Blog
A NOTE OF REFLECTIONS AND HOLIDAY WISHES
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…
Read MoreCREATING MEANINGFUL HOLIDAY TRADITIONS
Traditions are important touchstones in families. They connect us to family values, morals, beliefs. They keep us attuned to our ancestors. One holiday tradition of the season that I treasure is St. Nicholas Day, which we celebrate every December 6th. St. Nicholas Day is commonly celebrated in Germany and other European countries, as well as many…
Read MoreSave the Planet? Light One Candle
As a child I wanted to save the planet, but the problems seemed so large, so many. I am one of ten children and my father attempted to calm me by telling me not to try to save the entire world, but instead to light one candle. I was too young to understand the wisdom of that advice. But now I…
Read MoreSAVING A VITAL PELICAN ISLAND
Wild animals and the Lowcountry landscape I call home are woven into my stories. They are so vital they actually become characters in my novels. But they are much more than that. As I bring awareness to the fascinating species in my novels, I hope you come to care—and take care. That is the power of…
Read MoreLADIES' NIGHT
My dear friends Patti Callahan Henry and Mary Kay Andrews are with me this week for a writers’ retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. It’s an important time for each of us as we work on our next novels. But as Mary Kay said on a social post “all work and no…
Read MoreYOU'RE INVITED! Official Book Launch Party at South Carolina Aquarium
Join New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Mary Alice Monroe at the South Carolina Aquarium on Thursday, May 24 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. to celebrate the launch of her new novel, “Beach House Reunion.” Monroe, a South Carolina Aquarium board of directors emerita member and local resident, is well known for compelling…
Read More7 GIFT IDEAS FOR YOUR OWN LOWCOUNTRY CHRISTMAS
Recently my publisher Simon & Schuster asked me to write something special for the holidays for their book content site dedicated to women’s fiction and romance. The topic is a fun spin on my novels: If my book characters came to life, what would be the perfect presents they would give this Christmas season? The…
Read MoreA MOVIE, A BOOK, AND HOLIDAY GREETING OF GRATITUDE
This is the holiday season of love and gratitude. I have much to be thankful for this year! Thanks to YOU, dear readers, my novel Beach House for Rent climbed to #9 on the New York Times Best Seller List. I’m currently writing a new novel, Beach House Reunion, the continuation of the Beach House Series, available May 22nd. And…
Read MoreA LOWCOUNTRY CHRISTMAS: PAPERBACK EDITION!
It’s Christmas come early! The paperback edition of A Lowcountry Christmas recently landed on my doorstep and is available now where books are sold. This year it’s on bookshelves anointed with a special award: the Southern Book Prize. It’s a tremendous honor from the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance. Thank you, SIBA! This family novel has a powerful message for the holidays. It…
Read MoreThe Perfect Cocktail for Summer Reading
Since the June release of BEACH HOUSE FOR RENT, I’ve been on a coast-to-coast book tour that has kept me away from home most days. During a book launch celebration at Isle of Palms, attendees enjoyed a complimentary special cocktail provided by Firefly Distillery. First, I must say, my husband and I are big fans…
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