Garden Spells

by Sarah Addison Allen

Garden Spells

book data

2945 ratings, 3.93 average rating, 1124 reviews (more data...)

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published

August 28th 2007 by Bantam

binding

Hardcover, 290 pages

characters

Claire Waverley, Sydney Waverly, Tyler

setting

The United States

isbn

0553805487 (isbn13: 9780553805482)

description

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 ve...more

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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 4157)

All ratings | 5 stars (813) | 4 stars (1264) | 3 stars (698) | 2 stars (147) | 1 star (33) | avg 3.93

all | this edition

Sidhe

Sidhe rated it:

04/15/08

recommends it for: fans of Practical Magic

Yes, this book is definitely reminsicent of Practical Magic in plotline. I can't imagine anyone not thinking so...a beautiful old house, two magical sisters whose mother died when they were young, one practical and a homebody, the other a wild woman with a daughter who comes back home to escape an abusive man. Um...sounds familiar. Very.

BUT

The author creates an amazing atmosphere, and the basics of the plot may be the same, but the details are entirely new and lovely. ...more

Like this review? yes (10 people liked it)

6 comments

Sara

Sara rated it:

06/13/08

bookshelves: favorites

Chicken soup when you're sick. Chocolate when you're hormonal. Lavender for your bathroom. Citrus for the kitchen. Pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving. Peppermint at Christmas time.

This book completely spoke my language - that of food and how we are connected to what we serve, eat and order. We may not be able to put magic into our cooking, but as a mother I know there are certain things to feed my family for certain reasons, and that can be sort of a form of magic (at least to the little ch...more

Like this review? yes (8 people liked it)

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Dorlana

Dorlana rated it:

04/21/08

Read in February, 2008

It is really difficult for me to find a book that suits me. I love stories, and I love to read. Since I don’t have a lot of time to read, I have to be really picky. Which means, if it hasn’t grabbed my attention early on, I normally don’t continue.

When I saw Garden Spells on the shelves in the book store I immediately wanted to read it because of the cover, the title and the blurb. I knew for sure that this was a book that I had to read.

I was so excited when I sat d...more

Like this review? yes (6 people liked it)

1 comment

Erin

Erin rated it:

12/06/07

bookshelves: magic, nongenre-fiction, romanticnovels

recommends it for: women...and men who appreciate magic

What I learned from this book is...if an apple tree throws its apples at you, for goodness sake, pay attention already!

This book is lovely, magical, enchanting. I sat down to read just one chapter, basically to decide whether it was worth holding onto even though it was already overdue. At 2:30 a.m. I finished the whole darn thing. Couldn't stop myself. I floated in a state of suspended reality, where time had no meaning.

The basic idea of the book: two sisters expe...more

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Ruth

Ruth rated it:

04/03/08

Read in April, 2008

In a small southern town, Claire Waverly runs a catering business out of her small family farm, but her quiet, secure life is turned upside down, when a new next-door neighbor moves in, at the same time that her footloose, wilder younger sister Sydney comes home. Sydney is on the run from an abusive ex, and she and her six-year-old daughter Bay need a place to hide and recover. But Sydney's history, both in the town and out of it, has a way of catching up on her. This book is basically about r...more

Like this review? yes (3 people liked it)

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Debbie

Debbie rated it:

02/16/08

bookshelves: contemporary-adult-fiction

Read in February, 2008

I made one of my departures from YA into the adult book world with Garden Spells. This is a book about place and belonging and love. It centers around the Waverley family, specifically, Waverley women. Claire was only 6 when her mother brought her to the Waverley family home in Bascom, North Carolina, where she has lived quietly ever since, but her early experiences have made her terrified of becoming close to people. Claire's younger sister, Sydney, was born in Bascom but left after high school...more I made one of my departures from YA into the adult book world with Garden Spells. This is a book about place and belonging and love. It centers around the Waverley family, specifically, Waverley women. Claire was only 6 when her mother brought her to the Waverley family home in Bascom, North Carolina, where she has lived quietly ever since, but her early experiences have made her terrified of becoming close to people. Claire's younger sister, Sydney, was born in Bascom but left after high school, following in the wandering ways of their mother, whom she never knew.

