Linnea Rutledge's home Primrose Cottage on the Isle of Palms is one of the few remaining 1930's homes on the island.
Her employer the South Carolina
Aquarium is closing its door due to COVID and she no longer has a job, she is laid off. She invites her co worker to be her roommate , sharing expenses .since she rents the cottage from her Aunt Cara..

Her ex boyfriend is living in the carriage house , quarantining after having learned a colleague tested positive for COVID.

Linnea's parents Julia & Palmer Rutledge are facing a financial crisis as well New homes aren't selling and building supplies and appliances are delayed. Julia cat t get paid for her decorating business either or take on new jobs.

Cara's husband David returns from a London trip and isn't feeling well and goes into quarantine as well. His young daughter Hope goes to live with Linnea while her father is in quarantine due to her health being at risk.

Cooper, Linnea's brother comes home from studying abroad as the university has closed and he movies into the cottage as well and soon becomes romantically involved with Linnea's roommate,

Linnea's boyfriend Gideon comes and moves in with her , however she has mixed feelings about their living together.. She's not ready to live with him.

Flo, a friend of Linnea's late grandmother has dementia and often escapes the house she's living in,, one night she escapes and is on the beach for hours in the cold before she is discovered and her health turns worse and she has to go to the hospital and due to COVID restrictions she dies alone.

Gideon has to return to England , he can't live in the U S permanently. He wants Linnea to go with him but she doesn't want to give up everything and her family to go live in England permanently.

Lost and Found : Lost: the loss of Flo Found; new relationships

I think everyone can to relate to something in this book set during the pandemic. It's always a pleasure to read about the Rutledge family and this did not disappoint. It's a story of love, family, upheavals, disappointments and resilience. And, of course, there are the turtles, a constant of nature.

I received a free e-ARC of this book through Netgalley.
The beautiful cover almost makes me feel like I'm on vacation.
I was kind of torn while reading this book because I think it's important to write about the current pandemic since it's a major historical event, but it's also too close and still too real at this moment in time. As I read this and re-lived the early part of the pandemic with the characters in the book who struggled to get home from abroad, who aren't sure if and when to wear masks, how close to get to other people, people losing their jobs... it was all a bit stressful to go through again.
However, that isn't the main reason I didn't give more stars to this book. Quite soon into the book, I found myself wondering if this was a book out of a series because it alludes to so many previous events and people that I was floundering a bit. It doesn't look like it's from a series, but it lends that feeling of being set down into a story that's already been going on for some time. I think the author did want to convey the impression of a family saga, but it was a bit discombobulating to me with everything else going on in the book.

I’m ashamed to admit that I have a few books by this author and I haven’t put them up to read yet so I decided to pick this one to read first and I know I’ll definitely be picking up the others and reading them. This author is a joy to read, sweet and it makes you laugh. Such a feel good read. Thank you

This is the first book I’ve read that completely takes place during the Covid-19 pandemic and that added a whole other dimension to the story.
Linnea gets laid off from her job at the aquarium as a result of shutdowns due to the pandemic and moves into the family owned beach house in exchange for childcare of her niece because her uncle had been exposed to the virus. Linnea also let’s her brother and another employee of the aquarium move in with her in attempts to pay it forward, but it complicated things more than she thought, especially when her ex moves into the house next door and her current boyfriend comes to win her back as well.
There were some light moms, but also lots of heavy ones, including the death of the matriarch from Covid. It was a quick read despite the seriousness of the pandemic and I think it will be a hit this summer.
Thanks to Gallery Books and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review.

This book continues the Beach House series about the Rutledge family during the Covid pandemic. Linnea loses her job when the Aquarium closes. So does her friend Anna who cannot afford her apartment, so Linnea invites Anna to come stay at the Beach House. Linnea's brother and boyfriend return from England. John, her ex, has also returned to help his mother. Feelings abound.

