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agnesgailx's review against another edition
4.0
The only reason I am giving this only 4 stars is because I am the kind of person who likes more definite endings. I don't like endings that leave you wondering what could possibly happen after the story. So it's really more of like a 4.9 rating. Hee hee.
But other than that, this book is every bit as enchanting as Allen's first book. She has such a unique way of storytelling, and the bits of magic she sprinkles here and there are wonderful. It draws you in. The characters are flawless as ever, and the little town of Mullaby is as curious as it gets.
Definitely need to get my hands on more of Allen's books. Although most of her books might be very similar, in that little town setting dusted with some odd curiosities, they are such enjoyable reads. Absolutely magical. It's funny how when I bought her books, I didn't actually think it would interest me one bit. But now, she's one of my favorite authors. Yes, I have only read two of her books so far, but they are so good. I can just sit back and relax and be transported to whatever little world she has created for her readers. That's how refreshing her work is.
But other than that, this book is every bit as enchanting as Allen's first book. She has such a unique way of storytelling, and the bits of magic she sprinkles here and there are wonderful. It draws you in. The characters are flawless as ever, and the little town of Mullaby is as curious as it gets.
Definitely need to get my hands on more of Allen's books. Although most of her books might be very similar, in that little town setting dusted with some odd curiosities, they are such enjoyable reads. Absolutely magical. It's funny how when I bought her books, I didn't actually think it would interest me one bit. But now, she's one of my favorite authors. Yes, I have only read two of her books so far, but they are so good. I can just sit back and relax and be transported to whatever little world she has created for her readers. That's how refreshing her work is.
tashaseegmiller's review against another edition
5.0
Such an amazing tale. It was magical and mysterious and beautiful. I love the way the lives of so many people were woven, the different questions that are hinted at well before they are answered. I really love Sarah Addison Allen's writing.
rebeccasarine's review against another edition
4.0
The writing speaks to my senses. Beautiful. Delicious. Comforting. Magical. I was drawn into the the story. Hope. Redemption. Making peace with the past.
Quotes:
“My favorite books are the ones that make me smile for hours after reading them. I want that for my readers, for the sweetness to linger. Sort of like chocolate, but without the calories”
“The words were strung in the air like garland. She could almost see them.”
“There was a mood of magic and frenzy to the room. Crystalline swirls of sugar and flour still lingered in the air like kite tails. And then there was the smell-the smell of hope, the kind of smell that brought people home.”
“How we see the world changes all the time. It all depends on our mood.”
“If she'd been a color, she would have been bright green. If she'd been a scent, she would have been new paper. She was happy and intelligent and afraid of nothing.”
“I'm homesick all the time," she said, still not looking at him "I just don't know where home is. There's this promise of happiness out there. I know it. I even feel it sometimes. But it's like chasing the moon - just when I think I have it, it disappears into the horizon. I grieve and try to move on, but then the damn thing comes back the next night, giving me hope of catching it all over again.”
“A hummingbird cake, she decided as she turned on the kitchen light. It was made with bananas and pineapples and pecans and had a cream cheese frosting. She would make it light enough to float away. She reached over to open the window. To float to her daughter.”
Quotes:
“My favorite books are the ones that make me smile for hours after reading them. I want that for my readers, for the sweetness to linger. Sort of like chocolate, but without the calories”
“The words were strung in the air like garland. She could almost see them.”
“There was a mood of magic and frenzy to the room. Crystalline swirls of sugar and flour still lingered in the air like kite tails. And then there was the smell-the smell of hope, the kind of smell that brought people home.”
“How we see the world changes all the time. It all depends on our mood.”
“If she'd been a color, she would have been bright green. If she'd been a scent, she would have been new paper. She was happy and intelligent and afraid of nothing.”
“I'm homesick all the time," she said, still not looking at him "I just don't know where home is. There's this promise of happiness out there. I know it. I even feel it sometimes. But it's like chasing the moon - just when I think I have it, it disappears into the horizon. I grieve and try to move on, but then the damn thing comes back the next night, giving me hope of catching it all over again.”
“A hummingbird cake, she decided as she turned on the kitchen light. It was made with bananas and pineapples and pecans and had a cream cheese frosting. She would make it light enough to float away. She reached over to open the window. To float to her daughter.”
cocolocoar's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.25
graypeape's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I enjoyed this. It's not her very best work, but it's still full of Sarah Addison Allen magic & charm, & I will likely read it again.
mbenzz's review against another edition
4.0
This was my first Sarah Addison Allen book, but it will not be my last. I read the reviews and the synopsis before starting this, and I wasn't sure I was going to care much for it. I'm not a big fan of magic and make-believe, but Ms. Allen tosses in just enough to make the story charming. Changing wallpaper, a town giant, and a strange family tradition may seem kinda odd, but in this book, they work.
Since this story has been described so many times here already, I won't get into the plot, however, if you're interested in reading this, I absolutely recommend it. It's a light, easy read, and yet, I do agree with another reviewer who said it felt more like a young adult novel than one for adults, but that's ok. Every now and then I like a book that doesn't make me think too much, and puts a smile on my face. This book did just that.
Since this story has been described so many times here already, I won't get into the plot, however, if you're interested in reading this, I absolutely recommend it. It's a light, easy read, and yet, I do agree with another reviewer who said it felt more like a young adult novel than one for adults, but that's ok. Every now and then I like a book that doesn't make me think too much, and puts a smile on my face. This book did just that.
peaknit's review against another edition
5.0
pure magic. It was a simple read - but sometimes you need that and you need to believe in magic - charming!
annalisaklomfar's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
farawayinwonderland's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
brendalovesbooks's review against another edition
3.0
This was okay. I didn't like it as well as her other books I've read, but it was still pretty good.