This is a season of traditions and transitions, preparations and celebrations. Parties and quiet gatherings, parades and church services. It’s a busy time of year. But despite the hustle and bustle, I hope you’re finding moments to sit back and enjoy the lights of the tree while sipping hot cocoa (or wine) and savor the season.

REFLECTIONS

Before I transition to a New Year, I want to take a moment to reflect on some of the year’s best moments and share them with you.

BEACH HOUSE REUNION became a #4 New York Times Best Seller

THE BEACH HOUSE premiered as a Hallmark Hall of Fame Movie

Traveled to 9 states this year and met hundreds of readers on book tour

New home in NC. Now I am writing from the mountains and the sea

Formally inducted into the South Carolina Academy of Authors Hall of Fame

Welcomed a new litter of pups with Gigi

Adopted one giant pup named Vega

And later this month, the highlight—we’ll welcome a new granddaughter to our family!

What a wonderful year!

And thank you for your support, for reading my books and recommending them to others. And too, for enthusiastically supporting the species I champion in my books. I feel blessed to have the best readers!

LOOKING AHEAD

So much is happening in 2019 … I’m busy working on my new novel, THE SUMMER GUESTS. It’s set for release June 11th! Book tour planning is underway, and the book cover will be revealed next month on my website and social pages. I’m excited to share it with you!

In The Summer Guests, five people evacuate the southeastern coast as a rapidly intensifying hurricane threatens. They flee to a friend’s farm in the North Carolina mountains, taking with them their most cherished possessions–including prize horses and rescue dogs.  Their evacuation becomes one of the most challenging weeks of their lives. But, even during the worst of circumstances—or perhaps because of them—the evacuees will discover what is most important in life.

Though THE SUMMER GUESTS isn’t an official continuation of The Beach House Series there’s a surprise in this novel for my Beach House fans! I’d love it if you’d add it to your Goodreads “Want to Read” list.

EXCITING SPOTLIGHT

Did you see this news on Forbes.com this month? My heart skipped a beat to see WILD DUNES PRESENTS: A CONVERSATION WITH MARY ALICE MONROE included on the Top 10 Reasons to Visit Charleston, SC in the Winter feature.

This annual author series hosts some of the South’s greatest writers. I launched this literary project more than a decade ago to connect readers to writers on a more personal level, while also fundraising for literacy programs in my community. I’m honored to welcome New York Times bestselling authors Patti Callahan of “Becoming Mrs. Lewis” and Lisa Wingate of “Before We Were Yours” as our stellar panelists for the January 27th event at the world-class Wild Dunes Resort on the Isle of Palms.

Both of these women have penned powerful historical fiction novels you won’t soon forget. Guests get to be a part of the intimate conversation and ask questions too, followed by a meet and greet book signing. Delicious hors d’oeuvres and signature cocktails by Firefly Distillery are included with ticket purchase. We have so much fun, and together we raise money to support literacy programs. This year, Reading Partners South Carolina is our charitable beneficiary. This special event is a great way to kick off your New Year, and a good excuse to plan a getaway to Charleston.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKET INFO

MY HOLIDAY WISH FOR YOU

As our final month of December comes to a close with festive gatherings, holiday shopping, travel plans, and the seemingly long to-do list, I send you a special wish from my heart  … May your holiday season and New Year be filled with unshakable hope, a wellspring of love, comforting peace, good health, new adventures, and a lot of great reading.

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and Happy 2019 to you!

With love,
Mary Alice