The story begins when Sydney returns to Bascom with her 5-year-old daughter, Bay, to escape an abusive relationship. Claire and Sydney were not close growing up, but now that they're older, they're able to work together and appreciate each other. Their growing sisterliness is one of the highlights of the book.

There are many highlights in this book, several of them individual characters. Claire and Sydney's cousin Evanelle, who's nearly 80, has a gift for giving people things before they need them. Two sets of sheets that she gives Claire come in handy when Sydney and Bay show up on Claire's doorstep. A too-big shirt that she knew she had to give Sydney leads to Sydney finding a job. Evanelle is a delight.

While giving the right things to people is Evanelle's bit of Waverley magic, cooking is Claire's. The Waverley garden is famous for producing food that has a strong influence on people. Somewhat reminiscent of Like Water for Chocolate, the food that Claire serves in her catering business can calm a crowd or make them remember good things or induce in them an admiration of their hosts. Bay, who is a true Waverley, knows where things belong, and she knows that she and her mother belong in Bascom with Claire.

One of my favorite characters is the apple tree that is legendary in Bascom. Eating an apple from it will show you the 'biggest event in your life.' It sometimes throws apples at people when it wants them to eat one or to get their attention. If it's too rowdy, the Waverleys will yell at it to stop. It listens to Bay particularly.

I enjoyed the mixture of magic and ordinary life-ness in this book. And I'd love to see the Waverley garden....less

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Margaret

Margaret rated it:

02/03/08

Read in February, 2008

recommended to Margaret by: Bell, Book and Candle Bookstore
recommends it for: adult readers, women, fantasy lovers

I wasn't sure I was going to like this book... but then I never am. That seems to the mantra that I open every book with: distrust of the author's skill, interests, etc. I was encouraged early on by the author's gift for language... Bits like "She was so Southern that she cried tears that came straight from the Mississipi...", and "Memories, even hard memories, grew soft like peaches as they got older."

Ah, you're thinking that this is one of those dreary South...more

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Audrarose

Audrarose rated it:

09/16/08

Read in September, 2008

Two sisters deal with being magical in a small town. Practical Magic by way of Allende.

I don't care if this is almost the same story as Practical Magic; I thought it was lovely. A very fast read, very prettily written, and it has some absolutely beautiful moments. Really nice.

Like this review? yes (3 people liked it)

2 comments

Juushika

Juushika rated it:

09/11/08

bookshelves: borrowed

Read in August, 2008

The Waverleys are a strange family: each of them has a special gift and a prophetic apple tree grows in their backyard, imbuing the entire garden with magic. But when wandering Sydney escapes an abusive boyfriend and returns back home to live with her introverted sister Claire, the Waverley sisters must learn to step outside of their eccentricities and discover life, love, and happiness. Despite the dark elementsan abusive boyfriend, an abandoning motherGarden Spells is unmit...more The Waverleys are a strange family: each of them has a special gift and a prophetic apple tree grows in their backyard, imbuing the entire garden with magic. But when wandering Sydney escapes an abusive boyfriend and returns back home to live with her introverted sister Claire, the Waverley sisters must learn to step outside of their eccentricities and discover life, love, and happiness. Despite the dark elementsan abusive boyfriend, an abandoning motherGarden Spells is unmitigated fluff. As long as the reader isn't looking for complexity, the book is a lighthearted and fanciful piece of escapism. I moderately recommend it.

A predictable plot, minimal conflict, some comical antagonists, simplistic characters, an an unbelievable happy ever after: this book has little depth and, on a technical level, not much to offer. In fact, Claire's homeless past and Sydney's abusive boyfriend are almost red herrings, foreshadowing conflicts that never quite arrive. Instead, this book is about self-discovery and love with perfect endings, containing impossible magic and set in a small town where the biggest conflict is a foolish family feud. There is no complexity, no hidden meaning or intelligent depth, and readers expecting it will be disappointed.

