Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen

Garden Spells

by Sarah Addison Allen

Bascom, North Carolina is a town where everyone is known for their family's characteristics, passed down through generations. One family's women are good in bed: they always marry well. One family gives birth to a strong man - always called Josiah - once in a generation (you go to him to help you when you move house). The Waverleys are known for their magic touch: Evanelle, who's lived in Bascom all her life, gives people what they need before they know they need it; Claire, who came to town when she was six and never wants to leave, can turn the plants in her garden into delicious food and drink with spectacular effects on those who consume it; Sydney, who ran away from her home town at 18, hasn't worked out what hers is. When Sydney returns to Bascom with her little girl, in flight from an abusive marriage, she proves a catalyst for change in the lives of all three women.

Reviewed by Leigha on

4 of 5 stars

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The Waverly sisters learn to love in this heartwarming southern novel.

I read Garden Spells when it was first published (almost ten years ago!). Since I couldn't remember much of the plot, I decided to listen to the audio book from the library. This novel really does an amazing job entwining three narratives - Clair, Sydney, and Evanelle - together in a romantic, lyrical journey. Each Waverly is a unique individual, each with her own struggles and tribulations. It's a beautifully written book with striking imagery of a small, southern town. The only problem for me was the conflict at the end. After the buildup for a showdown, it really just felt anticlimactic and messy.

I enjoyed the audio book. The narrator created a dynamic story, although more distinction between Clair and Sydney's voices was needed. Sometimes I had a hard time knowing which sister was speaking if they shared a scene.

tl;dr A delightfully coming home story full of friendship, love, and romance.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 8 December, 2016: Finished reading
  • 8 December, 2016: Reviewed