The Summer of Lost and Found
- Downloads：8303
- Type：Epub+TxT+PDF+Mobi
- Create Date：2021-04-30 12:32:03
- Update Date：2025-09-07
- Status：finish
- Author：Mary Alice Monroe
- ISBN：1797122118
- Environment：PC/Android/iPhone/iPad/Kindle
Reviews
Susan Peterson
，
I want to start by thanking Mary Alice Monroe for taking a chance on setting a novel during the pandemic。 I know many people want to forget 2020 and its challenges， but I think it’s important for us to remember how transformative the pandemic was for all of us。 In this book， we are reminded of the good and the bad that we all went through， highlighted by the wonderful Rutledge family and the beautiful place where they lived。 This heartfelt family saga is a story of change， acceptance， and making I want to start by thanking Mary Alice Monroe for taking a chance on setting a novel during the pandemic。 I know many people want to forget 2020 and its challenges， but I think it’s important for us to remember how transformative the pandemic was for all of us。 In this book， we are reminded of the good and the bad that we all went through， highlighted by the wonderful Rutledge family and the beautiful place where they lived。 This heartfelt family saga is a story of change， acceptance， and making the most of a difficult situation。 I think most of us who lived through the pandemic will find so much of this book relatable， and perhaps it will also give people a bit of hope。 。。。more
Kirsten
，
review to come
Nora St Laurent
，
I did not feel lost reading this novel， even though it is book 7 in the Beach House series。 The author does a good job of getting the reader well acquainted with her characters as they all face the news of a worldwide shut down to slow down the spread of the coronavirus。 This author wrote about the pandemic during the pandemic。 She says， “…what could be more interesting to write about the changes and challenges families faced with forced isolation， togetherness， and economic strain？ I wanted to I did not feel lost reading this novel， even though it is book 7 in the Beach House series。 The author does a good job of getting the reader well acquainted with her characters as they all face the news of a worldwide shut down to slow down the spread of the coronavirus。 This author wrote about the pandemic during the pandemic。 She says， “…what could be more interesting to write about the changes and challenges families faced with forced isolation， togetherness， and economic strain？ I wanted to write about this phenomenon we were living in – not about the Covid-19 illness， but family dynamics…I wrote this novel in real time – and what a roller coaster journey it has been？。。。After the original shock and fear of a global shutdown， we went through the five stages of grief， denial， anger， bargaining， depression， and acceptance。 Our defense strategies shifted to coping strategies。”This novel kicks off in April 2020， since I was reading this in April 2021 it brought back all the memories of that time and how we have gotten to where we have today。 This author pulls out all the stops as she delves into the Rutledge family dynamics as they deal with the unknown， daring to take the next step， as they encourage one another。 Main character Linnea is caught in a whirlwind as she is torn between two lovers and has to decide。 She says， “Hindsight is twenty-twenty。 Yet in this year of 2020， there is no hindsight to be had！ All of us are trying to make the best of this year like no other。 We don’t know what the future will bring。 It’s like you said， every day is precious。 So， let’s be happy just living in the here and now。 Let’s try not to get sick。”Linnea said it well。 Our time in dealing with the Covid-9 virus， social distancing， face masks， and doing life safely together is still a thing。 It has evolved and will continue to do so， as we keep the main thing the main thing， living in the moment， embracing family， showing them love and giving them grace to take in the beauty surrounding them， not letting fear led to have depression take over。This is the first time I’ve read a novel by this author。 I enjoyed the backdrop of Linnea working at an aquarium and how her and her friend Anna deal with being furloughed when the aquarium shut down。 Their passion for helping the turtle eggs hatching and helping them get to the sea was interesting。 I liked hanging out with this family at the beach seeing how they handled the year 2020。This is a story that will have you reflect on the past， give you courage for the future as we are still in this together。 The author shows this through the Rutledge family。 This is a fun read that included Linnea and Ann’s jobs at the aquarium and how they saved the baby turtles on the beach。 If you do not mind a few “F” bombs and cussing throughout， with mention of sex with no graphic scenes， with a strong sense of place and love for family you will enjoy this novel。 It’s a fun beach read and book club pick。 There is so much to discuss。Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley。 I was not required to write a positive review。 The opinions I have expressed are my own。 I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR， Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”Nora St。 LaurentTBCN Where Book Fun Begins！The Book Club Network blog www。bookfun。org 。。。more
