You followed the clue and found the answer!

 

 

Garden Spells is an incredibly enchanting debut novel by Sarah Addison Allen.

 

The Waverleys have always been thought by fellow Bascom, NC residents to be more than a little strange. But that didn't stop folks from requesting help when they needed it.

Claire Waverley has always been content to live her peaceful little life in the home she grew up in, tending to their garden filled with magical flowers, and running her catering business specializing in edible flowers. Now her long prodigal sister Sydney has returned with her daughter Bay and it turns Claire's world on its axis.

Then there is the fact that Claire's next door neighbor would like a little more than friendship from Claire and nothing she does discourages him. But can Claire and Sydney overcome their pasts to find happiness in the present?

Garden Spells is a tender love with plenty of quirks to liven things up. It's a light and easy read, but a very enjoyable one. I loved Claire and company and who can resist all the odd ball affects their flowers have on people? I especially got a kick out of the apple tree whose antics to try and get people to eat its prophetic apples reminded me of a small child or a frisky puppy trying to get people's attention. I never would have thought a tree could have so much personality but this special tree stole the show every time we saw it.

 

Sydney's story is heartbreaking as we learn why she was so desperate to leave and her real reasons for coming home. Claire also gains our sympathy. Her life revolves around her family and the garden and she was affected far more by her mother's abandonment than anyone realized. Bay is a charmer, thrilled to learn about her legacy as she tries so hard to make her own dreams come true. Then there is Evanelle, the elderly Waverly cousin whose talent is the ability to always know what someone needs, even though the reasons they need these items are such a mystery at the time she delivers her offerings.

 

There is so much to the magic that makes the story of Garden Spells that I can't even begin to detail it all. What I can do however, is encourage you to rush out and get your own copy. Garden Spells is sure to trap any reader with its magic.

 

© Kelley A. Hartsell, December 2007. All rights reserved.