“If I could only read one writer from now until the end of my life, it would be Dorothea Benton Frank.” –Elin Hilderbrand, New York Times bestselling author of The Identicals The Lowcountry of South Carolina is where By Invitation Only begins at a barbecue engagement party thrown by Diane English Stiftel, her brother Floyd, and her parents to celebrate her son’s engagement. On this gorgeous, … and her parents to celebrate her son’s engagement. On this gorgeous, magical night, the bride’s father, Alejandro Cambria, a wealthy power broker whose unbelievably successful career in private equity made him one of Chicago’s celebrated elite, discovers the limits and possibilities of cell phone range. While the mother of the bride, Susan Kennedy Cambria, who dabbles in the world of public relations and believes herself deserving of every square inch of her multimillion-dollar penthouse and imaginary carrara marble pedestal, learns about moonshine and dangerous liaisons.
Soon By Invitation Only zooms to Chicago, where the unraveling accelerates. Nearly a thousand miles away from her comfortable, familiar world, Diane is the antithesis of the bright lights and super-sophisticated guests attending her son Fred’s second engagement party. Why a second party? Maybe it had been assumed that the first one wouldn’t be up to snuff? Fred is marrying Shelby Cambria, also an only child. The Cambrias’ dearest wish is for their daughter to be happy. If Shelby wants to marry Frederick, aka Fred, they will not stand in her way—although Susan does hope her friends won’t think her daughter is marrying more than a few degrees beneath her socially. At the same time, Diane worries that her son will be lost to her forever.
By Invitation Only is a tale of two families, one struggling to do well, one well to do, and one young couple—the privileged daughter of Chicago’s crème de la crème and the son of hard -working Southern peach farmers.
Dorothea Benton Frank offers a funny, sharp, and deeply empathetic novel of two very different worlds—of limousines and pickup trucks, caviars and pigs, skyscrapers and ocean spray—filled with a delightful cast of characters who all have something to hide and a lot to learn. A difference in legal opinions, a headlong dive from grace, and an abrupt twist will reveal the truth of who they are and demonstrate, when it truly counts, what kind of grit they have. Are they living the life they want, what regrets do they hold, and how would they remake their lives if they were given the invitation to do so?
By Invitation Only is classic Dorothea Benton Frank—a mesmerizing Lowcountry Tale that roars with spirit, humor, and truth, and forces us to reconsider our notions of what it means to be a Have or a Have Not.
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What a wonderful story of two different worlds connecting through a young couple in love. A well written story about family, love, loss, disaster, and of course the Lowcountry. I laughed at times and I cried at times, but I hated to put the book down. Dorothea Benton Frank always draws me into her writing. It’s like a breath of summer anytime I read her books. Three cheers to a wonderful read that has you thinking about your own family dynamics and being thankful for the love.
I have all her books, have loved them all. All the above. Can’t put them down
As with all of Dorthea Benton Frank novel, this one is excellent.
Fun book to read. Great summer reading!
As always, Dorothea Benton Frank does not disappoint. She has you from the first page with her wit and humor. A thoroughly easy and entertaining read.
Not as fabulous as her earlier books! Still love the author, but a bit disappointing.
there were too many characters to keep track of. I was half-way through the book before I could keep the characters straight.
I didn’t check anything I like about the book because the was nothing to recommend the story.
Like I rated it. It was okay…I finished it…not my favorite of her books. I thought it was kind of silly.
It was a fun summer read light but she always has a message to share i am a big fan of here
I loved this book! Ms. Frank has created yet another wonderful story, with wit and warmth and humor. She has an amazing way with words and I love everything I’ve ever read that she’s written!
Good read. Low country setting.
As usual DBF does a Greg job of pulling you in and not letting you go. I literally read this page turner in 2 days.
I didn’t think it started out good but it wasn’t long before I was laughing outloud. I’ve always loved the authors books and this was was delightful.
This is a great book and the story line is eonderful
I loved this book. It was multi-generational, and all were memorable! It proved that anyone is capable of both change, and love; no matter what their age.
I want to be a Southern girl. Can’t I’m a Yankee girl. I married a Texan,but there is something about the Low Country that just draws you in. This book is a hoot!!! Again DBF gives us a story you do not want to put down. Enjoy it while eating Peaches.
Great beach read
Love this author
Page turner; made my heart happy.
The story is told by 2 people, the mother of the groom & mother of the bride. Different cultures, different expectations, Northern & Southern. Completion is keen. Problems develop, of course, & some one has a downfall. Somewhat predictable but still a fun read.