This talented popular author has written a cannot put down story. Reliable characters make the novel more intriguing and thought provoking I don’t usually like two timelines but IT WORKS well in this book. Cut up in a comfy chair and become immersed in the lives of these characters. Thanks Netgalley

This was such a great story! The plot was fascinating, the transitions between the dual timelines were smooth, the characters were so warm and likeable, the family drama was balanced with triumphs, and the storytelling was incredible. It did end with a cliffhanger that will be followed up by the next book- The River’s End. I can’t wait to read the rest of the story!

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Where the Rivers Merge is a beautiful multi-generational story set in the low country of South Carolina. The love of land and protecting a family's legacy is told with depth and so much meaning. The characters are great, and the atmospheric writing will transport you to the time period. I look forward to the sequel when it comes out.

What a beautiful novel. The writing style is fantastic and I cannot wait for the second book to come out so the story is concluded. I didn't think I'd like knowing this was the first in a two part book but MAM has split the story perfectly. She gives this book a natural pause that sets up the next book perfectly. Dual timelines as our main character Eliza, the matriarch is reflecting and telling her memoirs on the occasion of her birthday. The descriptions of the low-country and farms and animals are beautiful. I enjoy that each chapter starts with a short description of a native plant or animal.

I received this ARC copy from NetGalley and Book Club Girl for an honest review. This is a. Ice historical fiction read following the lead character Eliza between the time of her childhood and early adulthood and then what is considered present day for the book. Eliza is a female who broke barriers and went against the rules to do things that weren’t allowed for females during the early 1900’s. She was successful sometimes but ultimately her struggles I make her have some concessions due to her gender. I loved the story telling from Eliza’s point of view as she is reliving her life to share with her granddaughter and great niece, but felt the ending was a little too abrupt and left me with several unanswered questions about what happened in between her marriage to Tripp and the present day. Overall, a great read that I would recommend to someone looking for a nice easy historical fiction read.

Ever the educator, Mary Alice Monroe has undertaken the task of telling the story of the importance of particular lands in the Low Country of South Carolina by weaving a story that spans generations, racial challenges, family loyalty, greed and the love of the lands. As a native of the Upstate of South Carolina of a few years over a half century, i too was unaware of the importance of this area and its natural inhabitants and had no idea of the challenges people of this region fought to preserve the natural habitats. On a funny note, I had never heard of a turtle called a cooter and it inspired me to look up the differences in turtles. I also had no idea that rice plantations existed and thrived in the Yemesse area. Our minds often go straight to Charleston when thinking of plantation life. Through the characters and the descriptive locations, she has reminded us of how far women, including women of color have come in their quests to own property, vote, lead a corporation and be heard. The split timelines of early 2oth century to later in the century is very easy to follow and as Eliza tells her story. I was totally shocked when the book ended, I was so looking forward to turning the page to find what happened next but am thrilled to know there is a follow up in the future.
This is definitely a page turner and while educational in parts, the characters and events are so alive that you feel you have had a front row seat to all their trials. It evokes many emotions and a time or two you may find yourself looking for Kleenex. I love MAM's books, but this one is the front runner for best. Read and immerse yourself in the times, it is a page turner and quite enjoyable.
I was provided an Advanced Reader Copy by the author at my request but was under no obligation to provide a review. The opinions expressed are my own. Many thanks to MAM and Angela May for the opportunity to read this book.

Where the Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Monroe comes out tomorrow - May 13th and this book is beautiful! Thanks to William Morrow Books for my copy.

This is a historical fiction set in 1908 and 1988, where we meet Eliza at 8 and 88 years old as she shares her multigenerational family story set at her beautiful family estate in the South Carolina Lowcountry and Charleston. This is the first book in the duology and I can't wait for the second book.

I love Mary Alice Monroe's writing style and I'm transported to the Lowcountry. I used to love to drive around this area and is just so beautiful. I can vividly picture Mayfield and Eliza as a young girl running through the estate or riding their horses.

I loved her why about writing this book and if you've read any Mary Alice Monroe books you'd know her love of the environment. I really liked the way she weaves in her conservation of the ACE Basin into the novel and I can't wait to see where she goes in the next book.

If you've ever traveled to the South Carolina Lowcountry you'll enjoy this beautiful family saga.

Where the Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Monroe is a tale of Mayfield ,an old plantation owned and run by Eliza Rivers an 88 year old CEO of a company she grew.The plantation is in Low Country South Carolina.Eliza is a conservationist who wants to keep control from her greedy son.The stories dual timeline of 1988 and 1906 is well constructed and easy to follow.It includes her granddaughter and grandniece as Eliza tells them the stories of Mayfield.You will love this book and you will be anxiously awaiting part two with me!Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for allowing me to read this ARC!

