On Ocean Boulevard by Mary Alice Monroe is the 6th book in her Beach House series. This is the first book I have read in this series, but it read very well as a standalone. This story revolves mostly around two women, Linnea Rutledge and her aunt, Cara Rutledge taking place near Charleston, South Carolina.

Linnea returns home after losing her job, as well as breaking up with her boyfriend. She plans to stay with her parents, but stops to see her Aunt Cara, at Primrose Cottage, which has been a mainstay during Linnea’s childhood, and the memories of her grandmother, Lovie.

Cara is not home when Linnea arrives, as she is busy with her friends planning on her upcoming fancy and expensive wedding, which she privately prefers to be a simple small one. Cara is 55 years old, and after being widowed for many years, she is happily in love with David, as well as having a young child, Hope, who David also loves. When she finally comes home, she is thrilled to see Linnea, and together they talk about each of their own issues; Linnea always seeks Cara for advice. What I loved about this story was the close relationships between most of the women, whether it be mother and daughter; aunt and niece, friendships- old and new and how when things get tough, these people will always find a way to be there for each other. Beautifully done.

What follows is following Cara’s life as things fall apart, when a terrible illness brings everything to halt, with her questioning the decisions she has made, including her upcoming marriage. We also get to see Linnea’s life changing for the better, as with some help from her aunt, she finds a temporary job that could lead to permanent employment, and a boyfriend she never expected to find. I also loved when Linnea also found two new friends upon returning home.

On Ocean Boulevard also revolves around Cara’s Primrose Cottage on the Isle of Palms, which has so much meaning to her, as well as to Linnea, who always visits. Again, since this is the 6th book in this series, the meaning of this cottage beach house is little lost since I have not read the earlier books, but I do see how much it means to everyone. Monroe has created some wonderful characters, besides Cara and Linnea; such as Hope, Emmi, Flo, David, Palmer, Julia, Annabelle, just to name a few. I enjoyed the insights to the loggerhead turtles nesting, and the conservative groups to prevent plastics into the oceans.

On Ocean Boulevard was a sweet wonderful story, with fantastic characters, friendships, family, love; as well as various issues pertaining to environment or important home issues. Mary Alice Monroe has written a wonderful story that you will enjoy.

When it comes to the perfect heartfelt, summery reads, Mary Alice Monroe always delivers. On Ocean Boulevard was no exception and a delight to get swept up in from start to finish. I loved this story of family, self-discovery, love, new beginnings, and environmentalism (particularly when it comes to the health of our beaches/oceans/seat turtle population). Mixed with a most wonderful group of characters of all ages, a charming Southern feel, and gorgeous writing, it had oh so much going for it and I was left absolutely inspired by this beautiful story. This is a gem of a book and I couldn’t recommend it more!

Thank you so much to Gallery Books and NetGalley for the complimentary copy.

Everytime I think this series is over, I am pleasantly surprised when I found out another book will be released. After having several of my vacations cancelled this summer, it brought me a lot of delight to travel vicariously to the South Country Lowcountry and visit Cara Rutledge's beach house on Sullivan's Island once again. There are two major story lines in this book. One involves Cara Rutledge who is planning her second wedding, while she wonders how her life will be changed once she marries. The second story line is about Cara's niece Linnea who has just returned to Sullivan's Island after losing both her job and boyfriend back in California. Linnea must find a new path for her life including finding a new job and maybe opening her heart back up to love.

I love how this book continues to have the theme of conservation in it as several characters are impassioned with saving the turtles that visit the South Carolina coastline to lay their eggs in the summer months. I found this book to be pretty predictable and was grateful that there weren't any big curveballs that would take characters out of future installments of the series. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this isn't the last that I'll see of the Rutledge family. It's starting to become a tradition that I always read a Beach House book each summer. I'd hate to break my streak! Keep em coming Mary Alice Monroe!

