The Beach House

By: Mary Alice Monroe

Narrated by: Mary Alice Monroe

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.

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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)

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4 out of 5 stars

By Kim on 08-22-17

lovely road trip book

I loved it. Cant wait to start the next book in the Beach House series!

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4 out of 5 stars

By D. Brown on 01-26-20

I loved the beginning

The beginning was wonderful. The end was melodramatic and silly. It turned into a Hallmark movie sappy and unbelievable. I was hoping for more.

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4 out of 5 stars

By Nikki on 07-06-19

Nice Story

Enjoyed the story. A little slow to start but I enjoyed the redemption of the mother daughter relationship.

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5 out of 5 stars

By alwaysalice on 06-26-21

The Beach House

As always this and others by Mary Alice Monroe are a wonderful easy, relaxing listen.

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5 out of 5 stars

By Nekharpa on 03-15-22

Great Story

These characters had some big issues, which they weren’t dealing with except in concrete, undeveloped ways, which caused them to be quite unlikable at those particular times. However, they were characters with many aspects to their personalities. The author took care to develop the primary characters fully. As a result, I grew to care about them despite their rough sides. As the story developed, the characters learned more about themselves and faced their misperceptions to whatever extent they could, rather than unrealistically resolving all components by story’s end. True people. While I never personally developed an interest in the sea turtles’ life cycle, I was able to appreciate the author’s, and the characters’, varying degrees of attachments to them, and cheered along with the others as the final group of turtle babies tried to head for the sea.

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4 out of 5 stars

By Mona on 08-24-21

A poignant romance

Great characters. Good story. Shows good in the sad time as the bid farewell to the matriarch of the family.

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5 out of 5 stars

By Jill Shavkin on 03-31-24

Heartwarming and educational!

I love the turtle theme and how it ties into the mother daughter relationship in this story. As usual, the author has created relatable characters and the dynamics of familial relationships. I love all her books. Now, on to book 2!

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5 out of 5 stars

By Pat Parker on 05-31-15

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

By 629 on 09-03-19

Great story

What a great story. The information about turtles was very fine.
The author ,narrator did a very good job of differentiation of the voices.

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4 out of 5 stars

By Amazon Customer on 03-14-19

Beach House Review

Here is a very entertaining book about the beautiful low country natural wonders, intertwining a educational story regarding loggerhead turtles. The narration was very pleasing, keeping your interest involved, bringing laughter and tears at times. The southern values of people in the south are expressed and involves many heartfelt emotional discoveries. A great book to share.D.H. 3/12/19

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