The Sugar Queen

By: Sarah Addison Allen

Narrated by: Karen White

Length: 8 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

In this irresistible follow-up to her New York Times best-selling debut, Garden Spells, author Sarah Addison Allen tells the tale of a young woman whose family secrets - and secret passions - are about to change her life forever.

Twenty-seven-year-old Josey Cirrini is sure of three things: winter in her North Carolina hometown is her favorite season, she's a sorry excuse for a Southern belle, and sweets are best eaten in the privacy of her hidden closet. For while Josey has settled into an uneventful life in her mother's house, her one consolation is the stockpile of sugary treats and paperback romances she escapes to each night - until she finds it harboring none other than local waitress Della Lee Baker, a tough-talking, tenderhearted woman who is one part nemesis and two parts fairy godmother.

Fleeing a life of bad luck and big mistakes, Della Lee has decided Josey's clandestine closet is the safest place to crash. In return she's going to change Josey's life - because, clearly, it is not the closet of a happy woman. With Della Lee's tough love, Josey is soon forgoing pecan rolls and caramels, tapping into her startlingly keen feminine instincts, and finding her narrow existence quickly expanding.

Before long, Josey bonds with Chloe Finley, a young woman who makes the best sandwiches in town, is hounded by books that inexplicably appear whenever she needs them, and - most amazing of all - has a close connection to Josey's longtime crush.

As little by little Josey dares to step outside herself, she discovers a world where the color red has astonishing power, passion can make eggs fry in their cartons, and romance can blossom at any time - even for her. It seems that Della Lee's work is done, and it's time for her to move on. But the truth about where she's going, why she showed up in the first place - and what Chloe has to do with it all - is about to add one more unexpected chapter to Josey's fast-changing life.

Brimming with warmth, wit, and a sprinkling of magic, here is a spellbinding tale of friendship, love - and the enchanting possibilities of every new day.

©2008 Sarah Addison Allen (P)2008 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

“Like the most decadently addictive bonbons, once started, Allen’s magically entrancing novel is impossible to put down.” (Booklist [starred review])

“Bewitching…. Such a pleasurable book.” (Publishers Weekly)

Not my usual taste, but really liked it

I’m not a big fan of mystical books but this was suggested to me and I fell in love with the story. The characters were entertaining and their stories were engaging.

Love and mystery. Two of my favorite elements!

The Sugar Queen held my interest from beginning to end. I love twists and turns!

Love this Author

I have read or listened to the 3 books by this author and think they are delightful. I loved them so much I bought them in paperback for a friend who doesn't have audible book access and I know she will love them, too. Spellbinding, etherial, enchanting.

Sweet Book

I found "Sugar Queen" to be easy listening if that makes any sense. a sweet story about a shy woman who has been living in her mothers shadow and feels it is her responsibility to care for her mother . Of coarse she is addicted to sweets that she hides in her closet. All of this changes when she finds the towns bad girl living in her closet. I like Sarah Addison Allens books they are easy to read or listen to. They all seem to have a little magic in them and her writing reminds me a little bit of early Alice Hoffmen books

wonderful

What did you love best about The Sugar Queen?

The was the last of Sarah Addison Allen's books that I have listened to and I highly recommend each one. They hold my attention fully. There is just a touch of fantasy that adds so much to the stories. If you love a good, easy novel - you'll love these.

Okay book, mostly a drama

Any additional comments?

I'm not sure what I expected, but this story did bore me just a bit. It was mostly one of those "a woman finds meaning in life" affairs, only with just a little dab of the paranormal. Really, it seems as though this author cannot stop trying to rewrite "Practical Magic" with every new book she releases, which is annoying. I found this book to be somewhat formulaic for that reason. I think the writing was well executed and the characters well drawn, which is why I listened to the end, but the plot, though interesting and deeply involved, just wasn't quite my cup of tea.

Enjoyable book with a touch of magic

I loved this book. it offers an escape from daily life. Author ia a favorite.

Delightful!

Well developed characters and an interesting storyline that kept me reading!
Filled with Love, heartache, mystery, finding oneself, and a touch of magic!

Sugar Queen

This book is a book that in its touch of magic and whimsy. Shares a story transformation. When you reach the end you yourself have changed. I love the author. This book is a spectacular read when you find yourself without hope!

Whimsical

If you can allow yourself to briefly believe in magical things like books appearing to a person who needs them. A sweater that truly is lucky and being able to feel when someone is near, you will enjoy this book. My only negative is that the ending felt really rushed.