The Peach Keeper in Crazy Challenge Connection

Oct 04, 2014 Kimberly rated it it was amazing

Shelves: magical-realism

"If anyone has been paying attention to the signs, they would have realized that air turns white when things are about to change, that paper cuts mean there's more to what's written on the page than meets the eye, and that birds are always out to protect you from things you don't see."

I adore this author's gift of storytelling. This enchanting story drew me in from the very start. It's about lost friendships, unspoken dreams, and many regrets. It reminds us that we will never be content if we ar "If anyone has been paying attention to the signs, they would have realized that air turns white when things are about to change, that paper cuts mean there's more to what's written on the page than meets the eye, and that birds are always out to protect you from things you don't see."

I adore this author's gift of storytelling. This enchanting story drew me in from the very start. It's about lost friendships, unspoken dreams, and many regrets. It reminds us that we will never be content if we are always putting other's expectations in place of our happiness. It sparks a memory of what true friendship feels like and why it's so important to hold on tight to those rare relationships. It's one of those books that you can't wait to continue, but at the same time you dread seeing those final chapters coming because you have somehow managed to be intrigued by all of its characters.

The four main characters have all grown up in the town of Walls of Water in North Carolina. They all attended high school together and carry with them their stereotypical classifications. You have Willa the Joker, Paxton the Princess, Colin the Stick Man, and Sebastian the Freak. All are now adults who have either stuck to their roles or suppressed who they truly are in order to please others.

There's a lot going on in this story, yet it flows so smoothly. The point of view jumps from character to character, but again it intertwines effortlessly. There's the planning of a huge gala, the restoration of a rundown landmark, the discovery of a dead body, the realization that family members are guilty of the long ago crime, a love story that's confusing and lots of feelings of disappointment. I loved watching the characters almost come of age as the story progressed and they started realizing what honestly made them happy.

I loved the subtle magical elements that were woven throughout the book. I was excited to see Claire Waverly and her niece Bay make a small appearance. Always fun when an author connects her other books that way. Overall, I just loved how the book captured my attention and incorporated so many different feelings. The characters were great and Addison's descriptions are just beautiful. ...more

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May 08, 2017 Susan rated it it was amazing

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Mar 03, 2011 Suzanne rated it liked it

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Apr 18, 2012 Marla rated it really liked it

Shelves: magic, romance, chick-lit, zz-2013, adult, made-me-laugh, mystery, paranormal, zz-team-2013-challenge-wild-blue-d, book-club

3.5 stars. Not our normal book club fare, but I like this mysterious romance tale set in a small tourist town. The feel of the book reminded me of Chocolat, but I liked Sebastian, Willa & Colin more than Chocolat characters.

I found it amusing that Willa owns an outdoor store and wasn't into the outdoors or coffee, since I have an antique and craft shop and I am not into antiques and don't make any crafts. But unlike Willa, I am the antithesis of a rebel and though I appreciate a good practical j ...more

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Feb 20, 2014 Sue rated it liked it

Shelves: southern, neighborhood-bk-club, magical, chick-lit

Fun chick-lit read about friendship and love, acceptance, what happens when we return to our hometown to live down our high school adventures, with a little mystery thrown in. Another fun story by Allen with a cameo by Claire Waverley and Bay from "Garden Spell". Plus I love the name of the town: Walls of Water, North Carolina. ...more

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Oct 06, 2011 Rachel N. rated it liked it

Willa Jackson returned to Walls of Waters after her father died. She now runs a sporting goods store and is trying to live down her past as the high school joker. Willa becomes involved with local socialite Paxton Osgood and her brother Colin. I thought this book was so much better written than The Girl Who Chased the Moon. Less magical realism junk and more characters you could relate to and root for.

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