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)

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?

so cozy

I loved this book! very much like an Alice Hoffman book but a little less dark. wonderful story excellent writing. loved it to the last drop.

Really Good

Listened in almost one sitting. I really did enjoy it. Just the right touch of magic and romance. Great narration too.

Magical✨

I listen on a yearly basis because it’s one of my favorites. All things magic & love intertwined.

Utterly charming!

Completely absorbing first moment to last! I love how magic weaves in and out of everyday occurrences! Skilled characterization right down to an apple tree and the house itself!

Comforting and Magical

I loved this book in print and really enjoyed listening to it narrated. A magical read.

Got spelled in the garden..

Fluffy, dopey, predicatable and thoroughly enjoyable. Good choice if you just read/listened to something heavy!