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.

Another WINNER!!!!!!!!!!!

What did you love best about Porch Lights?

The descriptions of the Island life, made me miss living there. The story line was done exceptionally well, DBF does not disappoint in any way. I love the inclusion of so much history told in true southern story teller fashion. I couldn’t stop listening. A very moving story with out any sappiness.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Loved Annie and Deb's friendship. The gift of a true friend was warmly presented.

What aspect of Robin Miles’s performance would you have changed?

The Narrator would leave character and would speak in an accent that wasn't southern for sure. It was only slightly annoying. I would not seek her out in future books.

South Carolina or Canada?

Any additional comments?

Loved the story as I always do when it comes to Dorothea Benton Frank. But I was distracted throughout the entire book by the narrator's dialect when she was reading the part of Annie Britt. Any words ending in the sound 'out' such as 'about' came out sounding like 'oot' or 'aboot'. She sounded Canadian, which I can assure you is the last thing a woman born and bred in the Low Country sounds like!

Who DOESN'T love the South and the Front Porch???

This is a delightful, funny, story of the relationship between a mother and daughter that needs some mending . . . it is full of southern charm. The generational differences between the younger woman (who has just lost her husband) and her mother are amusing, confusing and misunderstood by both women. To complicate things, she is raising a young son, now with no father. She really doesn't want to move back home to the south . . . but now with no husband/father for her son, she decides to go, if only for a little while. Let the fireworks begin. :)

Low Country living on sultry Sullivan's Island

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

I have not read the print book, but I did love the audio edition. It was produced very well.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The island itself was my favorite character. The flavor, tempo and sense of a slower and gracious beach style of living was captured so well.

What about Robin Miles’s performance did you like?

Very well read. Her delivery was animated with each character well defined. There was never any question about which character was speaking nor about the emotion that the character was experiencing.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

How the pain of a family's loss is healed by the magic of a low country beach summer.

Enjoyable although predictable

I have been a fan of Dorothea Benton Frank for a long time and this book was just as delightful as her other books. Although the plot is predictable, it was an entertaining read, leaving the reader with a good feeling throughout the book. I have to give it a thumbs up. Thanks for another good read.

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 family story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

it was recommended to me by a friend and I appreciate it.

What did you like best about this story?

I like the way the author flesshes out the characters. and I like the relationship between the family members.

What three words best describe Robin Miles’s performance?

it was good

My Second Listen

I've just finished Porch Lights for the second time. I love the setting on the porch at the beach and the story!

Drama, Mixed with Sarcasm...I Loved It.

Would you listen to Porch Lights again? Why?

Yes, this is one of the few books I have listened to that I would listen to again. I loved the characters, the description of the scenery and narrator. I was smiling all the way to work each day.

What did you like best about this story?

Ann's sarcastic attitude, mixed with her proper Southern style.

Which character – as performed by Robin Miles – was your favorite?

The cat's mother.

If you could rename Porch Lights, what would you call it?

I would rename it. Porch Lights is perfect.

Any additional comments?

I can't wait to hear other books read by Robin Miles.