Beach House Memories

By: Mary Alice Monroe

Narrated by: Mary Alice Monroe

Autumn brings its own haunting beauty to the sun-soaked beaches and dunes on Isle of Palms, where Olivia “Lovie” Rutledge lives in her beloved Primrose Cottage with her daughter, Cara. Looking back as summer fades, Lovie can remember many island summers, but especially one. . . .

In 1974, America was changing, but Charleston remained eternally the same. Lovie had always done what was expected - marrying the son of a historic Charleston family, Stratton Rutledge, and turning over her fortune and fate to his control. But one thing she steadfastly refuses to relinquish: her family’s old seaside cottage. The precious summers spent on the barrier island are Lovie’s refuge. Here, she can escape with her children from the social expectations of her traditional Southern mother, and her overbearing husband’s ambition and philandering. Here, she indulges her lifelong vocation as a “Turtle Lady”, tending the loggerhead sea turtles that lay their eggs in the warm night sand and then slip back into the sea.

This summer, however, is different. Visiting biologist Russell Bennett arrives on the island to research the loggerheads. What begins as a shared passion for the turtles changes to a love far more passionate and profound than Lovie has ever known - but one that forces her to face the most agonizing decision of her life.

For Charleston’s elite, divorce is an unforgivable scandal, and Stratton’s influence is far-reaching. If Lovie dares to dream beyond a summer affair, she risks losing everything: her reputation, her wealth, even her precious children.

Beach House Memories - a poignant and emotional tale of a strong, passionate woman torn between duty and desire, between the traditions of the old South and the social changes sweeping America - will capture your heart. For Lovie, it is an empowering journey of seasons of self-discovery. Until this autumn, this time of changing tides, of holding on and letting go. . . .

©2012 Mary Alice Monroe, Ltd. Excerpt from Saving Sea Turtles - James R. Spotila recorded - permission of Johns Hopkins University Press (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“This luminous tale - set in the South Carolina Lowcountry that we both love so deeply - was hard to put down. Fans of The Beach House will at last discover what happened during the summer of 1974. But readers new to Mary Alice Monroe need not worry, for this emotional story of love and loss stands alone.” ( New York Times best-selling author Dorothea Benton Frank)

Great Book

Another great book!!! Once again this series is a must read. So addicted to these characters.

Love this series of books!

Love these books in this series. Good reads and easy listening. I’d like to read the rest of them.

Poignant and beautifully written

This sweet story of a woman’s relationship with the SC Low Country, the sea, and her family evokes many emotional responses for readers, particularly those familiar with Charleston and the surrounding islands. I enjoyed the walk through these familiar places and the deeply moving story authored and read by Ms. Monroe. This was a touching and lovely stroll through precious memories.

Lovey

Love how she went back and told Lovey’s story. It gave full circle of the love for turtles & the love of her life

Heartbreaking and beautiful

Beach House Memories is the 3rd in the Beach House series. In this installment, we go back to the 1970's and learn about the events that molded Lovey into the incredible person she becomes.

This novel is tragic, endearing, emotional, and poignant. It is a tale of true love and irrevocable family ties. I feel this is one book I will never forget.

good listen

Very good for second book in the series. Going to downloading the book 3, Swimming Lessons

I was sad it was over after 12 hours.

I feel like Mary Alice's friend after hearing these books! it makes me miss a beach I've never been to. I'm thrilled I found her and treasure these books.

Third in Series

Following the backstory was interesting. This book is more related to the first book in the series.

Good continuation of the series.

I enjoyed to continuation of the series but, it wasn’t as interesting as the others before this. Somethings drug out too long. Overall good

Good listen and prequel to Beach House

Would you listen to Beach House Memories again? Why?

Narrator pleasant and easy listen. Interesting prequel to the awesome original book, Beach House. The original Beach House is one of my favorites and 5 star in my opinion. Memories Again is informative to Lovie's earlier life. I recommend, especially if you loved Beach House.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Beach House Memories?

Russell's reaction to Lovie's late night arrival from the beach formulating a guess of what she has been up to and with whom. Pivotal plot point.

What about Mary Alice Monroe’s performance did you like?

Her ability to vary her voice giving the characters distinction. She has a pleasant voice.

If you could take any character from Beach House Memories out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Lovie's best friend from the beach. Quite a character!