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.
The debut novel from Sarah Addison Allen., Garden Spells is a captivating story woven with magic and fantasy. It enchanted me from the opening sentence! It centers around two sisters, Claire and Sydney Waverley, who have finally come together many years later. Their family has a long history of having some rather odd gifts and abilities, and have always been outsiders in their hometown of Bascum, North Carolina. Some members of the family had been able to escape it, like the womens’ mother. Sydney herself had escaped a decade prior, returning with her small daughter, Bay. Claire is a caterer who uses edible flowers in her dishes, which notably causes some rather odd effects in those that eat them. When Sydney returns unexpectedly, the two women find themselves finally bonding as sisters and as women.
As the story developed, I found myself caught up in Claire’s story as she struggled to open herself up to other people after many years of isolating herself emotionally. Sydney’s story was equally engaging, as she tried to get past the pain of her past and to rediscover herself. Both stories are woven with magic and romance and creates a truly beautiful read. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone looking for something beautiful!
- See more at: http://thecaffeinateddivareads.multifacetedmama.com/?p=264#sthash.meaWQeh1.dpuf
Reading updates
-
Started reading
-
19 January, 2015:
Finished reading
-
19 January, 2015:
Reviewed
-
Started reading
-
Finished reading
-
19 January, 2015:
Reviewed