Lessons of a Lowcountry Summer

April 15, 2004
Three affluent African Americans travel to McKinnon Island, South Carolina, to put their lives back on track. Dr. Hope Sutton, the New York advice columnist, finds her lover in a compromising situation at the same time she discovers a medical concern that requires monitoring. She retreats to her childhood vacation home and restored hideaway. Rebecca Owens has been the dutiful Charleston wife and stay-at-home mom. She is weary of being taken for granted, battling with her stiff mother-in-law, and not finding time for her dreams and aspirations. She plans a solo vacation to the island to discover herself--for herself and her family. Theodore Howell, the suave Hollywood screenwriter, has recently inherited his three younger siblings after their parents' tragic automobile accident. He soon realizes that until he creates a stronger "family" environment for his spoiled underlings, he will lose them to their own recklessness. When these three meet amid the rich Gullah traditions and beautiful South Carolina coastline, each is able to escape his or her pain and find joy.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2004, American Library Association.)