When I first started this book, I honestly didn’t think it was going to grab me. It opens with an 88-year-old grandmother who also happens to be the CEO of a massive corporation, and her selfish, power-hungry son trying to take control. It felt very “rich people problems,” and I wasn’t sure I could connect. But then the story shifts—she returns to her ancestral home with her granddaughter and grand-niece, and that’s when things really start to unfold. Through the art hanging in the home, she begins to share their family’s hidden history, and suddenly, I was hooked without even realizing it.

What I didn’t know going in was that this is book one of a series. Yes, it said "Book One" at the beginning, but I just assumed it meant part one within a standalone novel—not a whole saga! So now, not only am I deeply invested in the present-day family drama and the fate of the corporation, but I need to know the full history of this powerful matriarch and how her family came to be where they are. The dual timelines are woven together so well, and I truly fell in love with the depth of the storytelling. The only downside? I have to wait for the next installment—and I am not emotionally prepared for the wait!

I love Southern writers with Mary Alice Monroe at the top of that list. We meet Eliza who is 88 today on her birthday. She processes a sharp mind and is prepared for her son’s attempt to undermine her authority and control of her company and land holdings. After the meeting she escapes with her granddaughter and grandniece to the family estate where she begins to unfold the family history. It is a page turner and keeps the reader captivated. I was disappointed with abrupt ending but saw a sequel is planned that will answer the unsolved questions.

Where The Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Monroe was such a brilliant book. Reading a novel set in the South Carolina Lowcountry touched my heart.
The characters came to life for me as I read this book. I felt the emotions of each person in the book.
When you open this book, you will be unable to stop reading- life stops as I became lost in this story.
Thank you NetGalley, Mary Alice Monroe and William Morrow for the ARC of Where the Rivers Merge. This is my personal review.

This book checked off all the boxes for me: Southern fiction, family saga, multigenerational, historic fiction thrown in, and strong relatable main characters. Mary Alice Monroe writes of the beauty and majesty of the South Carolina Low Country. We follow Eliza from 1908 through 1988 as she navigates the trials that women must endure during these years as it pertains to her family legacy. I was left hanging at the end but didn’t realize there will be a second book. I’m looking forward for the conclusion of Eliza’s story.
Thanks to William Morrow publishers and Netgalley for this advanced copy.

Where the Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Monroe brings us into the lowcountry where rivers meander thrun brush and riverbed as it moves to the ocean. The weather is HOT and people live in either shacks or mansions. The story is told in two different timelines with our main character growing up and again in her late 80s. The early years are told by Eliza to her young relatives based on the mural on the dining room wall after an acrimonious meeting with her son and the shareholders.

Eliza grew up at Mayfield, a huge estate that her family had owned for years. She has been able to explore the land and the animals. She had been able to spend a lot of time with the horses. However, societal norms expect her to be properly dressed and learned. Her mother was very hard on her expecting her to conform, when Eliza wanted to be out and about on the farm. Forced into Charlestown and going to school, Eliza lived for the times she was allowed to leave the city and go home. Finding the time with her friends and family outside and riding the horses was her passion. Then World War I happened and her life drastically changed. It is how Eliza handles the change that makes her so strong as a character.

This novel is part one of a two part series. I was genuinely disappointed when the book ended and wanted to know what happened next. Clearly the book showed the disparities of the early 1900s between rich and poor, black and white, male and female. The book also highlighted the land and animals and being a good steward of the land.

I love Mary Alice Monroe and her writing. I love the stories she tells. Where the Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Monroe is a great read!

This book is being published this week - May 13.

I have been an avid reader for years. I prefer Southern based authors who can fluidly place me into the familiar world of my South Carolina Lowcountry through their words. I have always found this through Mary Alice Monroe. She can transport me to the beach, the Spanish moss covered Lowcountry or, in the case of Where The Rivers Merge , into decades of a strong Southern woman who is not without faults and sometimes, without limits.

My mistake for thinking I could pick this book up and continue with my ‘normal’ life. I literally rearranged my marketing and media schedule, as well as my sleep, in order to finish my obsession with Eliza and her life. Mary Alice Monroe’s depictions of the characters had me thinking, laughing and crying. They also had me comparing the centuries as sometimes it is not time that is the thief of things we love, but covetousness.

Where The Rivers Merge clearly brings forward the meaning of ‘you cannot know the present or future until you clearly understand the past’. You are immersed within the dysfunction of family on so many levels. Whether it is due to tradition, prejudice or greed, you are able to see and feel each level of trauma and drama in this multigenerational and multi year piece.

If you have never experienced her writing, I hope you will pick up this great work of historical fiction, even if you are not from the Lowcountry. Be prepared to immerse yourself in a war with the past, a struggle with the present and prayers for the future.

