Where the Rivers Merge

by Mary Alice Monroe

Run Time = 12 hours & 21 minutes

A “beautifully delivered” Earphones Award winner (AudioFile) from a New York Times bestselling author: Deep in the South Carolina Lowcountry, Eliza Rivers comes of age at her family’s grand estate during the height of World War I. Eighty years later, Eliza battles to protect the land from falling into the wrong hands.

From New York Times bestselling author Mary Alice Monroe comes her highly anticipated Where the Rivers Merge, the first of two epic and triumphant novels celebrating one intrepid woman's life across multiple generations in the American South.

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.

⭐"This is book club fiction at its finest!" —Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Audiobook, Southern, Coming Of Age, Family, Book Club

352 pages, Hardcover

Published May 13, 2025

About the author

Mary Alice Monroe is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 30 books, including her new novel, Where the Rivers Merge, the first book in a duology and her historical debut. The second book is titled The Rivers End. Release date has not been set yet.

Monroe has also published children’s books, which complement the environmental themes she is known for in her adult novels. Monroe’s middle grade series, written with Angela May, The Islanders, debuted #2 on the New York Times Best Sellers List in 2021. The second book in the series, Search for Treasure, debuted #3 on the New York Times Best Sellers List. And the third book in the series, Shipwrecked, is available everywhere books are sold.

Nearly eight million copies of her books have been published worldwide.

Mary Alice has earned numerous accolades and awards including induction into the South Carolina Academy of Authors’ Hall of Fame; South Carolina Center for the Book Award for Writing; the South Carolina Award for Literary Excellence; the SW Florida Author of Distinction Award; the RT Lifetime Achievement Award; the International Book Award for Green Fiction; the Henry Bergh Award for Children’s Fiction; and her novel A Lowcountry Christmas won the prestigious Southern Prize for Fiction.

Mary Alice is also the co-founder of the popular weekly web show and podcast Friends & Fiction.

The Beach House is a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, starring Andie McDowell. Several of her novels are optioned for film.

Mary Alice has championed the fragility of the earth’s wild habitat. The coastal southern landscape in particular is a strong and important focus of many of her novels. For her writing, Monroe immerses herself in academic research, works with wildlife experts, and does hands-on volunteering with animals. She then uses the knowledge and experiences to craft captivating stories that identify important parallels between nature and human nature. Sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, monarch butterflies, shorebirds are among the species she has worked with and woven into her novels.

Mary Alice is also an active conservationist and serves on several boards including the South Carolina Aquarium board emeritus, the Pat Conroy Literary Center Honorary Board, and the Leatherback Trust, which she received the Leatherback Trust Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022. She is especially proud to be a state-certified volunteer with the Island Turtle Team for more than twenty years.

Mary Alice splits her time between her home on the South Carolina coast and her home in the North Carolina mountains. When she’s not writing a novel, she is with her family or busy working with wildlife somewhere in the world.

Reviews

[♥︎ Heather ⚔ (New House-Hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was enjoyable, but I found it to be a little dry. The prose is beautiful, and I loved the way the story was structured with Eliza telling her story - but it wasn't as gripping as I was hoping it would be.

Where the Rivers Merge is a family saga about the Rivers family, and their grand South Carolina estate, Mayfield. Eliza Rivers loves Mayfield, and it’s through her eyes that the story is told.

A multi-generational saga covering the early part of the 20th century, telling the intertwined stories of love and friendship, great sacrifices, wars and segregation.

Set in 1988 and the early 1900s, we see the family touched by war, segregation and infighting.

If I’m being really honest… my extreme love for Broken Country brought me here lol. The cover gave me the vibes- I'm glad I picked it up, despite not loving it as much as I'd hoped.

The story was a little predictable to me, and there are loose ends as this is to be a series. Not sure if I'll pick the second one up yet. I do think those that have read this author's previous works will enjoy this as well as anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

💛Love and Loss
💛Historical Fiction
💛Multi-Generational Saga
💛Lowcountry Setting
💛Perfect Book Club Pick
💛Strong Female Characters
💛Dual Timelines
💛1988 x 1912

Expected Release Date - 05/13/25

Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperAudio for the advanced audio copy, all thoughts are my own.

⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ Connect with me on Instagram ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹

[Shantha (ShanthasBookEra) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captivated me with its beauty. Told in dual timeline and centered around Eliza Pickney Rivers Chalmers in 1908 and 1988, Mary Alice Monroe masterfully tells a sweeping multigenerational family saga, intertwined with a tribute to nature, conservancy, inheritance and succession.

The story opens in 1988 when Eliza is 88 years old, and the question of succession is first and foremost on everyone's mind. Eliza escapes the shareholders' meeting with her granddaughter and great niece for her beloved Mayfield. The 4,000-acre home where she grew up. It is home to South Carolina's ACE Basin where three rivers merge and provide an essential area for nature and wildlife. During their stay, Savannah and Norah learn about the ups and downs of Eliza's life and how important this land is. Themes of love and loss, the Great War, segregation and class, nature, animals, conservancy, mental health, human nature, land ownership, and inheritance are expertly explored. Most importantly, the rights of women and a nod to female trailblazers from the early twentieth century are acknowledged in Eliza's story.

Mary Alice Monroe is an exceptional author who writes with precision and lyrical, immersive prose. The fully fleshed out characters felt so real and were imprinted on my heart. I was completely captivated by this book in a way I didn't expect. This book will be on my mind for a long time to come. Fans of Kristin Hannah, Ann Patchett, Charlotte McConaghy, and Delia Owens will adore this book as much as I did. This is must-read fiction at its finest and will undoubtedly be one of the top books for 2025. I will be eagerly awaiting the sequel to this saga, "The Rivers' End."

Many thanks to NetGalley, William Morrow, Mary Alice Monroe, and @BookClubGirl for an advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written, entertaining, dual timeline, historical fiction novel. It has a likable and intelligent female protagonist, a vividly described South Carolina setting, love, loss, and resilience, with underlying themes of female empowerment and nature conservancy. I listened to the audio book, and the narrators, Mary Alice Monroe, Jenna Lamia, and Cassandra Campbell, do a wonderful job voicing the characters. The author's note, read by Ms. Monroe, is interesting and enlightening, and is truly appreciated. I am looking forward to reading book two with great anticipation.

[Linden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read and enjoyed all of this author’s books, and looked forward to her first foray into historical fiction. Where The Rivers Merge did not disappoint. It starts with 88 year old Eliza deciding to preserve her family land with a conservancy, and her adult son strenuously objecting for obvious reasons. She takes her granddaughter Savannah and grand niece Norah to the family homestead, and tells them the story of her life: her childhood in the early 20th century, friendships, love, the Great War, and heartbreak. Recommended for fans of beautifully written historical fiction. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.

[Dallas Strawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 2027…!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Add this book to your “Want to Read” list and buy it as soon as it arrives from the publisher next spring. I read an ARC and throughly enjoyed this book. It’s a wonderful novel in a stellar setting. The protagonist’s life story growing up on a rice and horse farm in South Carolina is engaging. I grew to care deeply about every thrilling personal victory and tragic heartache. Just when I anticipated one plot twist the tale would go to an unexpected but pleasantly surprising new place. The story had great pace and while I’ve grown lukewarm about split time novels this one really sings! All historic details were accurate and made this time period in the Low Country of South Carolina’s coast come alive.
The author, Mary Alice Monroe, tells us in her notes this is a story about conservation and love of land. She certainly delivered on this and so much more! I look forward to the sequel.
#WheretheRiversMerge

[Ashdeclet Audiobook Addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where the Rivers Merge is difficult to review because it isn't complete, and when I say that I mean this is the beginning of a series and I didn't know that going in. If I had known that from the beginning, I think I would have had a different view on the writing/view of the book.

This was eloquently written with exquisite detail and thought into the various descriptions throughout. My frustration comes in when there is what seems like so much focus on parts of her life that we get absolutely no answers to in this book. Her lost friendship and her marriage are almost a total mystery, and I was waiting to hear about that for a few hours. That was my main let down with this book, I think I wanted more answers than it was going to give me, not knowing there is at least one more on the way.

I originally rated this a 4 ⭐ book. And I think I will leave it there, even with my criticisms of the book. I really would rather give it a 3.5, but as we all know there is no half star rating system here or on most other rating platforms.

