Garden Spells Audio CD – Abridged, February 5, 2013

In "Garden Spells," Sarah Addison Allen crafts a beautifully enchanting story that weaves the bonds of family with the magic of nature, creating a tale that feels both cozy and profound. The Waverley sisters, Claire and Sydney, embody the complexities of familial relationships, and I found their journey of reconnection touching and relatable. Allen's lush descriptions of the mystical garden, with its prophetic fruits and magical flowers, provide a whimsical backdrop that underscores the emotional depth of the characters' struggles. As Claire navigates her responsibilities while grappling with past hurts, readers are drawn into a world where the past and present intertwine in meaningful ways. This novel’s themes of healing, forgiveness, and the power of home resonated deeply with me, making it a memorable read. "Garden Spells" is a beautifully crafted tale that invites us to embrace our own legacies and find magic in our everyday lives. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a heartwarming and magical story!

But ... you'll have to read all the way to the end, to receive it because ... if you turn to the end first, you may not totally appreciate the gift until you read the story and see just how it is woven between the pages. What a delight!I’ve come to greatly appreciate the creative mind of Sarah Addison Allen. This is the second book of hers that I have read and I believe I will continue reading more of her material. Seems mystical realism (if that is what it is called) captivates me and soothes my soul.The book started off with a “Bang” for me and then slowly began to fade. Somewhere along the way, the story became predictable and the character descriptions and unfolding of events lacked the spark that ignited at the beginning of the story. (For this reason, I knocked off one of the stars.)I loved the character descriptions in this story. Sarah delivered believable characters, rich in descriptions and characteristics that brought them into full view in the minds eye. Each of them were brilliant!I also loved Sarah’s portrayal of the magic in the garden ... the way the plants come to life and take on their own characteristics as if they're living and responding to their own life force that is in tandem with each of the characters. I wonder ... does my very own garden speak to me in the same manner and I've just never listened or payed attention? Somehow ... I think it does. I will be paying much closer attention ... with all of my senses from here on out! And who doesn’t want an apple tree that bends, rustles leaves and throws apples in order to communicate?! So delightful! ♥But here’s the thing … this book was a metaphor for me … as all books are, really.The metaphors were in each of the characters. Sarah has a delightful way of creating interesting people and weaving them into her stories. Here’s what I resonated with in each of the characters;Claire: The person who craves familiarity, structure and comfort. There’s a method to her ways that keeps her safe and protected. She gets attention and recognized for her creations in the kitchen and as a result, she feels valued and important. After all, she continued a family legacy and made it her own. There’s great satisfaction and comfort in being important enough to have others reach out to you for your gifts and craft … even though it’s the very thing that could be holding her back from living a life in full color that is rich, colorful and juicy.Sydney: The person who feels the pull to follow in someone’s footsteps … even though it’s misunderstood and extremely uncomfortable. It isn’t until her pain reaches an unbearable threshold that she begins to listen to the calling of her soul. She has a gift … a VERY talented gift that is put on hold or acknowledged simply because an event happened in her life that required ALL of her attention. But … the soul will never let up until it is given permission and power to be lived out in full color. This is the space in the book that reminded me that I can indeed listen to the calling of my soul and trust that it will blossom when the time is right and to never give up on that vision and dream. All in good time ♥Evanelle: The one who listens to her intuition without trying to reason with it or bring logic into the picture. This woman lives uncompromisingly and true to the stirrings that “Tickle” within. She doesn’t apologize for them or try to comfort those who don’t understand. She just is and owns it! How many of us try to reason with that still, small voice in order to make sense of things, when all along, if we would just love and trust, EVERYTHING will move according to the Divine plan of the Universe. I loved Evanelle for she validated the nudges of my soul and gave me permission to live out loud in full color and determinedly authentically.Emma: Hate her if you must or … try to understand her and get to know yourself as well. Of all of the characters in this book, she is the most insecure even though she craves power. She does all of the things she was programmed to do and as a result, she really doesn’t know if she is loved and accepted or not. I felt for her in my own way, for I have believed for a very long time in my life that my appearance was all that others saw in me and keeping up my image was a grueling and emotionally taxing façade. Bless her heart, she lived in a state of fear for if she lost the one thing that she really felt she had, who would she be then? I believe there’s a little of Emma in all of us and really, until we all become like Evanelle, we will never truly be free.This was a delicious and satisfying book. I've been invited to consider new, life giving, ingredients into my cuisine and who knows ... I just may receive the blessings and gifts of them! For now ... I think I'll go bake some zucchini bread and add some Lemon Balm and invite the child within to come to life! Oh how magical!!!

Our book club read and discussed it close to Halloween!! It had a fun, mystical read!

There's a certain time of year when a woman's thoughts turn to magic - specifically, the search for magic. This was how I came upon this gem of a read. I was looking for something with a similar vibe as Practical Magic and did a google search. "Garden Spells" was the first on a number of lists. This book did not disappoint! I absolutely loved it, devouring it in only a couple of days. The women of the story are soooo relatable in their unique gifts, personalities, and struggles. The relationships between them are poignant, sweet, and clear. And the love interests are exactly what every woman hopes for. A beautiful tale of magic, beauty, kitchens, and gardens in which each character finds and embraces their own special magic. Just breathtaking. I couldn't wait to order the sequel!Lauri Ann LumbyAuthor of "Happily Ever After - the Transformational Journey from 'You Complete Me' to Beloved Partnership."

I love this author so much bought her book to add to my Cherish Author's collection . She has a unique magical style

I enjoyed very much the first book of the weaverly sisters (Garden Spells) as well asthe continuation of the story (first frost).

If you enjoyed reading whimsical books growing up especially those my Enid blyton, you’ll love this one then. Fast fun read. Wish there was a part two to it. It’s lovely!

O Brasil merecia ter contato com essa autora maravilhosa , creio eu que seja meu primeiro contato com realismo fantástico e simplesmente amei; parece uma história completamente nova da série de tb the good witch com o vocabulário rico de Gilmore girls,

Je ne connaissais pas cet auteur et c'est avec bonheur que je l'ai découverte. Garden Spells est une histoire romantique mais surtout magique et ce livre vous transporte de bonheur ...