Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen

I enjoy reading women's fiction immensely, and loved this first novel by Sarah Addison Allen. A little magic, romance, small town life, and an unusual family are all elements in this comfortable novel. This would be another great choice for a women's book club.

There’s something special about the Waverly women. Generations of them have tended the garden at their old house in Bascom, North Carolina; an enchanted garden anchored by an unusual, magical apple tree that bears remarkable fruit. For, if you eat the fruit, you will be shown the most important event of your life. Each of the women has a special ability, or gift: elderly cousin Evanelle distributes unexpected gifts because she anticipates the need for the item by the recipient. Claire Waverly’s gift is her cooking; which she turned into a successful catering business; using the charmed herbs and edible flowers from her garden to create dishes to please the appetite and soothe the soul. Since her sister Sydney’s disappearance ten years ago and the death of her grandmother, she has settled into the ownership of the house and gardens and the routine of her life. But then Sydney shows up unexpectedly, with her young daughter, Bay. Sydney left her family to escape both her “otherness” and a broken heart; had a series of boyfriends, and lived “everywhere” until she became involved in an abusive relationship that took her years to escape. Now she’s come home and wants to raise 5 year old Bay in safety. Bay’s gift is the knowledge that everything has its place; and once she comes to Claire’s house, she knows she’s almost where she should be. Claire, used to living alone, doesn’t know how to connect with Sydney initially; but bonds with Bay immediately. As Claire comes to trust Sydney; the boundary around her heart begins to crumble; and she is able to let in the love and goodness of the people around her. Sydney learns to deal with the hurts of the past, and is able to find out what her special ability is. Love shows up for both Claire and Sydney, in places and people unexpected. A lovely book that’s as easy to slip into as your favorite chair.