Big thank you to Netgalley and HarperAudio Adult for the advanced audio copy of this book. All my opinions are my own.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Moonkiszt · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the Author's Note at the end of this to-be-continued story, Mary Alice Monroe admits of her great place love for the ACE Basin - the Ashepoo-Combahee-Edisto rivers that with many other wet ecosystems "merge" - I'm always looking for the reason and why of titles. And this has an additional punny aspect: the protagonist family name is Rivers (and families by way of definition are constantly merging. . . ). The most protagonistic of the Rivers family is Eliza. She is the elder version of herself at the beginning and end, but in between we get her life - and love - story. Time is set in South Carolina post-civil war, and by Eliza's maturity she sending boys she's grown up with off to fight in WWI.

Where the Rivers Merge is the first of two books that tell the full story of Eliza Rivers, with the second promised soon, the subtle pun continuing: The Rivers' End . Engaged readers will be looking forward to that, as we were left in a rather awkward spot between Eliza and her best friend.

*A sincere thank you to Mary Alice Monroe, William Morrow, HarperAudio Adult and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #WheretheRiversMerge #NetGalley 25|52:1f

[Heather~ Nature.books.and.coffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new duology. It's a heartfelt multigenerational family story told through the POV of Eliza Rivers. It starts with Eliza when she's 88, in 1988 and she tells her life story of growing up in the low country of South Carolina. I really enjoyed her story, about living with her family at the beloved Mayfield estate. While growing up she revels in exploring nature and land, and riding her horses, and she also experienced some hardships. 

Later in 1988, Eliza is now doing everything she can to protect her estate, but her greedy son doesn't have the same motivations as her. I loved Eliza's strong spirit and found this to be quite an emotional story. 

Monroe has a special way of making you feel connected to these characters. The history and descriptions of her family's Mayfield estate and relationships were so compelling. I enjoyed this historical fiction novel, and it pulled at my heart. It is an open ending and we are left with some questions but that is why we'll be so excited to pick up the next book. I cannot wait to read it! 

thank you to the publisher and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary Alice Monroe's Where the Rivers Merge is a sweeping Southern saga set in South Carolina's Lowcountry, brimming with history, generational drama, and a deep sense of place. The story centers on Eliza Rivers, who grows up on her family's grand Mayfield estate in the early 1900s. Through alternating timelines of 1908 and 1988, we witness Eliza's enduring love for her ancestral home, just outside Charleston. She battles sexism, natural disasters, war, and family strife that threaten everything she holds dear, including a fragile relationship with her parents and a lost love that will tug at your heartstrings. In 1988, 88-year-old Eliza recounts her life story, sharing the histories behind Mayfield’s murals with her great-niece and granddaughter. This powerful multigenerational narrative ends on a cliffhanger, leaving readers anticipating the next installment. 3.75/5

[Renée | apuzzledbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very beginning, this book drew me in. I kept wanting to listen and that’s always a good sign. The story and characters are so well-developed and compelling. It contains beautiful descriptions and prose with a single perspective from the point of view of the main character, Eliza.

‘Child, I ain’t telling you to change all your ways. You are who you are. Be the girl you want to be. Don’t fight it. Show everyone what a girl can do.’ 

Highlights |
•Strong women
•Inspired by history.
•Interesting facts about birds, creatures and plants. 
•Stories from the past
•Racism
•The Great War
•Female friendships 
•Southern setting

Loved this book! Now I have to wait for the sequel, ‘The Rivers End’. 😅

🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷

I cannot promise you a life of sunshine;
I cannot promise riches, wealth, or gold;
I cannot promise you an easy pathway
That leads away from change or growing old.
But I can promise all my heart's devotion;
A smile to chase away your tears of sorrow;
A love that's ever true and ever growing;
A hand to hold in yours through each tomorrow.
— Mark Twain

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where the Rivers Merge is a delightful and descriptive story. It’s a soulful tale of a woman filled with courage and determination and the South Carolina low-country property she strives to protect. The narrative includes Eliza’s complex youth at Mayfield starting in 1908, alongside her best friend, cousin, and two brothers. The characters are well-drawn and varied. One of my favorite scenes in the book is when Eliza participates in a horse race as a boy.

The vivid writing encapsulates Eliza’s life in a moving chronicle. In the book, the history of Mayfield is presented through a mural on the Dining Room wall. Eliza uses that mural as the backdrop to narrate the story of Mayfield to a new generation, one that Eliza hopes will protect its legacy as she has done.

