“I think this is one of the greatest love stories to come out of the Charleston literary renaissance,” says author Dorothea Benton Frank about Dubose and Dorothy Heyward, historical characters in her new book.

The New York Times best-selling writer will discuss her new book, “Folly Beach,” at the Holly Inn, in Pinehurst, at 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 22. The event is part of the Given Library and Archives 2011 author series, “Given Presents,” and is a benefit for the library.

Cocktail service will be available, and snacks will be provided. The Country Bookshop will have books for sale at the book signing.

The story of Cate Cooper, who returns to Folly Beach after the death of her husband, and moves into the Porgy House, is woven in with the historical love story of Dubose and Dorothy Kuhns Heyward, a couple who were a part of the literary community of the area. The Porgy House was where the Heywards collaborated with George Gershwin on the musical “Porgy and Bess.”

Frank read the papers and letters on file at the South Carolina Historical Society.

All of Dubose’s letters to her are there, but hers to him are not,” says Frank.

Frank had to draw on what he had written in his letters to learn about her.

“I read her short stories and plays,” says Frank.

She delved into the papers, seeking as much information as she could find about Dorothy, who was orphaned at an early age.

“It’s obvious that she was from a wealthy family,” says Frank. “She attended National Cathedral School, a boarding school in Washington, D.C., and her uncle was the American governor of Puerto Rico.

“There were receipts for storing three furs,” says Frank. “In Charleston, you don’t even need one fur!”

Dorothy was shipped from place to place, never feeling like she had a permanent home.

“Along comes Dubose, who has a ‘place’ in Charleston,” says Frank. “He meets Dorothy, who has money, which he needs, and she has the opportunity to belong someplace.”

Frank describes Dubose as having a weak constitution.

“He had polio at one point as well as other problems,” she says.

“Dorothy wanted to be a playwright,” Frank says. “At that time, women didn’t get much respect in that world. Dubose could give her that chance.”

Frank says it is clear to anyone who reads the papers that Dorothy was the real literary talent, but she preferred to let the public believe it was Dubose.

“I really think she destroyed the letters she had written to him after he died to maintain that illusion,” says Frank.

Frank, described by Booklist as a “master story teller” and by Pat Conroy as “hilarious and wise” is also the author of “Sullivan’s Island” and other novels set in the Carolina Low Country.

“All of Dubose’s letters to her are there, but hers to him are not,” says Frank.

Frank had to draw on what he had written in his letters to learn about her.

“I read her short stories and plays,” says Frank.

She delved into the papers, seeking as much information as she could find about Dorothy, who was orphaned at an early age.

“It’s obvious that she was from a wealthy family,” says Frank. “She attended National Cathedral School, a boarding school in Washington, D.C., and her uncle was the American governor of Puerto Rico.

“There were receipts for storing three furs,” says Frank. “In Charleston, you don’t even need one fur!”

Dorothy was shipped from place to place, never feeling like she had a permanent home.

“Along comes Dubose, who has a ‘place’ in Charleston,” says Frank. “He meets Dorothy, who has money, which he needs, and she has the opportunity to belong someplace.”

Frank describes Dubose as having a weak constitution.

“He had polio at one point as well as other problems,” she says.

“Dorothy wanted to be a playwright,” Frank says.

Frank spends part of her time on Sullivan’s Island in South Carolina, and also has a home in New Jersey.

“I’m happy to be coming to Pinehurst,” she says.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the library until Monday, June 20. For ­information, call (910) 255-6022.

Contact Faye Dasen at fdasen@thepilot.com.