Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
Genre: Magical Realism
Pages: 290 pages (eReader)
Source: eLibrary
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Description:
The women of the Waverley family -- whether they like it or not -- are heirs to an unusual legacy, one that grows in a fenced plot behind their Queen Anne home on Pendland Street in Bascom, North Carolina. There, an apple tree bearing fruit of magical properties looms over a garden filled with herbs and edible flowers that possess the power to affect in curious ways anyone who eats them.My Rating:
For nearly a decade, 34-year-old Claire Waverley, at peace with her family inheritance, has lived in the house alone, embracing the spirit of the grandmother who raised her, ruing her mother's unfortunate destiny and seemingly unconcerned about the fate of her rebellious sister, Sydney, who freed herself long ago from their small town's constraints. ... Garden Spells reveals what happens when Sydney returns to Bascom with her young daughter, turning Claire's routine existence upside down. ...
As the sisters reconnect and learn to support one another, each finds romance where she least expects it, while Sydney's child, Bay, discovers both the safe home she has longed for and her own surprising gifts. With the help of their elderly cousin Evanelle, endowed with her own uncanny skills, the Waverley women redeem the past, embrace the present, and take a joyful leap into the future.
My Review:
After I read and reviewed The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen (review here), I received so many comments recommending Garden Spells. I had already read The Peach Keeper (review here) so I it didn't take much convincing. I'm so glad that Garden Spells did not disappoint. I love the magic that Ms. Allen introduces in her books. There's enough to get the reader drawn into a fantastical whimsical world. Yet, she always manages to make it seem so real and possible. I also love the characters in this book. The Waverly women--Claire, Sydney, Evanelle, and Bay--are all unique in their abilities and how they handle them. Evanelle just might be my favorite character here though I love them all. I found her so funny and sweet. I couldn't wait to see what she would find herself doing next. This is a story that tackles some major issues such as child abandonment and domestic violence, but the book doesn't really feel like it is about that. For me this was a story about family, hope, and accepting one's self. Oh and there were some sweet guys thrown in. If you haven't given Sarah Addison Allen a try, you are missing out.
OH! I love this book! Actually I love all her books!
ReplyDeleteI wish there were more for me to read!
DeleteYeah she needs to write faster! LOL
DeleteSO glad you liked it. I love her books.
ReplyDeleteI only discovered her once I started blogging.
DeleteI've never read a Sarah Addison Allen book, but I know that's something I need to fix. She's definitely on my TBR lit for the summer - she sounds fabulous.
ReplyDeleteYes, you need to fix this. She is a great relaxing read. And her books are so engrossing and sweet.
DeleteI must read more! Awww, need to :D
ReplyDeleteYes! I agree :)
DeleteThis one sounds charming for sure. I haven't tried this author yet but I do have The Peach Keep waiting the be read on my shelf. I need to get to it soon.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good one too. You should give her a try soon.
DeleteThe Girl Who Chased the Moon was amazing! I loved every minute of it. I still need to pick up a copy of The Peach Keeper and this novel. They both sound so enticing!
ReplyDelete:-)
Oh I loved The Girl Who Chased the Moon! Well I love them all :) definitely run and get The Peach Keeper.
DeleteI'm going to have to check this author out. Haven't heard of her before.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy her.
DeleteI Loved this book! I reviewed it not that long ago on my blog and I'm pretty sure I gave it 5 stars. Also, I just finished The Sugar Queen not that long ago and I think I loved that one even more! I haven't reviewed it yet but I think I loved it more because I related so much more to the main character of that book. But unfortunately Sugar Queen didn't have as many crazy town characters as Garden Spells did.
ReplyDeleteSugar Queen is the only Sarah Addison Allen book that I haven't read. I feel like I need to wait so I can savor it. Lol. I sound like an addict :) I'm glad to hear you liked it. It is going to make it hard for me to wait.
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