Meeting Mary Alice Monroe

Lovely in her book photo, but even prettier in person!

  Hello! Do you remember a few weeks ago, I mentioned that I went home for a couple of weeks? My mom took me to a wonderful event at her alma mater. We went to a lovely luncheon and heard Mary Alice Monroe speak about her new book, The Summer Girls! I can honestly say it was a highlight of my summer! She has a lovely voice and I could just listen to her all day long. She speaks with such passion about growing up and visiting libraries and what a special place they are. She deeply cares for this planet and all of the creatures on it. When writing her stories, she ties in very important information about taking care of precious animals and our environment. (She does this in a way that is very gentle... not "preachy".)

My family with Mary Alice Monroe

 
  She may be a famous author, but she is so REAL and I mean that in the best way. It just makes me like her even more! After the luncheon, she graciously gave us all a copy of The Summer Girls. She spoke with us and signed each one. Such a treasure from a special day! I could not wait to start reading!

    I loved the book! I am looking forward to the next two in the trilogy! The story takes place on Sullivan's Island, in the low country of South Carolina. I grew up in SC and my husband is from Charleston, so the setting feels like home to me. It was especially fun to read about a few of our favorite places in this book!

The book description says it best! "Three granddaughters. Three months. One summer house."

If you are looking for your next book, this is the one!

 

 

 

If you would like to learn more about Mary Alice, visit her blog!

What have you been reading this summer? I would love to know!

xoxo, Elizabeth

The Wishing Tree. A Wonderful Summertime Read!

I love to read and today I would like to share a new book with you! The Wishing Tree by Marybeth Whalen is a delightful summertime read! It officially came out today, but I was one of the lucky ladies who got to read it first!

 Most of the story takes place on Sunset Beach, NC. The main character, Ivy is asked to create a wishing tree for her sister's wedding. Each guest is asked to write a wish for the bride and groom. (How sweet is this tradition!) Unbeknownst to her family, Ivy has come home to the beach to get away from her own marriage. Will she rekindle a spark with her old beau? Will she try to work things out with her husband? You should read the book to find out! There is also a section at the back with book club questions. I can imagine a great discussion about our ideas of marriage and the wishes and dreams both people bring into a marriage.

The author, Marybeth Whalen, lives in Charlotte. Last year, my ladies group at church read her book, She Makes It Look Easy. We loved the book so much that we asked Marybeth to join us for a discussion. She came to our Christmas cookie exchange and we had the best time hearing about her life as an author, wife, and mom to 6 beautiful children! What struck me most about her is that she is real. Someone who loves her family and is truly interested in others. Someone who is busy and trying to find balance in life just like the rest of us. Her passion is writing and she is blessed to follow her dream! It was a treat to chat with her and share Christmas cookies together!

Have you read any great books lately? I would love to know! I just finished The Wishing Tree last night, so I need to find another book soon!

Hope you all have a happy day!
Elizabeth