Category Archives: Dorothea Benton Frank

May 26, 2019 · 11:57 pm

Review: Queen Bee by Dorothea Benton Frank

Title: Queen Bee by Dorothea Benton Frank
Publisher: William Morrow
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Length: 432 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of New York Times bestselling author Dorothea Benton Frank’s Carolina Lowcountry in this evocative tale that returns at long last to her beloved Sullivan’s Island.

Beekeeper Holly McNee Kensen quietly lives in a world of her own on Sullivan’s Island, tending her hives and working at the local island library. Holly calls her mother The Queen Bee because she’s a demanding hulk of a woman. Her mother, a devoted hypochondriac, might be unaware that she’s quite ill but that doesn’t stop her from tormenting Holly. To escape the drama, Holly’s sister Leslie married and moved away, wanting little to do with island life. Holly’s escape is to submerge herself in the lives of the two young boys next door and their widowed father, Archie.

Her world is upended when the more flamboyant Leslie returns and both sisters, polar opposites, fixate on what’s happening in their neighbor’s home. Is Archie really in love with that awful ice queen of a woman? If Archie marries her, what will become of his little boys? Restless Leslie is desperate for validation after her imploded marriage, squandering her favors on any and all takers. Their mother ups her game in an uproarious and theatrical downward spiral. Scandalized Holly is talking to her honey bees a mile a minute, as though they’ll give her a solution to all the chaos. Maybe they will.

Queen Bee is a classic Lowcountry Tale—warm, wise and hilarious, it roars with humanity and a dropperful of whodunit added for good measure by an unseen hand. In her twentieth novel, Dorothea Benton Frank brings us back to her beloved island with an unforgettable story where the Lowcountry magic of the natural world collides with the beat of the human heart.

Review:

Queen Bee by Dorothea Benton Frank is an entertaining novel set in the South Carolina Low Country.

Holly McNee Jensen is a dutiful daughter to her demanding and insulting mother whom she and her sister, Leslie, refer to as the “Queen Bee”. Holly is thirty years old, single and crushing on their widower neighbor, Archie MacLean. She is devoted to his young sons, Tyler and Hunter, a precocious pair who manage to steal every scene they appear  in.  Holly is patiently waiting for a teaching position to open up at the local elementary school but she keeps busy tending her bees and volunteering. Tired of always playing second fiddle to Leslie, she has decidedly mixed feelings about her sister’s unexpected return when her marriage to Charlie hits a rough patch. Holly is further disappointed when Archie makes a shocking and unexpected decision. When Leslie and the Queen Bee head to Las Vegas to support Charlie’s unanticipated career change, will Holly finally find her path to happiness?

Holly is a delightfully charming young woman with a big heart. She is a bit shy and lets life happen to her instead of forging her own path. She dearly loves Tyler and Hunter and she would like nothing better to be in a relationship with Archie.  She is content to sit back and wait on him to ask her out when life hands her an unexpected blow. Despite her unhappiness with the situation, Holly is committed to protecting Tyler and Hunter but will Archie believe her concerns for his son?

Leslie is the complete opposite of Holly and she lives life out loud. She is a force to be reckoned with as she tries to come to terms with Charlie’s shocking revelation. With the future of her marriage hanging in the balance, Leslie returns home and tries to figure out what comes next for her and her husband. Unexpectedly supportive of his unusual career, can Leslie and Charlie salvage their marriage?

Before Leslie’s return, the Queen Bee aka QB whiles away her days languishing in bed and ordering Holly around. She treats Holly horribly while singing Leslie’s praises. As soon as Leslie returns home, QB finds the wherewithal to rejoin life which is of course, quite hurtful to Holly. But since Holly is the forgiving kind, she welcomes the changes in QB and she is somewhat surprised when her mom becomes a little softer, kinder and more compassionate. Even more stunning is how quickly QB embraces helping Charlie as he embarks on a new career path. The QB is swept off her feet by a new man in her life but what will happen to their unanticipated relationship when she returns to Sullivan’s Island?

