Eliza Rivera DeLancy tells her story in this turn of the century southern epic. Winding and powerful, I laughed, cried, and was taken in by this tale. Well worth the listen and would be great for book clubs.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This beautifully written, multigenerational family saga by @maryalicemonroe is a book to fall in love with. You'll be transported to South Carolina's Lowcountry as 88-year-old Eliza reminisces about growing up on her family's land, Mayfield.

I was completely swept away by this story. While the ending felt a bit abrupt, it only made me more excited for the next book in the series and didn't diminish my overall love for this novel. If you're a fan of atmospheric, beautiful coming-of-age stories like Where the Crawdads Sing, give this book a try!

🎧 The audiobook production with multiple narrators was fantastic! Recommend the audio!

Read if you enjoy: Coming-of-age stories, atmospheric Southern charm, family sagas, dual timelines, nature, strong female characters

This book skyrocketed up the bestseller charts, and it's no surprise.

Set in the scenic Lowlands of South Carolina, this is a beautiful story that is not only an emotional generational saga but also an ode to the environment and its conservation.

Dual timelines about Eliza River’s life seamlessly converge, and we are immersed in the flora and fauna of the ACE basin. This is Eliza's home, and she is determined to show her family her love for the land, its history, as well as its ecological and economic importance.

You can feel Mary Alice Monroe's deep affection for the region and her expertise as a conservationist. As with all her books, she has once again crafted characters that are so inviting, they draw you in and make you love spending time with them. I was thrilled to hear there will be more to Eliza’s story.

4.5🌟

Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @maryalicemonroe for the gifted book.
Thank you @harperaudio for the gifted audiobook via #NetGalley, narrated by Mary Alice Monroe, Jenna Lamia, and Cassandra Campbell.

Where the Rivers Merge is a captivating tale of family, friendship, love, and challenges along the way. If I'm not mistaken, this is Mary Alice Monroe's first historical fiction novel that focuses on life sustained by the ACE basin (Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto rivers) in SC, the people tied to it, and a remarkable tale set around it.

The main protagonist, Eliza, is a woman of a certain age with a wealth of knowledge and history to share with those who will listen. As we get to know key characters (no spoilers!), we experience Eliza's world through a dual timeline and grow to be her champions!

I had the pleasure of listening to this book prior to purchasing a printed copy and, I must tell you, I stayed up long after bed time had come and gone and chores were completed JUST to keep listening, I did *not* want this story to end!

Part 1 of this duology is brilliant, beautiful, and breathtaking (details and surprises!) Cheering on MAM and her research + writing time that will bring us the end of this lovely story!

his book was beautiful and will be in my top 5 for this year. A sweeping southern family saga set in the Lowcountry of South Carolina and Charleston. This dual timeline story—spanning the early 1900s to the present—follows several generations as they uncover secrets, confront their past, and find strength in their roots. With rich historical detail and emotional depth, it’s a beautifully layered novel that pulls you right in.

Just FYI: This is Book One in a series! Eliza’s story continues in Book Two: The Rivers’ End and I’m not sure when that come out.

I listened to this as an audiobook, and the narrator was excellent! She truly brought this story to life. The writing is superb. Mary Alice Monroe’s richly developed prose was such a refreshing change of pace. Her ability to show the intricate and hidden parts of a character took me deeper into the story, not wanting to delay listening to another chapter. This book is nothing short of masterful, a true chef’s kiss! Already looking forward to the second part of this epic story.

I enjoyed the story of Eliza and her conservation efforts.
This book like many of the author’s novels focuses on nature and humanity. I really loved that the author put so much thought and effort into making conservation a priority. I care deeply for environmental causes and congratulate the author by bringing the story of the Ace Basin to life.

I didn’t realize that this was the first of two books. This book ends with many unanswered questions. Although, the prose is beautiful it is my opinion that the book could have been one fast paced book instead of a slow burn. I often had trouble staying engaged with the story because of the slow pace. Despite this I still want to read her second book, “ Where The Rivers End”.

I want to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

I have read all of Mary Alice Monroe's books and she has always been a great favorite of mine. This novel is on another level however and I was mesmerized the whole time that I was listening to it. Jenna Lamia and Cassandra Campbell most excellently narrated this novel and brought it to life.

