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Lowcountry Tales #3
Isle of Palms
Anna Lutz Abbot considers herself independent and happy, until one steamy summer when she must find a way to deal with the secrets of her unpredictable family-and her past.
429 pages, Paperback
First published January 11, 2003
About the author
Dorothea Benton Frank
42 books4,976 followersDorothea Benton Frank was a New York Times best-selling American novelist of Southern fiction. She worked in the apparel industry from 1972 until 1985 and then organized fundraisers as a volunteer, before becoming a novelist.
She is best known as the author of twenty novels placed in and around the Lowcountry of South Carolina.
She is best known as the author of twenty novels placed in and around the Lowcountry of South Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 513 reviews
March 4, 2018
This book started off good but I quickly lost interest in it. It was bland and boring and took me forever to read considering how fluffy it is. The characters were dull and I felt zero connection to them, at times they were truly insufferable. I have other books by this author on my TBR and I’m quite tempted to move them to my donation pile without reading them. I don’t know if I’m ready to suffer through another story like this one...
September 5, 2011
I enjoyed this book as I have enjoyed other books by Dorothea benton Frank. There are great characters, a good story, and most of all I love the low-country and the references to places I know. But there were also several things I didn't like about the book.
The beginning starts off awkwardly with the main character, Anna, addressing the reader directly... "Get yourself a cup of tea, I'm gonna tell you a tale." Really tacky. Then several times throughout the book, also very awkwardly, the narrator switches and the story is told by Miss Mavis instead of Anna. Really strange and sloppy writing in my opinion. I thought some of the characters were a little immature- Frannie in particular- who uses language of a young 20-something.
But probably my biggest complaint was the attitude Anna and others have about her rapist. Thankfully, at the end, Anna, finally delivers some normal rage towards her prom date who date-raped her and left her pregnant. But the whole scenario to treat the rapist's wife to a day at the salon and to send a photo of her daughter is rather far-fetched and not clear. She never indicates what her goal is in contacting this guy (Everett). She didn't prosecute, but still doesn't want his money nor intends to retaliate. In the end he comes for Thanksgiving dinner and after she smashes his car (finally something real!) she finds forgiveness on the spot?! I began to wonder if my thinking was off-base or if southern women handle things differently or why the author treated a date-rape resulting in a pregnancy so casually. Any why did she forgive her neighbor, Lucy, for gossiping about something so delicately? Anyway, hopefully, you get my point... I don't think this part of the story was addressed with the importance that it should have received. I suppose that's because the author intended the book to simply be a fun "beach novel." And it is just that. I enjoyed the fun characters, images of good backyard parties, and the atmosphere of the salon.
The beginning starts off awkwardly with the main character, Anna, addressing the reader directly... "Get yourself a cup of tea, I'm gonna tell you a tale." Really tacky. Then several times throughout the book, also very awkwardly, the narrator switches and the story is told by Miss Mavis instead of Anna. Really strange and sloppy writing in my opinion. I thought some of the characters were a little immature- Frannie in particular- who uses language of a young 20-something.
But probably my biggest complaint was the attitude Anna and others have about her rapist. Thankfully, at the end, Anna, finally delivers some normal rage towards her prom date who date-raped her and left her pregnant. But the whole scenario to treat the rapist's wife to a day at the salon and to send a photo of her daughter is rather far-fetched and not clear. She never indicates what her goal is in contacting this guy (Everett). She didn't prosecute, but still doesn't want his money nor intends to retaliate. In the end he comes for Thanksgiving dinner and after she smashes his car (finally something real!) she finds forgiveness on the spot?! I began to wonder if my thinking was off-base or if southern women handle things differently or why the author treated a date-rape resulting in a pregnancy so casually. Any why did she forgive her neighbor, Lucy, for gossiping about something so delicately? Anyway, hopefully, you get my point... I don't think this part of the story was addressed with the importance that it should have received. I suppose that's because the author intended the book to simply be a fun "beach novel." And it is just that. I enjoyed the fun characters, images of good backyard parties, and the atmosphere of the salon.