Kari Day
，
MAM has done it again！ An emotional return to the Rutledge family and friends that left me renewed in spirit。 We are once again visiting the Rutledge family and friends in a way that is relevant and current to today’s social environment。 We begin the story as Linnea has just been furloughed at the SC Aquarium due to COVID-19 and is feeling lost and overwhelmed。 Her Aunt Cara is her support champion and always brings love and wisdom to share， as well as her cottage where Linnea lives。 Her neighbo MAM has done it again！ An emotional return to the Rutledge family and friends that left me renewed in spirit。 We are once again visiting the Rutledge family and friends in a way that is relevant and current to today’s social environment。 We begin the story as Linnea has just been furloughed at the SC Aquarium due to COVID-19 and is feeling lost and overwhelmed。 Her Aunt Cara is her support champion and always brings love and wisdom to share， as well as her cottage where Linnea lives。 Her neighbor Emmi is taking care of Flo whose dementia is steadily taking over her life， yet Flo has moments of clarity where her pearls of wisdom ring true。 As the story unfolds， you are set on a path of realization that we are all in need of love， patience， faith， and compassion。 As the pandemic begins to interrupt everyone’s life， Linnea and her close circle of friends and family create their own pod to survive。 With the help of her Aunt Cara Hope， and David， her parents and Cooper， her neighbors Flo and Emmi， her ex boyfriend John， her current boyfriend Gordon， and her friends Anna and Pandora， this group navigates the ups and downs of an unexpected social adjustment together。 New relationships develop and current relationships end but true love prevails。 Linnea is advised by her Aunt Cara to choose wisely when it comes to taking in roommates during the pandemic but the underlying meaning is initially lost on Linnea。 Linnea’s insecurities about her life and her love for Gordon bring unexpected choices that will forever change her pathway。 The job losses， isolation due to quarantine， food and supply shortages， and uncertainty and fear is what made this book hit home。 MAM brought all of these feelings and fears that most of us are having on a daily basis into the lives of the characters。 I couldn’t help but thinking “SAME！” as I was reading the story。 It was refreshing yet comforting to read a story that mirrors our existence during the pandemic。 Yet， everyone found a way to make a forced time together become a treasure instead of a chore。 With paper airplanes and Instagram challenges， imagination and creativity takes over to create an outlet for all to just be in the moment and have fun。 The fear of someone you love contracting the virus and the fear that the consequences may be fatal drove right into our hearts。 The uncertainty of the economic impact on lives haunted our dreams。 The comprehension of what it means to isolate from your community and to be quarantined shocked us into a new reality。 But at the break of dawn every morning， life moves on and evolves to the next phase。 These same emotions and insecurities are ever present in The Summer of Lost and Found as everyone’s lives are always in motion and adapting to new ways。 As always， the turtles and their conservation are of utmost importance to the Rutledge women and friends。 When Emmi asks Linnea to fill in on the Turtle Team for her， you sense that it is sort of passing the legacy to the next generation。 I can’t wait to see what the next story teaches us about these lovely animals and the conservation efforts currently underway。 The Summer of Lost and Found is many things， but to me， it is a love story。 Mary Alice Monroe has created an inspirational work of splendid art。 It is a love story to each other， to friends and family and neighbors， to our communities， to sisterhood， to nature， but most importantly to mankind。 。。。more
Janilyn Kocher
，
Over the last year and a half I have used Books relentlessly to escape the COVID crap。 I am not interested in reading about the pandemic in books。 But I made an exception for The Summer of Lost and Found。 I wanted to catch up with the sea turtle gang。 Honestly， ，the first few chapters threw me back a year and caused me to relive the chaos。 But then the story evened out and the focus was on other things。 Some characters faded into the background as a couple of characters stole the stage。 I did en Over the last year and a half I have used Books relentlessly to escape the COVID crap。 I am not interested in reading about the pandemic in books。 But I made an exception for The Summer of Lost and Found。 I wanted to catch up with the sea turtle gang。 Honestly， ，the first few chapters threw me back a year and caused me to relive the chaos。 But then the story evened out and the focus was on other things。 Some characters faded into the background as a couple of characters stole the stage。 I did enjoy reading the book。 I loved the beach details， the little hatchlings， and the low country cadence。 One of the best scenes was when the men go fishing。 Too much testerone for one boat。 Linnea had to make some hard choices and I can't wait for the next book to see where her road takes her。 I love the cover as well。 Thanks to Gallery Books and NetGalley for the early read。 。。。more
