THE GIRL WHO CHASED THE MOON by Sarah Addison Allen

Publisher: Bantam
Date published: March 2010
ISBN: 978-0553807219
Paranormal contemporary
Hardcover
Reviewed by Valerie
Obtained by publisher


Seventeen-year-old Emily Benedict, moves in with her grandfather, but is disappointed to find that her grandfather doesn't want to talk much. Apparently, her mother is not well liked in her home town and she soon discovers, that many still hold a grudge against her mother. Dulcie's old high school enemy, Julia Winterson, is back in town to pay down her deceased father's debt, befriends Emily. She's working another quest as well: baking cakes every day hoping that they might just attract her old school love. Emily has a lot to contend with. The hostility of the biggest family in town, a love interest with the son of that family, strange lights appearing at night and her wallpaper, which changes with her moods. But, everything comes together in an unexpected way.

This is quite a delightful story. It was a quick read for me and I found the characters well written and engaging. There is an air of mystery throughout and along with Emily, I also thought that the family Coffey were hiding a terrible and deadly secret. They never went out at night, so my first thought was vampires in hiding! Well, dear reader, I am not going to spoil the story by telling you here what their secret is, but I know you will have fun reading and finding out for yourself. And I know you will enjoy all the quirky characters and be enjoying the ride to all the happy endings. Ms Allen knows how to pen a magical story that doesn’t get too sweet and to throw in a twist that will make you sit up straight.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

THE SUGAR QUEEN by Sarah Addison Allen

Publisher: Bantam
Date issued: April 2009
ISBN: 978-0-553-38484-0
Paranormal romance
Trade Paperback
Reviewed by Valerie




Josey lives an unsettled life in her mother’s house and takes care of her. She loves winter, she’s not much of a Southern belle and she keeps a secret stash of romance books and sweets in her closet. That is, until one day she receives a visitor in her closet. Della Lee Baker takes up residence. Della is determined, while she is hiding out, to help Josey. You see, Josey has loved the mailman since she first saw him. Now Della is giving her tips on how to get his attention. Josey’s life suddenly expands. She meets and makes friends with Chloe Finley. Chloe has a small problem, books seem attracted to her and they turn up in the most unlikely places when she needs them. Josey finds out more about life and love and just why she feels close to Chloe and why she feels somehow bonded to the strange and mostly exasperating Della.

This is an absolutely charming story that I really enjoyed reading. This is a story full of candy jar magic and bewitching characters. Susan Addison Allen has written a story that will tempt you, and once caught within its pages, you’ll be captivated until the very end. There are secrets to be uncovered, a romance that needs to be revealed and some family secrets that turn Josey’s world upside down. Reading this book was a great pleasure, it’s delightful, witty, and sweet and I can highly recommend it. This is the kind of story that gives you a warm feeling and leaves you wanting more. The characters are wonderfully written, with interesting secondary characters that bring the story to life. The plot keeps you guessing too, and you’ll be rooting for Josey throughout. Yes, THE SUGAR QUEEN is going on my keeper shelf and now I just need to pick up Garden Spells, Saran Addison Allen’s first book.

GARDEN SPELLS by Sarah Addison Allen

Publisher Bantam Discovery
Date published May 2008
ISBN 978-0-553-59032-6
Genre Urban Paranormal
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Pam


The Waverley family has always been different, as is the garden surrounding the old house they grew up in. Claire has become the homebody, cooking for local functions while using her own mix of herbs and flowers. When her sister Sydney comes home with her young daughter, Bay, it turns Claire’s quiet life upside down. Their Aunt Evanelle is also a worry as she gives out gifts the recipients’ don’t always want. They often find a sudden a need for them, making them suspicious of her intent.
Bay finds contentment away from the father she doesn’t like. The garden also welcomes her and here she finds her own magical place, as the slightly crazy apple tree turns everything upside down. Meanwhile Clare keeps running from her new amorous neighbor, Sydney has to deal with the man in her life and Bay watches as the apple tree begins to affect all their lives.

GARDEN SPELLS is a blend of folklore and odd-ball happenings as sisters come together and begin to realize they are more alike than they had ever imagined.
This is a charming, whimsical tale, almost as it was a folktale from days gone past.
Ideal for a lazy afternoon as a relaxing read with a refreshing, sweetly magical story that almost sucks you in to turning the pages over. It’s a tale with no hot sex, so ideal for anyone who prefers a sweeter tale, with irresistible characters. I found the characters easy to relate to and the way the magical plants in the garden were used was pure genius. Even the bad guy was dealt with in an unusual way. With some added information from the Waverly kitchen at the end, I’m sure you’ll find a way to put some magic into your life.

Take care readers, or it may cast a spell or two over you.