By Invitation Only

A Novel

By: Dorothea Benton Frank

Narrated by: Susan Bennett, Courtney Patterson, Sarah Naughton

The Lowcountry of South Carolina is where By Invitation Only begins at a barbecue engagement party thrown by Diane English Stiftel, her brother Floyd, and her parents to celebrate her son’s engagement. On this gorgeous, magical night, the bride’s father, Alejandro Cambria, a wealthy power broker whose unbelievably successful career in private equity made him one of Chicago’s celebrated elite, discovers the limits and possibilities of cell phone range. While the mother of the bride, Susan Kennedy Cambria, who dabbles in the world of public relations and believes herself deserving of every square inch of her multimillion-dollar penthouse and imaginary carrara marble pedestal, learns about moonshine and dangerous liaisons.

Soon By Invitation Only zooms to Chicago, where the unraveling accelerates. Nearly a thousand miles away from her comfortable, familiar world, Diane is the antithesis of the bright lights and super-sophisticated guests attending her son Fred’s second engagement party. Why a second party? Maybe it had been assumed that the first one wouldn’t be up to snuff? Fred is marrying Shelby Cambria, also an only child. The Cambrias’ dearest wish is for their daughter to be happy. If Shelby wants to marry Frederick, aka Fred, they will not stand in her way—although Susan does hope her friends won’t think her daughter is marrying more than a few degrees beneath her socially. At the same time, Diane worries that her son will be lost to her forever.

By Invitation Only is a tale of two families, one struggling to do well, one well to do, and one young couple—the privileged daughter of Chicago’s crème de la crème and the son of hard -working Southern peach farmers.

Dorothea Benton Frank offers a funny, sharp, and deeply empathetic novel of two very different worlds—of limousines and pickup trucks, caviars and pigs, skyscrapers and ocean spray—filled with a delightful cast of characters who all have something to hide and a lot to learn. A difference in legal opinions, a headlong dive from grace, and an abrupt twist will reveal the truth of who they are and demonstrate, when it truly counts, what kind of grit they have. Are they living the life they want, what regrets do they hold, and how would they remake their lives if they were given the invitation to do so?

By Invitation Only is classic Dorothea Benton Frank—a mesmerizing Lowcountry Tale that roars with spirit, humor, and truth, and forces us to reconsider our notions of what it means to be a Have or a Have Not.

Great narration

Loved Miss Vernell. Just like grandma was meant to be. Sharp, sweet as peaches and a little sassy when she has to be. And Floyd is that Uncle you want with you when you have to go up creek without a paddle.

A fun listen!

The characters were engaging and the story line kept me listening. I loved this book!

Better Than You'd Think

I enjoyed this more than I expected primarily because of the performances. The readers bring real humanity to the characters despite playing pretty predictable types. Also, the author does tremendous justice the charms of a Low Country life. That was a bonus for this Northeasterner.

Awesome book!

Dorothea's books are always a favorite for me. Thanks for sharing the lowcountry! Just awesome!

Wonderful book and narration!

A great story and a great performance about a multigenerational family. Made me laugh and made me empathize with the characters during their hard times. Maybe it was because I could see myself and some of my family and friends in these characters. In spite of our quirks, there is still love. Wonderful book. i