Diane
，
"Every day is meant to be lived。 Fully。 With our eyes wide open。 Our senses on full alert。 Not wasted。 Or squandered in doubt or self-pity" John， The Summer of Lost and FoundBravo！ I laughed， cried， and thoroughly loved The Summer of Lost and Found！ I devoured the latest Rutledge family book by Mary Alice Monroe。 The Summer of Lost and Found is a marvelous story of adapting and dealing with the unexpected during the time of a pandemic。 Linnea Rutledge is among several employees at the aquarium "Every day is meant to be lived。 Fully。 With our eyes wide open。 Our senses on full alert。 Not wasted。 Or squandered in doubt or self-pity" John， The Summer of Lost and FoundBravo！ I laughed， cried， and thoroughly loved The Summer of Lost and Found！ I devoured the latest Rutledge family book by Mary Alice Monroe。 The Summer of Lost and Found is a marvelous story of adapting and dealing with the unexpected during the time of a pandemic。 Linnea Rutledge is among several employees at the aquarium that has been affected by the pandemic and furloughed until further notice。 Linnea offers a room to one of her co-workers， Anne， who has become homeless due to the loss of her job。 Cara had instilled the concept of ‘paying it forward’ and being kind to those in need。 Soon Cara asks Linnea to take Hope and care for her as David recovers from an illness that appears to be Covid-19。 A few weeks later， Cooper， Linnea’s brother asks to move into the beach house to avoid conflicts with Palmer and Julia。 Linnea begins to feel trapped and uncomfortable with so many people in the house。 Problems arise as Linnea and Hope begin to interact with John who is visiting his mother during the Covid sheltering in place。 Memories of their past together and how John sent her home a year ago make it difficult for Linnea to accept his offer of friendship。 Gordon is planning to return from the UK for a marine research project。 He and Linnea are anxious to reunite and explore the possibilities of their relationship。 The small cottage is filled with differing personalities and the stress of adjusting to a new way of living during the pandemic takes a toll on family and friends。 The way the 'pod' comes together as support of each other is amazing。Publication Date: May 11， 2021Thank you to NetGalley， Mary Alice Monroe， and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book。 。。。more
Theresa
，
What makes up the perfect beach read for you？Takes place at the beachFamily dramaFeels like hanging out with friendsEasy and fun writing that flowsThis was my first Mary Alice Monroe book but it won’t be my last！！ I LOVED that the writer had the characters dealing with Coronavirus， masks and social distancing - I love when art mirrors life， it makes me feel less alone and realize that we are all in this together！I also really appreciated how the author wove conservationism into the novel
Leslie Phillips
，
I just finished and loved Mary Alice Monroe’s newest book， The Summer of Lost and Found。 If you are a past reader of MAM’s Beach House series， you will recognize the focus of this year’s book—Linnea Rutledge and the COVID-19 pandemic。 We are reminded that Linnea is Cara Rutledge-Wyatt’s niece or Cara’s brother Palmer’s daughter。 Lots of characters in this book but， no fear， MAM introduces her characters in each book so skillfully and subtly that you barely notice she’s doing so。 As it has bee I just finished and loved Mary Alice Monroe’s newest book， The Summer of Lost and Found。 If you are a past reader of MAM’s Beach House series， you will recognize the focus of this year’s book—Linnea Rutledge and the COVID-19 pandemic。 We are reminded that Linnea is Cara Rutledge-Wyatt’s niece or Cara’s brother Palmer’s daughter。 Lots of characters in this book but， no fear， MAM introduces her characters in each book so skillfully and subtly that you barely notice she’s doing so。 As it has been a year since the last book in the series， some of us need a little help with who’s who among minor characters and their connections to one another。 No need for flipping back and forth in the books pages， finding all the books in the series to look up the characters， or even taking character notes while reading in order to be able to follow along in the next book。 All is taken care of by MAM， so you can relax and just read any book in the series in any order。 But do yourself a favor and read them all！ For this book， MAM includes maps of Sullivans Island and Isle of Palms， as well as a Rutledge family tree。 I thought it was fun to actually see where everyone lived in relation to one another。 The family tree aided me in remembering how characters are related – very helpful！MAM absolutely nailed it when it came to addressing feelings and aspects of life attached to COVID-19。 She brought back memories of a time when wearing a mask wasn’t second nature， shaking hands was a common practice， and seeing friends often meant meeting up in a restaurant that would， of course， be open。 When Linnea meets up with Emmi， early in the book， both comment they don’t have masks yet！ Mary Alice also introduces us to a piece of furniture particular to Charleston—look for that in the book。 The next time you visit the Charleston area， you’ll be looking for this furniture on every porch。 Just like the seagrass baskets described in her other books！The Summer of Lost and Found touches on furloughs and job losses， quarantining， hoarding， staple shortages and isolation—and it is somewhat comforting to know our favorite characters have had similar experiences to our own during these uncertain times。What could have been a solemn reminder of a bad year， however， instead shows us camaraderie and ways Linnea and the Rutledge family band together to make the most of a difficult time。 They develop “pods” of relatives and friends living in close proximity and are forced to slow down a bit to appreciate what we are all guilty of taking for granted—family。 We see younger characters taking on new roles and inheriting the responsibilities of their elders with the care of Primrose Cottage and the sea turtles。 We originally saw these lessons instilled in them， early in the series， by our beloved Lovie and her friend Flo， and in this book Cara and Emmi have continued on helping the next generation。 It was also refreshing to read about all the younger folks and their “home break challenge”。 I am landlocked in Oklahoma and have never heard of it。 I looked it up on YouTube— it is a real thing！The Summer of Lost and Found was a fun， relatable read， getting to know more about Linnea， seeing her personal life unfold as she decides between two loves， seeing Cara’s life move forward with a daughter and husband， and seeing characters like Cara’s brother， Palmer， true to form， doing just what we’d expect—because we know him so well！ MAM continues to deeply develop characters and story lines; nothing is stagnant—just like in real life。 Her books are totally relatable because we can see ourselves and our own experiences throughout them。 Like waves in the ocean， which is the backdrop of the series， life at Primrose Cottage is forever evolving， unfolding， and developing。 Sometimes it rolls along smoothly， sometimes it crashes to the shore—like when relationships end or loved ones die。My favorite part of the original book in this series， The Beach House， was the chapter headers’ lessons about sea turtles。 I hope MAM’s next book will again put the focus on the turtles and the turtle team—perhaps with an emphasis this time on Emmi and her love life， and her relationship with Cara。 I love these 2 ladies because they are the characters closest to my own age。 I can relate to them and almost feel as if they are friends。Thanks to NetGalley， the publishers， and Mary Alice Monroe for my advance copy of The Summer of Lost and Found。 It was a thrill to have the privilege of reading this book before the general public。 I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review of the book。 I will post copies of this review in Barnes & Noble， NetGalley， Goodreads， and Friends and Fiction。 。。。more
GiGi Carothers
，
The Summer of Lost and Found by Mary Alice Monroe is part of her series of beach books on the Isle of Palms。 Linnea Rutledge arrives back to her parents home after suffering a breakup with her lifetime boyfriend， John。 She returns to live in the beach house owned by Cara after losing her dream job of working at the Aquarium。 She loves being reunited with her relatives but finds her independence invaded by a girlfriend，， her brother， and then her new boyfriend who wants to move in with her。。 To m The Summer of Lost and Found by Mary Alice Monroe is part of her series of beach books on the Isle of Palms。 Linnea Rutledge arrives back to her parents home after suffering a breakup with her lifetime boyfriend， John。 She returns to live in the beach house owned by Cara after losing her dream job of working at the Aquarium。 She loves being reunited with her relatives but finds her independence invaded by a girlfriend，， her brother， and then her new boyfriend who wants to move in with her。。 To make matters worse， John has returned to the house next door to help his mother with an elderly friend。 The characters find them suffering during the pandemic with no goals insight。 They turn to each other to help survive the lost of a love one， and learn how to find themselves。 during this uncertain time。Thank you to netgalley for allowing me to read this book prior to publication。 。。。more
Georgine
，
I won an early copy。I enjoyed the story。 I especially liked how Linnea was willing to help her friends during these trying times。 Also how they created their own pods so they could still enjoy each other and have some fun。Would recommend this book to everyone。
Pamela Ward
，
The Summer of Lost and Found was a splendid visit back to all my favorite characters on Sullivan’s Island！ This year has been tough for everyone and really tough for those more susceptible to the dangers of Covid！ Kudos to Mary Alice Monroe for tackling what we all are feeling！！ Each character brought a different perspective to the struggles so many of us have experienced。 There were so many feel good moments that it would be hard to mention them all， unless I wrote a book！！！ However。 I really e The Summer of Lost and Found was a splendid visit back to all my favorite characters on Sullivan’s Island！ This year has been tough for everyone and really tough for those more susceptible to the dangers of Covid！ Kudos to Mary Alice Monroe for tackling what we all are feeling！！ Each character brought a different perspective to the struggles so many of us have experienced。 There were so many feel good moments that it would be hard to mention them all， unless I wrote a book！！！ However。 I really enjoyed getting to know little Hope！ I think it was because I have had the opportunity to spend days this year with my two grandchildren。 Although I am tired when they go home， I am blessed when they are here。 Hope is the future and someday will carry on the legacy Lovie planted in her little beach cottage！ Mary Alice moves us back into primrose cottage to let us be a part of another summer with the Rutledge family。 We know them all！ We have grown to love them like they are our own relatives。 In the Summer of Lost and Found， we see the next generation find their way home。 The Younger ones struggle to find what they thought they had lost。 In the worst year any of us can imagine， we too have found things we might have misplaced。 We also have had time！ Time to consider what is most important！ Family！ However， we could not spend another summer at primrose cottage if we did not learn something about nature。 Mary Alice weaves into the book the importance of remembering the ongoing care and protection of our turtle family。 Despite the rough year we have had we are blessed with the beauty of nature all around us， if we just take the time to look。 The original turtle lady taught us that！ If it’s not one thing， it’s another！ Enjoy life always， because it will always be one thing or another！ For now we mourn， rejoice， laugh， cry， and simply live another wonderful summer at primrose cottage！ Thank you Mary Alice Monroe for giving all of us a little beach cottage by the ocean to wash away the burdens of this past year！ Because I live so close to Sullivan’s Island， I often drive over the bridge and cut a left past Dunlevys。 I find myself glancing out the window for the little cottage， the gold bug， Cara’s new house， and all the Rutledge crowd mulling around together！ See you later Rutledges！ 。。。more
Christine Lussier
，
Thanks to Gallery Books， Mary Alice Monroe， & NetGalley for the chance to read "The Summer of Lost & Found" in exchange for an honest review。Once again， back at the Beach house， only it is March 2020 & the pandemic has just started。 The story's focus is on Linnea this time， with the usual cast of characters。 Perhaps right now， while still living IN the pandemic， wasn't a great time to read a book that was written during it。 I found myself a few times thinking "Well， that's not how it was here" o Thanks to Gallery Books， Mary Alice Monroe， & NetGalley for the chance to read "The Summer of Lost & Found" in exchange for an honest review。Once again， back at the Beach house， only it is March 2020 & the pandemic has just started。 The story's focus is on Linnea this time， with the usual cast of characters。 Perhaps right now， while still living IN the pandemic， wasn't a great time to read a book that was written during it。 I found myself a few times thinking "Well， that's not how it was here" or "Hmm， we wouldn't have done that"， but， it's a book， a work of fiction。 The story line is the usual， sucks you right in， and at the end is bittersweet。 A summer read-probably。 Maybe better for next summer， or those who in years to come were too little to remember how it was。 Again， decent book， decent story， just my feelings。 For those who have been reading the books in order， it definitely continues the storyline。 。。。more
Michelle
，
I was lucky enough to win an ARC from Goodreads and was so excited to win a giveaway！ This is Mary Alice Monroe's best one yet！ I love coming back to these characters over the years but what blew me away was that it was written in present time， right at the start of the pandemic。 Remember when we didn't know where to get a mask？ I swear I had forgotten some of the little details of learning to social distance and how the protocols kept changing。 It was interwoven into the story in the best way - I was lucky enough to win an ARC from Goodreads and was so excited to win a giveaway！ This is Mary Alice Monroe's best one yet！ I love coming back to these characters over the years but what blew me away was that it was written in present time， right at the start of the pandemic。 Remember when we didn't know where to get a mask？ I swear I had forgotten some of the little details of learning to social distance and how the protocols kept changing。 It was interwoven into the story in the best way -- just part of the story that this time around focuses on Linnea as a young adult。 If you haven't read the earlier ones in the Beach House series， hurry up！ That way this can be next on your list！ 。。。more
Robin Shelley
，
