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Garden Spells  By  cover art

Garden Spells

By: Sarah Addison Allen
Narrated by: Susan Ericksen
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Publisher's summary

The Waverleys have always been a curious family, endowed with peculiar gifts that make them outsiders even in their hometown of Bascom, North Carolina. Even their garden has a reputation, famous for its feisty apple tree that bears prophetic fruit, and its edible flowers, imbued with special powers.

Generations of Waverleys tended this garden. Their history was in the soil. But so were their futures.

A successful caterer, Claire Waverley prepares dishes made with her mystical plants - from the nasturtiums that aid in keeping secrets and the pansies that make children thoughtful, to the snapdragons intended to discourage the attentions of her amorous neighbor.

Meanwhile, her elderly cousin, Evanelle, is known for distributing unexpected gifts 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 - along with the protective boundary she has so carefully constructed around her heart. Together again in the house they grew up in, Sydney takes stock of all she left behind, as Claire struggles to heal the wounds of the past. And 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.

©2007 Sarah Addison Allen (P)2007 Brilliance Audio

Critic reviews

"The blending of horticultural folklore, the supernatural and a big dollop of Southern flavor should find favor with a wide swath of readers." ( Publishers Weekly)
"Spellbindingly charming, Allen's impressively accomplished debut novel will bewitch fans of Alice Hoffman and Laura Esquivel." ( Booklist)

What listeners say about Garden Spells

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

Thoroughly Enjoyable and Heartwarming

This book is reminiscent of Practical Magic (very similar story, actually) but is more about the transformation and healing of the characters. This story has good dramatic tension without being dark and negative. For me, it was a real relief to listen to a story that didn't have to have an absolute evil running the show in order to have dramatic tension. I LOVED the style of magic in this story which brought to mind stories such as "Like Water for Chocolate". Thank you for a wonderful heart warming book!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Watch out for that tree.

What a fun read, not great literature but a smart, enjoyable story of relationship awakenings. This had been on my TBR list for a long time because I'm not really into chick-lit, but, I think this was more than that. Just an overall good story of two estranged sisters trying to move forward in their lives after experiencing a pretty rough childhood. It was not sappy at all but there was a pretty feisty apple tree involved and some very quirky characters.

As always Susan Ericksen did excellent job narrating, her voices were distinguishable and fit the characters personalities. I recommend this for those looking for a light, feel good read surrounded by small town Southern hospitality and a bit of enchantment thrown in for good measure.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Good read

Read this for book club. Such a good book. The narrator was also great. I wish I had an apple tree that threw its fruit.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Could not get through it!

What did you like best about Garden Spells? What did you like least?

I am not into torture, and this was torture to listen. Just not my cup of tea.

Would you recommend Garden Spells to your friends? Why or why not?

nope

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

book did not lend the actors to be too excited about performance.

Was Garden Spells worth the listening time?

Nope

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Sweet romance

This sweet romance takes place in a small town full of enjoyable characters. The protagonist is manipulated into a romance by stipulations in her grandmother's will. A sister and niece show up, needing a safe harbor, and childhood disagreements are laid to rest.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Favorite Adult Book!

This book is the perfect mix of comedy, romance, & just a hint of magic! I HIGHLY recommend anything by Sarah Addison Allen.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

good story building

The story was good. Magic wasn't explained very well. and honestly this book was a little to romance filled for my tastes. if you need a good story filled with happy endings, this book is for you

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Delightful story with a little bit of magic

I enjoyed this small town story, the magic garden and the lineage of women with gifts was delightful.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Always a favorite!

Sarah Addison Allen is one of my all-time favorite authors! I've never read a book of hers I didn't love! The narrator did a fantastic job portraying each character and bring them to life! Absolute MUST LISTEN!!!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Magical

Charming book about coming home and making peace with your past. Narrator voice and delivery couldn't have been better.

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