Book 23 of 52: Garden Spells

 

Sometimes you just need a light-hearted, entertaining read. I had a very busy week last week so I knew I wouldn't be able to handle anything too heavy. It was my son's 6th birthday party I was driving to & from Guelph each day (for a PhD course in Geographical Epidemiology), and there were still evening activities with the kids, making lunches, and all the other chores. This was a great book to keep in my purse for the lunch breaks during the course.

This book centres around a unique magical apple tree that grows in the Waverly's back garden. Each Waverly woman or girl has an special gift to share with the little town of Bascom, North Carolina. They sometimes come across as oddities to this town but are wonderful ladies.

Generations of Waverly women protect and look over this rascal of an apple tree with a wild little soul that loves this family and throws apples at random to have its say in there lives. If eaten it reveals secret visions of the most memorable moment that takes place in an eaters life. Which isn't always a good thing.
A mystical garden grows around the tree and has gifts of it's own to share that casts little spells over anyone that eats the plants, which Claire, the main character uses in her cooking and catering business. 

While I say this was 'light reading' there were some serious themes in the novel, including the story of a woman and her young daughter fleeing from an abusive relationship. It was still a pleasure to read and always had an edge of excitement waiting to happen. I like how it all wrapped up and made me feel good...just like wrapping myself up in a warm blanket. (I think I said this about her other novel "The Peach Keeper" back in my April blog entry).

Favorite quote of the book ~When you're happy for yourself, it fills you. When you're happy for someone else, it pours over.