Step into the enchanting world of the Low Country Summer series, where the sultry South Carolina coast weaves a spell of family, healing, and nature’s embrace! Mary Alice Monroe’s beloved trilogy (plus two companion novels) follows three half-sisters—Dora, Carson, and Harper—as they reunite at their grandmother’s historic home on Sullivan’s Island. With a backdrop of shimmering tides and fragile ecosystems, this series blends heartfelt family drama, personal growth, and a passionate call for environmental conservation.
Monroe’s storytelling captivates readers with its lush descriptions and relatable characters, making Low Country Summer a perfect escape for anyone craving a soulful, seaside saga. Whether you’re drawn to tales of sisterhood or intrigued by the plight of bottlenose dolphins, this series offers a journey that’s as refreshing as a Lowcountry breeze.
How Low Country Summer Began
When Mary Alice Monroe moved to coastal South Carolina, she found her true calling as an environmental fiction writer. Inspired by the region’s beauty and its vulnerable habitats, she crafted the Low Country Summer series to reflect the parallels between nature and human connections. Launched in 2013 with The Summer Girls, the series grew from Monroe’s work with marine life experts and her deep commitment to conservation, infusing her novels with authenticity and heart.
Monroe’s own experiences volunteering with wildlife, including dolphins and sea turtles, shaped the series’ vivid ecological themes. Her goal was to tell a story that entertains while subtly educating readers about the importance of preserving the Lowcountry’s delicate coastal ecosystems—a mission she’s pursued as an active member of the South Carolina Aquarium and The Leatherback Trust.
The Heart of Low Country Summer
The series kicks off with The Summer Girls, where Carson Muir, a drifter with a love for the ocean, returns to Sea Breeze, her grandmother Mamaw’s charming beach house. A miraculous bond with a dolphin named Delphine helps Carson reconnect with her sisters and confront their father’s troubled legacy. The Summer Wind shifts focus to Dora, whose personal struggles mirror the challenges of dolphin conservation, while The Summer’s End centers on Harper, who finds her independence as the family faces the potential loss of Sea Breeze. The series continues with A Lowcountry Wedding, exploring love and commitment, and A Lowcountry Christmas, a heartfelt holiday tale.
Monroe’s lyrical prose brings the Lowcountry to life, from ancient oak avenues to tidal creeks teeming with life. Themes of sisterhood, forgiveness, and self-discovery are woven seamlessly with environmental messages, particularly the protection of dolphins and coastal habitats. The series’ gentle Southern pace and richly textured characters create an immersive experience that feels like a summer vacation in book form.
Each book balances personal drama with broader ecological concerns, making the series both emotionally resonant and thought-provoking. Fans praise Monroe’s ability to craft flawed, relatable characters who grow through their challenges, all while highlighting the urgent need to protect the Lowcountry’s natural beauty.
Why Low Country Summer Resonates
The Low Country Summer series has left a lasting mark on readers and the environmental fiction genre. Its blend of family dynamics and conservation advocacy has earned praise from authors like Pat Conroy and accolades like the Southern Prize for Fiction for A Lowcountry Christmas. Monroe’s work inspires readers to reflect on their own family bonds and the world around them, fostering a deeper appreciation for nature.
The series’ enduring appeal lies in its universal themes and vivid setting, which transport readers to the Lowcountry’s sun-drenched shores. It’s a testament to Monroe’s skill that her stories feel both timeless and timely, addressing personal growth and environmental stewardship with equal care.
- Publication Years: 2013–2016
- Number of Books: 5 (3 main trilogy books, 2 companion novels)
- Awards: Southern Prize for Fiction (A Lowcountry Christmas, 2017)
- Setting: Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina
Grab The Summer Girls and dive into the Low Country Summer series’ world of sisterhood, dolphins, and coastal charm! Whether you’re lounging by the beach or cozying up at home, Monroe’s saga is your ticket to a heartwarming, eco-conscious adventure.