September 1, 2012
Anna Lutz Abbott grew up in a family plagued with dysfunction. In addition, the death of her mother shaped the rest of her life. Pregnant by date rape at her senior prom, she quickly marries Jim, her best friend, who is gay and together they raise daughter Emily. After 10 years they both agree that they love each other dearly but they must move on. Anna and Emily move from Charleston to a small beach house on the Isle of Palms. Anna and Jim remain close friends and it is Jim who comes to the rescue when she gets fired from her hair stylist job and he helps her, along with her neighbor Lucy open her very own hair salon named Anna's Cabana. There are a cast of colorful, memorable characters that are interwoven through this story, such as Arthur, Anna's on and off again semi-serious relationship. There are two eccentric, lovable old ladies who reveal secrets about Anna's family The generous but controlling dad has a fling with flamboyant neighbor Lucy, while she plays int a huge part of the story. After she becomes Anna's best friend, she loans her $50,00.00 to get the salon off to a running start. Anna and Lucy are overwhelmed with the success of the salon!
The story continues with words that paint a vibrant visual, witty dialogue and the book is jammed with crazy, lovable characters . It is a slow starter but once you get into the story, about fifty to seventy-five pages, it's a rip-roaring page turner. So far every one of the Lowcountry novels that I have read is a wonderful "trip" to the shores of South Carolina.
The story continues with words that paint a vibrant visual, witty dialogue and the book is jammed with crazy, lovable characters . It is a slow starter but once you get into the story, about fifty to seventy-five pages, it's a rip-roaring page turner. So far every one of the Lowcountry novels that I have read is a wonderful "trip" to the shores of South Carolina.
November 16, 2015
This was such a delightful read. I absolutely loved the story-line and the characters. Dorothea Benton Frank rarely disappoints as she writes about what she knows best: the low-country, Charleston and surrounding islands - and the people who call it home. Indeed, ISLE OF PALMS, is set in the author's beloved birthplace region and is a tribute to everything from its salty marshes to its eccentric inhabitants. Frank provides equal parts drama, southern heritage and razor sharp one liners.
The main character, Anna Lutz Abbot is richly layered. She has known set-backs but thanks to her good nature has been able to forge on. She is supported by an ensemble cast that is full of warmth and humor, flawed maybe, but, loving and loyal. I loved the unconventional make-up of Anna’s family; her sweet gay ex-husband Jim is simply the best!
What is most important about this book is that it brings enjoyment and warmth for the few hours that you are reading it. Please, Dorothea Benton Frank, don’t stop writing.
The main character, Anna Lutz Abbot is richly layered. She has known set-backs but thanks to her good nature has been able to forge on. She is supported by an ensemble cast that is full of warmth and humor, flawed maybe, but, loving and loyal. I loved the unconventional make-up of Anna’s family; her sweet gay ex-husband Jim is simply the best!
What is most important about this book is that it brings enjoyment and warmth for the few hours that you are reading it. Please, Dorothea Benton Frank, don’t stop writing.
September 20, 2021
I liked listening to this book about a Anna a hair stylist/business owner who moves back to the Isle of Palms. She has a lot of personal growth and insights. I liked the one line that said something like it feels amazing and right when all of your chicks are home to roost or some line like that. That’s how I feel when everyone is home.❤️
May 4, 2018
At first I thought that the story was just okay. The first four chapters provided background information and were not overly exciting. The main character had a rough childhood, and I don't want to give away more than that! However, the story progressed and I enjoyed the plot more and more. All in all, it was a good read.
July 26, 2016
Eech. This HAD to be her first book as there were glimmers of the stories, characters and writing to come. Where was her editor? I've enjoyed her other beach books about life in the Carolina Low-country, but this was all over the place.
Shelved as 'dnf'
June 5, 2024I am really interested in all things Low Country but these characters are getting deeply in my way of enjoying the Isle of the Palms. Since I liked her first book I’ll think of this as a one off.
