Garden Spells

By: Sarah Addison Allen

Narrated by: Susan Ericksen

Length: 7 hrs and 43 mins

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)

smile on your heart

This made me want to start looking to use herbs and cooking with edible flowers.

Just OK

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

The book was OK, a bit predictable, but with enough of a different premise that I kept going. I liked the narrator as well which always helps. The characters were a bit formulaic and their growth during the tale was nothing unexpected. If you like cozy little mysteries wrapped in mystical occurrences, this is right up your alley. I just kept wanting something more.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

The ending was fine. It did wrap up rather suddenly and if you've listened this far you can probably predict what happens for yourself.

Did Garden Spells inspire you to do anything?

This book really made me wish I had a garden again. I miss cooking with fresh herbs I've grown myself. I did love the details of the food and how the fresh ingredients were used to produce the desired effects in those who consumed them.

Any additional comments?

The narrator is great. I'd listen to almost anything she reads.

One of my FAVORITES

What did you like best about this story?

What a wonderful surprise! For me, this is one of those books that I wish I could forget the entire book just so I could re-experience it for the first time. The way the story expanded and switched POVs just worked. I loved getting to know the characters and I empathized with them.

Any additional comments?

I love this story so so much. It was magical and happy and grand.

Wonderful book!!

I love all of Sarah Addison Allen’s books! And I love the Waverly’s. My only complaint is the narrator’s voice!! She ends almost every sentence on a low note so you miss half the sentence unless your volume is turned way up. Her voices are also not my favorite.

Enchanting!

What did you love best about Garden Spells?

I loved the way the author blended the garden goodies with culinary delights!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Bay was delightful!

Which character – as performed by Susan Ericksen – was your favorite?

Tyler

Who was the most memorable character of Garden Spells and why?

Claire was so multi-dimensional and real!

Any additional comments?

A wonderful way to spend a day!

Fall in love

I loved this story. I heard it many years ago, but had forgotten. It is so much richer this time. I would love to live and know these people. We all have problems and issues to deal with, and just a little magic.

What a delight to listen to!

Any additional comments?

I don't know if others do this or not but I sometimes keep books/audios for years before I somehow know it's the right time to read or listen. This is one of those books. I bought it years ago and gave it a quick listen start when I first got it but knew it wasn't the right time to listen. This is usually because of a time restraint in whatever I am doing at the moment. If I think I am going to become immersed in a story, I want plenty of time for it. It was wonderful. Great story, great characters, great time of year (summer) to listen to it. What a treat. (:

I Absolutely Loved this Story

This was a lovely book, with enjoyable narration. I have to admit, the first chapter left me totally baffled, even after listening to it twice. As the story progressed, however I fell in love with the characters and their quirts, the garden and the house, and the story of the girls. All the little surprises are so much fun.

It is certainly not a surprise ending, however. The Author tells a story that takes you naturally to the place it ends. I love that these young women, like most young American women, are struggling with their identity, with relationships and with their own self image. I love more that they come to terms with it.

For anyone who ever felt like an outsider. This is a must read.

Balm for the soul

An absolute joy, I think I will listen to this one over and over.I i love magical realism and this book gets it just right, not hitting you over the head with it like too many spices in a dish.

a wonderful book for long drives, and a smile

my fourth listening. I love this book. when I need a feel good book, this one is my first choice. beautifully written. beautifully read .