'Garden Spells'
by Sarah
Addison Allen
First, let me start by asking your
forgiveness, I didn't just read this book; it's been a while so my
assessment may be foggy at best. I read it a few months ago and I did really enjoy it. When I read, I look for a good story with characters that I think back
on, long after finishing the book. I generally don't like stories that are too
dark or too heavy. There is too much in my day to day world and I use reading
as an escape, and I like those escapes to be to places I enjoy going, for
whatever reason. So take my critique with a grain of salt, I read for the fun
of it.
What I enjoyed the most about "Garden
Spells" was the way the author wove the relationships between the
characters. The sisters have very different personalities; strong in
their own ways, vulnerable in others. Watching them learn from each other and
finding comfort in pulling from those differences as well as discovering
similarities was heart warming. The daughter, Bay, gives them something to care
for together and at first, it seems like it's the only thing they have in
common. It took me a while to really like the sisters, both seemed so stubborn
and almost cold to each other in the beginning but that changed quickly enough.
Evanelle, the elderly relative, is fun and quirky and I looked forward to her
scenes for a little bit of random humor. The way the two sisters move through
their hometown together reminds you how family ties can be really beautiful.
Its not always easy for them, there's a lot of snarky people in their town.
There are lots of trips and falls, new relationships and the
rediscovery of old ones, all the while the dark shadow of Sydney's past is
looming, waiting to fall at just the right moment.
The magical garden adds a fantastical element
which I really enjoyed. All of the members of the family have special gifts and
seeing them recognize them and use them was interesting and different.
Overall, I enjoyed as a quick,
enjoyable read that was a little something different.
XOXO
Sarah
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