The Summer of Lost and Found by Mary Alice Monroe.
One of my favorite book series. I keep thinking this series can't get
any better but Mary Alice Monroe brings you as great a storyline or better with each new book.
I hope the author keeps bringing you out new books in the series.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC.
I love Mary Alice Monroe's books.
5 Stars!
It relates to the 2020 Coronovirus pandemic and was a really good story.
There's lots of love, friends, figuring out life, dealing with Covid and the restrictions that it brings and loss there is from this pandemic.
I highly recommend this book. I loved all of the characters and did want to put the book down.

I want to start by thanking Mary Alice Monroe for taking a chance on setting a novel during the pandemic. I know many people want to forget 2020 and its challenges, but I think it’s important for us to remember how transformative the pandemic was for all of us. In this book, we are reminded of the good and the bad that we all went through, highlighted by the wonderful Rutledge family and the beautiful place where they lived. This heartfelt family saga is a story of change, acceptance, and making the most of a difficult situation. I think most of us who lived through the pandemic will find so much of this book relatable, and perhaps it will also give people a bit of hope.

I can not get enough of Mary Alice Monroe's books. I have read and loved all of them.
I love this family circle, feel like a part of them.
I love the Beach House Series!!
I have learned about turtles, facts I never knew.

This book was current with the pandemic hitting the area.

This is another loved book, love this family!

I did not feel lost reading this novel, even though it is book 7 in the Beach House series. The author does a good job of getting the reader well acquainted with her characters as they all face the news of a worldwide shut down to slow down the spread of the coronavirus. This author wrote about the pandemic during the pandemic. She says, “…what could be more interesting to write about the changes and challenges families faced with forced isolation, togetherness, and economic strain? I wanted to write about this phenomenon we were living in – not about the Covid-19 illness, but family dynamics…I wrote this novel in real time – and what a roller coaster journey it has been?...After the original shock and fear of a global shutdown, we went through the five stages of grief, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Our defense strategies shifted to coping strategies.”

This novel kicks off in April 2020, since I was reading this in April 2021 it brought back all the memories of that time and how we have gotten to where we have today. This author pulls out all the stops as she delves into the Rutledge family dynamics as they deal with the unknown, daring to take the next step, as they encourage one another.

Main character Linnea is caught in a whirlwind as she is torn between two lovers and has to decide. She says, “Hindsight is twenty-twenty. Yet in this year of 2020, there is no hindsight to be had! All of us are trying to make the best of this year like no other. We don’t know what the future will bring. It’s like you said, every day is precious. So, let’s be happy just living in the here and now. Let’s try not to get sick.”

Linnea said it well. Our time in dealing with the Covid-9 virus, social distancing, face masks, and doing life safely together is still a thing. It has evolved and will continue to do so, as we keep the main thing the main thing, living in the moment, embracing family, showing them love and giving them grace to take in the beauty surrounding them, not letting fear led to have depression take over.

This is the first time I’ve read a novel by this author. I enjoyed the backdrop of Linnea working at an aquarium and how her and her friend Anna deal with being furloughed when the aquarium shut down. Their passion for helping the turtle eggs hatching and helping them get to the sea was interesting. I liked hanging out with this family at the beach seeing how they handled the year 2020.

This is a story that will have you reflect on the past, give you courage for the future as we are still in this together. The author shows this through the Rutledge family. This is a fun read that included Linnea and Ann’s jobs at the aquarium and how they saved the baby turtles on the beach. If you do not mind a few “F” bombs and cussing throughout, with mention of sex with no graphic scenes, with a strong sense of place and love for family you will enjoy this novel. It’s a fun beach read and book club pick. There is so much to discuss.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

Over the last year and a half I have used Books relentlessly to escape the COVID crap. I am not interested in reading about the pandemic in books. But I made an exception for The Summer of Lost and Found. I wanted to catch up with the sea turtle gang. Honestly, ,the first few chapters threw me back a year and caused me to relive the chaos. But then the story evened out and the focus was on other things. Some characters faded into the background as a couple of characters stole the stage. I did enjoy reading the book. I loved the beach details, the little hatchlings, and the low country cadence. One of the best scenes was when the men go fishing. Too much testerone for one boat. Linnea had to make some hard choices and I can't wait for the next book to see where her road takes her.

