an excellent book although I do prerer ones that continue in one time period instead of flipping back and forth. But that is done so smoothly in this book I didn't mind it at all. I learned a lot about a region I didn't know and am waiting anxiously for the sequel.

Mary Alice Monroe has a new book that you have to read! Eliza Rivers has led quite a life and she tells her story to her granddaughter and great niece. She grew up in the lowcountry of South Carolina at her beloved Mayfield. The author makes you feel like you are there with Eliza going through he idyllic childhood with her family, friends and neighbors, the hardships of the Great War and trying to stay true to herself. There are great lessons about birds, the land and the families beloved horses. This is historical fiction at it's best and the best part is there is a book 2 coming!

Where the Rivers Merge
by Mary Alice Monroe
Pub Date: May 13th 2025
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my h0nest opinion.
From New York Times bestselling author Mary Alice Monroe comes her highly anticipated Where the Rivers Merge, the first of two epic and triumphant novels celebrating one intrepid woman's life across multiple generations in the American South.
This is book club fiction at it's finest.
This is a must read! Add it now to your list of books to read and buy it as soon as it's available in May!
The protagonist’s life story growing up on a rice and horse farm in South Carolina is engaging. I grew to care deeply about every thrilling personal victory and tragic heartache. Just when I anticipated one plot twist the tale would go to an unexpected but pleasantly surprising new place. The story had great pace. All historic details were accurate and made this time period in the Low Country of South Carolina’s coast come alive.
The author, Mary Alice Monroe, tells us in her notes this is a story about conservation and love of land. She certainly delivered on this and so much more! I look forward to the sequel.
5 stars

Where the Rivers Merge is a family saga about the Rivers family, and their grand South Carolina estate, Mayfield. Eliza Rivers loves Mayfield, and it’s through her eyes that the story is told,

Set in 1988 and the early 1900s, we see the family touched by war, segregation and infighting.

I enjoyed this book. The author’s descriptions make it easy to picture yourself at Mayfield and in Charleston. Eliza is a force to be reckoned with and I cannot wait for book number two to see how her story ends.

Thank you to William Morrow, Mary Alice Monroe, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. Although this book felt very similar to another of the author's book, the story did progress and just got better and better. The main character is Eliza an 88 year "young" women, telling her story of her past. This story goes from present day to her past early 1900's. I love this author's writing and this book did not disappoint. This is a book series and I am very looking forward to the second book. Hope it's soon!

This is a wonderful book with great characters. The main character Eliza is a very strong woman who knows what she loves and wants. The book has two different timelines so you meet 88 year old Eliza and younger Eliza as she tells her story of her life and growing up to her granddaughter and great-niece. I definitely recommend Where the Rivers Merge, especially if you like reading about the South Carolina Lowcountry. I always learn something new while reading Mary Alice Monroe's books. The ending left me wanting to find out more about Eliza and the future of Mayfield. I'm looking forward to the next book.

Thank you William Morrow Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

Captivating story of a girl growing up in a favored plantation home. She grows into a strong, determined woman giving her all for the land she loves. As she relates the story of the history of Mayfield, the plantation home, she conveys her deep love of the land to her granddaughter and grandniece. I eagerly await the second book.

This is a multi-generational saga covering the early part of the 20th century, telling the intertwined stories of love and friendship, great sacrifices, wars and segregation. Ms. Monroe’s beautifully written scenes and descriptions pull you right into the story of one woman’s journey from an eight-year-old, through an 88-year-old matriarch. Highly recommended.

I have been a fan of Mary Alice Monroe and her novels for a long time. This one seems to come from a slightly different angle being more about overall conservation and historical fiction rather than one specific species or cause. It also explores one woman's view and journey through various eras. I'm honored to have read an early copy but sad that it will be that much longer before I'm able to read the conclusion of this epic tale.

