Dorothea Benton Frank Books In Order

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Life Born in 1951, the author Dorothea Benton Frank was brought up in the area of South Carolina on Sullivan’s Island, where she spent the majority of her childhood. She passed in 2019.

Growing up with her four siblings; Michael Kent Benton, Lynn Benton Bagnal, Theodore Anthony Benton and William Oliver Benton, she was lucky enough to enjoy a rich and colorful upbringing. Always taking in inspiration from her surrounding environment, she was never short of ideas, as she always kept up her passion for both reading and writing from a very early age.

Attending the Bishop England High School in Charleston, she then went onto graduate in 1969 from the General William Moultrie High School. This then led her onto The Fashion Institute of America situated in Atlanta GA, where she graduated in 1972, as she initially followed her interest in fashion.

Taking up a career in this field for a number of years, she held numerous positions within the industry, as her passion took her around to various different locations. Deciding to retire from this particular profession in 1985 after marrying her husband, Peter Richard Frank, in 1983, she soon found herself taking up another passion of hers; fundraising.

For many years she would find herself organizing a number of events for a collection of different organizations, all whilst simultaneously bringing up her children as well. Many of these non-profit organizations benefited enormously from her work, along with her children too, all this whilst she built upon her wealth of experience that was to become the inspiration for her novels in the following years to come.

After publishing her first novel ‘Sullivan’s Island’ in 2000 through the Berkeley Publishing house, she was well on her way to reinventing herself as a highly successful writer. Quickly reaching the top of the New York Times Bestseller lists, she was growing in popularity fast, and soon she released her second novel to much acclaim once again.

With more to come from her as a writer, as plenty more books are planned on the horizon, there’s no stopping anytime soon for Dorothea Benton Frank as she continues to grow in popularity day-by-day. Writing Career Her first novel ‘Sullivan’s Island’ was published in 2000, following the long build up of burgeoning writing career for Dorothea Benton Frank as an author.

Selling over a million copies, all from her debut release, it went on to be translated into ten different languages worldwide, thus giving her an even larger global audience as well. The same has happened for her following novels, which were not only translated and enjoyed worldwide too, but also reached the top of the bestseller lists as well.

Over the years she has received honorary doctorates, such as her awards from The College of Charleston, along with Bloomfield College as well. In her spare time she takes up a number of speaking engagements, as she lectures on the creative process which has informed much of her career, as she talks to both the young and old alike.

Not only that, but she also manages to go fly fishing as well, along with cooking traveling and reading, as she constantly looks for her next big novel idea. Isle of Palms Originally published on the eleventh of January in 2003 through the Berkeley Publishing house once again, this was to make up the third installment in the Lowcountry Tales series.

Building upon the premise initially set by the franchise, this features many stories set both in and around the area, as it takes inspiration from the authors own life and upbringing. Creating a unique cast of characters for each entry into the series, it manages to capture a highly relatable slice-of-life element, as it creates a world that is extremely immersive for both her and her many readers.

Up until now the life of Anna Lutz Abbot has seemed somewhat carefree, as she’s taken a bright and sunny outlook on life, unimpeded by any overt problems. A strong independent female protagonist, she feels she is happy with a sunny disposition and has a good head on her shoulders, that is until all that is to be tested. Facing up to secrets from her family, she finds that she must deal with both them and their unpredictable nature if she is ever to move on, along with her own past as well.

Why is all this happening now? Can she come to terms with the truth of her family? What will become of them all during their time on the Isle of Palms? Porch Lights As a standalone novel, this was first released on the twelfth of June in 2012, and it was this time released through the William Morrow publishing house.

Whilst it may be set once again on Sullivan’s Island, it is a story all of its very own, as it manages to create an entirely different world than the ones she has created previously. Establishing a whole new set of characters, it creates a more somber tone to what she has written about previously, although it still remains both heartwarming and touching as well.

