In this irresistible follow-up to her New York Times bestselling debut, Garden Spells, author Sarah Addison Allen tells the tale of a young woman whose family secrets—and secret passions—are about to change her life forever. Twenty-seven-year-old Josey Cirrini is sure of three things: winter in her North Carolina hometown is her favorite season, she’s a sorry excuse for a Southern belle, and sweets are best eaten in the privacy of her hidden closet. For while Josey has settled into an uneventful life in her mother’s house, her one consolation is the stockpile of sugary treats and paperback romances she escapes to each night…. Until she finds it harboring none other than local waitress Della Lee Baker, a tough-talking, tenderhearted woman who is one part nemesis—and two parts fairy godmother… Fleeing a life of bad luck and big mistakes, Della Lee has decided Josey’s clandestine closet is the safest place to crash. In return she’s going to change Josey’s life—because, clearly, it is not the closet of a happy woman. With Della Lee’s tough love, Josey is soon forgoing pecan rolls and caramels, tapping into her startlingly keen feminine instincts, and finding her narrow existence quickly expanding. Before long, Josey bonds with Chloe Finley, a young woman who makes the best sandwiches in town, is hounded by books that inexplicably appear whenever she needs them, and—most amazing of all—has a close connection to Josey’s longtime crush. As little by little Josey dares to step outside herself, she discovers a world where the color red has astonishing power, passion can make eggs fry in their cartons, and romance can blossom at any time—even for her. It seems that Della Lee’s work is done, and it’s time for her to move on. But the truth about where she’s going, why she showed up in the first place—and what Chloe has to do with it all—is about to add one more unexpected chapter to Josey’s fast-changing life. Brimming with warmth, wit, and a sprinkling of magic, here is a spellbinding tale of friendship, love—and the enchanting possibilities of every new day.
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"I really liked this book. It was very interesting and fun to read. I must say that Della Lee was an awesome character and I wish everyone had one of her to guide them. Lolz! I liked the concept and it was written very well. Adam and Josey were so cute together. I am so glad they got married. The epilogue made this novel so much better. I simply loved this book but I don't think I would read it again because this is one of those novels where you read it once, you know what the mystery is, what the suspense is, that had been driving you crazy for so long. Now that I know the suspense it won't be the same reading it as it was before. I am glad I took the chance on this book and recommend others too if you want a cute chick flick with a mystery."
— Violet90 (4 out of 5 stars)
“Like a dessert.”
— Entertainment Weekly“Like the most decadently addictive bonbons, once started, Allen’s magically entrancing novel is impossible to put down.”
— Booklist (starred review)“Narrator Karen White gets the Southern idiosyncrasies and gentility down pat…This work of magical realism will keep listeners hungry for more.”
— Library Journal (audio review)“Bewitching…Such a pleasurable book.”
— Publishers Weekly" Really cute, quick little read. I liked the characters and enjoyed the plot twist at the end. "
— Li, 2/14/2014" Loved this book! Magical in every way...pun intended. "
— Lucy, 2/8/2014" This book is just awesome. I liked it even better than Garden Spells. In fact, I think this is my favorite book that I've read so far this year. I loved the author's subtle uses of magic. I loved all of the characters (especially Della Lee!!). And I loved the pure originality of the story. This book will make you smile. LOVE IT!! "
— Paula, 2/6/2014" I didn't finish this one but I think it's my fault. I read all of her books in a row and by the time I got to this one I was bored with the style/storyline that the author follows. So, I read about 2/3 and then couldnt seem to pick it back up. Also, she talked about food so much, and I found out that I have gestational diabetes... so it was ANNOYING!!! lol "
— Abbey, 2/5/2014" Another sweet story that was a wonderful distraction! "
— Carol, 1/21/2014" I think there's a little "Sugar Queen" in most ladies from the south... myself included! This book made me feel... cozy! I was sad for it to end! "
— Celeste, 1/20/2014" Loved this book as it had a strange twist. "
— Niamh, 1/18/2014" It's one thing to enjoy food-related books about food you like, but I'm just not a candy craving sort of person... And there was perhaps nothing I had in common with the main character at all! Yet, I fell in love with her, the story, and how very surprised (in a good way) I was around every turn. "
— Marcia, 1/5/2014" Love this book. First, it takes place in the South; second, the characters are mystical and a little magical; third, it trickles over with wit, charm, and humor. A great story of friendship, love and pursuing your dreams. "
— Debbie, 1/3/2014" I have liked all the books I have read by this Author. It's any easy read, and has a little romance which I like:) "
— Carrie, 12/27/2013" My favorite SAA book so far. Love these characters, the setting, this "mystery" the best. I love that books pop up and follow Chloe. I love the twist at the end, even though I figured it out early on in the story. "
