Ask the Author: Mary Alice Monroe
Answered Questions (42)
Mary Alice Monroe
I absolutely love narrating my own stories when I could. For the last two books in The Beach House series, the writing/book touring schedule were so demanding that it was a big reason why I decided not to narrate those books. I am so pleased with the narrator who did give life to the audiobooks. I've been a big fan of Cassandra Campbell for years.
Mary Alice Monroe
I'm delighted to know that you loved reading my first historical novel!
Where the Rivers Merge is a duology and I'm looking forward to sharing part two of Eliza's story as soon as possible. The publisher has not set a release date just yet.
What I do know is that the paperback release of Where the Rivers Merge will include an excerpt of The Rivers End. I hope you'll be sure to check it out when that is released in May 2026.
Where the Rivers Merge is a duology and I'm looking forward to sharing part two of Eliza's story as soon as possible. The publisher has not set a release date just yet.
What I do know is that the paperback release of Where the Rivers Merge will include an excerpt of The Rivers End. I hope you'll be sure to check it out when that is released in May 2026.
Mary Alice Monroe
I'm currently working on other novels right now-- historical fiction!
WHERE THE RIVERS MERGE is a sweeping family saga set in the ACE Basin of South Carolina's Lowcountry, about one spirited woman's fight to preserve and protect family legacy and the land she loves.
And part two of that saga is in the works right now, titled THE RIVERS END. I hope you'll dive into my new storyworld.
I will say, I have some ideas in mind for a future novel in the Beach House series. I certainly adore the characters. And I'm so glad you do too!
Hallmark did make a television movie adaptation of The Beach House, starring Andie MacDowell. Have you watched it?
WHERE THE RIVERS MERGE is a sweeping family saga set in the ACE Basin of South Carolina's Lowcountry, about one spirited woman's fight to preserve and protect family legacy and the land she loves.
And part two of that saga is in the works right now, titled THE RIVERS END. I hope you'll dive into my new storyworld.
I will say, I have some ideas in mind for a future novel in the Beach House series. I certainly adore the characters. And I'm so glad you do too!
Hallmark did make a television movie adaptation of The Beach House, starring Andie MacDowell. Have you watched it?
Mary Alice Monroe
The publication date has not yet been released by the publisher.
I am able to tell you that the paperback version of Book 1 WHERE THE RIVERS MERGE will be released May 2026 and will include a sneak peek at Book 2, THE RIVERS END.
I am able to tell you that the paperback version of Book 1 WHERE THE RIVERS MERGE will be released May 2026 and will include a sneak peek at Book 2, THE RIVERS END.
Mary Alice Monroe
Dear Kathleen,
I'm so glad you have discovered my novels and are enjoying them. I'm happy to say that the paperback edition of WHERE THE RIVERS MERGE will be released in May 2026 and will include a sneak peek at Book 2, THE RIVERS END. The publication for that has not yet been released by the publisher.
And thank you for the comment about Heyward and Heywood. The unfortunate typo that slipped through the cracks! It will be corrected in the future printings.
I'm so glad you have discovered my novels and are enjoying them. I'm happy to say that the paperback edition of WHERE THE RIVERS MERGE will be released in May 2026 and will include a sneak peek at Book 2, THE RIVERS END. The publication for that has not yet been released by the publisher.
And thank you for the comment about Heyward and Heywood. The unfortunate typo that slipped through the cracks! It will be corrected in the future printings.
Mary Alice Monroe
I'm so happy whenever a reader of any age tells me they enjoyed one of my books. How wonderful to hear that you really enjoyed The Islanders series!
Right now, The Islanders is three books, but we do hear from a lot of readers who want Angela and me to write a fourth book. And we do have one great idea for the story! 😁
What would you hope to see happen next on Dewees Island for our Jake, and his best friends Macon and Lovie?
Right now, The Islanders is three books, but we do hear from a lot of readers who want Angela and me to write a fourth book. And we do have one great idea for the story! 😁
What would you hope to see happen next on Dewees Island for our Jake, and his best friends Macon and Lovie?
