There is nothing more exciting than the next book in a series you love and On Ocean Boulevard was that book for me. From the first page, On Ocean Boulevard was revisiting old friends in a place I love to spend time. This is book six of the Beach House series so I was excited to catch up with everyone again and see that turtle season has started along the South Carolina coastline. The first books in this series served to educate us on the beloved loggerhead turtles where this book spent more time on environmental issues and I missed the turtles in this book, they felt like more of a back drop. In this book we spend more time with the next generation and also prepare to say goodbye to a member of that original group. I was surprised to learn Palmer ( who I never care for ) had sold the old family home in Charleston and moved to the beach and also that Cara had allowed him to build a house on one of the precious empty lots beside her beloved Primrose Cottage on the Isle of Palms . So we have beach, romance, beautiful locations, and old friends what could be more enjoyable than that? Thank you Mary Alice Monroe for another great book and for bringing back our old friends.

Title: On Ocean Boulevard
Author: Mary Alice Monroe
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 4 out of 5

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.

As a former environmental biology major with a love of the ocean, I loved the conservation and environmental aspects of this. And I really wanted to pack up and go live on a barrier island. I cannot imagine how wonderful it would be to wake up to the ocean at sunrise every morning.

I enjoyed Cara’s story the most, but Linnea’s struggles were totally relatable. I couldn’t quite relate to the wealth and privilege of some of the characters, but family expectations? Absolutely. This was a quick, uncomplicated read—and yes, it would be a perfect beach read!

Mary Alice Monroe is a bestselling author and a conservationist. On Ocean Boulevard is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Gallery Books in exchange for an honest review.)

What a great read to start your summer. This is a series and I haven’t read the books before, but really enjoyed reading On Ocean Boulevard and wasn’t a issue keeping up with the background history of the characters. This has several plots intertwined and will continue with another book. The main story line and characters are Cara and David, but plenty of family and friends are included. Some of the plot was a little predictable, but also what will happen now..... I can put down the book! Plus Mary Alice Monroe touches and educates the readers on the the Sea Turtles dilemma.

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!

On Ocean Boulevard by Mary Alice Monroe is the 6th book in the Beach House series, and my first book by this author. Caretta “Cara” has returned home to Charleston, South Carolina and it's beautiful shores after being gone sixteen years Cara has returned to plan her 2nd wedding. Cara's brother and his wife are struggling with money, and their daughter, Linnea, has returned home too. This book is about family's ups and downs, turtles and romance. I did not love this book, to me it was just okay, maybe I should have read the other books first. But if you love ocean romances give this book a try.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I have read every one of Mary Alice's books and through reading them I have become an advocate for sea turtles and the ocean. She subtly implants the importance of clean ocean water in her plots and with her wonderful characters. Our oceans are part of our life's blood and we all need to help save our planet and the animals that live here. I highly recommend this book. Enjoy! 📚

I sound like a broken record here, but Ms. Monroe's #beachhouseseries is an all time favorite. These books are like coming home to visit with dear friends, and it's always wonderful to catch up with them and see what's new!

Ms. Monroe's beautiful & engaging writing takes me right back to South Carolina, where I've longed to return to since we were last there now 8 years ago. This latest installment in the series gives us a broader view of the Rutledge Family while still keeping us up to date with our beloved Cara. (Each book in the series can be read as a stand-alone or together). I swear these books always find me at the very moment I need them most. A perfect #summerread! 5 of 5 stars and #allthefeels!

I love this series, the characters, and this author. The story line is great and well written. In books by Mary Alice Monroe, you get a great story and you can learn some truths. She does love sea turtles and is very active with these wonderful creatures. I know this because I have had the pleasure of attending a couple of her book launches. She is so interesting to listen and talk to. This love comes through in her writing. If you haven’t read any other books in this series, I would like to suggest that you do. It’s not necessary to enjoy this book, but I do love to start a series at the beginning. This book has a lot of Cara and Linnea in it. I have so enjoyed following this family and their friends. There are certainly some openings to see what happens in the future. I can’t wait to see where certain story lines will lead. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

I really enjoyed the beautiful writing of this book. I would say I would’ve enjoyed a bit more grab in the very beginning so pull me in.

