Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen

Garden Spells

by Sarah Addison Allen

Astonishing, wonderful and magical. Garden Spells has become one of my favorite reads so far in 2008 and Sarah Addison Allen a new favorite author. I have already preordered her newest release, after reading this one, and anxiously await it!

The Waverly family has always been known as a bit on the "strange" side, according to residents of their hometown of Bascom, North Carolina. They have a magical garden and an ornery apple tree that loves to throw apples at everyone - especially the unsuspecting.

Sisters Claire and Sydney couldn't be more different. Claire has a successful catering business and fully embraces the gifts of the mystical plants from her garden. Though successful in business, Claire holds herself back from getting too close to anyone. She feels that eventually everyone turns their backs and leaves. So instead of ever taking chances, she holds her heart behind a solid wall.

Sydney, on the other hand, left town at a young age to live the free and wild life. She feels this is how her life should be until one day she meets the wrong man and seems to become trapped by an unexpected pregnancy. After years of abuse, Sydney realizes she must do everything she can to protect her young daughter. This leads to her escape and journey back home to Bascom and security for her child.

Along the way, Claire and Sydney both develop and come into themselves. In the beginning their relationship is strained, but before too long, they grow close. Though neither sister is looking for a relationship, Tyler, Claire's new neighbor and Henry, an old school friend of Sydney's, have other ideas.

Garden Spells also includes several other lovable and enduring characters such as Evanelle, an elderly cousin, who has moments when she just has to give someone something - no matter how strange that something may be, it always ends up coming in handy. Fred, who runs the local store, and ends up learning that one must take charge of their own life - no matter how much they may not want to. Bay, the adorable young daughter of Sydney's is a delight and a very insightful little girl. Then, of course, there is that darn old apple tree. I have to say, that I loved it and thought of it as a character, rather than just an object. It seemed to have it's own mind and is a very prominant part of the story.

Again, I loved this story and gobbled it up in 3 settings! I did not want to put it down and was just entranced by it. I highly recommend Garden Spells to anyone looking for a great and warm read, with a bit of the mystical weaved in!

**286 pgs**