Jan. - May 2008 entries
I am the "displaced" single Texas Mom who has been considering moving back home to South Caroline for years, and now finally have the courage to pack up and do it.
You could probably write a story about it. My 13 year old daughter has decided she wants to go permanently live with her Dad and Stepmother, and so after a couple of job considerations in both North and South Carolina, I am planning to move back home next year.
I supposed that is one the reasons I love your books, because the female characters are usually "wrestling" with a particular situation that somehow works out better than expected.
Thank you for the realness of your characters, and the hint of pine trees, coastal surf, sweetgrass, and a real connection to what makes the Carolinas so special!
Am looking forward to Time is a River, but I have to tell you that the Beach House and Skyward were my two favorite books.
Blessings,
Heidi Heard-Davis
Austin, Texas
Your books are wonderful!
Hi Mary Alice,
Your web site is so well done!!! It is almost as good as seeing you in person again.
I do hope that you remember meeting me when you were at Davis Kidd in Memphis during your 2005 book tour. We had a nice visit and I took your pic on my camera phone.
At that time, I recall telling you how much I have been wanting to visit the Charleston area. A lot of this desire stems from reading your fabulous books.
Anyway, this dream is finally becoming reality as I will be in the Charleston area with a friend of mine (Phyllis) next week. Phyllis just completed her first nursing class after being away from school for more than 15 years!
She is ready for a school break and we are both looking forward to a break away from the husbands ; > We are staying in a cabin at Edisto State Beach Park.
Trying to find info as to if we will be able to see any turtle hatchings while we are there. Can you please advise on this?
Also, would love to treat you to lunch or dinner if you are available Wednesday - Friday.
Can't wait to read your new books!!!!!
Also can't wait to see the places in them come to life.
Please write soon,
I have just finished reading Skyward, Beach House and Swimming Lessons and Sweetgrass; they are all wonderful! I could have just kept reading on and on after Swimming Lessons. I hope there may be a sequel to it. I absolutely love your work and will be searching for your other titles this week! Thank you so much for your informative novels! I have learned many things I did not know about birds of prey and turtles.
Sincerely
Kay Hughes, Atlanta, GA
I was wondering when you were going to have a new book out.
I have read all your otheres 2 or 3 times all ready
Thank you
Harriett Nielson
I read your first book, Sykyward, and really enjoyed it. I just finished Girl in the Mirror and The Beach House and loved them. I'm traveling to S.C., Charleston, this summer and staying at a house on Folly Beach. I want to visit Isle of Palms, too, the setting of your book. I'm looking forward to reading more of your books, especially the new one, follow-up to The Beach House. You're a great writer and I enjoyed learning about the turtles and birds of prey. I'm passing the names of your books onto my sisters and friends.
Presently, I am trying to see how to reach Ms. Monroe to ask her to appear as the keynote speaker for our 2009 Ladies' Spring Tea here in Monroe sponsored by the Friends of Union County Libraries. We are about to have our 3rd Spring Tea on 4/16 with Cassandra King as speaker. Last year we had Dorothea Benton Frank, and the first year we had Mary Kay Andrews. Could you contact me to let me know your requirements and availability? Thank you, Sue Preslar, Friends of Union County Libraries
Hi Mary Alice, I am the woman you made eye contact with at your lecture at the Hilton in Naples. You asked me to send you an e-mail, asking for your speaking engagement in Asheville, N.C. I spoke to my friend Linda and told her about you. She will come and hear you in Asheville. It was so great meeting you. I am a passionate reader and I am glad there are passionate writers like you to make our world what it is. Thank you, Karin
I have read 4 of your books so far, just finished Swimming Lessons on CD....wonderful! I am addicted to your stories and sensitive writing.Please keep writing.I am a naturalist and recently retired elementary teacher. Your stories based on nature really struck a deep chord in me. Haven't been so deeply touched by a book in many years. Thanks! Sharon Luker
My friend just told me about your books. I can't wait to read them.
Have a great year
Ms. Monroe,I just want to say what a joy it was to meet you in Sumter on April 17th! I really enjoyed your presentation and am looking forward to seeing you in July if it works out. Thank you again for coming to Sumter.
What books of yours are available on audiobooks?
thank you
ANSWER: SWIMMING LESSONS and TIME IS A RIVER are both available from Brilliance Audio.
I have just finished reading "One Summer Night" and it was beautiful!!! All your books are exceptional but this one was well,not just magical, but inspiring for me.
I would love to read more about Fallingstar and Laurel and MayBelle. I do hope you will think about it.
