Garden Spells
Ratings38
Average rating3.9
15
Ratings38
Average rating3.9
**In a garden surrounded by a tall fence, tucked away behind a small house in the smallest of towns, is an apple tree rumored to bear a very special sort of fruit. In this luminous debut novel, Sarah Addison Allen tells the story of that enchanted tree and the extraordinary people who tend it.**
The Waverleys have always been a curious family, endowed with peculiar gifts that make them outsiders in their hometown of Bascom, North Carolina. Even their garden has a reputation. For the Waverly history is in the soil. And so are their futures.
A successful caterer, Claire Waverly prepares dishes made with her mystical plants--from the nasturtiums that aid in keeping secrets to the snapdragons intended to discourage the attentions of her amorous neighbor. Meanwhile, her elderly cousin Evanelle distributes unexpected presents whose uses become uncannily clear. They are the last of the Waverleys--except for Claire's rebellious sister, Sydney, who fled Bascom the moment she could, abandoning Claire as their own mother had years before.
When Sydney suddenly returns home with a young daughter of her own, Claire's quiet life is turned upside down. Together again in the house they grew up in, Sydney takes stock of all she left behind the Claire struggles to heal the wounds of the past. Soon the sisters realize they must deal with their common legacy--if they are ever to feel at home in Bascom...or with each other.
**"Sarah Addison Allen has crafted a wonderful story that will cast a spell on everyone who has the pleasure of reading it."
--KRIS RADISH**
**"As irresistible as it is unforgettable."
--DOROTHEA BENTON FRANK**
This description comes from the 2008 Bantom Books trade paperback edition.
Series
1 primary bookWaverley Family is a 1-book series first released in 2007 with contributions by Sarah Addison Allen.
Reviews with the most likes.
It was a good quick read. Some of the major characters were not as developed as I would have liked. I liked the tree had a personality.
I absolutely loved this book. It was fast moving and entertaining. The premise is very different from what I have read in the past. I put it off for quite a while and now I don't know why. I have to read her other books. I was so happy that Claire finally found love. She really deserved it. I kind of saw David coming into the picture and trying to ruin everything but I didn't expect the outcome that happened. I think he saw himself going to jail and becoming someone's bitch LOL.
What can I say about this book that hasn't already been said?
This book is just what you need when you're burnt out on reading. It's quick, lighthearted, and charming. The Waverly's are odd. They have a magical tree that shows you the best or worst moment of your life. If you've ever seen “How to Train Your Dragon” the tree is like Toothless. Full of sass and heart. It was my second favorite character.
The story centers around two sisters.
At 34, Claire is still living in her grandmothers house. She lives alone, but spends her time baking items from her garden for her catering business.
Her younger sister Sydney is running away from an abusive relationship with her young daughter in tow. They seek refuge with Claire, keeping their past hidden.
The book centers mostly around the two sisters as they work to overcome their fears and learn what it really means to be family. Including the two sisters and their daughter are
- Fred, the local grocery store owner who is struggling with the end of a relationship with his partner of 30 years.
- Evanelle, a widowed relative who gives people things that they will need. (She was my favorite).
- Emma/Hunter John, old friends of Sydney's who are married. Hunter John and Sydney were High school sweethearts.
- Bay, Sydeny's 5/6 year old daughter.
- Tyler, the cute guy next door
- Henry, a childhood friend of Sydney
This book is fiction mixed with magic realism. If you don't like magic then you wont appreciate this book. The recipes make your mouth water and you the author has you glued to the pages.
This is a really charming read that was worth the afternoon that took to read it. Yes, I read this whole book in a day.