Queen Bee is a truly captivating novel that is wickedly funny and stars an outrageously quirky but (mostly) likeable cast of colorful characters.  The dialogue is pitch perfect with thought-provoking discussions and laugh out loud one-liners.  Peppered with interesting honeybee facts, the storyline is absolutely compelling with heartfelt interactions. Sullivan’s Island is the perfect setting for this marvelous novel and  as always, Dorothea Benton Frank brings the Low Country vibrantly to life. This engaging story comes to a heartwarming conclusion that readers are sure to love.

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Filed under Contemporary, Dorothea Benton Frank, Queen Bee, Rated B, Review, Women's Fiction

May 9, 2018 · 11:57 pm

Review: By Invitation Only by Dorothea Benton Frank

Title: By Invitation Only by Dorothea Benton Frank
Publisher: William Morrow
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Length: 400 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

The Lowcountry of South Carolina is where By Invitation Only begins at a barbecue engagement party thrown by Diane English Stiftel, her brother Floyd, and her parents to celebrate her son’s engagement. On this gorgeous, magical night, the bride’s father, Alejandro Cambria, a wealthy power broker whose unbelievably successful career in private equity made him one of Chicago’s celebrated elite, discovers the limits and possibilities of cell phone range. While the mother of the bride, Susan Kennedy Cambria, who dabbles in the world of public relations and believes herself deserving of every square inch of her multimillion-dollar penthouse and imaginary carrara marble pedestal, learns about moonshine and dangerous liaisons.

Soon By Invitation Only zooms to Chicago, where the unraveling accelerates. Nearly a thousand miles away from her comfortable, familiar world, Diane is the antithesis of the bright lights and super-sophisticated guests attending her son Fred’s second engagement party. Why a second party? Maybe it had been assumed that the first one wouldn’t be up to snuff? Fred is marrying Shelby Cambria, also an only child. The Cambrias’ dearest wish is for their daughter to be happy. If Shelby wants to marry Frederick, aka Fred, they will not stand in her way—although Susan does hope her friends won’t think her daughter is marrying more than a few degrees beneath her socially. At the same time, Diane worries that her son will be lost to her forever.

By Invitation Only is a tale of two families, one struggling to do well, one well to do, and one young couple—the privileged daughter of Chicago’s crème de la crème and the son of hard -working Southern peach farmers.

Dorothea Benton Frank offers a funny, sharp, and deeply empathetic novel of two very different worlds—of limousines and pickup trucks, caviars and pigs, skyscrapers and ocean spray—filled with a delightful cast of characters who all have something to hide and a lot to learn. A difference in legal opinions, a headlong dive from grace, and an abrupt twist will reveal the truth of who they are and demonstrate, when it truly counts, what kind of grit they have. Are they living the life they want, what regrets do they hold, and how would they remake their lives if they were given the invitation to do so?

By Invitation Only is classic Dorothea Benton Frank—a mesmerizing Lowcountry Tale that roars with spirit, humor, and truth, and forces us to reconsider our notions of what it means to be a Have or a Have Not.

Review:

By Invitation Only by Dorothea Benton Frank is a delightfully charming and utterly heartwarming novel starring two completely opposite families who are brought together through their children’s upcoming wedding.

Diane English Stiftel lives and works with her family on their peach farm in South Caroline. Her only son, Fred, is engaged to marry the love of his life, Shelby Cambria, whose wealthy parents, Alejandro and Susan, lead a lavish and expensive lifestyle.  The differences in their lives are highlighted when each family hosts an engagement party for the happy couple. Fred’s family eagerly holds a down-to earth barbeque that is casual and very relaxing.  Cambria’s mother goes all out with an expensive and formal party at an exclusive establishment in Chicago. With very different lifestyles and values, will the marriage of their children bring the families closer together?

