On Ocean Boulevard Mary Alice Monroe’s latest novel is the sixth book in her Beach House series. For those who have read her others this is a must read! If you have not read the others in this series, the book can be very interesting as a stand alone.
The book covers one summer in the life of the Rutledge family. It takes place on Sullivans Island on the shore of Charleston, South Carolina. This is the family of the beloved “Turtle Lady” Lovie Rutledge who was instrumental in starting the sea turtle project which would save the endangered turtles and their nests on the coastal islands of the area. Cara Rutledge has been back home on Sullivan’s Island 16 years and has taken her mother’s place guarding and protecting the nests along with the turtle team. She has a job with the Charleston aquarium. She was widowed, has adopted a daughter, has fallen in love, and is planning her second wedding.
Cara’s brother, a Charleston contractor, has had to declare bankruptcy and he and his wife have moved out to Isle of Palms and he is trying to establish a new business by building a home on Ocean Boulevard on property that was left to him and Cara by their mother. His wife is becoming a much sought after interior decorator. Cara’s niece Linnea has returned home after several years in California to begin a new life. She has ended her career and her engagement. Her interests lie in environmental issues and she becomes the third generation in her family to be involved with sea turtles. She heads up an endeavor to clean up microplastics in the ocean.
Not only is this a beautiful love story it is also a very interesting and informative book regarding protecting our oceans and sea life. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good story and the beautiful islands around Charleston. “On Ocean Boulevard” is available through Azalea Libraries.
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