It's time to stock up on reading for the summer！ If you're a fan of The Beach House series by Mary Alice Monroe， you've got to continue the Rutledge family story。 If you’re new to the series， Mary Alice has made it easy to start here， but I’d still recommend you read all of the series at some point。 The pandemic of 2020 has hit and Linnea has been laid-off from her job at the aquarium。 I know， I didn't think I'd want to be reading about the pandemic （especially so soon）， but instead of being t It's time to stock up on reading for the summer！ If you're a fan of The Beach House series by Mary Alice Monroe， you've got to continue the Rutledge family story。 If you’re new to the series， Mary Alice has made it easy to start here， but I’d still recommend you read all of the series at some point。 The pandemic of 2020 has hit and Linnea has been laid-off from her job at the aquarium。 I know， I didn't think I'd want to be reading about the pandemic （especially so soon）， but instead of being turned off， I found myself more connected to these characters who were socializing in small pods， keeping socially distant in public， quarantining when necessary， stressing about finances， and having concern for keeping loved ones safe and healthy。 The story focuses around Linnea's ex-boyfriend John， who has returned to visit his mother next door to Linnea， and her current boyfriend Gordon， who is struggling to get out of England to visit her and conduct a research project。 Who could blame John for trying to rekindle lost love？ But when Gordon arrives， Linnea is faced with tough decisions in this love triangle- who does she love and who does she want to be？ And yet， there’s so much more to it than that！ So good！ Pre-order today。 （Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advance copy。 The opinions are my own。） 。。。more
Pam Jenoff
，
Summer readers like me always look forward to the latest installment if the Beach House series， which chronicles the Rutledge family on the Isle of Palms。 But this year's book is especially meaningful as it is set in summer of 2020， when Linnea and her family， like all of us， must navigate the challenges of covid。 An important and moving story of family， love and resilience to which we can all relate。 Summer readers like me always look forward to the latest installment if the Beach House series， which chronicles the Rutledge family on the Isle of Palms。 But this year's book is especially meaningful as it is set in summer of 2020， when Linnea and her family， like all of us， must navigate the challenges of covid。 An important and moving story of family， love and resilience to which we can all relate。 。。。more
Nancy
，
Thank you NetGalley， Mary Alice Monroe and Gallery Books for the ARC of The Summer of Lost and Found。 This is my personal review。Linnea Rutledge has her life all planned out， but the universe has other plans for her and a different path to take。She has her life in South Carolina on the Isle of Palms。 She has a job she loves at the Aquarium and everything is going good until the pandemic has stopped all living that is normal。Cara， Hope， Cooper， Anna， David， Emmi， Gordon， John， Julia， Palmer， and Thank you NetGalley， Mary Alice Monroe and Gallery Books for the ARC of The Summer of Lost and Found。 This is my personal review。Linnea Rutledge has her life all planned out， but the universe has other plans for her and a different path to take。She has her life in South Carolina on the Isle of Palms。 She has a job she loves at the Aquarium and everything is going good until the pandemic has stopped all living that is normal。Cara， Hope， Cooper， Anna， David， Emmi， Gordon， John， Julia， Palmer， and Flo all are a huge part of this story。The family and friendships are all so beautifully written that I felt a part of all that was going on in the story。Mary Alice Monroe has given us all another wonderful book to add to our collections！ 。。。more
Krystal （Nerdy_book_lover_1987）
，
This was a beautiful story set during the 2020 spring and summer pandemic。 Lots of love， friends， figuring out life， dealing with covid and the restrictions that brings and loss。 This was truly a great story and absolutely loved it。
Noelle
，
I was a little hesitant to read this book as the story takes place during the pandemic。 I read to experience another place and time so I felt a hint of disappointment。 However， this book is part of the Beach House series， which I absolutely adore so I just knew it had to be good。 This book exceeded my expectations and Mary Alice hooked me in as always。 Dynamic characters and a few surprises were nestled in。
Stephanie See Belcher
，
