With the first chill of autumn in the air, I carried  my warm weather house plants inside that survived the intense Kansas heat.  Just one day into cold temps and I am already dreading the long, cold winter.  Reading is a respite when the story’s setting is lush and tropical.  My latest read is set in the low country of Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina.  Porch Lights is Dorothea Benton Frank’s newest.  All thirteen of her books revolve around this small town at the entrance to Charlestown harbor and draw you into the laid-back, charm of beach life.

Jackie McMullen has recently lost her NYC firefighter husband to a tragic accident.  She takes her ten year old son, Charlie, home to Sullivan’s Island for the summer.   Jackie finds a part time job and her mother does everything she can to make Jackie feel at home.  Jackie feels over mothered and even pushed into a relationship with the widower who lives next door.  Charlie finds friends and distractions from his sadness and wants to stay permanently.  The ending is satisfying as they begin healing in the love and warmth of family.