Rated of 5
by Kat F. (Palatine, IL) Expected more
I've read most of Benton Frank's books and absolutely love this beautiful part of the country, so I was excited when I received this book. Then I started reading. I don't care for reading "plays" although that part isn't really much of a play. I don't like going back and forth between time periods, so that was a little annoying. Finally, the timeline seemed a little rushed and unbelievable to me, given the dire circumstances that bring Cate back to Folly Beach. I really would have liked to have gotten to know the interesting, entertaining and quirky character's stories better. It's an entertaining beach book; not too deep or thought provoking. But, brought me back to a part of the country I love and made me remember and wish I was back there right this minute.
Rated of 5
by Mary Beth B. (Encampment, WY) Folly Beach
Living in the landlocked state of Wyoming I love to read about the East Coast! "Folly Beach" is my first read by author Dorothea Benton Frank. I am very excited to find another author who writes so descriptively about coastal living. She painted very vivid pictures of the environment while keeping the pace of the story line moving along, no dragging. This was a great summer read for me and I am already searching out more novels by the author!
Rated of 5
by Patricia F. (Stony Brook, New York) Folly Beach
Folly Beach is a good summer read. This was my first experience with this author, and would certainly give another book by Ms. Benton a try. Cate becomes a widow and faces a plethora of challenges at the very beginning of the story, way more than is believable. However, these are what leads her to Folly Beach to stay in the Porgy House now owned by her eccentric aunt, who is, in my opinion, the most believable character in the book. Cate begins to reevaluate her life, and at the same time, is haunted by the former residents of the house, the Heywards who were intimates of George Gershwin and responsible for Porgy and Bess. Cate's story and that of the Heywards are presented in alternating chapters. As a reader, I was somewhat distracted by the "play" format which introduced each Heyward chapter, and thought it wasn't needed. All in all, tuck it into your beach bag and kick back on Folly Beach.
Rated of 5
by Therese J. (Alvarado, Minnesota) A Dish of Southern Hospitality
Having just returned from a visit to my son's near Charleston, South Carolina, I was taken with Dorothea Benton Frank's intimate knowledge of the area, hinted at as she lead us to the Gullah culture, sweetgrass baskets, and local institutions. Frank braids two differing story lines--which at first seem disconnected--into a tale of a woman's success after what appears to be utter domestic devastation. The author's imagination offers some story portions that are a bit too convenient, but "Folly Beach" is an easy summer read with historic interest for those who enjoy theater, and those who love a good romance.
Rated of 5
by Rosemary S. (Somers, NY) Add it to your Suitcase
Folly Beach is one of several books written by this author that takes place near Charleston, South Carolina. I love this part of the country, and therefore I do enjoy her descriptions of the beach, the sounds, smells, houses, food, and people. Some of the characters are quirky, a bit eccentric, and endearing. The book includes the script of a play, which I was a little skeptical about when I started reading. As I read, I realized how much it added to the storyline and characters. The author also included, and used, historical information about well known people living in the nineteen twenties and thirties. Historical fiction lovers will enjoy this addition to the plot. Folly Beach was an easy read. This book is written for women, and will be the perfect book to read on vacation because it is light, keeps your interest, and takes you away to another place and time. Take it to the beach!
Rated of 5
by Kelly J. (Atlanta, GA) A More than Acceptable Summer Read
I read this over a long weekend while sitting on the beach at Tybee Island, GA so it was a literal "beach book". Enjoyed the low country setting. Found the relationship between Cate and John to be a little too rushed to completely draw me in and make me a believer. Would recommend to others looking to learn more about the low country.
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of 5
by Kat F. (Palatine, IL) 
of 5
by Mary Beth B. (Encampment, WY) 
