by Sarah Allen Addison
ages: adult
First sentence: “Every smiley moon, without fail, Claire dreamed of her childhood.”
The first thing I noticed about this novel is the descriptions. It’s there in the first sentence: “smiley moon” rather than crescent, or even sliver of a moon, sure. But, it doesn’t stop there; it’s scattered throughout the book. Addison’s talent, at least in my opinion, is not necessarily in plots or characters, but in lush, memorable descriptions of small-town South, with a magical twist.
Claire is a Waverly, which means she tends to a garden and knows its secrets — what the plants can do to a person — and how to use them. She runs a successful catering business, and everything is just fine, until her estranged sister, Sydney, moves back in town — she’s on the run from an abusive boyfriend — with her daughter Bay. Oh, and art professor Tyler moves in next door. Of course, Sydney will have difficulties readjusting to small-town life in Bascom, North Carolina. Of course there will be conflicts with her old school friends (who never really were her friends, and I felt the sub-plot was a bit forced, and kind of unnecessary). Of course Claire and Tyler will fall in love. Of course there will be a happily ever after.
But that’s not the point. The point is the nurturing and the giving and the growing. The point is characters like the sisters’ aunt, Evanelle, who’s magic is to give things. The point is family and belonging are what really matters. The point is Southern summer days. The point is food that makes you feel, makes you love, makes you regret. The point is an apple tree that wants to be a part of the family. The point is sentences where you can nearly feel and smell what they are describing.
And the result is a magical, sweet, delightful summer read.
Buy it at: Amazon, Powell’s or your local independent bookstore.
The Book Nut 
Nice review! I enjoyed Garden Spells for many of the same reasons you did. You may enjoy Sarah's latest, “The Sugar Queen,” too (if you haven't read that yet.)
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Were you hungry while reading this book? I certainly was. You have my vote for “The Sugar Queen” too. It's just as magical.
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It's a delightful little book, isn't it? After I read The Sugar Queen, I added Addison to my favorite authors list. She's such a treat to read and I agree with your take on her descriptions – they're wonderful.
cjh
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I thought this book was exactly as you describe–magical, delightful, and sweet. I'm looking forward to the Sugar Queen too.
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All — I put The Sugar Queen on my TBR list as soon as I finished this one; good to know that it's just as good. 🙂
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Great review. I think I am going to pick this up next time I am at the library.
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I loved this book, too! Was pimping it to all my other friends. Looking forward to reading Sugar Queen myself.:)
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I have heard so many good things about this book. I own it but haven't read it yet. I intend to some time this summer.
Thanks for sharing!
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Oh good, we agree on this one! 🙂
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Julie, I'm not *that* much of a hopeless case, am I? I can like adult books, on occasion… 😉
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You should like The Sugar Queen, too! Especially the parts about the books…
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