Whenever I read a new book in this series (The Beach House), I am immediately reminded how much I enjoy it. The latest installment was no exception. We pick up with the Rutledge family in early 2020 just as the world is going mad. As with the other books, there is love, loss and appreciation for the natural world wrapped up in a likeable group of family and friends and set in an idyllic island paradise. This difference in this particular book is that while all of the usual elements are present, they are wrapped completely in the confines of a global pandemic. As always, Monroe manages to tell a story (or several) that holds our interest, while gently imparting lessons along the way. This time, the environmental lessons take a back seat to social ones, emphasizing the need to look out for one another by doing what is asked of us even when, especially when, it is difficult.

Reading The Summer of Lost and Found is like a good conversation with an old friend. It is comfortable and comforting. I must confess though, that this particular book did not provide the same sense of escape as other books in the series. Perhaps it is pandemic fatigue on my part, but I found the constant reminder of the virus and the rules surrounding it to be a bit tedious at times. For this reason alone, it is a four star read.

This title is another in the author’s popular beach house series but can be read as a stand alone. The author once again chronicles members of the Rutledge family and their life in the low country but this time the setting is at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Facing a summer of change and uncertainty, this interesting cast of characters face challenges while recognizing the importance of family. A timely story that explores the complexity of different relationships: family, friends and romantic.

Mary Alice Monroe brings us once again to the magical beach house and the Rutledge family. The Summer of Lost and Found chronicles the difficulties of the family and the time of the COVID virus. The Isle of Palms is in a lockdown, but the inhabitants are struggling to find their new normal and once again the turtles need their help.

Linnea has lost her new job with the shutdown of all but the most needed of services. While her aunt Cara has allowed her to stay at the cottage, she offers to share her space with a friend. As the family struggles to stay afloat, Linnea realizes John from California is next door and her feelings are still quite strongly engaged. Soon her brother shows up escaping her parents and things continue to swirl. Add in her current bo - Gordon from the UK and things heat up under the summer sun.

I enjoyed reading the novel and catching up with the Rugledges. I am glad to know that the family continues to move forward and the struggles of COVID brought them together more than separated them. The Summer of Lost and Found by Mary Alice Monroe will be a fun summer read for many people.

My summer reading doesn't officially kick off until I have a new Mary Alice Monroe novel to read. And this latest installment in the Beach House series didn't disappoint! Ms. Monroe's books are the ultimate comfort read for me.

I’ve read several of the books in this series so was surprised when this title came up on NetGalley, and I thank you for allowing me to read it in prepublication. My husband and I are both readers so had a conversation about a month ago, wondering when we would see Covid-19 show up in literature. He ran into it first in a CJ Box book and this is where I first am reading about it.

I do think this book is best read in the sequence it was written. However the author effectively captures the fear and uncertainly brought by the virus. People were caught away on vacation, out of the country, scrambling to get back to their homes. The virus was a locked and loaded gun, uncertainly reigned. When David was finally able to catch a flight from Europe and get back home, he was immediately quarantined for two weeks, locked away from his six-year-old daughter who couldn’t comprehend why her daddy was home and she couldn’t see him. I know it’s fiction, but I cried. I had friends caught abroad, struggling to get home and I was terrified for them.

This is a story of how a collection of people identified their pod (we called it a bubble here) and continued on with their lives, doing their best to keep safe, wash their hands, wears masks, keep social distance and laugh.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

I’ve read every book in the series, and have fallen in love with the Lowcountry and the characters in these books. Mary Alice Monroe is a writer that I love to read, and I look forward to her books every summer. If you looked up the definition of “beach read” in the dictionary, pictures of her books should be beside it.

This book picks up the story of Linnea. It’s one of the first books that I’ve read this year that addresses the COVID19 pandemic in 2020. She is grown up and has been laid off from the aquarium. The entire family suffered fallout from the pandemic, and they all support each other through it all. I also loved the turtle stories!

I received an ARC of this family saga. An interesting story of family relationships strained even more by Covid issues. Very likeable characters in a great setting. A great, touching novel.