Author Mary Alice Monroe has completely and utterly left me speechless as a reader. Mary Alice has once again taken us on an adventure with her graceful and eloquent writing to a whole new level in her latest novel “On Ocean Boulevard” the Beach House Series. Author Monroe intimately connects you with the characters she so passionately writes about, to the degree you feel as though you are right there with them and a part of this family.
The passion Ms. Monroe captures with her beloved and beautiful sea turtles, along with educating her reader’s, is not only her hope but comes straight from her heart, so poignantly and her mission to ultimately leave a legacy which she passes on to her reader’s, one of “return, rebirth, and growth.”.
Meanwhile, the three generation’s of the Rutledge family, more aptly described as, Lovie’s Primrose Cottage, located on the Isles of Palms, now her daughter Cara’s sanctuary. The historic Rutledge family of the old south, faces life’s many challenges head on, whether it be illness, relationships, financial crisis, re-discovery of one’s life, the ghosts of their pasts, the unknown future, but all shown with a family unity, and undeniable grace with their never failing hope, love and strength, in their circle of life.
Sit back reader’s and immerse yourself with the journey Author Monroe will take you on, maybe a few tears, but she will also make you smile, laugh and ultimately fall in love with with her newest novel, “On Ocean Boulevard.”
Thank you to #Net Galley, Simon and Schuster and Author Mary Alice Monroe, I was given an advanced copy to read and review for my honest opinion, this was truly my pleasure!

On Ocean Boulevard, is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. I love this book and its characters and the beautiful setting. The writing by Ms Monroe is outstanding. I throughly enjoyed this delightful book and highly recommend it and all the books in the Beach House series.

Sign me up to be whisked away to Isle of Palms, South Carolina for summer vacation. Mary Alice Monroe’s sweet beach read “On Ocean Boulevard” is an inspiration to women’s relationships while showing us the natural instincts of the loggerhead sea turtles. Interspersed between the family dynamics of the Rutledge women are lessons on these threatened sea creatures.

This installment of Moore’s Beach House series revolves around Cara and her fiancé David’s upcoming nuptials with a side story on her niece Linnea’s return home from California. David absolutely adores Cara – even though she is getting cold feet regarding the big wedding and a little wobbly on moving from her beloved Primrose Cottage. Cara and David’s relationship goes thru a little drama when a family illness tests whether they actually make it to the altar. My favorite character in this story might even be our devoted David.

Linnea has come home to the low-country after both her dream career and boyfriend get cancelled in California. Feeling a failure, she picks up her loggerhead turtle protection program to get back in her groove while looking for that perfect job. Along comes the adorable British Professor Gordon with similar interests (surfing and sea turtles) and you have another sweet romantic connection. Her parents also have a few hidden dilemmas to resolve as she is working out her own self-awareness crisis.

“On Ocean Boulevard” is a delightful story that weaves these intimate family relationships together while nurturing all the strengths these women embody. The side benefit is an education in the environmental awareness of our coastal turtle friends. A fantastic summer read – preferably by a beach! This was my first Mary Alice Monroe read and even though it is part of a series, I did enjoy this book as a standalone.

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for sharing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A beautiful addition to “The Beach House” series by Mary Alice Monroe. "On Ocean Boulevard" can be read as a stand alone but I adore the way Ms. Monroe ties the past with the present and rewards her readers with visits from well know characters of her various books. This book brings a new beginning for both Cara and Linnea Rutledge and their beloved "Primrose Cottage" I am most impressed with the storyline of Cara who is experiencing yet another new chapter in her life while in her mid 50's. It is refreshing to read a book where many generations of family and friends are going through life’s many changes with the loving support of one another. Rather you are 20, 50 or 80 there is a character you will relate to and enjoy. Mary Alice Monroe is a master at taking the reader to the beach while bringing awareness of the natural world she tirelessly champions. "On Ocean Boulevard" is destined to be at the top of every list of Summer 2020 Beach Reads

Like bookends, I read the first in this series and the last, enjoying each story immensely. So although part of a series, this can be read as a standalone story. And what a great story!

The depth of her characters shines through in the story. I laughed, cried, and cheered on the strong woman portrayed in this iconic story, set in the Charleston low country. It's a story of dedication and live: for family, friends and careers. The bonds for all are strengthened when the load is shared.

A great beach read for summer 2020!

I received a free ARC eBook from Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinions.

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

Change Comes to the Rutledge Family

Having trumpeted her independence when she went to California, Linnea is returning to Sullivan’s Island in a chastened frame of mind having lost both job and boyfriend. Of course, the first place she stops when she returns is Primrose Cottage where her Aunt Cara lives. Cara also returned to the island sixteen years ago having lost a job. It’s another bond between aunt and niece.