I loved this book! I've read all 6 books in the Beach House series, and this one didn't disappoint. I enjoyed how the author used the pandemic as the premise for the plot affecting all the characters. I also liked it that even though the book is mainly about Linnea, her aunt, Cara, is still very much present and important in the story.
Think that for the reader who hasn't read any book in the series, The Summer of Lost and Found, would be an engaging read and introduction to the Rutledge family.

"Every day is meant to be lived. Fully. With our eyes wide open. Our senses on full alert. Not wasted. Or squandered in doubt or self-pity" John, The Summer of Lost and Found

Bravo! I laughed, cried, and thoroughly loved The Summer of Lost and Found! I devoured the latest Rutledge family book by Mary Alice Monroe. The Summer of Lost and Found is a marvelous story of adapting and dealing with the unexpected during the time of a pandemic.
Linnea Rutledge is among several employees at the aquarium that has been affected by the pandemic and furloughed until further notice. Linnea offers a room to one of her co-workers, Anne, who has become homeless due to the loss of her job. Cara had instilled the concept of ‘paying it forward’ and being kind to those in need. Soon Cara asks Linnea to take Hope and care for her as David recovers from an illness that appears to be Covid-19. A few weeks later, Cooper, Linnea’s brother asks to move into the beach house to avoid conflicts with Palmer and Julia. Linnea begins to feel trapped and uncomfortable with so many people in the house.
Problems arise as Linnea and Hope begin to interact with John who is visiting his mother during the Covid sheltering in place. Memories of their past together and how John sent her home a year ago make it difficult for Linnea to accept his offer of friendship.
Gordon is planning to return from the UK for a marine research project. He and Linnea are anxious to reunite and explore the possibilities of their relationship. The small cottage is filled with differing personalities and the stress of adjusting to a new way of living during the pandemic takes a toll on family and friends. The way the 'pod' comes together as support of each other is amazing.
Publication Date: May 11, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley, Mary Alice Monroe, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