The story begins in 1988 when an elderly Eliza receives intel that her son plans to remove her as CEO of the successful family company. The urgency to do so comes from Eliza’s conservation easement plan for Mayfield, the rice farm she grew up on in the Charleston countryside that also happens to now be a valuable asset. Eliza is presented with the opportunity to share her cherished Mayfield with family members and hopes to cultivate a similar love in them through sharing stories from her past. This dual timeline allows readers to explore topics such as challenging traditional gender roles, racism, and environmental conservancy from the perspective of Eliza at different ages.

The world of Mayfield is vividly beautiful based on the detailed descriptions of flora and fauna. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the ecological importance of the ACE basin and the farming history of the area. The stories of how Eliza challenged traditional gender roles, even as a child, and how she dealt with the repercussions were captivating. Additionally, her daring nature to follow her desires created very realistic relationships with her loved ones that transformed as she goes from childhood to young adulthood.

However, I was a bit disappointed that there was no story progression in the 1988 timeline; instead, it was mainly used as a brief transition between events of young Eliza’s life. As readers, we do not know much about elderly Eliza beyond the family company she leads. I craved knowing more about how elderly Eliza felt about the past or how it is going to influence her plan to protect Mayfield from her son. I suppose my dissatisfaction is a reflection of the author’s ability to write an engaging storyline since I want more of it. I am excited to hear there will be a sequel, The Rivers’ End, that will allow me to continue to immerse myself in the land of Mayfield.

Fantastic. A story of friendship , love, self discovery, and scandal. I loved the dual timelines and the characters. The atmospheric writing enthralled me and I could see in my mind Mayfield. I was terribly disappointed at the end until I realized there will be a second book to continue Eliza’s story.
Many thanks to William Morrow and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Where The Rivers Merge
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
What I liked:
🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒THE CHARACTERS! I haven’t read a book in a long time where I was SO invested in the characters. I came to love Eliza, Heyward, Covey, Hugh and many others as if they were real people. I laughed, I cried, I struggled with finishing this book because I didn’t want to say goodbye to anyone. I still have a book hangover because of these characters.
👏THE PLOT! This plot may not have been the most fast moving, but it was so deep and heartwarming/breaking that I was so invested. I simply adored getting to look at the long life of Eliza and her retelling of her childhood, the good, the bad, and the ugly.
📚 THE SETTING! Mayfield, you have my heart ❤️ This place felt so real to me while reading and wish it was somewhere I could actually visit. The author does an amazing job at describing the farmstead that I felt like I was watching a movie, picturing the horses at the pond, the kids playing in the trees, the beautiful gardens, so much beauty!


What I didn't care for:
🫣The only reason I didn’t give this five stars was because of all the loose ends at the completion of this book. I did NOT know that this was part 1 of a two part series and was so freaking sad when I got to the end and was like what about this? What about that? Where is this guy? SO I really can’t be that mad because I get to spend more time with these characters when the second book comes out, but I was sad at the abrupt end to the story.

Mary Alice Monroe’s Where the Rivers Merge is a beautifully woven tapestry of love, loss, and the rich tapestry of human connection. Set against the lush backdrop of the Lowcountry, Monroe invites readers on an emotional journey that explores the complexities of family relationships, the passage of time, and the healing power of nature.
At the heart of the story lies a compelling narrative that revolves around the intertwined lives of its characters. The essence of the South brings to life the vibrant landscapes and the intricate ecosystems that mirror the characters' internal struggles. The rivers in the title are not just geographical landmarks; they symbolize the merging paths of the characters as they navigate their personal trials and seek solace in one another.
The characters are expertly developed, each possessing their own unique flaws and strengths. They grapple with their pasts and grapple with the prospect of forgiveness and redemption. The author skillfully highlights how the weight of history can shape individual identities, yet also how the bonds of family can provide the strength needed to face life's challenges.
One of the book’s standout themes is the significance of place and environment. Monroe’s lyrical descriptions evoke a deep sense of belonging, reminding readers of the profound connection between humans and nature. This connection becomes even more poignant as the characters confront their tumultuous emotions, showcasing how the natural world can serve as a refuge and a source of wisdom.
Another notable aspect of this heartfelt story is its exploration of intergenerational relationships. Monroe delicately illustrates how the wisdom of the past can inform the decisions of the present, allowing characters to grow and evolve. This theme resonates with readers of all ages, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding as they reflect on their own family connections.
In conclusion, this is a heartfelt story that lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned. With its rich character development, poignant themes, and stunning prose, this book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.

