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slherbel's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
brittneyfike's review
4.0
If books could make me become an amazing cook— this would be the one! I enjoyed this one. It was a fun and heartfelt story. I loved the three generations of women and hope we get more of them in another story! It also takes place on Sullivan’s Island which is another favorite place of mine! The perfect beach read.
kimlb's review
5.0
Wow!! Dorothea is so proud. I was so excited to read that we will see more from these characters. What a fabulous first novel!
jessicary's review
3.0
I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway entry. My copy was an uncorrected proof, so I tried to take that into consideration. I thought some of the setting descriptions and internal dialogue of the main character were sometimes cliche (I wished the author used different words in certain moments). The flow of the book itself was a bit choppy. However, I did enjoy some of author's decisions in particular chapters and felt connected to the characters. It would make a fun vacation read.
allieinthepages's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
judithdcollins's review
5.0
Victoria Benton Frank's highly anticipated smashing debut, MY MAGNOLIA SUMMER, exceeds all expectations and then some! She had some big shoes to fill, and Dot would be so proud!
A massive fan of her mom, Dorothea Benton Frank (I have read all her books), I would never miss one of her summer beach reads—and her daughter is right there continuing her legacy. BRAVO!
With the same winning tone, wit, and Southern storytelling, set in the South Carolina Low Country —enticing savory delectables, strong women, family, self-discovery, and dark secrets—Frank's well-developed characters and crisp writing will draw you in for the perfect summer escape.
Magnolia (Maggie) lives in New York City and works at a restaurant. Her life is up in the air, the chef is cruel, and her on-and-off boyfriend is not here to stay. She is hoping to one day own a restaurant.
When she receives an urgent call from her impulsive sister, Violet, she quickly returns to her childhood home on Sullivan's Island.
The beloved Rose, the matriarch—Gran, is lying in a coma due to a car accident caused by Maggie's troubled alcoholic mother, Lily. Her mom is not injured.
What Maggie also discovers upon arrival is The Magic Lantern, the family restaurant (that has been in the family for generations), is a disaster, and they are selling fried fish and items from a can! Heaven forbid.
What happened to the French or Southern gourmet home cooking with delectable pastries?
Her alcoholic mother, Lily and her boyfriend have made these horrible changes to the menu and the decor, and it is failing.
Her mom and sister think Maggie thinks she is better than them since she lives in NYC. Not a lot of love here. You can only imagine when these get together!
However, Maggie agrees to stay long enough to try and turn the restaurant around and help out. Of course, it would not be the Low Country without a bit of summer romance, and the handsome farmer grabs Maggie's attention.
Join the three generations of strong women. Get ready for some fun Southern fun, wisecracks, humor, wit, food, friends, family, and juicy secrets.
You will fall in love with this cast of characters. Trust me; your mouth will be watering with all the appetizing and tempting mouth-watering delicacies.
Victoria Benton Frank's debut is a HIT! MY MAGNOLIA SUMMER is a must-read powerful Southern charmer and should be at the top of your beach bag! Absolutely delightful. I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next.
AUDIOBOOK: I LOVED the audiobook narrated by Dorothy Dillingham Blue. Highly entertaining! The narration was perfection and highly recommend it. She had the Southern accent and wit down pat. Loved all the characters!
Blog Review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: June 6, 2023
June 2023 Must-Read Books
A massive fan of her mom, Dorothea Benton Frank (I have read all her books), I would never miss one of her summer beach reads—and her daughter is right there continuing her legacy. BRAVO!
With the same winning tone, wit, and Southern storytelling, set in the South Carolina Low Country —enticing savory delectables, strong women, family, self-discovery, and dark secrets—Frank's well-developed characters and crisp writing will draw you in for the perfect summer escape.
Magnolia (Maggie) lives in New York City and works at a restaurant. Her life is up in the air, the chef is cruel, and her on-and-off boyfriend is not here to stay. She is hoping to one day own a restaurant.
When she receives an urgent call from her impulsive sister, Violet, she quickly returns to her childhood home on Sullivan's Island.
The beloved Rose, the matriarch—Gran, is lying in a coma due to a car accident caused by Maggie's troubled alcoholic mother, Lily. Her mom is not injured.
What Maggie also discovers upon arrival is The Magic Lantern, the family restaurant (that has been in the family for generations), is a disaster, and they are selling fried fish and items from a can! Heaven forbid.
What happened to the French or Southern gourmet home cooking with delectable pastries?
Her alcoholic mother, Lily and her boyfriend have made these horrible changes to the menu and the decor, and it is failing.
Her mom and sister think Maggie thinks she is better than them since she lives in NYC. Not a lot of love here. You can only imagine when these get together!
However, Maggie agrees to stay long enough to try and turn the restaurant around and help out. Of course, it would not be the Low Country without a bit of summer romance, and the handsome farmer grabs Maggie's attention.
Join the three generations of strong women. Get ready for some fun Southern fun, wisecracks, humor, wit, food, friends, family, and juicy secrets.
You will fall in love with this cast of characters. Trust me; your mouth will be watering with all the appetizing and tempting mouth-watering delicacies.
Victoria Benton Frank's debut is a HIT! MY MAGNOLIA SUMMER is a must-read powerful Southern charmer and should be at the top of your beach bag! Absolutely delightful. I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next.
AUDIOBOOK: I LOVED the audiobook narrated by Dorothy Dillingham Blue. Highly entertaining! The narration was perfection and highly recommend it. She had the Southern accent and wit down pat. Loved all the characters!
Blog Review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: June 6, 2023
June 2023 Must-Read Books