This book is good addition to Mary Alice Monroe’s Beach House series. I have read all the other books in the series, but had some difficulty fully understanding and appreciating the story line because I had to stretch my memory for information from the other books. A bit more back story about the characters, their relationships to each other, what events have shaped their lives, etc. would have lent to the story, especially for a new reader or for someone like me who reads a lot and has difficulty recalling details about each series. The book is already quite long, so the author might have felt that adding this would only make it almost impossibly long, but it might have helped flesh out the story line. Along this same vein, I am not so sure the author did not try to include almost too much in the story: Linnea’s romance, the illness that falls right into the family unit, the impending nuptials for Cara and David, environmental concerns about plastics, etc. It almost seemed like this was enough fodder for more than one book, or, if not, some of these should have been given less prominence/space in the book.

In this book, we revisit the lives of the Rutledge family in the Charleston, SC area. Cara is busy with her upcoming nuptials to David. At the same time, Linnea has returned home after losing her job and breaking up with her long-time beau in California. She is currently job seeking and trying to figure out her life. Then, there are the turtles. They have been an important part in the series, and continue to be so in this one. Living in Florida, I know how things get when the turtles get ready to reproduce and how everyone is concerned about it all. I am definitely not condemning this concern, as I think it is very much important and justified. In the middle of all this, new characters, from England, come on the scene and immediately become important in this family’s saga

The setting of the story, as in the other books, lends to a great story line, one that is, I think, popular among readers. The author has continued to provide well-done descriptions of the area and the lives of this family. As I said, however, there may have been just too much for one book. Since I have read all the other books in the series, I already knew the characters, though, even I had to stretch to remember everyone and who they were and how their lives had evolved. This is a good addition to the series and well worth reading. It will be a must for anyone who has been following the series, though I hope they have better memories than I and do not have to stretch to recall the ins and outs of each character and their stories. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.

While I own all of the earlier books in this series, I have not had time to read them. So I was very pleased that this book worked as a standalone. I adore books placed in the low country and the focus on the turtle teams and environmental conservation just added to the pleasure of reading this book.

There are moments of difficulty in relationships and yet moments of endearing family and friend relationships are touching. There are several subplots that are woven through the book. This was a lovely tale of life, love, family, friendships, insecurity fear, and developing a sense of where a person fits in the world.

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Once again Mary Alice Munroe has written a perfect beach read that touches the reader's heart and leaves you ready to read the next adventure in the beach house saga.

Another fabulous work by Mary Alice Monroe! Linnea Rutledge has returned to Sullivan's Island, SC & her parents' home after losing her job & breaking up with her boyfriend. Widowed Cara Rutledge is engaged to be married to her second husband. Cara's brother Palmer & his wife Julia are in the process of completing the building of a spec home on land Cara gave him. This is a huge opportunity to leave their bankruptcy far behind. And the loggerhead turtles are coming ashore to lay their eggs once again. Lots of things going on for everyone in this wonderful low country story. You can almost smell the ocean.

Ms. Monroe's books are always exceptional escapist reading & this is yet another example of her artistry. I loved this book & very strongly recommend it. I didn't want it to end!

Thank you to Netgalley, the author Mary Alice Monroe, and the publisher Gallery Books for granting my request to read the ARC of this superb book.

On Ocean Boulevard by Mary Alice Monroe is a heartfelt yet slow burn contemporary romance. It reads more like a woman's fiction novel than contemporary romance but it still has that bit of magic inside...

The characters such as Cara, the fun aunt, made this a good story. Cara is beginning her second marriage. She wants the marriage to be special but doesn't want the dozens of people and fancy stuff. She just wants a small ceremony with friends and of course wearing her special wedding gown. Cara is a good woman. She is sassy, smart, and ever loving. Especially, when it comes to her niece, Linnea.

Linnea left home with a guy she thought loved her. It turns out, that wasn't to be her happily ever after. She loses her job and comes back home. She's avoiding her parents. Her daddy, told her so about the guy she ran away with and she's not ready to confront he was right just yet. I loved how despite her chances of failing, her parents still loved their daughter so much! The love could be felt from the pages.

The writing was well-done. I could feel all the emotions created by this bestselling writer. It's easy to see why her books are a favorite. This one was steady-paced for me. The plot was a sweet, entertaining, and a HEA. If you're a huge fan of Debbie Macomber, Susan Mallery, or Brenda Novak-then, this is a must read for you! This is exactly like the books those writers have created. I have read previous books from Mary Alice Monroe and enjoyed them. Overall, I would recommend taking the chance to read this new novel.

