Porch Lights

By: Dorothea Benton Frank

Narrated by: Robin Miles

Length: 10 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

When Jimmy McMullen, a fireman with the NYFD, is killed in the line of duty, his wife, Jackie, and 10-year-old son, Charlie, are devastated. Charlie idolized his dad, and now the outgoing, curious boy has become quiet and reserved. Trusting in the healing power of family, Jackie decides to return to her childhood home on Sullivan's Island.

Awaiting them is Annie Britt, the family matriarch who has kept the porch lights on to welcome them home. Captivated by the island's alluring natural charms and inspired by colorful Lowcountry lore, mother, daughter, and grandson will share a memorable, illuminating summer. Told in Annie and Jackie's alternating voices, and filled with Dorothea Benton Frank's charming wit, indelible poignancy, and hallmark themes, Porch Lights is a triumph from "the queen of Southern fiction" (Charlotte Observer).

©2012 Dorothea Benton Frank (P)2012 HarperCollins Publisher

Liked this book - held my attention - nice story.

Was sort of predictible, but a nice story. Held my interest. Listened to the entire book. Narrator was good and her voice fit the characters. I love the South, so books based in the South are my types of books.

Excellent book!!

This book is another hit by Dorothea Benton Frank . Low country stories come alive with delight.

Robin Miles again made every person come to life. Her voice and skills are phenomenal...

Porch Lights

Absolutely marvelous! She set the tone from the beginning & never slowed down.
She’s a master story teller with a broad imagination & makes you want to never put the book down.

Tragic joy

Things happen when they're meant to. Death, life, love, & joy. Sometimes the worst moments in life end to happiness.

Felt Like I Was There

The imagery made me feel like I took a vacation to South Carolina. I cried thinking about the good heart of my own Son. you could almost feel the wind of the hurricane through the words. Each character had great development and showed our flaws of humanity. I felt like I was visiting their family.

Reminiscent of Pat Conroy

I saw Dorothea Benton Frank mentioned on a Facebook Book Club post and the person said that she felt the author was somewhat similar to Pat Conroy. I downloaded one of her books right away, and I will admit that I do see the connection.

This is a story of love and tragedy, and family ties on the shores of South Caroline. Ms. Frank does not have the prose or vigorous style that the late Mr. Conroy graced us with, but she has charm, wit, and the ability to make some very likable characters.

The audio version was read beautifully in a warm Southern drawl and I felt the story was rich and emotional. I will definitely be ordering another from the same author.

-Wendi

Great descriptions make this book come to life!

Would you consider the audio edition of Porch Lights to be better than the print version?

Yes

What did you like best about this story?

Loved the setting, the vocabulary and descriptions of scenery and meals. This book made me feel like I was sitting on a hammock enjoying the evening breeze with friends each time I went to read it.

Have you listened to any of Robin Miles’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, I haven't.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Well now if I told you, that may spoil it for other readers. Yet to answer your question...yes.

An entertaining read

I enjoyed listening to this book because of the great sense of humor, the sense of family and feel for the south. It is so nice to read a book that transports you into the lives of others and that has a happy ending!

I recommend it highly

I couldn’t lay this book down Very touching and funny. I used my headphones and carried it around with me. Loved it

Great story

This was one of my favorites, characters so real, sights and smells described like I was there. Enjoyed this book very much!