The Beach House

By: Mary Alice Monroe

Narrated by: Mary Alice Monroe

Length: 14 hrs and 15 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.

©2006 Mary Alice Monroe (P)2010 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

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.

13 of 13 people found this review helpful

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.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Beautiful Story!

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

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

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.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

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.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

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.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Lovely story

Would you listen to The Beach House again? Why?

I would certainly listen to The Beach House again. Having grown up in the South and having spent a great deal of time at the beaches of North and South Carolina, I loved listening to Mary Alice Monroe's Low Country speech. She was not too syrupy but just right. Each character was distinguishable, which made listening to her seamless.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved seeing the interplay between Cara and Lovie -- questions, answers, peace at last.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Mary Alice Monroe?

yes

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Perfect Summer Read!

As a true lover of the South Carolina Lowcountry, why on Earth have I never read Mary Alice Monroe? The Beach House was a pure delight. The characters are so very authentic and vivid, the story was a tad predictable, yet endearing, and the setting of Isle of Palms was enchanting.

I adored how the author began every chapter with facts about the Loggerhead see turtles in a way that tied into the upcoming story. Seeing a nest hatch was already on my bucket list, but I think it had become even more important now.

If you love family, nature, and the ocean, you will adore this book.

Interesting content on sea turtles-typical romance

the author provides well researched information related to sea turtles, enjoyed the preamble to each chapter.
the conflict between mother and daughter was hard to follow until the last chapter. the romance was predictable, meh.

Heartwarming!

This was such a heartwarming story. I could not stop listening. Mary Alice did a superb job in writing
this story and developing the characters. I felt as if I had known them all my life!!