Sumter County Museum hosts author Dorothea Benton Frank

New York Times best-selling author Dorothea Benton Frank will appear at the Sumter County Museum at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, for a book signing and reception. Frank's 20th novel, "Queen Bee," will be released May 28, and the museum will have copies on hand for purchase and signing.

"Queen Bee" is both the title of Frank's book set on Sullivan's Island and the nickname of the protagonist's ill and overly demanding mother. Holly McNee Kensen is a beekeeper and a librarian, tormented by her mother's overbearing verbal abuse that drove Holly's sister away.

Goodreads review calls the book a "novel about friendship and love that is full of heart, humor and rich description" and "a fun tale of self-discovery, love and friendship with (Frank's) signature charming wit, indelible poignancy and hallmark themes."

Since "Sullivan's Island," her first novel published in 2000, Frank has published about one book each year, most with Lowcountry themes. Among them are "Pawleys Island," "Isle of Palms," "Shem Creek," "Folly Beach" and "Return to Sullivan's Island." Often called the Queen of Sassy Southern Fiction, Frank lives in the Lowcountry of South Carolina and New Jersey.

The Sumter County Museum is located at 122 N. Washington St. Tickets for the event are $5 for museum members and $10 for the public and include a wine and cheese reception. Purchase tickets online at www.SumterCountyMuseum.org or call (803) 775-0908.