I'm reading a novel called Murder in Passy by Cara Black. When the characters talk to each other they use the name of the person they are addressing quite frequently (every 3 sentences or so). Is this particularly French, or just a stylistic choice on the party of the author? I've never known a native English speaker to use a person's name in conversation more than once our twice.

Hello there!

I don't hear too many people doing this. My belle mere(mother in law) does though. I think it's a way of showing affection or part of being a business woman. Either way, it is about making connections.