When I texted “please call” to Elin Hilderbrand, the number one New York Times bestselling author, she did so immediately. We had met at the journalist Robie Scott’s legendary Post & Courier’s Book and Author Luncheon (which Dottie had hosted for years in Charleston). We became fast friends with Dottie as den mother. When I shared the sad news, Elin was inconsolable. I hadn’t heard anyone cry from the bottom of her heart like that in a very long time.

At first, we were shocked and saddened, and now, we long for our friend. Authors of every genre who knew and loved Dottie are in mourning. She encouraged our friendships knowing that when we support one another, the hive is more productive, and that’s better for the reader. She knew how hard it was to write a good story, and she had the antidote for the anxiety that resulted from a stressful work life: when she wasn’t working, she had fun. Dottie Frank knew how to live. She worked hard, played harder, was devoted to the hive, and grateful for the honey—and that’s what made Dorothea Benton Frank the Queen Bee. There will never be another.

Adriana Trigiani

New York, New York

Also by Dorothea Benton Frank

By Invitation Only

Same Beach, Next Year

All Summer Long

All the Single Ladies

The Hurricane Sisters

The Last Original Wife

Porch Lights

Folly Beach

Lowcountry Summer

Return to Sullivan’s Island

Bulls Island

The Christmas Pearl

The Land of Mango Sunsets

Full of Grace

Pawley’s Island

Shem Creek

Isle of Palms

Plantation

Sullivan’s Island

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