And speaking of prayers, you will need those when you close the last chapter and realize you will be needing the strength of Eliza in waiting for the second book in this two part series. I personally am hoping for a trilogy.

It cannot come too soon…I need rest!

Thrilled to finally have a new novel by Mary Alice Monroe, one of my favorite authors! This one is her first foray into historical fiction and just proves she excels at writing, period. A beautiful portrait painted by words set in the ACE Basin of South Carolina, it follows the life of 88 year old Eliza Rivers as she shares her memories with her granddaughter and grand niece. Filled with heartwarming love, family and friendship, the poetic prose leaves you wanting more and thankfully, there is a 2nd installment coming. I can't wait to read it and I look forward to any other books Mary Alice puts her talents to. My thanks to William Morrow for providing a review copy via NetGalley and Goodreads giveaway. All opinions are my own.

If you’ve ever sat down with a grandparent or elderly relative before and listened to endless stories about the past, or your family history—and actually enjoyed it—then WHERE THE RIVERS MERGE by Mary Alice Monroe is just the novel for you.

We first meet Eliza on the day of her 88th birthday and quickly realize that she’s a very successful, important, and powerful woman. She takes her granddaughter and grandniece to their family estate, and the two young women receive a very thorough family history lesson. Eliza reminisces about her childhood, teenage years, and into young adulthood. We learn all about the sacrifices, obstacles, and hardships that shaped her. Eliza is a remarkable character that I won’t soon forget. Her courage, strength, and determination is truly admirable. I could listen to her stories for hours and hours.

READ THIS IF YOU ENJOY:

- Historical fiction
- South Carolina setting
- Coming-of-age stories
- Young/first love
- Loss and grief
- Female friendship
- Family drama and dynamics
- Sibling rivalry
- Multiple timelines
- War stories
- Emotional reads
- Strong female characters
- Character-driven novels
- Mother/daughter relationships

If you’re a fan of Kristin Hannah or Diane Chamberlain, then I think you’ll enjoy this novel as well. The style of writing felt very similar to both authors. I’ve heard that there’s a sequel in the making of Eliza’s story, and you better believe that I’ll be the first in line to read it. WHERE THE RIVERS MERGE releases on May 13th. 5/5 stars! Highly recommend!

I love a good family saga that spans throughout pivotal times in history and this story did just that.
Matriarch Eliza Rivers has had a long productive life. Now as she is ready to retire, she has a greedy son trying to force her out of the family business and to keep her from taking steps to preserve a large portion of the family land from development.

Set in South Carolina, Eliza has loved her family home called Mayfield. Growing up with 2 brothers and a difficult mother, Eliza thrived and took bold chances. As the story progresses, readers will see her grow and become the strongest one of her family.

Her love for horses began at an early age and this was one of my favorite parts of the story. Eliza and her horse Capitan forged a special relationship early on, much to the chagrin of her mother who wanted Eliza in the house doing girlish activities.

I loved this story, but I felt like it ended too soon. However I have noticed there will be a sequel, so I feel validated in giving it 5 stars because there is more to come!

Many thanks to Net Galley and William Morrow for allowing me to read an advanced copy and give my honest review. I loved it and am happy to recommend this to readers.

Where the Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Monroe is a compelling and honest glimpse into life in the early 1900s in the South.
Told from the perspective of matriarch Eliza Pinckney Rivers Chalmers DeLancey, the book touches on several themes, including the changing roles of women throughout history and the importance of land conservation. The story switches from Eliza’s childhood and early adulthood to her elderly years. In her youth and even at 88 years old, Eliza is clearly the mistress of her own fate as she navigates sexism and ageism with strength, intelligence, and dignity.
Eliza retells her life story to her granddaughter, Savannah, and grandniece, Norah, as they all seek refuge at Eliza’s beloved family home, Mayfield. As her story unfolds, it is apparent that, although Eliza’s life has been filled with challenges, she has always risen to the occasion and persevered.
However, in her later years, will she lose everything she’s worked so hard to protect? This reader anxiously waits for the second book in the series to find out.

Get out your Lowcountey boil items! An evocative pice of multifeneratuonal fiction that tells the history of Mayfield and it's descendants. What a wonderful piece of Southern plotted fiction.

5 glowing stars! An endearing, fascinating read with rich detailed descriptions of the South, its history and wondrous landscape, and the wildlife within. Set in South Carolina in the heart of the ACE basin, the story is a lowcountry family saga set in two time periods; 1908 and 1988. This tale embraces decades of family drama, the Great war, devastating coastal storms, preservation, love, legacy and sacrifice.. all that encompasses the Rivers family and their grand estate of Mayfield. There’s so much goodness within these pages. From the characters and the differing time periods (present day to the past), to the home itself and the natural beauty of the land it sits on. An emotional story I could really connect with. Loved it and can’t wait for book two! Pub. 5/13/25

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.