Diane is a no nonsense woman with a wry sense of humor and plenty of common sense. Extremely close to her beloved mom, Virnell and her brother, Floyd, the family business is well oiled machine with everyone pulling their share of the work.  Happily single, Diane is taken aback by her reaction to the news that her close friend Alden Corrigan is in a new relationship.  Is it too late for her to confess her surprising feelings for the man who has been such a big part of her life for so long?

Susan is a complete and utter snob who does not make any effort to hide her disdain for her daughter’s soon to be in-laws. She and Alejandro flaunt their wealth at every turn and cost is never a concern for them.  Susan is in her element planning Shelby’s wedding  and she does not take it well when her daughter puts the brakes on her over-the-top vision for the upcoming nuptials.

Both Diane and Susan are aware that their children’s marriage will bring changes to their lives. However, neither of them are prepared for the unexpected twists and turns that await them after their kids’ engagement parties.  Diane has an easier time adjusting when life throws unanticipated curveballs her way. Susan, on the other hand, is dealt a shocking blow that will alter the course of her life. Is Susan prepared to handle the difficulties that lie ahead of her? How will these changes affect the women’s relationship?

By Invitation Only is a wonderful novel that is humorous yet thought-provoking. Diane and her family are an absolutely wonderful and it is quite apparent they love and support each other no matter what comes their way. Susan is a bit of a difficult woman to like at first and it is interesting to watch her rise to the challenges in the aftermath of unforeseen difficulties. Dorothea Benton Frank brings the characters and the various settings vividly to life as the Stiftel, English and Cambria families unexpectedly weather life’s storms together. This heartfelt release  will appeal to readers who enjoy family-centric novels.

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Filed under By Invitation Only, Contemporary, Dorothea Benton Frank, Rated B+, Review, William Morrow, Women's Fiction

May 15, 2017 · 11:58 pm

Review: Same Beach, Next Year by Dorothea Benton Frank

Title: Same Beach, Next Year by Dorothea Benton Frank
Publisher: William Morrrow
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

New York Times bestselling author Dorothea Benton Frank returns to her magical Lowcountry of South Carolina in this bewitching story of marriage, love, family, and friendship that is infused with her warm and engaging earthy humor and generous heart.

One enchanted summer, two couples begin a friendship that will last more than twenty years and transform their lives.

A chance meeting on the Isle of Palms, one of Charleston’s most stunning barrier islands, brings former sweethearts, Adam Stanley and Eve Landers together again. Their respective spouses, Eliza and Carl, fight sparks of jealousy flaring from their imagined rekindling of old flames. As Adam and Eve get caught up on their lives, their partners strike up a deep friendship—and flirt with an unexpected attraction—of their own.

Year after year, Adam, Eliza, Eve, and Carl eagerly await their reunion at Wild Dunes, a condominium complex at the island’s tip end, where they grow closer with each passing day, building a friendship that will withstand financial catastrophe, family tragedy, and devastating heartbreak. The devotion and love they share will help them weather the vagaries of time and enrich their lives as circumstances change, their children grow up and leave home, and their twilight years approach.

Bursting with the intoxicating richness of Dorothea Benton Frank’s beloved Lowcountry—the sultry sunshine, cool ocean breezes, icy cocktails, and starry velvet skies—Same Beach, Next Year is a dazzling celebration of the infrangible power of friendship, the enduring promise of summer, and the indelible bonds of love.

Review:

Same Beach, Next Year by Dorothea Benton Frank is a funny and sometimes poignant novel about the close friendship of two couples who vacation together every summer.

