48 pages • 1 hour read
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320
Novel • Fiction
•
FantasyBascom, North Carolina • Contemporary
•
Shame & Pride•
Mothers2007
Adult
18+ years
Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen follows Claire Waverly, a chef in Bascom, North Carolina, who tends a magical garden with her elderly cousin Evanelle. Claire’s orderly life is disrupted when her estranged sister Sydney returns with her young daughter, fleeing from an abusive boyfriend. The sisters reconnect, overcome past traumas, and explore new relationships amidst the backdrop of their enchanted garden. Includes abuse and gun violence.
Fantastical
Heartwarming
Romantic
Nostalgic
Emotional
109,683 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Sarah Addison Allen's Garden Spells enchants readers with its blend of magical realism and Southern charm. Reviews praise its whimsical storytelling and rich character development. However, some find the plot predictable and the magical elements contrived. Overall, it's a heartwarming tale that captivates with its unique blend of magic and family dynamics.
Readers who enjoy Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen typically appreciate magical realism, family dynamics, and charming, small-town settings. Fans of Alice Hoffman's Practical Magic and Joanne Harris’s Chocolat would find this novel's blend of enchantment and heartwarming relationships appealing.
109,683 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Sydney Waverley
Claire's younger sister by six years and another main protagonist, who initially left Bascom to escape her past but returns determined to create a stable home for her daughter. She has a unique talent for hair styling that hints at a special connection to her family's magical legacy.
Evanelle Franklin
A 79-year-old supporting character from the Waverley family with the magical compulsion to give people specific items they might need. She serves as a mentor to the Waverley sisters, providing them with family history and support.
Emma Clark Matheson
A minor character and Sydney's high school contemporary, who struggled with her own self-worth due to outside influences. She seeks reassurance in her relationship with her husband, Hunter John.
320
Novel • Fiction
•
FantasyBascom, North Carolina • Contemporary
•
Shame & Pride•
Mothers2007
Adult
18+ years
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