TLC Book Tours: All Summer Long by Dorothea Benton Frank

Happy Tuesday everyone! Today I'm working with TLC Book Tours to showcase Dorothea Benton Franks's novel All Summer Long. Below you'll find the schedule for others that have also read and reviewed this book as a part of the tour. 




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Source: Review Copy 


Filled with her trademark wit, poignant themes, and rich characters, the perennial New York Times bestselling author returns with a sensational novel that follows the travels of one couple though a tumultuous summer.

Dorothea Benton Frank’s magical stories take us deep into the heart of her beloved Carolina Lowcountry. In her novels, this lush landscape comes alive in all its vibrancy and color. She ignites all of our senses with her vivid descriptions of landscape and atmosphere. In her novels you hear the ocean washing the shore on different islands so profoundly that you can nearly hear the sea gulls squawking, too.

This is a story of people whose lives are changing—a southern gentleman returning home to lead a more peaceful life and his talented New York wife who is not quite sure she is ready to make the transition. They are moving north to south, fast pace versus slow pace, downsizing. And while they are doing this, they are getting glimpses into other people’s lives over the course of a summer, holidays that will amuse, shock and transform them.

This irresistible story is home to captivating characters as funny, complicated, and real as our best friends—husbands and wives, mothers and daughters, friends and family who wrestle with the complexities, pain, and joys familiar to us all.

Finally, we’ll come to recognize the face of love, the kind that deepens and endures but only because one woman makes a tremendous leap of faith. That leap changes them all.


For the first time in a very long time I don't really have much thoughts or words to say about a book which makes writing this review extremely difficult. I wasn't able to finish this book. I tried and tried and tried; however, I couldn't for the life of me relate to the characters. I found them to be shallow and at some times condescending. At first I thought I was going to be able to relate to the fact that Olivia was genuinely struggling with funds and finances as an interior designer; however, it didn't make it any more entertaining and Olivia was still surrounded by money and luxury. 

In terms of location, I loved that the book took place in the low country considering that's where I'm from, but I just feel like it was painted as a place of money and glamour and it definitely isn't that way, at least not everywhere. The drama between the women was unnecessary and to some degree took away from aspects of the novel that could have actually been enjoyable. The plot moved fast enough, but I really do feel as though the characters lacked the depth and sincerity that I was looking for. 

The one thing that I did like about this book is the fact that for the parts I did get through the writing was smooth and easy almost lyrical . It's clear to see that this authors books aren't difficult reads and are definitely great for spring or summer time reads. I can't genuinely recommend this book because I didn't enjoy it, nor did I finish it. If the summary sounds like something you might enjoy then go for it, but otherwise I don't think I'll be reading anymore of her books. 





New York Times bestselling author Dorothea Benton Frank was born and raised on Sullivans Island, South Carolina. She resides in the New York area with her husband.
Find her on the web at www.dotfrank.com, or like her on FacebookTwitter, or Instagram.



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3 comments:

  1. Sorry to see this one didn't work for you, Ashley. I read a couple titles by DBF many years ago and while I enjoyed the first one (Sullivan's Island) very much, the ones that followed didn't measure up and I kind of gave up on her after that.

    Tanya @ Girl Plus Books

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    Replies
    1. Yea I definitely didn't care for this book and I highly doubt I'll be picking up anything else from her.

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  2. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this book for the tour.

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