Thank you for bringing inspiration into my life.
Kind blessings,
Deb
Dear Mary Alice Monroe:
We?re taking matters into our own hands here at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library and we?re hoping you can help.
As an author and a reader I?m sure you are aware of the recent cuts in library funding. Our library excels at providing resources and programs that enhance the lives of our patrons and broadens the horizons of our community. The Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library Foundation supports the library?s ability to serve our community with additional funding for the library.
This September 6, we are having our third annual Dessert Extravaganza silent-auction fund-raiser with our board of trustees. We pulled a list of our library?s 25 most popular authors and you are on that list. We are asking you, as one of our most popular authors, to donate an autographed copy of a book to be auctioned that night. It would be highlighted as a featured item, and previewed in advertising for the event.
We received several contributions from authors last year and these were very successful auction items. We sincerely believe that a contribution from you would greatly help us this year.
Would you please send an autographed copy of your book to: Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library
Ann L. Malthaner
3512 Darrow Road
Stow, OH 44224
I can not tell you how honored we would be to receive such a gift. Please accept our sincere thank you for helping us help the patrons of the Stow-Munroe Falls community.
I love reading your books and have just finished Swimming Lessons. I was surprised to read, "Toy pulled herself up to sit Indian style on the cool, damp sand." It's page 401 in the hardback. Years ago when I worked with children and we were teaching diversity, we taught the children to sit "cross legged" and refrained from saying Indian style. I know this is a recent book and I was just surprised by the description. Warm regards, Alice Chenault
Good morning dear...I wanted to tell you what a pleasure it was meeting you on the plane yesterday. I hope you made your connection. I made mine with time to spare and arrived back in Houston at 5. I went to your website and am in awe of your work and dedication .. You are my hero! Please keep in touch if you get a moment to email. I am excited to read ALL of your books..they sound "right up my alley". Let me know if you were able to read about the little place I live (Clear Lake Shores TX). Have a blessed day! Bettie
I just finishes reading "Beach House" in under 48hrs. I absolutely could not put it down. AMAZING!!!! I can't wait to read "Swimming Lessons".
CAT
It would be nice if you had an option to print a list of your books. A printable list of just the book and year of publication. No pictures.
I have read Skyward, Four Seasons and just today finished reading The Beachhouse.
Wonderful stories! Next read is Girl in the Mirror....
Thank you for your books. I plan to read the rest of them in the next year or two. Keep them coming !
Barbara
DEAR MARY ALICE, I HAVE JUST FINISHED YOUR BOOK, "SKYWARD". IT WAS JUST A MARVELOUS BOOK AND I SO ENJOYED IT. I LOVE TO READ YOUR BOOKS, AS YOU ALREADY KNOW. LOVED LEARNING ABOUT THE TURTLES AND NOW THE RAPTORS. THEY ARE ALSO EDUCATION, AS WELL AS WONDERFUL STORIES. ONE LEARNS TO KNOW YOUR CHARACTERS AND I ACTUALLY HATE TO FINISH A BOOK, AS I WISH TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CHARACTERS. I WOULD SAY, IS A WELL WRITTEN NOVEL. I LOVED THE PEOPLE IN THIS BOOK, ELLA, HARRIS, MARION, LIJAH, BRADY AND ALL THE OTHERS. THANK YOU AGAIN FOR MAKING MY READING HOURS SO ENJOYABLE. I NOW HAVE YOUR FIRST NOVEL TO START. I AM ANXIOUSLY AWAITING YOUR NEW BOOK IN MAY. THANK YOU AGAIN, MARY ALICE, FOR ALL THE JOY YOU HAVE BROUGHT INTO MY LIFE. FONDLY YOURS, SHIRLEY
Hi Mary Alice...You will remember me as the TV talk show lady from Myrtle Beach that you met at the B&N store in Mt. Pleasant when the parakeet flew into the window and you and I were the only ones who cared! Just wanted you to know that your publisher sent me a copy of TIME IS A RIVER and I LOVED it! It is so unlike everything else you have done...mountains vs. sea, fly fishing vs turtle rescue!!! Just adore all your books. Best wishes...I know when it hits the stores others will adore it too!!!!! Diane DeVaughn Stokes
Although a native New Yorker, my heart is in South Carolina. My husband, two children, and I have recently built a home on John's Island and find it very difficult to return to NY. Your book Beach House captured my heart and my love for the islands of South Carolina. Thank you. I look forward to reading Swimming Lessons.
