Review: Garden Spells

Title Garden Spells
By Sarah Addison Allen
For Fun
Source Library




Synopsis
Claire lives contentedly in the house her grandmother left her, tending the mysterious, magical Waverly garden and running a successful catering business. But with the return of her younger sister Sydney and her daughter Bay, and the arrival of a handsome neighbor, Clarie's life is about to be turned upside down.

General thoughts
I've only read one other book by Allen and I recall liking it so it's no surprise that I enjoyed this one as well. Allen creates wonderful, relatable characters. The writing is simple and easy and draws you in. The storyline, though predictable and maybe a tad convenient, is fun. I wanted to see the Waverly's garden and have the apple tree throw apples at me. I wanted to eat Clarie's food and have Sydney cut my hair. And who wouldn't want Evenelle to give them something they just simply had to have? I don't have anything bad to say about this book but I will say it didn't completely captivate me and probably won't be horribly memorable, but only time will tell.

Characters
It's perfectly understandable why Claire was as uptight and withdrawn as she was but at first it was driving me crazy. She does stick up for her sister and fights the fear that she'll be abandoned, which was admirable. Sydney's complete turn around felt slightly convenient but I liked her. Evenelle was a delight. I loved how she would go walking just to stare at cute guy's backsides. To funny. Bay was sweet and I enjoyed her insights but she seemed a tad old for a five year old. Even with her background I don't think she'd be that mature.  I even enjoyed watch Emma and Fred grow and mature.And Henry and Tyler? Well, either one would be a fine catch, though I do lean more towards the Henrys of the world.

Would I recommend it?
Yes, if you're an Allen fan and have missed this one, I'd give it a try. If simple, convenient writing bothers you, you might want to look elsewhere.