Lots of pretty people in predictable situations. Sounds like it would be boring but it isn't. The characters are well done and the writing is well paced. Several different stories that are pleasant and interesting. And lessons in ecology and turtles as a bonus! What's not to like?!

I always enjoy Mary Alice Monroe books - they're a breath of fresh air.

I love Mary Alice Monroe’s books and this was a wonderful charters and such a warm storyline!! Always love the story of the turtles! High recommend

4.5 stars for Mary Alice Monroe’s newest novel On Ocean Boulevard. I absolutely adored this latest novel (as I do her previous ones I’ve had the pleasure to read) this one hit home! The characters the setting, picking up where you’ve left off years down the line. If this hasn’t made it to your TBR pile you need to add it ASAP! You won’t regret it

In Mary Alice Monroe's latest book, she continues her story of the Charleston Rutledge family. Cara Rutledge is preparing for her second wedding, but as with everything, her life is about to change again. Cara’s niece Linnea returns to Sullivan’s Island to begin a new career and an unexpected relationship. Linnea’s parents have regrouped and are working on the construction of a new home on Ocean Boulevard. But things are never easy and there are many pitfalls along the way. Linnea finds a new man, her mother finds a new job opportunity and her dad continues to struggle to stay financially afloat. In all of this, a devastating illness strikes the family and brings all plans to a halt. The Rutledge family must come together yet again to find strength in each other and in the Low Country that they all love so much. Mary Alice Monroe does not disappoint.

I cannot imagine starting a summer without a new Mary Alice Monroe book ! I cherish each and every book. The sublime coastal setting , the Primrose cottage, and beautiful Isle of Palms the author describes so eloquently. This is the 6th book in the beloved "Beach House Series". I have read the previous in series and highly recommend this series for your reading enjoyment. This is a series that you can revisit time and time again it is so well done.
Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own.

As we return to the setting we readers love of coastal Charleston South Caroline we are thrilled to return to the Rutledge family. Cara is busy planning her summer wedding and as harried as most brides are as the wedding grows closer. Linnea returns to stay at Primrose Cottage with Cara as she has had major life changes . Linnea and Cara are different in age yet bound by their family and history. They have to navigate their new relationship now that Linnea has moved home. Palmer and Julia are facing life changes themselves this summer. As the wedding plans progress a life changing illness affects a family member that reminds them of what is most important in life.

The Loggerhead turtles are back and the advocacy to save them that we readers appreciate and value in each book. As the family gathers there is drama, new relationships to navigate and most of all love of family and shared history that binds the Rutledge family together.

I loved this book and look forward to purchasing it for my library. Thank you to the author for continuing this well loved series and for your dedication to the Rutledge family and Isle of Palms.

The Rutledge family has always been a prominent name in Charleston, South Carolina. Cara has weathered many storms in her life and another one is coming her way. Will Cara be able to weather this storm and still stand tall. Linnea, Cara's niece, is back home after a break-up with her long-time boyfriend. Unable to find a job, Linnea starts walking the beach which has always been calming and sees a turtle returning to the sea after nesting. Turtle watching is in her blood. Her grandmother was a leader in the field of preserving turtle nests, many in the family participated in turtle watching. I loved the way each chapter in the book began with some turtle facts. Linnea is given an intern position at the aquarium and takes off running with the job. Things start coming together and, even in the man field, Gordon is a great addition to Linnea's summer. Linnea's parents are also dealing with their own issues which also involves Cara in a way. When Cara is hit with a bombshell, things change. Cara decides it is time for her and to start slowing down. As the summer comes to a close, the storm eases and a little bit of calm remains. Another great beach read by Ms. Monroe. I loved it! Cannot wait to read the other books in the series. Thank you to Ms. Monroe, Gallery Books, and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Nice little read. Not too much happening but when something does its interesting. One of my favorites is the NY trip--a time in life when you're so happy and everything is perfect for a day. Very rare indeed.
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for this arc

There is absolutely nothing like spending time in Monroe's Beach House Series! This story was no exception! From the very first sentence, it is like putting on your comfiest clothes and being surrounded by dear old friends and catching up on their lives. Great writing, wonderful friends (characters), and the easy rhythm of the Lowcountry life. What more could one ask for - but another Beach House story?!? I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and the publisher and this Is my honest opinion.

