“Sugar Queen” by Sarah Addison Allen

“Sugar Queen” by Sarah Addison Allen
2008, Bantam Book
ISBN: 978-0-553-80549-9

“Sugar Queen” by Sarah Addison Allen is an enchanting story. Josey lives with her controlling mother in a small ski resort in North Carolina. In the beginning of the story it would seem any hope for a bright future to call her own is not likely. But, slowly strange things begin happening and it is with these strange and magical things that Josey begins to move out of her rut.

She has had a crush on Adam the mailman for ages, but until Della shows up one day to live in Josey’s closet things just didn’t seem to be going anywhere.

Josey meets Chloe and they become friends. With Della there to guide things along Josey and Chloe work out the tangled parts of their lives and as with any love story there are several happy endings with this one.

I just can’t give it away, but you won’t be able to put this one down. The ending was one of those O-Henry types where you just didn’t see it coming. You will love it.

“Garden Spells” by Sarah Addison Allen

“Garden Spells” by Sarah Addison Allen
2007, Bantam Dell
ISBN: 978-0-553-80548-2

“Garden Spells” by Sarah Addison Allen is an absolutely tingly read. It’s about a family who are special. Members of the family each have a special gift that manifests itself in different ways. And the gift somehow centers around the apple tree that grows in their garden. I suppose I should start with the apple tree. If you were to eat one of the apples you would see the most significant event of your life. That event might be horrible or it might be wonderful. The apple also throws apples at people to get their attention.

One of the main characters is Claire. Her gift as a caterer is to give people what they want. If they want romance and love she incorporates those garden herbs and flowers into the dishes she serves so that magically everyone who eats that dish is affected.

Her sister Sydney’s gift manifested as being able to give the best haircut. Hey, I’ve been searching for years for the perfect haircut and have yet to find it, so knowing somebody in a story is able to do that is fascinating!

Evanelle, a quirky old lady gives things to people. She’ll give you a can opener. Neither one of you knows why, but 2 days later having that can opener will save the day for you.

The thing about being special, about being different is that it is sometimes difficult to fit in. Personally, I can relate to this. I’m sure you can too. This is a story about how Claire, Sydney and Sydney’s daughter Bay eventually fit in. It’s an unfolding of love in the family and reaching out to find the men they will love. It’s about them accepting the gifts they have. And, there is also danger for Sydney that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

I couldn’t put “Garden Spells”down once I’d started reading it. Interestingly, it’s also a book that magically came to me in the library. Sort of like the apple tree threw it at me.