The Beach House by Mary Alice Monroe

Known for her moving characters and emotional honesty, Mary Alice Monroe brings readers a beautifully rendered story that explores the fragile yet enduring bond between mothers and daughters.Caretta Rutledge thought she'd left her Southern roots and troubled family far behind. But an unusual request from her mother—coming just as her own life is spinning out of control—has Cara heading back to the scenic Lowcountry of her childhood summers. Before long, the rhythms of the island open her heart in wonderful ways as she repairs the family beach house, becomes a bona fide "turtle lady" and renews old acquaintances long thought lost. But it is in reconnecting with her mother that she will learn life's most precious lessons—true love involves sacrifice, family is forever and the mistakes of the past can be forgiven.

A book group pick and not one I would have picked up on my own steam.  However, it was a quite enjoyable read.  I would liken it to a wordy Elin Hilderbrand, the same type of beach setting, mixed characters, one gritty storyline but a lot of fun going on within the book.

It is no classic but a book that would be a good holiday/beach read.  It was a bit too wordy in places and I felt that a good 100 to 150 could have been edited out of the book without changing the story in the slightest.  Some parts I happily speed read through without losing anything from the book or story. I also felt that there was just one too many side storylines in it.  The main story of Lovie and her relationship with Caretta, her daughter, was strong enough without having to have several main side stories as well.  

I was very interested in the facts about the loggerhead turtles that started each chapter and this was a nice touch to focus your mind on the main story.  

Not a bad read, just not my cup of tea generally.  Not sure how good a book group discussion it will make as the storylines were quite plain without any hidden depth to discuss, in my opinion.  4 out of 5 for am entertaining read if this is your chosen genre.