Author Mary Alice Monroe illuminates the perils of South Carolina's Low Country in this poignant and thoughtful book. I look forward to the second installment in the series, which continues Eliza’s quest to protect her family’s legacy.

Thanks to Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[Taury · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where the Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Monroe this was a wonderful Historical Fiction novel with a dual timeline. Definitely defined the roles of men, women and blacks in the time of the terrible Jim Crow laws. I didn’t like the ending. The author stated to read the sequel. For those that know more than me…is this a new release Where the River Ends to look forward to? I did not like how it left readers hanging. This is my first, but not last novel by this author.

[Sadeqa Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where The Rivers Merge is simply captivating. Monroe is a master storyteller and her lyrical depictions of the Lowcountry and the natural world awakened all of my senses and left me breathless at every chapter's end. The characters leapt off the page and stayed with me long after the book was finished. Stunning in every way.

[Andrea | andrea.c.lowry.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where the Rivers Merge is a lyrical and enthralling story about family and love for the land.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆?

I immediately found myself immersed in this atmospheric book as Eliza, the matriarch of the family, begins tells her backstory to her granddaughter and grandniece by choosing pictures painted from a mural in her home.

This was also such an incredible story about conservation and the love of the land, which you can feel coming off the pages through Eliza’s stories and the intertwining of the present day timeline.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:

Historical Fiction
Dual Timelines
Multigenerational
Strong female MC
Gender Equality
Racism
South Carolina Low Country
Environmental Conservation

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?

I was able to alternate between the physical book and audio and it was such an immersive experience. Jenna Lamia and Cassandra Campbell lended their distinctive voices to create a story I didn’t know I was going to fall in love with so much.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲?

Steady

Thank you WilliamMorrow Book for the gifted copy and exchange for my honest opinions.

[Edi McNinch · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Louis Muñoz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars. I enjoyed the book, and it was an easy read, and I think a fair amount of readers will enjoy it as well. I did find it a bit simplistic and not quite believable. I also found various continuity and timeline problems throughout, which took me out of the story. Overall, I would recommend this book to a fair amount of our library patrons.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where the Rivers Merge
By: Mary Alice Monroe
Pub Day: May 13, 2025
Publisher William Morrow

Family is complicated and when some kind of inheritance is involved it can create tension. Monroe brought us a story with rich, family dynamics and a heritage to save.
This novel takes place 80 years apart. 1908 in South Carolina Eliza lives on Mayfield, an estate with her brothers and parents. She is free spirited, much to her mothers dismay. She is wild and free and they clash. She meets a young girl who will change her life forever.

1988 Eliza is now 88 and has wants to save her beloved Mayfield. Her son is greedy and is trying to take the reins.
This novel had all the feels and I am excited to see there will be another book which continues with the new generation.

Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours and Monroe for having me on tour. Your books always take me away for hours on end.

[Erricka Hager · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Angie Miale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is your Venn diagram— this book is for the people that
🌸Nostalgia for the old south
🌎 likes themes about climate change
👯‍♂️likes stories about inter racial friendships in the early 20th century
⏳time jumps

Eliza is an old lady in 1988, telling her life story to her grandchildren and about to be ousted from the board so that her greedy son cannot overtake her beloved Carolina grand estate. She has a phd in environmental policy and uses the term “climate change” even in 1988! She has an easement on the property so as not to put capitalism first.

In 1912, she is a young girl, her best friend is Covey, who is black. Eliza ignores societal norms and the way things are done, and learns her privilege in doing so.

I liked the friendship between Covey and Eliza, and the way they maneuvered through the tragedies of the war. There were wonderful descriptions of the land that made the narrative come alive, although j would have enjoyed more dialogue and it started slow.

This is a classic “book club” book.

[Debbie H · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ I enjoyed this dual timeline story of Eliza Rivers and the grand Mayfield Estate in SC circa early 1900’s and 1988.

Told from Eliza’s POV the book comes to life with all the nature and wildlife featured. I liked that the beginning of each chapter started with some type of facts about local flora and fauna native to SC.

