This books wraps its arms around you like an old friend. The kind of friend you don’t see often, but when you do, you can pick up right where you left off. Mary Alice Monroe’s Beach House Series is like that for me. I’m not sure if I’ve read them all, but I need to go back and read/reread all of them again! This series is a perfect beach escape anytime!

We revisit the Rutledge family, focusing on Cara and Linnea, and the beautiful Isle of Palms. The Turtles and conservation are again a big part of this book, as is a controversial topic. I did not find this book preachy, more informative. Loved the ecology facts at the beginning of each chapter.

Thanks to Ms. Monroe, Gallery Books and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.

There is something soothing about reading books set on beaches - especially South Carolina low country beaches. Some years ago I had the chance to visit Isle of Palms and Sullivan's Island, and have returned again and again. These are indeed magical places in which it is imaginable that romance and hardship coexist, side-by-side.

Mary Alice Monroe has long been a favorite of my "beach authors" and this latest installment of her Beach House series does not disappoint. The only better thing I can think of besides reading this book, is reading it, stretched out in a beach chair set up near the Sullivan's Island lighthouse. Linnea Rutledge, niece of Cara Rutledge; the heroine of the first Beach House books, has returned home after moving to California with her boyfriend. Faced with no job, no place to lie (except with her parents), the summer stretching before Linnea is not what she dreamed it might be. Through the support of unlikely new friendships and the help of her aunt, Linnea faces the challenges of life in the low country with grace and grit. The women of Sullivan's Island prove their strength and character, and Linnea begins to see that life is what you make of it.

On Ocean Boulevard is a 6 book in the Book House Series. You do not have to read the other books in the series because this book stands perfectly on its own. I really enjoyed meeting the Rutledge family and will definitely go back and read this series from the beginning just to get to know them all better. I loved reading about Linnea and Cara and their work with the turtles!
I would rate this a 5 out of 5 stars!! Definitely a good summer/beach read. Or read it anytime you want to feel swept away by a more relaxing beautiful destination.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher of this book for my copy of an ARC book for my honest review.

Mary Alice Monroe’s books are the perfect segue into spring break and summer, preparing our minds for those wonderful days at the beach! The reader is instantly transported to the enchanting Lowcountry coastal setting. This book is a continuation of her beloved “Beach House” series—new adventures and relationships involving the Rutledge family and their friends. Sea turtles and conservation remain as important and lovely aspects of the story. Although On Ocean Boulevard could be a stand-alone novel, I highly recommend reading all of the books in this series. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this wonderful book with me in exchange for an honest review.

Written with care, love of the low country, and heart, this novel displays the author’s everlasting compassion for the sea and the life within it. The different generations of the Rutledge family continue. I love how I was transported to Charleston, Sullivan’s Island, and the Isle of Palms. Beach settings are my favorite escapes to the peace and calm they bring me, and it was done beautifully by the author. Cara and her niece, Linnea, are highlighted in this Beach House series. Even though their stories are treated separately from each other, they intertwine through their family connection. Characters from other books in this series return for brief moments as they enrich the characters. Relationships grow into a thing of beauty, rough as it is to get there. The loggerheads are prevalent and I learned a lot about them from the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. I absolutely loved this book! [I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley and the author and my opinion is my own.]

Just when we need a good old fashioned feel good story, this wonderful book comes along! Whether you have read any of the Rutledge family stories before or not, you will surely enjoy this. Great characters, gentle romance, and love of nature all come together for a heart warming reading experience.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley im exchange for my honest opinion. Any book written by Mary Alice Monroe is absolutely added to my favorite lists. I love how the books are all about Charleston and the south. She definitely knows how to make you feel like you are part of the story and her description of the area is outstanding as Charleston is one of my favorite cities. This was an outstanding read and I highly recommend it.

Linnea Rutledge finds herself back in South Carolina very unexpectedly with no job and no boyfriend. At loose ends she find herself at the family house on the Isle of Palms. Cara, Linnea's aunt, is struggling with her own changes. A story of family and finding the strength to let go of expected dreams and embrace the unexpected. Set on the Isle of Palms it is a perfect read to transport you to the beach.

HUGE fan of this author and series. So grateful to get to read an early copy. If you haven't read any book in this series you are missing out. They are all so tender, heartwarming and just downright beautiful. A beautiful place to live, filled with heritage and history and a very well known family. But the family has its secrets and tragedies. You get to follow them through all of their good and bad times. This story is mostly about Cara ( as usual ) and her niece Linnea who is all grown up and learning her own place in the world. You laugh, you cry. I am totally invested in these characters. A must read.

On Ocean Boulevard was my first Mary Alice Monroe book. I've purchased her books but haven't had a chance to read one. It was sheer perfection. I loved this book. I loved the cover, the characters, the setting, the beach, the sea turtles, every last little detail. I had no trouble following the story and the characters. In fact, I'm eager to read the earlier books in the series. I enjoyed learning about the sea turtles and their habits. I loved the beach descriptions and the charm and culture of Charleston. It was the perfect story to fall into, a world away from the nightmare of COVID-19.

