Toy Sooner never expected much from life. Raised by a mother who never loved her and a stepfather who abused her, Toy moved in with aspiring musician Darryl Duggans at the tender age of seventeen, and gave birth to their daughter at eighteen. But when Darryl abandoned them to seek fame in California, Toy found an unexpected friend and mentor in elderly Olivia Rutledge, better known as Miss Lovie who, along with her daughter Cara and friends Florence and Emmi, taught Toy to fight for a better life.

Now at twenty-three, Toy has a daughter she loves dearly, a college degree, a job at the South Carolina Aquarium, and her cadre of "turtle team" friends who share her passion for the giant loggerhead turtles. When Toy rescues an emaciated loggerhead that washes ashore, she finds herself placed in charge of the turtle, named Big Girl, and is suddenly thrust into the role of director of a fledgling turtle hospital. As more injured turtles arrive, Toy must enlist the help of Ethan, the director of the aquarium's Ocean Tank, to secure a grant to cover the increased expenses. The weeks of working together lead to a budding romance for Toy, and a father figure for Little Lovie, Toy's daughter. But the sudden reappearance of Darryl on Toy's doorstep creates a rift between Toy and Ethan, and Toy must decide between a new life with the man she loves, or the dream of a family with the father of her child.

SWIMMING LESSONS hooked me from page one. The insight Ms. Monroe gives into the plight of the loggerheads adds a wonderful dimension to the plot, while the struggles of the strong female characters who lead the turtle team provide a wonderful counterpoint to the growing pains of the young and inexperienced Toy. The love and respect they all show one another through some very difficult situations will win your heart, and have you cheering them on to achieving their dreams. This book is a rare treat, especially for anyone who has enjoyed a life-long love affair with the ocean.

Book Summary

It's been five years since the original turtle lady, old Miss Lovie Rutledge, passed away, but her legacy lives on with some special women, especially Toy and her daughter, young Little Lovie.

Toy Sooner kept her graveside vow to her beloved mentor. She left behind an abusive, dysfunctional lifestyle to become a strong single mother and aquarist at the South Carolina Aquarium. But success has taken its toll, leaving Toy fearful of change and risks.

Caretta Rutledge, Florence Prescott and Emmaline Baker have all experienced loss. This summer, with each other's friendship and support, they will try to make their dreams a reality.

The turtle season begins the day Toy rescues a sick sea turtle on the beach. When Toy brings the loggerhead to the aquarium, she begins a turtle hospital with the help of her boss, Ethan. As the summer progresses and the sea turtles take their measured steps toward healing and freedom Toy, Cara, Flo and Emmi must find their own strength to face their fears and move courageously toward their futures.

Mary Alice Monroe delivers another deeply satisfying novel written with an eye to nature and keen insights into the connections between women.