BONUS: This edition contains excerpts from Sarah Addison Allen’s First Frost and The Girl Who Chased the Moon.
In a garden surrounded by a tall fence, tucked away behind a small, quiet house in an even smaller town, is an apple tree that is rumored to bear a very special sort of fruit. In this luminous debut novel, Sarah Addison Allen tells the story of that enchanted tree, and the extraordinary … of that enchanted tree, and the extraordinary people who tend it.…
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.
Enchanting and heartfelt, this captivating novel is sure to cast a spell with a style all its own….
more
I love Garden Spells for so many reasons. The writing is wonderful, entertaining, and whimsical. You’ll fall in love with the dynamic characters as soon as they appear on the page. If you’re looking to be carried away to a place where unexpected things happen, you’ll love this book!
Garden Spells got me hooked on Sarah Addison Allen, and I’ve read every one of her books since. I love the Southern charm and the quirkiness of the characters, as well as the magical realism that adds an extra sparkle to the story. If you haven’t picked it up yet, do it…and enjoy! Then go ahead and gobble up the books that follow. They are all …
I originally read this book in paperback when it was first published. Loved it then and loved in on the second reading. Great insights into human nature and a sprinkling of magic woven in to make the tale less predictable.
Any book by Sarah Addison Allen would be great to curl up with during a snow storm, but this was my first exposure to her writings. This book is a quick, feel-good read – like a warm, fuzzy blanket. The “magical realism” is just how one might wish the world could be. Since reading this book, I have read anything Ms. Allen writes – and I’ve loved …
Sarah Addison Allen ranks high as one of my favorite magical realism authors. This book drove me to read through the rest of her list. It’s the perfect blend of charm, wit, and romance.
I picked this up, hoping to end a dry spell during which I’ve been unable to focus much on reading, and wow did it do the trick. Garden Spells promised a dollop of “southern fried magic realism” and it sure did deliver. It was just what I needed to get back into the reading groove, hooking me right away with lovely characters and sweet romance, …
Lyrical novel about family, small town living and the many layers of love.
I loved this magical story. Every moment I felt transported to the garden with its incredible possibilities, a garden filled with herbs and flowers that have the power to affect anyone who eats them in unusual yet wonderful ways. I can’t share more or I’d ruin the magic. Enjoy.
Magical
I loved this book and didn’t want it to end. Luckily there was a second book that picked up a few years after the first book ended.
wonderful book! This author’s books are all very wonderful. Brings you into the world of the South and the magic of this family. I love the way she describes the feelings and scenery around the characters!
This is one of my all-time favorite books. I absolutely love it. I fell in love with the characters and did not want the book to end. The author is so unique in her style. I wish she wrote an entire series based on the two sisters in the story.
Wonderful! This is one of my all time favourites. I own the UK hardcover which is black with shiny leaves and dragonflies. It’s gorgeous and perfect for the story within, which tells of two sisters, a magical apple tree and some very interesting recipes that have a strange effect on the townsfolk….
This enchanting story kept me interested and invested in the lives of the characters. While the book is self-contained, I continued the journey with First Frost, which I also highly recommend. A perfect read for those who enjoy the magical realism genre.
What a wonderful, lovely, warm book. It reads like a kiss of summer evening air, fresh and light and just utterly magical. I absolutely love Sarah Addison Allen’s ability to bring a touch of the unexplainable to the everyday, and her debut is no less enchanting than any of the other books I’ve read of hers. It’s so easy to be swept away in the …
I’m wondering how it has taken me this long to find this book? I LOVE IT SO MUCH!! Garden Spells has instantly become a favorite and I am recommending it to everyone.
I loved this book! It has a beautiful, mystical quality. I’ve recommended it to 4 of my girlfriends since I read it, and they all loved it too.
If you want to add alittle magic to your life you will love Sarah Addison Allen’s books. She creates wonderful characters full of flaws and strengths.
One of my favorite books of all time.
One of the best books I have ever read. I love books about small towns with quirky characters.