First I want to say Thank You for the advance reader copy， and the opportunity to give a fair and honest review of one of my favorite authors。 Mary Alice Monroe always hits the mark and she has done so again in The Summer of Lost and Found。I had to sit on this one for a spell when I saw that it was based during the time of this virus。 Why？ Because I am an essential worker of a large retail establishment， there is no working from home， and unlike the medical personnel。。。no PPE。 We have no choice First I want to say Thank You for the advance reader copy， and the opportunity to give a fair and honest review of one of my favorite authors。 Mary Alice Monroe always hits the mark and she has done so again in The Summer of Lost and Found。I had to sit on this one for a spell when I saw that it was based during the time of this virus。 Why？ Because I am an essential worker of a large retail establishment， there is no working from home， and unlike the medical personnel。。。no PPE。 We have no choice but to get up everyday and go to work in order to feed our families and pay the bills。 Once I started reading and saw that we weren't going to live and breath Covid my mindset changed and I had a hard time putting it down 😊Linnea and John， what can I say other than what a Power Couple！！ It was nice to see Linnea kind of take the reins， so to speak， and give Cara a well deserved break。 The same goes for John， being there for Emmi and Flo during this time of uncertainty。 It was also nice to see that the two of them may just work out their relationship kinks after all。 It truly was a summer of lost and found ❤As always we had wonderful characters and great storylines， all mixed in with just enough Covid to make it real but not the forefront。。。for that I say Bravo！！Thank You Mary Alice Monroe for writing from the heart， for being who you are！ And extra special Thank You for letting us see those turtles hit the water amidst all of the craziness happening around us。 We needed it ❤ 。。。more
Peggy
，
I have followed this series for a long time and it was as wonderful as ever to catch up with everyone。Like my life and yours the pandemic has prevented any real growth in their lives but it was interesting to observe their problems for a few hours。 All I could think was how lucky they are to live at the beach。This follows Linnea as she navigates her love life and friendships。 Not the usual escape but still and enjoyable story。
Gail Herrmann
，
The continuing story of the Rutledge family and their life in the low country。。 As always I love the beach setting and the inclusion of the watching/hatching of their beloved sea turtles。 A big lesson from an older member of the family-Family is most important， an important aspect with the very recent CoVid year as the timeline for this story。。 In some cases it was hard to read about something we all are living through， but honestly this takes place in the very early months of 2020 and it is goo The continuing story of the Rutledge family and their life in the low country。。 As always I love the beach setting and the inclusion of the watching/hatching of their beloved sea turtles。 A big lesson from an older member of the family-Family is most important， an important aspect with the very recent CoVid year as the timeline for this story。。 In some cases it was hard to read about something we all are living through， but honestly this takes place in the very early months of 2020 and it is good to see the progress we have made。 Another quote in this book that I take with me is " If it isn't one thing， it's another！" Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy。 。。。more
Bev Antonides
，
New York Times bestselling author， Mary Alice Monroe has written another outstanding novel in the Beach House series， "The Summer of Lost and Found。"The Rutledge family navigate the latest challenges and obstacles proving their love， support and compassion for one another。This novel was so inspiring to read， you don't want to miss it！ New York Times bestselling author， Mary Alice Monroe has written another outstanding novel in the Beach House series， "The Summer of Lost and Found。"The Rutledge family navigate the latest challenges and obstacles proving their love， support and compassion for one another。This novel was so inspiring to read， you don't want to miss it！ 。。。more
The Growing Library
，
I was honestly a little unsure how I would feel reading my first book fully centered around the pandemic。 Though this made for there to be a heavy feel through out the book， it still showcased love， family and a good beach setting。 The characters are super well developed and I was completely invested in each one！ It so perfectly hits the nail on the head with many of the realities and feelings of the past year！
Amanda Earnhardt
，
Yay！ It’s almost summer and Mary Alice Monroe returns to her beloved Beach House series with her new book， The Summer of Lost and Found。 Fans of this series， don’t miss this one！
Sherrie Howey
，
In a continuation of " On Ocean Boulevard"， all of the favorite characters are back on Isle of Palms。 The story begins with the pandemic and its effect on many in the family。 Linnea is laid off from her job at the aquarium as is Anna。 Linnea invites Anna to live with her in the beach house owned by Aunt Cara in an effort to save money on lodging。What I really enjoyed about the book was the very real portrayal of the pandemic and the fear and uncertainty that we have all faced in the last year。 J In a continuation of " On Ocean Boulevard"， all of the favorite characters are back on Isle of Palms。 The story begins with the pandemic and its effect on many in the family。 Linnea is laid off from her job at the aquarium as is Anna。 Linnea invites Anna to live with her in the beach house owned by Aunt Cara in an effort to save money on lodging。What I really enjoyed about the book was the very real portrayal of the pandemic and the fear and uncertainty that we have all faced in the last year。 John， Linnea's former boyfriend is back from California and there's plenty of friction when Gordon， Linnea's current boyfriend arrives。 The family unit remains strong throughout this book with family drama and new relationships and of course， the sea turtles。This is another touching yet fun novel by this author which gets the reader excited for the summer and the beach season！ 。。。more