I got an uncorrected proof of "TIME IS A RIVER" and I love it! I never would have considered flyfishing as anything that I would remotely be interested in but somehow, the way it is woven into the story is enticing...
not finished yet, but the Kate Watkins storyline is really compelling...so thank you!
I just finished reading your novel "The Beach House"....a wonderful heartwarming story.I never knew about loggerheads until I read this book. Thank you for the novel, I enjoyed it.I will be getting the sequel on my next trip to the book store.
Are you coming to the North East for any Book tours? I will be retiring soon to the south east ( some where I could pursue my passion for Sea Turtles.), we are exploring our options . My husbabd loves golf. I was blessed to see them nest in Fla. while on vacation and swam with them in Hawaii. I am soon to be retired teacher '09 with a collection of 100 sea turles fiqurines and 50 books. I just finished reading Swimming Lessons and Turtle Summer. Thanks for many hours of enjoyment.
fell in love the with your book "The Beach House". I made the mistake of loaning it out and it has never been returned. I have tried to buy another and can't find it. Any suggestions. I really want to read it again.
Thanks
Judy
I am a new reader to MAM and I just finished The Beach House. I am really looking forward to reading Swimming Lessons.
Enjoyed reading "The Beach House". The first time I ever read one of Mary Alice Monroe's books. I really enjoyed it very much. I'm lookint forward to reading her other books! thanx! jo
Hi Mary Alice, I can't wait for the release of your new book. I think I read them all faster than you can write them. I so enjoy everything you have written and I've learned alot from the books about myself and also about turtles, SC, friendship, etc. I sure hope that you will have a book signing again up in Greenville so that Billie Jo and I can attend your talk and signing. Until then. Have a good day. Hugs, Mary Ann
Hi Mary Alice You may not remember me but I worked with Markus a number at years during his time at IJR. I was the training director during most of that. Markus was the best boss i ever had and please wish him well for me. However, I mostly wanted to write to you about your books. I've read most of your recent ones and can't tell you how much i've enjoyed them. I just finished The Beach House and enjoyed it in so many ways. I picked it up last weekend because its been such a god-awful long winter back here in the midwest and i needed something to transport me to summer. It certainly did the trick. Of course, i also found many parallels in my own family with this and found myself being quite thoughtful. I'm sending it on to my mother in FL as she will enjoy it too. Anyway, keep writing, take care, and hi to markus for me!
I love your books! I grew up in Charleston and my cousin lived on Sullivan's Island, so your books take me home for a dhort time! I just read them too fast!! Can't wait for your new book to come out!
enjoyed reading "The Beach House". The first time I ever read one of Mary Alice Monroe's books. I really enjoyed it very much. I'm looking forward to reading her other books! thanx! jo
I just finished reading SWEETGRASS. I commend you highly. I miss Mama June, Morgan and the others so much. I hope their will be a sequel. I am also a published author. I curently have 2 published, with the third to be out later this yer. The last two books are about my life. YES I CAN! covers the first 8 years in learning to live with Cerebral Palsy and YES I CAN TOO! is the sequel to YES I CAN!, which I am finishing up. I was wondering if, in your busy schedule, you would be willing to read my manuscript and write a blurb for the back cover of my book. I learned today that you are the next door neighbor to my sister's best friend, Paula. My sister is Karen Weihs. I hope to hear from you soon and I wish you all the best in your writing endeavors. I know it is long, hard work. My e-mail address is biblereader@knology.net. My telephone number is 334-356-1456. It would mean the world to have you read my manuscript. Thank you, and enjoy your day!
I just finished reading Swimming Lessons for the second time, and the Beach House,these two books are my favorite. I hope ther will be a sequel coming soon.
My students would like to write you a letter. Could you email me a physical address for them to send it to? Deborah Bobo Media Specialist St. Andrews School of Math and Science
Can't wait for the new book. Love everything you write. My mom loved swimming lessons too. She is 81 and still reads a lot. It is nice when we bothe can read the same book and discuss it. I am 61 . I have passed your books around to all my friends and family. Hope you have a wonderful 2008.
