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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
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    1,550
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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

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.

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2 people found this helpful

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

Makes me want to read Practical Magic again!

I'm a magical realism junkie and I needed a happy ending, and wasn't disappointed. I loved the herbal magic, the vivacious apple tree, and Aunt Evanelle. I also really liked how everything was wrapped up, even the author's sympathy for the old rival. This was, while reminiscent (to put it mildly) of an old favorite, a totally unique book. If you like Hoffman and Allende, you'll be happy. Listen to the audible version, you won't be disappointed.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Not my favorite narrator

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I bought this book on sale which made it worth it, It wouldn't have been worth it if
i'd used a credit to get it since there are much better books out there to listen to.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Garden Spells?

The narrator's voice really bothered me.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

For me it did because she narrates a lot of mediocre murder mystery novels and that's all I could think of while listening.

Did Garden Spells inspire you to do anything?

No

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

great voice acting

Loved the different voices for each character. The narrator/actor enhanced the story in my opinion.
I would like to read the next book!

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

Garden spells was a nice change !!!

This book kept me listening until it was over. It was fun to listen to a book that took you some where else and made you forget what is going on around you!!! I really really liked the narrator. I'm pretty sure I've read another book by this author that I liked so I picked this one to read and I'm glad I did. Cherie

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

This was Good

I think the narrator made this story really shine. How she kept up with the voices is simply amazing. Looking to get book 2.
You know that if you have the paperback, the kindle version and, now audio that it's okay. changed story to 5 stars.

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

love this book

I love garden spells. I have listened to and read this book a million times. thank you

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

Gentle magic

What a fun book! And so much better than the movie! It gets a bit like a bad romance novel in a couple of spots, but not enough to ruin the book. The story of these two sisters, the one daughter, and all the other characters in the neighborhood was the perfect summer read. I wish I had these gentle magical powers and a mischievous tree in my backyard!

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Tired of filthy language books

I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone who valued high standards of clean language and any refinement in their lives. It's so pathetic that authors think they are so sophisticated when they insert smutty words into their otherwise good stories. This is one of those. It was recommended by Audible and so my faith in their recommendations is very low as well now. I wish I knew how to get my money back on this and a few other books that I will not subject my ears and mind to.

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