Genre Fiction
![Victoria Benton Frank - [object Object] author](https://res.cloudinary.com/readsomnia/image/upload/authors/a_B0BYB3MMV7.jpg)
My Magnolia Summer: A Novel
"[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.
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.
Editorial Reviews
"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
"My Magnolia Summer is a sensory treat and a mesmerizing tribute to the complicated strength and solace of family. Frank's warm and wise prose is splashed with just the right amount of wit in this sultry Lowcountry tale. With a delectable peek behind the kitchens of the best restaurants, a romp through the marshes of South Carolina, and a glimpse into the intricate hearts of sisters, this is a powerful debut. Proving that when things fall apart, indomitable women come together, My Magnolia Summer is enchanting, hilarious and insightful." - Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author
"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
"Pass the tissues, please. I have a sneaking suspicion I won't be the last reader to find themselves crying and laughing over this book. Victoria brings the same Frank sense of humor that endeared readers to her mother's cast of char...
"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
"My Magnolia Summer is a sensory treat and a mesmerizing tribute to the complicated strength and solace of family. Frank's warm and wise prose is splashed with just the right amount of wit in this sultry Lowcountry tale. With a delectable peek behind the kitchens of the best restaurants, a romp through the marshes of South Carolina, and a glimpse into the intricate hearts of sisters, this is a powerful debut. Proving that when things fall apart, indomitable women come together, My Magnolia Summer is enchanting, hilarious and insightful." - Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author
"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
"Pass the tissues, please. I have a sneaking suspicion I won't be the last reader to find themselves crying and laughing over this book. Victoria brings the same Frank sense of humor that endeared readers to her mother's cast of char...
Readers Top Reviews
FrogtownCreekWest
I felt as though my all time favorite author, DBF, was back! How I have missed her. She would be so proud of you Victoria. This book is a gem. Best news is we may have more on the “flower” sisters - hopefully soon. Keep up the great work!
M.FieldsFrogtownC
As a huge fan of DBF I had to read this book by her daughter. The Flower girls' story was not what I expected, I enjoyed the story, and the characters were so much fun. There was very little romance it was more the flowers girls and grandma's story mixed with some drama. I gave this 4 stars and I hope to read Benton Franks next book.
Happy and Retired
I was anxious to read Victoria’s first book. As a childhood friend of her mother and having read all of Dottie’s books, I had high expectations, and I was not disappointed! Victoria did an amazing job of introducing her characters, giving just enough detail into each person. As a retired chef, the storyline was right up my alley, and there were just enough twists and turns to keep me turning pages till the end (I read it in one day). I look forward to Victoria’s future books, exploring the people she has introduced, and following up on the unanswered questions that left me wanting more! From an old SI gal, thank you for a GREAT read!
FeFe76Happy and R
A story about returning to family after you've left to chase your dream. I you like complicated families (who can't relate?), southern fiction, New York fiction, foodie fiction, and a little romance, you will love this book! This is the author's first novel and she had some pretty big shoes to fill. Sometimes I felt the dialog and descriptions were a little clunky but she proved she's capable of fantastic storytelling with dynamic characters. I'm hoping her next book is a continuation of these characters. I'd really like to know how Violet's story unfolds. I will definitely be looking forward to her next book. I'm adding Victoria Benton Frank to my must read list!
Elaine TaylorFeFe
Your acknowledgment was as beautiful as your book. You are your Mother's child! Not only in your heart but in your talent. I enjoyed every single page, and I know others will as well. I'm completely stoked that there will be another and I'm sure another and so on. You are blessed with the gift of writing. For those reading this review, I won't go into the story as others may do. Just take my word for it. It is an awesome, funny, sweet, and loving story of family in one of the most beautiful settings in this country. Victoria will take you on a beautiful scenic trip to the low country. A place you'll visualize in your mind and hold in your heart. Also, I loved being introduced to the culinary world in such depth. Enjoy your ride sweet girl! You deserve to be where you are❤️
