Book Review: Garden Spells

If someone offered you an apple that revealed the greatest event in your life, -good or bad, would you take a bite?

Garden Spells is set in a small American town in North Carolina, -Claire Waverly is from a long line of gifted women whose natural talents allow them to see certain events or know exactly what others need.  Her Grandmother passed down her knowledge of garden spells which both Claire and the local community rely on for various occasions. In the Waverly's garden, you will find enchanted plants, flowers, and herbs; and in the centre is 'the' magical apple tree,-its fruits will reveal your happiest event, or worse, -death.

This book had me enchanted from the early chapters, initially I thought, it was about the central figure Claire Waverly, however there are several love stories interwoven; firstly Claire, and the very attractive man next door, just arrived in town, secondly there's her sister Bay who returns home suddenly after many years away, and then there's a number of local characters who will have you smiling and laughing so hard, you won't want to put this book down.  The story has many reunions, former school friendships rediscovered, lovers reunited,- but crucial to the plot is the story of lost sisterhood that comes full circle.  Claire and Bay slowly uncover each others secrets.  Did I mention Evanelle?  She's the eccentric Aunt, who I want to adopt.

I stumbled across this book in a local store, its pretty green dust jacket bedazzled, beckoned to me, and I floated willingly towards it.  How could I not resist?  If you enjoyed reading 'Like Water for Chocolate' by Laura Esquivel, or if you loved watching the movie 'Serendipity' -then this is a book for you.  Enchanting and entertaining.

What's the only thing better than finding a book like this? - Finding out the author has many other titles ready for you to read!  Garden Spells was Sarah Addison Allen's debut novel, her books are available via amazon.com, and you can find Sarah here.