March, April entries
I was hooked when I read The Beach House. Ever since, I tell people in MA all the time that I am going to retire to SC and become a turtle lady. Most look at me funny and I have to explain. I just love SC and come there on vacation whenever I can. I am 42 and last year I was diagnosed with a rare and aggresive form of sarcoma. I was able to come to SC twice since my diagnosis when I originally was told I would not live that long. My family (husband and 4 kids) and I are hoping to plan another trip there this July. My dream of becoming a turtle lady really does keep me going. When I need to think of a happy place, I go to SC in my head. My dream is to one day see the turtles hatch and make their way to the sea. I was so excited when I learned there was going to be a sequel to The Beach House. I have ordered Swimming lessons and Turtle Summer. I can't wait to read them. Thanks for introducing me to the turtles.
I just finished reading SWIMMING LESSONS - it was very good. I was so excited that you wrote another book. I think I enjoyed BEACH HOUSE the BEST but this follow up was very good. I love your books. Keep writing. phyllis
Swimming Lessons is AMAZING! What a wonderful tribute to the turtles and so true to life - thank you for writing their story in such an eloquent way. I LOVED it and can't wait to get to the beach this summer!
On behalf of your many fans in my small community in Western NC, I would like to request a sequel to "Sweetgrass". Please. The characters deserve to go on!!Thank you. Roberta Looney
I stumbled on your books by accident and just wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed them. I travel for business and always take a book along. It has been a treat to learn so much and enjoy a good read, at the same time. Thanks for all you do and keep writing! I am in Lawrenceville, Ga and hope to make a trip to the South Carolina coast sometime soon! I have been in 46 states and rarely have time for "local" jaunts...hahaha! www.janekitson.com
I have spent lots of time at Hilton Head and other places in the Low Country. No other writer has been able to capture the "smell" of the area through pages of text like you. Thanks.
Love your books. Just finished Swimming Lessons and sent a note to Mirabooks.com regarding three spelling / grammar errors. ----- Pages 181, 303, and 383 ---- I was thrilled you wrote a sequel to The Beach House and enjoyed Swimming Lessons immensely. I still have children in North Carolina and was on the Isle of Palms in December '06. I love being taken back to the lowcountry with your writing. Hope the publisher can fix the errors quickly.
Anxious for your next book. Beachhouse was sooo good I hated to see the back cover. Trying to get Swimming Lessons through the library but still waiting. Thanks for the great book. Keep up the good job.
Your books are wonderful. I love them all. Thank you for such wonderful, heartwarming stories. Lynda
Mary Alice, I met you after your presentation at Good Shepherd on lookout Mountain-for the book store celebration. I asked if you would be interested in coming to speak next school year for the children at Fairyland School, as you will be in town learning about the mountains. Now that I have seen your amazing and extensive website I realize you are quite famous-and busy1 I am truly humbled that you would consider presenting your gifts of time and talent for our students back on Lookout mountain. I truly believe that you are impacting children on so many levels in terms of their interest in reading , writing and conservation. I look forware to hearing from you. Happy Earth Day! Laura Durel
I just reread The Beach House(which is my favorite) and I just finished Swimming Lessons. it was wgreat,and I felt like I was part of their lives. I would love to see an other seuel come out. Who is going to live in the beach house,and will Big Girl come back and nest. Great Work. Rita
I love all your books that I have read and look forward to more. Thank you for your work that finds the strings of our hearts.
Interested to read a sample of your writings. Great luck on the launching of the books. GJS Isle of Palms, SC.
I am so excited to hear that you have a new book out. The Beach House is my all time favorite book. I know it will be as good as your other books. My sister-in-law just called to tell me about it and I am leaving now to go buy it! Renee Nedriga
Just wanted to say, I love your books and your wonderful commitment to the sea turtles. I'm a former Kiawah Island turtle patrol member, but now work in an elementary school and cannot commit to their schedule. Do you ever do author visits to schools in the local area? Thanks for writing interesting and worthwhile books for not only adults but now children as well.
Thank you for staying with us at The Chattanoogan Hotel. We hope you enjoyed your time in the Chattanooga area. Please come back and visit us again soon! It was our pleasure to have you! Caroline and Dorothy The Chattanoogan Front Desk
Just love your books. They are a happy read not depressing like other authors. Thank you and have a great day.
