Reviews
Sick sea turtles and a sharply drawn cast mark Monroe's inspirational tale of redemption and, naturally, the power of love. Though billed as the sequel to Beach House (2002), the novel stands on its own and will likely widen Monroe's readership. (Apr.)
Mary Alice Monroe is a storyteller first and foremost and that accounts for her legion of admirers. The fact that she adds in an environmental angle in her books only shows the heart and depth of the woman behind the book.
SWIMMING LESSONS hooked me from page one. The insight Ms. Monroe gives into the plight of the loggerheads adds a wonderful dimension to the plot, while the struggles of the strong female characters who lead the turtle team provide a wonderful counterpoint to the growing pains of the young and inexperienced Toy. The love and respect they all show one another through some very difficult situations will win your heart, and have you cheering them on to achieving their dreams. This book is a rare treat, especially for anyone who has enjoyed a life-long love affair with the ocean.
SWIMMING LESSONS is a sequel and sequels can be tricky. Will a reader feel lost or confused if the preceding book hasn't been read? As I opened this novel to the first page, that's precisely what concerned me, as I haven't read the book that came before this one. I needn't have worried. This story is so well-written that it needs no introduction. I was pulled into the lives of Mary Alice Monroe's characters so seamlessly, so delightfully, it was almost as if I had been immersed in the warm Atlantic water beside those whose story I was reading.
When a desperately ill sea turtle is entrusted to Toy's care, life for the strong, yet lonely, single mother begins to change. A new position at the aquarium where she works gives her greater responsibility and a chance to spend time with Ethan, a man like none she's met before. Together they nurse the turtle to health and freedom. As they do, Toy learns to trust Ethan, believe in herself and find that even those whose beginnings have been rocky deserve happy endings.
SWIMMING LESSONS is a rich, multi-layered tale filled with characters who made me laugh and cry. More importantly, they made me care. The South Carolina shore is portrayed in such vivid detail that the reader can almost smell the sea grass and hear the cry of shore birds.
SWIMMING LESSONS is the first title by Mary Alice Monroe that I've read, but it will not be the last. It is a wonderful story that deserves to be read—and enjoyed—more than once.
Kay James