Unveiling Hidden Secrets: ‘My Magnolia Summer’ by Victoria Benton Frank – Book Review

My Magnolia Summer is a story of personal growth and family secrets that sees a woman return to her childhood home in the South Carolina Lowcountry. This is the debut novel by the author who is the daughter of the late Dorothea Benton Frank.

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to my local library for purchasing this audiobook.

From The Publisher:

In this gripping tale of self-discovery, Victoria Benton Frank introduces us to Maggie, a South Carolina transplant in New York City struggling to find her place in the world. When she receives a phone call from her troubled sister, Violet, Maggie must return to her hometown of Sullivan’s Island, where she uncovers shocking secrets about her family’s past.

Upon her arrival, Maggie is confronted with a disarrayed situation at The Magic Lantern, the cherished restaurant owned and operated by generations of women in her family. As she rediscovers the roots she left behind, she unexpectedly finds herself drawn to a charismatic farmer. But amidst her sister’s impending breakup and their beloved matriarch, Gran, lying comatose due to a car accident caused by Maggie’s troubled mother, Lily, the road to true love won’t be easy.

When three generations of South Carolina women—the steadfast Gran, the troubled Lily, the impulsive Violet, and the determined Maggie, come together, anything becomes possible. Immerse yourself in the stunning depictions of marsh grasses and dunes, as this novel transports you to a world brimming with cherished family traditions and unforeseen twists of fate.

My Thoughts:

Maggie is a cook in a high-end New York City restaurant when she receives a call from her sister Violet back in their hometown in South Carolina. Their mother and grandmother have been involved in a crash and their beloved grandmother is in a coma. Without delay, Maggie and her BFF Jim head back home.

Maggie finds that her recovering alcoholic mother Lily has not been seriously hurt but that her Gran remains in a coma. Gran had gone to pick Lily up from a bar after she’d gone “off the wagon” following the breakup with her fiance. Maggie knows Gran’s restaurant The Magic Lantern will be short-handed in her absence but has no idea about the changes that had been made in her absence.

The characters are well-developed and the backstories are interesting. The family dynamic between these three generations of women is believable. While romance is featured in the story it is not the focus. I appreciate the level of personal growth experienced by several of the more central characters.

I listened to the audiobook version of My Magnolia Summer which was narrated by Dorothy Dillingham Blue. Her performance felt authentic and I enjoyed her South Carolina accent. I have no hesitation in recommending the audiobook to those who appreciate this format.

This is an engaging debut novel. I was happy to hear the author share that there will be a sequel to this novel to answer outstanding questions relating to the characters. I recommend this book to those readers who appreciate family stories.

A Similar Book I’ve Reviewed:

Reunion Beach: Stories Inspired by Dorothea Benton Frank