August 5, 2018
I was encouraged to pick this book up due to positive reviews I heard...This is another story of a woman seeking her own little place back on the island where she lived as a young girl. The tragedy of her mother's death and installation of her severe grandmother coupled with a move from said island left her sad. A violence and resulting pregnancy further messes up her heart . There is an entourage of friends, gay ex husband, wise woman from her girlhood and of course ,the freaky boss and unlovely mother-in-law swirling around . All of this comes together in the journey about personal growth and happiness and lessons on forgiveness and fortitude. Doesn't this sound like a great book? The first part of the book flowed pretty smoothly with dialect to sound aloud and many parts of the story getting in gear. Then more and MORE over the top things kept happening. The main character is tight on cash yet every endeavor is awash in money freely spent . The wonderful ex husband pops in and out of scenes spending spending spending. Forgiveness and understanding reaches only themselves, not the evil grandmother nor mother-in-law. A man completes , super sex flowers, college aged kids talk like they are in 7th grade. The story had lots of padding in all the details of food , alcohol, preparation of to-dos. Where is the realness of these complicated lives? How do they get from stuck in life to the life worth living? I find I get about a third of the way into a DBF book and I start counting how many more pages will it take til I get to the end. So disappointing to enjoy the beginning and watch it all devolve to something less than it started.
April 2, 2016
I am a big fan of Dorothea Benton Frank's Lowcountry Tales books. I always look forward to reading one of her books because they are like a "Calgon take me away" reading experience. She is one amazing storyteller and the characters in her books are so real that you feel for them/withem.
Isle of Palms, in my opinion, is Frank's at her best! The cast of characters and the story were so captivating, I didn't want the book to end.
I highly recommend reading Isle of Palms and, for that matter, every other book in Frank's Lowcountry Tales series.
Thank you Dot Frank for this amazing book and the phenomenal characters in it. They and the story touched my heart, made me laugh, made me cry and made me know, again, the power of love and that there's always hope! And yes, some people are just hateful to the bone, but there comes a time in life when we choose NOT to be their victims anymore ot let hate win. I loved this book. Again, thank you!
Isle of Palms, in my opinion, is Frank's at her best! The cast of characters and the story were so captivating, I didn't want the book to end.
I highly recommend reading Isle of Palms and, for that matter, every other book in Frank's Lowcountry Tales series.
Thank you Dot Frank for this amazing book and the phenomenal characters in it. They and the story touched my heart, made me laugh, made me cry and made me know, again, the power of love and that there's always hope! And yes, some people are just hateful to the bone, but there comes a time in life when we choose NOT to be their victims anymore ot let hate win. I loved this book. Again, thank you!
March 16, 2016
Dorothea Benton Frank always creates endearing characters, and this book is no exception. The protagonist in this story overcomes major losses and trauma for her girlhood and teen years, and in her late 30's, finally gives herself permission to begin living life by her own rules. She's bold and vulnerable as she takes chances, builds a sense of community and family among her neighbors, workmates and close friends, and learns to trust herself. She manages to reconcile the ghosts of the past and allow herself a little joy into her life. This an early Frank novel, and borrows themes in many ways from her own life. She writes about what she knows, and it shows in the authenticity of the characters.
August 25, 2019
Anna Abbott is a hairdresser who lives in Isle of Palms, SC. She tells your her life story from childhood until her college age daughter reaches a milestone event. Like every Dorothea Benton Frank tale, there's family tensions, loss, betrayal, love--all set in the beauty of the Low Country. Anna is a woman whose been through some very tough times, all to protect and raise her precious daughter Emily. Her ex-husband Jim is such a loving and caring character and her friends are precious. I would have loved to have been invited to the Labor Day party!
I listened to the book while I was driving and it sure made all the time running errands, going to work, etc. much more enjoyable!
I listened to the book while I was driving and it sure made all the time running errands, going to work, etc. much more enjoyable!
October 15, 2021
Life on the Isle of Palms
When I travel I like to read not only the travel guides and non fiction about my destinations but also fictional stories that have my target areas in their settings. If the authors have done their research well, you learn so much about the area and the people who call the area home. Isle of Palms is one of the best describing the Charlestown/Isle of Palms area with a hint about the Gullah culture and language. I found the book an outstanding book about many women's issues from date rape to long-term friends, single parenting to finding success. Well written. Interesting characters.
