I have read a few books by Dorothea Benton Frank and so enjoyed them. Needless to say I feel no different about The Hurricane Sisters. It was such a wonderful ‘listen’ for me and I think it would make the perfect summer read. I liked the story, the characters, and most definitely the setting. As I mentioned I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by Robin Miles. I haven’t had the pleasure of listening to her before but she is now a new favorite. She captures the southern tone of this novel to perfection and I enjoyed every minute of listening to her tell this story.
The story takes us to the South Carolina Lowcountry and introduces us to three generations of women. First is Maisie, the matriarch of the family. Maisie is eighty years old and she’s bound and determined to still live her life which includes catching herself a much younger boyfriend. She still holds court over her family though and I adored her character. There were many times she had me laughing over one thing or another.
Then there is Maisie’s daughter Liz who loves her work with a battered woman’s shelter but is starting to really feel her age. She isn’t any longer the young sexy model but the older more mature woman and she is starting to feel quite neglected by her husband Clayton. Needless to say their marriage is not what it used to be and even when Liz puts forth the effort it seems Clayton isn’t interested. The question is why?
Last we have Liz’s daughter Ashley, a young woman in her twenties who dreams of being an artist one day. In the meantime though she lives in her family’s beach house with her best friend and works for a living. Ashley is a girl who is taken in by the rich and powerful and finds it so very attractive. This leads her to a relationship with a powerful man who turns out to be one of her worst mistakes.
While this novel is the perfect beach read it also effortlessly tackles a lot of heavier subjects like infidelity, physical abuse, and mother – daughter relationships. Moreover it really brings to light the love and support of family and friends.
I would recommend The Hurricane Sisters to those who love women’s fiction and if you have a chance to listen to the audiobook I highly recommend it. The performance by Robin Miles is amazing and she brings this wonderful story to life for her listeners. I really enjoyed this book and it only highlights why I enjoy the books of Dorothea Benton Frank so much!
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This is an author that I’ve meant to read and just haven’t up to this point. Your description of Hurricane Sisters make me think this summer might be the perfect time. And likely as an audiobook. Lovely.
Kay, I’ve read a couple of her books and I like them. They’re like comfort reads. If you have the chance the audio is the way to go.
My book club will be reading this soon – it sounds like we’re in for a treat.
Kathy, I think you will be in for a treat and a good discussion. I look forward to seeing your thoughts on the book.
I haven’t read this author before or the book. I like the sound of it though. It sounds like it has a nice balance in terms of dealing with more serious topics while still falling into that “beach read” category.
Wendy, that explains it perfectly. It tackled a hard subject and still remained a read for a summer day. I liked that.
I love the sound of the story.
Rita, it is really good.
Wonderful author.. Her books are great.. Sounds like a great beach read…
Diane her books are great, aren’t they? I really enjoy them too.
I’ll be making a summer reading list before too much longer… must remember to include this author. I’ve been meaning to read her for ages!
JoAnn, I’ve read a few of hers and I always enjoy them.
I have this book on audio and need to get back to listening!
Nise I really enjoyed this audio. I have another of hers from the library to listen to soon but the name is escaping me right now. I hope it’s the same narrator.
Darlene, this sounds like my kind of book! Thank you for your lovely review of The Hurricane Sisters. I will keep this novel/audiobook in mind.
Susan it’s a great book. I hope you get a chance to read/listen to it one of these days.
What perfect timing as I was just trying to figure out what my next audiobook should be when I finish my current one. Sounds like this one should be on that list. Great review Darlene!!
Sam, The Hurricane Sisters would be a great audio pick depending on what kind of listen you’re looking for. I thought the audio was really well done on this one.
Goodness, but I do love that cover! This sounds like the perfect book for my sister; she just might find it under the Christmas tree. Or sooner, if I can’t wait until then because summer does seem like the time she needs to read it.
Lisa the cover is gorgeous isn’t it? I love it too. It would be a great summer read but a great winter one as well. I love reading about beach houses, etc when I’m freezing in the winter. lol.
Heavy topics yet still a beach read? What a great combination! I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks for being a part of the tour!
Heather, it was a great read.
I read this and loved it too! It was my first time reading this author and now want to read everything she has ever written… I think I am smitten 😉
DJ, I loved it too. I’ve read a few of her books and really enjoyed them but I luckily still have quite a few to read and enjoy yet.