I just finished and loved Mary Alice Monroe’s newest book, The Summer of Lost and Found. If you are a past reader of MAM’s Beach House series, you will recognize the focus of this year’s book—Linnea Rutledge and the COVID-19 pandemic. We are reminded that Linnea is Cara Rutledge-Wyatt’s niece or Cara’s brother Palmer’s daughter. Lots of characters in this book but, no fear, MAM introduces her characters in each book so skillfully and subtly that you barely notice she’s doing so. As it has been a year since the last book in the series, some of us need a little help with who’s who among minor characters and their connections to one another. No need for flipping back and forth in the books pages, finding all the books in the series to look up the characters, or even taking character notes while reading in order to be able to follow along in the next book. All is taken care of by MAM, so you can relax and just read any book in the series in any order. But do yourself a favor and read them all! For this book, MAM includes maps of Sullivans Island and Isle of Palms, as well as a Rutledge family tree. I thought it was fun to actually see where everyone lived in relation to one another. The family tree aided me in remembering how characters are related – very helpful!
MAM absolutely nailed it when it came to addressing feelings and aspects of life attached to COVID-19. She brought back memories of a time when wearing a mask wasn’t second nature, shaking hands was a common practice, and seeing friends often meant meeting up in a restaurant that would, of course, be open. When Linnea meets up with Emmi, early in the book, both comment they don’t have masks yet! Mary Alice also introduces us to a piece of furniture particular to Charleston—look for that in the book. The next time you visit the Charleston area, you’ll be looking for this furniture on every porch. Just like the seagrass baskets described in her other books!
The Summer of Lost and Found touches on furloughs and job losses, quarantining, hoarding, staple shortages and isolation—and it is somewhat comforting to know our favorite characters have had similar experiences to our own during these uncertain times.
What could have been a solemn reminder of a bad year, however, instead shows us camaraderie and ways Linnea and the Rutledge family band together to make the most of a difficult time. They develop “pods” of relatives and friends living in close proximity and are forced to slow down a bit to appreciate what we are all guilty of taking for granted—family. We see younger characters taking on new roles and inheriting the responsibilities of their elders with the care of Primrose Cottage and the sea turtles. We originally saw these lessons instilled in them, early in the series, by our beloved Lovie and her friend Flo, and in this book Cara and Emmi have continued on helping the next generation. It was also refreshing to read about all the younger folks and their “home break challenge”. I am landlocked in Oklahoma and have never heard of it. I looked it up on YouTube— it is a real thing!
The Summer of Lost and Found was a fun, relatable read, getting to know more about Linnea, seeing her personal life unfold as she decides between two loves, seeing Cara’s life move forward with a daughter and husband, and seeing characters like Cara’s brother, Palmer, true to form, doing just what we’d expect—because we know him so well! MAM continues to deeply develop characters and story lines; nothing is stagnant—just like in real life. Her books are totally relatable because we can see ourselves and our own experiences throughout them. Like waves in the ocean, which is the backdrop of the series, life at Primrose Cottage is forever evolving, unfolding, and developing. Sometimes it rolls along smoothly, sometimes it crashes to the shore—like when relationships end or loved ones die.
My favorite part of the original book in this series, The Beach House, was the chapter headers’ lessons about sea turtles. I hope MAM’s next book will again put the focus on the turtles and the turtle team—perhaps with an emphasis this time on Emmi and her love life, and her relationship with Cara. I love these 2 ladies because they are the characters closest to my own age. I can relate to them and almost feel as if they are friends.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publishers, and Mary Alice Monroe for my advance copy of The Summer of Lost and Found. It was a thrill to have the privilege of reading this book before the general public. I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review of the book. I will post copies of this review in Barnes & Noble, NetGalley, Goodreads, and Friends and Fiction.

2020 has not been an easy year for Linnea. She has been laid off from her job and is trying to keep together a long distance romance. To further complicate matters, her old boyfriend, John has temporarily moved next door to assist with caring for her elderly neighbor. Romantic relationships, friendships, and family bonds are being tested amid the isolation that quarantining brings. Linnea has to handle a new puppy, a roommate, a 6 year old, her current boyfriend, and an old boyfriend. What could go wrong? This book was an interesting read and especially given current topics (pandemic). I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the advance review copy in advance for my honest review.

A story set during the time of Covid in 2020. Though it isn’t something we want to ever live through again it was interesting to read this story at this time. I thought it was well written though the ending was a bit rushed.
Thanks for the advanced copy from netgalley and the author and publisher.

In The Summer of Lost and Found, Mary Alice Monroe writes about what we've been living from a very real and identifiable perspective. So many of the impacted generations can relate to this book.

MAM takes us back to visit the Rutledge family at the start of the pandemic in March 2020. The story focuses on Linnea this time. I loved experiencing Covid-19 and all of the emotions it brings with it through the perspective of another.

This book has all the feels both positive as can be seen with this quote, "What is normal anymore? "Every day is meant to be lived. Fully, With our eyes wide open. Our senses on full alert. Not wasted. Or squandered in doubt or self-pity." The negatives are experienced to, "Sometimes I feel I'm a breath away from screaming."

I know I have had similar feelings as well as many in between these two extreme view points. I loved how they established a small "pod" so they could have some people to socialize with safely.

I know we read to have an escape from reality. I was not sure I would like a book that had Covid-19 in it. But I really enjoyed it. Give this book a chance and you will not regret it!

This story unfortunately just wasn't for me. I appreciate the opportunity to read it but living in the current climate of our world and then experiencing it like this in fiction was just too close for me as a reader and not enough escapism. I appreciated the thoughtfulness of the subject and the tone of the story in general but it was abundantly discussed to the point where I felt I was being lectured at times. I can see the appeal of this book for readers but for me it just didn't work.