My Magnolia Summer

A Novel

By: Victoria Benton Frank

Narrated by: Dorothy Dillingham Blue

Length: 11 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

“[B]y writing My Magnolia Summer, a novel of low country food, family drama, and just the right amount of romance, Victoria Benton Frank shows that she is the rightful heir to the crown of summertime storytellers. Her mother would be so proud.” — Ann Patchett

Escape to the South Carolina Lowcountry, where family bonds and hidden secrets run deep. In this gripping tale of self-discovery, Victoria Benton Frank introduces us to Maggie, struggling to find her place in the world when she receives a phone call bringing her back to her hometown of Sullivan's Island.

In New York City winter never seems to loosen its hold and for South Carolina transplant Maggie (born Magnolia after the fairest summer flower) the balmy beach weather of April back home on Sullivan’s Island feels like a distant memory. Until a phone call from her sister, Violet, changes everything.

Gran, the treasured matriarch, has fallen into a coma after a car accident caused by Maggie’s troubled mother, Lily. But once Maggie returns, she finds that her hometown of Sullivan’s Island holds even more secrets. The Magic Lantern, the restaurant owned and run by generations of women in her family, is now rudderless, and her sister seems headed for a savage breakup.

Once she is between the marsh grasses and dunes of South Carolina, she feels herself changing like the Atlantic tides, rediscovering the roots she left behind, and a new and different version of herself—one who can see how a minor crash into the back of a very handsome farmer’s truck may become fortunate. Or perhaps it’s even… fate?

When the three generations of South Carolina women join forces—the family pillar Gran, troubled Lily, impulsive Violet, and redoubtable Maggie—anything is possible.

With stunning descriptions of the magic of the Lowcountry, this novel will transport you to a world of treasured family traditions and unexpected twists of fate.

©2032 Victoria Benton Frank (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

The Legacy Continues

Victoria has made her mother proud! She was able to keep me riveted from the beginning until the very end. These characters were so lifelike that I was waiting to meet them on the street. I can’t wait for book #2!

Great southern tale

Loved this book and just so happen to be reading it as I'm buying a home on Magnolia Ct at a NC beach. I will have copies of this for all our guests to read while visiting- great book about Southern Charm!

Yes Yes Yes

So good, so refreshing! Thank you for the lovely lowcountry read. This author has my vote.

Excellent

I loved this book. I can’t wait for the next book. Lighthearted, narration was excellent.

Already looking forward to the next one

So good for the legacy to continue with Victoria! DBF would be SO proud and gladly give the spotlight up to her daughter. Class act, these Frank women!

Fresh new voices!

I picked this book bc Elin Hilderbrand is my fave author and she recommended it, plus I always liked DBF books. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree- VBF is a fabulous story teller! SUCH a great story, lots of twists and turns and the narrator was perfect. I'm hoping there's more to the story in a later book because I fell in love with these characters!

The legacy continues

I was so sad when Ms Frank passed, I thought, how am I going to enjoy the summer without her books! Enter her daughter! Thanks so much for continuing your momma’s legacy! Loved this book! Can’t wait for your next. Will listen over and over!

Good storytelling!

As good as her mother!! Good storytelling. I am waiting for her next book! Can't wait..

Loved every moment

Congratulations to Victoria for writing such a special book. I loved everything about it. I am sorry it ended and cannot wait for the sequel. The narrator was perfect and it was so special when there were references to Dorothea Benton Frank. Thank you sharing such a special book.

Great southern fiction

Victoria has really surpassed all expectations with this perfect southern fiction read. Set in the LowCountry with fun and interesting characters; sister and mom relationships and so much talk of yummy food! I listened to this on Audible and the narrators did a great job. Really looking forward to reading more in the future.