Sarah Addison Allen spins a tale with such elegance that you get lost in her charming world and feel as if you have been in a dream when you finally emerge from the pages of her books. Garden Spells was such an enchanting, entertaining, utterly delightful read.
The Waverly's have something special about them. Well really, so does nearly everyone in the town of Bascom, North Carolina. There are family legacies that are passed down from generation to generation; special gifts that certain family names are known for. For the Waverly's it is all in the garden, from the special flowers and herbs that are grown there to the apple tree that asserts itself by tossing apples at inopportune times (or opportune depending on the circumstances). But these special gifts have made the Waverly's outsiders in their home town. Claire Waverly has made the best of her abilities and created a catering business around the special plants that grow in her garden. She likes her life to have structure and stability. Her world is rocked a bit when her free-spirited sister, who fled Bascom as soon as she was old enough, shows up one day looking for some of that safety and stability. Claire has to learn to accept change, and that some changes are for the better. Both sisters have secrets to share, and only when they do will they be able to get past their history and make a family for the future.
This novel was enjoyable from start to finish. The characters are quirky and lovable, from the aunt with a knack for giving strange gifts just before the receiver needs them, to the gay shop owner, to the next door neighbor and the family that owns the dairy farm. The story weaves so smoothly and sweetly, yet deals with some heavy issues like abuse, neglect, and fear of abandonment. Only Sarah Addison Allen could weave a story so profound while you are floating along on her mystical cloud. Loved loved loved Garden Spells and highly recommend it.
Happy Reading!
No comments:
Post a Comment