DEAR MARY ALICE, I HAVE WRITTEN TO YOU SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE. I JUST FINISHED READING "SWIMMING LESSONS!!" IT WAS AS WONDERFUL A BOOK AS "THE BEACH HOUSE!. I HAD READ "SWEETGRASS" BEFORE THIS ONE. NOW I SHALL START SKYWARD. I JUST WANTED TO TELL YOU AGAIN HOW VERY, VERY MUCH I LOVE YOUR BOOKS. YOU STILL REMAIN MY VERY FAVORITE AUTHOR. I AM SO LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR NEW BOOK IN MAY 2008. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT I WILL DO WHEN I FINSIH ALL YOUR BOOKS!! I HATE TO LEAVE CARA AND FLO AND TOY AND LOVIE RIGHT NOW. THEY ARE WITH ME EACH NIGHT BEFORE BED. FOR A READER, YOU ARE PURE JOY WITH EACH BOOK READ. I THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR ALL THE WONDERFUL HOURS I HAVE SPENT READING YOUR BOOKS. I AM A SENIOR AND HAVE A FEW HEALTH PROBLEMS, BUT I AM TAKEN AWAY FROM IT ALL WHEN I AM WITH YOU AND YOUR BOOKS. I BOUGHT THE TURTLE BOOK FOR MY GRANDDAUGHTER AND I CERTAINLY HOPE SHE ENJOYS ALL ABOUT THE LOGGERHEADS AS MUCH AS I DO. KEEP THEM COMING, DEAR MARY ALICE, AND I WILL KEEP BUYING THEM AND LOVING THEM. SINCERELY. SHIRLEY J. HERSON, ITHACA, NY
Form I was born and raised in Mt. Pleasant and the Islands. Just finished "Beach House" and was transported right back in time. Thank you for a wonderful read and all you do for the lowcountry.
I've been reading 3-5 books weekly for a number of years. I just finished reading 'The Beach House' - the first of your books I've read. I've never written or e-mailed an author before. I just wanted to share with you how beautifully touching it was. It not only warmed my heart, but somehow touched my soul. My great-grandmother raised my mother and she died of cancer many, many years ago. Before her death she insisted that Mom and her talk about her upcoming death. She told my mother that she couldn't live one more day and ever be as sad as she had ever been in her life, nor could she live one more day and ever be as happy as she had been in her life. Of course, Mom didn't want to hear any of that, but at the funeral she realized that her grandmother had given a most special gift - one Mom gave to me recently. Be well and I'll search out more of your books. Thanks for the pleasure.
I would just like to thank you for your wonderful books. Because of them, I am currently staying on The Isle of Palms for a weeks vacation. I can't believe how beautiful and peaceful it is here, and it makes me smile to realize that I could be walking the same stretch of beach as Miss Lovie, Cara and Toy! Because of the wonderful way you describle the beauty of the area, and the history of the loggerheads and sweetgrass basket making, I have been able to appriciate so much of what I am seeing here. Thanks again....I can't wait for your next book to be released. A fan from Toronto, Canada Lynda Chapleau
Mary Alice, I got a note from Starr this AM.. we're going to participate in the "Casting for Recovery" auction again. She told me you were also and about your latest book coming out!! Can't wait to read it. Let me know if you decide you ever want to "Camp with the fireflies". Kate Mountain Springs Cabins PS I will never forget how much I owe you. Smile.
I read the Beach House to a group of assisted living residents in Rock Hill last year and I just read the Swimming Lessons to them during Jan. They loved it. They want to know "What's next". Thanks, Dawn
Dear Mary Alice, I dearly LOVE each of your books and tell everyone about them. I am so excited that there will be another book in May! I have one suggestion. I used to be an editor for my husband who was a syndicated newspaper columnist. There are numerous mistakes in your books that should have been caught by a good editor. Maybe I notice them because it's what I used to do but it is distracting. Here is an example. In your book, "Sweetgrass" on page 259, soft cover, near the bottom of the page: Nona slowly dragged herself to a stand, grunting with the re still there, aren't they?" This paragraph made no sense to me because it was so incomplete. Just thought you might want to consider speaking to your editor about mistakes like this. Thank you for your wonderful talent Mary Alice. I'm thrilled to have discovered your books!! Ann
Your writing is so eloquently vivid -- I can almost smell the lowcountry. Thank you -
I enjoyed reading Beach House, Swimming Lessons and Skyward so very much. I do hope that you will write a sequel to these books. I also read Sweet Grass, and am now reading Girl In the Mirror, and have enjoyed these also. However, the first three books mentioned were my favorites. I found reading about the rescue of wild life very interesting.I hope that you will write more of these. I am 80 years old, live in adult community and belong to a book club here. Several of my friends have also been enjoying your books. I don't know why we haven't discovered your books sooner.