Adam  Stanley could not be more surprised when he runs into his old flame Eve Landers while on vacation with his wife Eliza and their twin sons,Luke and Max.  Eve is also on vacation with her family, husband Carl and daughter Daphne and she issues an impromptu invitation for all of them to meet up later for drinks. Eliza is quite intuitive and she immediately realizes the Adam feels more than friendship for Eve, but she implicitly trusts her husband so she is not too overly worried. As the years go by and the families spend their summer vacations together, Eliza and Eve become close friends while Adam and Carl are friendly rivals at golf and tennis.  Several years into their friendship, Eliza and Carl discover Eve and Adam in a somewhat compromising situation which leads to an uncertain future for both of the marriages.

Adam and Eliza are quite happy with their lives when they first begin vacationing with the Landers. However, by the time the Eliza learns the truth about her husband’s long ago relationship with Eve, she finally decides to it is high time she puts her needs first. She impulsively arranges to fly to Corfu to reconnect with her extended family. Her marriage becomes more tenuous as days past without contact from Adam but she does not hesitate to return home for a family emergency. Quickly realizing Adam does not feel like he did anything wrong, Eliza returns to Corfu where she hopes to find much needed clarity about what she wants out of life and what comes next for her and Adam.

Eve has long believed her pediatrician husband has not been faithful to her. Her discovery of a co-worker’s sexy texts to Carl are the final straw and she is considering her options when she and Adam unexpectedly run into each other.  Both are stunned when Eliza and Carl jump to conclusions about their relationship and neither of them is willing to admit they have done anything wrong. The situation goes from bad to worse when Eve’s unpleasant mom gleefully fills Eliza in on Adam’s complete history with Eve.  After Carl makes an unexpected decision in the aftermath of these revelations, Eve is ready to throw caution to the wind with Adam but will he go along with her suggestion?

Same Beach, Next Year is a mostly light-hearted novel but Dorothea Benton Frank skillfully incorporates a few serious elements into the storyline. Although her marriage is on very shaky ground, the situation is the catalyst Eliza needs to finally step out from underneath Adam’s control and figure out what she wants for herself. The shake-up is also a turning point for Eve as she, too, makes a decision to stop using alcohol to deal with her problems. Although the marital discord for both couples is glossed over following an unexpected emergency, the novel’s conclusion is quite heartwarming. 

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Filed under Contemporary, Dorothea Benton Frank, Rated B, Review, Same Beach Next Year, William Morrow, Women's Fiction

May 11, 2014 · 11:57 pm

Review: The Hurricane Sisters by Dorothea Benton Frank

hurricaneTitle: The Hurricane Sisters by Dorothea Benton Frank
Publisher: William Morrow
Genre: Contemporary, Fiction
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

Hurricane season begins early and rumbles all summer long, well into September. Often people’s lives reflect the weather and The Hurricane Sisters is just such a story.

Once again Dorothea Benton Frank takes us deep into the heart of her magical South Carolina Lowcountry on a tumultuous journey filled with longings, disappointments, and, finally, a road toward happiness that is hard earned. There we meet three generations of women buried in secrets. The determined matriarch, Maisie Pringle, at eighty, is a force to be reckoned with because she will have the final word on everything, especially when she’s dead wrong. Her daughter, Liz, is caught up in the classic maelstrom of being middle-age and in an emotionally demanding career that will eventually open all their eyes to a terrible truth. And Liz’s beautiful twenty-something daughter, Ashley, whose dreamy ambitions of her unlikely future keeps them all at odds.

Luckily for Ashley, her wonderful older brother, Ivy, is her fierce champion but he can only do so much from San Francisco where he resides with his partner. And Mary Beth, her dearest friend, tries to have her back but even she can’t talk headstrong Ashley out of a relationship with an ambitious politician who seems slightly too old for her.

Actually, Ashley and Mary Beth have yet to launch themselves into solvency. Their prospects seem bleak. So while they wait for the world to discover them and deliver them from a ramen-based existence, they placate themselves with a hare-brained scheme to make money but one that threatens to land them in huge trouble with the authorities.

