On May 19, Books & Bites with Mary Alice Monroe and Barb Bergwerf at Wild Dunes Resort—the summer installment of the beloved Wild Dunes Literary Series—isn’t just another charming literary gathering—it’s a moment. A celebration. A turning of the page, both literally and figuratively.

Timed to coincide with the highly anticipated paperback release of Where the Rivers Merge, the event offers something far deeper than a traditional author talk. It’s a rare, intimate conversation between two women whose friendship, careers, and shared passions have been unfolding for more than two decades—long before book tours and accolades entered the picture.

At the heart of it all is Mary Alice Monroe, a New York Times bestselling author whose work has long captured the soul of the Lowcountry. Her latest novel has already garnered widespread praise as a sweeping, multigenerational story rooted in resilience, legacy, and the unbreakable bond between people and place. With its paperback debut, Where the Rivers Merge continues to resonate with readers drawn to its richly layered storytelling and emotional depth.

But this event isn’t just about the book—it’s about the life behind it.

Sharing the stage is debut novelist Barb Bergwerf, whose own creative journey has taken her from photojournalism to stained glass artistry to, now, fiction writing. Her novel, Fatal Exposure, marks a bold new chapter—one that mirrors the very themes she and Monroe will explore together: reinvention, courage, and the pursuit of long-held dreams.

Their connection, however, predates their literary careers. In 1999, Monroe and Bergwerf met as volunteers on the Island Turtle Team, united by a shared commitment to protecting one of the Lowcountry’s most beloved and vulnerable species. That chance meeting sparked a friendship that has endured—and evolved—ever since.

It’s this history that gives Books & Bites its unique heartbeat.

As the two authors take the stage, the conversation is expected to drift effortlessly between storytelling and real life—between the characters they’ve created and the lives they’ve lived. They’ll reflect on the seasons of womanhood: building careers, supporting one another through life’s changes, and finding the courage to begin again, even when the path isn’t clear.

And, of course, there will be sea turtles.

Both women remain deeply committed to conservation, and their shared passion for wildlife—particularly sea turtles—has shaped not only their friendship but also their work. With May marking the start of sea turtle nesting season along the South Carolina coast, the timing couldn’t be more fitting. Expect stories that are equal parts heartfelt and inspiring, with a few “turtle-y” memorable moments woven in.

Set against the coastal backdrop of the Isle of Palms, the morning gathering offers a relaxed yet meaningful experience. Guests will enjoy light bites, coffee, and conversation—but what they’ll leave with is something far more lasting: a sense of connection.

Because at its core, this event is about more than literature. It’s about friendship that stands the test of time. It’s about stepping boldly into new chapters. And it’s about the stories we write for ourselves—on the page, and in life.

For longtime fans of Monroe, newcomers discovering Bergwerf, or anyone craving a morning that blends inspiration with authenticity, May 19 promises to be a celebration worth showing up for. Tickets available here.