I work with First Book of Horry County, serving low income children who do not have access to books. Our single mission is to get new books into the hands of those children. We would love for you to be our guest at our Spring Author's Luncheon for First Book on April 12 (or another date that might suite you). We would love to have you and your photographer discuss the new turtle book for children. Thank you so much for considering! Mona Prufer
Ms. Monroe, I just finished "Beach House," and adored the novel, not wanting to finish it, yet was able to begin "Swimming Lessons" immediately. As a conservationist, and one who cares about the survival of the loggerheads, you may be familiar with the proposed massive development on Jekyll Island, GA. So much is at stake, if you are interested, please visit www.savejekyllisland.org. It is a comprehensive website regarding protecting Jekyll Island. Support from persons from all over is currently needed. Sincerely, Vicki Miller Decatur, GA
I just finished "Swimming Lessons" and enjoyed it very much. Thank you for continuing the stories of these wonderful characters. I will look forward to your next book. (I hope it's soon!) Gail Hare Danville, VT
HAVE BEEN ILL SO HAD A CHANCE TO READ BOOKS LENT TO ME. I ENJOYED AND COULD NOT STOP READING,SKYWARD,SWEETGRASS AND MY FAVORITE THE BEACH HOUSE. I TRIED GETTING MORE OF YOUR BOOKS FROM THE LOCAL LIBRARY AND THEY DO NOT HAVE ANY. I WOULD SO LOVE TO READ SWIMMMING LESSONS WHICH I UNDERSTAND IS A SEQUEL TO BEACH HOUSE. I AM 71 YEARS OLD AND A REAL OUTDOOR PERSON BUT CAN NOT AFFORD TO BUY OR JOIN A BOOK CLUB,AS SOCIAL SECURITY IS MY ONLY INCOME. I LIVE IN MAINE,MAYBE NEXT SUMMER I WILL BE ABLE TO FIND SOME OF YOUR BOOKS AT FLEA MARKETS. I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF READING THEM. I AM TOLD YOU HAVE A NEW ONE TIME IS A RIVER. GOOD LUCK IN ALL YOU DO, SHIRLEY
Hi Mary Alice! We are anxiously awaiting your book about fly fishing. Your CFR friends!
As an Isle of Palms resident, I also share your love of the islands, the marsh and natural beauty.
Hello Mary Alice, I want to thank you for sending Billie Jo a signed copy of your book It was sure a surprise Christmas gift for me this year. I am currently reading it and it is very good. I have really enjoyed being able to read so many of your books as it is fun to see all the different facets of your writing. Billie Jo thinks there is just no author like you ~ she said she never thought an author would be so down to earth and so reachable. Thank you again Mary Alice and I look forward to your next novel and hopefully another trip to Barnes & Nobles in Greenville for a talk/book signing. Have a nice day. Hugs/Love, Mary Ann Barnes
Have been a long time fan and moved to Charleston a year ago... now I am solid! Heard you had a new book coming out and I can't wait for June. Everyone of your books has touched some part of my life from my "Gurlz" group, to me and my two sisters, or me and my daughter. Keep 'em coming.
Hi Mary Alice, Love your books :-) -Dawn
I absolutely love your books.
I recently finished, "The Beach House" and am now reading, "Swimming Lessons". It is so great to have a sequel to a book, I loved. Will there be a sequel to ,"Swimming Lessons"? I really enjoy books about the Low country.
Dear Ms/Mrs Monroe. My name is Heidi Wikstad Amundsen, and I live in Tromsoe, North-Norway. I love reading books, and the last years, I`ve read 3 of your books (Turtle summer,The Book Club and Sweetgrass)several times. I just finished reading "The Book Club", and I feel you have reached the reader in a very special way. Many things in this book makes you think twice about the meaning of life. I`ve totally fallen in love with your books, so next time I see one of your books at the store, I`ll buy it! Best regards, Heidi Wikstad Amundsen,Norway.
I was wondering if any or all or your books are on tape for the visually impaired. I have a friend that was an avid reader but can no longer read but likes to listen to books on tape. I would like very much to be able to recommend your books to her. By the way, I have been to two of your book signings and have copies of all of your books. Keep the good books coming!!! Thank you
I enjoy your books because of the mixture of environmental issues and your good writing. If more writers would write their fiction and put environmental issues in it - perhaps more people would be informed. I think it is a great idea what you are doing. Cordially, Jeanne Millspaugh - part of the Adirondack Hiking Club in Long Island, NY
Could you please tell me if I can get the book, THE BEACH HOUSE, in hardback. I would love to have one to keep and if its not in hardback, may I say it should be. What a wonderful book!!!! Thank you for your time. Sherry Bequette