From the New York Times bestselling author of GARDEN SPELLS comes a story of the Waverley family, in a novel as sparkling as the first dusting of frost on new-fallen leaves… It’s October in Bascom, North Carolina, and autumn will not go quietly. As temperatures drop and leaves begin to turn, the Waverley women are made restless by the whims of their mischievous apple tree… and all the magic … all the magic that swirls around it. But this year, first frost has much more in store.Claire Waverley has started a successful new venture, Waverley’s Candies. Though her handcrafted confections–rose to recall lost love, lavender to promote happiness and lemon verbena to soothe throats and minds–are singularly effective, the business of selling them is costing her the everyday joys of her family, and her belief in her own precious gifts.
Sydney Waverley, too, is losing her balance. With each passing day she longs more for a baby– a namesake for her wonderful Henry. Yet the longer she tries, the more her desire becomes an unquenchable thirst, stealing the pleasure out of the life she already has.
Sydney’s daughter, Bay, has lost her heart to the boy she knows it belongs to…if only he could see it, too. But how can he, when he is so far outside her grasp that he appears to her as little more than a puff of smoke?When a mysterious stranger shows up and challenges the very heart of their family, each of them must make choices they have never confronted before. And through it all, the Waverley sisters must search for a way to hold their family together through their troublesome season of change, waiting for that extraordinary event that is First Frost.
Lose yourself in Sarah Addison Allen’s enchanting world and fall for her charmed characters in this captivating story that proves that a happily-ever-after is never the real ending to a story. It’s where the real story begins.
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I love Sarah Addison Allen’s books. Garden Spells reminded me so much of Practical Magic, but I still loved the recipes and magic infused in the story. First Frost is a continuation of the Garden Spells story and just as sweet. I love her descriptions of food so be prepared to get hungry when you start reading. It was nice to get a glimpse of the …
I really enjoyed this magical realism story about a family of women with unusual “gifts.” I liked that those gifts were different than the usual psychic abilities, such as knowing where things belong, though admittedly it left them a little less glamorous. An enjoyable read!
I could spend a hundred autumns with the Waverleys. This book is the perfect crisp-morning read. It’s charming and joyful and at turns, both mysterious and romantic. Sarah Addision Allen is one of my favorite authors, and her books deserved to be savored as fully as a slice of Claire’s fig and pepper bread!
This was a one of those books that you don’t want to end. It’s the second in a series and I’m hoping she’s going to write a third.
The sequel to Garden Spells, really enjoyed this one too.
This is my favorite Sarah Addison Allen book. Like all her books this was such an easy and comforting read. I really enjoyed it.
Along with most of this author’s books she had written, I couldn’t put it down. I’m wasn’t really into fiction until I read Sarah Addison Allen’s books. They’re great reads!
Sarah consistently weaves a tale of intrigue and holds you from page 1. Remarkable, consistent author.
See my review of Garden Spells
I finished this book in one weekend, I couldn’t put it down. The story is so well written that the author pulls you in from the first sentence. A must read.
Couldn’t read this fast enough and didn’t want it to end.
I have read all the books by this author, I love them and keep watching for another by her.
Novels from this author never disappoint. Her blend of mystical realism is fascinating. Highly recommended!
I love everything Sarah Adison Allen has written, however this book was just ok.
The worlds that Sarah Addison Allen creates are magical and touching! Love her novels!
Sarah Addison Allen is a delightful author that puts just a hint of magic in each of her novels. I have read all of her books and enjoyed each one. I have been waiting for another book by her, but it has been a few years that she has not published anything. I highly recommend you read at least one of her books, and you will want to read the …
I’ve always loved stories of magic or with magic and First Frost did not disappoint. I admired the fact that these characters didn’t chant spells or wear witches costumes and ride broomsticks. They seemed like ordinary people and yet were so not ordinary. I loved Bay’s belonging and Sydney’s streaking and Claire’s cooking. And I wanted to move …
I really enjoy Sarah Addison Allen’s books.
Entertaining
This is a follow-up to Garden Spells. I’ve loved all of Sarah Addison Allen’s books that I’ve read and this one was no exception. Rich characters and the right amount of whimsy made this a great read.