When I travel I like to read not only the travel guides and non fiction about my destinations but also fictional stories that have my target areas in their settings. If the authors have done their research well, you learn so much about the area and the people who call the area home. Isle of Palms is one of the best describing the Charlestown/Isle of Palms area with a hint about the Gullah culture and language. I found the book an outstanding book about many women's issues from date rape to long-term friends, single parenting to finding success. Well written. Interesting characters.
April 27, 2022
I enjoyed this because I like the “independent woman rediscovering the lowcountry with family drama and a little bit of romance” trope. (Pawley’s Island is one of my favorite places.)
There isn’t a whole lot of suspense. It was more the colorful characters that kept me reading. I had pretty vivid images of most of them, except for her love interest. That relationship felt hollow. I liked the dialogue and the slang.
I didn’t appreciate how the emotions cycled through so quickly to forgiveness at the end.
I will keep my eyes open for more of her Lowcountry series.
There isn’t a whole lot of suspense. It was more the colorful characters that kept me reading. I had pretty vivid images of most of them, except for her love interest. That relationship felt hollow. I liked the dialogue and the slang.
I didn’t appreciate how the emotions cycled through so quickly to forgiveness at the end.
I will keep my eyes open for more of her Lowcountry series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2020
I love Dottie Frank and this book did not disappoint. Her sassiness carried through each chapter and makes me crave a return visit to Sullivan's Island, SC. Though read out of order of the series, this tale is able to stand alone as you become family with the characters and their ups and downs. You can't help but root for Anna and that everything will work out in the end!
June 9, 2021
This book was incredibly far-fetched and the dialogue was ridiculous. I finished it because I am a glutton for punishment, and when I start a book, I must finish it. I think DBF books are not for me. While I enjoy reading about the setting and being able to recognize locations, that alone isn’t redemptive.
August 19, 2022
Two-haiku review:
She returns to Isle
Buys house, starts own business
Takes care of daughter
Such a good series
Characters with heart, humor
And unique setting
She returns to Isle
Buys house, starts own business
Takes care of daughter
Such a good series
Characters with heart, humor
And unique setting
March 20, 2015
Lots of endearing characters, heartfelt life musings, in a gorgeous setting...a perfect book to escape into!
Read
October 30, 2018Slow start but full of drama. Wonderful read.
May 18, 2022
Another light good book by Dorothea….
August 16, 2023
While I always love the descriptive setting of her books set in the low country, this one lacked depth. There was just nothing to the story line.
January 1, 2023
I enjoy Dorothea Benton Frank’s writing. Family and friends drama going on in every day life. Enjoyable beach read at its best.
October 7, 2018
This is another beautiful and delightful story set in the low country of South Carolina. The characters are bigger than life with huge dreams and they won’t come true without that first big step. That’s how life begins to take a turn for the better when Anna returns to the Isle of Palms.
November 14, 2023
Great break from historical fiction books
December 6, 2018
Great Read
I have followed this his author for a long time. There haven't been any that I didn't love. This one made me laugh , teary and just purely enjoy.
I have followed this his author for a long time. There haven't been any that I didn't love. This one made me laugh , teary and just purely enjoy.
March 10, 2021
I miss Dorothea Benton Frank so very much. This may be the last of her books I had not read, and what a hidden treasure it was for me. Isle of Palms is part of Benton’s Low Country series, and now I cannot wait to go back and reread the others.
Anna Lutz Abbott is closer to forty than thirty. She is at the edge if big change in her life: finally moving out of her father’s house and buying her own home and setting up her own business. And maybe finding a live interest... or not.
Anna’s life has been a series of tragic events that changed the course of events for her, but she managed to endure and find some joy. Her mother died of an accidental drug overdose when she was in elementary school; her strict—verging-on-fanatical grandmother moved in to help raise her and made no pretense of the fact that she didn’t like Anna very much; and a violent event on her prom night forever changed the course of her life.
