If you’re a fan of Mary Alice Monroe, chances are her beautiful, nature-inspired stories have transported you to the sun-drenched shores of the Lowcountry, introduced you to unforgettable characters, and opened your eyes to the fragile beauty of our natural world. But have you read every book she’s written? With a career spanning decades, Mary Alice Monroe’s novels are beloved by readers for their heartfelt storytelling and connection to nature.
Here’s your chance to check off her complete bibliography, revisit old favorites, and discover new gems. Grab your reading glasses, and let’s dive into her works, one book at a time!
1995 – The Long Road Home
This tender story follows Nora MacKenzie, a widow seeking solace in the Vermont countryside. As she rebuilds her life after heartbreak, she discovers that the long road home may lead to unexpected love and healing.
1998 – Girl in the Mirror
Charlotte Godowski was always judged for her appearance, but a dramatic transformation changes her life forever. This moving tale examines identity, beauty, and what it really means to love yourself.
1999 – The Book Club
Five women. One book club. Endless emotional connections. This novel explores the lives of five friends as they navigate love, loss, and everything in between, proving the power of friendship and shared stories.
1999 – Second Star to the Right
A whimsical take on childhood dreams and Peter Pan mythology, this enchanting story asks what happens when we rediscover the magic of imagination as adults.
2000 – One Summer’s Night
In this heartfelt romance, a summer fling blooms into something deeper. A story about love, fate, and the connections that linger long after the season ends.
2001 – The Four Seasons
The reunion of four estranged sisters after their mother’s death forces them to confront long-buried secrets. A beautifully woven tale about family bonds and forgiveness.
2002 – The Beach House
The first book in the beloved Beach House series! Lovie Rutledge teaches her daughter Caretta about life, love, and the fragile beauty of sea turtles on the shores of South Carolina.
2003 – Skyward
Ella Majors accepts a job as a caretaker for a terminally ill boy, but her new role leads her to uncover the healing power of raptors—and the strength she didn’t know she had.
2005 – Sweetgrass
Set on a historic plantation in South Carolina, Sweetgrass tells the story of a family trying to preserve their heritage while navigating change. A heartfelt ode to home and tradition.
2007 – Swimming Lessons
A sequel to The Beach House, this book continues the story of sea turtle conservation and Caretta Rutledge’s journey to find love and purpose.
2007 – Turtle Summer: A Journal for My Daughter
A delightful journal blending storytelling with real-life lessons about sea turtles, written as a keepsake for mothers and daughters alike.
2008 – Time is a River
Recovering from breast cancer, Mia Landan retreats to a cabin in the mountains and unravels a mystery hidden in an old journal. This novel is a testament to resilience and self-discovery.
2009 – Last Light Over Carolina
On a fateful day, shrimp boat captain Bud Morrison faces the harsh realities of life at sea. This emotional story dives into love, sacrifice, and the legacy of fishing communities.
2011 – The Butterfly’s Daughter
Luz Avila embarks on a transformative journey to honor her grandmother’s final wish, discovering family, love, and the miracle of the monarch butterfly migration.
2012 – Beach House Memories
A prequel to The Beach House, this novel tells the story of a young Lovie Rutledge and the decisions that shaped her life forever.
2013 – The Summer Girls
Three half-sisters reunite at their grandmother’s beach house on Sullivan’s Island, rediscovering family bonds and the magic of the Lowcountry.
2013 – A Butterfly Called Hope (Picture Book)
This beautifully illustrated children’s book follows the lifecycle of a monarch butterfly, combining educational storytelling with Monroe’s signature love for nature.
2014 – The Summer Wind
In this continuation of The Summer Girls, the Muir sisters face new challenges while finding strength in their sisterhood.
2015 – The Summer’s End
The conclusion of The Summer Girls trilogy brings heartache and healing as each sister finds her place in the world.
2016 – A Lowcountry Wedding
A delightful mix of love, family, and Lowcountry charm as the Rutledge family prepares for a double wedding.
2016 – A Lowcountry Christmas
Set in the heart of the Lowcountry, this heartwarming holiday tale weaves together themes of family, sacrifice, and the magic of Christmas. It’s the perfect companion to Monroe’s Lowcountry Summer series.
2017 – Beach House for Rent
Two women’s lives intersect at the iconic beach house, where they find healing and unexpected friendship.
2018 – Beach House Reunion
Cara Rutledge returns to the beach house to rebuild her life and embrace her family’s legacy.
2019 – The Summer Guests
When a hurricane threatens the coast, strangers come together in a mountain horse farm, forming bonds that change their lives forever.
2020 – On Ocean Boulevard
Cara Rutledge faces new challenges and opportunities in this sequel to the Beach House series, proving life always comes full circle.
2021 – The Islanders
In this young adult series, three kids forge an unforgettable friendship while spending the summer on a pristine island.
2022 – Search for Treasure
The sequel to The Islanders, this adventure story follows Jake, Macon, and Lovie as they hunt for treasure and confront secrets from the past.
2024 – Shipwrecked
The latest installment in the Beach House universe! Dive into new adventures, heartbreak, and healing along the Carolina shores.
2025 – Where The Rivers Merge – Coming May 2025.
Mary Alice Monroe’s highly anticipated novel, Where the Rivers Merge, is a sweeping multigenerational tale set in the early 20th-century Lowcountry of South Carolina. The story follows Eliza Rivers, a free-spirited young woman who challenges societal expectations and battles personal and family turmoil to protect her cherished estate, Mayfield. Spanning from 1908 to 1988, this epic celebration of resilience, love, and the land captures the indomitable spirit of a woman fighting to preserve her legacy against the tides of change.
Have You Read Them All?
How many of Mary Alice Monroe’s books have you read? This comprehensive list is the perfect way to celebrate her incredible career and inspire your next reading journey. Share your favorites in the comments and let us know which ones you’re excited to read next!