— Annika, 12/10/2013" It took a second to get into this story, but one I did it was pretty good. "
— Christine, 12/7/2013" I loved this book. She throws in the F-bomb a couple times, and there is a hint of some sexual activity, but I fell in love with the characters in this story. Their quirkiness, their vulnerability, and sweetness. I just really, really enjoyed this story. "
— Sally, 12/6/2013" I had Della Lee sussed from the get-go. There were lots of clues, so perhaps the reader was supposed to know. This sweet book appeared at the right time, just when I needed it. "
— Jane, 12/2/2013" Altought I love the magic of the story I found this story a bit odd compared to her others. I love this author's twist and turns and suprises in this book but the relationship between the 2 main characters was strange. "
— Mandy, 12/2/2013" Had never heard of this author before, just picked it up on impulse. Great book! "
— Erin, 10/30/2013" To me, not as fullfilling and well rounded as her others. "
— Darrie-Ann, 7/13/2013" Great book about the life of three young women. Fantasy,historical mixed together. "
— Leanne, 3/28/2013" I am definitely going to read more of this author! I would love to have books appear just because I need the read the subject and the book knows it. Then, I would love to talk to and see ghosts. "
— Evelyn, 2/23/2013" Oh how I loved this book! Wonderful story, so well-written, fantastic characters, a hint of magic. Thank you thank you friends who recommended this - you have never let me down. :) "
— Ronni, 2/6/2013" Excellent entertainment. Read this one at the river this weekend. Allen's books are great for travel and relaxation time. :) "
— Sheilajayne, 2/5/2013" I absolutely adored this book! The characters are flawed and relatable. The writing flows so beautifully. This is one of those books that I will probably read over and over again. "
— Melissa, 10/10/2012" 3.5 stars. Liked this book and the characters, though I never really understood why Josey felt so cowed by her mother. Looking forward to reading more by this author. "
— Melissa, 6/7/2012" Not as good as her others but OK. "
— Cathy, 2/13/2012" 'Sweet' book! Unpredictable and quirky enough to be fun and interesting. I liked the plot and all of the characters, as well as all of the little 'twists' about books, promises, and candy. "
— Jay, 2/1/2012" Wonderful book! Sweet story with just enough surprises thrown in. The characters were easy to love and care about. This will be re-read I'm sure! "
— Kathy, 11/25/2011" It was a fun read, perhaps a little predictable (maybe only if you have read other titles from this author) but a light read with fun twists. "
— Jill, 8/13/2011" A pleasant read. Nothing earth shattering, in fact it is sweet and obvious. There were some really nice touches displaying the magic of the Universe throughout. A quick read if you need something light with some romance tucked in. "
— Jodie, 5/22/2011" reading this book was much like eating a cupcake. it offers a fleeting sense sweetness, which is what this type of book is good at providing. i adore this author, as the characters seem to be imbued with a faint sense of glittery magic. "
— Melissa, 5/19/2011" I read this for the new book club that I'm in. It was cute. It took a little bit for me to get into. But with all the unanswered questions I eventually couldn't put it down. "
— Amber, 5/17/2011" This book was a fast read. I liked it Noe the best book I've ever read, but entertaining. "
— Kelliperrell, 5/16/2011" I really liked this book! It was a sweet story (no pun intended) and a fast read. "
— Karen, 5/16/2011" Why magical realism doesn't work for white protagonists.<br/><br/>Sarcasm, but seriously, this was baaaaad. Bad. "
— Danielle, 5/14/2011" This is a light read. Cute "
— Paulette, 5/13/2011" I loved that the main character in this book found herself and her voice without becoming overbearing or unkind. I loved the imagery and the romance -- some harsh language on a couple of pages. "
— Kristen, 5/12/2011" It was ok. Not as good as the first. I kinda guessed everything from almost the beginning.. "
— Christine, 5/11/2011" I LOVED this book. It had the right amount of imagination and great story lines to make it one of my favorites this year. "
— Melissa, 5/10/2011" I loved this book. The characters are all very interested and well-written so you feel like you've met them before in person. I also loved the little bits of magic written into the plot. It's so well done that you accept it as part of reality without a second thought. "
— Sara, 5/10/2011" Fluffy and fun at first it quickly turned eye-rolling and scoff-worthy. It DID make me hungry for every kind of candy I've ever had in my life. Mmmmmm, Swiss Cake Rolls... "
— Michelle, 5/9/2011" I liked this more than the Girl Who Chased The Moon, but still not as much as Garden Spells. Love this author. "
— Jennifer, 5/9/2011Sarah Addison Allen is the New York Times bestselling author of Garden Spells, The Sugar Queen, The Girl Who Chased the Moon, and The Peach Keeper. She was born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina.
Karen White has been narrating audiobooks of all genres since 1999. Honored to be included in AudioFile’s Best Voices, she’s also a four-time Audie Finalist and has earned multiple AudioFile Earphones Awards and Library Journal starred reviews.