Cara’s life is changing again as she plans for her wedding to the wealthy David Wyatt. Although she’s pleased to be marrying David, their ideas of what the wedding should be like aren’t in sync. Linnea’s parents are doing well after Palmer’s bankruptcy. He is building a house and loving it. Julia is also finding ways to express herself.

With all the changes there is a serious health problem that must be dealt with and, of course, there are the turtles.

This book is part of the Rutledge family saga, but it can be read as a stand alone, as can the other books in the series. However, getting to know the family makes you want to keep on finding out more about their lives and the beautiful setting on Sullivan’s Island.

The plot focuses on hope and how well second chances can turn out. It’s not a quick read. It’s a book to savor as you get to know the characters or become reacquainted with the family. If you want a beach read, this is a good choice.

I received this book from Net Galley for this review.

Another great read in the Beach House series! You could read this on it's own but I would recommend reading all of them, you really get invested in the characters. I just love all the characters and all the animal facts! I learn so much. Very enjoyable!

Dear Fellow Reader,

As far as I am concerned, it is a good day when the new beach reads for the year start arriving. Of course, when the release date for this book was planned, it was WAY before anyone was thinking about a pandemic. I am sure this is not what they wanted. The author was going to stop in my area on her book tour but now that has been canceled.

It could be the best time for a new book by Mary Alice Monroe. I am sure that we are all ready for something new. With most of us sheltering in place, “new” is not exactly happening. It is hard to have conversations when no one is doing anything.

download (7)On Ocean Boulevard is the sixth in the Beach House Series. It has been two years since the last book in this series, Beach House Reunion. It is time to catch up with the Rutledge family and what they have been doing. While all the members are part of the story, this book centers mostly on Linnea and Cara. Linnea is back from California jobless and without her boyfriend. She is feeling that she has failed and has returned with nothing. She is trying to keep an upbeat attitude. She came home for turtle time and she joins right in and helps the Turtle Team. Through that, she meets some new people.

In the meantime, Cara is getting married to David. While she is happy to marry him, she has some qualms about the wedding. She isn’t one for making a big fuss and it seems that this wedding is more than she asked for.

When an unexpected serious illness affects the family, Cara needs to re-evaluate her situation.

So, there are all the elements that we love in the Beach House Series. There is love, friendship, loss, and family. Since it has been two years since the last book, it might take you a few minutes to remember all the characters and where we left off. But it didn’t take me long to remember. It is a great relief from thinking about a pandemic. The is book is exactly what is needed right now.

I know that fans of these stories will enjoy the new relationships and character growth that are part of this new book in the series. This book will be published on May 19, 2020. (TOMORROW!)

(And that ever-present note – I was given a copy of this book in return for a fair review.)

Thanks for reading!

Linnea is in a mess. She lost her job, she lost her guy and now she has moved back in with her parents. This is not the best situation for the 26 year old. Luckily, her Aunt Cara is there to help.

Cara has her own issues. She is about to get married. But, she and her fiancé just can’t seem to agree on many wedding issues. Then her daughter becomes desperately ill and this puts a new light on the situation.

I have been a fan of Mary Alice Monroe for years. However, I feel like she might be in a bit of a rut. I know this is the same story she wrote a few years ago, just with different characters. Now, if you have never read this author…this is a really good read. The setting, the story, the characters…no one does it better. I always feel right at home in the low country. And MAM does a fabulous job. I guess I am ready for her to get away from this family.

I do enjoy the beach scenes and the turtles. It is always magical through MAM’s eyes!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

I have read all of the books in the Beach House series, and always hope there will be yet more to come. If you've not read the others, the author includes enough of the back story so you wouldn't be confused, and would enjoy each book as a stand alone. This series is about the prestigious Rutledge family of Charleston, South Carolina. Caretta "Cara" Rutledge's wedding is in a few months and her niece, Linnea returns home after living in California for two years, unemployed and without her boyfriend, who is the son of Cara's very best friend Emmi. Linnea will have to live with her parents until she can find a job. They are now living at their house at Sullivan's Island, having been through an unexpected bankruptcy which necessitated the sale of their mansion on one of Charleston's most prestigious streets. The plan's for Cara's second wedding to David Wyatt are in full swing. He's a wealthy retired attorney, turned businessman and wants to give Cara the wedding of her dreams. Cara is 55, and this is her second marriage, having been a widow for a number of years and much prefers a small wedding with only family and a few close friends. Linnea, at age 25, isn't thrilled about living with her parents, especially when she senses something is going on they don't want to talk about. Over the years, the Rutledge family has weathered many storms, including the alcoholism of her father. This is a heartfelt story as this family once again pulls together to support each other.