Eliza’s character is a strong voice and a strong woman! Supporting characters are equally as interesting from her parents to her best friend Covey, brothers Heyward and Lesesne and beaus Hugh & Tripp and her horse Capitano.

The writing is beautiful and descriptive and covers WWI, Jim Crow South, family drama, love, and loss.
The story didn’t grab me as much as I thought it would, and lagged in the middle. Some loose ends I felt need to be addressed, but I realize this will be a series. I’m interested to read more!

Thank you NetGalley and publishers for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

#WhereTheRiversMerge #NetGalley

[Laura Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

5🌟 I love a good ole southern family saga set in the South Carolina low country. I devoured this book in my favorite way, the kindle version plus the audio, both from Libby. There are themes of family secrets, racism, betrayal, loss, grief, forgiveness, young love, and mother/daughter angst. It is part coming of age and part ode to nature and wild life of the low country. I honestly could not have loved this more. Would love to see it on the big screen. Five big stars.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. Although this book felt very similar to another of the author's book, the story did progress and just got better and better. The main character is Eliza an 88 year "young" women, telling her story of her past. This story goes from present day to her past early 1900's. I love this author's writing and this book did not disappoint. This is a book series and I am very looking forward to the second book. Hope it's soon!

[Nicole Pearce]

I finished this book feeling so invested in Eliza’s story and immersed in the setting — I will absolutely be reading the second book when it comes out!

Where The Rivers Merge follows one woman throughout her life living the Low Country of South Carolina from the early 1900s through the 80’s. This is one of those books where the setting really is its own character. There’s a huge emphasis on nature with beautiful descriptions. The narration is dual timeline and almost reminded me of how The Titanic movie did dual timeline. Where you have an elderly woman telling her life story, and you spend the majority of your time in the past, but periodically cut to present day with everyone raptly and emotionally listening to this woman tell her story.

The book starts with Eliza in her 80’s, and I wouldn’t say I was immediately hooked. If you feel that way at the start, it’s worth sticking with it until she starts to tell the story of her childhood! Once she did, I really felt immersed in the setting and invested in her story and the family dynamics and the friendships. It’s a slower burn at times, but never felt slow to me. The development of the characters and their relationships is great, and I really ended up loving my time spent in their world.

[Mitzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHERE THE RIVERS MERGE by Mary Alice Monroe is a sweeping family saga set in South Carolina’s ACE Basin, rich with history, nature, and a deep sense of place. The story follows Eliza Rivers, a free-spirited woman who grows up on the grand Mayfield estate in the early 1900s, only to face war, storms, and family struggles that threaten everything she holds dear.

Fast forward to 1988, and Eliza, now 88, is still fiercely devoted to Mayfield, fighting to protect it from her greedy son and the forces of change. This is classic Mary Alice Monroe—lush descriptions, compelling storytelling, and a heartfelt exploration of family, legacy, and the land we call home.

This is book one of a two-book series, and my only complaint is that I have to wait to read the rest of the story! Our book club was lucky to get advance copies through #GalleyMatch, and this one is sure to spark great discussion. Releases May 13!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Sue Frankel · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5. I didn’t realize this was just part 1. I wish I knew going into it

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book !! I loved the story of Lowcountry and the fight Eliza had ! The story went between 2 time lines and I thought it was so captivating to see the past through Eliza’s eyes!

[Amanda (The Little Book Spot) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75, I liked it a lot but I didn’t love it, love it. Cliffhanger ending, not a fan of that but I would definitely pick up the next book to find out what happens.

[Annissa Joy Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many books by Mary Alice Monroe and this is my favorite!! I was pulled into this one quickly and loved it!!

1908…lowcountry South Carolina. Eliza is 8 years old and lives with her family at Mayfield. This estate has been in their family for generations. They have horses, grow vegetables and other crops and Eliza loves to be outdoors. She loves to ride the horses and she loves to explore. Her mother would prefer her to be more girly!! Eliza also has 2 brothers.

1988…Eliza is celebrating her 88th birthday with family and board members of her company. She would rather be at Mayfield and escapes with some members of the younger generation..Savannah and Norah. They will travel to Mayfield and Eliza will spend a lot of time telling both of them about her younger days!!

This is a book about nature, love, secrets, loss, and so much more. This is the first book of the duology with the second book coming out in 2027!! Can’t wait!!!