Thank you to William Morrow, Mary Alice Monroe, and NetGalley for this ARC!

This is the first book I read written by this author and it did not disappoint! I love historical fiction and this book was written with the heart, bittersweetness, and touching characteristics reminiscent of a Kristin Hannah book. I enjoyed the narrative style, the pacing, and even the character development of characters that I didn't particularly care for. The only thing was I wish this wasn't the first book of a duology! I look forward to reading the conclusion of this beautiful story!

Mary Alice Monroe does an excellent job of featuring nature, conservation, and people’s responsibility to protect those resources. This book centers around Eliza’s desires to protect the land she grew up on, despite it putting her at odds with her family. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and now await “the rest of the story” in book 2!

Mary Alice Monroe has once again delivered a fantastic novel that captivated me from start to finish! Where the Rivers Merge, the first installment in a two-book series, masterfully weaves together the poignant story of Eliza, now 88, and her cherished family estate, Mayfield. Spanning from 1908 to 1988, the novel unfolds in dual timelines, offering a rich exploration of Eliza’s family and family legacy—its beginnings and its present-day challenges.

Mary Alice Monroe’s ability to create layered, deeply emotional narratives shines brightly here. The characters are so vividly developed, their struggles and triumphs resonating on a profoundly personal level. The depth, complexity, and heartfelt moments throughout the story kept me completely hooked.

This is storytelling at its finest, and I’m eagerly anticipating the second book to see where this journey leads. Where the Rivers Merge is a true 5-star gem—an unforgettable read that lingers long after the final page.

This was a perefct story. I did not realize it was a Part One so that was disappointing but the story itself was just wonderful. Thansk to Netgalley and the publisher

A beautifully crafted and enchanting Southern novel!

What a gift to her readers! I’m a longtime fan of Mary Alice Monroe’s fiction, and Where the Rivers Merge may well be her finest novel to date. Merging Monroe’s oft demonstrated love of nature in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, with her captivating and often gorgeous prose, her master storytelling capabilities, and her fine ability to mold strong, plucky but relatable women, this tale raptly held my attention from its opening paragraph.

My only complaint is that this book tells only the first half of protagonist Eliza’s story, and I am ever so eager for more!

This seems to be the novel (or rather series) Monroe was meant to write. I loved it! Highly recommended - especially to fans of Southern and/or historical fiction featuring indomitable women, multigenerational family sagas and strong senses of place.

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for the privilege of a complimentary e-ARC. Opinions are my own.

I am a big Mary Alice Monroe fan and this is one of her better offerings. Living in the low country, I loved her starting each chapter with a bird or plant related to the ACE Basin. The story is told in two timelines—1988, which is the present, and the other begins in 1912, when the main character is 12. Lizzie has been brought up on a plantation outside of Charleston. Her father loves the land but her mother misses the city. Lizzie struggles to meet the expectations of being a young lady and far prefers to work with the animals and crops on the farm. From the present day side, we know that she has been very successful as she currently leads a large corporation. She tells her backstory to her great niece and granddaughter prompted a series of pictures from a mural in the Mayfield Plantation home. I thoroughly enjoyed this book because not only is it a great story, I liked hearing about treatment of women in the early 20th century. My only negative was finding out the book is continued in book 2. I totally agree, however, that there is plenty of material for another book about Lizzie’s family and I look forward to reading it. I thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC.

A review of Where the Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Monroe will be included in an upcoming Library Journal publication.