Browseabout Books to host bestselling author Dorothea Benton Frank June 26

New York Times bestselling author Dorothea Benton Frank first enchanted readers with her tales of life in South Carolina with the publication of her first book in 2000, and she has published over a dozen since.

In her new novel, "The Hurricane Sisters," Frank once again takes people deep in the heart of the magical Low Country - a sultry land of ancient magic, glorious sunsets, and soothing coastal breezes, where three generations of strong women wrestle with the expectations of family while struggling to understand their complicated relationships with each other.

Best friends since the first day of class at The College of Charleston, Ashley Anne Waters and Mary Beth Smythe, now 23 years old, live in Ashley’s parents’ beach house rent-free. Ashley is a gallery assistant who aspires to become an artist. Mary Beth, a gifted cook from Tennessee, works for a caterer while searching for a good teaching job. Though they both know what they want out of life, their parents barely support their dreams and worry for their precarious finances.

While they don’t make much money, the girls do have a million-dollar view that comes with living in that fabulous house on Sullivan’s Island. Sipping wine on the porch and watching a blood-red sunset, Ashley and Mary Beth hit on a brilliant and lucrative idea. With a new coat of paint, the first floor would be a perfect place for soirées for paying guests. Knowing her parents would be horrified at the idea of common strangers trampling through their home, Ashley won’t tell them. Besides, Clayton and Liz Waters have enough problems of their own.

A successful investment banker, Clayton is too often found in his pied-à-terre in Manhattan - which Liz is sure he uses to have an affair. And when will Ashley and her brother, Ivy, a gay man with a very wealthy Asian life partner - ever grow up?

Then there is Maisie, Liz’s mother, the family matriarch who has just turned 80 and who never lets Liz forget she’s not her perfect dead sister, Juliet.

For these Low Country women, an emotional hurricane is about to blow through their lives, wreaking havoc that will test them in unexpected ways, ultimately transforming the bonds they share.

Browseabout welcomes Frank Thursday, June 26, at 11 a.m. A light brunch and cocktails (hurricanes, of course) will be provided. Guests will have the opportunity to hear Frank talk about her book, ask questions of the author, and have their books autographed. The event is free and open to the public. For those unable to make it to the event, the store will hold a book and have it personalized. Browseabout Books is at 133 Rehoboth Ave. in downtown Rehoboth Beach. For more information, visit browseaboutbooks.com or call 302-226-2665.