Sandra D. (bookcrazychick) -
Helpful Score: 9
Although this book was good and enjoyable it wasn't very original. The whole time I was reading it I kept thinking of Alice Hoffman. This was so like her writing. If I hadn't known who the author was I would have assumed the author was AH.
Natalie M. (natalietahoe) -
Helpful Score: 7
This was a beautiful and fun, light read -- mixing a little bit of magic with culinary expertise, this book dives into North Carolina southern hospitality, small towns, local legends, and straight gossip. The debut novel for Sarah Addison Allen, and I can't wait for her next book out in 2008. Highly recommend!
Helpful Score: 3
This is a perfectly luminous story -- I just floated along with it, enjoying the ride! Wonderful book!
Helpful Score: 3
I enjoyed this book. It wasn't explosive, but it remained consistantly good.
Helpful Score: 3
Unless you are 14 I wouldnt waste my time on this one. It was cute, but the apple throwing trees reminded me too much of the wizard of oz, and the rest was like Practical Magic.......
Helpful Score: 2
Magical - a joy to read. I can't wait for her next book to come out! Carol
Helpful Score: 2
I could not put this book down. One of the best I've read in a while.
Elizabeth B. (Cattriona) -
Helpful Score: 2
I really enjoyed this story, more than I thought I would. It is a fairly light "chick lit" read, with a bit of magic and a bit of cooking and gardening thrown in.
Helpful Score: 2
A magical book that you wish wouldn't end! This writer is exquisite!
A preview of this book was on my NOOK. I just had to get it to finish it as it was so intriguing. LOVED IT!!!
Helpful Score: 1
If you liked the movie "Practical Magic", you will like this book.
Magical. I loved the way the story drew you in. You are able to relate to the characters and believe you know them. This is a book I will read many times and get something new out of it every time. A must read.
Helpful Score: 1
If you are looking for a sweet simple read this is your book. Characters were well written, story line was wonderful. My only issue was that the book ended to soon!!!! I can't wait to read another one by her!
Helpful Score: 1
This books is very reminiscent of the movie version of Practical Magic (which is a great deal different from the book), however I found it to be much better. The characters in this book grow, evolve, and are not afraid to say they are sorry. The sisters are much more mature with a story line that shapes and explains their decisions. The only overt 'magic' is the tree, the rest of the so called spells are nothing more than small town expectations and folklore.
The writing did not remind me of Alice Hoffman, possibly because I don't really care for most of Alice Hoffman's writing.
A very quick, enjoyable read, I will be looking for more from this author.
The writing did not remind me of Alice Hoffman, possibly because I don't really care for most of Alice Hoffman's writing.
A very quick, enjoyable read, I will be looking for more from this author.
Helpful Score: 1
What a delightful book! Yes, it is rather "young" at times, as some reviewers have stated. After reading several dark novels, this was a breath of fresh air for me. It is light, fun and easy to read. I really enjoyed it, in spite of the fact I am no longer 14! LOL D.
I loved it!
This book was beautifully written and such a good read. I have loved everything that I have read by this author, and cannot wait to read more. It was a fun read, very entertaining and though the tone is light, it carries heavy meaning. I could not put it down, it was captivating. I loved all the characters, especially Evanelle. The characters were vulnerable, quirky and wild. The author has a wonderful ability to make us believe, or wish, that magic is possible!!!
What a delightful, whimsical book! At first I thought it was a bit strange, but as I got to know the sisters, I realized that there was a lot of magic and joy in the book. I look forward to reading more by this author. To tell more would spoil the book for other readers.
A lovely book about the relationship between two sisters that after taking separate ways in her teenage years reconnect later in life to help each other and embrace their roots as "Waverly's" in the smaal town of Bascom, North Carolina
I loved the book. It is enchanting. I especially enjoyed it because I happened to be traveling in North Carolina while reading it. Happy coincidence. The characters were all believable and fun. I look forward to more books by this author. This was right up my alley.
Lisa B. (momof3boysandagirl) reviewed Garden Spells (Waverley Family, Bk 1) on + 58 more book reviews
I really wanted to like this book. It was enjoyable I guess to a certain extent but it was just childish. . . . I guess is the word I am looking for. I felt like I was reading a romance written from the view point of a teenager. I am from a small town in North Carolina, born and raised not far from many of mentions in the book so I really wanted to feel more of a connection.
This book produced beautiful imagery and was a delight to read! The little bit of magic entailed with reality was a wonderful escape. I cannot wait to read more from this author.
At first I didn't think I would like the book because of a profanity in the beginning, but I ended up loving it. Great imagination.
Jeanette M. (rhonda517) -
can't wait for new book to come out this writer is excellent and this book is hard to put down, read it in a day and half!! a must read.
one of the most delightful books I've read in long time
Mystical, haunting, tragic and uplifting. The story of the Waverly sisters is like many stories of many sisters. Except this one involves a special tree. Eccentric and somewhat private, the Waverlys have grown apart. When one returns they must find a way to form a bond they never really had in the first place. A timely lesson in family, friendships and love.
Someone mentioned on here unless you were a teen not to bother & I couldn't agree more.
This book was such a pleasant surprise! I didn't think I would like it as much as I did, but once I began reading it I couldn't put it down. Very imaginative without being overly sentimental.
I was almost turned off at the beginning of the book because of the references to magic and potions...generally not my area of interest at all. However, I kept reading and found the story to be thoroughly entertaining. While it may not be Shakespeare, it is definitely a good read as well as a quick read. It was chosen for our book club to read and discuss, and because of the many characters and their personality developments, as well as the general plot line, there was much to discuss. I enjoyed it enough that I bought another book by Ms. Allen, which I look forward to reading.
Couldn't put it down. The whole book was enchanting.
Donna V.
Donna V.
Fun, light read. Two sisters from a family of magical women living in a house with a magical apple tree in the backyard that they keep away from the townspeople. Made me wish that I had such an apple tree, but I don't know if I could keep from eating those apples!
loved this magical book. Love it so much I cannot post it.
Great book
Loved it!
I never read it , never got it
