Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Folly Beach

Folly Beach: A Lowcountry Tale (Lowcountry Tales)Author: Dorothea Benton Frank
ISBN: 978-0-06-196127-4
Publisher: HarperCollins
Purchase Link: Folly Beach: A Lowcountry Tale
Source: TLC Book Tours
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Synopsis:

Home is the place that knows us best. . . .

A woman returns to the past to find her future in this enchanting new tale of loss, acceptance, family, and love.

With its sandy beaches and bohemian charms, surfers and suits alike consider Folly Beach to be one of South Carolina’s most historic and romantic spots. It is also the land of Cate Cooper’s childhood, the place where all the ghosts of her past roam freely. Cate never thought she’d wind up in this tiny cottage named the Porgy House on this breathtakingly lovely strip of coast. But circumstances have changed, thanks to her newly dead husband whose financial—and emotional—bull and mendacity have left Cate homeless, broke, and unmoored.

Yet Folly Beach holds more than just memories. Once upon a time another woman found unexpected bliss and comfort within its welcoming arms. An artist, writer, and colleague of the revered George Gershwin, Dorothy Heyward enjoyed the greatest moments of her life at Folly with her beloved husband, DuBose. And though the Heywards are long gone, their passion and spirit lingers in every mango sunset and gentle ocean breeze.

And for Cate, Folly, too, holds the promise of unexpected fulfillment when she is forced to look at her life and the zany characters that are her family anew. To her surprise, she will discover that you can go home again. Folly Beach doesn’t just hold the girl she once was . . . it also holds the promise of the woman she’s always wanted—and is finally ready—to become.

Review

Folly Beach is the story of one woman’s nightmare turned enchanting story. Frank tells a wonderful tale with ease. I was hooked from the very beginning of this novel. Cate’s story starts off tragic yet comforting. The subject matter in the beginning of the book is usually one I steer clear from since Cate’s husband commits suicide in a way that I have lost a friend to. However, I must say that of all the books and movies that I have seen with this subject matter in them, Ms. Frank approaches the subject the best. She gives enough information to the reader without going into detail that is disturbing or upsetting. She doesn’t dwell on the fact and she created characters that enable the reader to understand and move onward in the story without the handicap of dwelling on a sad situation.

The story is full of humorous and witty dialogue! The characters are lovable beyond measure. They are characters I would love to know in real life. Cate and Patti’s relationship reminded me of my sister and me. I was enjoying their jibes and jokes with each other as well as their love and devotion. The setting of Lowcountry in North Carolina was beautifully described without being overly descriptive and taking away my ability to imagine the scenes that take place. The pace flowed quickly. I could not get enough of Cate’s story!

Intermixed with the story is a second story told in the form of a play. This was my least favorite aspect of the book because it was confusing at first. Once I read far enough into the story I realized what was taking place and understood the purpose of the play within the main story. This made the play more enjoyable for me, though I’m glad the author kept the play scenes short since I was hooked to the main story and didn’t want to stop reading it. If you read this book which I suggest you do, don’t let this part stump you. It will all make sense and you’ll appreciate it in the end.

Overall this book was wonderfully done. I really enjoyed the unique story Ms. Frank tells. She has a beautiful writing style that draws you into the story and keeps you spellbound as you follow Cate and her family through her journey of healing and enlightenment. The book includes history of the past to bring understanding to the present in an exciting and unique way. I will re-read this novel and highly recommend it to others! There is a little mystery, a little romance, familial love and a whole lot of wit and wisdom. Its worth your time and money.

About the Author:
Dorothea Benton Frank is the New York Times bestselling author of Bulls Island (William Morrow, 2008), The Christmas Pearl (William Morrow 2007), The Land of Mango Sunsets (William Morrow 2007), Full of Grace (William Morrow 2006), Pawleys Island (Berkley 2005), Shem Creek (Berkley 2004), Isle of Palms (Berkley 2003), Plantation (Jove 2001), Sullivan’s Island (Jove 2000), and Return to Sullivan’s Island (William Morrow 2009).

Ms. Frank has appeared on NBC’s Today show, Parker Ladd’s Book Talk, and many local network-affiliated television stations. She is a frequent speaker on creative writing and the creative process for students of all ages and in private venues, such as the National Arts Club, the Junior League of New York, Friends of the Library, and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. She has also been a guest speaker at the South Carolina Book Festival; Novello, North Carolina’s Festival of Books; and the Book and Author annual event in Charleston, South Carolina, sponsored by the Post & Courier.

Before she began her writing career, Ms. Frank was involved extensively in the arts and education, and in raising awareness and funding for various nonprofits in New Jersey and New York. At the present time she serves on the boards of The South Carolina Historical Society and The South Carolina Coastal Conservation League.

The author, who was born and raised on Sullivan’s Island in South Carolina, currently divides her time between New Jersey and South Carolina.

Find out more about Ms. Frank at her website, and follow her on Facebook.

**Sneak Peak… Folly Beach is one of my 10 picks for beach reads this summer! Don’t miss my July column in Night Owl Reviews Digital Magazine to find out which other books made the list!**
4.5 out of 5 Photobucket


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