So where is Clayton, Liz’s husband? He seems more distracted than usual. Ashley desperately needs her father’s love and attention but what kind of a parent can he be to Ashley with one foot in Manhattan and the other one planted in indiscretion? And Liz, who’s an expert in the field of troubled domestic life, refuses to acknowledge Ashley’s precarious situation. Who’s in charge of this family? The wake-up call is about to arrive.

The Lowcountry has endured its share of war and bloodshed like the rest of the South, but this storm season we watch Maisie, Liz, Ashley, and Mary Beth deal with challenges that demand they face the truth about themselves. After a terrible confrontation they are forced to rise to forgiveness, but can they establish a new order for the future of them all?

Frank, with her hallmark scintillating wit and crisp insight, captures how a complex family of disparate characters and their close friends can overcome anything through the power of love and reconciliation. This is the often hilarious, sometimes sobering, but always entertaining story of how these unforgettable women became The Hurricane Sisters.

The Review:

Dorothea Benton Frank’s latest release, The Hurricane Sisters, is a lovely novel set in the South Carolina Lowcountry. This heartwarming story realistically depicts the complicated family relationship between three generations of women as they deal with life’s challenges.

Maisie is a feisty octogenarian who shows no sign of slowing down despite her advanced years. She is headstrong, never hesitates to express her opinion and will never admit when she is wrong. Her support for her granddaughter Ashley is unwavering despite being an ongoing point of contention between Maisie and her daughter Liz. Maisie is no stranger to sorrow and she is still haunted by the untimely death of her daughter Judith. Long widowed, her family is dismayed by her romance with Skipper, the fifteen years younger llama farmer her family hired to drive her around.

Liz is passionate about her career working for a non-profit domestic violence organization. She and her husband, Clayton, have begun to drift apart and she is growing weary of the lack of respect he has for her job. While she has never doubted his fidelity in the past, a few suspicions have begun to creep in lately. Liz is also getting tired of waiting for Ashley to take life more seriously and she is less than pleased when son Ivy (love how he got his nickname!) introduces his business and life partner James. In the midst of all of this turmoil, she and Maisie also butt heads until a couple of crises begin to heal the wounds of the past.

Ashley is a recent college graduate working a low-paying job at an art gallery while she works on her paintings in her spare time. She is a bit of a dreamer and a little immature. She has old-fashioned values and idolizes Jackie Kennedy. When Ashley meets State Senator Porter Galloway, she is immediately smitten and sets about fulfilling her fantasy of becoming a future president’s wife. While some of Porter’s behavior raises a few red flags, she ignores her instincts and stays in the relationship despite her friends’ warnings that Porter is not what he seems. While Ashley is a likable character, in many ways, she seems much younger than her years and her actions put her in a dangerous situation that could have been avoided if she had listened to her intuition and her friends.

Each of the chapters is written in first person and alternate between Liz, Maisie, Ashley and Clayton’s points of view. Each voice is distinct and it is very interesting to see some of the same events from different perspectives. The family is relatively close with its fair share of dysfunction and in the beginning, they are hypercritical of one another. There are the usual parent/child troubles that are fairly universal to most families but Ashley and Ivy’s relationship is blissfully trouble free. The characters’ unresolved issues are revealed through the various interactions and it is quite interesting to watch them work through their individual problems and in doing so, become a little kinder and more understanding of one another.

Set amidst the splendor of Charleston, beautiful sunsets and ocean breezes, The Hurricane Sisters is a relatively light read, but there are serious undertones to the overall storyline. Dorothea Benton Frank raises awareness of the heartbreaking reality of domestic abuse in a sensitive and thought-provoking manner. The family’s relationships are complex and they each are facing realistic and somewhat complicated issues.

A compelling novel with a lively and vibrant cast of characters, The Hurricane Sisters is a pleasurable indulgence that should be on everyone’s summer reading list.

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Filed under Contemporary, Dorothea Benton Frank, Fiction, Rated B, Review, The Hurricane Sisters