In Polite Company

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This captivating debut novel unveils the private lives of Charleston's aristocracy, revealing that good behavior can lead to unexpected consequences. While tourists enjoy the charm of Charleston, the reality behind its historic homes is more complex. Simons Smythe, born into a powerful family that has long influenced the city, begins to question their arrogance. As her family prepares for significant events—a new baby, her sister's debut, and Simons's own upcoming wedding to Trip—she grapples with her own feelings and the pressures of her social world. Working as a news producer at a local TV station, Simons faces a moral dilemma when a family friend, a judge, is arrested and quickly released without charges. Reporting the story strains her family ties, and contemplating canceling her wedding complicates matters further. Outside work, Simons seeks solace at Folly Beach, explores the Edisto Island rivers, and navigates her feelings at local bars. Her grandmother, Laudie, serves as a confidante, sharing a rebellious spirit but hiding a painful secret from her past. A dramatic event threatens Laudie's life and her ability to reveal the truth to Simons. As Simons uncovers family riddles, she learns that some societal rules are meant to be challenged.