If you’re looking for a cozy summer series then look no further. The Beach a house Series consists of 7 books, but I read this as a stand-alone and fell in love with the characters. My first read that encompassed Covid and some of the challenges that we faced in the very beginning. Linnea, along with her family and friends are living through uncertain times and bittersweet goodbyes. But the Beach House continues to bring safety and refuge to those who need it most. I adored Linnea, John, Cooper, and Gordon’s characters and especially the competition for Linnea’s affection 😍. I can’t wait to go back and read the stories that came before. Get cozy, because I guarantee you’ll devour this series.

Thank you for my copy in exchange for an honest review

The 7th book in the Beach House Series, but can definitely be read as a stand-alone. It’s not summer without the Rutledge Family and their Beach House. Members of the Rutledge family are not immune to the worry of the pandemic; financially, physically or emotionally.

First book I’ve read that addresses the Pandemic head on. Ms. Monroe keeps it light enough to make this a totally enjoyable beach read while addressing the fear of Spring/summer of 2020. Perfect read to start off your summer!

Thanks to Ms. Monroe, Gallery Books and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.

Mary Alice Monroe's Beach House series always make me so happy. There's a touch of nostalgia for the characters I like, with how she neatly weaves in family history to keep it a stand alone novel, yet luring her readers towards earlier books in the series. I also appreciate familiarity with the places around Charleston that adds to the visual. It was a little odd reading about the pandemic since we're still in it - almost like living in history - but this story in particular will touch her readers' hearts. Linnea needs to make a tough choice and she holds true to herself throughout her journey. Mary Alice Monroe sets up the ending so there's hope for a next book in this series. Thanks so much to #netgalley for the opportunity to preview #TheSummerofLostandFound by Mary Alice Monroe. I loved it!

It's a rare talent to bring characters alive, and the author captured the Rutledge family and friends perfectly. I felt like I was coming home!

She faces the pandemic head on and weaves the concern, challenges, and difficulties we've all faced over the past 14 months with finesse. It was a joy to see how the Rutledge family has grown and changed. A great beach read and although part of a series, the author provides great background so it can be read as a standalone story, but reading the complete series is a joy.

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

Mary Alice Monroe is fabulous as usual! The combination of the next generation of the Rutledge family and the COVID-19 Pandemic leads to an interesting read. Entertained me and I loved it.

I've read a few other books in the Beach House series in the past. Mostly I remembered there was the grandmother, Lovie, and lots of turtles details.

This book has so many characters and there is very little back story give as each appears to help set the stage. Instead of learning/being reminded how an almost 60 year old can have a 6 year old daughter, we get lots of details on clothing and home decor. Even if I just read all of the other 6 books in a row, I would probably have trouble keeping all of these people straight. There are maps and family trees at the beginning of the book but they aren't that helpful if characters aren't referenced there.

Also, I didn't enjoy reading a book set in the pandemic DURING the pandemic. It's too soon for this to be historical fiction. This isn't light beach reading for me.

*I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and I am required to disclose that in my review in compliance with federal law.*

From my blog: Always With a Book:

Mary Alice Monroe is not a new author to me, having read and quite enjoyed her Lowcountry Summer series. Somehow, though, I have not gotten around to reading her Beach House series until picking up this latest book, which I did not realize was part of that series. Rest assured to those who are picky about jumping into series - this one, as with all the books in this series - stand on their own!

This book is set during the beginning of the pandemic, and follows the friends and family of Linnea Rutledge as they navigate the challenges and frustrations of quarantine life. It was so easy to relate to what the characters were going through and think back to how we all handled things at the beginning of our own shelter-in-place orders.

I loved getting to know the characters in this book, especially since they were all new to me. I found that what they were experiencing - the feelings, and at times the hopelessness, of the situation - were so real and relatable. There are many small moments of poignancy throughout this book, as well as some laugh-out-loud moments, too. Living day-in, day-out with only your small pod gets old and of course when you have the affections of two men vyinging for your attention, there are sure to be some interesting moments.

