My Magnolia Summer

A Novel

By: Victoria Benton Frank

Narrated by: Dorothy Dillingham Blue

“[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

Yes Yes Yes

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

How slow this moved. I couldn’t finish it. Not her mother. Sorry

I was such a fan of Dortha’s Benton Frank that I cried when she passed. I guess I was hoping to her voice in this story. Nope. The story is like all the young adult Romance novels that churn out now like a recipe for
How to write a novel. This is a skip it.

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!

Great Story!

This was such a great story! There characters came alive, The narrator was great. I was really hoping there would be a sequel to the story - I wanted to know more about the characters' lives!

my Magnolia summer

Great story line, good reader, kept me involved, that is all I have to say!

March onward and upward!

Thanks, Victorious! Yes, I do mean Victorious! Charming and fun read. Nice reminder to choose what makes you most fulfilled…even when it changes the dreams you thought you wanted! Well done, Victoria…your Mom would have for sure scooped up this book for the beach! 😊

Great book

The book flowed well and told a sweet story of family love and all its challenges. In the tradition of her grandmother Victoria Benton Frank is a fabulous writer. Can’t wait for her next book

Very Enjoyable Escape

Loved it! Can hardly wait for the sequel. Want more from.these characters. Thank you, Victoria Benton Frank, for writing and taking me to another world when I most needed it. Life's hard times are so much easier with a good book, and this is definitely one of them. As well, it is a great beach/vacation read/listen. Or, long car drive listen. Enjoy!

A Lowcountry Gem

Victoria Benton Frank weaves a fun, engaging tale, set on beautiful Sullivan’s Island, where the main character tries to determine what she truly wants while dealing with layer upon layer of family, and work, drama. Her characters are layered and interesting, and the settings vibrant. The nods to her mother’s works were endearing. While reading, I felt the salt breezes and the sticky humid air of the low country. I could almost rate the tang of a John’s Island tomato, just reading about Sam’s family farm. I look forward to reading more from Victoria and about these characters.