Dear Reader,
It’s difficult to choose a favorite book from Mary Alice Monroe’s Beach House series, but On Ocean Boulevard (Beach House Series #6) might be mine. There are so many reasons to love this story!
As in the series’ previous books, the plight of loggerhead sea turtles is highlighted. In On Ocean Boulevard, a new educational angle about destructive microplastics emerges. Readers learn about their prevalence in marine life and what can be done to minimize their negative impact. The real-life company 4ocean, a global clean-up operation dedicated to recovering and sustainably recycling ocean plastic, is mentioned. (Readers will find a nice inventory of products that can be purchased to support 4ocean’s efforts here.)
In On Ocean Boulevard, series pillar Cara Rutledge finds love again. And isn’t her fiancé swoon-worthy? When Cara becomes frustrated over choosing a wedding dress, her dashing fiancé sweeps Cara and her girlfriends off to the real-life Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City. (Fans of TLC’s television series Say Yes To The Dress will smile when Cara is asked the iconic question, “Are you saying yes to the dress?”)
On Ocean Boulevard is full of scenes that will make a reader smile.
Consider this comic moment when Cara and her niece Linnea scrutinize the house being built across the street:
“Speaking of the house,” Linnea said, glancing at it in the distance, “it’s coming along nicely.”
“It is,” Cara said with enthusiasm. “It’s even a bit ahead of schedule. I’m so proud of my brother. I think it’s going to be a beautiful house. I love the way it looks rather modest from the street and then it spreads out to this amazing surprise in the back.”
“Like a mullet haircut. Business in the front; party in the back.”
Should you read Mary Alice Monroe’s Beach House series in order? If you have time and the desire to do so, yes, definitely start at the beginning. But I’ve been impressed by how each story gives readers the background information we need to enjoy the novel on its own.
So, Reader, now the only question is, if a house on Ocean Boulevard has caught your attention, why not jump right in?
Here with you,
Laura
P.S. Are you interested in what happened before construction of the house on Ocean Boulevard? Read my review of Beach House For Rent (#4) here and my review of Beach House Reunion (#5) here.