This was a great story that inspires hope and shows the resiliency of the human spirit. I really enjoyed it and will definitely be going back to read the earlier books in this series. I still cannot believe that I haven't already read them.

Enjoyable summer read. I like the way the pandemic was written in this story. The only issue I had was that, although this family had to make changes and sacrifices because of the pandemic, it barely touched upon the hardships many faced financially by being out of a job.

The Summer of Lost and Found by Mary Alice Monroe is a continuation of her Beach House Series. It's part of a series but can also be read as a stand alone novel. We learn more about the Rutledge family especially the younger generation in this book. Linnea has lost her job at the South Carolina Aquarium because of Covid 19. She agrees to help her Aunt Cara watch her daughter because her husband has just returned from England and has to quarantine for 14 days. Throw in her ex - John - living next door and we've got a party! Seriously, this is the first book I have read about living during the time of the virus. It's stuff we all went through and we hope to never go through again. Going back to Isle of Palms in the summer is just what we all need! Mary Alice Monroe never disappoints and I highly recommend this book!

This was the first novel that dealt with the pandemic as a part of the story. It certainly wasn't all of the story but it was more than enough to throw me back to the uncertainties of last March/April. Linnea is feeling the loss of a job and all the insecurity that brings. Cara dealing with her husband and his issues... It was a good story and I enjoyed it. Even though the pandemic was dealt with in a very caring way, I didn't enjoy the story as much - maybe it triggered more feelings than I imagined it would. 3.5 stars

This is more than just a new story about the Rutledge women’s lives on the Isle of Palms, this is a story of our lives, in a time that we all experienced and will never forget. Mary Alice takes us back to the beloved Beach House during the time of the Spring and Summer of 2020, which we all know is the time of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Experiencing the pandemic through her characters eyes brought me back to those early days of fear and uncertainty. However seeing their creative and protective spirit also lifted me into that time of “we are all in this together”.

In true Mary Alice Monroe style, this book will educate you, make you laugh, cry and smile. The love and protection of family and friends is such a strong theme and an important one.

If you have never read the Beach House series, you can start here but to really appreciate the journey to get to where the characters have come to, I recommend you start at the beginning. This book was so hard to finish but only because I didn’t want the story to end. Another excellent book by Mary Alice Monroe.

Make this your summer beach read!

This is the seventh book in the series but can be read as a stand alone. As this was the third one I have read, I feel like I was returning to beloved friends to see how it was going for them. The author did a great job of portraying the issue of COVID and family. I truly enjoyed this novel.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.

This was a beautiful story of the dynamics of the Rutledge family as the world they knew was overshadowed and impacted by the unknown Covid 19 virus. I enjoyed following Linnea, who had lost her job, had no money and how Cara, her aunt lets her stay in Primrose Cottage and not pay rent. This book made me feel a lot of different emotions, just like the characters. I was scared for Linnea's Uncle David when he appeared to have the virus and I worried for Cora and David's daughter, Hope.

I liked how Linnea provided Primrose Cottage as a sanctuary to others.. She opened her arms to a co-worker, her brother, Cooper, who had to leave Oxford to return to the States. She even opened her arms to her English boyfriend, Gordan. It was very interesting to find her old boyfriend was living with his family next door to help out his mom.

I enjoyed all of their trial and tribulations as they faced the new world of 2020 and how it impacted them. This book also made me go over the last year and how it impacted my life and my family.

I liked how Linnea, her family, and a few friends formed their pod in order to stay safe. I especially liked the way they fixed up the barn and celebrated the Fourth of July together.

My favorite part of reading this family saga was the characters and how strong they were and how realistic they were portrayed. They seemed to survive just like those precious sea turtles. They had to trust their instincts. This book left me with hope and being at peace because I had survived 2020 just like the Rutlege family. Life does move on, just not the same. Linnea was lost but now she was not. She was finding herself among the chaos. I recieved an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.