Well, with all my lazy, book devouring days this month, of course I can pull off a book review! (In fact, I could pull off about 6 this week alone. . .yes, it’s that bad). “Return to Sullivan’s Island” was one of my favorites so I’m starting there. Written by novelist Dorothea Benton Frank, this book is part of a larger conglomeration of stories called “Lowcountry Tales”, and there is a book preceding this one called “Sullivan’s Island”. The two do not need to be read in order, as they contain independent enough stories to stand alone, or to be enjoyed together.

Return To Sullivan’s Island is a story about the second generation of characters, namely Beth Hayes, an aspiring writer. She is expected to return to the large family’s now empty home, Island Gamble, to serve as it’s caretaker while her mother fills soem of her long time dreams. The house is haunted by the generations past, and is a character in an of itself that weaves its power and gives it’s opinions and services as it pleases, according to the fancy of grandmothers, grandfathers, uncles and even the long gone hired help. Weaving Southern charm and superstition, a cast of cleverly executed characters is born, and the stories they tell and trouble they find is quite interesting.

Well written and expertly unfolded, the story will keep you captivated and turning pages until the end, and does so without being terribly creepy or sensationalized. It is simple, yet quirky, comfortable yet unexpected, and a fantastic summer read!