Lowcountry Summer audiobook

4.5 stars

What do I find so entertaining about Dorothea Benton Frank's books? The characters are often naughty and surely do mess up and make such bad, bad choices. But I enjoy the humor, the Southern traditions and flair, the descriptions of houses and food and family gatherings, the small town community, and the sense that there's a lot of life left in folks who've passed their fortieth birthdays. Equal parts Designing Women, Golden Girls, and Maud (I'm showing my age by referencing those old TV shows), these books are for women of a *certain age* who can overlook the objectionable elements and need a laugh.

Family dynamics galore! The characters have been introduced in another novel but this takes the brother/sister relationship to another level. There is not a dull moment in this story.

This is my second time reading a Dorothea Benton Frank tale. The tone and rhythm is definitely consistent. Very entertaining against a lowcountry backdrop and told in a Gullah tone at times. I enjoyed starting this while vacationing on Isle of Palms and just finished it up at home. I will certainly read my way through this series.

Another good one!

GREAT book. Love all Dot's books, but this one was really GREAT

Love Lowcountry Stories. Little things bother me. Though I love this Author's books and her descriptive narrative can't be beat when she is speaking about all things southern. However, like the book Plantations that was the first book in this series the Author, editor, proofreader, etc. - someone missed a slip up. Not to give to much of the book away.....Trip sends his estranged wife off for long term rehab program (60 days is considered long term but I have heard of 120 days for more serious cases) and needs someone to act as Housekeeper, Cook, and Nanny during her absence for the three children at home. When he can't find anyone willing to take this job, his sister, Caroline, suggests he is not offering adequate compensation. His reply is he has offered $250 a week, healthcare after 6 months of employment and a 2 week paid vacation......there! That's my problem....is this rehab facility take permanent residents because why would a paid vacation and paid healthcare after 6 months be a considering factor for a short term job? It may be a little thing but your story must be consistent and ring true and this little mistake broke my concentration and though I still liked the book and will always be a fan of Ms. Frank, this error was enough to cost a star in the rating. I still recommend this book and the book before this one that begins the saga of Caroline's return to the Lowcountry. Neither of these books are Ms. Frank's best works but the total body of her work makes me keep coming back for more.

I listened to the audio version of this book that is read by Robin Miles, I declare, it was one of the funniest books I've enjoyed this summer. This was my first book by D.B.F., I'd seen her work many times before but never stopped to see what all the hoopla was about. Lowcountry Summer did not disappoint. Caroline Wimbley and her merry band of relatives (even mean 'ol F.M.) and ALL her gentlemen callers keeps the pages turning as family drama and late-night bear patrols keeps this middle-aged proper southern belle on her toes. I laughed, and got a little misty eyed during the 'unforeseen' death, so much so I was in morning all day Saturday. Dorothea Benton Frank left me wanting more from the Wimbley family, be it good or bad, because honestly, they felt just like family.

Caroline Wimbley Levine was very, very human. We saw all her good attributes and all her bad ones. At first I didn't like her but grew to appreciate her only being human. She could be a little aristocratic or snobby. But then she showed her heart of gold. She really hated her sister-in-law, Frances Mae, but the favor was returned. Her son, Eric, was the love off her life, and he was a really good kid. Her best friend and cook, Millie, was very interesting and sometimes kept her on an even keel. All of her adventures took place on the Edisto River in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. I really do appreciate the authors from that area.

We revisit the characters from that lovely book, Plantation. Caroline has stepped into her mother's rather intimidating shoes very nicely, with frequent guidance from that wise old Gullah woman, Millie (not to mention her more magical talents) and occasional guidance from her dead mother, Lavinia. However, this dysfunctional family is at a breaking point, and it will take everything Caroline has to save her family and herself from themselves

Another trip to the Lowcountry, only this time things have really heated up! Matriarch Caroline has her hands full overseeing Tall Pines plantation, her brother and his crazy family, and her own revolving love life. With panache and the support of her maid Millie and her dead mother Lavinia, Caroline handles obnoxious nieces, a horrible family tragedy, and her own indecision. She proves that life can be happy with the love of family and friends, and just a little Lowcountry magic.

Miss Lavinia seemed to come alive in the likes of her daughter Caroline in this episode. In contrast to the book Plantation, Caroline, was more promiscuous than I remember her being. I thoroughly enjoyed being with Caroline and Millie in their kitchen and seeing the evolution of their lives. Unlike the last sequel, Return to Sullivan's Island, this one did not disappoint.

Great bookHave read all of her books. Takes me back to when I grew up in SC. Lived there until after college and go back to visit every several years. My family owned houses at Edisto Island and we spent summers there. Frank is "right on" relative her description of southerners, such as culture, the language and all things southern. southern.