Narrator: Dorothy Dillingham Blue
Harper Audio
ISBN: 978-0063286153
Publisher: William Morrow
Publication Date: 06/06/2023
Format: Audiobook
My Rating: 5 Stars
“In My Magnolia Summer, author Victoria Benton Frank spins all the plates and brings all the magic of the low country to life. A tale of the complicated relationships between mothers, daughters and let's not forget, sisters – this enchanting novel will bring romance and sunshine to your summer reading list.” –Elin Hilderbrand, New York Times bestselling author of The Five-Star Weekend
Victoria Benton Frank transports us to her family’s beloved Low Country of South Carolina, in this spicy and heartfelt debut about strong three strong women with strong appetites.
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.
My Review
Victoria Benton Frank's highly anticipated smashing debut, MY MAGNOLIA SUMMER, exceeds all expectations and then some! She had some big shoes to fill and Dot would be so proud!
A massive fan of her mom, Dorothea Benton Frank (I have read all her books), I would never miss one of her summer beach reads—and her daughter is right there continuing her legacy. BRAVO!
With the same winning tone, wit, and Southern storytelling, set in the South Carolina Low Country —enticing savory delectables, strong women, family, self-discovery, and dark secrets—Frank's well-developed characters and crisp writing will draw you in for the perfect summer escape.
Magnolia (Maggie) lives in New York City and works at a restaurant. Her life is up in the air, the chef is cruel, and her on-and-off boyfriend is not here to stay. She is hoping to one day own a restaurant.
When she receives an urgent call from her impulsive sister, Violet, she quickly returns to her childhood home on Sullivan's Island.
The beloved Rose, the matriarch—Gran, is lying in a coma due to a car accident caused by Maggie's troubled alcoholic mother, Lily. Her mom is not injured.
What Maggie also discovers upon arrival is The Magic Lantern, the family restaurant (that has been in the family for generations), is a disaster, and they are selling fried fish and items from a can! Heaven forbid.
What happened to the French or Southern gourmet home cooking with delectable pastries?
Her alcoholic mother, Lily and her boyfriend have made these horrible changes to the menu and the decor, and it is failing.
Her mom and sister think Maggie thinks she is better than them since she lives in NYC. Not a lot of love here. You can only imagine when these get together!
However, Maggie agrees to stay long enough to try and turn the restaurant around and help out. Of course, it would not be the Low Country without a bit of summer romance, and the handsome farmer grabs Maggie's attention.
Join the three generations of strong women. Get ready for some fun Southern fun, wisecracks, humor, wit, food, friends, family, and juicy secrets.
You will fall in love with this cast of characters. Trust me; your mouth will be watering with all the appetizing and tempting mouth-watering delicacies.
Victoria Benton Frank's debut is a HIT!
MY MAGNOLIA SUMMER is a must-read powerful Southern charmer and should be at the top of your beach bag! Absolutely delightful. I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next.
I LOVED the audiobook narrated by Dorothy Dillingham Blue. Highly entertaining! The narration was perfection and highly recommend. She had the Southern accent and wit down pat. Loved all the characters!
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: June 6, 2023
Praise
“No one can ever take the place of Dorothea Benton Frank, but by 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
“In My Magnolia Summer, author Victoria Benton Frank spins all the plates and brings all the magic of the lowcountry to life. A tale of the complicated relationships between mothers, daughters and let's not forget, sisters—this enchanting novel will bring romance and sunshine to your summer reading list.”
— Elin Hilderbrand, New York Times bestselling author of The Five-Star Weekend
"Southern fiction has a fresh, fabulous voice in Victoria Benton Frank who owns summer with her delicious debut novel. Put out the beach chair and pour the wine as Maggie Adams navigates her lost dreams in a family of strong southern women more powerful than their secrets. My Magnolia Summer proves you can go home again. Love, fate and family on the glorious shores of Sullivan's Island—book clubs rejoice!"
— Adriana Trigiani, New York Times bestselling author of The Good Left Undone
About the Author
Victoria Benton Frank was born in New York City, raised in Montclair, New Jersey, but considers herself to have dual residency in the Lowcountry. She is a graduate of the College of Charleston and the French Culinary Institute. Victoria worked in restaurants in New York before returning to Charleston, South Carolina, which she considers home, with her husband, two kids, and a giant mutt. When she isn’t writing, she is reading, cooking, or chasing her children.
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