This dual timeline historical fiction novel is a multigenerational family saga that is beautifully written with well developed characters and detailed descriptions of the beautiful flora and fauna found in the ACE Basin. I am so excited that there is a sequel to this book and look forward to it with great anticipation.

Synopsis: 1908: The Lowcountry of South Carolina is at the cusp of change. Mayfield, the grand estate held for generations by the Rivers family, is the treasured home of young Eliza. A free spirit, she refuses to be confined by societal norms and spends her days exploring the vast property, observing wildlife, and riding horses. But the Great War, coastal storms, and family turmoil bring unexpected challenges to Eliza, putting her on a collision course with the patriarchal traditions of a bygone era.

1988: At 88, Eliza is the scion of the Rivers/DeLancey family. She’s fought a lifetime to save her beloved Mayfield and is too independent and committed to quietly retire and leave the fate of the estate to her greedy son. She must make decisions that will assure the future of the land and her family—or watch them both be split apart. 

Set against the evocative landscape of the twentieth-century Lowcountry, Where the Rivers Merge is a dramatic and sweeping multigenerational family story of unyielding love, lessons learned, profound sacrifices, and the indomitable spirit of a woman determined to persevere in the face of change in order to protect her family legacy and the land she loves.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Audio for the advanced digital copy of the book for my opinion. I highly recommend it!

This dual-time story takes place in 1908 & 1988 in Low Country, SC at a plantation known as Mayfield Hall with Eliza Rivers as both a young and older woman. As a young girl, Eliza struggles with the pressures of society’s expectations, instead preferring to wander her family’s estate. Now at 88, she’s trying to save that same land from her son’s greedy hands, while also telling her story to her grand-nieces, one of whom she’s just met.

Trigger Warnings
Racism, Sexism

Why Kirsten loves it
Filled with romance, racism, primogeniture, WWI, and other tough themes, this book, the first in a duology, tells the story of a complicated family and the land they love. I was swept into the story, having read it after returning from low-country myself, and I can’t wait to read the conclusion.

Where the Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Monroe
This was so well written! Beautiful lyrical prose with breathtaking scenery!
I love the narrative of the plot with the single perspective of Eliza, as she shares her story. A lifetime of 88 years with such beautiful memories recounted to her granddaughter and her grandniece, was a pleasant experience.
Eliza survived decades of change and horrendous pieces of American history. She did so with her best friend. The two were so alike even though they were from different walks of life, nothing separated them, even Jim Crow laws in Charleston, SC. They grew up on the same piece of land, worlds apart but learned the flora and fauna and loved every piece of it.
After betrayals and many decades, Eliza meets her grandniece and finds hope in a situation where it was running out. Eliza just wants to preserve the land she loves so much and her son is determined not to.
This story was so full of hope and natural beauty expressed in words that allow the reader to see with your mind, the marshes, the beautiful land and glorious animals that inhabit it.
Just beautiful! I can’t wait to see what happens!
I would love to Thank NetGalley for the opportunity to review and ARC of the audiobook for this novel. It was a pleasure to listen to. The narration brought the beautiful words to life! 5/5
If you get a chance, enjoy this one! It will take you to the treasured sanctuary that is the coast of South Carolina, like going home.

This is a beautifully written dual time line family saga. A southern fiction book that deals with friendship, the appreciation of our environment and family.
There is also a sequel coming out named The Rivers End.
Thank you to Net Galley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.

"Where the Rivers Merge" by the exceptionally talented Mary Alice Monroe is a breathtaking and deeply resonant multigenerational saga that completely captivated me from the very first page. As a Charleston local with a deep appreciation for the beauty of the ACE Basin, receiving an ARC of this highly anticipated first book in the series was a true treat, and it surpassed all my expectations, easily earning a full five stars.