DEAR MARY ALICE--I WAS SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU AT INDIGO BOOKS! AS SOON AS LINDA TOLD ME YOU'D BE AT HER STORE FOR THE BOOK SIGNING I SAID "I'LL BE THERE." MY FRIEND, NADIA, FROM BEAUFORT AND I JUST LOVE YOUR BOOKS AND PLANNED MY VISIT TO HER AROUND THE INDIGO BOOK SIGNING. WE HAD TALKED ABOUT SITTING ON HER DOCK DRINKING ICED TEA AND READING YOUR BOOK BUT UNFORTUNATELY WE WERE CONSTANTLY ON THE GO AND NEVER GOT TO DO THAT...SO I JUST STARTED TO READ THE BOOK LAST NIGHT....TWO PAGES IN AND I'M HOOKED! I'M JUST SO HAPPY TO HAVE A NEW MARY ALICE MONROE BOOK TO READ! I GET LOST IN YOUR BOOKS AND THEN DON'T EVER WANT THEM TO END! TAKE CARE, MARY ALICE, AND I HOPE YOUR BOOK TOUR IS GOING WELL. SUTY
Dear Ms. Monroe, I read Beach House while sitting on the beach at Isle of Palms on vacation. I had picked it up at Borders in Mount Pleasant under the local section. I loved it. I even took the EcoTour with my family on our next visit. I was just there this past week and noticed your newest book and can't wait to read it. I just checked to see if you were doing book signings in July when I will return and I noticed that you are not so I thought I would send a note to let you know how much I enjoy your work. I can't wait to share your childrens book with my kids. Maybe we will meet on the Isle of Palms at a turtle nest someday. Best wishes to you. Ginger
They say not judge a book by its cover but it was the beautiful cover of Sweetgrass that caught my attention...and needless to say,I was not dissapointed! I thoroughly enjoyed your writing and had grown attached to the characters (I read it within a span of two weeks during any spare time I got between caring for my 10 month old baby girl). I will be making it a point to read all of your other novels. Best regards, Aimee
I just love reading your books. They take me away from my everyday life and let me indulge in whatever..... Thank You!!!!
Enjoyed reading Swimming Lessons as well as every book you've previously written...
This website is Great! I will recommend you to all my friends. I found so much useful things here. Thank you
I purchased Beach House for my mother during a recuperation period, she was an avid reader. She loved reading. She placed a heart sticker on the book and asked me to read it, that it was a wonderful story. I did finally get the chance to read it after she was buried and all her affairs were in order. My daughter was far away at the CofC and life had slowed down for me. As I read the book I cried, you see my daughter found a part time job at the Banana Cabana and she has a smile that lights up a room along with her bright blue eyes. Well reading that passage in the book when Lovie's daughter goes in for lunch was a wonderous sign that my mother was alright. Thanks Mary Alice. It is now with great joy I read everything you write.
I am so desperately wanting a sequel to beach house that involves Cara and brett. What happens between them after beach house? That was my favorite book ever and I just keep hoping that I will see that as your next book. I have all of your other books and am a huge fan of your writing. Your book beach house hooked me onto reading for pleasure, for I have never read books unless I had to for work or studies. Thanks a lot!
Mary Alice, Thank you for "the turtles" and your wonderful books! I am totally taken with that area and probably will never visit personally but I will through your wonderful writing. Steph
I just love reading anything about South Carolina lowcountry. Please keep on writing.... Amie Chumley, Laurens, SC
Thank for making this valuable information available to the public.
I just finished SWIMMING LESSONS and I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed it. We have visited the Charleston area many times, but never went to the Aquarium. It will definitely be on our next trip. We have stayed on Isle of Palms, so I was familiar with it's beauty. You have woven a wonderful story with BEACH HOUSE and now SWIMMING LESSONS. Will there be a third? I would love to know what happens with Toy and Ethan, Cara and Brett and their adoption plans and of course, Flo and Emmi. I feel I know them.
What a wonderful afternoon at Silver Coast Winery!!!!!! Sharing your turtle stories have always been a pleasure and now-spending time with you and your passion-makes it even more poignant. By the way Miss Lovie-my mom-is reading Beach House. When you told her she looked like Lovie that sealed the deal to have her move down here from Richmond!!! She is a Lowcountry Lady now and an avid fan of the turles and you!!!!! Our bookclub-Wine Club and books-will be talking about Swimming Lessons next month. Hugs for your work. Marsha Thank you again.
I have enjoyed reading all of her books. I am presently reading 'Swimming Lessons' when to my chagrin my book jumped from page 160 to page 193. What should I do? Bonnie
I just love your books. I'm a beach lover and have felt so at home while reading your books. I also enjoy Hawks so your Skyward was very enjoyable for me also to read.I'm looking forward to reading your new ones and certainly hope you contiue to write! You are one one of my favorite authors. Thank you for writing such wonderful books! God Bless You
Dear Mary Alice, I have just finished reading Swimming Lessons and I LOVED it. What a great read and it was so nice to be a part of all the characters lives again. Sometimes sequels disappoint us because the first book is so good but this was not the case with Swimming Lessons. Please continue on the story line with Little Lovie and Toy and Ethan. I can see another great book in the works. Waiting patiently, and Thank you for all the hard work. Sincerely, Joan Burton Niagara Falls, Ontario. Canada
I'm reading "The Book Club".
I just finished reading Beach House and I was left wanting more....I went on line and ordered your other books.
Congratulations, Mary Alice. How exciting...both ventures. I'll be the first in line for them and I wish you all the success and happiness in the world.
Good luck!
Liz.
Hi Mary Alice
Thanks so much for the date of your upcoming novel I can hardly wait.
When we were at the Isle of Palms I thought it was coming out earlier.
We may be going to New York in Dec. Maybe you and ?Scarlett? would like
To join us. I think its 10 years since our last book club outing to NY
Best wished on the upcoming book.
P.S. I think you need a PR person for the West Coast.
Thinking of you
Judy
Dear Mary Alice, Thank you for sending this information. I eagerly await the arrival of every one of your new books. These two will especially be near and dear to me, because I too, am a turtle lady during the summer (Edisto Beach). I live for my days on Turtle Patrol, so I can't wait to see what you and your new characters have to say about it.
Just in time for my spring break
I have shared my Beach House book with everyone
I love it and rank it right there with another favorite The Shell Seekers.
Please keep writing.
Please come to Ky sometime
Congratulations on your new book...I'm looking forward to reading it!
Thank you for the update! I look forward to the release of both books next week. Please continue sending me information.
Can't wait! Any Chance you are coming to Chicago??? We would love to do a Women in Management dinner/book signing with you!
Fondly,
KL
I am so excited. I already have my copy of Swimming Lessons. I called my Barnes & Noble 2 weeks ago to reserve me a copy. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Keep those wonderful books coming. Yours are the best that I have EVER read.
Great Success and Good Health to You.
Alice Hardin
I'm reading "The Book Club".
Dear Ms. Monroe - I have met you twice on Edisto Island for two of your book signings. My daughter and I and our friend who visit Edisto every July love your books and look forward to reading the new one, but I have to read it on Edisto. Your book and the beach and the turtles just go together. Keep up the great writing. Penny White
Congratulations on a series of books to inspire and educate. Living in New Zealand some of the topics in your books are unknown to me (sweetgrass) and your books have encouraged me to find out more information. South Carolina has now been added to my list of places to visit. Thank you and keep them coming. Barbara
The first of your books that I read was The Beach House and I have been a fan since. In August all my girl cousins met at Edisto Beach for a girls weekend. We went into the Edisto book store and I discovered that my cousin Rozie had just read Sweetgrass. We talked so much about you that several of our cousins bought your books to read while we were there! You have quite a fan club with the Bethune Cousins! I realized I just missed you today at the Johns Island book signing. I will try to catch you when you come back to SC.
Thanks so very much for taking your time to create this very useful and informative site. I have learned a lot from your site. Thanks!!1
I just moved to the lowcountry, and want to become a turtle team member. How do I go about joining the team to protect our turtles. Please help me with any information you can give, as well as who I should contact. I live on Johns Island. Thank you and your books are the best! Pam
Happy to find this author's site! I greatly enjoyed the beach house and Skyward and now I see there's a sequel to The beach house-looking forward to it. Something just clicked while reading these books, like your writing and my understanding are harmomious. I live in the cold(mostly) north of Canada and am fascinated by the carolina beaches, marshes, sea life, all of which I hope to visit someday
I love your books and can't wait to read both of these new releases.Your stories make me feel and taste the lowcountry.
I'm a South Carolina girl with deep lowcountry roots. My mother, who is 89 years old, grew up in the 1920's on Hutchinson Island, an isolated interior Colleton County island. My own life has been enriched with her stories of this very unusual upbringing. I'm also a Fripp Islander and met my very dear friend Donna Williamson of St. Louis there.I was so overwhelmed by your personal encourgement prior to her cancer surgery in 2005. Thank you for giving her your kind words and support.
Enjoy and travel safely with this tour.
With warm regards, Jean Presley
Dear Ms. Monroe - I have met you twice on Edisto Island for two of your book signings. My daughter and I and our friend who visit Edisto every July love your books and look forward to reading the new one, but I have to read it on Edisto. Your book and the beach and the turtles just go together. Keep up the great writing. Penny White
As a librarian at a small, rural library, I know how anxiously my patrons await the arrival of your books. It is because of their love of your work that I thought of you when searching for items for our church's fundraiser to support our American Cancer Society's Relay for Life team. Would you be so gracious as to donate a signed copy of one of your books? We at Doermann Memorial Presbyterian are small in number but work hard to support this worthwhile cause. Keep up the good work. Sincerly, Mary
I just read SweetGrass while on vacation in florida. I loved it. I couldn't put it down.
I will reccomend it to all my friends.
What a story.
I can't wait to read swimming lessons.
