures. Lovie Rutledge, the matriarch of the Beach House series was a Turtle Lady and passed this tradition on through the generations of women in the family. This especially brings Cara and Linnea closer during this shared summer.
I love this series and feel like the characters are old friends. This book makes you feel like you are there in person. I can picture myself being at Primrose cottage, feel the sunshine on my face and sand between my toes. I can smell the jasmine and pluff mud and taste the salt of the Carolina shore. I can also dream of being a Turtle Lady myself some day!
So, grab a glass of sweet ice tea , go sit on the front porch and settle in to read this amazing book. Beach House Reunion will not disappoint you in the least bit. The only disappointment you will experience will be when you come to the last page!

Welcome back to Primrose Cottage and Isle of Palms! Mary Alice Monroe has once again captured the Rutledge family, the beach, Charleston, sea turtles, grief and love all in one wonderful read that you will easily submerge yourself in. This is the fifth book in the Beach House series, and a stand alone book as well. Once you read this you will want to read them all. My favorite author is a storyteller that always incorporates environmental issues into her stories as well as in this series Charleston and the surrounding islands. She and her books are absolutely the best!

Beach House Reunion is a must read. Mary Alice Monroe brings back the wonderful characters from The Beach House and Beach House Memories and engulfs you in the waves of family, friends, love, laughter and even a few tears. The characters you loved, and some you didn’t know too well, will capture your heart in this terrific beach read. Linnea, Cara’s niece, has recently graduated from college and is trying to find herself in the real world, while Cara is navigating a new life of her own. The story of these two women will keep you hoping for their happily ever afters.

Beach House Reunion by Mary Alice Monroe is another stellar read. The Isle of Palms and the sweet beach house during a summer of changes has happened again. I love the rhythm of Mary Alice Monroe’s books. I love the care she puts in the writing and the knowledge she shares with us about the sea turtles. I think that the stories that she weaves are some of the best of the best.

This time Cara has a baby, Hope. She is figuring out the motherhood thing and trying to start her own business. She needs someone to watch Hope while she works. Linnae comes to help moving to the beach for a summer while she figures out her future plans. Meanwhile, Cara’s brother Palmer (and Linnea’s dad) is struggling with his business. Cooper does not want to go to the citadel. The beach with the sand dunes and sea oats wave. The slow summer season heats up. Linnea starts learning about surfing and finds an historic turtle on shore that needs saving. Oh and Irma, the horrific hurricane is on her way when things start to break down. And then there is David for Cara, a new love.

Beach House Reunion is just that - a reunion with one of my favorite authors. The summer season, the sweltering heat, the beach sand and the sea turtles. Mary Alice Monroe is one of my favorite authors and Beach House Reunion reminds me of love, hope and family, as well as the timelessness of the ocean and turtles.

Heartwarming story about returning home, New beginnings and overcoming the past. The characters are likeable and easy to relate with. This would make a great summer read. Recommended!

Thank you NetGalley for my advanced copy of Beach House Reunion. This is a great beach read. Reminds you also that you still always have your family around even if they aren't still living.

This is book #5 in the Beach House series by Mary Alice Monroe and I have a confession; I have only read book #1 and that was probably a decade ago and book #4.  However, I love this series and the characters in them.
 
I was instantly transported to the Isle of Palms with the nicest neighbors and a great group of people.  I loved the dynamic between Cara and her niece.  Their relationship was something really special to read about.  I highly recommend this series from start to finish even though I didn't read all of the books.

The central beach house as a home with generations of love and a safe haven is full of realistic warmth. The continuation of characters and the entertaining lives is riveting. The romances, past and present, engage the readers of many ages. The symbolism of the broken portrait pierces the hold of bitterness and anger, allowing love to win and renew with hope of survival as another season of the turtles hatch and begin their journey toward possible survival and return to the place of their birth.

I received this eBook copy of Beach House Reunion as an advanced reading copy from Gallery Books/Simon & Schuster in exchange for an honest review, I would like to thank them for this opportunity.
This is the fifth book in Mary Alice Monroe's Beach House series, however; all of the books can be read on their own. But believe me, once you read one, you will want to read them all. MAM has never disappointed me with any of her books that I've read. This one was no exception. It is not necessarily a light-hearted, cloying beach read but deals with a few complex issues. But it is a very enjoyable read. We are introduced to a few new characters as well as some old sometimes mysterious friends and as always they all become our friends too. The beach house is as much a character in the story as the people. It would be wonderful to have such a sweet touchstone in our lives as Cara has in hers. Also, each of the books in the Beach House series informs us on a subject dealing with our environment, this one gives us insight into the lives of sea turtles. Just like all Mary Alice Monroe's other books, I didn't want this one to end

"Intuition guides us and the wise person listens.” is one of my favorite quotes from this book. I was overjoyed to learn that Cara was listening to the voice in her head that was telling her that it was time to return home to her beloved beach house and her family. This book brings Cara's journey full circle as she returns from 3 years working in TN at the aquarium. Even when she was far from home the call of the sea still had a powerful influence on her life. This is the 5th book in The Beach House series. Once again you can all but smell the salt air and hear the birds calling while reading these books. If you love the beach, sea turtles, and a story rich with family dynamics this book is one not to be missed!

Cara learns how much family and friends matter and that she needs balance in her life between work and fun. This lesson is one that her brother Palmer needed to learn even more than she did. They both tend to be workaholics and waste too much time and energy on things that do not matter. Another quote I like is “life was so much more than a job’s progress or a list of accomplishments. Life, if lived well, was enjoying random acts of kindness that elicited joy from the giver and receiver alike."

Lovie is defiantly smiling down from heaven at the way her family has finally united and realized the joys of being together and fully supporting one another. Make sure to have a box of tissues handy as this book tugs at your heart strings in all the right ways!

I absolutely love everything written by Mary Alice Monroe! This book is a great read about the family get togethers at the beach House. It also has a character from a prior book make a brief appearance. Carson. I loved her 4 books about the summer girls, glad to see them revisited in this book. It was very easy to follow and I felt like I was sitting on the porch in the low country admiring the views. I loved the tidbits about the seaturtles in each chapter. I hope to see many many more novels from Ms. Monroe as she has such an easy writing style and writes about real situations-alcoholism, mental illness and other conflicts we see in our world now. It's nice to see this stuff discussed instead of hidden behind closed doors.

I loved following Cara's journey after her loss of her husband to find new happiness. As well as her niece Linnea. with her new romance. I think this book was well written and easy to follow. I recommend it for good beach reading. It just flows nicely, the description of the background is not overly annoying but gives enough to make you imagine living in South Carolina on the coast watching the wild life and enjoying the slower pace of life.