After the NYFD fireman Jimmy McMullen dies during his time on the job, he leaves behind a ten year old son Charlie, along with his wife and the mother of Charlie; Jackie. As the son becomes more quiet and reserved, something that’s in direct contrast to his initially outgoing nature, she decides to take him to her childhood home of Sullivan’s Island, as a change of scenery might help.

That’s when they learn about the healing power that families hold, as they all come together to learn something about each other and, ultimately; themselves. Will they ever be able to get over what has happened? Can they come together and help each other? What will become of them as they head to Sullivan’s Island to find the waiting porch lights?

Book Series In Order » Authors » Dorothea Benton Frank

10 Responses to “Dorothea Benton Frank”

1. Deb: 2 months ago

   While working at a library, I got to meet Ms. Frank at a reception for her prior to an event she was speaking at. She was very kind and friendly. When the reception was over, and everyone was saying good night, she said”I’m sorry, I’m a hugger” and then hugged all of us good night.(It was a small group) Her speaking event the next day was fantastic. Love her books and glad I got to meet her. So sad when I heard of her passing.

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2. Chris Copeland: 6 months ago

   Her daughter, Victoria Benton Frank, put a book called My Magnolia Summmer in June 2023. I haven’t read it yet, but it appears to be along the same lines as her mother’s writings!

   If you ever do have a chance to visit Sullivan’s Island in South Carolina, you’ll not regret it! Having grown up in SC and having had relatives on that island who I used ot visit growing up, I can attest that it is indeed a very special place.

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3. Christine A Warren: 2 years ago

   I’m reading,By Invitation only, I have to say it’s a book I can’t put down.
   I’ve read most of her books. I was so upset when I found out that she passed away. I think at time when I found out, I was at the library, and I wanted to order her next book & the librarian said she just passed away in September, so I went to barns and noble & bought every book she had out. Even the one with all of her friends. I’m sad that she’s not with us anymore she’s sadly missed by me & my daughter

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4. Judy Miller: 2 years ago

   MY FAVORITE NOVELIST OF ALL TIMES! I’ve been a fan since the very beginning of her writing career. I have all of her books and they hold a special place on my bookshelf. She will be missed terribly. What a great writer and of everything I have read of her, great mom, wife, sibling and community worker. Thank you so much.

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5. Nancy Welch: 2 years ago

   My first Dorothea book was Queen Bee and I have never been much of a reader. I bought it because Queen Bee is a nickname for myself. I have never ever enjoyed reading a book as I did Queen Bee 🐝 so when I finished that one I ordered another one so now I have finished all of her books. She was an amazing writer and she makes you laugh out loud as you read her stories. I was sad to here that she had passed away especially since she had a new granddaughter that was only two. She definitely was one of a kind.

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6. Kathy Hocking: 3 years ago

   Just when I thought I found my newest favorite author, I read that Dorothea had died in September, 2019. I actually cried. I am so loyal to authors I admire. I’ve never been to Sullivan’s Island but I’ve heard of it. I loved Dorothea’s whit and style. She will hold a special place in my heart. May she Rest In Peace.

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7. Donna Wilson: 3 years ago

   I’ve read most of her books
   Have ten of the 14,will look
   For the others. SHE’s my
   Favorite author, I hate she
   Left us at to soon!GOD SPEED

   Reply
8. Annie Narowski: 3 years ago

   You may enjoy books by Karen White, Mary Kay Andrews, and Mary Alice Monroe. I enjoy their books, but not as much as Dorothea Benton Frank’s, she really had something special.

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9. Ruth M. Babin: 4 years ago

   what other author writes books like ‘Dorothea Benton Frank’? I have just finished all of her books & enjoyed all of them immensely. tks

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   • Emma: 3 years ago

     Wonderful books by a wonderful author. I’ve loved all her books and all her people in them. I’m so sorry we lost an incredible author but even more so that we’ve lost a really great human being. The world is sadder without Dorothea in it! Thank you for sharing your talent with us all and May You Rest In Peace.

     Reply