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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
Ehhh...I didn't love this like I thought I would.
I think I got caught up in the idea of a follow-up to [b:Garden Spells|1158967|Garden Spells (Waverley Family, #1)|Sarah Addison Allen|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347309330s/1158967.jpg|2689445], which I seem to have enjoyed quite well.
Like Garden Spells, this story's characters did nothing for me - not a surprise since most of them were the same characters. It was the ambience, the environment, I liked. It was the fiesty apple tree and the onset of autumn, the small town and the description of food. In fact, there's a recipe for the fig and pepper bread out there on the interwebs and I'm going to make it this winter because it sounds interesting.
But, see, the thing here was, the environment could only do so much for me this time. I needed strong characters, too, and I just didn't feel I got them.
Sydney is irritating and a know-it-all but ask-it-never. Bay is irritating as a little hipster. Claire is so full of worry over things that shouldn’t be worrying her anymore. She’s stable and secure, why freak out over stuff? The husbands are bland. The friends are nothing. The unstable receptionist is trite. There's no one of interest in this story, not even Grandma Mary or the cousin or her helpmate.
I also had problems with the kids. And the timeframe, especially as it related to the kids.
These kids, they weren't so well-done, writtenly nor narratively. The Halloween party at the school is especially painful and sounds like something yoinked from an 80’s After School special. I winced. A lot.
Also, this is contemporary, everyone has a smart phone. So why do all the kids know 90’s music videos? Wait, 80’s, too, cuz the one girl attends the Halloween ball dressed as Annie Lennox in a suit. There’s also the bee girl from Blind Melon’s “No Rain” and...I don’t remember what the other girl wore as her costume, but it was similar - maybe Madonna in her cone bra? Yes, I think it was. And Bay knows who they all are just by looking at them. How? Why did those non-hipster girls dress as VH-1 video icons and why did Bay recognize every single reference?
But then, these kids, they didn't sound like teenagers, anyhow. Well, they did, but it was more like 80's sitcom characters and not the kids you'd find in the 'hood these days. I didn't believe their teenagery-ness.
The overall storyline was obvious, as were the side stories. However, the enjoyment came in getting there, not in being surprised at the endings.
I liked listening to this but I fear it's going to leave my memory in short order. A good, light, fluffy read and it's perfect to set the mood for fall.
I think I got caught up in the idea of a follow-up to [b:Garden Spells|1158967|Garden Spells (Waverley Family, #1)|Sarah Addison Allen|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347309330s/1158967.jpg|2689445], which I seem to have enjoyed quite well.
Like Garden Spells, this story's characters did nothing for me - not a surprise since most of them were the same characters. It was the ambience, the environment, I liked. It was the fiesty apple tree and the onset of autumn, the small town and the description of food. In fact, there's a recipe for the fig and pepper bread out there on the interwebs and I'm going to make it this winter because it sounds interesting.
But, see, the thing here was, the environment could only do so much for me this time. I needed strong characters, too, and I just didn't feel I got them.
Sydney is irritating and a know-it-all but ask-it-never. Bay is irritating as a little hipster. Claire is so full of worry over things that shouldn’t be worrying her anymore. She’s stable and secure, why freak out over stuff? The husbands are bland. The friends are nothing. The unstable receptionist is trite. There's no one of interest in this story, not even Grandma Mary or the cousin or her helpmate.
I also had problems with the kids. And the timeframe, especially as it related to the kids.
These kids, they weren't so well-done, writtenly nor narratively. The Halloween party at the school is especially painful and sounds like something yoinked from an 80’s After School special. I winced. A lot.
Also, this is contemporary, everyone has a smart phone. So why do all the kids know 90’s music videos? Wait, 80’s, too, cuz the one girl attends the Halloween ball dressed as Annie Lennox in a suit. There’s also the bee girl from Blind Melon’s “No Rain” and...I don’t remember what the other girl wore as her costume, but it was similar - maybe Madonna in her cone bra? Yes, I think it was. And Bay knows who they all are just by looking at them. How? Why did those non-hipster girls dress as VH-1 video icons and why did Bay recognize every single reference?
But then, these kids, they didn't sound like teenagers, anyhow. Well, they did, but it was more like 80's sitcom characters and not the kids you'd find in the 'hood these days. I didn't believe their teenagery-ness.
The overall storyline was obvious, as were the side stories. However, the enjoyment came in getting there, not in being surprised at the endings.
I liked listening to this but I fear it's going to leave my memory in short order. A good, light, fluffy read and it's perfect to set the mood for fall.
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I liked Garden Spells just a touch more. But this still felt like if Practical Magic was an episode of Gilmore Girls, with a Criminal Minds C plot. I’d be happy to read another Waverly Family book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Sexual assault
inspiring
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I really enjoyed Garden Spells so I was excited to read this one as soon as possible. I enjoyed this one just as much!
Both books have some dark elements but still manage to feel warm and comforting. The first books deals with physical abuse and this one has a character dealing with past sexual abuse.
I’m genuinely sad that there isn’t a third book about the Waverleys. I would love to read more!
Both books have some dark elements but still manage to feel warm and comforting. The first books deals with physical abuse and this one has a character dealing with past sexual abuse.
I’m genuinely sad that there isn’t a third book about the Waverleys. I would love to read more!
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I love these Waverly family books! Just such a cozy vibe, and a small but delightful touch of magic
My review (as published at Read, Run, Ramble):
Thank you St. Martin’s Press via Netgalley for providing me with an early copy of this book!
It was so fun to be back in Bascom with the Waverleys! Getting a little more background and information about one of my favorite fictional families was definitely something I’ve been looking forward to since hearing that First Frostwas on the way.
Addison Allen didn’t disappoint with this installment. The magical feel to Waverley Place and the tree were just as I remembered them. I love the personalities of both and they were both up to their same antics, adding tons of fun to the story.
First Frost is dreamy, magical, sweet, and feel-good. It brings with it comfort and easy reading. Addison Allen’s writing flows with beauty as usual and her words weave a tale that immediately feels like home. Pick it up, settle in, and enjoy the warmth!
I was provided with an ARC of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am not compensated for any of my reviews.
Thank you St. Martin’s Press via Netgalley for providing me with an early copy of this book!
It was so fun to be back in Bascom with the Waverleys! Getting a little more background and information about one of my favorite fictional families was definitely something I’ve been looking forward to since hearing that First Frostwas on the way.
Addison Allen didn’t disappoint with this installment. The magical feel to Waverley Place and the tree were just as I remembered them. I love the personalities of both and they were both up to their same antics, adding tons of fun to the story.
First Frost is dreamy, magical, sweet, and feel-good. It brings with it comfort and easy reading. Addison Allen’s writing flows with beauty as usual and her words weave a tale that immediately feels like home. Pick it up, settle in, and enjoy the warmth!
I was provided with an ARC of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am not compensated for any of my reviews.
It's so nice and sweet and I love this gentle mix of reality and magic realism Sarah Addison Allen does. I read it in one go, because it's just so nice and flowing. I need more like this for lazy days. It's like soul food on paper.
I did fear there would be a dramatic YA-angle to it, but thankfully it was very civilized in the end.
I did fear there would be a dramatic YA-angle to it, but thankfully it was very civilized in the end.
Quick and easy to read but not much depth or interest to the story.