I really enjoyed Return to Sullivan's Island. There was a little tiny piece of me that wanted the story to be more about Susan and Maggie(because I loved them so much in Sullivan's Island) but this was Beth's story. She did make mistakes....I wanted to shake her and tell her to use her head more than once, but to me it was a coming of age story for her and mistakes are part of growing up.
I love the way her relationship with her mother is portrayed. She loves her mother, but at times her mother makes her insane.(Is that called art imitating life?)

I was also so glad to see so many characters from other books make cameo appearances. It felt like catching up with old friends.

As always, DBF made me long for the beaches of South Carolina and miss my family. I may be transplanted to Texas, but the roots of the South run deep. DBF's writing makes the scenery of the South come alive for me to the point that I feel like I am there.

I always read her books in one sitting because I can't put them down!! I am always so sad when the book is finished, and Return to Sullivan's Island was no exception.

DBF is one of my most favored authors. I buy all of her books in hardback and read them more than once.

I am so glad that I read Return to Sullivans Island and look forward to reading her next book.

I have to say I feel like I have been living in a cave or under a rock because I just have discovered Dot Frank's books in the past year...and boy have I enjoyed catching up on some great reading!! I live in the Low Country where she writes about and captures so perfectly!!
I loved "Sullivan's Island" and "Return To Sullivan's Island" .... each make a great story by themselves but if you have the opportunity read them together and it really completes the picture!
Dot brings such warmth , humor and detail to her stories... they are an absolute pleasure to read! It will have you wanting to book a trip to the Low Country!

A new generation is stepping up on the history drenched Sullivans Island. What happens when the ghosts of the departed (all dearly for the sole reason that they're family) come head to head with modern life? Beth Hayes, the daughter of Susan Rifkin is about to find out. Dorthea Benton Frank takes us into the world of evening cocktails, sandy beaches, and rocking chairs on porches to witness what the Hamilton family is up to now. Most of the family is scattered around the globe, but Beth, fresh out of college, comes home to make sure all stays well with the Island Gamble.
Benton Frank stays true to the spirit of her other books. You will want to laugh and cry and not put the book down until you are finished. As the story unfolded, I kept making guesses as to what would happen with Beth and those around her. I was right only on a few minor points. Benton Frank was able to bring out surprise after surprise and keep me on the line until the very end. Return is as tightly written as her other novels and she continues to bring her other much loved characters in when you least expect it. I highly recommend that you add this to your summer reading list. Just make sure you have access to a library because when you finish, you'll want to scoop up more of her books.

I just finished reading Dorothea Benton Frank's (DBF) "Return to Sullivan's Island" and I have to admit it was one of those books I just couldn't put down. (I stayed up until 1:00 a.m. to finish reading it.) Unlike Frank's first book, "Sullivan's Island" which I slowly savored over several reading sessions, the sequel moves very quickly and covers a short time span. Devoted DBF fans will have to adapt to a new writing style. Frank used a third person approach that moves quickly and swept me into the story in the first chapter. There is much less dialog than in previous DBF books, and no visits to the past, which makes for a much faster read but sacrifices some of the Geechy and Gullah charm in past books.

I was glad that I'd recently read "Sullivan's Island" because the background of the characters and their lives was fresh in my mind and gave this sequel a familiar and comfortable fit. I would strongly advise springing for a paperback copy of "Sullivan's Island" and reading it first if you want to fully immerse yourself in the low country magic of "Return to Sullivan's Island."

"Sullivan's Island" combined with "Return to Sullivan's Island" invites you to secretly peek into the childhood and maturity of two generations of strong low country women and experience the magic of the island and the "living history" of a house.

Although "Sullivan's Island" remains my favorite, I still give "Return to..." a hearty thumbs up and a score of five stars because I was swept away in another DBF story and lost track of time. Remember, I strongly recommend reading "Sullivan's Island" first for the best reading experience.

As usual Dorthea Benton Frank writes another novel that makes you want to go the low country. You can visualize the houses, ocean, restaurants and the low country population. After reading all of her novels, I am finally going to make a trip to the low country and I am so looking forward to it.

I love this author. She is wonderful in bringing you into the book and you feel like you are there. I am only half way through the book but it is awesome.

I have read every book published by Dorthea Benton Frank. I love her style and some rank higher than others, but I am never dissapointed with her books. She is a great writer and delivers the "want to read more" environment, whether with the book you are reading or waiting for the next one available. You will not go wrong with this book. My first book to read of Ms. Frank's was Sullivan's Island and I loved the "return". Her sense of humor and great relaxing and engaging read is just what I look for. Thank you again for another book and I look forward to your next!!

I've read all of DBF's books, and thoroughly enjoyed this one! I'm not certain what all the grumpiness is about; this is terrific summer reading. Okay, fall/winter/spring reading, too -- whenever you get to it, don't hesitate. Reading "Sullivan's Island" first is a good idea, as with all sequels.

Look. On some vacations folks go to intensive graduate workshops. Other trips might include visiting historically significant sites. Some vacations are set aside for digging your toes into the sand, enjoying the sound and smell of the waves, and slathering yourself with SPF 15. Same thing with reading. This lovely, lovely book has the sound of gulls trapped in between its pages, and smells slightly like Coppertone. Unfold the beach chair, dig out your sun glasses, and open the cover. There. A little vacation time, even if you can't actually get away!

Return to Sullivans Island is another great book by Dorthea B Franks. Born and raised in the low country I can say that she brings that magical place to life for her readers. It was fun to catch up on familar characters and meet new ones. I loved the reunion of many of her books characters at Anna's Cabana. Reading this book was a much needed vacation with not having to leave my front porch. The only sad part is that I will have to wait until she writes another book.

I waited with great anticipation for the release of "Return to Sullivan's Island " and I was not disappointed. It is summer reading at its best. Although I am many miles away, my senses are right back on the island and I can smell the sea, the mud, the air and hear the birds. The characters are all acquaintances of mine and I am thrilled to move among them.