April 15, 2021
The seventh book in Monroe's best-selling Beach House series set on the South Carolina Isle of Palms (following On Ocean Boulevard, 2020) brings four generations together to weather the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Linnea's on-track life, with an aquarium job she loves, a cozy seaside cottage, a love interest equally invested in the protection of aquatic creatures, and a close-knit community, is completely upended by the shutdown. When she is furloughed, she adds a six-year-old cousin to her household as other family members stay in quarantine. Linnea's ex shows up next-door, then her beau and her brother both make it back before all flights are canceled, and all must stay isolated from each other. Just as in real life, the flow of time seems out of whack as Monroe presents an accurate and discomfiting depiction of relationships during this trying time. As she has throughout the series, Monroe addresses themes of environmental preservation. Fans will enjoy seeing how the characters cope with this difficult predicament, and all readers will relate to Monroe's sensitive take on a global experience.
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April 23, 2021
In March 2020, as the coronavirus is spreading, Linnea Rutledge is furloughed from her dream job at the South Carolina Aquarium. Her aunt Cara, who is her landlady, waives the rent; Linnea shares the kindness by inviting her friend Annabelle, also furloughed, to stay with her. Then Linnea's brother Cooper arrives, wanting a room while he's home from college; finally, Hope, Cara's six-year-old daughter, moves in while her father is sick. As if that wasn't enough, Linnea learns that John Peterson, the guy responsible for crushing her heart, is staying at his mother's house next door. When the group works together--cleaning out a space to hold small gatherings; caring for an aging friend--amazing things begin to happen. VERDICT The latest in Monroe's long-running "Beach House" series (after On Ocean Boulevard) gives dedicated fans a chance to catch up with old friends, and provides enough background on the characters for new readers to enjoy. The intimate island atmosphere keeps the focus on family and romantic relationships, as the characters deal with a global pandemic. Monroe's book acknowledges some of the hardships that real people endured over the past year, addresses loss and change, and finds hope where it's possible, which gives depth to this timely story.--Stacey Hayman, Rocky River P.L., OH
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