Garden Spells

I have always enjoyed a little bit of magic in storytelling. Though I'm not a big fan of romantic novels, Garden Spells has just that type of mix of magic and romance that I enjoy. This was such an enjoyable read that I wish Ms. Allen would continue writing about these characters. I really enjoyed the Waverly's and their garden, especially their special apple tree. The southern charm was almost a character unto itself. I wish there was a cookbook that accompanied the novel so that I could try some of Clarie's recipes; and the obvious knowledge of edible flowers and herbs was extensive, making me want to start growing a flower herb garden. The only reason I couldn't give this a 5 star rating is because of the lack of detail in some of her writing. I would have loved to know more details about Sydney's life in Seattle or Clarie's when she was young with her mother or how Clarie had decided to become a caterer. I felt drawn into the Waverly home but intimate details outside of that magical place was pale in comparison, which may be Allen's intention. But I often wished as I read that instead of telling me things, she would show through character development. But this doesn't take away from how much I enjoyed the obvious love & magic of these characters and overall story. I will be listening to this book again and again just to stop in and visit these characters and this interesting magical place. A great first book!!!

I just loved it! The author is so beautifully descriptive and the narrator was just perfect. I loved the scents from the Waverley garden and kitchen. I could feel the magic of those scents and the colors that celebrated Claire's mood and passion. I can listen to it over and over. I originally bought the hardcover book, but couldn't pack it when I went on vacation because of airline weight restrictions. So I downloaded the audiobook to my MP3 player with the intention of giving away the hardcover book. Oh no! not anymore. This book is a keeper!

I originally listened to this book free through my library account, but I liked it so much, I bought it as a keeper.

Garden Spells is funny, sad, poignant, and romantic, and there's that apple tree that just fascinated me.

I predict this author will be hitting the NYT Bestseller list in the near future.

I loved this audio book, and like another reviewer am going to get the paper version as a keeper. The characters were flawed in real ways and the magic in the story was intertwined so well that it was just a part of the story. It definitely left me wanting more stories of the town.

I loved this audiobook so much, I will be buying the print version to have for when I have more sedentary time in my life. The characters are fun, familiar, real. The setting enchanting. There is a believable magic in the air, the garden, the soil, the personalities. Wonderful, fun!

The Waverleys have always been an strange family. The Waverley women each has a gift that makes them, individually and collectively, outsiders even in their home town of Bascom, North Carolina.

Evanelle, for one -- she comes bearing gifts she is compelled to give to someone-- a box of pop-tarts, a skein of yarn, a shirt several sizes too large. And yet, every time, what she brings soon turns out to be useful in some way. Crucially useful, even.

Claire, who inherited her grandmother's Queen Anne house, tends to the flower and herb garden, and uses its products in her catering business, ingredients that, used just so, produce interesting results. And the garden has this strange apple tree...

Sydney, Claire's younger sister, left home as soon as she was old enough, but now returns fleeing an abusive marriage with her little girl in tow. With Sydney home, things start to change -- and Claire is not altogether certain she wants them to. Especially not when it comes to that disconcertingly attractive artist/teacher who just moved next door.

It's a nicely written book-- charming, sweet, just that hint of magic. At times, it reminded me of S.E. Phillips, other times of Jenny Crusie. And Sydney's story will remind you of Nell from the Three Sisters Island books by Nora Roberts.

Highly recommended.

Other reviews spin this book negatively claiming that the storyline mimics Practical Magic. Well, the reviews are right - the storyline is very similar to Practical Magic, but that was perfecly fine by me. I enjoyed Practical Magic. This story is indeed very similar, but not identical. I was in the mood for a "feel good" quick story and this satisfied that craving. The characters are all very likeable and endearing. The story was predictable, but again, I didnt mind. I finished it with a smile on my face. I have no complaints. It was perfectly charming.

While I enjoyed my visit to the Waverley House in Bascome, I usually read more emotionally intense books. In a way, this was a lovely change of pace. The sisters growing affection was believable, the love interest characters charming, and the happy ending was neatly done.

I also thought Susan Erickson's narration was perfect for the pace of this story.

Although I enjoyed the book for what it is, it isn't very deep and it's unlikely I would read it again. Pass it on to someone else? Definitely.

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.

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.

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.

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

I very much enjoyed listening to “Garden Spells”, especially since I had just finished a Tom Clancy “Jack Ryan” rip-roaring shoot ‘em up-er. While I don’t think either book is great literary writing, each is enjoyable in its own way. This is chick lit at it’s best, with some drama, some romance, some mystery with an enchanting touch of enchantment thrown in

Sarah Allen’s novel is nicely developed and Susan Ericksen does a lovely job of narrating it, with just enough drama at the right points, just enough quiet at the thoughtful places.

I enjoyed getting to know Sydney and her daughter, older sister Claire, and I especially enjoyed the older aunt, Evenelle-who is a character I wish had been given more time. I think the book might have gained positively from a bit more length, giving more time to deeper character development of each of the protagonists.

This is a good beach weekend listen-it’s sort of Jodi Picoult meets Nora Roberts. Sarah Allen goes on my list of authors to look for when I want to read romantic mystery.