News Summary

Spartanburg will host a book launch event featuring Charleston author Victoria Benton Frank for her new novel, ‘The Violet Hour’. Set for a free event at Hub City Bookshop on August 18, attendees can purchase the book on-site. This novel explores deep themes of grief and identity through the experiences of Violet Adams and her best friend Aly Knox. As the sequel to ‘My Magnolia Summer’, ‘The Violet Hour’ continues the story of the Adams family, shaped by the cultural backdrop of the South.

Spartanburg Hosts Victoria Benton Frank for Book Launch of “The Violet Hour”

Spartanburg will welcome Victoria Benton Frank, a Charleston-based author, for the promotion of her latest novel, “The Violet Hour,” at Hub City Bookshop. The event is scheduled for August 18 at 6 p.m. and is free to attend, allowing attendees an opportunity to purchase the book on-site.

“The Violet Hour”, set to be released on August 12, 2025, is a continuation of Benton Frank’s debut novel, “My Magnolia Summer.” While “The Violet Hour” can stand alone, it picks up where the previous novel ended, focusing on the lives and experiences of the Adams family.

Overview of “The Violet Hour”

The narrative centers around two primary characters: Violet Adams and her best friend Aly Knox. Violet, portrayed as the youngest child in a family of passionate women from Sullivan’s Island, grapples with her identity following a breakup and a personal tragedy. In contrast, Aly Knox, a young social media influencer, is navigating the emotional fallout from her mother’s death while trying to adapt to the cultural landscape of the South.

The themes of grief and identity run deep throughout the novel as both characters confront their individual losses and work toward redefining themselves. This exploration is particularly poignant given that Benton Frank drew on her own experiences with loss, losing her mother, Dorothea Benton Frank, who was a renowned novelist. Her profound influences can be seen in the narrative structure and emotional depth of the story.

Event Details and Subsequent Promotions

In addition to the Spartanburg event, Victoria Benton Frank has organized further promotional activities for her new book. Following the Hub City Bookshop event, she will host an author luncheon at Blue Bicycle Books on August 22 and a signing event at Barnes & Noble in Mount Pleasant on August 23. These events provide fans and readers with multiple opportunities to engage with the author and learn more about her latest work.

Impact of the Lowcountry’s Culture

Benton Frank emphasizes the significant influence of the Lowcountry’s culture and scenery on her writing. She aims to create an immersive experience for her readers that resonates with the emotional and environmental ambiance of the region. The South Carolina Lowcountry serves as not only a backdrop but as a crucial element in shaping the characters and their stories.

Victoria Benton Frank‘s previous book, “My Magnolia Summer,” was celebrated upon its release and set a strong foundation for her subsequent writing. The upcoming “The Violet Hour” aims to continue this momentum, bringing forth rich storytelling that addresses universal themes through a distinctly Southern lens.

Further Information

To find out more about the upcoming promotional event and additional details, readers can visit the Hub City Bookshop website hubcity.org. These events are not only a chance to meet a local author and purchase her newest work but also an opportunity to delve into the rich narrative that reflects personal and collective identities.

As Victoria Benton Frank embarks on this next chapter of her literary journey, both existing fans and new readers are poised to find inspiration and connection within the pages of “The Violet Hour.”

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Additional Resources

• Greenville Journal: Victoria Benton Frank to Visit Spartanburg
• Post and Courier: Victoria Benton Frank’s New Book “The Violet Hour”
• Greenville Online: Events in Greenville SC
• Post and Courier: Victoria Benton Frank Shares Mother’s Love
• Post and Courier: Dorothea Benton Frank, Beloved Author, Dies
• Wikipedia: Victoria Benton Frank
• Google Search: Victoria Benton Frank
• Google Scholar: Victoria Benton Frank
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Victoria Benton Frank
• Google News: Victoria Benton Frank

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