Where the Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Monroe is a heartfelt and beautifully written novel that blends nature, family and second chances in a way that feels both intimate and sweeping. Monroe has such a gift for creating settings that feel alive.
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The story follows characters who are searching for belonging, healing and a way forward after life’s inevitable twists and turns. Monroe handles their struggles with such warmth and authenticity that you can’t help but root for them. The relationships, both romantic and familial, are deeply felt and the emotional weight of the novel sneaks up on you in the best way.
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As always, Monroe weaves in an environmental message without it ever feeling heavy-handed. Her love for the natural world comes through so clearly, making the book not just a compelling story but also a reminder of the beauty and importance of our waterways.
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If you love books that explore resilience, the power of community and the ways nature can help us heal, this one is well worth picking up. It’s the kind of novel that stays with you long after the last page.

I felt the audio of this story was brilliant and it is my opinion that it actually made the book better. The story somewhat dragged on and I wasn’t especially excited that there is another follow up book to this one. I wish that the authors note was in the beginning as it would have been more intertwined with the story and I would have even enjoyed it more. I felt the southern accents were right on point (I’m many generations southeast USA) and I could also appreciate our unique American history in the south.

This was enjoyable, but I found it to be a little dry. The prose is beautiful, and I loved the way the story was structured with Eliza telling her story - but it wasn't as gripping as I was hoping it would be.

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.

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.

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

If I’m being really honest… my extreme love for Broken Country brought me here lol. The cover gave me the vibes- I'm glad I picked it up, despite not loving it as much as I'd hoped.

The story was a little predictable to me, and there are loose ends as this is to be a series. Not sure if I'll pick the second one up yet. I do think those that have read this author's previous works will enjoy this as well as anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

💛Love and Loss
💛Historical Fiction
💛Multi-Generational Saga
💛Lowcountry Setting
💛Perfect Book Club Pick
💛Strong Female Characters
💛Dual Timelines
💛1988 x 1912

Expected Release Date - 05/13/25

Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperAudio for the advanced audio copy, all thoughts are my own.

Book 1 of 2. This Novel set in South Carolina deals with the Great War, plantations, culture and generational inheritance as well as the strength of women. I enjoyed the characters very much Eliza is headstrong. The first time period starts in 1908 at Mayfield - a grand estate owned by the Rivers family for generations. This book has dual time lines starting with Eliza at age 88 and flashing back to the 20s and Eliza as an adventuresome young girl who would sooner be outside running in the fields and exploring and avoided her mother's plans to make a proper young lady out of her. She has two brothers and the oldest born will inherit the estate when he becomes of age. Eliza at age 88 as a head of a family business she is battling her son who wants to make changes. He wants to take control of the company plus he wants to own part of Mayfield. He doesn't love the estate like his mother does and plans to sell it in the future. He is incensed when he finds out that she has given a large portion of the family estate to a conservation group and plans to give them the rest of her land before she dies. She retreats to Mayfield after a contentious board meeting and her niece and granddaughter go with her. She explains her younger life to the two women and her plans for the future of Mayfield.. Complexities of family relationships, forgiveness, love, war, traditions, change, intricate ecosystems, and so much more. A multigenerational story. The reader gets to understand the motivation and the back story of her life. The end was abrupt in preparation of book 2 River's End, which I am anticipating. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity.