The Beach House

By: Mary Alice Monroe

Narrated by: Mary Alice Monroe

Length: 14 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's Summary

Caretta Rutledge thought she’d left her Southern roots and troubled family far behind. But an unusual request from her mother – coming just as her own life is spinning out of control – has Cara heading back to the scenic Lowcountry of her childhood summers.

Before long, the rhythms of the island open her heart in wonderful ways as she repairs the family beach house, becomes a bona fide “turtle lady” and renews old acquaintances long thought lost. But it is in reconnecting with her mother that she will learn life’s most precious lessons – true love involves sacrifice, family is forever and the mistakes of the past can be forgiven.

©2002 Mary Alice Kruesi (P)2010 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Critic Reviews

"Mary Alice Monroe is helping to redefine the beauty and magic of the Carolina Lowcountry. Every book she has written has felt like a homecoming to me.” (Pat Conroy)

Good story, very poor audio quality

The story is good, interesting. Unfortunately the recording quality is very poor. You can hear every breath the narrator takes, hear her licking her lips and swallowing. I think I even heard a hiccup or some other bodily squeak. I don't blame the narrator, also the author. Obviously, every reader breathes, etc but you don't hear it in most narration. The production quality diminished the overall experience which takes away from a good story.

Feel good book, not riveting but enjoyable

This is the first book I have read by Mary Alice Monroe. It's pretty vanilla as contemporary romance goes, with an old-fashioned approach to the telling of a love story – no steamy sex scenes here. That could be good or bad, depending on what you like and your perspective. I found it refreshing. The story didn’t make me anxious to keep reading to see what would happen next, but it was enjoyable and definitely a feel-good book. If you like to watch movies on the Hallmark channel, I would recommend this book. But if you like a novel with highly developed characters with multiple dimensions and some edge, this would probably be a yawner for you.
Also, if talented acting is important to you in narration, beware. While I liked the author's voice and it seemed good for the story, the delivery of some statements was odd. Since her voice was pleasant I didn't really mind.

Totally enjoyed this beachy book.

Having the author narrate this book seemed to give more meaning to the story. I learned a lot about the Loggerhead turtles which helped me understand how important it is to care and protect their nests. Very interesting story which hit home since my mother died in a similar way.

Nice read

The story line revealed much about life in the Isle of Palms and families who had images to live up to. The author did a fairly good job of defining the characters and building the tension for a resolve. I went into the book with no expectations and was pleasantly entertained and stayed engaged.

Authors shouldn’t narrate

I likes the story but the authors voice was so annoying it took me 4 weeks to get through.

I really liked the education on turtles and their nests and being a Turtle Lady has snuck into my list of things to do in my golden years.

Heartfelt and entertaining

I don’t write many reviews but felt this was a necessary one. This book is excellent. It has humor, southern charm, dynamic relationships, love and heartache. You will not want to put it down once you start. I cannot wait to start on book 2.

Beautiful Story!

I enjoyed this well written story of family renewal, forgiveness, and love. I highly recommend this book.

Have read multiple times

One of my forever favorites. Have fallen in love with be with the story, location and characters. I keep revisiting the book because I identify with Miss Lovey and her devotion to her wonderful Beach House. Truly a "southern beach book." Highly recommend this book.

Pretty Good

The references to the sea turtles I found most interesting. Otherwise a story about a dying mother and her messed up adult children finding love and redemption. Domestic violence thrown in also. Wasn’t a page turner but good enough listen on long bike rides

Couldn't get through it

I usually love Mary Alice Monroe's work and I'm sure this is a great book. But, the poor narration prevented me from listening to it. I may try to read it later.