This book explores the idea of slowing down in order to focus on taking care of the things that are most important in our life before they are gone.”

AUDREY INGRAM, AUTHOR, “THE RIVER RUNS SOUTH”

If you are looking for a new book to enjoy, check out "The River Runs South" by Audrey Ingram.

This suggestion could be old news to you. Ingram visited Fairhope in October 2023 for a book signing event at Page & Palette. Unfortunately, I missed the event, but when I saw a review on social media, I made the quick decision to order the book. It was devoured quickly.

"The River Runs South" is Ingram's first book and has some very familiar Baldwin County locations, businesses and people featured. A quick description of this book reads:

"This transporting and illuminating debut novel will resonate with readers who have ever felt a bit lost, perfect for fans of Kristy Woodson Harvey and Linda Holmes."

"Exploring love, loss and the courage of starting over fresh, this novel will appeal to readers on the hunt for emotionally rich fiction."

This novel had everything I enjoy: a touch of sadness, humor and love.

The references to Baldwin County were so on point that I contacted Ingram to learn more about her, the book and her relationship with Baldwin County.

Ingram grew up in Birmingham and started spending summers and long weekends in Fairhope at the tender age of 8. Her childhood experiences playing in the bay and exploring the area shines through in her writing.

The main character in the book, Camille Taylor, is an attorney. While I have never been an attorney, her description of the lifestyle in the big city seemed very real for good reason.

Ingram went to Middlebury College and Georgetown University Law Center and practiced law for 15 years in Washington D.C.

She said writing was always a dream, but three children and a legal career kept her busy. Then came the pandemic.

"Like many families with young children, we struggled and ultimately pivoted," Ingram said. "I paused my legal career while I stayed at home with our children and found myself stealing moments to write this story. Much of this book was written in the early morning hours before my children woke or in between naptimes that were always too short."

I asked Ingram if any of the book was based on her life and experience. She said that her observation of the surge of burnout among working mothers played into the story. It was an issue she was dealing with as well.

Some of the inspiration for the story also came from her longing to spend time with family during the pandemic.

"During the pandemic, I missed my family and that's when this story of returning home came together. I spent months daydreaming about Fairhope, and I started writing a story about the place I yearned to be," Ingram said. "I have the best memories of childhood summers spent in Fairhope, swimming in the bay, riding bikes under ancient oak trees and eating so much delicious Southern food. Even though it seemed like an impossible task, I tried to capture a sliver of Fairhope's magic."

Capture it she did. Ingram has the ability to transport the reader to the streets and shores of Fairhope, Magnolia Springs and Bon Secour. I felt like I knew the people in the book and the places.

One other aspect of Baldwin County Ingram was able to convey was the threat to the environment. Issues our area is currently struggling with like how overdevelopment can have a severe impact on our waterways, native plants and animals are featured in the storyline.

"This book explores the idea of slowing down in order to focus on taking care of the things that are most important in our life before they are gone," Ingram said.

When it comes to the local reaction to the book, Ingram said she is grateful for the warm reception it has received in Baldwin County.

"The most memorable night of my book tour was the packed room at Page and Palette bookstore in Fairhope," Ingram said. "This book is my love note to the area, and there's nothing better than a local telling me I captured the essence of their hometown."

Ingram's next book, "The Group Trip," hits shelves Aug. 6 and is another book set in a familiar place to many, Seaside, Florida.

"It's about six friends, once inseparable but lately estranged, who meet for an unforgettable beach week as they wonder whether it's possible to grow up without growing apart. This book is set in the beautiful town of Seaside, Florida, another familiar location I adore.

"I feel very lucky that the first book I wrote got published. This has been a dream come true."