Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Audio, and William Morrow for an audiobook ARC of this upcoming dual narrative novel.

This reminded me a bit of Karen White southern fiction but with less heart perhaps. I had a hard time connecting to the book even though the narrators were excellent. The first timeline is set during the Great War, and also had a timeline in 1988 with her telling her granddaughters her life story.

I will make sure to seek out the next book in series, but am worried that I won’t remember this book when I get that second book in my hands!

Spanning many years and generations, Where the Rivers Flow, is the story of Eliza, a spirited and very bright daughter of the Rivers family who live on Mayfield estate located in the South Carolina low country. It is 1908 and things are changing but not fast enough for Eliza who is caught up in a male dominated world and the traditions her family is determined to uphold.

In the year 1988. Eliza is now the head of her family and is fortunate enough to receive a lengthy visit from her granddaughter and great niece. It is a time when Eliza’s son is attempting to take over her estate to prevent it from being gifted by is mother as an ecological treasure. The story of her life emerges as she draws close to these two young women. What results is detailed look at racism, WWI, romance, heartbreak and survival during a the life of a woman with an important message of strength, determination and character.

Mary Alice Monroe is both author and audio narrator and does a passionate job telling her story. As I listened to the audio version, I relished every word and felt that I was listening to the enactment of a smash hit play on stage. Five glistening stars for a story told in beautiful prose. It is a perfect book club choice for those who are interested in meaningful discussion. My thanks to the author. NetGalley and Harper Audio for an audio ARC of Where the Rivers Merge in exchange for my honest review. Publication date is May 13. 2025. Mark it as a must read.

The fictional characters, based on different, people of the time I the book were well written and came to life. South Carolina during the dual time lines was vividly illustrated both culturally and with issues of their times. The woman telling the stories was so well portrayed that I am eager to read the next book to learn how climate and environmental issues continued to be dealt with. They are prevalent issues now so I enjoyed this account of how they were being dealt with in the two times of the book. A number one read for me.

Thanks to NetGalley for the alc and to Edelweiss for the arc.

This was another delightful novel from Mary Alice Monroe -- albeit the fact that it was different than her other more "beach read" novels. I am excited to continue on with this story in the next book. I also liked all the narrators and thought they did a fantastic job. I would personally recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed "Where the Crawdads Sing",

I loved this book! I alternately read the ebook and listened to the audio book.

The different narrators was a great way to tell the story. The narrators are really good and enjoyable to listen to.

The book is a really good story about a family in South Carolina before, during and after WWI and also in 1988. It’s a story of a family who struggle with love and loss and also issues of women’s rights during that early time.

I will be reading more of her books.

On the morning of her 88th birthday, the future of Eliza's property is up in the air. Her son just wants his inheritance and hates how she wants to preserve the land. Eliza wants to get back to her roots, so she goes back to Mayfield, her plantation home, and shares stories of her growing up years with her great niece, Norah, and her granddaughter, Savannah. The story goes back and forth between the past and the present.
This is a historical fiction, and although it was not my favourite by this author, it was an ok read. The second half of the book was much more interesting than the first half, where almost nothing happens... Beware that this book has no real ending, as it is book 1 in a series. The narrator did an amazing job in the audio book.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Where the Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Monroe is a beautifully crafted historical fiction novel that explores the deep connection between ecology, farming, and the struggles of life in 20th-century South Carolina. It’s rich in atmosphere, with the natural world woven into every page—something I especially loved about Monroe’s storytelling.

One of my favorite elements was how each chapter opened with a quote and a nonfiction fact about a plant or animal native to the region. These details grounded the story in its setting and made the land feel like a living, breathing part of the narrative.

The novel unfolds in a non-linear fashion, revealing pieces of the plot in a sporadic order, which kept me engaged. It touches on a number of important topics—racism, WWI, gender discrimination—without delving too deeply into any single one, instead allowing them to naturally shape the characters' lives and struggles.

That said, I found myself waiting for a big reveal that never quite came. While the story is compelling, I kept expecting certain threads to build into a more dramatic turning point. However, knowing this is part one of a duo, I’m excited to see how the second book ties everything together.

If you love historical fiction that blends rich storytelling with the natural world, this is definitely one to add to your TBR. Where the Rivers Merge will be available May 13th. I’m looking forward to seeing where Monroe takes the story next!

This wasn't bad but it wasn't good. Through most of the story, I just wasn't interested in what was happening and the pacing was off. I was bummed because this premise sounds like my cup of tea. I'm not sure if I will continue with the series because this didn't leave a lasting impression.


I did enjoy the writing and found it really easy to listen to the narrators. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Told in the South Carolina lowcountry, this is a story of the land and our connection to it. Eliza is 88 years old and in her dwindling health finds herself retelling her 88 year story to two younger family members in hopes to find a caretaker for her land as she had been her entire life. In this first book of the series, it takes us through the early 20th century, WWI, and leaves off with the rising Great Depression and WWII, to be told in the next installment.

This story foils you with longing of that era when life was slower and simpler, but also in which change was happening so fast that it was hard to keep up with. It really is a great start to a beautiful story.

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Mary Alice Monroe adds another wonderful novel to her already impressive list. Well written, with a compelling plot and wonderful, three dimensional characters, it is a treat.