Amy
，
“If there is one lesson I learned from Lovie， and there were many， it is that above all， only one thing matters in life。 Family。 Who your people are as she used to say。”This book was centered around real life in the early days of the pandemic。 Frustrating roommates， a puppy， an active 6 year old and boyfriends all trying to live normal lives during crazy times。A story of how a family comes together， supporting each other during heartache and uncertainty。 A book we can connect with and characters “If there is one lesson I learned from Lovie， and there were many， it is that above all， only one thing matters in life。 Family。 Who your people are as she used to say。”This book was centered around real life in the early days of the pandemic。 Frustrating roommates， a puppy， an active 6 year old and boyfriends all trying to live normal lives during crazy times。A story of how a family comes together， supporting each other during heartache and uncertainty。 A book we can connect with and characters we can relate to。 I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway winner。 。。。more
Elissa
，
Linnea Rutledge has everything going for her – a dream job， a cozy beach house all to herself， and a handsome love interest who will soon be back in her life face to face。 And then Covid 19 strikes。 Suddenly， she’s laid off， her beach house becomes crowded with roommates， and her boyfriend may be stranded on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean while an old flame has moved back in next door。 Linnea’s story is intertwined with her pod – a group of friends and family members who promise to only in Linnea Rutledge has everything going for her – a dream job， a cozy beach house all to herself， and a handsome love interest who will soon be back in her life face to face。 And then Covid 19 strikes。 Suddenly， she’s laid off， her beach house becomes crowded with roommates， and her boyfriend may be stranded on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean while an old flame has moved back in next door。 Linnea’s story is intertwined with her pod – a group of friends and family members who promise to only interact with each other throughout the pandemic。 Longtime readers of Monroe’s novels will be delighted to catch up with Linnea’s family - Cara， David and Hope along with Julia， Palmer and Cooper。 Neighbors Emmi， Flo and John and friends Annabelle， Pandora and Gordon round out the group。 Throughout the stresses and unknowns of daily quarantined life， the group relies on each other and comes to realize the joy and strength that close relationships can bring。 Monroe’s ability to create characters and paint a scene will have both seasoned fans and new readers of her work enthralled from the first pages。Mary Alice Monroe’s newest novel tackles the very timely and very real issues that our current global pandemic presents。 Linnea and her circle deal with some of the same problems many of us have faced over the last year。 The situations they endure are not glossed over or even tied up in a pretty package by the final chapter。 However， in Monroe’s true style， readers are left feeling a little wiser and hopeful for what the future may bring。 Thanks to Net Galley， publisher and author for an ARC of this book！ 。。。more
Chrissy
，
Back on Isle of Palms with the Rutledge family to shelter in place in 2020。 Each of us has had unique experiences in this unprecedented year。 It was so moving to read as these beloved characters navigate the pandemic and the challenges it brought。 A special treat was to witness the relationships with the male characters evolve。 As a die hard fan of the Beach House series， I loved this book and truly appreciate Mary Alice Monroe for working diligently to get this finished and published in real ti Back on Isle of Palms with the Rutledge family to shelter in place in 2020。 Each of us has had unique experiences in this unprecedented year。 It was so moving to read as these beloved characters navigate the pandemic and the challenges it brought。 A special treat was to witness the relationships with the male characters evolve。 As a die hard fan of the Beach House series， I loved this book and truly appreciate Mary Alice Monroe for working diligently to get this finished and published in real time as we are all still navigating the reality of COVID。 。。。more
Lisa Garrett
，
I have loved visiting the Isle Of Palms and reuniting with these old friends。 The focus on the newer generation during the Pandemic was comforting even though I had to say goodbye to one of the older generation。 As always， MAM has written a beautiful story about love and family， and what is important in life。 Many thanks to Gallery Books and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion。
Patricia Ann
，