Once again, Mary Alice Monroe has written a wonderful summer read.
I was happy to have the usual cast of characters back and read their stories-both "past" as well as current. A mixture of everyone, no need to wonder "what happened to so & so".
Do be aware, a few chapters switch ahead a few days/weeks/month (per usual), but it doe not distract from the story.
A definite "summer read" that won't disappoint

Thank you to NetGalley, publisher & Ms Monroe for the advanced reader copy in exchange for review

This is a well written book that holds your attention. The author brings the book to life with her words, you can see the beautiful scenery and feel all the emotions. I love how the author brings attention to the sea turtles. If you are looking for a wonderful beach read, grab this book! Thank you Gallery Books via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this wonderful book. All opinions expressed are my own.

On Ocean Boulevard by Mary Alice Monroe Reviewed March 25, 2020 4 + Stars

I am not a big chick lit/women's fiction fan but I do love a good beach read and Lowcountry stories are always great. Plus in this story we have the addition of the Loggerhead turtles which are also a favorite.

I live in Southern California and lucky to live near the ocean. Aww a morning or afternoon at the beach is always a treat! Speaking of a treat… THIS novel was a total treat. A “feel good” story ~ Thank you Mary Alice Monroe!
I look forward to your next novel~ hopefully Beach House #7!

This is latest in the "Beach House" series. I have not read all but have read others and enjoy catching up with the recurring characters.

Want to thank NetGalley and Gallery Books for this early release granted in exchange for an honest professional review. Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 19, 2020

There is nothing better than relaxing into a book by Mary Alice Monroe. Particularly any book in The Beach House series. Cara Rutledge feels like family as I’ve laughed with her, watched her find joy, walked with her through gut wrenching grief, and joy once more. On Ocean Boulevard we are back with Cara as she is sorting her life out with David even though Linnea’s journey into adulthood is the focus. I won’t go into the whole synopsis but I will tell you this... Mary Alice Monroe has an unnatural ability to never a series. I never, and will never, tire of reading about these beloved characters and their stories. Ever.

We are back with Cara and the Rutledge family in Charleston, South Carolina.

Cara returned to her roots sixteen years ago. Since then she's married, been widowed and has a baby! She has been through some of life's cruelest situations. Now, she is still working at the aquarium and turtle rescue as well as planning her own wedding! Yes, Cara is getting married again.

Now it's time for her niece to come home. Linnea went to California with big dreams of a career and hopefully a husband. Neither has happened and now she is back on Sullivan's Island living with her parents and feeling discombobulated. Her parents are holding up well after they lost everything and moved to the island. Palmer seems to be doing well building a house on Cara's lot and Julia is finding herself as well.

Just when it seems as if they all may come out all right, a major illness strikes and everything comes to an abrupt halt. But we know these people. Together they can move mountains. And just like the turtles that return every year to their beach, they too will find strength in their love for one another and their family. 

I adore this series. My momma is a Charleston girl and when I read Monroe's books I actually know most of these names! Personally, we are Pinckney's. There is so much family love and tradition in these stories that now is the perfect time to read this!

Thanks so much, Ms. Monroe!

NetGalley/ May 19th, 2020 by Gallery Books

I love this series, I love these characters, and I really enjoy this author. This installment touches on some really important issues and I'm not sure that I loved how Cara handled them. I loved that it was real talk, but so many times I wanted her friends to call her out and say hey, you know you're being kind of bitchy, right? I don't know. All that being said, it was a lovely follow up (and still makes me want to watch a turtle run!)

Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3215450018

This is the sixth book in “The Beach House” series, and I’ve loved every one. The first was 20 years ago, which I can’t believe.
Author Mary Alice Monroe, originally from Chicago, moved to Isle of Palms, S.C., where she learned all about sea turtles.
This book, as have the others, offer her the chance to relate to readers the challenges of saving the environment and animals.
Readers do not have to read the first five books to be able to follow the story, but you will definitely want to go back and ready them at some point.
Cara Rutledge now finds herself as the matriarch of her family. This is the first time she has been back in 16 years, but the rhythms of life on the island come back quickly.
Her niece, Linnea, has come back to Sullivan’s Island from California after her relationship ends. She hopes to find a job on the island. Her parents have financial issues, and are hinging their hopes on a house they are building.
As with all families, there’s a lot of conflict and a lot of love. And as always, the sea turtles link the generations together.

This book continues the story of the Rutledge family. The story focuses on Cara and Linnea who are both facing big changes in their lives. Cara is getting married and Linnea has just lost her job and her boyfriend. I have enjoyed reading the books in this series. There are a lot of characters to keep straight in this book, but I think it could be read as a stand alone. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

I didn't realize that this book was part of a series, but honestly I connected with all the characters in the book and honestly with the characters who were in previous books but have pasted away. Family connections and history are very strong themes. Very contemporary issues are addressed, immunization, sea turtles, beach contamination, trash and plastics. I fell in love with the setting of the low country! The ending of the book was so beautiful. Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.

Nothing is better than a new book in the Beach House Series! I have grown to love these characters. This book mostly centers around Cara and her niece Linnea. Cara is planning a big wedding that she’s not so sure about, the location that is. Her very generous fiancé whisks Cara and her wedding party away to NY to shop for a wedding dress. This trip will have monumental consequences for Cara’s adopted young daughter, Hope. Meanwhile Linnea returns back from California after breakup with her boyfriend John. She lands a much favored internship that she’s hoping will catapult her to a career that’s perfect for her. She keeps running into a very handsome guy that she’s thinks she’s sweet on. You’ll have read to find out if Cara ever makes it to the altar and if Linnea can build new dreams back on the island.