Product Description

A satisfying tale of honor, chance, and star-crossed love infused with Southern wit, grace, and charm from the New York Times bestselling author Dorothea Benton Frank

After twenty years, Elizabeth "Betts" McGee has finally managed to put her past behind her. She hasn't been home to beautiful South Carolina and untouched Bulls Island since the tragic night that ended her engagement to Charleston's golden boy, J. D. Langley.

And why is that? Really, this is the story of two old Southern families. The Langley family has more money than the Morgan Stanley Bank. And they think they have more class. The Barrett family made their nineteenth-century fortune in a less distinguished manner—corner grocery stores and liquor stores. It's no surprise that when J.D.

and Betts fall in love and decide to marry their parents are none too pleased. And when the love affair comes to an end, everyone is ready to place blame.

Now twenty years have gone by and Betts, a top investment bank executive, must leave her comfortable life in New York City to return to the home she thought she'd left behind forever. But spearheading the most important project of her career puts her back in contact with everything she's tried so hard to forget: her estranged sister, her father, J.D., and her past.

Once she's home, can Betts keep the secret that threatens all she holds dear? Or will her fear of the past wreck her future happiness? And what about that crazy gator? All will be revealed on Bulls Island.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #620 in Books
• Published on: 2008-04-08
• Released on: 2008-04-08
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 352 pages

Kirkus Reviews on The Christmas Pearl
"A warming female-empowerment tale with a side order of southern magic."

About the Author

New York Times bestselling author Dorothea Benton Frank was born and raised on Sullivans Island, South Carolina. She and her long-suffering husband, Peter, divide their time between the New York area and Charleston, South Carolina, where their two children are in college and spending every last dime they earn. They thank you for your support.

Customer Reviews

SO DISAPPOINTED!
I love Dorothea Benton Frank and her sassy southern wit and heartwarming stories. My favorites are "Sullivan's Island and Land of Mango Sunsets". Bulls Island, however, was plain torture, start to finish. I didn't like the main character and the story line was weak and boring. Sorry, Dot. Rest assured, I shall remain a faithful reader and look forward to your next book.
Sincerely,
Jeanne Z.

One of my favorite authors.....
Doretha Benton Frank is the only author I religiously read as soon as her latest book is released. Overall, I was very pleased w/the book, but felt the ending was a bit abrupt (i.e. too much to wrap up in two chapters). Three quarters of the way through, I couldn't phathom how she would possibly end it with so few pages left ~ I felt like the story line could have continued for at least another 100 pages. Still glad I took the time to read.

Another good one from Dot!
DBF gets your attention again with her latest low-country story...lots of surprises, twists and turns, and she keeps you on your toes. This is a good beach-read, and the characters and situations are, for the most part, believable, but trouble is...it's too short, and as most of her fans will agree...when is the next book coming?

I would also like to see her pick up on previous books, and the lives of the characters since.