But Anna had her two childhood best friends Jim and Frannie. They had remained close and called every week or so to catch up on the ways of the world. Anna and Jim had shared a brief marriage after high school and raised a daughter Emily, but Jim was gay and the marriage just did not work. The two remained fast friends, however. Much better friends than spouses. And therein begins the story.
Anna Lutz Abbott is closer to forty than thirty. She is at the edge if big change in her life: finally moving out of her father’s house and buying her own home and setting up her own business. And maybe finding a live interest... or not.
Anna’s life has been a series of tragic events that changed the course of events for her, but she managed to endure and find some joy. Her mother died of an accidental drug overdose when she was in elementary school; her strict—verging-on-fanatical grandmother moved in to help raise her and made no pretense of the fact that she didn’t like Anna very much; and a violent event on her prom night forever changed the course of her life.
But Anna had her two childhood best friends Jim and Frannie. They had remained close and called every week or so to catch up on the ways of the world. Anna and Jim had shared a brief marriage after high school and raised a daughter Emily, but Jim was gay and the marriage just did not work. The two remained fast friends, however. Much better friends than spouses. And therein begins the story.
September 2, 2014
A weak protagonist, a predictable and neat ending, and shabby character developments... I did not enjoy this book at all. I have read several of Ms. Frank's books, and about a third of the way into this novel, I knew exactly where it was going. Unfortunately, she took an eternity to get there! The only reason that I kept reading was to see if she would ever complete the development of her characters, which she never did. She even sets one of the characters as a part-time narrator, but never really delves into the relationship between her and Anna.
This book left such a bad taste in my mouth, I had to leave the low country novels for a Boston crime thriller. I would never have picked up another one of her books had I read this book first. Thank goodness I started with The Last Original Wife.
This book left such a bad taste in my mouth, I had to leave the low country novels for a Boston crime thriller. I would never have picked up another one of her books had I read this book first. Thank goodness I started with The Last Original Wife.
August 21, 2021
The final book before Dorothea Benton Frank passed away. Its the story of Anna Lutz who loses her mother at age ten to a drug overdose. Living with her doctor father and a mean grandmother Anna leaves the isle of Palms, At 18 she is raped after her prom and ends up marrying her best friend, Jim, and gives birth to Emily. After four years, she divorces Jim who is gay and returns to live with her father. She becomes a beautician. Emily grows up and leaves for Georgetown not knowing who her real father is. Anna decides to buy a small house on the Isle of Palms and starts her own beauty shop .
Will she be able to find a happy life with new friends on the island?
Will she be able to find a happy life with new friends on the island?
January 18, 2022
Ugh! This was no, "Porch Lights," that's for damn sure. This book was about 200 pages too long. Too many characters, too many side stories, too much fat. I had no idea what the plot was!
I didn't connect with any of the characters, maybe because there were so many, their depth was spread too thin. The beginning was so confusing, jumping back and forth from past to present. From there it just draaaaagged on. Anna, who is mid-30s, but acts like she's 60, has a daughter who doesn't make an appearance until page 172. Her love interest is a guy that made one page, never to be heard from for another half a dozen chapters, and she was suddenly obsessed with him.
It was all just too, too much.
I didn't connect with any of the characters, maybe because there were so many, their depth was spread too thin. The beginning was so confusing, jumping back and forth from past to present. From there it just draaaaagged on. Anna, who is mid-30s, but acts like she's 60, has a daughter who doesn't make an appearance until page 172. Her love interest is a guy that made one page, never to be heard from for another half a dozen chapters, and she was suddenly obsessed with him.
It was all just too, too much.
September 21, 2020
Frank can make you chuckle at the absurdity of life while pointing out its challenges. Anna Lutz has not had an easy life and she is burdened with a secret from her past, hard times, and how to tell her daughter Emily that her father Jim who she adores is gay and is not her father. There is a whole cast of characters in this book, that you will both love, wish to strangle, and some you cheer when their vanity car is totaled. Then there is Arthur who wants to make no commitments until he does. All of this takes place at one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 513 reviews