New Book From Noted Author Mary Alice Monroe Blends Moving Lowcountry Tale With Conservation 

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer / Book Review

On the celebratory day of her 88th year on God's green planet, Eliza Pinckney Rivers Delaney reflects on all that has transpired in her life since she arrived at the dawn of the 20th century. Pleased the south has made strides when it comes to issues of race, Eliza a strong willed and determined woman longs for the days of her youth, far removed from her stately Charleston home recalling simpler times at Mayfield, the family's Beaufort county plantation home, where she found solace in childhood friends, a tree hollow, and riding on her horse Capitano. 

Thus is backdrop for 'Where The Rivers Merge' the latest novel from acclaimed and NY Times best selling author Mary Alice Monroe. A longtime Charleston resident, with more than 25 books to her credit, Monroe has offered faithful readers compelling fictional tales often exploring the parallels between human nature and environmental concerns, with her 'Beach House' series among her most treasured works.

Part of a limited two book series, 'Where The Rivers Merge' continues in a familiar vein, following a multi-family dynamic over eight decades, with the ever pressing need to preserve our natural habitats.

Despite turning 88 Eliza is still feisty, calculated, and of sound mind. She has spent a lifetime trying to protect her beloved Mayfield. And although she is stepping down as CEO of the Delaney Group, she's not willing to let the fate of the estate rest in the hands of her son Arthur, who would rather develop the remaining 1000 acres Eliza hasn't already donated for wildlife conservation, thus protecting her family's legacy for years to come.

At age eight in 1908 we discover Eliza is more a free-spirited tomboy, much to the chagrin of Sloane, her more reserved mother who would rather see her daughter become a proper young lady. Befriending Covey, a young black girl with remarkable avian healing powers only adds to her mother's dismay, especially when Eliza asks that Covey be tutored in their Mayfield home. Taboos not traditionally accepted in the segregated south.

Fortunately for Eliza, her father is among her strongest supporters. Much like his daughter, he prefers Mayfield to Charleston, putting him at odds with Eliza's mother. However, reminiscent of early 20th century norms, Eliza's father adheres to societal standards when it comes to male and female roles, suggesting Eliza's brother is more suited to ride Capitano in one of the yearly local horse races.

'Where The Rivers Merge' gradually unfolds throughout the years, as Eliza reflects on specific dates and times depicted in murals hanging at Mayfield, artwork created to capture the family's history. The paintings hold the attention of Eliza's youngest granddaughter Savannah, and to Norah, a surprise guest on her 88th birthday, with both women captivated by the Eliza's life story.

Monroe has written a warm and sensitive tale, easily describing the low country of South Carolina and nearly all the Palmetto state suffered during the 1900's through the eyes of our protagonist. Eliza survived two world wars, a great depression, the Jim Crow era, racism, the industrial age, and witnessed first hand how natural disasters and mankind can disrupt the eco-system.

While generations clash in Monroe's latest novel, she finds time to explore tender first time moments in 'Where The Rivers Merge', allowing for love and loss, as well as the thrill of a first kiss, all wrapped up nicely in a coming of age fictional tale that presents real life situations. There are no less than a dozen intricate characters in Monroe's narrative, and as she's done in all of her books, Monroe defines each in explicit detail, with Eliza being the common bond over all 329 pages.

Eliza Pinckney Rivers Delaney has experienced high and lows over eight decades. She's fallen out of grace and gained favor with both of her parents. She's become a mature and respected businesswoman, yet through it all, the innocence and the passion she gleaned during her formative years at Mayfield have never left her. Can Norah keep Eliza's dream alive. Most assuredly we will discover the answers in book two of the series. Stay tuned! 

30 years into an exceptional writing career, Monroe is not only a gifted author, but a writer who knows her readers. Set for release in May of 2025, 'Where The Rivers Merge' is no doubt the first of what will easily become a two part epic saga. Fans of Mary Alice Monroe will wait with anticipation as she concludes Eliza's adventures in the spring of 2026. Take time to curl up with a nice read!

Mary Alice joins with the Charleston Library Society on the publication debut of her first-ever historical fiction novel on May 13th. Fans of Mary Alice are welcome to attend. For more info on the event visit https://charlestonlibrarysociety.org/event/historical-fiction-debut-mary-alice-monroe/ 

To discover this historical novel, or any of the vast array of books by Monroe visit her website at https://maryalicemonroe.com/