New books and literary events highlight Lowcountry stories
Readers seeking their next captivating story will find a range of new releases and literary events across the Lowcountry this May.
Author Event:
Book launch luncheon with Mary Alice Monroe
“Where the Rivers Merge”
The South Carolina Environmental Law Project (SCELP) will host a special book launch luncheon on Wednesday, May 14th, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Belfair Clubhouse in Bluffton to celebrate New York Times bestselling author Mary Alice Monroe’s latest novel, Where the Rivers Merge. The historical saga, set in the early 20th-century ACE Basin, follows 88-year-old Eliza Rivers as she strives to protect her cherished land from her son’s competing vision for its future.
Monroe, known for weaving environmental themes into her fiction, has published more than 30 books for adults and children. Her work often centers on coastal conservation, endangered species and the delicate ecosystems of the American South.
At the luncheon, Monroe will be joined in conversation by bestselling Southern author Cassandra King Conroy, widow of beloved writer Pat Conroy. King Conroy, author of The Sunday Wife, Tell Me a Story, and Moonrise, is known for her poignant storytelling rooted in Southern life. Tickets for the luncheon are $125 and include a gourmet lunch, a signed copy of Where the Rivers Merge and the opportunity to name a character in Monroe’s forthcoming book. Proceeds benefit SCELP’s mission to protect South Carolina’s natural resources. For tickets, visit www.scelp.org/events
Thrillers and Island Mysteries:
“Bus No. 7”
Hilton Head Island author Mary J. Nestor makes her fiction debut with Bus No. 7, a psychological thriller set to release this May from Bold Story Press. The novel, a finalist in the William Faulkner Literary Competition, follows a desperate plot by a drug addict that escalates into a nail-biting runaway bus ride. Nestor, a communications expert and business consultant, is already working on a sequel from her home on Hilton Head Island, SC. For more information, visit maryjnestor.com.
“The Mystery of the Old Lighthouse: The Adventures of Sallie Anne and Jenny Lynn on Daufuskie Island”
Residents and visitors can explore Lowcountry history through The Mystery of the Old Lighthouse, written by Daufuskie Island residents Jan Ross and Rosy Mae Bateau. The novel follows two young friends investigating ghostly legends and strange happenings in the 1950s-era island community. The story offers a window into Gullah culture and Daufuskie’s isolated past. More information is available at daufuskiemysteries.com.
New Southern Children’s Literature:
“Magnolia Rising”
Brian Moriarty’s debut children’s book, Magnolia Rising, offers a heartwarming story set against the backdrop of the South Carolina coast. Inspired by the Lowcountry, the book follows an unlikely friendship between Maggie the crab and Aster the heron as they work together to save their marshland from an approaching hurricane. The story teaches young readers about self-belief, acceptance and the importance of protecting coastal habitats. For more information, visit blueballoonbooks.com.
Author Talk:
Estelle Ford-Williamson
Libraries for Kids, International is pleased to announce an author talk featuring Estelle Ford-Williamson and her book Rising Fawn. Estelle Ford-Williamson is a novelist and memoirist whose most recent book, set in Rising Fawn, GA, has won awards from the Sandhills Writers Conference and the Atlanta Writers Conference. She moved to the Beaufort, SC area in 2016. Following the author’s talk, attendees are invited to join the author for an optional Dutch Treat lunch. This informal gathering offers a chance for further conversation in a relaxed atmosphere. Space is limited, so reservations are necessary, and early arrival is recommended. Monday, May 19, 2025, from 10:30 to 11:30 am at the Roasting Room, 1297 May River Road, Bluffton, SC. The event is free and open to the public; however, a $5 donation is suggested. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Tamela Maxim tamela.maxim@libraries4kids.org.
Book Signing:
Several local book signings are scheduled this month:
• May 19th: Paul L. Kirn, CPC, LTC, USA (Retired), will sign copies of his new book, In the Service of Your Country? How to Challenge the Military System and Win!, at Ochsner65+, 50 Terrace Drive, Ridgeland, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• May 22nd: Kirn will appear at the Four Seasons at Carolina Oaks Amenity Center, 500 Four Seasons Blvd., from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Kirn’s book, published by Koehler Books, offers guidance for veterans seeking to navigate the complexities of the military system. For more information, visit retltcpaulkirn.wordpress.com.
