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.

Comments

Melissa Amateis said…
It looks VERY interesting! I love it when I take a chance on a new-to-me author and find that they have a long backlist!
Meredith said…
I love books about small towns and the crazy people who live in them :) And eccentric aunts are the best--I'll have to look into this one! Thanks, Talei!
Talei said…
Hi Melissa, I agree! It's amazing how many good authors I've stumbled across recently who have a plethora of books which I had not heard of previously. *shakes head* Where have I been?
OMG. I'd so bite. Nom nom nom. Sounds like a great read and I loved Serendipity.
Talei said…
Meredith, I'm beginning to think you have to be eccentric to live in a small town. So many good stories are set in small towns! Hope you enjoy the story. ;)

Samantha, ha! I only want to bite a good apple! The book is very enjoyable, especially if you believe in magic which I know you do! ;)
Melissa Gill said…
That sounds good. I'm trying to put together a list of suggestions for my book club next year, I'll put this on the list.
Melissa said…
Sounds very interesting! How lovely to just stumble across a book like this!
Elissa Graham said…
I saw the cover and thought "Oh I hope that's a review" and it was! The book sounds so lovely that I might slip it onto my Christmas Wish List.
mshatch said…
I love unexpected finds - even better when they sparkle!
Ann said…
This sounds like my type of book Talei. I have it on my must have list. I hope to get a good bit of reading in once that Christmas dinner is cooked.
Mya said…
This book sounds like a true charmer. I laughed out loud when I read about the eccentric aunt. Though I think we are a dying breed, there were once many old southern families that for generations had lived in the same small town. There were at least two characteristics that many of the families shared. One was enjoying going out to the cemetery and listening to the family history being retold by your forebearers as you strolled through the headstones. The second was the laughter shared because of, and the love, respect and admiration given to members of the family that had become quite eccentric and in many cases just plain batty.

I love the dress on the cover. It is perfect for attending cotillions and drinking mint juleps.
Talei said…
Melissa G, sounds perfect! Hope your book club enjoys it too. ;)

Melissa, its great when that happens right? ;)

Elissa, love Christmas wish lists. I have to be honest the pretty cover got me first and the blurb. Right up my alley! ;)

MsHatch, very true dear, who can resist the power of a pretty dress that sparkles?

Ann, I think you will like this one! I love the quiet lull after Christmas dinners, everyone is snooze mode. ;)

Mya, I really love your story, going to a cemetery and listening to family history. We do visit our Gt Grandparents and Aunts and Uncles when I am home, sit around chatting on their gravestones and sharing a laugh. Might raise a few eyebrows but there you go. ;) I've lost a few eccentric Aunts so I'm immediately drawn to characters who remind me of them. ;)

Mint Juleps sounds wonderful! Cheers x
Carolyn V. said…
Ohhh, I love a good book! I'll have to pick it up. =) Thanks Talei!
Terry Stonecrop said…
That sounds great! I love the magic. Thanks!

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