Blue Bicycle Books Charleston Author Series presents Mary Alice Monroe – June 10
June 4, 2019
Charleston’s Own Mary Alice Monroe’s newest novel, “The Summer Guests,” explores the bonds and new beginnings that are born from natural disasters and how, even during the worst of circumstances—or perhaps because of them—you discover what is most important in life.
Here’s your chance to have lunch with one of Charleston’s favorite authors, Charleston’s own, Mary Alice Monroe. Join us Monday, June 10 at Halls Signature Events and you’ll enjoy three courses by Executive Chef Robyn Guisto, excellent company and a copy of Mary Alice’s newest book, The Summer Guests
Halls Signature Events is located at 5 Faber Street in historic downtown Charleston, just behind S.N.O.B. off East Bay Street. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and lunch is served at noon.
Limited seating provides an intimate experience with the author. In addition to three creative courses, the cash bar will feature specialty cocktails and wines, including Mary Alice’s favorite– Gin and Tonic.
Tickets are $64 and include lunch, a signed hardcover first edition of The Summer Guests, and a priceless opportunity to meet and chat with Mary Alice.
About Her New Book
Late August is a beautiful time on the Southern coast—the peach trees are ripe, the ocean is warm, and the sweet tea is icy. A perfect time to enjoy the rocking chairs on the porch. But beneath the calm surface bubbles a threat: it’s also the beginning of peak hurricane season.
When a sudden storm threatens the coasts of Florida and South Carolina, an eclectic group of evacuees flee for the farm of their friends Grace and Charles Phillips in North Carolina: the Phillips’s daughter Moira and her rescue dogs, famed equestrian Javier Angel de la Cruz, makeup artist Hannah McLain, horse breeder Gerda Klug and her daughter Elise, and island resident Cara Rutledge. They bring with them only the few treasured possessions they can carry. Strangers to all but the Phillips, they must ride out the storm together.
During the course of one of the most challenging weeks of their lives, relationships are put to the test as the evacuees are forced to confront the unresolved issues they have with themselves and with each other. But as the storm passes, they realize that what really matters wasn’t what they brought with them to the mountains: but what they’ll take with them once they leave.
With Mary Alice Monroe’s “usual resplendent storytelling” (Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author), The Summer Guests is a poignant and compelling story of self-discovery, love, and redemption.
About Mary Alice Monroe
Mary Alice Monroe writes richly textured books that delve into the complexities of interpersonal relationships and the parallels between the land and life. Monroe’s novels are published worldwide. With the same heart of conservation, Monroe has written two children’s picture books as well.
Her novels have achieved many lists, including the New York Times, USA Today and SIBA. She has received numerous awards, including several Readers’ Choice Awards; the 2014 SC Book Festival Award for Excellence in Writing; the 2015 SW Florida Book Festival Distinguished Author Award; RT Lifetime Achievement Award; and the 2008 South Carolina Center for the Book Award for Writing. Most recently, Monroe was named by the South Carolina Academy of Authors as a 2018 inductee of the Literary Hall of Fame.
Monroe’s novel The Beach House was adapted into a Hallmark Channel Hall of Fame Movie, starring three-time Golden Globe nominee Andie MacDowell, actress Minka Kelly, and actor Chad Michael Murray. The film premiered exclusively on the network in 2018 and is now available on DVD.
Mary Alice lives with her family on a barrier island near Charleston, South Carolina. She is an active conservationist and serves on the South Carolina Aquarium Board Emeritis, The Leatherback Trust, The Pat Conroy Literary Center Honorary Board, and Casting Carolinas Advisory Board.