Garden Spells is fluff. Accept that the book is little more than escapism, and it actually becomes quite a fun read. There's something enjoyable and uplifting about uncomplicated self-discovery and romance, and the magicunbelievable as it isis colorful and entertaining. The conflicts of the small town remain vaguely irritating (and mildly sexist), but they're comical as well. So, while the book is simple and unmemorable, it's pure escapism which is surprisingly fun to read. I wasn't blown away by this book and I'll never reread it, but I enjoyed it much more than I expected I would. Exaggerated as it is, I like the magic. There's something oddly enduring about a playful apple tree with prophetic fruit, or the ability to influence memory or emotion by baking with the right edible flowers. All told, I recommend this book only moderately, and only to the reader looking for a lighthearted bit of escapism. It's a good book to borrow, because it won't stand up to rereads. But if you want simple fantasy and fun with a colorful twist, Garden Spells might be a good choice for an empty afternoon....less

Like this review? yes (2 people liked it)

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Bonnie

Bonnie rated it:

05/28/08

Read in May, 2008

recommended to Bonnie by: Barnes & Noble
recommends it for: those looking for an easy and enchanting read

I saw Sarah Addison Allen's new book "Sugar Queen" at Barnes & Noble and thought it looked interesting, but was unwilling to pay the price for a hardback book on an untried author. So, instead I picked up "Garden Spells" because of its beautiful cover and interesting synopsis. I'm VERY glad I did.

The story and the magic were...well...magical...and enchanting. I love gardens and books where people have green thumbs, unlike myself. The garden is a main cha...more I saw Sarah Addison Allen's new book "Sugar Queen" at Barnes & Noble and thought it looked interesting, but was unwilling to pay the price for a hardback book on an untried author. So, instead I picked up "Garden Spells" because of its beautiful cover and interesting synopsis. I'm VERY glad I did.

The story and the magic were...well...magical...and enchanting. I love gardens and books where people have green thumbs, unlike myself. The garden is a main character in this story, specifically the apple tree. And a book with a garden as a main character makes my day. Each Waverly in the book has a talent that makes them extra ordinary. There's no wand waving or incantations, only recipes, haircuts, random gift giving, and a heightened sense of what seems right.

I've read some of the other reviews and agree with several. I agree with the reviewer who said this book is very sweet....it is sweet, so if you're looking for something jaded and sarcastic, read something else. I agree with the reviewer who said that underneath the magic is a story about extra-ordinary people and the challenges they face as they try to find their happy ending. And I definitely agree with the reviewer who said they couldn't put the book down and was late to everything....me too...

I cannot speak on whether the book is similar to "Practical Magic" the book as I haven't read it and I absolutely don't think it very similar to "Practical Magic" the movie. The movie seems somewhat dark and twisty and this book is light, energetic and postive. All the 'kitchen magic' ellicits mostly positive things- understanding, clarity, good memories, etc. Even though sometimes those positive things lead to the more negative emotions like guilt or remorse about something you've done.

This book is ultimately about relationships- romantic and familial- and all the trials involved in making those relationships work. This is a book to sink into and simply enjoy...maybe with a mint julep on the veranda. The author does not beat you in the head with her agenda or attempt to brain you with a serious message. It is simply an enjoyable read that will have you looking a little closer whenever you pass an apple tree....less

Like this review? yes (2 people liked it)

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Heather

Heather rated it:

02/14/08

bookshelves: fiction

Read in February, 2008

Well, this is tricky. I really enjoyed the book. I enjoyed it the first time I read it when it was called "Practical Magic" by Alice Hoffman. Was it plagiarism? I'm not sure - that's for Hoffman's lawyers to decide, but if you enjoyed the following things about Hoffman's book, then you'll enjoy this one:
- a lovely garden where the plants grow in an atmosphere of magical realism, out of time and season.
- two sisters who seem polar opposites, who suffered the loss of thei...more

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Stacey

Stacey rated it:

09/10/07

Read in September, 2007

I picked this one up because it was $10 at Barnes and Noble (yeah coupons!). I figured that if they recommended it and it cost less than dinner, I'd give it a try.

This was a fun, quick read. I haven't read or seen the movie "Practical Magic", but I do typically like Alice Hoffman's books. I didn't have a problem with this story line being recycled since I've never encountered it before.

This book was entertaining and well written. There were moments that ma...more

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Marta

Marta rated it:

09/10/07

Set in today's world, the family of "Waverly Women" are all enchanted. One works magic with the foods as a caterer from the herbs in her garden. Another "sees" odd things that people need--she doesn't know why they need the things she gives them, but she gifts little things that then become critical in the lives of those who receive them. A fun read.

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Rosalyn

Rosalyn rated it:

09/17/07

Read in September, 2007

I thought the story here was quite charming--although the book itself has a couple of sex scenes (nothing too explicit), which might put off some readers. The writing style was lovely and the characters endearing, however.

