Anna S. (annapi) reviewed on 2/13/2010 + 334 more book reviews

Once again, I find a book that is wonderful but somehow I can't give it a full 5 stars - I think because I wanted more, and it ended too soon. It took me long enough to pick this up, and to my surprise every time I had to put it down, I wanted eagerly to get back to it. The Waverleys of Bascom, North Carolina are a strange family with magic that is well know to every native of the town. Reserved, solitary Claire has a way with the mystical plants in their garden, and has parlayed this skill into a successful catering business. Her aunt Evanelle has impulses to give people gifts, which they always eventually need. Claire's sister Sydney, however, left town in her youth, following in the footsteps of their mother, who had abandoned them years ago. But suddenly Sydney, with a young daughter in tow, is back in the town she has always hated, running from an abusive husband. The sisters, so different in personality, now have to learn to live together and get along although they never used to, if they are to be happy in their lives. And at the same time, both have to learn to open their hearts and accept love when they are fearful of being hurt.

This book has a quiet and wondrous magic, and the characters, both major and minor, are fascinating people that you want to know more about. Perhaps the most intriguing and amusing character is the magic apple tree that they don't dare eat from because it shows the eater the biggest event in his or her life. It's an unusual story of magical realism that captivates and leaves the reader wanting more.

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