Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
I loved the first book in the series. The second one the relationship between Sydney and Bay seemed too strained - one conversation could have saved pages of the story. But I liked the overall story and ending.
hopeful
lighthearted
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:
Yes
I remember really enjoying the first book in this series, Garden Spells. Unfortunately I didn't find this sequel quite as 'magical' as the previous book. I was hoping for a more atmospheric fall read (the cover just screams it!) but the writing didn't really deliver on that for the most part. Everything wraps up a bit too sweetly and neatly for my liking, but I did still enjoy spending time again with the Waverley family. Magical realism can be so hit and miss for me, but Sarah Addison Allen's version of it works. It's structured enough that I'm not frustrated by the magical elements, and it lends a whimsy to the story. I do wish the magical gifts had played a bigger role in the storylines in this book.
Another fabulous book. She really evokes a fantastic mood with her writing. But there’s one thing I have to know—is the fig and pepper bread recipe at the end of the book legit? Or will it taste like shit if I make it? Bc let me tell you I am really tempted.
I loved this book as much as the first. It is just so enjoyable reading a story with magic woven in so very realistically. You never doubted , You think it could happen to you. I love these ladies, and it was especially fun seen Bay in her teens. It was also nice scene Sydney being so happy living the life she was meant to live. Claire seemed much more comfortable in her skin in this book as well. I sure hope there is a third book in the series!
This book was exactly what I wanted: cozy, a little bit magical and very, very autumn vibes.
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
No
I've written this review for Really Into This
Check out all of our reviews at https://reallyintothis.com
Happy Reading, friends!
Another dose of the Waverley family did not disappoint. I really enjoy Sarah’s writing style. She weaves these elements of magic throughout the story that makes the reader smile. I loved how First Frost picked up on all the same characters years later. They each still carry their own special Waverley gifts & these gifts become useful new ways in preparation for the frost. The sweetest part of the story was learning more about Sydney’s daughter, Bay. She is just wonderful. Her gift is that she knows where everything should be, so when she senses she is supposed to be with a certain young man she does the craziest thing a young girl can do- she tells him! I thought this was so brave & so endearing, especially since the boy is the son of her mother’s first love. Cue the turmoil & hurt feelings. I enjoyed catching up with one of my favorites characters, Evanelle & I was happy to learn more about the famous Waverley apple tree. This book felt like coming home in a way. I got to catch up with all my friends in Bascom, North Carolina.
If there is a third book in this series, I would definitely be into it- these characters are just memorable. I’ve got other Sarah Addison Allen books on my TBR list like, Sugar Queen, has anyone else read her stuff? It’s really up my alley.
Check out all of our reviews at https://reallyintothis.com
Happy Reading, friends!
Another dose of the Waverley family did not disappoint. I really enjoy Sarah’s writing style. She weaves these elements of magic throughout the story that makes the reader smile. I loved how First Frost picked up on all the same characters years later. They each still carry their own special Waverley gifts & these gifts become useful new ways in preparation for the frost. The sweetest part of the story was learning more about Sydney’s daughter, Bay. She is just wonderful. Her gift is that she knows where everything should be, so when she senses she is supposed to be with a certain young man she does the craziest thing a young girl can do- she tells him! I thought this was so brave & so endearing, especially since the boy is the son of her mother’s first love. Cue the turmoil & hurt feelings. I enjoyed catching up with one of my favorites characters, Evanelle & I was happy to learn more about the famous Waverley apple tree. This book felt like coming home in a way. I got to catch up with all my friends in Bascom, North Carolina.
If there is a third book in this series, I would definitely be into it- these characters are just memorable. I’ve got other Sarah Addison Allen books on my TBR list like, Sugar Queen, has anyone else read her stuff? It’s really up my alley.
Full Review:
3.5 Stars - I would recommend if you enjoyed Garden Spells.
About 10 years has passed since Garden Spells, and everyone is discontented in Bascom. Claire has begun making candies and selling them en masse, she's worn out and has no time for creativity. Sydney is struggling to conceive and taking care of a young teenager and her baby. Bay is a teenager, and has embarrassed herself with her magic, and driven her crush away from her. As the women wait for the first frost they will do their best to address their restlessness.
I deleted my original review of this book and it's killing me. :(
I started this book and I just wanted Garden Spells back. I know that is a lot of the intention as the women want the frost to come and their restlessness to go away. I felt for all of the characters during their struggles. A lot of the story focused on Bay, which was sweet, but did change the feel of the novel since she is a teen. I loved being back with my favorite characters even if they were very discontented. I love how everything pulled together in the end. It wrapped up and you felt like all was right.
Right After Reading:
This book started out and I just wanted Garden Spells back. I believe that’s a bit of the intention. However, by the end I had the same feeling of magic and everything tying itself together again. Full review to come.
3.5 Stars - I would recommend if you enjoyed Garden Spells.
About 10 years has passed since Garden Spells, and everyone is discontented in Bascom. Claire has begun making candies and selling them en masse, she's worn out and has no time for creativity. Sydney is struggling to conceive and taking care of a young teenager and her baby. Bay is a teenager, and has embarrassed herself with her magic, and driven her crush away from her. As the women wait for the first frost they will do their best to address their restlessness.
I deleted my original review of this book and it's killing me. :(
I started this book and I just wanted Garden Spells back. I know that is a lot of the intention as the women want the frost to come and their restlessness to go away. I felt for all of the characters during their struggles. A lot of the story focused on Bay, which was sweet, but did change the feel of the novel since she is a teen. I loved being back with my favorite characters even if they were very discontented. I love how everything pulled together in the end. It wrapped up and you felt like all was right.
Right After Reading:
This book started out and I just wanted Garden Spells back. I believe that’s a bit of the intention. However, by the end I had the same feeling of magic and everything tying itself together again. Full review to come.
It was a good, little story. Nothing epic or overly large, but still a good read. I enjoyed getting to revisit the Waverlys and learning more about there family history. I could have used a bit more of a plot. More of a place for the story to go. Overall, still an enjoyable read.