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)

Did not want this one to end

Took a chance on a new author, how did I miss this one! This quirky little southern town with it's richly developed characters enchants you in every way. The narration of Susan Erickson draws you into this place of whimsical magic,so hauntingly portrayed by the author, that the people and place become real. I will be reading more books from the talented pen of Susan Addison Allen , and am looking forward to the forthcoming book in this setting. I hope there will also be an audible version too.

A finely wrought tale of magic and mystery

This was a lovely story drew me in from the beginning. While the storyline wasn't full of twists and turns, it was beautifully written, and left just enough to the imagination, while offering a treasure chest of herb and flower lore. Even better, there was an appendix of the flowers and herbs that provided a handy insight - I actually wish I had the written copy just for this!

The narration was lovely. Susan's voice was clear and crisp, the characters distinguishable, and she kept the story moving at just the right pace.

I would listen to this book again, I enjoyed it so much.

Awesome

Wow loved this story I just can't wait to read the next book in series

Magical tree, tasty flowers and love.

What made the experience of listening to Garden Spells the most enjoyable?

I loved the Southern accents. So many accents are forced and you just want to turn the recording off. The choice of Susan Ericksen to read this book was a very wise choice.

What did you like best about this story?

This very unusual story blended family bonds, tasty flowers and herbs, a magical tree and a mystic cousin...what else could we ask for?

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

I thought Evanell was a treasure. Wouldn't it be wonderful to know someone like her?

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I can't do that. I listen as time allows while doing housework, errands and on computer games.

Any additional comments?

Enjoy!

Great new author

I really enjoyed this book. I know many people don't like comparisions, but I consider her along the line of Alice Hoffman. I also have the Sugar Queen, although I think this is the better book of the 2. Her books have the thread of a touch of magic which I like. Personal preferences aside, this one is worth a listen, especially right now at this week's sale.

magical

Very good listen. A magical and wonderful story that was great. Can't wait to read her 2nd book in the Waverly family.

Mostly lovely

This story is mostly lovely! I do wish the dark spots weren’t quite so dark- it seems impossible to avoid that in modern literature. I felt the reader went much too fast and had to slow the reading down to 90%. I’ve never needed to do that before.

Wonderful!

I absolutely loved this book! It was sweet, fun, and kept me interested the whole way through. I cared about the characters and truly wanted them to be happy. A magical book. Trust me, you will enjoy it!

Magic Touch

This made me think of a contemporary adult fairy tale. The magic reminds me of Heather Webber books. There is some gratuitous profanity.

Hallmark Worthy

I just went through a couple of dark books before reading this, and it was just the pallet cleanser I needed. Garden Spells, is delightful, light-hearted, and Hallmark Channel worthy. If you’re looking for a quick summer read with a happy ending, this is your book.
The Waverly sisters are the right amount of complicated without going too dark or dramatic. I really love the way the author has balanced the real world by tossing in just a sprinkling of magic to keep it interesting. I have to admit that my favorite character is the apple tree. I’m a sucker for trickster characters, but who doesn’t appreciate a little mischief?