Mary Alice Monroe
I'm thrilled you loved our book series! It was a dream of our hearts to write a story for young readers, and it it fulfilling to know that readers of all ages are enjoying The Islanders!
Right now, Shipwrecked, is our latest book in the series. But we hear from a lot of readers who hope we might write a fourth book. Do you think we should? What would you hope to see happen for our Jake, Macon, and Lovie on Dewees Island?
Thank you for submitting your question!
Right now, Shipwrecked, is our latest book in the series. But we hear from a lot of readers who hope we might write a fourth book. Do you think we should? What would you hope to see happen for our Jake, Macon, and Lovie on Dewees Island?
Thank you for submitting your question!
Mary Alice Monroe
I'm writing book two of the duology right now, titled "The Rivers End". A duology means the book is one long story. Thus, this is not a sequel but a continuation of my historical southern coming-of-age story.
I will finish the book soon, but it will be up to my publisher William Morrow to decide when to release it. Part of that decision hinges on when I hand in the novel! So I'm pushing hard to finish quickly so you don't have to wait too long! 🙂
I will finish the book soon, but it will be up to my publisher William Morrow to decide when to release it. Part of that decision hinges on when I hand in the novel! So I'm pushing hard to finish quickly so you don't have to wait too long! 🙂
Mary Alice Monroe
There are currently seven books in The Beach House series, and it's been such a satisfying experience watching the Rutledge family change, grow, and evolve over the years. Right now, I'm taking a break from this series to focus on my new epic novel, set for release in 2025.
Mary Alice Monroe
I'm delighted to say that SHIPWRECKED, the third installment of The Islanders series will be released June 18th! I'm glad you've enjoyed the series.
Mary Alice Monroe
Hi Kelly,
I am currently working on a new novel, separate from any of my series. It is expected to be released in 2024. And I look forward to sharing some details about it later this year. For now, all I can say is the setting is somewhere in the Lowcountry that I haven't yet written about.
I am currently working on a new novel, separate from any of my series. It is expected to be released in 2024. And I look forward to sharing some details about it later this year. For now, all I can say is the setting is somewhere in the Lowcountry that I haven't yet written about.
Mary Alice Monroe
We are thrilled that you've enjoyed THE ISLANDERS and SEARCH FOR TREASURE in our middle grade series. We love that readers of all ages can and are enjoying the wild adventures of The Islanders series.
I'm happy to tell you that yes, there will be another book in the series! SHIPWRECKED is the title and we'll let you know know soon about the release date.
I'm happy to tell you that yes, there will be another book in the series! SHIPWRECKED is the title and we'll let you know know soon about the release date.
Mary Alice Monroe
Dear Alyssa,
First, congratulations on all of your writing. You've been working hard on your craft. I cannot read your book, but I am flattered you thought of me and enjoy my novels.
If you are not yet a part of a writers group, I highly recommend it. If the writers in the group are supportive, honest but kind, and give constructive feedback to their members. You'll grow your writing skills and likely develop cherished friendship along the way too.
Way to go!
First, congratulations on all of your writing. You've been working hard on your craft. I cannot read your book, but I am flattered you thought of me and enjoy my novels.
If you are not yet a part of a writers group, I highly recommend it. If the writers in the group are supportive, honest but kind, and give constructive feedback to their members. You'll grow your writing skills and likely develop cherished friendship along the way too.
Way to go!
Mary Alice Monroe
It warms my heart that you bring up the novel Sweetgrass. It’s a complex book that I really loved writing. I too loved the setting, characters and it haunts me. It was published years ago and I haven’t heard many people comment about it in recent years. There is no planned sequel to Sweetgrass, however I do hope the book sees the light of a reprint soon.
Mary Alice Monroe
Professionally, the author has to be skillful in knowing what information to bring forward in the sequential novels so that readers will either remember, or new readers be introduced to important information.
Personally, It is hard to say goodbye to the characters after finishing a book, because they’ve become old friends.
Personally, It is hard to say goodbye to the characters after finishing a book, because they’ve become old friends.