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Carrie

Carrie rated it:

05/19/08

Great book...easy read.
Pleasantly surprised :)

Like this review? yes (2 people liked it)

3 comments

Angie

Angie rated it:

09/09/08

Read in September, 2008

Okay, so this is the second review that I am giving of this book. My last one bothered me and I needed to redue it. Okay, first off the good points of the book: The author uses a fun original idea of having her main characters, all from a particular family, having a special magical power. One has the power and knowledge to prepare food, all from her garden to effect people in way so they think, feel, hope, regret, or desire whatever she wants them to. This backfires in regards to her perso...more

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Elisha

Elisha rated it:

08/19/08

Read in August, 2008

I picked this up at our little local library under the "Readers Choice 2008" books. I got "Austenland" from this same place last year. I chose this book because it had been reviewed as "loved it" by the most readers. I'm starting to realize that the readers who are reviewing these Readers Choice books must love chick lit. This book seemed like an obvious rip off of "Practical Magic" - two estranged sisters, a magical family, suspicious townfolk, love i...more

Like this review? yes (1 person liked it)

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Sandra

Sandra rated it:

08/09/08

bookshelves: readers-choice-2008

Read in August, 2008

I found this book to be quite enchanting and delightful. I had it pegged to be yet another chick lit, which it certainly was, but it had elements in it that made it unique and entertaining. It didn't read like the usual chick lit books.

Claire Waverly is holding down the fort in her hometown of Bauscom, North Carolina, where the rest of the townfolk think the Waverlys are a little off. The last one left in a line of strange women, she's capitalized on her unique gifts as a caterer ...more

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Jessica

Jessica rated it:

12/12/08

bookshelves: read-in-2008

Read in August, 2008

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

I really enjoyed this book. It is a quick read and highly engaging. While I could do without the romance parts the remainder of the book was great. I especially enjoyed the character Evanelle who blindly portends the future by giving random items to people. When she gives these items away she doesn't know what they mean, what they are to be used for or what will happen, she just knows she has to give those items to that person because that person is going to need those items. Evanelle talks abou...more I really enjoyed this book. It is a quick read and highly engaging. While I could do without the romance parts the remainder of the book was great. I especially enjoyed the character Evanelle who blindly portends the future by giving random items to people. When she gives these items away she doesn't know what they mean, what they are to be used for or what will happen, she just knows she has to give those items to that person because that person is going to need those items. Evanelle talks about the time she knew she had to give her husband a brand new suit. She talks about how she wondered what he would need it for, turns out it is the suit he is buried in as he passes away shortly after receiving it. Evanelle wonders out loud to herself what if I never gave him the suit. This question forces the reader to wonder, is Evanelle and her gift recipients victims of a destiny no one can change or is this a question of self fulfilled prophesy? If she hadn't given her husband the suit would that have been enough to keep him alive? The rest of the book also grapples with the question of destiny. Are we all stuck on a predetermined path? A path that was already charted by the generations before us? Or do we own our destiny? Are we able to impact it, to change it. to walk away from it?

The author had a clever twist with the apple tree in the garden. The garden to the Waverly family is their Garden of Eden. The apples that fall off the tree give visions of the future to anyone who eats the apple. The tree just like in the Garden of Eden in the bible is effectively the Tree of Knowledge and the temptation to eat an apple is made even greater by the fact that the tree will throw apples directly at the person it wants to have eat it's apples. The tree is truly it's own serpent attempting to entice people into their fate. Once again the question of destiny versus free will comes into play within the trees character. Just because a person eats of the apples and sees their future are they bound to what they see unable to change the course? Or do the events portended happen because the person feels bound to them, resigns themselves to their fate, and then is unable to change their course? The author leaves those questions for the reader to decide. ...less

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Shanna

Shanna rated it:

05/05/08

Read in May, 2008

I thought this was going to just like another book/movie--Practical Magic. While there are certain similar elements and a similar feel, I still enjoyed it. It was different enough, with characters who were interesting enough (my favorite? the apple tree) to keep me involved and interested.

I would have liked to know more about the town history--why is this place so unusual? I'd imagine it has something to do with an apple tree, but really it never gets explained. Perhaps the book did...more

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