What a joy it is to spend time with a family you’ve known for years! One whose lives you feel part of in a locale that’s as familiar as the one you grew up in. Oh, wait! I did grow up in that locale! One of the best things about Mary Alice Monroe's Beach House series is it feels like going home to me. On Ocean Boulevard, book 6 in the series, is no exception. With family surnames and street names and landmarks that were an integral part of my childhood, the Rutledge family of Charleston and now Sullivan’s Island, SC are like my own family. The author has the gift of making readers care about her characters – you want to spend time with them and get to know them better, and most of all you want them to get their lives in order and do well. New characters are introduced with each book in the series and you want them to take their places in the family (or not, as in the case of the less likable ones!) This time around, we have new friends, a new love, and a new group of turtle hatchlings who must find their way in the world and in the story.
Ms.Monroe has a gift for educating her readers without being preachy about the environment and the changes that are a threat not only to our wildlife but those of us who share planet Earth with them. As Cara Rutledge and the turtle team work hard to protect the precious charges they’ve assumed responsibility for, they also work hard to protect their families, their friends, and the relationships they’ve fought for. If you haven’t ventured into the world of these strong, independent women, I recommend you start at the beginning of the series with book 1, The Beach House. If you are already a member of the Beach House family, then welcome to the latest installment where there will be laughter, tears, love, and forgiveness and, as always, just a whiff of Jasmine!

Summer can officially begin now that Mary Alice Monroe has transported us back to Savannah's Lowcountry via her latest installment in The Beach House series! Once again we are welcomed warmly into the Rutledge family, with the next generations front & center. Cara, and her lovely niece Linnea, figure most prominently in the story, along of course with the beloved sea turtles & the charming beach setting. A perfect & relaxing escape! With thanks to Gallery Books for this ARC.

Well, you know summer is right around the corner when there is a Mary Alice Monroe book to read. I haven't read all of her books..... yet, but I have loved the ones that I have read. And this one was fabulous. I loved my trip back to the beach house. It felt a little bit like being on vacation but then I was also there among friends who needed to work through some things.

I also enjoy learning about the sea turtles, which is a passion of the people on the island and Mary Alice herself. Their life cycle is fascinating to read about.

On Ocean Boulevard will definitely put you in the mood for summer and the beach, with the interesting story-line and the great cast of returning characters. It's like catching up with old friends, and at the perfect summer vacation spot. Check it out!

I look forward to a new addition in The Beach House series every single spring and this year was no exception. On Ocean Boulevard is book six in the series and reconnects us with Cara and her niece Linnea. I loved the emphasis on strong women, each in very different stages of life.

Monroe's detailed writing sets the scene of the shores of South Carolina so beautifully I almost feel like I am there. I love the familiar characters and the connection with the loggerhead sea turtles. You can tell Monroe feels deeply about both the environment and loggerhead sea turtles and I love how she incorporates these important messages into her engaging storylines.

Just like with the rest of this series, On Ocean Boulevard is the perfect mix of beach life, romance, and facing life's challenges that come along the way. I love how she is able to interconnect the beauty of the world mixed with the complexities of our relationships with those around us and with ourselves.

I always feel like I have just reconnected with old friends when I pick up these books and while I am sad when they are over, I look forward to seeing where Monroe takes us in her next installment. 

Thank you to Gallery Books for a gifted copy. As always, all thoughts are my own.

Received this from Net Gallery!As I am from Charleston,S.C. This was a book true to my heart! I even know about the "famous turtles" and this family! Every town has one! I have never read this author before "Mary Alice Moore", but I sure will follow up on the series. Many,many things happen in this family,good and bad, but will they survive! It's a truly a heart warming story of family that has traditional ,loyalty and love! Very well researched and the characters you will fall in love with! Get the tissues,you will so need them. A so just summer read!