Mary Alice Monroe
I was one of those children who sang to trees, hunted for fairies in the woods, and generally found magic in the wild. Growing up, I didn’t become seriously involved until the 1980s when I brought my children to the farm in Vermont and we worked to preserve and protect wildlife. When I moved to Isle of Palms in the 1990s, I joined the volunteer sea turtle team and my interest in sea turtles grew from that. I am licensed now, I’ve rehabilitated sea turtles and serve on boards to protect them. I didn’t realize my interest would become a life long passion!
Mary Alice Monroe
I have worked for years with the leatherback sea turtles. I’m on the board of the Leatherback Trust and we monitor the Pacific leatherbacks that nest on Playa Grande, Cosa Rica. Sadly the Pacific leatherbacks are 95% extinct. Thus our great concern. The Atlantic leatherbacks we get in Florida seem to be on an upward trend!
I have worked for years with the leatherback sea turtles. I’m on the board of the Leatherback Trust and we monitor the Pacific leatherbacks that nest on Playa Grande, Cosa Rica. Sadly the Pacific leatherbacks are 95% extinct. Thus our great concern. The Atlantic leatherbacks we get in Florida seem to be on an upward trend!
Mary Alice Monroe
So many readers have encouraged me to write another book in the Lowcountry Summer series, and that is such a compliment! I'm currently working on a new book, but not in this series. Perhaps one day I might continue the stories of Mamaw and her granddaughters Carson, Dora, and Harper.
A little insider information: some of the characters from the Lowcountry Summer series do make a cameo in the Beach House book series-- book #6 On Ocean Boulevard.
A little insider information: some of the characters from the Lowcountry Summer series do make a cameo in the Beach House book series-- book #6 On Ocean Boulevard.
Mary Alice Monroe
The Beach House series is set in the island town I call home-- the Isle of Palms, South Carolina. The setting is real, the places mentioned on island and in the Charleston area are also real. The main characters are pure fiction, but some of the characters are inspired by the incredible real people I have the pleasure of working with and calling my friends.
The series started with THE BEACH HOUSE, and the idea for the book came to me shortly after moving to the island and getting involved with the Island Turtle Team. I was so intrigued by the team of volunteers who work so hard to protect loggerhead sea turtles during their nesting season, through their daily beach patrols documenting and protecting nests until the turtles hatched. They also worked hard to educate the community and beach visitors about the importance of staying off the dunes, turning out your lights at night, keeping the beach clear of trash, abandoned sand castles and holes dug by beach-goers. Something sparked inside of me and I I knew I needed to tell that story.
I am happy to also say, I fell in love with the loggerheads all those years ago. And to this day, I remain a dedicated volunteer of the Island Turtle Team, and I'm a big supporter of the South Carolina Aquarium's Sea Turtle Care Center (which is featured in the other books in the series). I am so glad to see readers still falling in love with that first book and ultimately the entire series!
The series started with THE BEACH HOUSE, and the idea for the book came to me shortly after moving to the island and getting involved with the Island Turtle Team. I was so intrigued by the team of volunteers who work so hard to protect loggerhead sea turtles during their nesting season, through their daily beach patrols documenting and protecting nests until the turtles hatched. They also worked hard to educate the community and beach visitors about the importance of staying off the dunes, turning out your lights at night, keeping the beach clear of trash, abandoned sand castles and holes dug by beach-goers. Something sparked inside of me and I I knew I needed to tell that story.
I am happy to also say, I fell in love with the loggerheads all those years ago. And to this day, I remain a dedicated volunteer of the Island Turtle Team, and I'm a big supporter of the South Carolina Aquarium's Sea Turtle Care Center (which is featured in the other books in the series). I am so glad to see readers still falling in love with that first book and ultimately the entire series!
Mary Alice Monroe
I originally thought ON OCEAN BOULEVARD would be the final book in The Beach House Series. But, when I finished writing it, I realized there is so much more to write about their lives. So, YES... I am happy to say that there will be another book in the series soon.
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