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Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about Sarah Addison Allen's GARDEN SPELLS.
Donald from Sunset Beach, NC
What other authors do you read?
Authors I usually read are Stephen King, Jodi Picoult, Jeffery Deaver, David Baldacci, Greg Iles, and John Connolly.
What did you think of GARDEN SPELLS?
GARDEN SPELLS is a delightful modern-day fairy tale with characters that capture our imagination. The story begins simplistically, and then effectively builds in its complexity. Even though we --- as readers --- know what fates should and probably will befall the characters, the book continues to hold our interest as they wend their way through the stages of "hindsight," "insight," and "foresight" that the author creates.
Would you ever read a future book by Sarah Addison Allen?
I look forward to reading another book by this author.
Janice from Springfield, MO
What other authors do you read?
Almost any and all mystery writers. My favorites are Nevada Barr, Janet Evanovich, Sue Grafton, Tony Hillerman, Sharyn McCrumb, Marcia Muller, Steve Hamilton, Stephen White, C. J. Box, and Naomi M. Stokes (I wish she would write something new). My new favorite is Giles Blunt. My favorite Science Fiction/Fantasy authors are Sheri S. Tepper and Sharon Shinn. I have just started reading Elizabeth Moon. I also like most general fiction, and my favorites are Jodi Picoult, Marge Piercy, Marilyn French, Chris Bohjalian, Ivan Doig, Robert Hellenga, Sheri Reynolds, Sue Monk Kidd, and many others.
What did you think of GARDEN SPELLS?
I found this book very charming. It was easy to read, and the sweetness of all the family members was captivating. My favorite character was the oldest, Evanelle, and the "gifts" --- both tangible and of herself --- that she gave everyone. I especially wanted to go sit in her basement, where townsfolk might go as it "cleared their thoughts and brought back their equilibrium." I was quite taken with all the magic Claire was able to infuse into the food she prepared.
Would you ever read a future book by Sarah Addison Allen?
Yes, most definitely. I would also recommend this to others.
Kathryn from Warrenton, VA
What other authors do you read?
Generally a great variety, depending on what storyline piques my interest. I like historical and art fiction, as well as foreign writers of other cultures.
What did you think of GARDEN SPELLS?
I enjoyed this book! She casts a 'spell' on the reader from the start. I can visualize that garden and see a movie of this. Having grown up eating all these things, clipping things along roadside, I would have liked a bit more of the food aspect developed, however.
Would you ever read a future book by Sarah Addison Allen?
Definitely! I'm curious what premise she might use for the next novel.
Mary Sue Russel from Grants Pass, OR
What did you think of GARDEN SPELLS?
It was a lovely book and I hated to see it end. It had wonderful and endearing characters. I'm sorry that I don't have a sequel here ready to start right now!
Pat from Kansas City from Kanses City, KS
What other authors do you read?
Mostly mystery. Besides GARDEN SPELLS, I finished BEYOND REACH by Karin Slaughter and HELL FOR THE HOLIDAYS by Chris Grabenstein this week.
What did you think of GARDEN SPELLS?
It was wonderful. This was like a fairy tale for adults --- a feel good book. I will recommend it to my friends no matter what types of books they normally like to read. It is a good fit for any reader.
Would you ever read a future book by Sarah Addison Allen?
Yes.
Michelle from Santa Rosa, CA
What other authors do you read?
I read so many authors on a regular basis. I can read a lot faster than they can write.
Nora Roberts/J. D. Robb, Diana Gabaldon, J. K. Rowling, Anne McCaffrey, Dianne Mott Davidson, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Elizabeth Lowell, Catherine Coulter, Faye Kellerman, Jonathan Kellerman, Suaznne Brockman and almost any "cozy" mystery I see --- mostly the ones with cooking themes.
What did you think of GARDEN SPELLS?
I am sorry that I didn't like GARDEN SPELLS very much. I do like fantasy, but this book is more about a dysfunctional family than the magical garden they take care of. There was so much anger in the book that kept throwing my mood off.
However, I really enjoyed one of the characters --- the older cousin who has the gift of knowing what people will need before they need it. She might show up with a set of bed linens, a band-aid, some small change --- odd things at the time she gives them, but vital later on. She is droll, warm, and just plain nice. I would read a book with her as the main character.
Would you ever read a future book by Sarah Addison Allen?
I am not sure.
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