The story opens with Eliza taking a stand against her greedy son who is desperately trying to take Eliza’s beloved Mayfield from her. Wanting to preserve the place that holds so many precious memories, Eliza takes her granddaughter Savannah and grand niece Norah to the family homestead where she shares the stories of her childhood and youth of the early 20th century.
This is a story that will capture your heart, it is filled with friendship, heartache, and most of all love. I loved the characters, especially Covey. Eliza took a stand for her friend against racism that was very prominent in the south at the time.
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Audio Adult for my advanced audio copy.

I highly recommend this book. I’m a fan of Mary Alice Monroe’s writing, and this incredibly well written book is my favorite one she’s written so far! It’s a dual time line historical fiction that left me wanting to know even more.

The narration was beautiful and flowed well. I enjoyed the author’s note read by the author, because it answered many questions and offered amazing insight. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader audio book copy.

If the first half would have been like the last half it would have gotten a solid four stars. The first half dragged on. I was ready to not finish but then it picked up. I was a little disappointed that it just ended for the second book. If Monroe wants to do a book two a little more wrapping up would have been appreciated.

This was my first book by Mary Alice Monroe and I totally understand the hype now! I devoured the incredible epic story. I loved the South Carolina setting, especially Mayfield Estate. Eliza was a force - - one of my favorite characters ever! The dual timelines worked well and I enjoyed hearing about her life currently as well as her younger years. I enjoyed getting to know the other interesting and unique characters as well including Capitano, Eliza’s beloved horse. I was sad to finish this beautiful story and am thrilled that it will continue in another book. The narrators were absolutely wonderful!

A great historical novel! Where the Rivers Merge is so full of history and memories of what our ancestors went through. Mary Alice Monroe carried us through the hurts and loss of war, the differences once lived during segregation, and the joys of young love and the free spirited youth.
Eliza is a dear sweet friend who sees no difference in the world. She only sees it as it truly is, finding the good in even the worse of situations. friendship shared between two girls who are neighbors yet live in two different worlds. Eliza found young love and lost it before she ever got to experience it.
Highly recommend, especially to those who love historical fiction!

I did not expect to like this so much! Great characters, wonderful storytelling, and great narration. I loved it and can't wait for the sequel.

Thank you Harper Audio and Willam Morrow for review copies! This will be a win for fans of this author and readers looking for something a little different this summer, something to dig into if you like historical fiction, Southern family themes, and examination of women's lives over last century.

Where the Rivers Merge is a beautifully written, multi-generational family saga centered on the Rivers family and their grand South Carolina estate, Mayfield. Through Eliza Rivers’ perspective, the novel explores themes of love, sacrifice, war, segregation, and the deep ties to land and heritage. The structure and prose are undeniably elegant, and the novel captures the essence of Southern fiction with its exploration of social class and tradition.

That said, I never quite got fully hooked into the drama and sweeping generational story I was hoping for. The pacing felt a little too dry and static for my taste, lacking the emotional pull I was seeking. Some of this may be due to my on-and-off relationship with historical fiction, but ultimately, this wasn’t quite the book I was looking for. Still, fans of the author’s previous works and those who love richly detailed Southern sagas will likely find much to appreciate. While I’m unsure if I’ll continue with the series, I’m glad I picked this one up.

Loved this epic tale set in the low country of South Carolina. Mary Alice Monroe has written a beautiful book, the cover invites you in to settle in and stay awhile. Characters with depth and emotion exhibit courage and love to save their family estate and land. I can’t wait to read the second book!

The chapter introductions describing a part of the low country ecosystem were an interesting and educating addition. The book came to life with the narration team of MAM, Jenna Lamia, and Cassandra Campbell.

Huge thanks to Harper Audio and NetGalley for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

Oh what a beautiful story!!! I love MaryAlice Monroe books and it has been several years since she has put a book out on her own. The story of Eliza and her beloved Mayfield stole my heart from the first page. A story of love, family, friendships, betrayal, death and so much more. Mary Alice takes her gorgeous writing and creates a story that I will think about for a long time!!! AND there will be a second book in this series!!!

5 huge stars!!! Thank you Netgalley and Harper Audio for the honor to listen to this book. Narrator was amazing except for one thing. The pronunciation of Beaufort SC should be BUfort not BOfort. BOfort is in NC and BUfort is in SC. I would hate for this to take away from this amazing story for some people!!!

Mary Alice Monroe delivers her long awaited return to adult fiction and her first historical novel this spring in WHERE THE RIVERS MERGE… A sweeping multigenerational family saga that spans decades and tells the story of the power of one woman’s love for not only her family but the land she calls home, Mayfield.

Written with a 1988 timeline of 88 year old Eliza Rivers, and a timeline throughout the 1900s where she recounts the story of her life from childhood on, this beautiful novel will tug at your heartstrings and whisk you away to the Lowcountry of South Carolina as only Mary Alice Monroe can.

WHERE THE RIVERS MERGE is book one in a duology; so while readers will be left with more questions than answers when it abruptly ends; it’s a beautiful journey that the reader goes on discovering the life of the Rivers family. Readers can look forward to THE RIVER’S END in 2026…!