I give this a book a meh, it was ok, hand wave. The parts I loved: the description of the area, the creek itself, the beach, the lifestyle the characters led, the cute boathouse on the water they lived in. I fell more in love with the idea of this book, I think, than the actual book itself. What I didn't like: The crazy sudden relationship at the end between Linda and Brad- throughout most of the book you maybe got the sense that Linda was starting to develop a crush on Brad, but you didn't get the feeling that he reciprocated. I also was put off by the lack of concern for the environment in this book- the book is set in such a gorgeous area of the United States, the author makes a point to mention that it is being destroyed, but the only character who really cares about it is an extremist maniac. It was interesting, I guess, to see this issue from the other side, from a business who is contributing to the demise of the creek by trying to make a living, not realizing that what they are doing is causing the creek to essentially become a dead creek. I didn't like that the characters learned this, and didn't seem to care. I think at one point, Linda's character actually says something like "like who cares, right?" when referring to the environmental problems. Only after the restaurant is burned down by the extremist character, do they make concessions - they move the newly built restaurant back further from the creek, add appropriate drainage, and make brochures. But it just seemed really throw away to me. What I could overlook: the quick turnaround in behavior from the youngest daughter, and the ease in which Linda rebuilds a brand new life.I think this book was just ok- I liked the other Frank book I read better. I will probably read her again, however, since I have read one good, one marginal. This book is a great vacation book, but not really much more than that.
Writing this review I am reminded of how much I enjoyed this first of my Dorothea Benton Frank Novels. This story of a strong southern woman transplanted by marriage up north who takes her two teenaged daughters home to the Low Country and to her sister's place after a bad divorce really had me hooked after reading only part of chapter one.I love the way the characters just sort of happen upon each other and meet up by happenstance and suddenly become the best of friends. (except for family of course, which in the south is a bond that is unbroken by miles and time and where a conversation begun 10 years before can resume thus upon your arrival home as though you had just spoken five minutes ago!)Yes, it is happy times and happy endings mostly but I love the way she writes and I love the Low Country-Shem Creek, Folly Beach-the Gullah traditions-hot sticky days and warm romantic nights... It has been some time since I read it but it is a great summer read and a page turner that will keep you up late!
What do You think about Shem Creek (2005)?
The first book I read on vacation was Dorothea Benton Frank's Shem Creek. All of her books are based in South Carolina, which is one reason I'm such a fan. What was really cool was that we actually drove over Shem Creek while I was reading this book in the car - COOL. Anyway, like her others, I really enjoyed this book. Most of her stories have a similar premise - a woman (usually divorced) returns home to the South with at least one teenaged daughter. However, the stories above and beyond that are all very different and enjoyable. They usually make you laugh and cry. She has a great sense of humor. And there is usually a good romantic storyline as well.
—Holly
This is my second of Frank's novels, and also the second audio format of her books that I have experienced. I would rate this book 2.5 stars. What I especially liked were the author's descriptions of the low country of South Carolina. She really excels in this area. The characters are colorful as well, and the voice actors in the audio book did a good portrayal of the local accents. In this respect, I enjoyed this audio book more than Full of Grace. I plan to read the print edition of Frank's Pawley's Island at a later time, and personally, I can probably be a better judge with a print version of the book. Audio books are generally reserved for my road trips. Dorothea Frank's series of the Low country, however,are definitely worth examining.
—Anne
I fell in love with South Carolina and the characters of this story. Linda Breland, mother of 2 teenage daughters has decided that life in New Jersey is for the birds. She needs to go back to her roots and so she packs her daughters and her car and leaves her house and her job to head to Charleston, to Mount Pleasant and the shores of Shem Creek. Linda is brash, bold, and a bit irreverent. She is also fiercely loyal, a loving mother, a devoted sister and a downright valuable employee. Just give her a chance and she will have you falling in love with her. This is one of the rare books that put a tear in my eye. That never happens to me anymore. This story was mostly believable, had the ending I expected, but it took a few twists and turned that were unexpected. The minor characters, Louise, Duane and Mimi were likable and believable too. I do believe I have found a new favorite author.
—Judy