I have read all your other books.
I think sweetgrass is my favorite.
Mary Branham
Thanks so very much for taking your time to create this very useful and informative site. I have learned a lot from your site. Thanks!!
You Go Mary !
A small bookor store in Gulf Shores, AL, has a table with books by Southern authors. That is where I found "Beach House" several years ago. I loved it so much that I have bought several copies to loan to friends who also love the book. What a thrill to be in Gulf Shores March 24, 2007, and find the sequel! I didn't realize there is a companion book for children, but I will have that when I leave. I have read everything you have published except the two by Mary Alice Kruesi, and it's just a matter of time. I am enjoying reading about my old friends in "Swimming Lessons." I have also looked up the SC Acquarium and plan to become a member.
Thanks,
Lucy
Mary Alice ~ I'm so excited about your new book ~ I just emailed my daughter at work to tell her you are to be in Greenville, SC on the 12th of April ~ so that we can come to see you together ~ it's been so long since we've heard you speak and/or read from your book ~ I can't wait ~ Hugs/Love, Mary Ann & Billie Jo Barnes
I've enjoyed every book so far and I'm looking forward to 'Swimming Lessons', with great anticipation.
Thank you.
Bev
HI! FROM CHICAGO! CAN'T WAIT FOR THE BOOK RELEASE ON MARCH 27TH. WISH YOU WERE COMING TO CHICAGO AGAIN FOR A BOOK SIGNING. GOOD LUCK WITH BOTH BOOKS!
NOREEN(ONE OF THE STAINED GLASS GIRLS)
Looking forward to purchasing your new books. Thank you so much for notifying me. Would love to have you come to The Panhandle area. Pensacola, Destin, Ft Walton..... Any chance?
You still are my favorite author....
Your books are so informative!!! Imagine learning something when having so much fun! You are awesome!
Love your books!
I have already signed your guest book however I just got the email regarding your new book.
I am so excited. I call the library to put my name on the waiting list. I know I will enjoy it just as much as I enjoyed Beach House.
I hope you are planning on writing another book soon.
melinda
I am interested in getting exact publishing dates of each of Mary Alice Monroe's books so that I can read them in the order they were written. Thanks so much!!
Ann
I was at the Reading Conference in Myrtle Beach, SC where the first copies of your book Turtle Summer was sold. I have pictures of you with the first book you signed. I would like to forward these 2 pictures to you but do not know how to do that. Please let me know if you would like copies of these pictures and where to send them. Sincerely, Angela Brickhouse
Mary Alice: My husband and I are owners of a retail store in Mount Pleasant and we are one of the first sponsors of a "Turtle" on the Town. Are you going to be doing any book appearances/signings for the Turtle promotion on behalf of the Aquarium? If so, we would love to be included. Please let us know. Thanks Mary Alice!
PS: The folks on IOP told me about your involvement and IOP is sponsoring 2 turtles. Yeah!
Your luncheon at SCIRA was delightful and I am anxiously awaiting March 27 to get my hands on a copy of Swimming Lessons. I am sure this is a busy time with the new release, but I want to talk to you about a possible proposition. I just became the president of the Sumter Area Reading Council. I'd like to partner with some of the surrounding councils to participate in some of your book studies next school year. We always bring in an author or illustrator (usually we deal with children't books) to speak with our council in the spring. I am interested in doing an all year adult study of your books and booking you to come speak to our teachers in March 2008. I noticed that you are not doing any book signings in Sumter, Florence, or Columbia--all of which have councils of their own. I have enjoyed your books so much, that I want to spread the joy. If it will help make you even more popular, I am ALL for it.
Just had to tell you that recently I acquired your book "The Book Club" - I have just now finished it and it was fantastic. I loved it. Thank you for a wonderful story. I will pass it on - as I have sung great praises about it. I love to read - thank you, Kathy
I am looking for your book Skyward and 4 seasons, any idea where I can purchase them.
Thanks
Lynda Henson
Fascinating site and well worth the visit. I will be back
My daughter's gifted/talented class is doing a "wax museum" the last week in March. (the children research famous people, do an oral report to their class, and then dress up like their person in a pretend wax museum for parents/other students/teachers to tour) She's in third grade, so to tie in to the South Carolina history she is studying in class, she had to pick a famous South Carolinian - past or present. She has picked Mary Alice Monroe and is SO excited about this project. My mother (her grandmother) lives in Edisto, so she is very interested in the low country and the wildlife there. Learning more about the Isle of Palm "turtle ladies" is an added bonus for her.
She plans on dressing in capris, a blue tee shirt (we're going to try to duplicate the "turtle lady" shirt), and carrying a red bucket for the wax museum.
I just thought you'd like to know that you have become a role model for my daughter, and hopefully through this "wax museum" many other children will learn from your example as well.