Monroe masterfully interweaves the compelling story of Eliza Rivers across the sweeping canvas of the 20th-century Lowcountry. From her spirited youth in 1908, exploring the cherished Mayfield estate, to her formidable presence as an 88-year-old matriarch in 1988, fiercely committed to safeguarding her legacy, Eliza's journey is a testament to unwavering love for her land and family. Her character is a force of nature, a woman ahead of her time who bravely navigates personal heartbreaks, the challenges of war, and the shifting tides of the South, all while maintaining an unbreakable bond with the natural world.

What truly shines in "Where the Rivers Merge" is Monroe's vivid and heartfelt portrayal of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Her descriptions of Mayfield, the sun-drenched fields, shimmering ponds, and the vibrant wildlife of the ACE Basin are so richly detailed and evocative that they practically transport you there. It's evident that Monroe's affection for this land runs deep, and she possesses a remarkable ability to make the reader fall in love with its beauty and vulnerability alongside Eliza. The landscape isn't merely a setting; it's a vital, breathing entity within the narrative.

The themes of family legacy, profound sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of a woman determined to persevere against societal norms are deeply resonant. Eliza's unwavering commitment to preserving Mayfield for future generations, even in the face of greed and opposition, is both inspiring and deeply moving. This is book club fiction at its absolute finest – rich in history, populated by unforgettable characters, and carrying a powerful message about the enduring connection between people and their land. Mary Alice Monroe has crafted a truly epic and triumphant first installment, and I absolutely cannot wait for the second book in this series!

Where the Rivers Merge
by: Mary Alice Monroe
Narrated by Mary Alice Monroe; Jenna Lamia; Cassandra Campbell
Harper Audio Adult/Harper Audio

Where the Rivers Merge is Mary Alice Monroe's writing at its finest, with its multigenerational family them and dual timeline narrative. From Eliza's childhood in 1908 in the Lowcountry of South Carolina to her life in 1988, Monroe weaves her life story through her connections to land, nature, and family legacy.

Monroe takes her readers through the years with beautifully lyrical and descriptive prose. It's easy to see how much heart, work, research, and dedication that she put into crafting this epic novel.

The narration by Monroe, Lamia, and Campbell immerses listeners fully into this book, and their vocal expression flows gorgeously while sharing the story.

I received an advance listener's copy from Net Galley and Harper Audio. My review is my own.

This was my first book by Mary Alice Monroe, and I am already looking forward to its sequel! Where the Rivers Merge was beautifully written, and the audiobook was perfectly narrated. I enjoy Southern fiction, and the history, poetry, and descriptions of nature in this book made for such an atmospheric read, where the reader can truly experience the feel of the South in the early 1900s, from the humidity to the racial tension. While sometimes the phrase “coming of age” makes me cringe, this book was truly that in the best way for young Eliza and Covey as they grew from free-spirited 8-year-old girls to young adult women. Their story of friendship and love was both sweet and heartbreaking, and I loved every minute of it.

Where the Rivers Merge begins in Charleston with a family board meeting in 1988, as the fate of Mayfield Plantation is being decided. Eliza then returns to Mayfield with her grand-daughter and grand-niece to share with them the history of the land, her friendships, loves, the Great War, and the heartbreak that shaped the family.

Eliza’s story continues in Monroe’s next book, and I can’t wait to continue on with these lovely characters!

If you loved Where the Crawdads Sing or To Kill a Mockingbird, you might also love this.

Mild, infrequent language. Closed door - a young couple expresses the desire to be together but chooses to wait for marriage. No violence. Racism is a major theme. Alcoholism. Death of a family member.

Mary Alice Monroe pens her stories so beautifully and her first historical fiction novel is no exception. Telling the story of Eliza throughout her life in two timelines, she creates a descriptive and informative view of life in the South through WWI and onward as social and environmental issues are brought to the forefront of times requiring change. I appreciated the additional blurbs detailing the flora and fauna of the area. I had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook and it's a fantastic way to enjoy this book, storytelling at it's finest.

WHERE THE RIVERS MERGE by Mary Alice Monroe (a prolific writer for adults and children) is a compelling work of historical fiction set primarily in South Carolina during the early part of the twentieth century. Eliza Pinckney Rivers Chalmers Delancey is eighty-eight when the store begins in 1988. She is the matriarch who shares history of the family's land holdings with two of her young female relatives. Eliza's love of the land is obvious as she says: "To lose Mayfield is unthinkable. It cannot happen. Mayfield isn't business; it's personal. I do not own the land, but land owns me. I am merely the caretaker for my generation..."

The audiobook for WHERE THE RIVERS MERGE is narrated by Mary Alice Monroe, Jenna Lamia, and Cassandra Campbell (a personal favorite) and the quality is EXCELLENT. Together, they fashion the local accents and changes in age as Eliza recounts the events of her life.
Listeners are first transported back to 1908 and Eliza's first meeting with Covey, a young Black girl and the daughter of the estate's manager. Eliza and Covey form a firm bond, even getting educated together at home. A good balance to the often-impetuous Eliza, Covey is practical, a talented artist, and clever; valuing her experience: In the library, Covey's "expression was filled with wonder: 'I like being in here. I feel like I'm in church; you know, it's a holy place. All these words surrounding me just waiting for me to read them. They''re like gifts from God.'" Many adventures, including a decisive horse race, involving Eliza's brothers, Heyward and Lesesne, ensue.

Monroe also weaves in plenty of commentary about the expectations for young girls and women and about the race restrictions of the time. I saw parallels to other family sagas (e.g., Bradford's A Woman of Substance) and even to Scarlett in Gone with the Wind since Eliza has multiple loves (Hugh, Tripp, James) in her life, but ultimately cares for Mayfield most of all. WHERE THE RIVERS MERGE received well-deserved starred reviews from both Booklist and Library Journal. I am truly looking forward to a sequel.

Thank you so much to Harper Audio for the gifted audiobook!

While this story was good, I really struggled with the audiobook itself as I found the narrator rather hard to listen to. I hate to say that as I usually don't let narrators bother me, but I never got past this one.

I wish the author success though!

An endearing tale, spread across generations, set in the picturesque Lowcountry of South Carolina. Eliza’s coming of age story made for an emotionally captivating read. When I started listening to this book, I overlooked the details of this being the first in a series. It was a slow but steady paced listen that kept me engaged, especially Eliza’s retellings of her past. The narration was the icing on the cake for this bittersweet journey of love, loss and things to come. I look forward to book two.

*I received an arc of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest review.

Where the Rivers Merge is part one of the long awaited family saga by stellar Southern author Mary Alice Monroe. Told in dual timeline style, family matriarch Eliza Rivers Chalmers DeLancey recounts stories from her life, beginning in 1908 when Eliza was eight years old. In 1988, at 88, Eliza is being pressured by her son to leave her CEO position at the company she had built and is fighting her on leaving Mayfield, the family estate and owned solely by Eliza, in a conservation trust.

Protection of the land had been engrained in Eliza from early childhood and is her life’s goal. In a race to protect Mayfield, Eliza’s personal lawyer has the paperwork ready with the exception of who will be named as the conservator. Until her son, Arthur, brings the takeover idea to the yearly shareholder meeting, Eliza is at a loss as to who would be appropriate. But when a young woman speaks up for the environment and points out the errors in Arthur’s argument, Eliza snags her as she leaves the meeting, and invites her to Mayfield. As they begin to depart, Savannah, Eliza’s youngest granddaughter, rushes to join them. Upon their arrival at Mayfield, Eliza begins her enthralling tale. Eliza’s story in this part of the saga recounts her life from 1908 to 1926. And what a story it is!

I am a long time fan and reader of Mary Alice Monroe’s books. She has written other series which could be considered family sagas, but this one is the best yet. Ms. Monroe also has a special way of creating wonderful matriarchs, like Lovie and Memaw before Eliza. She makes these women and their life stories come to life. I very much enjoyed this book and will look forward to reading the next part of the saga. I do recommend this beautifully written story!

Emotional, beautifully written, and full of heart—Where the Rivers Merge completely pulled me in.

Set in the South Carolina Lowcountry, this multigenerational story follows Eliza, a strong, unforgettable heroine fighting to protect her home and legacy. The writing is vivid, the setting is stunning, and the family drama kept me hooked from start to finish.
Perfect for fans of sweeping family sagas and powerful women.